Introduction
This report documents the results of the archaeology survey for Trileaf Project #628547 (Dickey), located in
Fannin County, Georgia. The survey was conducted to ensure that resources eligible for or listed in the
National Register of Historic Places located within the Area of Potential Effect (APE) are not adversely
affected by the proposed project. This work is being done as required by Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966 (as amended) and its implementing regulations, 36 CFR Part 800. In addition, this
document is being submitted in compliance with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
“Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for Review of Effects on Historic Properties for Certain Undertakings
Approved by the Federal Communications Commission” (FCC 2004).
Based on field observations, six Shovel Test Pits (STPs) were placed in the project area. The fieldwork was
performed by Abigail Heller, an archaeologist of JMT working under the direct supervision of Garrett W.
Silliman, Registered Professional Archaeologist of JMT with over 20 years of experience. Fieldwork was
performed on January 11, 2017 and one day was spent in the field. No artifacts were uncovered, no
archaeological sites were identified, and no additional archaeological testing is recommended at this location.
Project Description
The subject property is located between Dockery Lane and Mineral Bluff Highway/Georgia Highway 60 (GA
60) in Mineral Bluff, GA 30559 at coordinates 34° 57’ 19.0” N, 84° 18’ 58.3” W. The proposed project
consists of the construction of a new monopole telecommunications tower and associated equipment within
a 80-foot by 80-foot fenced compound within a 100-foot by 100-foot lease area. The estimated overall
height of the proposed installation is 199-feet. The project will be accessible via a proposed 12-foot gravel
drive within a 30-foot wide access and utility easement that extends south and southeast of the proposed
project location. The entire project footprint was included in the survey as well as a 50-foot buffer around
the proposed lease area (Photographs 1-12). The APE for this undertaking includes all areas discussed
above.
Field Conditions
The project area is located in a wooded area between GA 60 and Dockery Lane. It is bordered to the north,
east, and west by wooded land, and to the south by a residential lot. The surrounding area at a greater
distance consists of largely wooded and agricultural land, with few scattered residential and commercial lots.
GA 60 runs north to south 195 m (640 ft) west of the proposed project area. The proposed tower center,
lease area boundaries, and proposed access and utility easement were easily identified from maps and site
sketches.
Background Research
Background research was performed to assess the archaeological potential of the APE. Resources consulted
included historic maps and atlases, as well as soil surveys and aerial photography. A cultural resources
records search was done using information provided by the Georgia Archaeological Site File (GASF). All
previously recorded sites within one mile of the direct APE were considered, and all locations within the APE
were examined.
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