NPS Hires GeomorphIS Team to Conduct Cultural Survey at Big Thicket NP, Texas

The National Park Service (NPS) has hired the GeomorphIS-Algonquin Consultants team to complete an archeological survey of approximately 83 acres within the Big Sandy Unit of Big Thicket National Preserve in an an undeveloped area southwest of Dallardsville, Polk County, Texas. The work is in anticipation of future longleaf restoration activities. The team will conduct shovel test pit survey on 30-meter grid for property known as the Big Sandy Unit 2020 planting area. It is estimated that approximately 374 shovel test pits will be necessary to complete this survey. The shovel test size will be 30-cm in diameter (or 30×30 cm if square), and at least one meter in depth or to sterile soil. 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. The team will prepare a final report documenting results in conformance with the Texas Historical Commission and National Park Service standards. Additionally, any items discovered will be submitted for curation to an approved facility and will require associated NPS documentation and/or reporting.