Cultural Resources Survey At Old Velaso Townsite, 41BO125 Brazoria County, Texas

At the request of Port Freeport and the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, PBS&J has conducted a cultural resources survey of a portion of Old Velasco (41BO125), a historic townsite at the current location Brazoria County, Texas. Initially settled by Stephen F. Austin in the 1820s, Old Velasco became an important coastal port and military outpost during the 1830s and early years of the Republic of Texas, but declined during the mid-nineteenth century and was eventually abandoned by the late 1870s. The purpose of the survey was to identify potential impacts from the proposed widening of the Freeport Harbor Ship Channel pursuant to Permit 23752 (COE-VD and Port Freeport). Fieldwork for the project was carried out from October 20 through 22, 2008, under the direction of Michael Nash, Principal Investigator, with the assistance of Historical Archeologist Andrea Stahman. In total, five trackhoe trenches measuring approximately 60 feet (18.3 meters) long by 2 feet (0.60 meter) wide were excavated to an average depth of 7.4 feet (2.2 meters). Two of the trenches were intentionally placed within historically documented building locations associated with the early Texas town of Old Velasco. As a result, two historic features were identified, one possible builder’s trench and one posthole. A sample of the fill within the possible builder’s trench was hand excavated and screened through ¼-inch mesh, and the fill surrounding the posthole was also investigated by hand. Features 1 and 2 represent the remains of historic-aged construction within the project area. However, neither contained diagnostic artifacts from the Old Velasco occupation that could offer significant research value. Also neither is unique among the features previously identified at the site; in fact, Feature 2 is 1 of over 300 postholes identified and recorded at 41BO125 (Earls et al. 1996:xvi). Based on their position below the historic cultural zone and their morphology, features 1 and 2 may be associated with buildings or outbuildings connected to the 1838 Velasco Exchange. The lack of diagnostic artifacts makes dating either feature uncertain. Since evidence suggests that the data potential from further investigation of these features is low, the Principal Investigator recommends cultural resource clearance for this project

SH 332 from FM 521 to SH 288, Brazoria County, Texas

PROJECT TITLE: Intensive Archeological Survey of SH 332 from FM 521 to SH 288, Brazoria County, Texas. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The proposed undertaking would consist of 5.3 miles of roadway improvements and 1.1 miles of drainage easement for SH 332 between FM 521 and SH 288. This area is comprised of properties owned by the State of Texas (existing right-of-way [ROW]), as well as properties that are privately owned (proposed new ROW and easement). Blanton & Associates, Inc. conducted survey of portions of the project area of potential effects (APE) on behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation, Houston District. PROJECT LOCATION: Brazoria County, Texas; Brazoria and Lake Jackson US Geological Survey 7.5” topographical quadrangle APE ACREAGE: Approximately 167.1 (96.7 acres existing ROW, 56.9 acres proposed ROW, and 13.5 acres proposed drainage) APE ACRES SURVEYED: Approximately 10.88 (59.2 additional acres were surveyed in 2004/2005) DATE(S) OF WORK: June 21 to 22, 2017 PURPOSE OF WORK: The purpose of the archeological survey was to locate and evaluate archeological sites within the SH 332 project APE in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and associated federal regulations (36 CFR 800), as well as the Texas Antiquities Code (9 TNRC 191) and associated state regulations (13 TAC 26). TEXAS ANTIQUITIES PERMIT NUMBER: 8057 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Andrea Stahman Burden, M.A., RPA PROJECT ARCHEOLOGISTS: Timothy B. Griffith, Ph.D., Joseph Sanchez TOTAL PERSON HOURS INVESTED: 16 (fieldwork) SITES RECORDED/REVISITED: None RESULTS/RECOMMENDATIONS: The intensive archeological survey focused on 10.88 acres of the total 15.75 acres of proposed ROW not previously surveyed in 2004 and 2005, where right of entry was granted. A total of two shovel tests were excavated during the investigation. No archeological sites were identified within these portions of the APE, and no further work is recommended at these locations. Approximately 4.87 remaining acres of the APE were inaccessible at the time of survey due to lack of right of entry. Most inaccessible portions of the APE are characterized as low probability by the Houston District Potential Archeological Liability Map for the presence of intact archeological deposits, while a few inaccessible portions of the APE near the SH 332 crossing of Buffalo Camp Bayou are characterized as high probability. Investigators assessed these portions of the APE from the existing ROW and determined that past and present subsurface investigations in the vicinity of these parcels, as well as a lack of indications of previous historic-aged structures at these locations, based on maps and aerial photo research, provide adequate data to conclude that all of these inaccessible parcels possess low probability for the presence of intact archeological deposits. Based on this information, no further work is recommended for these locations

