Archaeological Investigations Along Reach 8 of the Granite Reef Aqueduct, Central Arizona Project

Under contract with the Bureau of Reclamation, the Office of Cultural Resource Management (OCRM), Department of Anthropology, Arizona State University, completed an archaeological survey of Reach 8 and associated access roads. Reach 8 of the Granite Reef Aqueduct extends about 13 miles from the Hassayampa River east to U.S. 60.
OCRM archaeologists identified and documented 6 field loci, 49 isolated artifacts, four recent structures, and a historic trash dump during the Reach 8 survey. Based on relative density of cultural material dispersion, the majority of the field loci were grouped into three sites: AZ T:6:3 (ASU); AZ T:6:4 (ASU); and AZ T:6:5 (ASU), previously recorded as AZ T:6:13 (ASM).
Mitigation was completed at two sites and two field loci in the winter of 1978. The features, consisting of rock piles at two field loci were tested. Surface collection at AZ T:6:3 (ASU) and AZ T:6:4 (ASU) was conducted and testing using auger holes, test pits, and trenches was based on a random sample. No subsurface features were identified.
The investigations identified a pattern of secondary resource zone exploitation in the desert areas between the river valleys. Researchers defined and described a secondary resource zone as an area which did not support a permanent population, but was utilized intermittently, probably on a seasonal basis, in the exploitation of wild plant and animal food resources by people whose primary subsistence was derived from a different zone.