Archaeological Data Recovery In The Piceance And Wyoming Basins Of Northwestern Colorado And Southwestern Wyoming PDF Download

This report presents the results of data recovery excavations at the Nymph Lake site, 48YE114 in order to mitigate anticipated impacts from the proposed realignment of the Norris Junction to Mammoth Road. As a result of the 2004-2005 data recovery, a total of 124 shovel tests and 55 m2 were excavated. The excavations uncovered the remains of a small temporary campsite that was primarily occupied around 2200 years ago during the Late Archaic period. Evidence of a Late Prehistoric occupation is also present. Within the Late Archaic component, large quantities of obsidian flaking debris and tools were found in addition to one hearth feature and a layer of burned rock. The obsidian debitage represents the full range of lithic reduction from the initial removal of cortex to fine pressure flaking of finished implements. The relatively few pieces of non-obsidian flaking debris are mostly small items associated with tool retouch. A lithic concentration centered within the South Block excavation area appears to have been produced by a few individuals. Although,the adverse effects to the site from the proposed road reroutes have been mitigated, the site is still recommended as eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The site will be impacted by the proposed road reroute, although the exact route is not precisely known. The data recovery efforts have mitigated the adverse effects of the proposed road reroutes. However, monitoring of the topsoil removal during construction by a qualified archaeologist is recommended to ensure that any uncovered features can be properly salvaged.