Portion of U.S. 59 from FM 2919 to FM 710 - Fort Bend, Wharton, and Jackson Counties

On behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation, Yoakum District, Blanton & Associates, Inc., conducted an intensive archeological survey of a portion of the United States Highway 59 Upgrade Project, which extends across Fort Bend, Wharton, and Jackson counties, Texas. The proposed undertaking would consist of roadway upgrades to an interstate facility between Farm-to-Market Road (FM) 2919 and FM 710, a length of approximately 39.5 miles. A total of 2,089 acres would be required for construction including 1,647 acres of existing right of way (ROW) and 445 acres of new ROW. This area is comprised of properties owned by the State of Texas (existing ROW), as well as properties that are currently privately owned (proposed new ROW). The archeological survey focused on portions of the northern segment of the overall project, which is situated between FM 2919 and the Colorado River primarily within Wharton County with a small portion in Fort Bend County. The survey took place within this segment where right of entry had been secured as of August 2015. A total of 70 acres was surveyed between August 20 and September 13, 2015 under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 7306. Further fieldwork for the remaining unsurveyed portions of the area of potential effects (APE) will be conducted in conjunction with the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2014-2016 General Archeological Survey Services Contract under a different Texas Antiquities Permit. Archeological survey of the accessible areas consisted of systematic inspection of the ground surface as well as subsurface inspection in portions of the APE that were considered high probability areas for encountering intact prehistoric or historic sites. Shovel testing was conducted within the high probability areas and systematic mechanical trenching was also conducted within specific high probability areas characterized by deep Holocene alluvium. A total 192 shovel tests and 63 trenches were excavated during the investigation. One historic archeological site (41WH139), one prehistoric isolated artifact, and one roadside memorial were identified within the APE. Site 41WH139, the isolated find, the historic structure, and roadside memorial are not recommended eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places under any criteria, nor are they recommended eligible for designation as a State Antiquities Landmark. No further work is recommended at these locations. One additional possible historic archeological site was identified at an historic high probability area but is outside of the APE. No artifacts were collected during the survey. Project records and a copy of the final report will be curated at the Center for Archeological Research at The University of Texas at San Antonio

Intensive Archeological Survey of the FM 1463 Detention Pond, Fort Bend County, Texas.

The proposed undertaking would consist of 6.5 acres of new right-ofway (ROW) for a proposed detention pond between the Willow Fork of Buffalo Bayou and FarmTo-Market (FM) Road 1463 in the City of Katy. Blanton & Associates, Inc. conducted survey of portions of the project area of potential effects (APE) on behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation, Houston District

Archeological Survey for the Proposed Leah Tract Development and Leah Avenue Extension, San Marcos, Hays County, Texas

On October 18 and 19, 2017, Blanton & Associates, Inc. conducted an intensive archeological survey of the proposed Leah Tract Development and Leah Avenue Extension on behalf of Lifestyle Development LLC in Hays County, Texas. The total area of potential effects for the proposed project is approximately 50 acres (20.23 hectares) in size, and the maximum depth of impacts from the proposed project would be 6 feet below the current ground surface. Survey of the area of potential effects was conducted prior to commercial development of the parcel and roadway construction in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing regulations (36 CFR 800), as well as the Antiquities Code of Texas (Texas Natural Resources Code, Title 9, Chapter 191) and associated state regulations (Texas Administrative Code, Title 13, Chapter 26). The 100 percent pedestrian survey, augmented by 16 shovel tests, identified no archeological sites within the area of potential effects. No further archeological work is recommended for the project. No artifacts were collected during the survey. Project field documentation, photos, etc. and final report will be curated at the Center for Archaeological Research at The University of Texas at San Antonio as required under terms and conditions of Texas Antiquities Permit No. 8198

