8-13D-9-17: CULTURAL RESOURCES:

Introduction: As part of the planning and permitting process, an archaeological sensitivity assessment of the Hidden Springs area was conducted. The purpose of the study was to determine areas likely to contain archaeological remains which would be affected by the construction and occupancy of the residential development. An examination of site forms, historic maps, and survey reports resulted in the identification of cultural resources within the project area and the delineation of areas of moderate, moderate to low and low sensitivity for archaeological remains. In general, the project area is expected to have a moderate to low sensitivity for sites based on topographic features, principally steep slopes, and distance to water.

No prehistoric archaeological resources have been recorded within the Hidden Springs property boundary. A total of six (6) prehistoric and historic sites have been recorded within two (2) miles of the project area. All of these sites, consisting of prehistoric lithic scatters and historic foundations, are located on moderate slopes adjacent to Dry Creek in a portion of the creek with a very narrow flood plain.

Trends were derived from examining the nature and patterning of known sites within the region, the results of surveys in similar environmental locations including surveys with an absence of cultural resources, and the physiographic and environmental characteristics of the project area. Using these data, the project area was divided into several parts equating to different degrees of archaeological sensitivity. Based on their differences, three (3) classes of sensitivity were defined: moderate, moderate to low, and low.

The Cultural Resources map depicts the range of archaeological sensitivity of the project area. The discussion below outlines the attributes of each of the sensitivity classes.

Moderate Sensitivity: The areas considered to possess moderate sensitivity include the Dry Creek flood plain (M1) and the gentle to modest slopes in the southeastern portion of the study area (M2). Both of these areas have flat to gently sloping topography and proximity to an intermittent stream. The flood plain is covered in recent alluvium and sites within the area are likely to be buried. However, conversations with a local farmer (personal communications, A. Ostalasa) indicate that no cultural materials have been found in this portion of the flood plain, although such materials have been recovered upstream from the project area. The Hidden Springs property has been cultivated heavily since the 1800s. Sites that could be found in these areas include seasonal plant collecting and hunting sites and historic sites associated with agriculture and grazing.

Prehistoric sites may include very short-term hunting sites and may be represented by isolated artifacts. Sites in this zone are most likely to occur on ridge tops and moderate slopes near the intermittent streams.

   Figure 2-J

(Ord. 1002, 10-28-2025)