GeomorphIS Team Conducting Cultural Survey in NPS Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas

The National Park Service (NPS) has contracted with GeomorphIS and our partner Algonquin Consultants, Inc. to complete an archaeological survey of approximately 61 acres within Big Thicket National Preserve, in eastern Texas. The GeomorphIS/Algonquin team will conduct a shovel test pit survey on 30 meter grid for a property known as the SOLO tract. It is estimated that approximately 273 shovel tests will be required to complete this task. Excavated soils from each shovel test pit (STP) will be dry-screened through 1/4-inch hardware cloth mesh screens in order to recover any artifacts in the soil matrix. Likewise, the constituent soil matrix and stratigraphy of each STP will be recorded, employing standard Munsell Soil Chart terminology. Should any of the STPs on 30-meter centers across the APE prove to be culturally positive (i.e., yield either artifacts or features), then at least 6, radial STPs shall be plotted and dug at 5-meter spacings (N,S,E, and W) around each positive STP in order to more accurately discern the lateral and vertical extent of subsurface cultural deposits across the project APE. The GeomorphIS/Algonquin team will prepare a final report documenting results in conformance with the Texas Historical Commission and National Park Service standards.