Winter Archaeology

The following scenario details the rational and methods in use by Heritage North to assess projects under winter conditions.

Rational

1. Terrain features having potential to contain archaeological resources as per HNCL’s predictive working model are of concern if these features are subject to project impacts, under either summer or winter conditions.

2. Terrain features listed in our predictive working model are easily discernible during ground inspections, even under winter conditions. However, it should be noted that many subtle features created by slight changes in topography on the ground may be/or are invisible from the air (helicopter) or viewed from a distance. Therefore it is important to thoroughly inspect all project components during an initial ground reconnaissance. The field judgments include the comparison of onsite features within and adjacent to the project.

3. Most, if not all projects, are evaluated minimally by a preliminary field reconnaissance (PFR).

a. If the project is void of terrain having archaeological concern, no further field work is recommended under a PFR Interim Letter Report.

b. If the project is found to impact terrain having archaeological concern(s), the concerns are immediately addressed during the field reconnaissance under our AIA Permit.

Tools of the Trade

We have/are utilizing the following tools/combination of tools:

· Stilh 16” Model TS-760 cut-off saws (www.stilhusa.com): The cut-off saw is used in paleontological excavations to extract bedrock containing fossils, and commercially for cutting cement/metal. The cut-off saw is an excellent tool in cutting frozen ground for extraction.

· Pulaski Axes (Available at any hardware store or forestry supply store). The Pulaski axe is used to extract sediment samples once the ground has been cut using the cut-off saw, and to deepen and clean up the sample pit.

· Thunderbolt Manual Power Tool (www.thunderboltindustries.com): We have found the product coupled with the trencher head is most comparable to the shovels used during the typical summer subsurface evaluation. The outside power bar can apply up to 3000 lbs of pressure to the stationary trencher head.

Winter A.I.A Methodology

The following methods are current, but subject to modification, if and when, alternate methods are found more appropriate.

1. Test locations on the terrain feature having predictable potential to contain archaeological resources are judgmentally selected and identified with a yellow flagging wire pin available from forestry equipment outlets. Each test location is sequentially numbered using a permanent black magic marker.

2. On the average 20 samples are collected for processing. The number of samples is dependent on the terrain feature being assessed, therefore the number of samples may vary between 10 and 100.

3. Each selected sample location is cleared of snow cover in preparation for the collecting of the frozen sediment sample. A ~30cm x 30m x 10-20cm deep frozen sediment sample is extracted and placed in a clean grain sack (52cm x 90cm, and locally available from agricultural feed stores). The grain sack can easily hold 50lb samples and are reusable. It should be noted that the moss portion of the sample should be removed before placing the sediment in the sack. This prevents clogging the screen with organics while processing the sample in the shop.

4. Each grain sack is identified with the following information:

a. project location, e.g., wellsite id & map sheet.

b. date collected.

c. sample location number (same number as the field flag). Note: If the sample is found to contain cultural material, the exact sample location on the terrain feature can be relocated.

4. Sample locations are mapped and photos taken for reporting purposes.

5. Collected samples are returned to the office shop for inspection. Depending on the project location, depth of snow cover, a snowmobile/quad with a toboggan may be required for access and for transporting the samples back to the vehicle.

Sample Analysis

The frozen samples are inspected, usually the same day or following day in the heated shop, using the following methods.

1. Each sample is placed within a metal 3mm mesh screen for washing out the fines with a garden hose/nozzle. Two screen sizes have been used, a 4mm mesh and a 1mm mesh ‘parts washer screen’. The extracted/discarded fines are collected in a drainage sump. The sediment from the sump is routinely removed as required and disposed of.

2. If the sample contains organics, these are easily removed by flotation/sieve.

3. After the <3mm size clasts are removed, the remaining lithic material is placed on their respective numbered grain sack on the heated shop floor for drying prior to inspection.

4. Once prepared, the clasts are visually inspected. A drafting magnifying glass with a florescent bulb is routinely used to inspect the smaller sized clasts.

5. Should the sample not contain lithics indicative of cultural modification, they are disposed of following inspection.

6. Should the sample be found to contain artifacts, the cultural material is removed for analysis and conservation.

Heritage Resource Management Measures

Following the completion of the sample analysis, the following management measures are implemented.

1. Negative Results: If the results of the assessment are negative, an AIA is submitted with recommendation that the project proceed without further archaeological concerns (subject to the caveat that in the unlikely event that should archaeological find(s) be uncovered, all construction work should cease and the Archaeology Branch/OGC be informed immediately for advice).

2. Positive Results: If cultural materials are recovered, the client is immediately informed, and management options discussed.

a. The first/preferred option is avoidance through project redesign. If this is possible, the assessment results/management strategies for avoidance are submitted to the Branch/OGC for review. (If the site can be avoided, then no further evaluation of the site is required).

b. However, should site avoidance not be possible, then a site evaluation is implemented per the client’s request. Following the completion of the site evaluation, management recommendations are provided to the Branch, OGC and client, for review and approval. Methods for winter site evaluation are provided below.

Winter Site Evaluation

Winter site evaluation follows the same procedure as those carried out during the summer with the following additions. The site can be prepped for excavation in ~3 to 4 hrs.

1. Equipment and materials used by Heritage North in past winter excavations, include

a. generator/lighting system,

b. clear plastic sheeting to construct a make-shift shelter over the grid, standing trees are usually utilized for the perimeter of the shelter,

c. Hammer and nails/heavy duty stapler to secure the plastic for the shelter,

d. propane heater to heat the ground and the interior of the shelter,

e. fan to maintain a circulation of hot air within shelter (if a fan is not used a thermal cline occurs at waist level, hot above, cold below),

f. screen for inspecting back dirt (usually set up outside of the shelter).

2. The site area selected for evaluation (based on the location of positive sediment samples) is cleared of snow for preparation of setting up a 1m x 1m grid.

3. The grid datum is established by one of the following options:

a. On a wellsite, an established corner pin,

b. On a linear development, a survey marker is used, if available, or

c. If a recorded survey marker is not available, an arbitrary datum is used, 20m south and 20m west from the SW corner of the first 1m x 1m evaluative unit (identified as N20E20).

4. Next, a make-shift enclosure is erected using the plastic sheeting, using standing trees, secured by hammer and nails and/or stapler.

5. The propone heater is then set up (bottle outside) for thawing the ground and heating the shelter in preparation for troweling.

6. Once the ground is thawed, the lighting system erected, the evaluative units are ready for excavation by troweled following summer methods.

7. The 2D location (northing/easting) of all artifacts within each unit are then recorded. Depth below the base of the moss/sod of the artifact is also recorded.