| OCR Text |
Show waterways highly problematical for cultural and historical reasons. This is an area which requires careful review by the Ute people especially those who use its resources in the practice of the Sun Dance. Indeed, it would not be surprising if it is judged off- limits for development by a significant segment of the Ute population who might interpret any disturbance as a threat to important spiritual sites and practices. 2. U. A Floral Resources The canyon and high bench areas of the Uinta River south to a line just below Neola and Hayden have one of the most varied floral communities in the region. Although some of the plant species located here are duplicated in neighboring canyon and high bench water courses, it has the distinction of being an area where flora are gathered with important spiritual meanings and uses especially in the context of the Sun Dance. More varieties of berries are reputed to be picked in this canyon, along with the environs around Pole Creek, than in any other area. It is considered a choice region for currant and gooseberry collecting ( Appendix A. 1.4). Also located here are gathering sites for blueberries ( Appendix A. 1.1), buffaloberries ( Appendix A. 1.2), chokecherries ( Appendix A. 1.3), raspberries ( Appendix A. 1.6), serviceberries ( Appendix A. 1.7), sumac berries ( Appendix A. 1.8), and strawberries ( Appendix A. 1.9). Elderberries ( Appendix A. 1.5) may be found in this canyon as well, but this is not reported by any of the consultants. Along the Uintah Canal and neighboring canals, especially in the vicinity of the Sun Dance grounds, there are choice areas for collecting buffaloberries ( Appendix A. 1.2). Collecting sites for blueberries ( Appendix A. 1.1) and serviceberries ( Appendix A. 1.7) are also reported along this canal and gathering places for blueberries ( Appendix A. 1.1) and chokecherries ( Appendix A. 1.3) are noted near the fish hatchery where the Uintah- Whiterocks Pipeline is proposed to pass. Along the Uinta River and its connected waterways, from Big Springs to the Sun Dance grounds at Hayden, is an area where tree boughs and saplings are gathered for various spiritual uses in the Sun Dance. This is the choice area for selecting the saplings of cottonwood ( Appendix A. 2.2), ponderosa ( Appendix A. 2.4) and aspens ( Appendix A. 2.1) that are so vital in the performance of this important and sacred Ute ceremony. Willow ( Appendix A. 2.6) and poplar ( Appendix A. 2.5) are also gathered along these waterways for use in the Sun Dance. Also, cedar ( Appendix A. 1.11 and A. 1.12) stands that border the Uintah Canal from its mouth to a point about one mile west along its course are highly valued for spiritual reasons and should not be disturbed. These plant species have other spiritual as well as practical uses today and along with prostrate juniper ( Appendix A. 1.13), pinon ( Appendix A. 1.14), kinnikinnick ( Appendix 17 |
