Archaeology and Cultural Resources
Cultural and historic resources refer to the tangible evidence of past human occupation and behavior on the forest. These may consist of archaeological sites, traditional cultural properties, historic buildings and structures, cultural landscapes, and districts composed of multiple historic features. Human use and occupation began in the area over 10,000 years ago.
Interpretive Areas
Learn and discover about the history and cultures of northern New Mexico and the values of traditional practices in the Santa Fe National Forest.
The Caja del Rio Wildlife and Cultural Interpretive Management Area (or “Caja”) has important value for its areas of cultural significance, wildlife habitat along the Rio Grande that provides for wildlife connectivity, and relatively remote recreation opportunities. We aim to preserve these characteristics by creating interpretive materials and limiting future development.
Four archeological sites - Nogales Cliff House, Poshuouinge, Rattlesnake Ridge, and Tsipinuouinge - make up the Cultural Interpretive Management Area. These sites have objectives for interpretive tool development and stabilization that will improve their ability to provide cultural ecosystem services (e.g., recreation, education, and spiritual connection to the past) for local communities and support the tourism industry as it relates to the forest.