The area to be impacted by the proposed waterline included a tract on the banks of the headwaters of the San Marcos River and tracts adjacent to the Aquatic Biology Building. The project area is partially within the known boundaries of site 41HY161. The archaeological investigations included shovel testing, backhoe trenching, excavation of three 1 x 1-m units, and monitoring. Upon completion, based on the results of this archaeological work, it was determined that no intact cultural resources would be impacted by the planned trench construction between the west bank of the San Marcos River and the southeast corner of the Aquatic Biology Building. However, intact cultural deposits were identified west of the Aquatic Biology Building dating to the late Paleoindian and Archaic periods. Therefore, clearance for the pipeline route was recommended in areas that did not contain cultural resources and in areas disturbed by recent or historic construction. To avoid disturbance to intact cultural materials, Southwest Texas State University was required to modify the depth of the pipeline trench west of the Aquatic Biology Building.

The following information is provided in accordance with the General Rules of Practice and Procedure, Chapter 41.11 (Investigative Reports), Texas Antiquities Committee: 1. Type of investigation: Survey and testing 2. Project name: Spring Lake Lot

The following information is provided in accordance with the General Rules of Practice and Procedure, Chapter 41.11 (Investigative Reports), Texas Antiquities Committee: 1. Type of investigation: Salvage excavation of human remains 2. Project name: Santa Rosa Burials

The following information is provided in accordance with the General Rules of Practice and Procedure, Chapter 41.11 (Investigative Reports), Texas Antiquities Committee: 1. Type of investigation: Intensive Survey and Monitoring 2. Project name: Laredo Utility Relocation (Chacon Creek Pipeline Crossing)

Palo Duro Canyon has been an important locale for human occupation with its distinct topography, fauna, and flora from the Paleoindian inhabitants to those of the Historic Period. There is archeological evidence of human habitation at Palo Duro Canyon throughout the past 12 millennia. Native Americans who lived in and around the canyon had access to resources not easily found on the adjoining upland plains. The canyon provided an abundance of sheltered camping and year-round supply to water, wood, stone tool materials, game, and wild plant resources. The bordering uplands, covered with grass and dotted with playa lakes, afforded campsites with good visibility and access to game such as bison, antelope, and waterfowl. This article reviews the history of archaeological work conducted at Palo Duro Canyon State Park since the park opened in 1934. It examines how evolving site recording standards, archaeological methods, and construction projects have influenced the types of archaeological investigations that have been conducted within the park over time. These investigations have occurred within the context of larger changes to the discipline and, more recently, expansions to the original park boundaries. Together, they help elucidate on the rich history of human occupation in the region.