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STATE ARCHAEOLOGIST VISITS VALLEY

On April 5th Susan Collins, the Colorado State Archaeologist, was in the San Luis Valley to meet with representatives of public land agencies and several members of the SLV Archaeological Network. The purpose of this meeting, which was organized by Virginia Simmons, was to gain information about how our Network can assist in efforts to preserve area heritage resources and to increase awareness of our presence among public agencies.

The group toured Penitente Canyon in the morning, not to be outdone by the mantle of new snow from the night before, and convened in the afternoon at USFS Headquarters in Monte Vista for discussion. Topics included opportunities for archaeological protection and interpretation, procedures for special designation on National and State Registers of Historic Places, recommendations about monitoring and adopting sites, law enforcement protocol, and suggestions for future organizational planning. Goals of the meeting were met and we now have an increased awareness of opportunities for the Archaeological Network to make a difference in identifying and protecting the heritage resources of the SLV.

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FUTURE ARCH-NETWORK MEETINGS

On May 11 a field trip to the Great Sand Dunes will begin at the Visitor Center at 10 AM. Fred Bunch, the National Monument's resources manager, is coordinating a tour of trees peeled by historic Ute residents of the SLV (see the article below titled Culturally Peeled Trees of Colorado for more information on these living artifacts). We will also view and discuss the monument's collection of artifacts. Bring your lunch, walking shoes, and passes or cash for park entrance. The Arch-Net Steering Committee will meet after the field trip. All are welcome to attend.

On June 8 there will be a field trip to Hanson's Bluff, about 5 miles east of Alamosa, to identify and record archaeologic sites. Recording will be done on standard Colorado Cultural Resource Survey forms. Tasks to be done will include making a sketch map, determining soil and landform attributes, locating sites on aerial photos and topographic maps, and identifying on site and surrounding vegetation. We will meet at the Holiday Inn parking lot at 9:00 AM. Be sure to bring appropriate footwear, a lunch, and water. Vince Spero will coordinate the trip and bring the necessary equipment.

CULTURALLY PEELED TREES OF COLORADO

On May 11, during the SLV Arch-Net trip to the Sand Dunes National Monument, we will visit "living artifacts" in the form of culturally peeled ponderosa pines. Archaeologist Marilyn Martorano, the daughter of Bob and Judy Armagast, studied the trees and determined that (based on dates obtained from analyzing the growth rings of the trees, historical records, and oral interviews) it is likely that historic Utes stripped the bark from the trees. The inner bark was probably harvested and used as emergency food, as medicine, or as a part of normal subsistence activities. Nutritional analysis of the inner bark indicates it is high in carbohydrates, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.

The distinctive looking trees have a scar that is usually oval in shape, around 0.5 meters wide, 1.4 meters long, and 0.1 meters above the ground. Cut marks, often seen on the lower end of the scar, indicate they were peeled In an upward direction. Distribution of the trees in the SLV area, in addition to the Sand Dunes cluster of around 40, are in the Saguache area, in the upper Culebra Creek area, near Creede, and to the west of Antonito.

The scars on trees analyzed date from 1815 to 1875, with one dating 1793. Questions remain as to origin and use of culturally peeled trees. Many more remain to be recorded as cultural resources, which is the first step in learning more about them. Come and see examples of these unique living artifacts at the May 11 th Arch-Net meeting.

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ARCHAEOLOGY PRESERVATION LAWS;
THE BACKBONE FOR PROTECTION OF SITES

Historic preservation law is grounded in the concepts of conserving archaeological resources for the benefit of future generation: by focusing on identification, designation, and protection of sites and structures. The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 places emphasis on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) whlch is composed of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects significant in American prehistory and history. The law directs Federal agencies to take into account the effect of a proposed project on any site eligible to the NRHP and to establish a program to inventory, locate, and nominate sites under their control.

The Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) makes unauthorized excavation of archaeological sites under Federal control a felony violation. It also directs Federal agencies to establish a program to increase public awareness: of the significance of archaeological resources. Plans for inventorying lands to determine the nature and extent of archaeological resources is also required.

PROJECT ARCHAEOLOGY TEACHER TRAINING WORKSHOP
TO BE HELD JULY 10 & 11 IN BOULDER

There is an opportunity for elementary school teachers to participate in a workshop about teaching archaeology in the classroom. The two-day workshop will be held at the University of Colorado Museum on Wednesday July 10 and Thursday July 11. It will be taught by Megg Heath, from the Anasazi Heritage Center in Dolores.

For a $65 fee teachers will receive a copy of Intrigue of the Past A Teachers Activity Guide for 4th through 7th Grades and hands on guidance by archaeologists and teachers experienced in using archaeology in the classroom. Also included are two box lunches. For an additional $35 teachers may earn 1 graduate credit from Adams State College or 1 undergraduate credit form Fort Lewis College. Preregistration is necessary. For a form call Ann Hayes at 303-4943773. The workshop is limited to 35 people.

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SPECIAL THANKS!

Our March field trip to two rock art sites in Costilla County was led by Ken Frye and Ron Kessler, with 31 people attending the trip, learning about petroglyphs, and enjoying the fine weather. We especially wish to thank Elizabeth Pacheco of Fort Garland who arranged pre-trip coffee and cookies at the Mount Blanca Supper Club and to the club for serving the delicious refreshments. Britt Floden had her hand weavings with rock art designs on hand, and Ron Kessler displayed his Old Spanish Trail publications. Thanks to Loretta Mitson for providing publicity in the Valley's media, as well as taking charge of our finances. Vince Spero is preparing our newsletter on his computer and has it duplicated at no cost to our organization, for which we are most grateful.

FINANCIAL REPORT

At our steering committee meeting on March 30, Loretta Mitson agreed to take charge of our finances, and she has since then opened a checking account at Alamosa National Bank with a deposit of $209.25. We also have $5 received from a contributor for the newsletter and not yet deposited, plus $32 in stamps for a total of $246.25 in assets at present. Expenses for postage in February and March were $13.76. Our total income to date has been $260.01, December 1995 to April 21, 1996.

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ROCK ART EXHIBIT OPENING & RECEPTION

The Grand-Opening of the new Rock Art of the San Luis Valley exhibit, including a reception, will be held on Friday, May 24 at 7:00 PM at the Rio Grande County Museum in Del Norte. The reception will begin with a viewing of the new exhibit and associated artwork by participating artists. Food and Native American flute music will be provided. Bill McGlone, rock art researcher and author from La Junta, will conduct a slide presentation and lecture at 8:00 PM. Bill will speak about rock art of southeastern Colorado and rock art dating techniques. He also will demonstrate how petroglyphs were pecked into sandstone and basalt. Plan on being there for this exciting event.

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