UPAC News Spring 2000

President: Dennis Weder, 7926 West Britain Drive, Magna, UT 84044. (801) 250-1574. e-mail: dennis.weder@hill.af.mil

Vice President, Membership & Ethics: Ron Rood, Division of State History , 300 Rio Grande, Salt Lake City, UT 84101. (801) 533-3564. e-mail: rrood@history.state.ut.us

Vice President, Government Affairs & Research: Kathy Callister, Dugway Cultural Resource Manager, STEDP-DEP-CP, Dugway, UT 84022. (801) 522-3573. e-mail: callistr@dugway-emh3.army.mil

Secretary: Marian Jacklin, Dixie National Forest, 82 N 100 E, Cedar City, Utah 84720. (435) 865-3700. e-mail: jacklin-marian/r4-dixie@fs.fed.us

Treasurer: Jim Dykman, Division of State History, 300 Rio Grande, Salt Lake City , UT 84101. (801) 533-3555. e-mail: jdykman@history.state.ut.us

Newsletter Editor: Andrew Ugan, Department of Anthropology, 270 S 1400 E RM 102, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0060. (801) 585-6444. e-mail: andrew.ugan@anthro.utah.edu or andrew.ugan@hill.af.mil

Utah Archaeology Retiring Editor: Kevin Jones, Division of State History, 300 Rio Grande, Salt Lake City, UT 84101. (801) 533-3524. FAX 533- 3503. e-mail: kjones@history.state.ut.us

Utah Archaeology Incumbent Editor: Steve Simms. Dept. of Sociology, Social Work, & Anthropology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322. (801) 797-1277. e-mail: ssimms@hass.usu.edu.

I now know what it feels like to be a politician; my term is almost over and I have just finished reviewing all the unfulfilled promises I made over the last two years. At least I can honestly say I never took any foreign junkets at my constituents' expense.

The Spring 2000 campout meeting will be hosted by Marian Jacklin at Skull Spring north of Escalante on March 31-April 1 (see attached map). From Escalante, turn north on the road to Posy Lake (turn at the elementary school); then following the signs and flags, go approximately 8 miles. Skull Spring is to the west of the road (and at about 7000 feet elevation). For those so inclined, there is a list of motels attached.

We will start the business meeting at 1:00 PM on Friday followed by a potluck dinner. In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be held at Anasazi State Park in Boulder. We will post an appropriate sign by the elementary school if necessary or if you're coming though Boulder first and it looks like nasty weather, check in at Anasazi State Park before you pass through.

On Saturday morning at about 9:00 AM, there will be a "paper op", but electricity will not be available. If you would like to present a paper, notify myself or Renae Weder at 801-533-3529. On Saturday afternoon, there will be a tour courtesy of Doug McFadden.

Please do not forget to vote; there is a hard copy ballot attached to the newsletter, but if you wish, you may e-mail your choices to Marian Jacklin at: mjacklin/r4dixie@fs.fed.us.

As my last official act, I would like to express my appreciation to all my fellow officers and the staff at SHPO, especially my wife Renae, for their help whenever I was in need (which was often).

Utah Archaeology 1999 is nearing completion. UPAC owes a special thanks to Jill Jensen, who assembled the journal this year. Great job Jill!

Please consider contributing to the 2000 issue. Authors planning on submitting manuscripts for Utah Archaeology 2000 (due out January 2001) should forward them to the editor this spring, or by September at the latest.

Next year, we hope to add a section called something like "On the Popular Front." These would be articles of general interest and written in a more general and/ or journalistic style. Topics can be anything you think would be of general interest, but some examples might be "Paleoindians in Utah" or "How to Make Sense of Utah Rock Art," or "What You Can Learn From a Human Skeleton." If anyone would be willing to attempt a popular article, please contact me.

We are also considering a section called something like, "The Avocationists Corner" or some such moniker. This would be for short reports and essays on subjects specifically of interest to USAS readers/supporters. We want to maintain the standards established in previous issues of Utah Archaeology, but encourage the topics to range a bit further. Again, the list of topics is open, but some examples might be "What Does Lithic Debris Tell Us?", or "Reconstructing Ceramic Vessels,” or "What to Look for in Rock Art". Other possibilities include short reports on artifacts and/or sites. We need manuscripts from professionals and avocationists alike.