Archeological Survey for the Proposed Texas A&M University System Storm Water System Improvements Tasks 1 and 2, College Station, Brazos County, Texas

September 5-7, 2017, Blanton & Associates conducted an intensive archeological survey of the proposed storm water improvements Tasks 1 and 2 on behalf of Texas A&M University System in central Brazos County, Texas. The total area of potential effects for the proposed project is approximately 51.4 acres (20.8 hectares) in size and maximum depth of impacts from the proposed project will be 10 feet below the current ground surface. Survey of the Task 1 and Task 2 portion of the area of potential effects, approximately 40.74 acres (16.49 hectares) of the total 51.4-acre APE, was conducted prior to storm water improvements in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and its implementing regulations (36 CFR 800), as well as the Antiquities Code of Texas (Texas Natural Resources Code, Title 9, Chapter 191) and associated state regulations (Texas Administrative Code, Title 13, Chapter 26). The 100 percent pedestrian survey, augmented by 15 shovel tests and four trenches, identified no archeological sites within the area of potential effects. No further work is recommended at these locations. No artifacts were collected during the survey. Project field documentation, photos, etc. and final report will be curated at the Center for Archaeological Research at The University of Texas at San Antonio as required under terms and conditions of Texas Antiquities Permit No. 8136

National Register of Historic Places Eligibility Testing of Site 41LE326 Lee County, Texas

Between March 5 and 12, 2007, PBS&J conducted National Register of Historic Places eligibility testing at site 41LE326, under contract to the Texas Department of Transportation Environmental Affairs Division (TxDOT ENV) (CSJ No. 0211-03-032). This investigation was conducted in advance of proposed improvements to U.S. Highway 77 in central Lee County, Texas, under regulations of the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 USC §470 et seq.) and the Antiquities Code of Texas (Title 9, chapter 191, Texas Natural Resource Code). Site 41LE326 is a prehistoric campsite that was initially recorded by PBS&J in October 2006 during a cultural resources survey and is located on the south side of Middle Yegua Creek. National Register testing consisted of the mechanical excavation of nine trenches totaling 47.3 linear meters and two scraped areas totaling approximately 55 square meters, and the manual excavation of nine shovel tests and four 1-x-1-meter test units. Analyses of artifacts recovered during testing suggest that occupation of the site likely occurred intermittently from at least the Late Prehistoric period and perhaps as early as the Middle Archaic period. Artifact categories recovered consisted of lithic manufacturing debris, lithic tools, burned matrix, and thermally altered rock. Subsurface investigations at 41LE326 failed to encounter any evidence that intact buried prehistoric cultural deposits or features exist on the portion of the site within the TxDOT right of way. Based on stratigraphic data, lack of intact features, and low subsurface artifact density, it appears that the investigated portion of the site lacks integrity, and it is unlikely that additional archeological investigations within this portion of 41LE326 would contribute to our understanding of the area’s prehistory. Therefore, the investigated portion of 41LE326 within the area of potential effect consisting of the existing right of way does not contribute to the site’s eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and does not warrant designation as a State Archeological Landmark. No further investigation is recommended. Final curation of all collected materials will occur at the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory in consultation with TxDOT ENV

Bear Creek: a case study in locating historic site remains in southeast Texas

In the Gulf Coastal Prairie and Marsh region of Texas, historic archaeological sites are often obscured by dense vegetation resulting in extremely limited surface visibility. In an environment such as this, historic sites can only be detected by the presence of above-ground features such as architectural remains and landscaping. Although not standard among cultural resource management firms, the use of historical aerial photography and informant interviews can be effective and efficient pre-field strategies for locating sites in this region. Identification of such sites is further enhanced by an in-depth understanding of the characteristic remains of pier and beam construction, which was commonly utilized in 19th-century southeast Texas farmsteads. Four 160-acre grants located in the Addicks Reservoir, Harris County, Texas were used as a case study to test the effectiveness and efficiency of these pre-field research strategies. Each of these tracts was associated with the mid 19th-century establishment of the German immigrant community of Bear Creek, and each tract contained the remnants of farmsteads where structures had often been removed or relocated leaving little above-ground remains to be discovered using standard survey techniques. A 1915 topographical map and a 1930 aerial photograph of the area were employed together with accounts of former residents and descendants of former residents that indicated locations of former farmsteads on each of these tracts. Additional archival research, including U.S. Army Corps of Engineers acquisition files for Addicks Reservoir, was conducted prior to a field Âground-truthing survey of the properties. As a result, all six of the historic sites that appear on a 1930 aerial photograph of the area were located and documented. One historic site that appeared on a 1915 topographical map of the area but did not appear on the 1930 aerial photograph was not located

