Appraisal of the Archeological and Paleontological Resources of the Narrows Reservoir, Morgan County, Colorado

This report is an evaluation of the character and the quantity of archeological and paleontological materials which will be destroyed by creation of the Narrows Reservoir. It has been prepared for, and at the request of, the River Basin Recreation Survey, Region Two Office, National Park Service, in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding between the Smithsonian Institution and the National Park Service, approved October 9, 1945. It is based upon a reconnaissance conducted by Robert L. Shalkop, archeologist, Missouri River Basin Survey, during the period November 7 to November 21, 1950. Aboriginal sites were located by exploration and by local inquiry. Investigation included surface examination of sites, test pitting in promising localities, and inspection of previously collected specimens. Field notes were recorded on standard forms and a photographic record was made of sites and artifacts. The sparse vegetational cover made reconnaissance easy and it is felt that no consequential remains were overlooked,

The small size and superficial nature of the archeological sites in the reservoir area indicate transient use of this particular region by small bands of hunters. Usually such peoples leave remains of archeological importance only when they repeatedly revisit the same spot. No evidence of such reoccupations was found in the Narrows Reservoir area,

The small size and shallow nature of the aboriginal remains in the Narrows Reservoir area suggest that the creation of the pool will cause no serious loss to archeology* There is a possibility that deeply buried sites (which are important because of the possibility of geological dating) will be uncovered in the course of construction work. Unless additional materials are found which will necessitate a revision of the recommendations, there appears to be no need for further archeological work, At least a brief paleontological reconnaissance should be undertaken.