In September and October 1994, a cultural resources inventory was conducted on selected areas of the Oconee National Forest that have been affected by an infestation of southern pine beetles. Surveys conducted in Greene, Jasper, Jones, Oglethorpe, and Putnam counties examined 53 of 122 affected beetle spots. Size data for 11 surveyed spots were not available. Acreage for the remaining 42 surveyed spots is estimated at 58.75. Total affected acreage (excluding the 11 spots for which data are not available) was 121.2. In addition to the beetle spots, three other areas, together comprising approximately 2 acres, were examined for cultural resources. Nine (9) cultural resource sites and one (1) artifact occurrence are reported. Nearly all the sites show evidence of prior disturbance and consequently are not eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The Reid Cemetery was revisited, and another historic period cemetery previously unknown was recorded. Both of these sites are protected by state law and Forest Service policy. A site containing prehistoric ceramics dating from an indeterminate period and a possible historic period syrup processing pit were noted for avoidance until further testing can be done. The balance of sites (6) consisted of rock piles that are not eligible for National Register status and a lithic scatter from a previously surveyed area.
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