Texas Parks & Wildlife Department National Recreational Trails Program Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 146 Long Meadow Farms Oyster Creek Trails Project, Fort Bend County, Texas

GTI Environmental, LLC (GTI) conducted an intensive archeology survey within the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 146’s (FBCMUD-146) proposed Long Meadow Farm Oyster Creek Trails Project (Project). The Project is being funded by Federal Highway Administration (FHA) National Recreational Trails Fund Program administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Accordingly, the Project is complying with the Antiquities Code of Texas (13TAC26) and the National Historic Preservation Act (36CFR800). The Texas Historical Commission (THC) recommended relocation of 41FB310, 41FB312, 41FB313, and 41FB314 within and adjacent to the Project area and determine an avoidance plan, if warranted. Because the trail alignment may change due to the existence of these archaeology sites, there are no plans with stations. Stations will be established after the final trail alignment. Because the trail alignment may change based on the intensive archaeology survey results, GTI proposed to survey 100 feet instead of 30–60 feet to facilitate a revised trail alignment. The 100 feet trail survey corridor constitutes the Project’s direct Area of Potential Effect (APE), as defined by Sweitzer + Associates (S+A) Plan (45% Progress) dated 5-28-14. GTI conducted the intensive archaeological survey in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation, the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) Minimum Archaeological Survey Standards for Texas (shovel testing), and TxDOT’s Standards of Uniformity Version 3.0 (dated May 31, 2011): Review Standards for Antiquities Permit Applications and Review Standards for Archeology Survey Reports. GTI consulted with Scott Pletka of the Texas Department of Transportation Environmental Affairs Division (TxDOT-ENV), Stanley Cooper of TxDOT Houston District Office, Trey Cooksey of TPWD, and FBCMUD-146 representative, William A. Sweitzer, by phone from July 11-17, 2014 regarding review and signatures on the Antiquities Permit Application. The THC issued Antiquities Permit 6968 for these intensive archaeological investigations on July 21, 2014, and GTI conducted the investigations on July 22, 2014. In general, the Project’s direct APE had greater than 30 percent ground surface visibility. GTI archaeologists did not see ground surface artifacts at the locations of the previously recorded archaeological sites, and archaeologists excavated 19 shovel tests as required by the antiquities permit scope of work. All the shovel tests were negative for the presence of historic or prehistoric cultural material within the Project’s direct APE. Additional archival research did not reveal important events or individuals that may have been associated with the previously recorded historic archaeological sites. Since the time of the archaeological sites documentation in 2007, the National Register eligibility of these sites has yet to be officially determined by the lead federal agency. In the meantime, however, GTI has determined that the proposed Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 146 Long Meadow Farm Oyster Creek Trails Project will have No Effect to 41FB310, 41FB312, 41FB313, and 41FB314, because the archaeological boundaries of these sites are not within the Project’s direct APE. Archaeologists did not collect artifacts, so there are no curation issues

An Intensive Archaeological Survey of the Hollywood Park Cell Tower Project, Bexar County, Texas

