Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Contractor shall perform an intensive (100%) pedestrian survey of identified units (2,411 acres), employing appropriate survey methodology, and identify and evaluate all cultural resources within those units. In addition, all previously recorded cultural resources will be relocated, site record updated, and evaluation made. There are at least 14 previously recorded sites within the project area. The contractor will first conduct a site file and literature search at the Montana State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in Helena, Montana, and shall contact Zone Archaeologist Mike Bergstrom at the CGNF Billings Supervisor Office for additional resources. The purpose of this file search is to ensure that the contractor has reviewed all previous work conducted in the general area of the project and is familiar with the cultural and natural features of the project areas. This information will be a necessary component of the inventory report. The Contractor shall employ CGNF criteria for minimum site definition; i.e. an archaeological or historical site consists of any feature alone or in association with other features (cairns, stone rings) or five or more artifacts situated in a discrete location within 50 meters of each other and/or artifacts or features located more than 100 meters from each other but in obvious association. Sites may also include locations which contain no physical evidence but are important for their association with the traditions of a group, ethnic community, or Indian Tribe; e.g., National Register Bulletin 38. Formal site testing or limited shovel testing will not be conducted. If historic period architectural structures or remains are located the Contractor is expected to conduct a land title examination as part of the site identification and evaluation effort.
