About us.
High Country Archaeology was established in 1995 in Wyoming by Pat Eggleston. To date, we have conducted 850+ Class III and II cultural resource inventories in Wyoming and Montana in addition to reconnaissance surveys, site condition assessments, and construction monitoring. Over 900 archaeological and historical sites have been recorded and evaluated. Class III cultural inventories have ranged from under an acre to over 7,000 acres in size. A commercial liability insurance policy is maintained as often required by industry.
High Country Archaeology maintains Bureau of Land Management (Wyoming and Montana), Bureau of Reclamation, and US Forest Service cultural resource use permits. Project specific, State of Wyoming permits are also obtained as needed. Compared with much larger companies, our lower overhead allows us to offer reasonable rates and highly competitive quotes. Fieldwork is directly supervised by a highly experienced Principal Investigator who also prepares all site form and report documentation.
Woman-owned, the sole proprietorship is operated by Patricia Carender Eggleston who serves as Principal Investigator/Crew Chief as well as GIS specialist. She has over 35 years of professional experience in addition to M.A. (GPA 3.8) and B.A. (granted Cum Laude) degrees. She has also received OSHA training including such topics as H2S Safety, Confined Space, Hazard Communication, Fall Protection, Electrical Safety, etc.
An amateur photographer, Pat Eggleston has taken over 40 hours of online courses including Fundamentals of Photography, Landscape and Nature, etc. Photography equipment includes DSLR and micro four-thirds cameras, tripods, filters, lens hoods, etc. as well as software programs.
850+
Projects Completed
29+
Years of Experience at Principal Investigator Level
29+ years operating High Country Archaeology. Pat Eggleston has over 35 years of profession experience in Wyoming, South Dakota, and Montana.
Prior Studies
Projects conducted for private companies and non-profit organizations as well as state and federal agencies. Successful completion of 40 contracts for federal and state agencies including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Visual contrast rating assessments and the preparation of visual simulations (using Adobe Photoshop) to illustrate potential project impact and benefits of mitigative strategies.
Photogrammetric techniques for the recordation of rock art, etc. using DSLR cameras.
Consultation with the Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, SHPO, Bureau of Reclamation, and other agencies to insure that scope of work is sufficient for compliance needs.
Drawing of scaled plan views for features, including 45 stone circles on tipi ring sites .
Historical background research and the review of past studies and anticipated site types.
Investigation of General Land Office Survey Plats, land patents and leases (deeds, homestead entries, mining claims, etc.), courthouse records, and other sources. Examination of Google Earth satellite imagery to document recent setting intrusions and developments. Interviews with informants concerning site history and prior land owners.
