BLM and partners host student archaeology excavation project in Nine Mile Canyon

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Green River District

Media Contact:

Heather O'Hanlon

PRICE, Utah–The Bureau of Land Management, Green River District Office and Arizona State University are conducting the second annual archaeological excavation at a historic site in Nine Mile Canyon with students from Utah. The public is invited to visit the excavation site while the work is being done.

“The BLM is proud to be a part of a project that introduces Utah students to the history of Nine Mile Canyon and natural resource management,” said Assistant Field Office Manager, Amber Koski. “It is important to share the rich cultural and natural history of this area with future generations.”

Excavation at the site will be conducted over five weekends starting Labor Day weekend. Each weekend, students will camp near the site, excavate a Fremont pit structure, tour nearby rock art sites, make clay pots, and listen to speakers from archaeology and historical organizations. The excavation will be a “hands-on” experience, working side by side with archaeologists, educators and volunteers. Experts will be on hand to tour the site and answer questions.

Partners include, Montgomery Archaeological Consultants, Colorado Plateau Archaeological Alliance, Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum, Utah Division of State History, Nine Mile Canyon Settlers Association, Nine Mile Canyon Coalition, Project Discovery Utah, Utah Rock Art Research Association, Project Archaeology, and the Utah Statewide Archaeological Society (Castle Valley Chapter).

For more information about the project go to https://ninemilevolunteer.weebly.com. For directions to visit the site during excavation please call Dave Christensen of the Price Field Office at 435-636-3600.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.