Bureau of Land Management Phoenix District Surveys

1991-1992

The Phoenix District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) contracted for Section 110 planning and inventory compliance work in several areas of western Arizona, southwest of Gila Bend.

In the western deserts, prehistoric trails are often preserved in the desert pavement. Pot-breaks and other types of artifacts occur along these linear features and help to establish their antiquity.

Small natural rock tanks such as this were critical sources of water for past inhabitants of the arid Papaguería of southwestern Arizona. Top: the dry tank. Bottom: after a winter rain.

Survey focused on assessment of variation in past land use within different environmental settings in this extremely arid portion of Arizona.

Due to the remote locations and the harsh environmental conditions of these study areas, direct public involvement was not feasible. Planning studies have a general public benefit by aiding informed management by landholding agencies. This furthers the goal of long-term preservation of cultural resources for future generations and for descendant communities.

[back to top]

Home | About Us | Compliance Services | Analysis Services
Publications | Selected Projects

© 2004 Desert Archaeology Inc.