S02 Training for Sec 106.pdf

WWhat are Cultural Resources?

Buildings and Structures

Historic Landscapes & Districts

Archaeological Sites

Artifacts

BBones & Teeth

Feet Ribs Teeth

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Archaeological Features

Traditional Cultural Properties/Native American Sacred or Religious Sites

• Areas associated with cultural practices or beliefs of a living community

FFort Whipple Historic District

Total of 100 buildings, archaeological features, structures, or objects, many of which are considered contributing elements to the National Register listed Fort Whipple Historic District.

• 36 buildings

• 61 archaeological features

• 2 structures

• 1 object

Fort Whipple has been in use since the 1860s. As a result, archaeological material is abundant.

WWhy are Cultural Resources Important?

• Provide information regarding our heritage

• Non-renewable resource, once destroyed they can never be restored

• This is why it is important to document cultural resources before they are irrevocably lost

• This is federally owned land and as the land manager we must be good stewards – ensuring compliance with all federal and state requirements, as applicable.

Memorandum of Agreement

(MOA)

• Prescott VAMC specific tool for the management of cultural resources

• Contains information pertinent to what is required during ground disturbing activity or building design upgrade or modification

• Where can it be found? A copy can be provided by the Cultural Resources Management Officer

(CRMO)

Critical Elements of the MOA

• Archaeological monitor required for ALL ground disturbing activity, even if it is only 1 foot deep or less.

• Archaeological pedestrian survey required prior to construction

• Protocols for Unanticipated finds and Discovery of human remains

Unanticipated Discoveries

• If an unanticipated discovery is found, the monitor will halt work and investigate the find.

• Investigation may include minor excavation or simply recording location of the find and collecting

• If an archaeological feature or site is found, then the monitor will halt work and contact the CRMO. A 50 foot buffer will be placed around the feature or site using orange construction fencing or something similar.

• If the site cannot be avoided, then archaeological testing or data recovery could follow.

• Work may not continue in that area until all studies are complete

Unanticipated Discoveries/Human Remains

• VA will treat all encountered remains as though they are Native American and accordingly consult with affected tribes, unless and until remains are proven to be non-Native American.

• If human remains are encountered all work will cease within 60 meters (200 feet) and the area will be fenced.

• The site will be covered with opaque plastic sheeting and the VA police will be notified.

• Within one hour of discovery the VA Police will be notified of the discovery, the VA Federal Preservation Officer, the CRMO, and the County Coroner.

• The tribes should be notified within two hours or at the most 24 hours post discovery

TThe Do’s and Don’ts

• Do not begin any work, whether ground disturbing or alterations to a National Register listed building without first notifying the CRMO

• Do not deface or destroy any historic buildings, features, objects, or archaeological sites

• If cultural materials are discovered, then leave them in place and contact the CRMO @445-4860 ext 6845

CConclusion:

• Cultural resources are important and non-renewable

• Remember you may look, but please do not touch

• Report any discoveries to the CRMO