Phase I Archaeological Survey – Nicholas County, Kentucky

Phase I Archaeological Survey

The purpose of this project was to identify any archaeological resources within the project area and assess their potential eligibility for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). This site was approximately 400 acres in size and was related to a proposed stream restoration project. The main area subject to survey was pastureland. Multiple historic archaeological sites were recorded. Learn more about our all of our services here or just Phase I Survey services here. Otherwise contact us for a quote on your upcoming project today.

Phase I Archaeological Survey – Estill County, Kentucky

This Phase I Archaeological survey project purpose was to identify any archaeological resources within the project area and assess their potential eligibility for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). As a result of the investigation, one historic structure was documented. Contact us or request a quote today. See additional services here.

Phase I Archaeological Survey

 

Phase I Archaeological Survey – Bell and Knock County Kentucky

The purpose of this project was to identify any archaeological resources within the project area and assess their potential eligibility for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). This site was approximately 350 acres in size and was related to a proposed surface and underground coal mining operation. The main area subject to survey was steep hillsope between 1,540 and 1,840 feet AMSL. There were several coal seams along these elevations proposed for surface and auger mining. Although no archaeological sites were recorded we documented multiple rock overhangs and a few abandoned mine portals. Learn more about our all of our services here or just Phase I Survey services here. Otherwise contact us for a quote on your upcoming project today.

Section 7 ESA Consultation

Section 7 ESA consultation is required for projects to identify whether any proposed or listed species are located within a given area of a proposed action. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) requires project review information to meet the requirements of Section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act (EA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Potential direct, indirect, and cumulative effects to federally lusted species or their critical habitat must be considered during the evaluation. Migratory birds  must also be considered during these evaluations under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA). Non-federal type projects are not subject to Section 7, however, Section 9 of the Act may prohibit certain activities that may affect federally listed species. For an evaluation and consultation of your project please contact us or request a quote today. See additional services here.

Biological Assessment Using Drone (UAV, sUAS). Wetland and Stream Delineation.
Drone ESA Assessment Section 7

 

According to the USFWS website (www.fws.gov) the following provides a brief description of Section 7 ESA Consultation for informal and formal consultations:

Informal Section 7 ESA Consultation

Under Section 7, Federal agencies must consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) when any action the agency carries out, funds, or authorizes (such as through a permit) may affect a listed endangered or threatened species. This process usually begins as informal consultation. A Federal agency, in the early stages of project planning, approaches the Service and requests informal consultation. Discussions between the two agencies may include what types of listed species may occur in the proposed action area, and what effect the proposed action may have on those species.

If the Federal agency, after discussions with the Service, determines that the proposed action is not likely to affect any listed species in the project area, and if the Service concurs, the informal consultation is complete and the proposed project moves ahead. If it appears that the agency’s action may affect a listed species, that agency may then prepare a biological assessment to assist in its determination of the project’s effect on a species.

 Formal Section 7 ESA Consultation and the Biological Opinion

When a Federal agency determines, through a biological assessment or other review, that its action is likely to adversely affect a listed species, the agency submits to the Service a request for formal consultation. During formal consultation, the Service and the agency share information about the proposed project and the species likely to be affected. Formal consultation may last up to 90 days, after which the Service will prepare a biological opinion on whether the proposed activity will jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species. The Service has 45 days after completion of formal consultation to write the opinion.

In making a determination on whether an action will result in jeopardy, the Service begins by looking at the current status of the species, or “baseline.” Added to the baseline are the various effects – direct, indirect, interrelated, and interdependent – of the proposed Federal action. The Service also examines the cumulative effects of other non-Federal actions that may occur in the action area, including state, tribal, local, or private activities that are reasonably certain to occur in the project area.

