Aravaipa Creek Fish Barrier Project: Survey and Mapping of an Apache Site along Aravaipa Creek, Pinal County, Arizona

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) directed Archaeological Consulting Services, Ltd. (ACS) to survey and map an Apache site which maybe impacted by the construction of a staging area for a proposed Central Arizona Project fish barrier on Aravaipa Creek.
The site was previously identified by a Reclamation archaeologist as containing a one-room cobble-walled structure, approximately 24 deflated rockpiles, at least two depressions, and a light artifact scatter. A consultation with Apache elders confirmed that the site was an Apache burial ground, and that the rockpiles represented burials. ACS performed the survey to define the limits of the site in order to determine if or how much of the area can be utilized by the construction effort. The project involved a walkover inspection of the site; identification of site boundaries, features, and artifacts; recording and photographing the features and diagnostic artifacts; mapping the site with a total station; and performing a survey of the bench north of Aravaipa Road to determine if this area fell within site boundaries. In total, 111 features and 188 artifacts or artifact clusters were identified. The features included rock cluster burials, possible rock cluster burials, fire rings, and other rock scatters. Artifacts consisted primarily of lithic fragments and historic cans. Diagnostic projectile points indicated a possible span of occupation dating from the Archaic period. The site was given number BOR-ARV98-1.