By Alan Sorensen
A potluck and buffalo burger feed are planned for this Thursday at the Bear Paw Battlefield of the Nez Perce National Historical Park.
Jude Sheppard of the Blaine County Museum said the potluck dinner will begin at 6 p.m. It will be followed by a presentation by Dr. Douglas D. Scott on the progress of an archeological survey conducted at the site this week.
She said that Scott's talk would be followed by an open discussion about the possibility of a visitor center construction project at the site.
The archeological survey work plan prepared by Scott explains that there has never been a formal archeological inventory at the battlefield. He acknowledges that the battlefield has been the focus of research and collecting efforts by several people over the years, but adds that only a few of the efforts were documented.
The purpose of Scott's work plan is to develop a mutually agreeable protocol that will guide the inventory efforts conducted in and around the park during the fiscal year 2000. Scott notes that the park's management plan places a high priority on inventorying the park for historical and prehistoric archeological materials.
Knowledge of the battle boundaries, Scott said in his plan, will allow for anti-looting protection measures.
Buffalo burgers and pops will be provided at the potluck dinner, Sheppard said, but visitors are encouraged to bring food items of their choice such as hot dishes, chips, salads, desserts, condiments, etc.
