POLLEN ANALYSIS AT THE DJ RANCH AND BOWLING DUNE SITES, PORT ROCK BASIN, OREGON

The Bowling Dune and DJ Ranch sites are both located near ancient lakes and
channel systems associated with the Silver Lake overflow system. During early
and mid-Holocene water filled these overflow systems and ran out of Silver Lake
valley sub-basin into the Fort Rock Valley sub-basin. Pollen analysis was
undertaken at the Bowling Dune and DJ Ranch sites to identify whether or not
wetlands were present near both sites at the time of occupation. In addition,
dark soil lenses without associated cultural debris were noted at both sites.
Pollen analysis was undertaken on samples from these lenses to determine whether
they formed as a result of dense plant growth on moist soils or exhibit charcoal
from range fires.