This report documents the results of an intensive archaeological survey (TAC Permit 6604) for the 160 foot high self supporting Hollywood Park Telecommunications Tower (Project), in Bexar County, Texas. GTI Environmental, LLC (GTI) completed the intensive archaeological survey for the Project at the request of Terracon Consultants, Inc. (Terracon) on behalf of Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless), in accordance with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for Review of Effects on Historic Properties for Certain Undertakings Approved by the Federal Communications Commission (Nationwide PA [FCC 04-222]) with the Texas State Historic Preservation Office (TX-SHPO) and 36CFR800.2(a)(3) as outlined in the National Historic Preservation Act. The Project is under the jurisdiction of the FCC and the TX-SHPO. The Project is considered a Federal Undertaking, in accordance with the Nationwide PA and 36CFR800.16(y) as outlined in the National Historic Preservation Act. FCC regulations require that the Project Sponsor considers the effects of the proposed tower on Historic Properties. The Project’s direct Area of Potential Effect (APE) for archaeological resource considerations consists of the 60 foot x 100 foot fenced parcel—less than one acre. The Project’s indirect APE for consideration of historic building resources is a 0.50 mile radius from the Project location for towers 0 to 200 feet. The THC’s Atlas database does not show any registered historic structures within a 0.50 mile radius of the Project’s indirect APE. GTI conducted the intensive archaeological survey based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation, and the THC’s Minimum Archaeological Survey Standards for Texas, which requires a minimum of 3 shovel tests per acre for projects 0 to 2 acres in size. According to the THC’s Atlas database three agencies sponsored archaeology surveys have been conducted within a half mile of the general project area. Several archaeological sites have been recorded near the Project’s direct APE on similar topographic settings as the Project’s location. Therefore, the Project’s direct APE was considered a high probability area where archaeological sites were likely to be present. As required by the Nationwide PA [Stipulation VI(D)(2)(b)], “[i]dentification and evaluation relating to archeological resources shall be performed by a professional who meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards in archeology.” Accordingly, Sergio A. Iruegas, RPA, served as the professional archaeologist/Principal Investigator (PI) and performed a 100 percent intensive archaeological survey of the entire Project direct APE on July 24, 2013 and documented 41BX1985 that consisted of six hearths. The ground surface visibility within the Project’s direct APE was greater than 30 percent. GTI archaeologist excavated a total of three shovel tests within the Project’s direct APE. All three of the shovel tests contained substantial buried cultural material. Accordingly, GTI has assessed that the proposed project may have an Effect to 41BX1985 archaeology site’s eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. GTI recommends that the Project Sponsor avoid 41BX1985 or conduct National Register Testing at 41BX1985 and continue Section 106 consultation with the TX-SHPO

Terrace at Pecan Grove 22 Acre Development Project Fort Bend County, Texas

GTI Environmental, LLC (GTI) conducted an intensive archeology survey and burial assessment within the Terrace at Pecan Grove 22 acre development project (Project). The Pecan Grove Municipal Utility District controls an easement within the 22 acre project area. The Project Sponsor is complying with the Antiquities Code of Texas (13TAC26). In the event this project is considered later as a federal undertaking, this report incorporates language of the National Historic Preservation Act (36CFR800) to facilitate federal agency consultation and determinations of effect. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) recommended consultation with its Historic Cemetery Preservation Coordinator. The Project Sponsor consulted with the Fort Bend County Historical Commission. The 22 acres constitutes the Project’s direct Area of Potential Effect (APE). GTI’s Principal Investigator, Sergio A. Iruegas, RPA, and Project Archaeologist, Melinda T. Iruegas, conducted the intensive archaeological survey on March 30, 2015 in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation and the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) Minimum Archaeological Survey Standards for Texas (shovel testing). The THC issued Antiquities Permit 7231 for these intensive archaeological investigations on March 30, 2015. In general, the Project’s direct APE had less than 30 percent ground surface visibility. The intensive archaeological investigation included a total of 13 shovel tests spaced evenly across the entire 22 acre Project direct APE. The Antiquities Permit application scope of work approved by THC included a 12m x 12m meter mechanical scraping area to determine the presence or absence of burial shafts for a possible cemetery location. D.D. Haven Jr filed an affidavit (Notice of the Existence of a Cemetery) at the Fort Bend County Clerk’s Office on March 23, 2015 indicating possible evidence of the existence of a cemetery within the Project direct APE. The affidavit indicated the cemetery had a 10 foot by 15 foot area surrounded by a 3 foot high wrought iron fence and up to six possible burials and monuments. The Fort Bend County Historical Commission provided a 1968 aerial with the location of a possible fence alignment. GTI proposed the use of metal detecting sweep in the possible cemetery area to locate the possible wrought iron fence component. A total of six metal detecting targets (MDT) were located in the possible cemetery area spaced over a wide area. GTI’s PI noted the MDT were not close together or in alignment of a possible wrought iron fence. GTI amended the mechanical scraping to a 21m x 38m area based on the MDT locations. While there was no evidence of wrought iron fence parts, monument fragments, or burial shafts in the locations of the MDTs, GTI archaeologists did note the presence of limited concrete fragments, wooden post fragments, fire pit areas, old tire and brick fragments throughout the mechanical scrap area. The 1972 aerial shows the presence of a homestead in the general area of the possible cemetery location. There was no evidence of modern or historic glass or ceramics or prehistoric artifacts or articulated or disarticulated human remains in the mechanical scrap area or the shovel testing. The proposed project will have No Effect to archaeological sites or cemeteries based on this intensive archaeology survey report, and historic and modern aerials demonstrate no structures 50 years or older are present within the Project direct and indirect APE. GTI recommends the project be allowed to proceed as planned

