An archeological sample survey in the Cache Creek-Little Granite Creek area of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, western Wyoming

Abstract

Archeological Services of Laramie, Wyoming, undertook a Class II archeological reconnaissance of a large tract of land in a proposed wilderness area in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The findings were to be submitted for inclusion in an Environmental Impact Statement being assembled by Land Management Services of Jackson, Wyoming. The study area is being considered for possible drilling sites in the near future. The project area lies on the southwest slope of the Gros Ventre Mountain Range in the Cache Creek-Little Granite Creek area in Teton County, north-western Wyoming. A total of 16 prehistoric sites and isolated finds were recorded within or immediately adjacent to the study area boundaries. The total surface area covered amounted to 1857 acres (or 5.7%) of the 32,580 acres included in the study. An intensive surface evaluation was completed of all staked projects (well locations and access roads) in the survey area. Exploratory or evaluative testing is recommended for the Getty Reserve well location and in one area on the NCRA well access route. Some form of further evaluation is recommended at thirteen other localities. Fieldwork was conducted during September, 1980, by archeologists from Archeological Services. Subsequent analysis included the application of a model of site predictability based on the statistical analysis of environmental factors, such as slope, aspect, vegetation, soils, fauna and proximity to water.