Preserving Utah’s ancient civilizations have become an increasing role among different communities that include researchers, government departments, and ranchers. Two approaches for disclosing additional archeological finds at Range Creek Ranch were devised, then compared by considering the implementation and implication. In the first approach, maintaining current plans. Approach A is to continue the preservation of Range Creek Ranch. It has ensured protection over Range Creek Ranch. While Approach B is to is to continue the conservation of Range Creek Ranch and to explore for additional archeological and anthropological sites.

Both of these Approaches ensure that the preservation of Ranch Creek is maintained; thus, Approach B is recommended as it aids in structuring and securing anthropology and archeology within the state of Utah.

Brief History

Range Creek was discovered by the public nearly fourteen years ago. This land was kept secret to the public until 2001 when the Trust for Public Lands purchased the land from the ranch’s owner, Waldo Wilcox (Johnson). Afterward, it was opened to researchers and in the following years, the public.

The find of Range Creek Ranch has astonished many archaeologists and scholars alike. All of the sites are well preserved, and some sites are untouched from 1 to 3 millenniums. These sites have been documented since 2004, where 200 sites were documented (Johnson). In 2006 there were 367 sites documented (Draper). There are currently 420 documented sites known as of 2010 (Maffly). These sites findings have increased by 47% within six years (See Table. 1).

This makes this archeological site a rare find due to the vandalizing or looting among many Native American sites (Kloor). Not many sites are well preserved, as Ranch Creek, yet some archaeologists question the integrity of documenting these sites.

Some laws are well known, which make it difficult for archeologists document all sites. According to Lawrence Biemiller article, Mr. Met­calfe perspective on surveying determines how these sites are destroyed (Biemiller). Whenever these sites are surveyed, they become destroyed. There are also laws that prohibit the disturbance of corpses, that of Native Americans burials. These are some of the examples that challenge archeologists.

The mystery of Range Creek opens the doors to new rumors. In an interview with Kirk Johnson, from the New York times in 2004, Waldo Wilcox explained that there was another place just like Range Creek Ranch and that if Ranch Creek Ranch was destroyed, he would take this secret to the grave (Johnson). This current new site is unknown.

Approach A

In the first approach — the methods of implantations, the main community that is responsible for preservation will be briefly overviewed, and the communities that are affected around will also be overviewed. The implications will unfold and analyzed, providing different aspects of both positive and adverse.

Implementation

The preservation and documentation of the artifacts found in Range Creek Ranch is a role between the various communities. These communities include the University of Utah’s Natural Museum, the Lands Trust Administration and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resource. After the purchase in 2001, the Land Trust rearranged coordination with the University of Utah. In 2009, a three-way land transfer took place, where the Institutional Trust Lands Administration leased the Range Creek Ranch to the University of Utah. http://archive.unews.utah.edu/news_releases/utah-museum-of-natural-history-assumes-management-responsibilities-of-range-creek-canyon/

Implications

The University of Utah will conduct a long-term comprehensive archeological research plan. This will increase the scientific research among the University of Utah Archaeological Field School, Graduate School in Anthropology, University of Utah Field Studies for Geographers, University of Utah Department of Geology & Geophysics, Collaborative Projects and Independent Research and Environmental Monitoring (Range Creek Research Project).

In another area, it may have the potential to create unwanted victors. Range Creek Ranch has been protected from the outside world due to its location, making it isolated. Additionally, with the help from Mr. Wilcox during his occupancy of the ranch, he was known to protect this land from trespassers (Kloor). It is also known that in different Native American sites, there have been known vandalizing or looting (Kloor). With Utah Division of Wildlife Resources increase of permits for bighorn sheep near the archeological sites, it may draw unwanted trespassers who have the potential to destroy these reservations.

Approach B

In the second method — a brief analysis of exploration of different archeological sites that may aid in discovering Wilcox’s rumor.

Implementation

Approach B, is to create interest among different community groups of understanding the prehistoric past by the education system, to create exploration methods that will allow both the general public to find archeological sites and to preserve Range Creek Ranch from unwanted attractions.

Implication

Approach B affects different communities that include the education system in Utah, The University of Utah and Waldo Wilcox.

First, the school system has an opportunity of educating children about the origins of the state of Utah. This will create respect and interest for ancient artifacts that will change the moral foundation of Utah. It will also affect the scientific community’s growth within coming decades.

Secondly, this approach will increase interest in the general public and researchers of all communities that aid in the prevention of destroyed or looted artifacts. This approach forms morals and brings a stronger community together.

Thirdly, the University of Utah’s management practices will determine Waldo Wilcox’s stance on his rumored find. With the help of the public and the University of Utah, the possibilities of new finds being uncovered take a new position. This increases the opportunity of finding unknown ancient civilizations located within the state of Utah.

Conclusion

The determination of which approach would be most appropriate is approach A and B. These approaches enlighten certain communities while establishing communities together in continuing the preservation of Ranch Creek Ranch and, perhaps obtaining additional archaeological sites for future generations.

The consideration of the steps in implementing both Approach A and B of protecting Range Creek Ranch will interest different communities. The Trust Lands and University of Utah’s Museum of Natural History have managed to maintain an excellent reputation in preserving this ranch. This analysis forms different aspects of Utah’s Native American archeological sites.

Works Cited

Biemiller, Lawrence. In A Remote Utah Canyon, Archaeologists Plumb a Mystery. 5 Sept 2010. 24 Sept 2016.

Draper, Electa. Wilcox a Thorn in the Side. 8 May 2016. 2016 Sept 2016.

Johnson, Kirk. Long Secret, Ancient Ruins Are Revealed in Utah. 1 July 2004. The New York Times. 24 Sept 2016.

Kloor, Keith. Secrets Of The Range Creek Ranch. Vers. 36. March 2006. 2016 26 Sept.

Maffly, Brian. The Mysteries of Range Creek. 29 July 2010. The Salt Lake Tribune. 26 Sept 2016.

Range Creek Research Project. n.d. 26 Sept 2016. <https://nhmu.utah.edu/range-creek/research>.