Phase I Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Jekyll Island Children and Youth Conference Center Project Area

Between 12 and 14 December 2013, Brockington and Associates, Inc. conducted an intensive Phase I archaeological survey of the proposed Jekyll Island Children and Youth Conference Center project area in Glynn County, Georgia. Proposed construction on the tract includes the demolition of existing buildings, and creation of "cabin" style lodgings, dining facilities, classroom facilities, staff offices, paved parking, an auditorium, and associated outdoor activity infrastructure, including picnic pavilions and benches. The archaeological investigations were carried out for Resource and Land Consultants, on behalf of the Jekyll Island Authority, as a permit requirement pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, and in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (as amended through 2006). The study was conducted by personnel qualified under the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards (36 CFR Part 61-Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation). The approximately 15-acre project tract is located southeast of South Beachview Drive at the southern end of Jekyll Island, Georgia. Background research and archaeological survey were used to identify potentially significant archaeological resources within the project's Area of Potential Effects (APE). An architectural assessment and evaluation is being conducted separately by the Jekyll Island Authority. Background research conducted on NAHRGIS identified no previously recorded archaeological sites or historic resources within the project tract. Three archaeological sites and no historic resources were previously recorded within a one-mile radius of the project tract. The three previously recorded archaeological sites will not be affected by the proposed development. Archaeological field survey involved systematic 30-meter (m) interval shovel testing and visual reconnaissance within boundaries of the project tract. The field survey did not identify any archaeological sites or isolated finds. We therefore recommend archaeological clearance for the tract. No additional archaeological resource management is warranted for the proposed Jekyll Island Children and Youth Conference Center project area.