Northern plains late precontact and historic period winter sand dune usage by bison and human populations

Abstract

In past examinations of bison and human seasonal migration on the Northern Plains, ecology has played a central role. The definition of ecological regions, however, has only recognized the presence of either parkland or grassland regions. While some works do recognize the small role of “anomalous” landscapes within the grassland such as sand dunes, no detailed examination of these areas has yet to be conducted. This study approaches the role that dune environments played on the Northern Plains to present a holistic interpretation of environmental, historical, and archaeological data sources, and questions their classification as being anomalous. This research concludes that the present and continued use of broad-based ecological classifications to answer questions on bison and human landscape usage do not adequately or accurately interpret the body of historical and archaeological data currently on hand.