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7926 West Britain Drive, Magna, Utah 84044, (801) 250-1574
Vice President: Membership/Ethics:
Ron Rood
Division of State History, 300
Rio Grande, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101, (801) 533-3564, FAX 533-3503.
Vice President: Government
Affairs/Research: Shane Baker
Office of Public
Archaeology, 105 Allen Hall, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, (801)
378-4783
Secretary:
Marian Jacklin
Dixie National Forest, P.O. Box 580, Cedar City,
Utah 84720, (435) 865-3746
Treasurer:
Jim Dykmann
Division of State History, 300 Rio Grande, Salt Lake
City, Utah 84101, (801) 533-3555, FAX 533-3503
Newsletter Editor: Doug Melton
Salt Lake Field Office, Bureau of Land Management,
2370 South 2300 West, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119, (801) 977-4357
Utah Archaeology Editor: Kevin Jones
Division of State History,
300 Rio Grande, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101, (801) 533-3524, FAX 533-3503.
SUBMISSIONS
UPAC News welcomes all submissions by Utah Archaeologists and others working in Utah in archaeology or related fields. Issues of relevance to UPAC News readers include ongoing research, education, and preservation efforts, ARPA investigations, new hires, conferences, and symposia, etc. Please submit your contributions to the Utah Archaeology Editor at the address listed above until a new newsletter editor can be elected.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
As my first act, I would like to thank all of you expressed your condolences for my recent election: I will be relying on you for help during my term. To all those who expressed congratulations, I am assuming you voted for me; you can expect to be nominated for office at the next election.
Seriously, I would like to share a few of the goals I would like to achieve during my term. My primary goal will be facilitate an improved relationship with our fellow citizens of Native American descent. The future of our profession depends on this relationship. I also believe that this relationship needs to be more than just professional; our interaction must transcend the professional so that we can understand the needs of Native Americans and how to integrate those needs into our work as anthropologists. Conversely, UPAC needs to expend some effort educating the Native American community about our needs. More specifically, I feel that UPAC should support the work already under way on the Redd case. Several of our members are already involved in this issue and several more have volunteered to initiate changes in our state law so that future incidents will be decided by a more informed judicial system.
To begin the mutual education process, I am arranging to have a representative of the Native American community and a physical anthropologist discuss the issue of human remains from their particular perspectives at the fall meeting. UPAC should also send representatives to tribal council meetings so that the Native American community will understand we are serious about establishing a mutually productive relationship.
My other goal may seem prosaic, but is just as important: I would like to increase the membership of UPAC. The reasons for increasing membership are multiple: to increase the size of the network for students entering the job market for the first time, to help contractors obtain the best employees under fluctuating seasonal work loads and to have more money in the coffers so that UPAC can afford better communication with both its members and the Native American community .To achieve this, I plan to meet personally with as many university students, professors, and archaeologists in both governmental and private sectors as possible during my term. In future newsletters, we will be including a membership form which can be easily copied and disseminated. I would ask you all to help me increase our membership. Just keep in mind that the more members you enroll amongst your immediate colleagues, the less likely you will have to endure my pontification in person.
NEWSLETTER EDITOR SOUGHT
Your one-time editor has taken a position the supervisory archaeologist in the Carlsbad BLM Field Office in southeastern New Mexico. This will leave the position of UPAC Newsletter editor open. Anyone interested in taking on this role should contact UPAC President Dennis Weder to placed on the ballot at the Fall UPAC meeting in Salt Lake City.
USAS CERTIFICATION UPDATE
The New Level 1 course for USAS members is tentatively scheduled to be taught for the first time on November 4-7, 1998 in St. George. This will be a trial run for the new Level 1 course. We are also planning on teaching the course in the Salt Lake area during the late fall or winter. The Level 1 course covers an introduction to anthropology, archaeology, and an overview of Utah archaeology. At the time of this writing. The Level 1 curriculum is not quite finished, but we'll have enough for the course in St. George. Margene Hackney and I have been writing lesson plans for Level 1 and Level 2 and we feel we have a good product and curriculum. Margene and I appreciate all the comments on earlier drafts of the Level 1 curriculum. It is important to remember that the curriculum is being designed for a diverse audience of USAS members and is not designed as a course suitable for college credit.
