An archaeological site being excavated in Salina Canyon "should be premier for Utah. It's a phenomenal site," according to the scientist heading the dig.
Rick Hauck of Bountiful has been heading a team of 15 archaeologists in screening out Indian artifacts since June. Scientists say it may be "the most far-reaching cultural find in the Intermountain West."Finds from the site will be put in display at the College of Eastern Utah in Price. Volunteers will be needed as guides for archaeological excavation, in building preservation and preparing archaeological facts for the display, said archaeologist Stan McDonald of the Manti-LaSal National Forest.
Some 15 archaeologists have been working at the site east of Salina. Coal mining will eventually be developed 1,000 feet below the surface of the find. That's why the Southern Utah Fuel Co. is sponsoring the dig.
The mining company is paying for the expense of the excavation, estimated to cost about $100,000. Laboratory analysis will require a similar amount.
An agreement was reached by the Forest Service, the mining company and the Archaeology Evaluation Research Corp., owned by Hauck, to excavate and remove the artifacts for preservation.
McDonald said much research on cultural resources would not have financing without the cooperation and funding of natural resource companies. Wes Sorenson, technical services manager for the mining company, said the project is part of "corporate citizenship" and mine officials don't mind spending the money when something of significance is found.
Ancient Indian artifacts were discovered beneath a rock overhang, and scientists felt the rock could collapse because it lies on a fault line.
Scientists believe the roof of the overhang started to decay 6,000 years ago and rock fell on the entrance of the cavern. Tons of material was removed to allow excavation.
Earth and rock are screened to reveal artifacts, which are then dated. Each square meter of the cave is being excavated and mapped. A laboratory is involved in soil and carbon sampling.
Thousands of artifacts were discovered, including hunting points, pottery, tools, animal bones and grain grinding stones. They will be preserved at the archaeological museum at CEU.
Researchers said the most remarkable fact about the site is its use by different peoples, from the paleo-Indians some 11,000 years ago to those through modern history. It has been used as a hunting shelter, for grain grinding and meat processing.
Hauck said the site is one of the best in the West because it doesn't have gaps in comparison to other areas that have been uninhabited at different periods. "This should play an important part in Utah's history," he said.
The College of Eastern Utah's museum will get the artifacts after the data are compiled and reports are completed.
That's where volunteers come into the picture.
McDonald said the Forest Service's Passport in Time program invites the public to participate as archaeologist and historian guides. Projects vary in length from a weekend to one month.
A free newsletter is published twice each year, in March and September. It announces current projects and contains an application form for volunteers. The publication can be received by calling 1-800-281-9176 or writing to Passport in Time Clearinghouse, P.0. Box 31315, Tucson, AZ 84575-1315.