Indian Well Petroglyphs 2017 - Passport in Time
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California - Lassen NF
Closed! Indian Well Petroglyphs
![RockwallLassen.jpg By User:Marcia Wright (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](images/RockwallLassen.jpg "RockwallLassen.jpg By User:Marcia Wright (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons")
A rock mesa in Lassen National Forest, California
CA-4356
September 18-22; 25-29, 2017
Must commit to 1 entire session; may participate in both
Join us this fall on the beautiful Lassen NF for a unique “hike into the past!” Our project will focus on locating and recording all of the petroglyphs within the Indian Well Petroglyph site. The Indian Well site encompasses not only an approximate 150, varied petroglyph types and construction styles, scattered about a boulder field of some 100 yards diameter, but also a habitation area, which sits upon a flat hilltop overlooking the field. The western boundary of the site is a rock escarpment that consists of a dilapidated rock wall alignment, as well as a few rock-ring features. Throughout the habitation area there is a dense lithic scatter, consisting of mostly obsidian and basalt. Within site area, prehistoric inhabitants created a well by removing rocks in order to reach the water level below.
There are only about four locations throughout the entire Eagle Lake Ranger District where petroglyphs occur. Unfortunately, glyphs in a few of these localities have been lost due to natural taphonomic processes. At Indian Well, PIT volunteers and Forest staff will photograph, draw, and map the locations of each petroglyph to ensure that our records will capture the essence of this site for future generations to enjoy.
The Eagle Lake area is full of recreational opportunities ranging from hiking trails, swimming and fishing in the lake, as well as boating and canoeing. Susanville is home to many different restaurants, two breweries, a casino, and various grocery stores. Access to hiking the Bizz Johnson Trail – an historic rail-road grade – is also available in Susanville. So, there are many things to see and do in your hours “off the clock:” come for the unique archaeological exploration; stay for the sites and fun! See you in September!
Number of openings: 16 (8 per session)
Special skills: Must be physically capable of hiking moderate distances each day, in a variety of weather conditions, and over often difficult terrain; previous archaeological survey, mapping, photography, lithic and/or geological identification, artistic/sketching, and/or interest in/knowledge of petroglyph/petroglyph history helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 18 years old
Facilities: Volunteers are encouraged to camp at no charge at the Christie Campground, along the shore of Eagle Lake, approximately 20 miles from the project area (this is where all volunteers will meet at 08:30 each day); individual trailer/tent areas, BBQ pits, bathrooms (showers available with purchased tokens); potable water; there may be RV hook-ups in some locales, and fees may apply; Gallatin Marina (~5 miles from camp) hosts a small store, which sells camping and fishing supplies as well as limited grocery items; shower tokens may be purchased here; Susanville is a full-service community, with hotels/motels, RV parks, restaurants, and a full range of other amenities; Spalding is a limited-services community; volunteers wishing to stay in Susanville should leave around 7:45am to arrive at camp by 08:30; volunteers responsible for own lodging/camping equipment, food, extra water, day packs, shower tokens, and daily transportation (if opting to stay off-site)
Nearest towns: Project based at USFS Christie Campground; Spalding, 12 miles; Susanville, 20 miles; Johnstonville, 24 miles
Applications due: August 21, 2017
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