A04_SOW_LBC_Travel___Transportation_Management_Ph_Elizabeth_(Liz)_Doli.pdf

Class III Cultural Resource Inventory:

Lower Blackfoot Travel and Transportation Management Phase II

I. Type of Task: Class III Cultural Resource Inventory

II. Introduction and General Background:

A. The Bureau of Land Management’s Missoula Field Office proposes to implement

Travel and Transportation Management (TTM) within the Lower Blackfoot River Corridor. The TTM will determine travel management for public access and transportation system opportunities that will allow for restoration and sustainable management of lands recently acquired by The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The TTM would provide the public with logical and sustainable travel and transportation networks to address the diverse transportation, access, and recreation needs of the public, while protecting sensitive natural and cultural resources on public lands administered by the Missoula Field Office.

B. The areas to be inventoried are a combination of block survey and route specific survey. The block survey will encompass areas within the TTM with high cultural site probability near identified routes. Due to the density of industrial logging roads within the project area road buffers frequently overlap, creating the need for block inventory. Close attention will be given to routes within the block inventory areas. Specific routes to be inventoried are those identified for a significant use change and include public use, administrative use, and closure. These routes require a 100-meter corridor (50 meters on either side of route center line). The total acres to be inventoried is 5,662 acres.

C. The BLM is required to identify, evaluate, and protect precontact and historic cultural resources on public lands under its jurisdiction and to ensure that BLM initiated, or BLM authorized actions do not inadvertently harm or destroy historic properties. These requirements are mandated by the National Historic Preservation Act and related regulations found at 36 CFR 800.

D. Class III intensive field inventory is a professionally conducted, continuous, intensive survey of an entire target area aimed at locating and recording all cultural properties that have surface and exposed-profile indications (see BLM Manual 8110.21C). In general, a Class III intensive survey is accomplished through systematic inspection carried out by walking a series of close-interval parallel transects until the area has been thoroughly examined. Artificial exposure of the subsurface (auger probing or shovel testing) is sometimes a necessary part of Class III surveys and should be included in identification efforts if ground/surface visibility is completely obscured by heavy vegetation cover.

III. Specific Background:

A. The Lower Blackfoot Travel and Transportation Management (LBTTM)

Environmental Assessment is analyzing 47,391 acres of BLM administered lands, as well as approximately 14,817 acres of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) owned lands. The inclusion of TNC owned lands acknowledges the on-going planning effort related to Land and Water Conservation Fund acquisitions in the project area. LBTTM project boundary includes approximately 640 miles of road on TNC lands and BLM administered lands. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the BLM Missoula Field Office and the Nature Conservancy (BLM- MOU-MTB010-227) was signed in April 2022 to allow for conducting research activities on TNC land in support of landscape restoration. The BLM is requesting inventory of 5,662 acres in this project area. 10 cultural resource inventories have been previously completed within the LBTTM Phase II Cultural Resource Inventory area from 1988 to 2024 (1,188 acres). These previous inventories have yielded 2 cultural resources within the inventory area. The 1 unevaluated site will need to be relocated, evaluated, and have site form updates. Proposed actions will include determining public access and delineating a transportation system that addresses diverse transportation, access, and recreation needs. This will include designating routes for public use, administrative use, and closure. Road maintenance, installation of signs, road reconstruction, and road decommissioning are proposed for this project.

B. The Bureau of Land Management, Missoula Field Office, requests that the Contractor conduct an intensive inventory within the Lower Blackfoot Travel and Transportation Management project area. The geographic areas within the inventory area include the Lower Blackfoot River Corridor, Sunflower Mountain, Cow Saddle, Game Ridge, Upper and Lower Gold Creek, and Twin Creek. The Class III inventory will encompass a total of 5,622 acres, 2,347 acres of BLM administered public land and 3,315 acres of TNC lands, all of which is in Missoula County, Montana (LBTTM CRI Phase II Overview Map).

IV. Objectives:

A. General Bureau Objective: The overall Bureau objective is to meet the requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), by identifying and documenting all cultural resources, evaluating cultural resources for National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility, and determining direct and indirect effects to historic properties from the proposed Lower Blackfoot Travel and Transportation Management project. These requirements will be met in accordance with, and under the terms of, the strategies outlined in the BLM 8100 Manuals.

B. Specific Study Objectives: To identify, document, and evaluate (to the extent possible from surface manifestations), cultural resources located within the identified survey areas. Site evaluations shall be conducted following existing guidance provided by Montana SHPO, the National Register Criteria (36 CFR 60.4), and the National Park Service National Register Bulletins.

