Assessing Testing Programs and Strategies for Section 106 Determinations of Eligibility: U.S. Army Yakima Training Center, WA.

Summary

The U.S. Army Yakima Training Center (YTC) contains over 1,300 archaeological sites. Thirty years of inventory and archaeological testing have produced a significant body of archaeological reports and databases. Two university programs, several CRM firms, and now the Wanapum Band and Yakama Nation are working with the U.S. Army, studying and protecting the unique natural and cultural landscapes of the Yakima Uplands within the YTC. Synthesis of this work for the purpose of archaeological science, tribal consultation, and proactive management is ongoing. Changing management strategies and funding limitations necessitate a review of archaeological testing and NHPA Section 106 evaluation. Three areas of collaboration are needed: (1) analyze sample representativeness for lithic and faunal assemblages, (2) assess cost effective testing programs, and (3) develop landscape management recommendations. Sample sizes and artifact diversity are compared for surface and subsurface assemblages. Cost and benefits are measured for shovel probing, test pits, and block excavations. Landscape maps show complexes of sites and assemblages that require proactive management.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage