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Nature's Refuge Development Phase I Archaeological Survey and Architectural History Assessment Page 4 2.0 METHODS 2.1 OBJECTIVES The primary objective of the Phase I archaeological investigation was to determine whether the project area contains previously recorded or unrecorded intact archaeological resources that may be potentially eligible for listing on the NRHP. All work was conducted in accordance with the SHPO Guidelines for Archaeological Projects in Minnesota (Anfinson 2001) and The Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation [48 Federal Register 44716 - 44740] (National Park Service 1983). The objective of the architectural history assessment was to identify any historic buildings or structures within the study area of the Natures Refuge Development project that require further investigation in order to determine their potential eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and to eliminate those properties that are clearly not eligible. 2.2 BACKGROUND RESEARCH On April 28 of 2006, prior to the start of the field survey, staff from The 106 Group conducted background research at the SHPO for information on previously identified archaeological sites or architectural/historical properties within one mile (1.6 km) of the project area and on surveys previously conducted within the project area. In addition, USGS topographic quadrangles, historical plat maps, aerial photographs, and data on project soils were reviewed in order to assess the portions of the project area that possessed a higher potential for containing archaeological sites. 2.3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD METHODS Intensive field investigation focused on areas assessed as having a greater probability to contain significant archaeological sites. These areas included undisturbed portions of the project area: • within 500 feet (ft.) (150 meters [m]) of an existing or former water source of 40 acres (19 hectares) or greater in extent, or within 500 ft. (150 m) of a former or existing perennial stream; • located on topographically prominent landscape features; • located within 300 ft. (100 m) of a previously reported site; or • located within 300 ft. (100 m) of a former or existing historic structure or feature (such as a building foundation or cellar depression). Areas assessed as having a relatively low potential for containing archaeological resources included inundated areas, former or existing wetland areas, poorly drained areas, and areas with a 20 percent or greater slope. Low potential areas and areas in