Archeological Cemetery Survey of Project CSHPP-0007-00(611), Stewart County

In compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of I 966 and amendments thereto, project CSHPP-0007-00(611), Stewart County, has been surveyed with respect to archeological resources, especially those on or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The purpose of the survey was to locate, identify and evaluate the significance of any archeological resources associated with the cemetery within the proposed project's area of potential environmental effect.

The proposed project consists of replacing the existing iron fence around Cedarwood Cemetery in Richland Georgia with a new iron fence or powder-coated aluminum fence; installing a modular retaining wall around the cemetery perimeter; installing landscaping and irrigation between the new cemetery fence and existing streets; removing dead or damaged trees within the cemetery, pruning healthy trees, and planting new trees; installing historic-style street lighting along Park Drive; landscaping, irrigation, lighting, and minor repairs to Richland's gateway signage. The area of potential effect (APE) for the project consists of 3ft inside of the fence to the edge of pavement, edge of building, or edge of railroad cut along the entire perimeter of the cemetery, the footprint of the trees to be removed, 5-l 5ft from the edge of pavement along both sides of Park Drive for l, I 00ft in length, and a 50 by 50ft area centered on the welcome sign on the west side of Highway 280. Most of the APE was surveyed and cleared for archaeological resources by Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. in 2008 except for the tree removal locations.

An archeological survey (Level 11) was conducted in accordance with "GDOT/FHWA Cultural Resource Survey Guidelines" developed by the GDOT Staff Archeologists in consultation with DNR Historic Preservation Division Staff and concurred in by the Federal highway Administration and State Historic Preservation Officer. These guidelines provide general survey boundaries and methodological approaches to archeological surveys based on the type/scope of work of proposed highway projects and are followed during the initial identification of archaeological resources.

Locations of three trees slated for cutting and grinding were surveyed. Cutting the trees would not impact any burials or markers in the cemetery. Since the grinding will only be done flush to the ground surface, no burials or markers will be impacted. 1t is concluded, therefore, that the project will have no effect upon archeological resources on or eligible for inclusion in the NRHP provided that the project conforms to that described above.