Black Butte Survey II 2016 - Passport in Time

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Montana - Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF
Closed! Black Butte Survey II

Black_Butte_Gravelly_Range_14 By Mike Cline (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Black Butte Gravelly Range, Montana


MT-4306
July 31-August 5, 2016 (Including weekends)

Must commit to a minimum of three days

Join us this summer for another “pedestrian reconnaissance” on the Black Butte and Monument Ridge prehistoric archaeological districts! Our first PIT project in the series took place at Black Butte in 2011. But, even after that terrific undertaking, little information has been compiled on the frequency, type, and age range of prehistoric sites in the area as a whole. As such, PIT volunteers and Forest staff will conduct archaeological survey on both districts. Once again, we will photograph and map sites we encounter, and identify and inventory associated artifacts. Our work this year will address the potential for formal, national nominations and, hopefully, will provide enough information to ensure future studies within both districts’ boundaries.

The Forest Service will provide all meals, but we ask that volunteers contribute to cooking duties and cleanup, and to camp maintenance and cleanliness. Participants will be exposed to proper archeological survey methods, and should come prepared (with cameras, binoculars, etc.) for stunning vistas – the project area is quite remote, but is one of the most beautiful spots in southwestern Montana! We hope to see you for “Part II” of the Black Butte Survey!

Number of openings: 5

Special skills: Must be physically capable of hiking moderate distances each day over rugged terrain at high altitude (Black Butte is the highest point in the Gravelly Mountain Range at 10,542 ft. above sea level), and in a variety of (sometimes unpredictable) weather conditions; previous archaeological survey, mapping, photography/sketching, GPS navigation, and/or artifact identification experience helpful, but not required

Minimum age: 18 years old

Facilities: Limited FS housing available at no charge at Forest Service cabin (first come-first served); vault toilet only; tent and small-sized (pop-up, trailer, etc.) RV camping available on site; no hookups; all meals provided by FS; volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment/bedding, water, and transportation; access to the site is along rugged Forest system roads, and use of high-clearance vehicles is recommended

Nearest towns: Ennis, 50 miles

Applications due: June 6, 2016

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