10/04/2006 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

• • Nature's Refuge Development Phase I Archaeological Survey and Architectural History Assessment Page 5 which Holocene (less than 10,000 years old) deposits have been significantly disturbed were excluded from intensive field survey. 2.3.1 Shovel Testing Shovel tests were excavated in areas exhibiting greater potential to contain intact archaeological deposits where less than 25 percent of the ground surface was visible. Tests were small, circular excavations, measuring approximately 35 to 45 centimeters (cm) in diameter. A 15 — 30 m (50 — 100 ft.) testing interval was employed for shovel tests, with test transects placed 15 m (50 ft.) apart. All excavated soil matrices were passed through 1/4-inch hardware mesh to ensure the consistent recovery of artifacts. Tests were excavated down to the C horizon, the level of culturally sterile subsoil, or the water table. Survey data were recorded through standardized forms and the field director's daily log. Recorded information included: test locations and methods of testing; the numbers, types and locations of recovered cultural materials; the depth of shovel tests and the thickness of excavated soil layers; soil textures and inclusions (both natural and cultural); and soil color according to Munsell® color charts. 2.4 ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY METHODS During the field survey, the field surveyors completed an inventory of the buildings and structures within the project area in order to identify properties that appeared to be 45 years of age or older. Those resources were photographed and assessed for historical integrity. Along with professional field observations, the Anoka County tax assessor's office web site database was used to determine the approximate date of construction.