Archaeological site protection and restoration
Protecting a critical piece of the Fremont Puzzle
The importance of this site lies in the fact that it is a fragile resource that is around 1,000 years old and represents a unique art style associated with the enigmatic Fremont culture. The Fremont are known for their cultivation of corn and living in semi-permanent villages. One of the missing chapters of the Fremont story is how they made use of upland resources. This site provides us an insight into Fremont hunting practices, and possibly spiritual rituals associated with the hunt. The pictograph shows what appears to be a Fremont Shaman figure holding a bow, while horned quadruped (likely a deer or elk) runs nearby. In addition to the art panel itself, the entire geological feature has archaeological value. There are likely intact buried archaeological deposits in the floor of this rock shelter; these also need to be protected. Native American groups may have current religious and cultural association with this site.
This site is seeing an increase in vandalism and site damage, directly related to the use of the site for illicit drug activity. Due to the fact that these individuals are already engaged in illegal activity, it is doubtful that simple site protection signage will dissuade these individuals from further damaging the site. We propose to install gates around the opening of the shelter that will limit access only to authorized groups and planned public tours. We also propose to attempt to remove the graffiti that has been left by the vandals, working with specially trained volunteers and specialists.