If you are interested in teaching Level 1 and Level 2 courses to USAS Groups, please let me know. I expect to have the Level 1 curriculum formalized this coming winter and the Level 2 curriculum completed in the spring. I would like to assemble a list of professionals willing to teach these courses. USAS members are currently working out a fee schedule for this class. Contact me at 801-355-3564 or at the following e-mail address: rrood@historv.state.ut.us. Submitted by Ron Rood, Division of State History.
UPAC FINANCIAL STATEMENT
ASSETS:
Cash in Bank: $2156.68
Cash in Savings: $4120.66
Total Current Assets: $6277.34
LIABILITIES:
Intrigue of the Past: $1000.00
NET WORTH: $5277.34
FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS FROM MAY 1 TO JULY 1,1998
DUES DEPOSITED: $400.50
MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT $1000.00
EXPENSES PAID:
Sanitation, Spring Meeting: $344.50
$President's Expenses: $ 204.59
Renewal, Non-Profit $5.00
Submitted by Jim Dykmann, UPAC Treasurer. Editor's Note: The last UPAC newsletter had a brief reminder from Kenny Wintch that dues are due on the first of the year. So, as an early reminder, please plan on paying your 1999 dues at the Fall meeting.
USAS WORKSHOPS PLANNED
An important part of the Utah Avocational Archaeology Education Program (UAAEP) is the workshop aspect. Two workshops have been taught. One on flintknapping by Dennis Weder and one on cooking with hot rocks by Kristen Jensen. Potentially, there are hundreds of workshops that could be offered to USAS groups. I would like to develop a list of UPAC members who would be willing to teach a workshop. Using your own areas of expertise, develop a short workshop that will offer some hands-on experience to USAS members. Workshops could include site photography, seed identification, historic artifact identification, lithic and ceramic analysis, care of perishable artifacts, the list goes on and on.
We are currently planning a workshop on the Identification and Analysis of Animal Bones from Archaeological Sites. This will be a hands-on workshop where you will learn to identify bones, recognize bones from different species, and actually identify bones from archaeological contexts. The location and time of this workshop will be announced at a later date.
Submitted by Ron Rood, Division of State History.
ANTIQUITIES SECTION PROJECTS
During July personnel from the Antiquities Section and members of USAS conducted a limited test excavation at 42DV78, Head Ranger Cave. The cave is located on the west side of Antelope Island in Antelope Island State Park. Testing consisted of a 1x2 meter trench near the opening of the cave. Several distinct layers were encountered in the trench which was excavated to a depth of just over 1 meter. Analysis is ongoing, but a large amount of animal bone, burned seeds, and charcoal was recovered. Animal bone includes the remains of deer/sheep, bison, rabbits, snakes, and various other small rodents. A very high percentage of the animal bone is burned. Chipped stone is very rare from the test. Four samples for radiocarbon dates have been submitted.
October 24 - Archaeological survey at Iosepa, Skull Valley, Tooele County. We are planning to survey approximately 30 acres of land for the Iosepa Historical Association. Re prepared to spend several hours in the field. If time allows, there will also be a field trip to previously recorded sites in the Skull Valley .Let me know by October 14 if you going to participate. I can be reached at (801) 533-3564.
October 31 -The archaeology lab at State History will be open from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. for USAS members to participate in some lab projects. Projects will include cataloging, dirt processing, analysis, etc. The lab will be open every other Saturday through the winter months. Please let me know by the Thursday prior to the Saturday if you will be attending a lab session.
Submitted by Ron Rood, Division of state History.
Outgoing President Stan McDonald thanked members for their support during the past two years. Stan stated that it was a privilege to serve UPAC. Stan commented that as UPAC President, he came to realize that UPAC is recognized by several agencies as a strong force for historic preservation. This was especially so, when Stan and Vice President Signa Larralde represented UPAC at the Board of Trustees - School Trust Lands Administration meeting regarding UPAC's concerns over proposed land sales. Stan felt the Board recognized UPAC's concerns and made some compromises as a result of those concerns.
Stan thanked outgoing
UPAC Officers John Senulis, interim Vice-President for Governmental Affairs
and Research, Nancy Coulam, Vice-President for Membership
and Ethics, Treasurer Kenny Wintch, and Newsletter Editor, Jerry Spangler.
New Officers were then introduced. These include:
Stan also thanked Nancy Coulam and Barbara Blackshear for coordinating the student research symposium and Diana Hawks and Barbara Franks for arranging the camp location and camp set-up.
President Dennis Weder then commenced the Business Meeting.
