This document is the final technical report on the first phase
of a multiyear archeological program conducted in Canyonlands
National Park. Some of the purposes of this project are to
gather information for upgrading the park's interpretive
program, increase the scientific understanding of Canyonlands'
prehistory, and prepare a research design to guide future
investigation. Archeological inventory of 4500 acres in the
Needles District revealed a previously undocumented Archaic
occupation and showed that Formative peoples using the area were
primarily the Mesa Verde Anasazi, not the Fremont and Anasazi as
previously thought. The data also indicate that prehistoric
peoples used the survey area on an intermittent basis, primarily
to hunt, harvest wild plants, and procure local lithic
resources. There is little evidence of horticultural activities.
Finally, an uncorrected radiocarbon date of ~ 3340 year: 1390
B.C. was obtained from a site with Barrier Canyon Style rock
art; the association is suggestive but more