In order to protect archaeological sites along the proposed powerline, Tri-State hired Woods Canyon Archeological Consultants, Inc. to survey their proposed right-of-way and access roads. In the survey of 13 miles of right-of-way and 20 miles of access roads, Woods Canyon located 23 sites: Three historic sites and 20 prehistoric sites. The historic sites were transportation or water related features. The prehistoric sites were all lithic scatters clustered either in the Beaton Creek area or on the benches of the Uncompahgre River south of Colona. With exception of one possible site dating to the Ute occupation of the area, the remaining sites whose age could be determined, dated to the Late Archaic period. One of these sites was the subjected to limited testing: the results of this testing are available by clicking here.

Once the sites were identified, proposed pole locations and access roads were moved to avoid them. As a result the construction of the project will not damage any significant sites.

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