Phase I Cultural Resource Survey for Proposed 4.3-Mile Pine Log-Beasely Gap Trail in Bartow County, Georgia

On July 18 and 19, 2006, TRC carried out a Phase I cultural resource survey for a proposed 4.3-mile trail to be constructed within a tract just west of the Cherokee County line in Bartow County, Georgia. The trail crosses Pine Log Creek and one of its tributaries, then winds through the rugged uplands north of that stream. The work was carried out according to the standards enforced by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) housed in the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Historic Preservation Division. The purpose of the survey was to identify all archaeological sites within the project area and all historic resources within the project' Area of Potential Effects (APE). Any identified resources were to be evaluated in terms of their eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The APE for historic structures encompasses the trail corridor itself, plus all areas within view of proposed construction, clearing, or other landscape changes. Prior to fieldwork, a literature review was conducted using state archaeological site files data, maintained in the Natural, Archaeological, Historic Resources Geographic Information System (NAHRGIS), a service provided by the University of Georgia in Athens, as well as additional sources of archaeological and historical background data including historical maps. The results of the literature and records review indicate that five archaeological sites and no historic structures have previously been recorded within a 1-mile radius of the project area. No previously recorded sites lie within the project area itself. No new archaeological sites or historic structures were identified during fieldwork. One rock shelter was identified that is outside, but close to the proposed trail corridor. Bartow County might consider rerouting the trail to further avoid the rock shelter, in order to protect it from potential looters, but it will not be affected by the project itself. TRC recommends no further cultural resource investigations in advance of the proposed project.