BLM-New Mexico Chaco Frontier Communiies Project (Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit) CESU-(Challenge Cost Share) CCS

The Chaco Frontier Communities Project has a 12 year history of success, partnering with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Socorro Field Office to conduct research in Western Catron County. To date over 13,000 acres of cultural resource inventory has been conducted and excavation has been undertaken during multiple field seasons at a number of important sites. The focus has been on the greathouse communities of Cox Ranch, Cerro Pomo and Largo pueblos. This project provides opportunities for students to hone their field skills and research skills and has provided the research material for numerous thesis and dissertations. The project supports gathering scientific data that allows the scientific community and the public to understand human settlement and interaction in this area, which is a frontier between prehistoric culture groups.