An Intensive Archaeological Survey: Brownsville Independent School District Early College High School Project, Cameron County Texas

This report documents the results of an intensive archaeological survey for the Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) Early College High School Project on the south west bank of Fort Brown Resaca., Cameron County, Texas. In accordance with the Antiquities Code of Texas (13TAC26.21), GTI submitted an Antiquities Permit application to Texas Historical Commission, and GTI Environmental, Inc. (GTI) was issued Antiquities Permit # 5862. This intensive archaeological survey demonstrates the BISD’s compliance with the code by identifying cultural resources as early as possible in the planning process, and it also demonstrates BISD’s continued efforts of their responsibility to provide prior notification to THC in accordance with Section 191.0252 of the code. A review of the Atlas database indicated that there are numerous documented cultural resources within a one mile radius of the project area. Archaeology site 41CF95 is directly adjacent to the western end of the project area according to the archaeological site form in the THC’s Atlas Database. The site is the historic Neal (Neale) Homestead House, one of the earliest homes in Brownsville circa 1850. The focus of the intensive archaeological survey was to document the presence or absence of cultural resources within the project area. The historic 1930 East Brownsville USGS topographic quadrangle map and historic 1950 aerial of the project area show a row of housing on Neale Drive that may predate 1930 and were demolished by 1955 (according to review of historic maps including the 1955, 1970, and 1983 East Brownsville topographic maps). The old alignment of Neale Drive traverses diagonally through the project area. The houses were considered extant house site locations within a high probability area where historical archaeological sites may be located. Because these extant houses are next to Fort Brown Resaca, archaeologists considered the possibility that the cultural deposits may be associated with Fort Brown military housing. A total of twelve shovel tests were excavated within the 3.52 acre tract of the project area. Archaeologist encountered two new cultural resources, a prehistoric artifact scatter and a historic artifact scatter, in the general area where structures were documented on historic topographic maps. The prehistoric site was designated 41CF213 and historical archaeology site was designated as 41CF214. GTI archaeologists determined that 41CF213 extends beyond the project boundary. The portion of this prehistoric site within the project area was assessed as not worthy for State Archaeological Landmark (SAL) designation. The SAL status for the portion of the site that extends beyond the project area is unknown. The historic site 41CF214 is severally disturbed from the demolition of the structures sometime between 1950 and 1955 based on Styrofoam cup fragments documented below historic artifacts. Two intact features were documented at historic site 41CF214. The first was the lower portion of a brick pier and the second was a burned trash pit or burned root ball. Based on archaeological and archival evidence, the site lacks integrity and no longer contains intact historic yardscape patterns, or can produce evidence that would identify distinct households, or a neighborhood community associated with possible military housing for Fort Brown, or earlier soldier encampments. Based on GTI’s investigation efforts for this intensive archaeological survey, the research value of 41CF214 historic archaeology site has been exhausted and warrants no further investigation. The site is not worthy for SAL designation. Accordingly, it is GTI’s opinion that the project should be allowed to proceed as planned

