“…According to Tuggle, Reid & Cole (1984;see also Welch, 1996), approximately 85% of the best arable land on the Grasshopper Plateau occurs within a 5-km radius of Grasshopper Pueblo. The combination of the channel of Salt River Draw and local springs provided a permanent source of fresh water, the surrounding pinyon-juniper woodlands and conspicuous bedrock outcrops provided easily accessible fuel and construction materials (Agenbroad, 1982;Holbrook, 1982;Reid & Shimada, 1982;Riggs, 1999Riggs, , 2001Scarborough & Shimada, 1974). Firstcomers to Grasshopper Pueblo not only designed and formulated the first rule-making groups, they also had access to the best farmland, and therefore staked an important claim to ensure the opportunity for stable habitation.…”