Archeological Survey of Select Power Line Segments, Big Bend Ranch State Park, Presidio County, Texas

During July 2001, personnel from the Center for Big Bend Studies of Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas, conducted an intensive archeological survey in Big Bend Ranch State Park, Presidio County, Texas. This project consisted of surveys along two lateral power line spurs within the park. It was conducted to ascertain the density and kinds of archeological sites present along the two corridors and to determine the significance, integrity, and condition of these sites. Fifteen archeological sites and seven isolated finds were identified along the two routes with features and artifacts recorded indicating a cultural presence dating from the Early Archaic period through the early- to mid-twentieth century. Many of the sites appear to have been damaged by erosion or by impacts associated with livestock. Two sites bear direct evidence of having been surface collected. Three of the fifteen sites have potentially significant archeological deposits that warrant protection, and perhaps in the future, further investigation. Materials recovered during this investigation are curated at the Museum of the Big Bend of Sul Ross State University.