POLLEN ANALYSIS AT SIX SITES IN THE COPPER MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA, WYOMING

Palynological analysis was undertaken in connection with archaeological investigations at Copper Mountain, in central Wyoming. Pollen samples from six sites ranging in age from Paleo-Indian to Late Prehistoric were selected for analysis. The sites range in elevation from 5850 feet to 5980 feet, which is within the Upper Sonoran life zone. The Upper Sonoran life zone extends from 5, 000 feet to 6, 000 or 6, 500 feet in the Owl Creek Mountain range (Cary 1917:21-22). The most common vegetation on the alluvial flats consists of Sarcobatus (greasewood), Chrysothamnus (rabbitbrush), Atriplex (saltbush, a cheno-am), and Artemisia (sagebrush). Alluvial benches and terraces support Atriplex, Chrysothamnus, Artemisia, Opuntia (prickly pear cactus), and Graminae (grasses). Occasionally Juniperus (juniper) and Rhus (skunkbush) are noted on bluffs and rock outcrops. The vegetation along streams and drainages usually consists of Populus (cottonwood), Salix (willow), Shepherdia (buffalo berry), Rhus, and Ribes (currant) (Cary 1917:21-22).