V. Statement of Work:

A. Review of Existing Information: The Contractor shall conduct a site file and literature search at the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in Helena, Montana, and shall contact Liz Dolinar at the Missoula Field Office for additional resource information and BLM specific resources. The purpose of this file search is to ensure that the Contractor is familiar with all previous work conducted in the general area of the project. This information is a necessary component of the inventory report.

B. The Contractor shall possess a current cultural resource permit obtained from the BLM MT/DAK Deputy Preservation Officer. The Contractor shall also obtain a field work authorization (FWA) from the Missoula Field Office archaeologist. A summary table of information obtained via the SHPO file search shall be included with the FWA request.

C. Field Inventory: The Contractor shall perform an on-the-ground Class III inventory for all cultural resources located within the delineated survey area, (see Table 1 and attached maps). Survey methods will be in accordance with the BLM- Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota Handbook H-8110-1 – Guidelines for the Identifying Cultural Resources. Therefore, the Contractor shall:

1. Cover the area to be inventoried on foot by employing standard survey methodology. Transect intervals shall be 25 meters. Transect intervals may be widened if conditions warrant, e.g., rough, steep, landforms. If transects are widened the Contractor shall document in the report the rationale employed which justifies deviation from the standard interval. In all cases, coverage shall be thorough, and the methodology explained.

2. Submit GIS tracks to the COR from all inventory transects when field work is completed.

3. The areas to be inventoried are a combination of both block survey and route specific survey. Existing roads within block inventory areas should be fully inventoried and paid close attention to, due to the nature of this travel and transportation management project. This landscape has an extensive history of industrial logging. Due to the abundance of logging roads, roads constructed to facilitate industrial private timber harvest within the LBTTM project area will not be documented as cultural properties, unless the route is specifically named on a 7.5 Minute Quadrangle topographic map that predates 1975, or the route appears on a GLO map indicating use as a wagon road or precontact trail.

4. Segments of site 24MO0083 - Cokahlarishkit Trail (Road to the Buffalo) are within inventory polygons. Upon encountering previous recorded trail segments photos and a site update are sufficient. Upon encountering newly recorded trail segments, the Contractor should fully record the segment even if it continues outside of the inventory polygon and update the site form.

5. Check in with Liz Dolinar (COR) by phone, text, or email once a week during active field work to provide updates on where the contractor’s crew(s) will be working.

D. Site Documentation: The Contractor shall employ BLM criteria for minimum site definition, i.e., an archaeological or historical site consists of any feature alone or in association with other features (cairns, stone rings) or five or more artifacts situated in a discrete location within 50 meters of each other and/or artifacts or features located more than 100 meters from each other but in obvious association.

All culturally modified trees (CMT), precontact or historic, shall be recorded as sites. Sites may also include locations which contain no physical evidence but are important for their associations with the traditions of a group, ethnic community, or Indian tribe, e.g., National Register Bulletin 38. Isolated prospect pits and locations containing less than 5 artifacts, shall be recorded as Isolated finds. In addition, the contractor shall:

1. Collect rare or obscure, time diagnostic artifacts as warranted, e.g., projectile points and ceramics, including those found on sites and those occurring in isolation.

2. Locate each cultural property on a United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5’ quadrangle topographic map.

3. Record and evaluate all cultural resources and re-record previously recorded cultural properties located within the area identified for inventory, on site forms or isolated find forms. Site forms and instructions can be found in BLM-Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota Handbook H-8110-1 – Guidelines for the Identifying Cultural Resources.

4. Take at least two digital, 3 X 5" color digital photographs showing different overviews of each cultural sites and photographs illustrating various views of the general survey area. Each site feature also requires a photograph. Standing historic structures shall be photographed on all sides to illustrate architectural characteristics. Label all photos with a description, date, photographer’s name, and orientation. A photographic record shall also be maintained.

5. Prepare sketch maps of all sites based on the location and include topographic contour lines, cultural features, basic site contents, locations of all collected artifacts, and site boundaries. While it is not necessary to map all artifacts, indicate areas of artifact concentration. A physical site datum shall not be established unless a natural feature is present for such use. Site maps shall be consistent, if a datum is depicted on one site map, it needs to be on all site maps. All precontact cultural sites or material scatters shall be mapped in meters. All historic period Euromerican standing structures and mining features, e.g., houses, barns, etc., shall be mapped in feet.

6. If historic period architectural structures or remains are located the

Contractor is expected to conduct a land title examination as part of the site identification and evaluation effort.

7. The Contractor shall obtain Smithsonian site numbers from the Montana

State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for all cultural properties not previously assigned such numbers. The BLM will review all site forms for adequacy prior to the submission to SHPO to obtain site numbers.

Isolated find numbers will be assigned to the Contractor by BLM upon receipt of completed isolated find forms.

