Survey of the Young-Heber Road

Purpose

Desert Archaeology surveyed the right-of-way and temporary construction easements along 13.5 miles of Forest Service Highway 512, known as the Young-Heber Road, in advance of paving and realignment for safety improvements. Desert Archaeology served as a subcontractor to Kimley-Horn on this project.

Actions

• Historical document review to identify previously recorded cultural resources

• Survey of 9.69 acres

• Management recommendations for 3 sites including avoidance and monitoring

Results

• Desert Archaeology re-located nine previously recorded sites and noted the presence of three in-use historic roadways.

• The survey recorded precontact lithic quarries and temporary habitation sites near water sources.

• Historic cultural resources included infrastructure supporting the ranching and forestry industries in this remote area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the first telephone line in the region, early roads, and a historic ranger station and orchard.

• We determined that monitoring of ground-disturbing activities was indicated for two sites, and that avoidance would prevent damage to a third. We determined that no further work was required for the other sites.