An Intensive Archaeological Survey for the Benton City Water Supply Corporation Project, Medina County, Texas

In accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act and the Antiquities Code of Texas, GTI conduct an intensive archaeological survey of the proposed survey for the Benton City Water Supply Corporation Project in Medina County, Texas (Project). The archaeological survey followed the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) Minimum Archaeology Survey Standards for Texas and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation. The County, in conjunction with the Benton City WSC, proposes to install approximately 17,000 Linear feet (LF) of 6 inch water line, 98 LF of bore with steel casing, valves and fittings, service reconnections, 2 first-time water service yard lines, pavement and driveway repair and all associated appurtenances. The waterline replacement project will be taking place within existing rights-of-way (ROW) of FM 3176 and County Roads 7714 and 7611. FM 3176 crosses Chacon Creek via a bridge. Directional boring shall be used to install this segment of water line and there shall be no new ground disturbance between the two bridge abutments. At San Francisco Creek, the line will also be bored due to the existing culvert structure installed years ago. This project description constitutes the Project’s direct Area of Potential Effects (APE). The THC, however, stated in its letter dated June 20, 2014: “[THC]…believes that the only areas with the potential to contain intact archaeological deposits are the locations on either side of the creeks (San Francisco Perez and Chacon). Specifically, the bore shafts on both sides of the creeks need to be examined to the depth that will be excavated to complete the directional drill. This may requires the use of backhoe trenches. All other lines within current rights-of-way do not require survey.” Based on the Minimum Archaeological Survey Standards for Texas and the 2014 Soil Series, it was GTI Principal Investigator’s (PI) opinion that shovel testing was an appropriate Level of Effort to assess the Project’s impact to potential archaeological sites and backhoe trenching was not necessary. GTI justified its reasons in the antiquities permit application, and THC issued antiquities permit number 7006. GTI’s PI conducted the archaeological survey on September 4, 2014. GTI excavated a total of 12 shovel tests and documented one soil profile column, and there was no evidence of significant archaeological sites within the intensive archaeological survey area. Because the Project’s direct Area of Potential Effect (APE) is the water line construction length of 17, 000 linear feet, GTI conducted the survey as agreed upon in consultation between THC and Grant Works, Inc. and Medina County, as well as documented a reconnaissance archaeological survey level effort beyond the prescribed 1000 feet on both sides of the creeks at no expense to the project sponsor. GTI’s PI did not observe any cultural artifacts on the ground surface within the reconnaissance survey area, and ground surface visibility was greater than 30 percent. Accordingly, GTI has assessed that the proposed Project will have No Effect to archaeological sites eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or worthy for State Antiquities Landmark designation. Archaeologists did not collect artifacts, so there are no curation issues. It is GTI’s opinion that no further archeological work is necessary and the project should be allowed to proceed as planned

National Register and State Archaeological Landmark Testing for the Austin Independent School District’s Additional 2.7 Acre Access Road Project, Travis County, Texas

