POLLEN, PHYTOLITH, AND CHARCOAL ANALYSIS AT FOUR WEST STONEHAM SITES (5WL38, 5WL39, 5WL1856, AND 5WL1997) IN WELD COUNTY, COLORADO

The Hatch Site (5WL38), Site 5WL39, Rattlesnake Shelter (5WL1856), and
Three O'clock Shelter (5WL1997) all are located in the West Stoneham Pasture
research area of the Pawnee National Grassland in northeastern Colorado. Pollen and phytolith analyses were undertaken at these sites to identify prehistoric vegetation. A single charcoal sample from a trash pit area at Three O'clock Shelter also was sent for identification. Late Plains Woodland occupation zones and deposits were noted at the Hatch Site. A single hearth yielded a radiocarbon date of 880 + 50 BP (1070 + 50 AD). Pollen samples were examined from the hearth fill, as well as from two occupation zones. Rattlesnake Shelter exhibited evidence of prehistoric occupation from the Late Archaic in the lowest level, through the Middle Ceramic, to the Late Ceramic period in the uppermost level. Pollen and phytolith analyses were conducted from cultural deposits at this site, as well as from modern samples that act as controls.