Parcels within 10-Mile Buffer Zone around Chaco to Go up for Leasing

Parcels within 10-Mile Buffer Zone around Chaco to Go up for Leasing
A high point on the Pueblo Alto Trail at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, a climb of more than 300 feet, offers a view of landscape scattered with purple-brown brush and carved with ancestral Puebloan ruins. It is here where ancient tribal roads converge and where hikers travel for an unobstructed view of the night sky. It is also from this vantage point, conservationists say, that oil and gas operations might be visible if the federal government proceeds with its plans to lease land in late March for extraction within a 10-mile radius of the national park. Visitors at the northwestern New Mexico site, a canyon that holds the remnants of monumental pre-Columbian structures sacred to Southwestern tribes, “would hear it, they would smell it,” said Paul Reed, a preservation archaeologist with Archaeology Southwest, a Tucson, Ariz.-based nonprofit. “That would be the worst kind of degradation.” http://bit.ly/2S1Rrsh – Santa Fe New Mexican

Commentary: Greater Chaco and the Department of the Interior
Obviously, nobody is going to put an oil derrick on top of the central structures. But these lands are sacred to the Native peoples whose families have been here for hundreds if not thousands of years. Drilling nearby could disturb the integrity of the sites, which is why there has for some time been a “buffer zone” of 10 miles around the National Historic Park where oil and gas exploration was forbidden. And Zinke was mostly quite forward about all this. He was jetting around at taxpayer expense, or sometimes on private jets owned by oil and gas executives, while his department saw fit to (accidentally) leak internal emails showing they were tailoring their assessments of protected areas “to emphasize the value of logging, ranching and energy development that would be unlocked if they were not designated national monuments.” http://bit.ly/2UIiZA4 – Esquire

Call to Action: Restoring the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund
A bipartisan group of Arizona state senators has introduced Senate Bill 1241 (“SB1241”) to restore the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund (“Fund”). Senators Brophy McGee, Boyer, Carter, Kerr, Navarrete, Otondo and Pratt have introduced SB 1241 for restoring the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund. The bill has been assigned to the Natural Resources and Energy Committee and is on the agenda to be heard this Wednesday, February 6 at 2:00 p.m. in SR109. For more information on the bill, the fund, and which state senators to call, visit http://azheritage.org/ and http://bit.ly/2ULGZlO.

Legislators Move on Bears Ears
Representative Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona) and Representative Deb Haaland (D-New Mexico) reintroduced legislation on Wednesday to expand Bears Ears National Monument, which a 2017 presidential proclamation by Donald Trump reduced by roughly 85 percent. The bill would not only restore the areas excised from the monument by Trump, but also add additional land included in the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition’s original proposal, bringing the monument from its current size of 200,000 acres to 1.9 million. That acreage would include more than 100,000 Native American archaeological sites of cultural and scientific value. “It is encouraging to see Congress working towards safeguarding our most cherished landscapes instead of dismantling them,” the Hopi tribe said in a statement. http://bit.ly/2UKQ9is – Pacific Standard

Democrats have introduced legislation to expand the former Bears Ears National Monument beyond the boundaries that President Barack Obama established — and President Donald Trump slashed — in a move that could see traction in the Democratic-led House but may be dead on arrival in the GOP-controlled Senate. http://bit.ly/2UIvbAL – Salt Lake Tribune

Call to Applicants: 2019 Preservation Archaeology Field School
Join us for the Preservation Archaeology Field School in southwestern New Mexico, May 27 through July 5, 2019. Offered by Archaeology Southwest and the University of Arizona, this unique six-week program provides students with an opportunity to learn excavation, survey, experimental archaeology, and laboratory methods in a beautiful, remote, and archaeologically exciting part of the U.S. Southwest. Our innovative curriculum highlights the goals, ethics, and practice of Preservation Archaeology, which integrates research, education, and preservation within a community-based framework. We share what we learn throughout the project with the public via local events, blog posts, and other venues. Together, students and staff explore ethically responsible and scientifically rigorous field and research methods while investigating compelling questions about our shared past. http://bit.ly/2EBhvzm – Archaeology Southwest

Mesa Verde Reopens
Mesa Verde National Park reopened Monday morning following an extended federal government shutdown and an effort to repair road damage from rockfalls. The Visitor and Research Center, Chapin Mesa Museum and public restrooms are also open, according to a park official. The Mesa Top Loop Road with views of the ruins is still closed. http://bit.ly/2UGjcDD – The Journal

