PUBLIC INTERPRETATION AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
                        AT THE HUDSON-MENG BISON BONEBED

 The Nebraska National Forest is asking for volunteers to help provide
 educational tours for visitors at a large bison site on the Oglala National
 Grassland.  Public interpreters are needed during the summer excavation season
 at the Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed.  Some monetary compensation may be available.


 The Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed

 Located in the northwest corner of Nebraska, the Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed
 contains the skeletal remains of over 600 Bison antiquus.  Investigations
 conducted in the early 1970s exposed stone tools made by people 9,500 years
 ago.  The association of these tools with the skeletal assemblages were
 interpreted as being the result of butchering activities.  This led to the
 interpretation of Hudson-Meng as a kill site.

 Current research, which began in 1990, has developed a different interpretation
 of the site.  Taphonomic analysis (the study of the processes that effect
 organic remains after death) of the bonebed suggests that the bison died as the
 result of a yet unidentified catastrophic event.  This suggests that people may
 have butchered some of the bison but were not directly involved in their
 demise.

 Investigations pertaining to the peleoecology and cultural history of the site
 and region will continue during the summer.  Although the site is in a remote
 location, over 2,500 visitors will come to see the site and learn about the
 research taking place.  The site offers an opportunity to not only interpret
 the natural and human history of the region but also to explain the dynamic
 nature of archaeological investigation.


 Learning Opportunities:

 Volunteers will have an opportunity to learn about and interpret human
 paleoecology at the end of the Pleistocene.  In addition, the differing
 interpretations provide exposure to the dynamic nature of the discipline of
 archaeology.  Dr. Larry Todd (Colorado State University) and Dr. Dave Rapson
 (University of Wyoming) share the responsibilities of teaching and research at
 the Hudson-Meng site.  In addition, Dr. Luann Wandsnider (University of
 Nebraska-Lincoln) will be conducting studies of past human uses and occupation
 of the region.  With the assistance of the investigators, volunteers will learn
 public interpretation skills and have an opportunity to assist in the
 excavation.

 Approximately four evenings each week will be devoted to lectures on topics
 such as High Plains prehistory, grassland or bison ecology, geomorphology,
 map-reading, faunal analysis, sampling strategies, stone tool technology,
 archaeology and Federal land policies, regional history, and public
 archaeology.  There are also several historic and paleontological sites in the
 area that offer additional chances for learning and field trips will be taken
 to visit some of them.


 Living Arrangements:

 Food, water, primitive shower facilities, chemical toilets, and a campground
 are provided by the Forest Service.  Participants are required to bring their
 own camping gear and solar shower bags.  There is no electricity at the camp.


 Site Location:

 The Hudson-Meng site is located 20 miles north of Crawford, Nebraska.  Both the
 site and the field camp rest part way up the slope of the tree covered Pine
 Ridge Escarpment.  The Black Hills of South Dakota can be seen 40 miles north
 of camp and the prairie covered valley that lies in between contains one of the
 richest vertebrate fossil records on the globe.  Daytime temperatures can rise
 above 100 degrees but evenings are usually very pleasant.  Many volunteers who
 return for a second field season often attribute their return to the serene
 setting that surrounds the site and the camp.


 Field Schedule:

 Because of the remote location, the work schedule is based on a 10 day on 4 day
 off arrangement.  The 1996 schedule will be:

          Excavating                    Not Excavating (still open to public)
          June 11 - 20                  June 21 - 24
          June 25 - July 4              July 5 - 8
          July 9 - 18                   July 19 - 23
          July 24 - Aug. 1

 Interpreters may volunteer for a minimum of 4 days or for the entire summer.
 Volunteers who can stay and give tours during the "not excavating" time periods
 will be given a daily stipend.


 Additional Information:

 Those interested in volunteering for giving public tours of the site should
 contact:

                    Doug Stephens
                    Heritage Program Manager
                    Nebraska National Forest
                    125 N. Main St.
                    Chadron, NE  69337
                    (308) 432-0333
                    [log in to unmask]
                    D.Stephens:R02F07A



 The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service is a diverse
 organization committed to equal opportunity in employment and program delivery.
 USDA prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin,
 sex, religion, age, disability, political affiliation and familial status.
 Persons believing they have been discriminated against should contact the
 Secretary, US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, or call
 202-720-7327 (voice), or 202-720-1127 (TDD).