[doodlebugging]

I agree with your first paragraph and with the fact that there is a need for new lines of evidence establishing who these people were and where they ended up.

>We'd also expect things like charcoal... ...have not detected human presence), floral changes, etc.

In addition to this type of evidence perhaps they should focus on locating DNA evidence from coprolites or similar traces of the humans who left those tracks. One track-way has been described as a young female carrying a baby and occasionally setting the baby on the ground. Perhaps there is a sample of human DNA from the child somewhere along that track set.

The geological situation in New Mexico before their arrival created natural shelters for these people during the vulcanism related to opening of the Rio Grande Rift which led to formation of a number of volcanic features across the region including lava tubes which would have made excellent shelters. The tuff from eruptions is easy to dig and as you can see in Bandelier National Monument northwest of there, durable shelters capable of being utilized for generations can be dug with simple tools.

During this time period, in present-day western New Mexico there was also active vulcanism. It's apparent that natural, durable shelter was available as was food and water so they would have no need to maintain a nomadic lifestyle. Excavation of some of the lava tubes nearest this ancient lake may provide some of the materials that help place these people in time relative to the rest of us.

Thanks for the discussion. I appreciate your insight.