Cultural Resources Survey: Proposed Big Canoe-Juno Transmission Line and Substation Site Pickens and Dawson Counties, Georgia

From May 9 through 11, 1990, John Doolin, Brian Gumbert, and Robert Webb conducted an intensive coverage cultural resources survey of approximately 15.5 kilometers (9.6 miles) of a proposed transmission line corridor (Big Canoe-Juno 115 kV line) and 1.8 hectare (4.5 acre) substation site in Pickens and Dawson Counties, Georgia. The survey was conducted for Oglethorpe Power Corporation (OPC) under NEPA, in compliance with Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-665; 80 STAT.915; 16 U.S.C. 470) as amended. Because the corridor crossed state-managed Dawson Forest, a work permit was obtained from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. A review of the state site files and the National Register of Historic Places revealed no previously recorded sites within the survey area. The Pickens and Dawson County historic structures surveys recorded 7 structures in the vicinity of the corridor. Two structures (Pickens Co. #65; Dawson County #28) are near the corridor but will not be impacted by the project. A review of historic maps revealed no pre-1941 house sites within the proposed corridor, although numerous structures are located along the roads the corridor follows. Available 1938 aerial photography of Pickens and Dawson Counties show at least 35 structural or house clearing signatures in the vicinity of the transmission line corridor; however, several 1938 Dawson County photographs were not available for review. All survey properties were subjected to systematic surface survey and shovel testing. Fourteen sites and eight isolated finds were discovered within the proposed corridor. Eleven sites have been heavily disturbed by agricultural and silvicultural activities and are considered "clearly ineligible" for the National Register of Historic Places. One subsurface prehistoric site (OPC-11-12) and two 19th century historic house sites (OPC13, 14) appear to exhibit enough of their original integrity to be considered "potentially eligible" to the National Register of Historic Places. Upon notification of the discovery of the three potentially significant resources, 0lgethorpe Power Corporation agreed to either avoid or hand clear sensitive site areas. With the exception of sensitive site areas, clearance is recommended for the Big Canoe-Juno transmission line and substation site.