An Archeological Research Design for Yosemite National Park, California

The National Park Service has developed plans to alter Yosemite
National Park operations and facilities during the 1980's and '90s. Some
of the proposed changes would affect archeological and historic resources. As one element of planning, the present document advances a
comprehensive program for future archeological investigations in the
park. The aim of this study is to provide a research design to ensure
that future work, whether prompted by management and salvage needs or by "pure research" interests, will be professionaLly sound and advance
archeological knowledge. The research program includes a definition of goals and assumptions and an overview of Yosemite's cultural and natural history. A theoretical foundation is provided through exploring the nature of research strategies and designs in anthropology, with emphasis on Yosemite in a regional context. Central to the study is a discussion of archeological research domains in the central Sierra Nevada, followed by a status report of current archeological knowledge of the park. Methods of data recovery and analysis are recommended to mitigate impacts of planned developments, to preserve information that might be lost in the course of normal park operations, and to optimize the long term study and preservation of archeological values in Yosemite.