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Horsemen plan monthly meeting, talk on arborglyphs

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Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017 11:36 PM
This Paco Chacon carving is on a segmented part of an aspen tree at the White River Museum of the Rio Blanco County Historical Society in Meeker, Colorado.

The JournalThe Four Corners Back Country Horsemen will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.

Nonmembers are always welcome to attend.

Ruth Lambert will discuss the San Juan Mountains Association’s recent study of the historic Hispano tree carvings, or arborglyphs, found along the Pine-Piedra Stock Driveway in the San Juan National Forest.

In the early 1900s, the driveway was used for seasonal migrations of sheep between summer and winter pastures. As herders camped along the route they carved names, dates, and images to mark their passing.

The study included archaeological documentation of camps, historical research, and conversations with descendants of herding families. Together, the history and traditions behind these carvings provides a glimpse into the lifeways of early Hispano settlers.

The Four Corners Back Country Horsemen works to perpetuate commonsense enjoyment of public lands by horsemen and pack stock users. To learn more, go to: www.4cbch.org or contact Cathy Roberts, chapter president, at 970-749-0316 or cathyroberts08@gmail.com.

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