In February 2017 Southeastern Archeological Services conducted a Phase I archeological
survey of a 0.36 ha (0.91 ac ), nearly square parcel of land on the Yellow River, on which Newton
County wishes to construct a canoe launching facility. The facility will have an access drive from
Brown Bridge Road, a lightly graded parking area and pedestrian access to the river. The parcel
formerly contained a ca. 1970s house that was razed about two years ago. Archival research revealed
that no archeological sites or structures more than 50 years old are known to exist on the tract. We
excavated five shovel tests to depths of about 1 meter and encountered no artifacts or other evidence
of archeological sites. The bulldozed surface remains of the 1970s era house are not considered
archeological. The shovel testing revealed deep alluvial sediments on the river bank and fill over
much of the lot. Our field survey failed to detect any artifacts or archeological sites. Therefore, we
conclude that the proposed construction of the canoe launching facility will not adversely affect any
significant archeological resources and should be granted clearance to proceed.
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