Steve Simms
Anthropology
Utah State University Logan, UT 84322-0730
ssimms@hass.usu.edu (435) 797-1277

The subject of lithic scatters and National Register eligibility has come up several times in the last few years and I presented my thoughts on the subject at the last UPAC meeting. Basically, I argued that attributes like "lack of depth," "lack of diagnostics," "lack of hearths," and assemblage size have nothing to do with site significance. I'm working toward presenting my arguments in written format for another venue, but I wanted to take a minute of your time to address several comments made to me after the last UPAC meeting. First of all, I was not advocating that every lithic scatter is an eligible property. I am saying that the justification statements and concepts that people use to evaluate sites as ineligible are weak, poorly constructed, and not in line with current archaeological theory and practice. I do not believe that sites lacking diagnostic artifacts or stratified deposits or lots of stuff should be automatically considered as ineligible resources. I believe in many cases they are.

My interest in lithic scatters does not have much to do with lithics but rather with the behavioral aspects of what these sites mean. I would argue that as archaeologists, we don't really know what the 50 flake lithic scatter represents. We've never taken the time to investigate them to their full potential.

In my UPAC presentation I also briefly addressed the subject of site testing and how I believe, in most cases, the level of testing is inadequate to actually assess site significance. I am especially tired of seeing the use of "trowel test" to evaluate a site for buried deposits. This is a waste of time and does not work toward understanding the potential of a site.

To close I would like to simply say that in my view, lithic scatters are not getting the respect and care they deserve in terms of their archaeological research potential. In a discussion about Fremont variability, Simms (1986, Simms, Steven R New Evidence for Fremont Adaptive Diversity. Journal of California and Great Basin Archaeology, Vo18, No.2, pp. 204- 216) states "there are thousands of lithic/ ceramic scatters representing a variety of Fremont activities that were carried out in areas apparently unsuitable for horticulture...very few of these scatters have been examined in detail, much less excavated."

I would add that many of these sites are never even given the chance to contribute information about the past when they are initially visited by archaeologists only thinking about depth, points, lots of stuff, and surface visible hearths.

Things like projectile points, hearths, and deeply stratified sites with lots of stuff are important. But they represent a relatively small proportion of the total site universe. If you are only interested in culture history, those are probably the sites you'll focus upon. I would hope that as archaeologists, our interests go beyond simple culture history and include other ideas on how to learn from the past. I don't think we can learn much by systematically ignoring a huge class of archaeological sites. My view is that a site should be considered as significant until the field archaeologist can prove otherwise. Lack of depth, diagnostics, and lots of stuff is not the required proof in my view.

The spring meeting minutes were read and approved by the group with no corrections.

Treasurer Jim Dykman: Money Market Account Statement has a somewhat good interest rate. Brought a list of dues paying members if you want to see it. If you have questions on expenses, check with Jim. Total in accounts is $5,621.50

Stan McDonald, U.S. Forest Service: The Utah National Forests are in the process of amending the Forest Plans to include provisions for a wider use of Fire in the six national forests in Utah. Fire in the Forest Service has been treated as "a pad thing" and have traditionally been put out. Now the forests want to use fire as a way to manage vegetation. The Forest Service wants input from the public on this amendment.

David Hatfield, Southern Utah Forest Group Planning Team, discussed forest plans. He outlined their desire to use natural disturbances such as wildfires in order to manage natural resources. He also identified the need to change forest plans in order to allow forest Line Officers to make use of these tools. Wildland and Prescribed Fire Management Plan documents were brought to Dennis. A programmatic agreement is needed to change these plans. David outlined some items that would lead to putting out a fire, such as threats to life or property, safety, etc. Cultural Resources are not currently involved in this list. Natural ignition is act of God so is not a federal action requiring NEPA. When the forest decides to do something (i.e. a prescribed burn), then NEPA is done. This plan will outline when the agency will or will not put a fire out when it results from natural ignition. Fire management plans have more specific information about how this will be done so that the fire personnel can make on-the-ground decisions.