USAS Education Program- information and update -Ron Rood. State History
Ron and Margene Hackney (USAS) are continuing work on the Education Program (formerly the USAS Certification Program). They are currently writing Level 1 and Level 2.
Level 1 will provide an introduction to archaeology, anthropology, and Utah
Prehistory. Level 2 will involve site recording, mapping, and incorporation
of site steward training.
Level 1 re-writing is approximately 75% complete. Copies of the Level 1 draft
are
available from Ron. Ron and Margene have also identified about 75 different
workshops that can be offered to USAS members in all levels (e.g., photography,
experimental archaeology)
UPAC Assistance with Society for Historical Archaeology Meetings. January 1999. Salt Lake City
The SHA can use some technical assistance with the meetings. Assistance is
needed with registration, slide projectors, breaks, etc. Contact Mike Polk
if you wish to help. Mike requested UPAC financial assistance to sponsor a
break at the SHA. Cost to sponsor one break is estimated at approx. $500.00.
Discussion ensued. Due to limited UPAC funds and the expense of sponsoring
one break, it was concluded that UPAC would receive better exposure for its
donations (such as UPAC's 1997 decision to sponsor 3 Intrigue of the past workshops).
Alternatively, UPAC members expressed support for volunteering for various
conference support tasks like those mentioned above.
State History Education in Archaeology Project. Kanab School District -Ron Rood
State History staff has been working on an archaeology/history education project in Kanab. One aspect involves oral history collection. Students receive training in oral history collection techniques and then have been involved with oral history interviews and transcribing the interviews. The oral histories have been focused on the historic settlement of Old Paria.
State of Utah vs. James and Jeanne Redd- information and update -Ron Rood
The State of Utah's request for a rehearing of the State's appeal for dismissal of charges against James and Jeanne Redd was denied by the appellate court. The Redd' s were charged with desecration of a dead human body in conjunction with illegally excavating at a Puebloan site midden near Blanding.
Please contact President Dennis Weder for more information or past UPAC newsletters for more information on this case.
At the time of the UPAC Spring 98 meeting, the State was undecided to what future actions it may take. There is an opportunity for the State to re-file charges against the Redds. The charges would have to be refiled with the San Juan County Magistrate.
Considerable discussions ensued. One of the primary reasons for denying the request focused on the issue of intentional internment and the definition of the term "midden”. Even though the State offered expert opinion as to the scientific meaning of the term “midden”, the appellate court relied on standard dictionary definitions which failed to discuss middens in the context of a place of intentional internment for the dead Prehistoric, Puebloan populations. Thus the court ruled that the State failed to present evidence that the Reds' disturbed a location intended as a place for burial for the deceased. Members expressed concern and dismay that the court failed to use or seek further scientific data for definitions and context of the term "midden”.
Stan McDonald pointed out that UPAC may now have a role to play in redrafting the State's burial law, so as to allow the court and Justices' considerably less latitude to interpret terminology in the law as they did in the Redd Case. UPAC members indicated support for such an effort.
Inventory collection of representative artifacts. research and evaluation -Bruce Louthan. Moab Field Office, BLM
In reviewing the research design for the MAPCO Pipeline Project, in the Moab BLM District, Bruce stated that the issue of making surface collections as part of the inventory was raised. Bruce had received a letter from Winston Hurst expressing Winston's difficulties in conducting adequate ceramic type interpretation when no surface collections are made. Interpretations can become complicated and misleading after the initial survey.
In general, this raises and old and longstanding issue concerning the collection
of representative samples for future conservation, research, and site evaluations.
No Decisions were made.
Prescribed Fire/Management of Natural Fire and Cultural Resources Considerations and BLM Programmatic Agreement. Information -Bruce Louthan Moab Field Office BLM
The current emphasis in large land managing agencies for the management of fires in maintaining ecosystems (or to achieve desired conditions) is shifting to an increasing use of prescribed fires and planning to allow naturally ignited fires to burn within prescribed guidelines. The latter is commonly referred to as "Prescribed Natural Fire" or PNF. Whereas past efforts in fire management have emphasized suppression of naturally ignited fires, this has resulted in large fuel loads and in some cases -catastrophic and very extensive fires. Thus, the use of prescribed fires and PNF are viewed as tools to manage fuel loads and desired vegetative conditions.
In general, the emphasis in using prescribed fires and PNF would be on low temperature burns. This would decrease the need for mechanical techniques (i.e., chaining, roller blading) to achieve the same results. There are some studies that indicate the effects to ceramics are insignificant with low temperature burns.