Commentary: Preserving Utah Monuments
Archaeologist and Archaeology Southwest CEO William Doelle once visited Grand Gulch, an isolated Anasazi [Ancestral Pueblo] historical site. As he examined petroglyphs along the rock walls, he noticed a small, red drawing of a person—with a bullet mark right over its heart. “It’s like, ‘Well, good shot,’ but the level of destruction is very disappointing to see when you’re back in these places where the preservation is otherwise extremely good,” Doelle said. “What motivates someone who sees an ancient painting like this and feels a need to test their marksmanship? I can’t explain it.” http://bit.ly/2UMapjM – The Daily Universe (BYU)

Utah archaeological sites have a “long history” of looting and vandalism, according to the Bureau of Land Management’s 2017 accomplishment report. BYU experts say education and appropriate participation in archaeological experiences can go a long way in curbing damage to ancestral sites. BYU assistant history professor Brenden Rensink said educating the public on the importance of archaeological sites is a good starting point in preventing theft and other damages. http://bit.ly/2UKlqBQ – The Daily Universe (BYU)

Call for Nominations: Preservation in Tucson–Pima County
Each year the Tucson–Pima County Historical Commission (T-PCHC) makes awards to those people and organizations that help to foster awareness and preservation of historic sites, structures, districts, and character in Tucson and Pima County. We invite you to nominate worthwhile people and projects for awards in three categories: the Alene Dunlap Smith and Paul Smith Award to those who have demonstrated a high level of dedication and long-term commitment toward historic preservation; the Historic Preservation Award to those whose contributions to preservation have had a significant impact at the community level; the Heritage Award to those who have volunteered time and effort on local history or preservation projects, undertaken rehabilitation of their own historic property, or successfully completed a National Register nomination of their own building. The Call for Nominations is posted to: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/historic-preservation

Publication Announcement: Finding a Place for Networks in Archaeology
Matthew A. Peeples, “Finding a Place for Networks in Archaeology,” Journal of Archaeological Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10814-019-09127-8 (opens as an ePDF at Springer)

Exhibition: Enduring Traditions, Farmington NM
Santa Fe resident Jane Whitmore has devoted her life to a series of disparate and, apparently, unconnected pursuits — she’s been an archaeologist, a clinical psychologist and, now, a full-time artist. But as she focuses on the latter, she’s found a way to incorporate elements of her previous work into her current interest. The results of that effort will be showcased in her Enduring Traditions exhibition at the Henderson Fine Arts Center Art Gallery on the San Juan College campus, 4601 College Blvd. in Farmington. “I’m trying to take some of my values as a psychologist and archaeologist and try to find another way of advocating for them,” she said, describing the show.

Exhibition: American Art Form: A Century of Zuni and Navajo Jewelry, Dragoon AZ
The Amerind Museum in Dragoon, Arizona, is now the proud home of one of the largest and best documented Zuni and Navajo jewelry collections in the world. On February 16, Amerind will feature this new collection in the exhibit, “American Art Form: A Century of Zuni and Navajo Jewelry.” Zuni jewelry maker Carlton Jamon will give a gallery talk at Amerind on February 16 at 1:00 pm. The exhibit opening follows at 2:00 pm. Call 520-586-3666 or email rsvp@amerind.org to RSVP to the event. http://www.amerind.org

Video: The Wickiup Investigation
Rocky Mountain PBS aired the premier showing of “The Wickiup Investigation” episode of Colorado Experience on January 31, 2019. The episode explores the findings of the ongoing Wickiup Project by Dominquez Archaeological Association (DARG) of Grand Junction, Colorado, over the past 16 years. The viewpoints of Principal Investigator Curtis Martin and his DARG colleagues Carl Conner and Richard Ott are intertwined with those of Ute spokespersons Alden Naranjo and Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk. It can be viewed at https://youtu.be/hrO0jfEo_MA.

Internship Opportunity, Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center is currently accepting applications (application deadline is March 1, 2019) for archaeology, education and American Indian Initiatives internships. We are seeking advanced undergraduate or graduate students in archaeology, anthropology, Native American studies, or other related fields to assist with archaeological field or lab work or educational programing related to archaeology of the Southwest. More information and application materials may be found at http://www.crowcanyon.org/index.php/internship.

