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Machine-read from the scan, so expect some errors. Lines that couldn’t be read are left out.
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CULTURAL RESOURCES SHORT REPORT According to an ongoing contract with the Department of Energy, the Social Sciences Center of the Desert Research Institute conducted an archaeological survey of a proposed camera pad site and road extension on the Nevada Test Site. The survey was conducted by Elizabeth Budy between September 18 and 19, 1979. The proposed road location and project coordi nates were provided by Bill Boss and Larry Skousen. The project area is located at the far northern edge of the Nevada Test Site, along the v/estern edge of Grass Spring Canyon. Foot coordi nates for the 25 foot square camera pad site are E.585,195/N.956,145. Proposed road access to the site involves the northward extension of road 9-03 from its present terminus about one mile north of the Test Facility Building for an additional 0.4 mile to the camera pad site (Map 1). The project is located between 6740 and 6900 feet in elevation on ridge tops to the west of Grass Spring Canyon at the northern rim of Pahute Mesa overlooking Gold Flat. Geologically, the area is characterized by rhyolite flows and intrusive masses as well as welded and nonwelded ashflow tuffs (Cornwall 1967:Map). Tuff outcrops in isolated columnar forma tions on the gently sloping ridge tops. A few large pinyon {Pinus monophylla) and juniper {Jimiperus osteosperma) grow at the edges of these
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outcrops; however, the most conspicuous vegetation is low sagebrush {Arte misia nova). Some Mormon tea {Ephedra sp.) and antelope bush {Purshia tridentata) grow in crevices in the tuff outcrops. A few yucca {Yucca baccata) were noted on the west facing dry slopes. An area of approximately 0.3 mile square (213 acres) was surveyed around the proposed camera pad site by walking systematic transects at ten meter intervals. The rough condition of the northern terminus of the 9-03 road indicated that about 0.75 mile will need blading; hence, this portion of the existing and projected road was surveyed. A 20 meter wide corridor along both sides of the proposed roadway was systematically transected. Rock outcrops which may have contained prehistoric shelters were also checked for archaeological sites. No archaeological sites were located in the project area; however, one isolated Rose Springs Corner-notched (chalcedony) projectile point was col lected. The projectile point was located just to the west of a small columnar tuff outcrop edged with a few large pinyon and juniper trees. The outcrop would make an excellent natural hunting blind. It may be that the association of the projectile point with this natural feature reflects pre historic hunting in the area. The projectile point has been catalogued according to its Universal Traverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates, E.550100/N.4136650, and will be curated by the Desert Research Institute, Reno, Nevada.
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Since no archaeological sites were located in the project area, no mitigation of cultural resources is necessary. If, however, any additional cultural resources are located during the course of project activities, Lonnie Pippin, archaeologist at the Social Sciences Center, Desert Research Institute, Reno, Nevada, should be immediately contacted to evaluate and mitigate any adverse impact on these cultural resources.
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Project Location Map from the Silent Canyon 15' Quad A=Rose Springs Projectile Point