BLM is considering a strategy for prescribed fire and PNF that would emphasize inventory, evaluation, and protection, of "fire-susceptible" sites. Such sites being those containing wood materials, rock art sites, and others deemed susceptible to damage from low temperature fires. BLM is currently negotiating a Programmatic Agreement (PA) with the Utah SHPO that will outline this strategy. Bruce has copies of the draft PA for interested persons. Bruce can be reached at the BLM Moab Field Office in Moab.
BLM Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) - Position Open for Archaeologist -Dennis Weder
The BLM-Utah State Office and the Governor are seeking appointments for the
RAC including one which would represent archaeology/historic preservation.
The RAC deals with resource issues on BLM lands throughout the entire state.
These issues frequently have potential to affect cultural resources.
The RAC meets 3-4 times a year, usually in the Salt Lake area, RAC Committees
positions are appointed for a period of three years. It was recommended that
UPAC nominate the Vice-President for Governmental Affairs and Research for
this position. Dennis will visit with Shane Baker and recommend Shane for
the RAC.
Site Steward. Intrigue of the Past -Information and Update -Diana Hawks. BLM. Arizona Strip
A site steward video based on the Arizona Site Steward Program is now available. The video is about 9 minutes long. Cost is $5.00 a copy. Contact Diana Hawks at the BLM Arizona Strip Office, St: George for further information.
There are several upcoming Intrigue of the Past (Archaeology Education for Teachers) Workshops coming up. Intrigue provides training for elementary and secondary teachers to teach archaeology education and awareness to students. Teachers receive inservice credit and can also receive 1 hour of credit from Utah State University. Contact Jeanne Moe at the Utah BLM State Office in Salt Lake for further information.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument News- Marietta Eaton GSENM
Request for proposals (RFP) for a survey of 16,000 acres in the Kaiporwits Section and the Escalante area of the monument have been released.
Jerry Spangler and Duncan Metcalfe (Utah Museum of Natural History) are currently working on the Cultural Resource Overviews for the entire Monument.
Some rock art conservation at selected sites has begun.
The Monument is also planning on using volunteers to document rock art sites
near roads and assess impacts to these sites. An RFP for a historic overview
is currently being drafted.
Proposed San Rafael Swell National Conservation Area and National Heritage Area - Stan McDonald Manti-LaSal National Forest
A legislative bill is currently being developed to establish a National Heritage Area and a National Conservation Area in the Emery and Carbon County area. The Emery County Public Lands Council is a primary mover of the effort. Legislation has the support of Representative Chris Cannon, and Utah Governor Mike Leavitt. Hearings have taken place in the House Committee on Natural Resources and Parks chaired by Representative Jim Hansen.
As proposed, The National Conservation Area would be the smaller of the two areas and would affect lands administered by the BLM and State of Utah and would be located in the San Rafael Swell. The National Heritage Area would encompass a large portion of Carbon and Emery Counties and would affect lands administered by the BLM, Forest Service, and State Lands. The proposed bill calls for further cultural resource inventory and identified several sites for potential public interpretation and development. The level of inventory or specific sites to be developed are not precisely identified.
Management plans and Heritage Site Interpretive Plans are called for in the proposed legislation. The proposed legislation also calls for two separate management entities for each area to be established. These would be composed of members appointed by county commissioners, the governor, and Secretary of the Interior.
Language in the bill also deals with the designation of wilderness, maintaining vehicle access, exploration and the development of mineral resources, and livestock grazing.
Affected Federal land management agencies have been inviter4 to comment.
It was suggested that UPAC may wish to track the proposed legislation and comment as appropriate. It was also mentioned that UPAC should review its previous position on the issue of wilderness designation (Circa Spring 1995 meeting) when commenting on proposed legislation.
Trust Lands Administration (TLA) News - Kenny Wintch
The programmatic agreement which TLA has been negotiating with the Utah SHPO
has not seen much progress since the November 1998 draft circulated at
last fall's UPAC meeting. There are several proposed land exchanges which TLA
archaeology staff has been inventorying.
TLA has filed charges against the Redds for civil damages (per violations
of the Utah Antiquities Code) to the site near Blanding where the Redds
are accused
of disturbing Native American human remains.
Meeting minutes by Stand McDonald (as Marian Jacklin was playing in Havasupai
Canyon and really enjoying herself). Thanks Stan -MJ
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