An Archeological Survey along Big Blue Creek (Northwest and Southeast Burn Blocks), Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, Moore County, Texas

The Center for Big Bend Studies of Sul Ross State University conducted an intensive archeological survey and site re-evaluation in February 2003, of two areas along Big Blue Creek in Moore County at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. The project, funded by the National Park Service, was conducted prior to the initiation of a prescribed burn to satisfy federal requirements relative to Executive Order 11593 of 1971 and Sections 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. A total of 23 previously recorded sites and one new site were evaluated during the course of the project. Twenty-three of the sites contain prehistoric components, while the remaining site is the result of a historic occupation. Features documented consist of slab-lined house structures and storage cists, thermally altered stone concentrations (probable boiling stone piles), hearths, historic stone concentrations, a boulder mortar, and an oval ring of stones (probable wickiup or teepee ring foundation). Due to a relatively low fuel load consisting primarily of grasses, the upcoming burn should not adversely affect a majority of the sites. However, heavy fuel loads at three sites necessitate avoidance during the burn.