Kevin J. asked if these plans would be available before hand so that we have that information. He also noted that these plans don't outline what will happen after rehabilitation. Need to get funding for this activity.

Stan: Normal Section 106 cannot be done on this scope of activity. Section 106 allows us to plan for and implement certain kinds of repetitive activities. Section 106 starts at the Fire Management Plans stage. (Fire Management Plans will be written for specific areas on Forest lands). A National PA will be interagency but there will be no movement in three months (maybe up to a year or more) on this. Colorado is going ahead with P A for their fire policy .The Forest Service would like UPAC and its members to comment on Plan Amendments (using the Colorado plan as a guide). The Colorado agreement recognizes the relatively small percentage of lands currently surveyed. Fire will affect unidentified sites, flammable sites, and fire vulnerable sites. Certain site types are at a low risk. Colorado Stipulations: Requires a professional Arch. at forest level. Archaeologist develops map of high vs. low risk sites before writing individual Fire Management Plans. High risk sites include sites with standing structures, unstable peeled soil, rock art, geomorphic settings, C-14 materials, aspen art, peeled trees, rock shelters, TCP's, and cultural landscapes. Low Risk site include those in deeply buried, stable geomorphic settings, sites with non-flammable materials (e.g. Historic earthworks); and official ineligible sites. All NR sites and districts are excluded from prescribed fire. Professional Arch. on WFIP team involved in daily evaluations of ground disturbing activities.

Post fire Stipulations: Ground disturbing rehabilitation activities must consult followings existing regulations as per 36 CFR 800. There will also be post-fire reconnaissance, evaluations, and site monitoring. Fire management will use natural topography, previous constructed roads, fuel breaks, wet lines, and black lines to provide for site protections.

Steve Simms brought up that there may be wikiups in areas that have not burned in the past 50 years. These are hard to find. How are you going to deal with these types of sites? Lithic scatters may not give indication that wickiups are there. The environmental document is going to be destroyed.

Stan: Maps of where fires are likely to occur are available and agencies are willing to put additional work in those areas where fire potential is high. The suggestion is to do surveys in areas where the site density is highest first. Remove fuel loads around sites and use other methods to reduce burn damage to sites. It was brought up that a list of sites in areas that we really want to save should be constructed. Stan wanted to know what documentation UPAC wants. Do we want to support this?

Susan Miller: asked about adding a fire buffer to the sites that will be eligible in the future to the PA. Human fire will still be put out.

Ron Rood: ready to start teaching USAS curriculum starting in Salt Lake. New faces needed to teach these classes and workshops. List of workshops needed. Level 1 ready but not Level 2

Nominated for UPAC jobs.
President: Julie Howard, Nancy Coulam, Byron Loosle, Garth Portillo
VP Membership: Bill Latate, Kristen Jensen
Treasurer: Lori Hunsaker, Betsy Skinner
New Editor: Jason Bright, Kris Lizotte,

Steve Simms: Steve and Kevin are working on two issues of Utah Archaeology at once. '98 and '99 are on schedule for next year. Steve needs articles for the 2000 journal. He would like to incorporate USAS in subsequent issues and find avocational folks that want to publish. Professional help is available to them. About Editorial Advisory Board. Not a Junta!

Announcement Great Basin Conference will be in Odgen in 2000 at the Eccles Conference Center. Brooke Arkush and Steve Simms Chairs.

Layne Miller: Read letter from Pam Miller regarding BLM management plan for Nine Mile Canyon. Recreation is increasing and the plan has not been implemented or funded. Asking UPAC to write letter to Nine Mile Coalition.
ACTION ITEM: write letter to BLM asking that they implement Plan for Nine Mile. Coalition helped get first facilities for use in the area. Raising money for interpretation plan for canyon. Asking for money from UPAC to add to the fund. A draft was requested from the coalition. Blaine was asked how much money is in the plan. He outlined the list of items that are involved and noted that it was not a one year project. Is money available from federal grants that can help? Layne outlined were he has gone for money. Need to go after corporate money. Dennis and Layne will get together and write letter.

