Shasta-Trinity NF Tasks GeomorphIS to Conduct Heritage Resource Survey

The US Forest Service, Shasta-Trinity National Forest has tasked GeomorphIS and partner Far Western Anthropological Research Group, Inc. to assist the Forest with compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) associated with fire suppression efforts during the 2018 fire season. The GeomorphIS-FW team will be responsible for post-fire damage assessments; site evaluations to determine NRHP eligibility—both initial evaluations and NRHP re-assessments for 26 sites (11 historic sites/13 pre-contact sites/2 multi-component sites); preparation of inventory report; completion of site condition assessments utilizing appropriate site monitoring forms; and collection and transfer of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial and tabular data
The team will record and evaluate for the NRHP, all cultural resources (historic or prehistoric cultural manifestations 50 years or more of age) that may have been impacted by fire suppression activities. Data derived from the project will be used to comply with mandates established in the NHPA, as amended, and the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA), as amended, pertaining to potential effects on cultural resources.

US Forest Service, Region 5 Tasks GeomorphIS to Develop Heritage Strategy

The USDA Forest Service, Region 5, Deputy Regional Forester for Resources has tasked GeomorphIS to review, analyze, and make recommendations regarding the use of heritage surveys in the Region. Greater efficiency is necessary for Region 5 to meet its ecological restoration goals, including vegetation treatments. The National Historic Preservation Act (section 106) and relevant national direction (36 CFR 800) require identification and evaluation (surveys) be completed to account for effects of undertakings on historic properties. The commitment of time and money to complete these surveys can be considerable and may be a limiting factor to increasing pace and scale of restoration without a commensurate increase in resource protection for heritage resources. There are streamlined section 106 compliance procedures already in place. However, conflicting interpretations of 36 CFR 800 and restrictive elements written into the R5 Programmatic Agreement may be hindering their use. For this project, a GeomorphIS Program Manager/Resource Specialist will work directly with Region 5 managers and staff to assist in the development of the streamline heritage strategy.

 

FHWA Tasks GeomorphIS to Conduct Wetland Delineations on Mark Twain NF

The US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division has tasked the GeomorphIS-Cattails Environmental team to conduct a delineation of wetlands and waters of the U.S. (WOUS) and prepare an associated report of findings for two projects on the Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri (MTNF). Flooding in recent years has caused widespread damage to transportation infrastructure within MTNF. The FHWA and MTNF are proposing to make repairs to the Audubon Trail, a 12-mile loop trail. Three segments of the trail will be realigned to prevent future damage. The GeomorphIS-Cattails team will delineate the three sites to help inform the new trail’s path and disclose impacts for water permitting. In addition, a low-water crossing will be reconstructed and armored in anticipation of future flooding events. Our team will delineate wetlands and WOUS around the low-water crossing.