In accordance with the Antiquities Code of Texas (13TAC26) and the National Historic Preservation Act (36CFR800), and the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) written recommendations on December 20, 2012, GTI Environmental, LLC (GTI) presents in this report the results of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and State Archaeological Landmark (SAL) testing investigations. The hand excavated 1 x 1 meter test unit investigation and report was prepared for the Austin Independent School District’s (AISD) Additional 2.7 Acre Access Road Project associated with its 27.36 Acre New Bus Terminal Project and 8 Acre Access Road Project in Travis County, Texas. GTI prepared and submitted an Antiquities Permit Application and Research Design to the Texas Historical Commission (THC) in accordance with 13TAC26.21(d). The THC issued Antiquities Permit No. 6450 to GTI for the SAL testing investigation. The THC is also known as the State Historic Preservation Office (THC/Tx-SHPO), which reviews federal Undertakings. The Additional 2.7 Acre Access Road Project is a federal Undertaking, because the access road crosses an unnamed tributary of Boggy Creek, which requires consideration and review by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The testing investigation conforms to the National Historic Preservation Act (NRHP) requirement to assess effects a federal Undertaking [36CFR800.16(y)] may have to Historic Properties (36CFR800.5). The AISD 27.36 Acre Bus Terminal Project, 8 Acre Access Road Project, and the 2.7 Acre Additional Access Road Project, is considered the overall direct Area of Potential Effect (APE), in accordance with 36CFR800.16(d). GTI conducted the fieldwork from February 6, 2013 through February 14, 2013. The research design proposed five to ten test units within the Additional 2.7 Acre Access Road Project APE. In accordance with 13TAC26.21(d), THC/TX-SHPO guidance was sought prior to research design preparation, and the agency recommended that the Principal Investigator consult with them regarding the total number of test units to be excavated during fieldwork in an effort to exhaust the research potential at 41TV2408 or conduct less than the proposed maximum 10 test units if the results of excavations were less than anticipated [Personal Communication 2012: Bill Martin November 29, 2012]. GTI consulted with THC/TX-SHPO on February 14, 2013 and February 19, 2013. A total of six test units were excavated. The test unit grid was established in a north south axis that would provide a cross sectional profile of the east-west access road alignment. The grid’s north south axis was along the topographic toe-slope where the artifacts were more abundant and the soil was the deepest. Archaeologists encountered a single feature in Test Unit 2 and Test Unit6 at the southern boundary of the project APE. A one gallon soil sample was obtained from Test Unit 2 hearth feature. Neither faunal (bones), nor charcoal was visible after screening the soil sample and flotation based on examination through an Olympus microscope that matched the amounts required for AMS dating; i.e. radio carbon dating requires at least 15 to 20 milligrams. Archaeologists attempted to excavate a 1x2 meter unit east and adjacent to Shovel Test 4 (Iruegas 2013) that indicated the deepest part of the prehistoric midden. A large rodent borrow was present further east of the 1x2m test unit. Excavations in Test Unit 4 established that this area of the midden was intact based on the discovery of a scrapper lying flat on a surface with other flat lying burned rock near the bottom of Level 1. During excavation of Test Unit 4 at Level 3, archaeologists encountered a large cavity associated with the rodent borrows that was at least 40 cm deep and comprised at least 60 percent of Test Unit 4. The buried prehistoric cultural midden deposit evident in Shovel Test 4 during the survey had been truncated by the rodent burrow and compromised the data in this area of the project APE. In consultation with Mr. Brad Jones of THC on Feb. 14, 2013, it was decided to terminate Test Unit 4 and excavate another test unit in the northern area of the project APE and another test unit where the hearth feature was documented. Our efforts resulted in a 1x2 meter unit (Test Unit 2 and Test Unit 6). We encountered bedrock in each test unit, except Test Unit 4, within the first three 10 cm Levels. Archaeologists encountered a very high frequency of lithics and dispersed burned rock in the test units, but no evidence of bones, diagnostic artifacts, such as arrow heads, dart points or projectile points, or datable organic charcoal material Based on the intact hearth feature in Test Unit 2 at the southern end of the project APE, it is highly probable that other hearth features and cultural deposits are present and intact along the toe-slope outside the project APE. Because of the lack of diagnostic artifacts, bone samples, and organic charcoal samples, the wide range of cultural and scientific resources considered in the research design could not be addressed. In general, the cultural assemblage recovered from the test units was less productive than anticipated 13TAC26.21(d)(C) that would warrant mitigation. It is GTI’s Principal Investigator’s opinion that the portion of 41TV2408 within AISD’s Additional 2.7 Acre Access Road Project APE is not worthy for SAL designation or eligible for listing in the NRHP. The site’s (41TV2408) worthiness for designation as a SAL or eligibility for listing in the NRHP outside the project APE is unknown. GTI recommends that the project may proceed as planned provided no additional acreage is required for the AISD Access Road Project. If additional land is required, AISD should consult with the THC regarding the need for further NRHP and SAL testing

