Culturally Significant Natural Resources at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

Author(s): 
Sabata
, David - Northern Arizona University

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, located in southern Utah, celebrated 20 years of science and stewardship in 2016. Though cultural resource managers generally focus on archaeology, the cultural significance of natural resources is increasingly recognized.

            For my thesis, I researched the cultural significance of scarce water sources and plants traditionally sought for medicinal, edible, craft, and ceremonial purposes at the Monument. I inventoried culturally significant plants at 30 springs sites, conducted archaeological reconnaissance in vicinity of springs, reviewed databases for archaeological site occurrence around springs, and sought tribal perspectives on springs and plants significance.

            The data revealed significant correlation between culturally significant water sources and archaeology. Ethnographic work demonstrated the traditional and ongoing importance of natural resources and archaeology for native peoples at the Monument. Though springs have been impacted by development, relic species of culturally significant plants persist, and offer opportunities for research, restoration, and revitalization of cultural traditions.