Tongue River 2016 - Passport in Time
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Wyoming - BLM Buffalo FO
Closed! Excavation and Interpretation on the Tongue River II
Welch Ranch Recreation Area
WY-4292
June 26-July 1, 2016 (including weekends)
Must commit to full session
Come join the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for another site recording project in the beautiful Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming! Located just 12 miles north of Sheridan, the Welch Management Area is a BLM-managed acreage adjacent to the Tongue River, used for biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, and grazing. The area is rich in both prehistoric and historic archaeological resources, some of which were recorded between 1976 and 1979. This project follows last year’s, but, this year participants will survey to relocate previously recorded sites and update them accurately with newly-produced maps, digital photographs, feature drawings, and artifact inventories. We will also do limited shovel testing to ascertain the presence and potential density of subsurface cultural materials. Volunteers will get to view and experience a broad range of Wyoming's archaeological resources during the project, including prehistoric open camps, stone circle sites, and historic homesteading sites. Data from this PIT project will be used to help determine site eligibilities for placement on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), and establish a management plan for the important resources in the area. Join us this June along the scenic Tongue River, as we once again hike through the history of Wyoming!
Number of openings: 4
Special skills: Must be physically capable of hiking moderate distances over often difficult terrain each day, and in a variety of weather conditions; previous GIS data collection (especially the use of Trimble XT and XM units), mapping and drawing, lithic material and tool identification, photography, and/or archaeological survey and excavation experience helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 12 years old, under 18 with a responsible adult
Facilities: Project based at Welch Ranch Recreation Area; tent camping at no charge; chemical toilets, no potable water; camp area only accessible by high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles (http://www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/field_offices/Buffalo/recreation/developed-sites.html); Sheridan is a full-service community with motels, restaurants, and a full range of other amenities (http://www.sheridanwyoming.org); participants will carry own gear between camp and field each day; volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment, food, water, and transportation (if staying outside Welch Ranch)
Nearest towns: Sheridan, 12 miles; Buffalo, 45 miles
Applications due: April 25, 2016