POLLEN, STARCH, AND MACROFLORAL ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES FROM HEARTH FEATURES AT SITES 5MF6806, 5MF6871, AND 5MF6872, MOFFAT COUNTY, COLORADO

Samples from the fill of hearth features at sites 5MF6871, 5MF6872, and 5MF6806 were examined to recover pollen, starch, and macrofloral remains. Although most of the samples were submitted earlier in the year, an additional six samples from Features 12 through 17 at site 5MF6806 were submitted later for pollen and macrofloral analysis. These sites were encountered during well pad construction in Powder Wash, Colorado. Radiocarbon dates suggest Settled Period and Pioneer Period (both Early Archaic) occupations at 5MF6806, Settled Period and Aspen Tradition (Formative Era) occupations at 5MF6871, and Pioneer Period and Aspen Tradition occupations at 5MF6872. Pollen, starch, and macrofloral analyses were undertaken to provide information concerning plant food processing activities at these sites. All of the samples are discussed together, rather than in two separate reports.