Field School Opportunity, Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center is currently accepting applications (rolling application deadline, but priority application deadline is March 1, 2019) for our 5-week RPA-5 certified College Field School. Through immersion in a five-week experiential learning program, students will learn the fundamental techniques of archaeological site identification and recording, excavation, and basic artifact processing and analyses. Additionally, students will learn instrument surveying and remote sensing surveying techniques. Evening programs, field trips, service learning projects, and attending public events expand on these essential skills and present real-world opportunities to learn about and practice archaeology. Students will work in groups throughout the program, rotating through the training modules that offer different but complementary skill sets. Students will interact with archaeological professionals while conducting fieldwork at the Haynie site, an ancestral Pueblo village with two Pueblo II (A.D. 950–1150) great houses. More information may be found at http://www.crowcanyon.org/index.php/programs-for-college-students.

Celebrate Cedar Mesa March 1–3, 2019
Celebrate Cedar Mesa is our annual gathering for people who care about the greater Cedar Mesa area, Bears Ears, and all of the internationally-significant public lands in San Juan County. Join us for a three-day weekend of fun, including Friday service projects, Saturday presentations, live music, and Sunday morning hikes. http://bit.ly/2UGgq1e – Friends of Cedar Mesa

Workshops in Flintknapping, San Diego CA
The San Diego Archaeological Center announces Introduction to Flintknapping with James Bowden on Saturday, March 30, 2019, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The event will be held at the San Diego Archaeological Center located at 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027. Admission is $30, $25 for members and youth 12+ with paying adult. Advanced registration is required and space is extremely limited. Please register at https://sandiegoarchaeology.org/introduction-to-flintknapping/

The San Diego Archaeological Center announces Advanced Flintknapping Techniques with James Bowden on Saturday, March 30, 2019, from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The event will be held at the San Diego Archaeological Center located at 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027. Admission is $70, $60 for members and students. Advanced registration is required and space is extremely limited. Please register at https://sandiegoarchaeology.org/advanced-flintknapping/

Lecture Opportunity, Santa Fe NM
Southwest Seminars Presents Dr. Joseph Traugott, Former Curator of 20th Century Art (ret.) New Mexico Museum of Art; Co-Author (w/S.Ortman), Painted Reflections: Isomeric Design in Ancestral Pueblo Pottery; Author, New Mexico Art Through Time: Prehistory to the Present; Art of New Mexico; and Contributor, Buried Cars: Excavations from Stonehenge to the Grand Canyon, who will give a lecture Chaco Cars: the Art of Patrick Nagatani on February 11 at 6:00 p.m. at Hotel Santa Fe as part of the annual Ancient Sites Ancient Stories Lecture Series. Admission is by subscription or $15 at the door. No reservations are necessary. Refreshments are served. Seating is limited. Contact Connie Eichstaedt tel: 505 466-2775; email: southwestseminar@aol.com; website: southwestseminars.org

Lecture Opportunity, Taos NM
The Taos Archaeological Society presents Dr. Lia Tsesmeli, anthropological archaeologist who specializes in the American Southwest and Maya lowlands. She will share 3D representations of landscapes ,excavation units, pyramids, and looter trenches. Her title is Enriching explanations: From Excavation to 3D modeling Endeavors. This event will be Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the Kit Carson Electric Board Room, 118 Cruz Alta Rd, Taos, NM. http://www.taosarch.org

Lecture Opportunity, Phoenix AZ
The Phoenix Chapter of the Arizona Archaeological Society invites you to join us in the Pueblo Grande Museum Community Room on Tuesday, February 12, at 7:00 p.m. to hear Matt Peeples, Ph.D., ASU, talk about Archaeological Fakes and Frauds in Arizona and Beyond. Matt will explore some of the more fantastic claims, focusing on a few here in our own backyard in Arizona. His goal is not to explore how and why pseudo-scientific claims take hold in the popular imagination and what we can do about it. Join us at 7:00 p.m. for snacks & refreshments. https://azarchsoc.wildapricot.org/Phoenix

Lecture Opportunity, San Diego CA
The San Diego Archaeological Center announces Archaeological Investigations and Reconnaissance of the Coronados Islands, presented by Joseph McCain, on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at 1:00 PM. The event will be held at the San Diego Archaeological Center located at 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027. Admission is free and open to the public. https://sandiegoarchaeology.org/archaeology-on-the-coronados-islands/

Please submit news, book announcements, and events at this link for consideration: https://www.archaeologysouthwest.org/submit-to-sat/

Questions? sat-editor@archaeologysouthwest.org