Phase I Survey – Clay County, Kentucky

Phase I Archaeology
Historic Headstone

The purpose of this survey was to identify any archaeological resources within the project area and assess their potential eligibility for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). As a result of the investigation, one historic/modern cemetery was documented. It was located atop of a toeslope near about 600 feet AMSL. The site encompassed approximately 1000 square meters and is about 200m south of the head of a tributary that drains Franks Creek. The entire cemetery is maintained and surrounded by a chain-link fence. The cemetery contained 13 graves, all of which were oriented north-south. Of the 13 graves, 9 were either marked by plain stone, or the writing was worn away and no longer visible. The other headstones contained legible information such as dates of birth and names. 4 of the graves were considered modern, with death dates ranging from   1971-2002. It is likely that graves marked with plain or illegible headstones are historic in age.

By placing a 100 foot buffer zone around the cemetery avoidance of the site was possible and no further work was recommended for this project. No additional sites were located during this survey. Learn more about our all of our services here or just Phase I Survey services here.

Phase I Archaeology – Clay County, Kentucky

Phase I Archaeology
Historic Headstone

Phase I Archaeology

This Phase I Archaeology project purpose was to identify any archaeological resources within the project area and assess their potential eligibility for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). As a result of the investigation, one historic/modern cemetery was documented. It was located atop of a toeslope near about 600 feet AMSL. The site encompassed approximately 1000 square meters and is about 200m south of the head of a tributary that drains Franks Creek. The entire cemetery is maintained and surrounded by a chain-link fence. The cemetery contained 13 graves, all of which were oriented north-south. Of the 13 graves, 9 were either marked by plain stone, or the writing was worn away and no longer visible. The other headstones contained legible information such as dates of birth and names. 4 of the graves were considered modern, with death dates ranging from   1971-2002. It is likely that graves marked with plain or illegible headstones are historic in age.

By placing a 100 foot buffer zone around the cemetery avoidance of the site was possible and no further work was recommended for this project. No additional sites were located during this survey. Contact us or request a quote today. See additional services here.

Phase I Archaeological Survey – Kentucky

Phase I Archaeological Survey – Kentucky

The purpose of this project was to identify any archaeological resources within the project area and assess their potential eligibility for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Although no archaeological sites were recorded we documented multiple rock overhangs (see below) and a few abandoned mine portals. Learn more about our all of our services here or just Phase I Survey services here. Otherwise contact us for a quote on your upcoming project today.

Phase I Archaeological Survey
Phase I Archaeological Survey – Rockoverhang
Phase I Archaeological Survey Jesse Robinso Southeast Archaeology
Jesse Robinson Shovel Testing Ridgeline

 

Phase I Archaeological Survey – Kentucky

Phase I Rockoverhang
Phase I Survey – Rockoverhang
Phase I Survey Southeast Archaeology
Jesse Robinson Shovel Testing Ridgeline

During this 300 acre Phase I investigation we shovel tested and performed pedestrian reconnaissance looking for historic and prehistoric archaeological sites, and if found, evaluate whether or not the cultural material may be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. No sites were identified during this investigation.

Phase I Archaeological Survey – Letcher County, Kentucky

Phase I Archaeological Survey – Letcher County, KY

This Phase I survey was conducted for a proposed 700 acre coal mine in Harlan and Letcher Counties, Kentucky. The majority of the survey was located on a heavily dissected mountain flank on steep upper side slopes. During this survey 10 rock overhangs were documented and one site was located but was temporally unassigned due to the lack of diagnostic materials identified during the survey. Learn more about our all of our services here or just Phase I Survey services here. Otherwise contact us for a quote on your upcoming project today.

Phase I Archaeological Survey KY Kentucky Survey Archaeology
Digging Shovel Test

KY Stream Restoration

KY Stream Restoration

Stream restoration design and monitoring at this site in Whitley County, Kentucky has resulted in an increase in aquatic resources across the watershed. Macroinvertebrate communities have been re-established and the riparian zones have been replanted with trees and shrubs that are native the Kentucky. The stream channels were also reshaped to provide the channel access to a flood plain and reduce incision. Contact us or request a quote today. See additional services here.

KY Stream Restoration Plan
Stream Restoration
KY Stream Restoration
Stream Restoration