Inventory and Evaluate Archaeolgical Resources along High Priority Trail Segments

Description

The objectives of this project are to inventory and evaluate cultural resources for eligibility for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) identified along high priority trail segments within Yellowstone National Park, defined as those with high use and/or potential impacts. The parkâ¿¿s predictive model indicates that these high visitor use areas are highly favorable for the presence of archaeological sites, as existing trails often follow traditional routes of pre-park Native American footpaths. NPS has ongoing needs for Cultural Resources inventory, evaluation, and condition assessments in these areas, both for continuation of a long term research on the prehistoric use of the park and to meet obligations under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as amended. These resources include archeological sites of diverse types and ages. This project will also recommend monitoring strategies and treatments to minimize threats to identified archaeological resources during trail use and management activities. Data obtained during this project will be used to further develop and maintain an active monitoring program of cultural resources along the parkâ¿¿s trail corridors, and be presented to park management for integration into park management processes for daily operations, planning, stewardship, and interpretation of those resources. Park staff will work directly with the cooperator in the fieldwork and analysis stages, and in providing public education regarding the projectâ¿¿s outcomes.

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