Caddo Lake Archaeology: Phase I of Archaeological Investigations Along Harrison Bayou, Harrison County, Texas

An important part of the mission of the Caddo Lake Institute, Inc. and its Caddo Lake Scholars Program is the preservation and protection of the unique and irreplaceable cultural heritage of Caddo Lake and its bioregion, the Big Cypress Bayou watershed. The archaeology team of the Scholars Program is meeting these objectives with the initiation of the Harrison Bayou project by: (a) offering archaeological education and training of teachers, students, and potential mentors, (b) through fieldwork and research, identifying, assessing, and designating archaeological, historical, and cultural resources of the Caddo Lake bioregion, and ( c) formulating and implementing strategies for protecting the bioregion\u27s significant cultural resources

The early Bronze Age pottery from Tel Yin'am, Israel

This study will focus on the Early Bronze I (EB I) ceramics from Tel Yin'am located near Moshav Yavne'el in the Lower Galilee (See Figure 1). The archaeological expedition at this sites was conducted by Dr. Harold A. Liebowitz of the University of Texas at Austin from 1976 to 1989. The EB I pottery was collected during a two week excavation season in October of 1978 from the outlying terrace settlement in a 10 x 10 m square area 50 m west of the mound. The ceramic assemblage is represented by bowls, jars, and hole-mouth vessels. Discussions of the archaeological context, pottery typology, and petrographic analysis of the pottery in this thesis are divided into four chapters. Chapter one is a detailed discussion of the site's location, and exploration history. Grid plans of excavation Areas -A, -B, -C, and -D are illustrated and superimposed to illustrate the relationship of the areas on the mound. Also included is a brief summary of the excavation results on the mound since 1976. Excavation results of Area-D on the terrace settlement are described in chapter two. Chapter two briefly describes the methodology employed during the excavation and focuses on the stratigraphic context of the ceramic assemblage found in two distinct phases. During the discussions of meager architectural remains and two cobble stone surfaces, Strata XIV A and XIV B, archaeological features are explained with descriptions and their locus numbers in parenthesis. Top plans illustrating the architectural remains on these surfaces and tables, which list the pottery discovered in situ, are utilized to illustrate the two cobble stone surfaces. Chapter three deals with the ceramic analysis of the EB I forms and types found at Tel Yin'am and their relationship with other sites in northern and southern Israel and several sites in Syria and Anatolia. In this chapter I will focus on three primary points. First, the lower and upper cobble stone surfaces are dateable to the EB IB and EB IC periods respectively. Inverted bowl rims, which are hallmark bowl forms of EB IB, are found in the lower phase, and a red burnished carinated everted rim bowl that is similar in form to Wright's Type 3 gray lustrous ware form of EB IC (Wright 1958:41-43) is found in the upper phase. Second, northern ceramic influences from Syria and Anatolia had slightly effected the ceramic styles of the potters at Tel Yin'am as evidenced by platter forms that have more in common with those discovered at Tell Hadidi than any where else in Israel (Dornemann 1988:18), and by the practice of incising the lips of bowl and jar rims, which was a common attribute of vessels discovered at Habuba Kabira (Heinrich, et. al., 1971:23, 26, 27; 1974:30-32). Third, that the inhabitants of Tel Yin'am were importing some of their pottery since two Tel Yin'am bowls have quartz sand inclusions, which is not indigenous to the Tel Yin'am area. Chapter four is the heart of this study which is a discussion and analysis of mineral properties based on thin-section samples of rim sherds of selected ceramic forms. An example of the benefits of petrographic analysis is the insight of ceramic production practices carried out by the Tel Yin'am potters, which were similar to some of the ceramic practices of the potters from Arad. Petrographic analysis was helpful in distinguishing between hole-mouth vessels and cooking potsMiddle Eastern Studie