Black Butte II - Passport in Time
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Black Butte Survey II
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Montana, 2016
By Betty and Mike Koenig, PIT Volunteers
Passport in Time
Black Butte II: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Prehistoric Survey
We felt so fortunate to be selected to work on our first PIT project in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge Forest this past August. Our experience with all the other volunteers and the forest employees was fantastic. Although there were many miles put into survey, the final results were very rewarding.
Our job was to do archeological survey through burn areas around the Black Butte area in the Gravelly Mountains in Montana. It was a testament to the forest service employees that survey without many personnel. With more people looking, our group was actually able to fine prehistoric remnants of people from long ago. Patience was needed as not much was discovered the first few days. Then as we were finishing survey one day we found a number of sites with lithics. One site was very productive and not only did we find obsidian scatter, but a number of points. Mike, Emma and I all found points! The site report was even named after us. That was pretty cool.
We also were given the opportunity to visit a known site that was considered a vision quest site. It was a long hike up the mountain to this site, but the views were fantastic. We surveyed some around the area at the top and found some lithics/sites not previously identified in other site reports. Once again, adding to the past history of the area.
The evenings were relaxing and enjoyable. We all pitched in and helped where needed. We had meals together and did lots of talking and laughing. We played games a few evenings. Cards Against Humanity was hilarious. The night of Farkle was entertaining. The week came to an end quickly but the memories will last forever.
We want to send a special thanks to Tammy, Tom, Ryan, and Emma for all they did to make this PIT project so successful. To Tammy and Tom for all the wonderful meals created during the week. Not an easy task when cooking for the masses. And lastly to all the other volunteers that helped on the project. We had so much fun!
Betty and Mike Koenig