POLLEN, PHYTOLlTH, AND MACROFLORAL ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES FROM THE LEWIS AND CLARK LOWER PORTAGE CAMP, SITE 24CH293, MONTANA

Four fire features, an ashy layer, and an area of possible cooking pot spill from various units
at the Lewis and Clark Lower Portage Camp, site 24CH293, near Great Falls, Montana, were
examined for pollen, starch granules, phytoliths, and macrofloral remains. These analyses will
provide a record of vegetation and possibly indicate food resources utilized by the expedition at this
camp. Additional fill from two of the features thought to be related to the Lewis and Clark Lower
Portage Camp was examined in early 2002 in an effort to gather more information concerning that
occupation. In addition, two fire features that appear to represent Late Prehistoric American Indian
occupations were examined to provide data for comparison with the features attributable to the
Lewis and Clark Lower Portage Camp. Charcoal and wood recovered from Unit 16A 1 were
identified to determine the best sample to submit for AMS radiocarbon analysis.