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Gordon Ponting, 1997
Gordon Ponting is a professional biologist residing in Susanville and received the award in 1998. He conducts biological investigations for Timber Harvesting Plans, and has taken an active role in the archaeological surveys of his THPs. He completed a CAL FIRE-CLFA Archaeological Training course in 1993 and 1998 to sharpen his outstanding skill in archaeological site identification. Gordon recently made one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the Northern Sierra Nevada region. He found a prehistoric campsite at an elevation above 9000 feet, covered with projectile points and hundreds of other stone tools and chipping waste fragments, in perfect, undisturbed condition. The location proved to be just outside his THP on the Tahoe National Forest. Gordon willingly led a USFS Archaeologist back to the site and assisted in its survey and recordation. The USFS was so impressed by the significance of this site, the circumstances of its discovery and the enthusiastic participation by Gordon Ponting that they notified CAL FIRE of this remarkable find and suggested the outstanding work by Gordon Ponting be recognized.
Gordon was also recently involved in another major discovery that of an ancient human skeleton eroding out of a stream bank in Lassen County. The ancient bones, found beneath 10 feet of alluvial fill, were recently discovered by the son-in-law of the landowner. There was much apprehension about the potential consequences of disclosure. Gordon immediately recognized the significance and antiquity of the burial and convinced the landowner of the need to notify the county coroner and the local Native Americans.He made arrangements for professional archaeologist Francis A. Riddell to visit the site, confirm that the bones were indeed human, and make an assessment concerning their antiquity. Riddell has reported that the bones are probably at least 4000 years old, and possibly twice that age. If so, this could prove to be the oldest human burial ever found in northeastern California and of tremendous scientific importance. The local Native Americans are involved in the investigation and will ultimately share in the decision regarding the proper disposition of the remains. This discovery would never have reported if not for Gordon Ponting who acted as intermediary between the landowner and the professional archaeologist.
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