Archaeological Survey of Two Proposed Locations for New Underground Electric Cable in Yellowwood State Forest, Brown County, Indiana

Abstract

At the request of South Central Indiana REMC (SCI/REMC), the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University (GBL) performed a cultural resources survey of two proposed locations for the installation of new underground electric cable in Yellowwood State Forest, Brown County, Indiana. According to information provided to the GBL by SCI/REMC, the proposed project will involve the installation, operation, and maintenance of a 7200 volt, single phase underground electric cable. The cable will be installed in a 2-3' deep trench. The GBL understands that installation of the cable in Project Area #1 will be entirely within the existing power line right-of-way (R-O-W). Installation in Project Area #2 will be within the existing disturbed roadway area whenever possible; problematic terrain, however, might require installation outside the disturbed roadway area. Additionally, all utility poles associated with the lines will also be removed, and the corridors will be allowed to reforest. The purposes of the survey were I) to identify and document all of the cultural resources in the project areas, 2) to evaluate any sites found with regard to their eligibility for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the Indiana Register of Historic Sites and Structures (IRHSS), and 3) to make recommendations for the protection of significant and potentially significant sites. Fieldwork was conducted May 26, 1999 by GBL archaeologists Wendy L. Natt and Mary E. Pirkl. No cultural materials were discovered during survey. Cultural resource clearance is recommended for both project areas, provided that all earth-moving activities are restricted to the current proposed areas of impact.