**Please note that the MT SHPO Consultation Guide was updated in June of 2024 and it along with appendices are available on their website.

E. Collections: Collections shall be labeled and catalogued, using BLM catalog cards, and shall be processed in accordance with Billings Curation Center packaging standards (forms and packaging requirements shall be provided to the Contractor by BLM). All collections belong to the United States Government and shall be delivered to the Billings Curation Center as part of submitting the final inventory report. All collections belong to the United States Government and shall be delivered to the Billings Curation Center as part of submitting the final inventory report.

F. Methodologies: The Contractor shall determine the methods and techniques necessary for completion of this study using the guidelines identified herein and conduct the work according to the procedures so specified.

G. Specifications and Standards: Inventory guidelines and standards for BLM generated cultural resource investigations can be found in BLM-Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota Handbook H-8110-1 – Guidelines for Identifying Cultural Resources. This handbook is available upon request to the Montana State Office, Billings, Montana.

H. Analysis and Report Preparation: Upon completion of the Class III inventory field work the Contractor shall prepare a professional quality report addressing the general categories outlined below:

1. Title Sheet. Signed by the Principal Investigator. Please include “Phase II” in the title of the report.

2. Abstract. Provide a 250-word or less abstract of the report. The abstract shall outline the report contents and refer to specific highlights from the narrative.

3. Table of Contents. Provide a complete inventory of report contents.

4. Introduction. Provide an overview of the project including its purpose.

Identify the tracts inventoried for this project, by legal description in table form.

5. Literature Search. Provide a brief but complete discussion on the work that has been conducted in the project area.

6. Environmental and Cultural Setting. Provide a brief but complete overview of the environment in which the survey tracts are located. In addition, discuss the cultural setting, again briefly, including both the precontact and historic periods.

7. Inventory Methods and Results.

a) Provide a summary of survey methods employed including discussions of standard survey interval used and any deviations or modifications that were necessary.

b) Provide a summary description of each cultural property found.

Indicate results from preliminary evaluation and any problems associated with the property's recordation. Include photographs of cultural properties located during the inventory. Use graphics and tables as appropriate.

8. Summary and Recommendations. Discuss the results of the inventory in summary form. Include the following:

a) Identify the sites recorded, period of the site (precontact or historic, and what type of site is represented.

b) Evaluate each cultural property for its eligibility for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The Contractor shall use an appropriate “Context” in which to evaluate cultural properties and shall employ specific National Register Criteria in those evaluations. The Contractor shall clearly describe the rationale used to determine which sites are eligible, potentially eligible, and not eligible. The Contractor shall recommend treatment needed to determine eligibility on sites determined potentially eligible. When sites are in a historic district, evaluate whether it is a contributing or non-contributing element of the district and provide justification.

9. References Cited. Include a list of all sources cited in report.

10. Maps and Graphics. Provide appropriate maps, charts, tabulations, and graphics necessary to support the report narrative.

11. Submit GIS Data (and corresponding attribute tables) that reflect the results indicated in the report. Fully edit and populate the cells of the attribute tables with the correct Smithsonian numbers, eligibility, site type, and comments if needed. A blank geodatabase template will be provided to the Contractor for data collection. The Contractor is required to record data using the provided geodatabase format and feature attributes.

12. Preservation, Packing, Packaging: Submitted collections must adhere to the standards identified for the Billings Curation Center

VI. Acceptance:

Final acceptance of all items/services to be delivered under this contract shall be the responsibility of the Contracting Officer. The government may withhold final payment pending completion of any necessary rework by the Contractor.

VII. Deliverables.

The Contractor shall submit concise site mitigation recommendations via email to Liz Dolinar edolinar@blm.gov as early as possible following the Class III Inventory.

A. The Contractor shall submit digital copies of typed site forms with digital photographs to the BLM for review prior to submission to the State Historic Preservation Office, or issuance of Smithsonian site numbers. After review and edits, if any, the Contractor will obtain Smithsonian site numbers. Once Smithsonian site numbers have been issued, the Contractor shall submit one set of hard copy site forms and one digital version (on a flash drive) to the COR.

B. One digital copy of the Draft report and Final Class III cultural resource inventory report (titled as such with “draft” and “final”).

C. One bound hard copy of the Final Class III cultural resource inventory report. The report shall be typed and printed on 8 1/2" x 11" paper and shall be single spaced.

One set of final site forms with Smithsonian site numbers and color photos.

D. One copy of photographic record.

E. One copy of all field notes.

F. One copy of the GIS data using the provided geodatabase template and feature attributes (site boundary polygons and inventory polygons) with complete and accurate information in the attribute table regarding site numbers, eligibility, site type, and a brief site description.

G. If applicable One copy of all catalog records and associated forms as specified by the Billings Curation Center packaging requirements.

