Cultural Resources of the Lake Mead, Lake Mojave and Shivwits

Plateau Regions

Cultural Resources of the Southern Nevada

& Northern Arizona Regions

Steph VelasquezStephanie_Velasquez@partner.nps.gov

Types of Cultural Resources

Rock Art

Intaglios / “Geoglyphs”

Cultural Features

Artifact Scatters

Traditional Cultural Properties

Rock Art Occurs as panels and galleries on overhangs,

entrenched wash slopes and canyon walls…

Rock Art, continued Occurs as boulders and small outcrops within open

desert settings and along ephemeral washes

Rock Art : Concerns

Sooting Spalling Exfoliation Paint

Flaking Staining

Rock Art : Considerations

Temperatures Smoke Retardant, foams, water

Intaglios (Geoglyphs) Patterns worn into desert pavement through repeated

use, often associated with ceremonial practices

Intaglios, continued

Obliteration Decompaction

Concerns:

Considerations:

Ground disturbance Erosion / Loss of desert varnish

Cultural Features: Prehistoric Ruins

Pit Houses & Pueblos

Rock Shelters

Roasting Pits

Cultural Features: Historic Structures

Cultural Features : Concerns

Direct Impacts Indirect Impacts

Fuel Loading Fuel Breaks Air & Ground Shows

Cultural Resources : Considerations

Artifact Scatters

Lithic Tools & Groundstone

Historic Artifacts

Prehistoric Ceramics

Artifact Scatters : Considerations

Fire Intensity Residency Time Fuel Loading Thermal Shock Ground Disturbance

Traditional Cultural PropertyA property that is associated with cultural practices or beliefs of a living community that are rooted in that community’s history or are important in maintaining

the continuing cultural identity of the community (Nevada State Historic Preservation Office).

Spirit Mountain, Nevada

Traditional Cultural Property: Considerations

Seek Local Insight Regarding Presence of These Property Types

Initiate Consultation if Necessary

Review TCP’s qualifications

Chemical Warfare : Considerations

Retardants Foams Gels

O God! Can I not grasp Them with a tighter clasp?O God! Can I not saveOne from the pitiless wave?

- Edgar Allan Poe