Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 01/25/2021

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2.0 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY 2.1 Literature Review A literature review was completed on October 7, 2020. Typically, the literature review would be completed by visiting the Office of the State Archaeologist and the State Historic Preservation Office. Unfortunately, both of these offices were closed due to safety precautions surrounding SARS-CoV-2 spread prevention. Instead, previously identified archaeological sites were noted for a two-mile radius surrounding the project area using the online Minnesota Office of the State Archaeologist archaeological sites portal (OSA Portal). In addition, the Township/Range/Sections within the two-mile radius were sent to the State Historic Preservation Office to generate an internal database search. The Township/Range/Section search did not yield any additional sites not included on the OSA Portal. Archaeological survey reports from nearby sites were also requested to determine whether survey had already been completed within the project area. All resulting previously identified sites and requested surveys were reviewed as a part of this project. 2.2 Fieldwork Fieldwork was completed on October 9, 14, and 15, 2020. Fieldwork included surface survey and shovel testing within the project area (Figure 2). Surface surveyed areas consisted of cultivated corn fields, a cabbage patch, and a pumpkin patch. Ground visibility in all surface-surveyed areas ranged between 0 and 80% (see Appendix B for example surface visibility photographs). These areas were surface surveyed on a four to five-meter interval between cultivated rows. Considering the wooded area contained dense vegetation and fallen leaves preventing surface survey, along with the fact this area lies closest to the Mississippi and is therefore the most likely location within the project area to contain prehistoric cultural materials, the wooded area was tested in three shovel test transects. The first transect was laid in on a 15-meter interval, approximately 15-meters northeast and parallel to the southwestern project boundary. The second transect was laid in 30- meters northeast of and parallel to the first, but considering the negative tests in the first transect, and the clearly documented ancient floodplain soils, shovel tests in this transect were excavated on a 30-meter interval. A third transect was placed on a ridge along the northwestern edge of the wooded area with the intent of targeting what was in the past a high point along the historic edge. Fifty-two shovel tests were excavated in total. Shovel tests were typically 35-40 centimeters (cm) wide and at least screen, detailed profile notes completed, photographs taken, and GPS points collected for each shovel test. Phase I Archaeological Survey of Proposed Capstone Homes Housing Development 4 Ramsey, Anoka County, Minnesota Nienow Cultural Consultants, LLC