*No CD’s or DVD’s will be accepted.

Address for Hardcopy paper Deliverables and Flash Drive:

Attn: Liz Dolinar (COR) Bureau of Land Management 3255 Fort Missoula Rd.

Missoula, Montana 59804

Address for Digital Deliverables and Communication:

edolinar@blm.gov mailto:edolinar@blm.gov

VIII. Period of Performance

A. Site file and literature search shall begin no later than 10 calendar days after the order has been issued and completed within 15 calendar days. A summary table of this information shall be turned in with the fieldwork authorization (FWA) request.

B. Field work can begin after the site file and literature search and field authorization form has been submitted to Liz Dolinar (COR) and approved.

C. Contractor shall prepare a letter summarizing the results of the inventory and submit it to the COR within 15 days of the completion of the field inventory. The letter shall contain a summary of the results of the inventory, sites recorded, and preliminary assessment of site eligibility. Inventory GIS tracks will also be submitted at this time.

D. One copy of the Draft Class III inventory report and the completed and typed site forms and isolated finds shall be submitted no later than February 28, 2026.

E. The COR will review all deliverables and comment on their adequacy within 60 calendar days of submission. The Contractor will then have 30 calendar days to submit the required copies of the final report after receipt of comments from the

COR.

F. All final deliverables (including report, site forms, isolated finds, GIS, collected artifacts, and associated documentation) are due by May 31, 2026.

X. Payment Schedule:

Payment shall be tied to completion and acceptance of tasks identified in Section VIII. Period of Performance per the following: A (10%), C (40%), D (30%), and F (20%).

Tables:

1 – Legal Locations of Survey Area (LBTTM CRI Phase II) 2 – Preliminary File Search

Attachments:

Attachment 1 – LBTTM CRI Phase II – Overview Map Attachment 2 – LBTTM CRI Phase II – Detail Northwest Inventory Area Attachment 3 – LBTTM CRI Phase II – Detail Southwest Inventory Area Attachment 4 – LBTTM CRI Phase II – Detail Game Ridge Inventory Area

Legal Locations of Survey Area:

Lower Blackfoot Travel and Transportation Management Phase II (Contract #2)

Area (Acres)

5,662 *Survey area is encompassed within the identified legal coordinates. Shape files of the project area will be available for the contractor to use.

Table 1: Legal Description

Table 2: Preliminary File Search (1/30/24)

Site Number Site type Owner Eligibility

24MO0046

Historic Inscription/Signage

BLM Undetermined

24MO0083 Precontact Trail BLM Eligible

Township, Range Section (to Quarter-Quarter if applicable) T13N, R17W Sec. 03 NE Q T14N, R15W Sec. 06 NE-NE T14N, R16W Sec. 08 NW-SW, NE-SW, SE-SW, SE Q T14N, R16W Sec. 09 SW-NW, SE-NW, SW Q, SE Q, NE Q T14N, R16W Sec. 10 NW Q, NW-SW T14N, R16W Sec. 16 NW Q, SW Q, SE Q, SW-NE T14N, R16W Sec. 17 NW-NE, NE-NE T14N, R16W Sec. 21 NW Q, NW-SE T14N, R16W Sec. 27 SE Q T14N, R16W Sec. 28 SE-SE T14N, R16W Sec. 34 NE-NW, SE-NW, NE Q, NW-SE T14N, R16W Sec. 35 NW-NW, SW-NW, NW-SW, SE-SW, NE-SW, NW-SE T14N, R17W Sec. 02 NW-NW, SE-NW, NE-NW, NE Q T14N, R17W Sec. 22 SW-SW, SE-SW, SW-SE, SE-SE T14N, R17W Sec. 23 SW-SW, SE-SW T14N, R17W Sec. 26 NW Q, SW Q T14N, R17W Sec. 27 NW Q, NW-SW, NE-SW, NW-SE, SE-SE, NE-SE, NE Q T14N, R17W Sec. 34 SW-NW, SE-NW, SW Q, NW-SE, SE-SE T14N, R17W Sec. 35 NW-NW, SE-NW, NE-NW, NE-SW, SE-SW, NE Q T15N, R15W Sec. 31 SW-SW T15N, R16W Sec. 14 NW-SW, SW-SW T15N, R16W Sec. 15 NW-NE, SE-NE, NE-NE T15N, R16W Sec. 23 NW Q, SW Q T15N, R16W Sec. 25 SW-SW T15N, R16W Sec. 26 NE-NW, NE-SE. SE-SE T15N, R16W Sec. 36 NE-NW, SE-NW, SE Q, SE-NE T15N, R17W Sec. 35 All T15N, R17W Sec. 36 All