Phase I Archaeological Project Begins at Salt River Bay August 26 through Sept 6 National Park Service archaeologists will conduct a Phase I archaeological shovel test survey on 16-acres of NPS land on the east side of Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve (SARI). Working together with NPS South Eastern Archaeological Center (SEAC) this survey to fulfill the compliance requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act for proposed road improvements related to the construction of the Coastal Studies Outpost (CSO). The CSO is to be constructed on man-made land on SARI’s east side, reusing the foundation of the old hotel, removed by NPS in 2012. It will facilitate studying the natural and cultural features supporting NPS and DPNR staff along with others partners, to include, researchers, teachers, scientists, and local students (K-12, college, and graduate levels). Several cultural resources were documented before the Park was established and the area was developed in the 1960-1970s. These were within or immediately adjacent to the Area of Potential Effect (APE) for this project. The lagoon dredging, bulldozing, and sediment deposition from the failed hotel and resort have likely impacted and/or destroyed these resources. This survey will document and asses the boundaries of previously recorded archaeological resources to determine their existence, document if they are still intact, and assess any potential for listing to the National Register of Historic Places. The Phase I survey will ensure that no significant archaeological or historic resources are impacted during the road improvements or CSO development. The proposed road improvements are low-impact, permeable surfaces that provide a sustainable design, restore natural drainage, and mitigate storm water run-off. The ultimate goal is to provide safe and consistent access by NPS and DPNR, and public visitors to this part of the park, while protecting mangrove and estuarine bay waters, without impacting native or wetlands species. DPNR-CZM is looking to this project as a development project to learn about potential ‘green solutions’ to road construction Territory-wide. All work will follow all pertinent federal and local laws and regulations
Posted on: Wed, 27 Aug 2014 15:29:26 +0000
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