Kevin Jones. UDOT and State Prison: a site near prison had dirt dumped on it during construction. Survey done prior to highway need to mitigate damage. Redd case went to Supreme Court of UT. Mountain Meadows: Human remains found after intensive survey and research undertaken. Mountain Meadow Association tried to get them back into ground immediately. Then it was decided to have them put back in the ground within one month. Association raised issue and the bodies were reinterred in Sept. Postmortem damage and perimortem trauma were both evident. Handling of the case was not precedent setting, but the law was not followed.

UPAC needs to make a call to congress on reauthorization concern of HR701 funds of SHPO offices. Fund did not grow as was proposed. Current markup is 100 million. One million increase to SHPO for Utah could mean increase in grants offered from SHPO. Kevin and Dennis will get together and call about this. Utah congressional delegation is supportive.

Proposes that UPAC initiate an award for lifetime of distinguished service to archaeology. Give first award to Doc Dorman for his service to Utah archaeology. Express feeling of council to community people that help Archaeology in Utah. Recommended that it be called the "Dorman Award". Motioned and seconded. At least a plaque needed. Seek public notice of this in Journal. Passed. Kevin will work on language for award.

Tornado. Several weeks after the tornado hit downtown Salt Lake City, Fox News called Kevin. They wanted to know if all of these bad things happening in Salt Lake occurred because of the human remains being exhumed during light-rail construction on Main St.?

Dennis Weder. Raised issue from spring meeting on writing letters to Agencies not following their own regulations? The tone/intent of the letter was meant to volunteer help.

Evie Seelinger. Felt we need to remind them we are paying attention. Action Item: Write a letter to all agencies from the New President offering help or assistance to them. State Facilities Management not doing anything to protect sites or historic structures under their care.

Jim Dykman. Proposes UPAC write letter to them about concerns. Get with rep. from agencies to provide lists of people to write to from UP AC. Write up a Form Letter to be used for all Agencies both State and Federal.

Kathy Callister. Wants someone to define what support we will provide. Feels we need to come up with an outline of what we want to include in letter.

Spring meeting to be held in the Kanab/Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument area. Doug Macfadden to host.

Dennis thanked his wife and others for helping set up the meeting, as he was real busy.

Please visit our web site for conference information, news, abstract submission, links to the convention center and visitor information, and much more as the conference approaches.

The 27th biennial Great Basin Anthropological Conference will be held October 5-7, 2000 at the David Eccles Conference Center in Ogden, Utah. The conference will host a reception Wednesday evening, Oct. 4 for early arrivals, will officially open Thursday morning, with sessions continuing through Saturday. Activities, field trips, and speakers are in the works.

Submissions for symposia, papers, and posters are now being accepted via the web page using the link Submitting Abstracts, or by mailing a floppy disk in Microsoft Word or ASCII format to the program chair, at the address below.

Symposia organizers are asked to submit packages by May 1, 2000. Please include the symposium title, a 100 word abstract of the symposium, the list of individual paper titles, and their 100 word abstracts. Also please include the name and affiliation of the organizer(s), participants, and discussants.

Contributed papers and posters should be submitted by May 15, 2000. Please include the title, a 100 word abstract, name, and affiliation. If contributed papers seem to fit into a proposed symposium, and with the author's consent, we may approach the organizer about including your paper in a symposium.

Special note about posters. Please consider using a poster format. We will have a large room and ample, elevated poster display panels this year in an attempt to make posters a central feature of the conference. Posters will remain up for a minimum of one full day, with specific times listed in the program for authors to present their work in person.

Film screenings. Please provide the chair with a title, time allotment, and precis.

Address inquiries and submissions to:
Steven Simms, GBAC Chair
Anthropology
Utah State University Logan, UT 84322-0730
(435) 797-1277
ssimms@hass.usu.edu

PRESIDENT
______ Julie Howard
______ Nancy Coulam
______ Byron Loosle
______ Garth Portillo

UPAC NEWS

NEWSLETTER FOR THE UTAH PROFESSIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL COUNCIL