Growth and reproduction of Scirpus americanus following fire and lesser snow geese herbivory on the upper Texas Gulf coast

Due to the character of the original source materials and the nature of batch digitization, quality control issues may be present in this document. Please report any quality issues you encounter to [email protected], referencing the URI of the item.Includes bibliographical references: p. 74-81.Issued also on microfiche from Lange Micrographics.SciMus americanus is a perennial, rhizomatous herb which occurs in coastal marshes along both Atlantic and Pacific coasts. S-. americanus is an important food source for lesser snow geese ( Chen aerulescens caeruiescens) (LSG) along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf coasts. Fire is used in the management of S-. ameficanus stands. This study was designed to evaluate the influence of fire and LSG herbivory on growth, development, and reproduction of SciEpus americanus. The study was conducted along the upper Texas Gulf coast on the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge approximately II 0 km southwest of Houston, Texas. Foliar cover, canopy height, and stem density were measured for two years following a management bum and subsequent LSG herbivory. Seed numbers per stem and per @ were determined. Germination of field collected seeds was ascertained. Number of seeds nf2 of soil was used to estimate the seed bank of S. americanus. All in situ observations were considered relative to areas subjected to fire and/or LSG herbivore. Development of shoots, tillers, and rhizomes of experimentally grown S. americanus plants was also evaluated. Areas used by LSG had decreased foliar cover, height, and stem densities. Effects were still significant after one year. Fire positively affected regeneration, but burned areas were no longer different from controls after one year. Seed production per stem increased due to disturbance. Disturbed plants also produced more germinable seeds. Cold stratification significantly increased germination. Disturbed areas had larger Sciipus americanus seed banks during the first year. Plants grown in vitu attained heights, stem densities, and below-ground development comparable to plants naturally re-established in situ following fire or LSG herbivory. Results suggest recovery of Scirpus americanus stands following fire and LSG herbivory can approach pre-disturbance levels within a year. S. americanus may respond to cataclysmic disturbance events by allocating large amounts of energy to sexual reproduction. Re-establishment of S.. americanus from seed may produce stands usable by geese after one growing season; however, though large-scale seeding of S. americanus for LSG management purposes may be feasible, further research is needed, since seedlings have not been observed in natural stands

Custodial and perinatal care patterns of women who received prenatal care while incarcerated in the Arkansas state prison system, 2014–2019

Abstract Background The extraordinary growth in women’s incarceration over the past several decades has resulted in calls for expansion of research into their unique needs and experiences, including those related to pregnancy and perinatal care. However, while research into the health outcomes of women who are incarcerated while pregnant has grown, research on women’s custodial and perinatal care patterns has remained nearly non-existent. Here, we sought to describe (1) the characteristics of the population of women who came to be incarcerated in a state prison system during pregnancy and (2) the characteristics of women’s custodial and perinatal care patterns during and after incarceration. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of the population of women who received perinatal care while incarcerated in the Arkansas state prison system over a 5-year period from June 2014 to May 2019. Electronic medical records and state prison records were merged to form our study population. Data were from 212 women (Mage = 28.4 years; 75.0% non-Latina White) with a singleton pregnancy who received at least one obstetric care visit while incarcerated. Results Drug-related convictions were the most common crimes leading to women’s incarceration while pregnant, and violent crime convictions were rare. Nearly half (43.4%) of women who gave birth in custody did so within 90 days of admission and the great majority (80.4%) released within 1-year of giving birth, including 13.3% who released within 30 days. Discussion The frequency with which women who became incarcerated while pregnant released from prison either prior to or shortly after giving birth was a striking, novel finding of this study given the implications for perinatal care disruption among a high-risk population and the harms of forced separation from infants within hours of birth. Conclusions Diversionary programs for pregnant women convicted of crimes, particularly in states without current access, are urgently needed and should be a priority for future policy work