POLLEN AND MACROFLORAL ANALYSIS AT SITES DOT-2, DOT-3, DOT-7, DOT-8, DOT-9, DOT-15, AND DOT-16, WIND RIVER CULTURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION PROGRAM, CENTRAL WYOMING

As part of a mitigation plan with the Department of Transportation, pollen and
macrofloral studies from several sites within the project area were completed. The project area
is located in the central portion of the Wind River Basin and is focused around a proposed right-of-
way that traverses predominantly flood plain and terrace features associated with the Popo
Agie and Little Wind Rivers. Sites DOT-2, DOT-3, DOT-7, DOT-8, DOT-9, and DOT-15 contain
features that have been dated between approximately 4000-1000 BP. These sites document
prehistoric multicomponent occupations of this area. Site DOT-16 yielded modern/historic
radiocarbon dates. Pollen and macrofloral samples were recovered primarily from variously
configured hearths and pits, though stratigraphic samples for pollen analysis also were
excavated from Site DOT-15. The pollen column samples provide a framework for
environmental and climatic interpretation at the site. Pollen and macrofloral analyses
associated with cultural features were used to obtain information concerning plant resources
that were available to and/or utilized by the various occupants of the area.