Archaeological Investigations Proposed Wildlife Openings, Shooting Ranges, and Dove Fields, Chickasawhatchee WMA, Dougherty, Calhoun, Baker Counties

The Wildlife Resources Division of Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources proposes creation of several hundred acres of wildlife openings, shooting ranges and dove fields at Chickasawhatchee Wildlife Management Area (Figure 1), in southwestern Georgia. WRD contacted the Office of the State Archaeologist, housed in the Historic Preservation Division of GaDNR, to arrange for archaeological investigations of the proposed ground disturbing activities. The field investigation was conducted on April 12, 2006. Four previously unknown sites were recorded in the shooting range and dove field areas. None of the sites is considered to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Evaluation of sites in or near proposed wildlife openings was conducted by reference to recently collected field data and direct observation of field conditions. Based on this information, it was determined that the proposed construction of wildlife openings, dove fields, and shooting ranges will have no effect on significant archaeological resources. No additional archaeological investigation is recommended for these projects. Archaeological sites are evaluated for eligibility based on comparisons with criteria developed by the U.S. Department of Interior. Factors such as integrity of the site and its potential to provide important information are considered in the evaluation. In many cases, additional investigation is necessary in order to determine whether or not a site meets one or more of the published criteria of eligibility. Sites that are listed in the NRHP or determined to be eligible for listing are considered to be "significant" and effects of a project on these sites must be considered. Typically, most archaeological sites discovered during a survey are determined to be ineligible for listing in the NRHP. Consideration of effects of a project on ineligible sites is not required.