POLLEN, PHYTOLITH, AND MACROFLORAL ANALYSIS FOR SITES 5GA1599 AND 5GA1609, THE WOLFORD MOUNTAIN DAM AND RESERVOIR DATA RECOVERY PROJECT, MIDDLEPARK, COLORADO

Pollen, phytolith, and macrofloral samples were analyzed from sites 5GA1599 and
5GA1609. These sites are located near Muddy Creek in northwest Colorado and will be impacted
by construction of the Wolford Mountain Dam and Reservoir and associated facilities. The present
report (96-25) is the second of two technical reports produced by Paleo Research Labs on sites
associated with the Wolford Mountain Dam and Reservoir Project. A pollen column consisting of
eleven stratigraphic samples was recovered from site 5GA1599 and provides a basis for
paleoenvironmental interpretation for the Wolford Mountain Project Area. Macrofloral analysis of
the fill from four hearths at this site is used to provide information concerning plants that may have
been processed in these features. Pollen, phytolith, and macrofloral samples from site 5GA1609
are associated with features and artifacts from distinct cultural levels believed to represent Late
Prehistoric, Early Archaic, Middle Archaic, and Paleo Indian occupations. These paleobotanical
analyses are used to provide information concerning possible resources utilized by the various site
inhabitants.