CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FOR THE PERMIAN BASIN PROGRAMMATIC AGREEMENT

This project funds research required to maintain compliance with the Permian Basin Programmatic Agreement. Building on an archaeological survey of seven study units in the eastern foothills of the Guadalupe and Sacramento Mountains, the project will obtain radiocarbon dates, charred plant remains, and evidence of ring‑midden use from a select group of minimally disturbed sites on BLM‑managed lands. Sites were chosen based on geographic distribution, ring‑midden characteristics, associated features, and the presence of non‑local materials. Excavations within and around the middens will document how they were created and used, establish dates of occupation, identify plant materials used for fuel, food, and fiber, and characterize other fire‑cracked features.