Phase I Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed Runway Extension at the Habersham Airport Habersham County, Georgia

Between 29 July and 14 September 2002, Brockington and Associates, Inc., conducted a Phase I cultural resources survey of three tracts totaling 60 acres, adjacent to Habersham County Airport in Cornelia, Georgia. The proposed development includes an extension of the existing runway across the South Fork of Little Mudd Creek, as well as the creation of a proposed borrow area for fill dirt. The survey was conducted under contract with United Consulting Group, Ltd., in advance of proposed improvements to the Habersham Airport. Survey tasks were completed in compliance with criteria defined under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1996 (as amended) and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1977 (22 U.S.C. 1344). The Phase I architectural resources survey consisted of background research and vehicular and pedestrian reconnaissance of the project area and its surrounding view shed to identify any properties exceeding 50 years in age and which could potentially be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Background research conducted at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Historic Preservation Division, identified seven previously recorded resources within the Area of Potential Effect (APE) for this project. However, none of these resources are located on airport property. Two of the resources are recommend eligible for the NRHP. These resources will not be affected by the proposed airport improvements. Field survey identified seven previously unrecorded architectural resources. None of these buildings are on airport property, however, they are within the project APE. Two of these resources are recommended eligible for the NRHP. These resources will not be affected by the proposed airport improvements. Background research determined there are no previously recorded archaeological sites in the project tract or within a 1.6 km (1 mi) radius. The Phase I archaeological survey consisted of excavation of screened shovel tests at 30 meter (100 ft) intervals across the entire project area. Additionally, all exposed ground surfaces and slopes were visually inspected. One small archaeological site (9HM219) was identified during field survey. Site (9HM219) consists of a surface scatter of historic artifacts (several undecorated whiteware, transfer print whiteware, porcelain, and ironstone sherds, and amethyst and light greenbottle glass) and two prehistoric tools. Based on the artifacts (other than the tool ), the potential site occupation date is late nineteenth to early twentieth century. No evidence of subsurface cultural features was identified. The site is in a plowed cornfield and has been disturbed by agricultural activities. Because of low artifact density and the lack of structural features, it is unlikely that9HM219 can contribute significant information to existing archaeological knowledge. The site is recommended ineligible for the NRHP. As a result of these studies, no additional cultural resources management is recommended for this project. Cultural resources clearance for this project is recommended.