2018-09-04_PERMIT FILE - C1980007 ‎(17)‎

• Permit No: C1980007
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 9/4/2018
• Section_Exhibit Name: Exhibit 10F Negative Results Report Cultural Resource Survey
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Negative Results Report
Cultural Resource Survey
Mountain Coal's Sunset Trail Lease Modifications Permit Revision #PR -15
Gunnison County, Colorado
Historic properties may consist of buildings, structures, objects, or sites and can include districts,
landscapes, and traditional cultural properties. The National Park Service has established an age criteria
of 50 years for historic property evaluation and to be listed in the NRHP (but see criterion consideration
(g) for an exception to the age guideline); in some instances, a federal agency will establish the age
criteria at 45 years to account for the duration of the undertaking.
Cultural resources not identified during the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP) file
search and historical records were identified during pedestrian survey. This project used Class II
pedestrian survey with transects spaced 40 to 50 meters (m) apart to identify unknown cultural
resources within the APE. The APE is defined by the lead federal agency, generally in consultation with
the SHPO, and means "the geographic area or areas within which an undertaking may directly or
indirectly cause alterations in the character or use of historic properties, if any such properties exist" (36
CFR 800.16).
To facilitate a broad clearance for design modifications and future work, ERO conducted a block survey
of 1,327.16 acres. Of the 1,327.16 acres, ERO used pedestrian survey spaced 40 to 50 meters apart and
covered 951 acres (72 percent) of the APE. The remaining 376.16 acres (28 percent) of the APE was
excluded for slope. ERO used the site probability model provided by the GMUG to guide the Class II
survey. Due to the thickness of the vegetation and steep terrain, ERO focused on the high probability
areas determined by the GMUG. The high probability areas were covered by the Class II survey depicted
in Figure 1.
Cultural Resource Documentation
ERO documents cultural resources according to a standardized approach to ensure consistency and
accuracy. Sites are digitally photographed from multiple perspectives, and all significant tools,
diagnostic artifacts, and features are photographed to scale. The site datum is also photographed if
physically established and directed by the land managing agency. Individual site maps are produced
using a submeter and subcentimeter capable Trimble GeoXH Explorer global positioning system (GPS)
unit. Elements of the site map include all cultural features, diagnostic and point provenience artifacts
(designated as field specimens (FS)), artifact concentrations, major vegetation breaks and contour
topography, modern features and disturbances, and the site datum (whether physically established or
for location reference).
All required forms are completed digitally in the field using a tablet. Archaeological resources and newly
defined segments of linear resources such as ditches and railroads are documented using a
Management Data Form (OAHP1400) and appropriate component form (prehistoric archaeology,
historical archaeology, or linear); the boundaries of newly defined linear resource segments are limited
to the extent of the resource within the APE plus a 100 -ft buffer on either end per SHPO guidelines
(however, linear resources are mapped to the extent possible when the Bureau of Land Management is
the lead federal agency). Newly identified historical buildings and structures were documented on an
Architectural Inventory Form (OAHP1403). Previously recorded cultural resources identified during the
ERO Project #10145 /