Cultural Resources Survey Lake Russell Road Number 59B

A new section of Forest Service Road Number 59B, Habersham County, is scheduled for construction in 1977. The proposed route begins near the Flint House in Mt. Airy and extends 2.02 miles southeast to its intersection with existing Forest Service Road 59B. From this point, Road 59B continues 0.78 miles to its terminus at Lake Russell. This portion of the road will be widened and resurfaced. On February 7, the author conducted a pedestrian survey of the project area. The previously flagged centerline was used as the baseline for the survey. Beginning at the proposed entrance adjacent to the Flint House, a corridor measuring 15.24 meters on either side of the baseline was surveyed using a sine wave pattern which crossed the baseline every 30.4 meters. Test units measuring 0.362 meters on 30.4 meter intervals were cleared of forest litter and examined for cultural materials. Shovel cuts at strategic points were made to reveal subsurface conditions. The shoulders of the surfaced roads were also examined. The project area is characterized by steep-sided southerly aspect slopes (greater than 30 percent at some points). The soils are micaceous and exhibit a loamy texture. Soil moisture is adequate for vigorous plant growth.* Much of the area is terraced; a search of the deeds indicates that the project area once supported a thriving apple industry. No-artifacts, structures, former house sites or other cultural values were encountered on the project area. The latest listings of the National Register of Historic Places were examined; no sites which are on or which are eligible for inclusion in the Register occur within the project area. The project complies with the provisions of the Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and Executive Order 11593. Archeological clearance is recommended.