Archeological Survey and Testing at Town's Bluff Boat Ramp and River Park, Jeff Davis County, Georgia

In June of 2003, Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. conducted a two week
archeological survey and testing program at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources'
Bullards Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) property on the Altamaha River in Jeff Davis
County (Figure 1). Bullards Creek WMA consists of approximately 13,000 acres along the south
bank of the Altamaha and Ocmulgee Rivers. The DNR intends to develop two small tracts for
public use (Figure 2). The western tract is at Warehouse Landing, the location of an existing boat
ramp that already sees heavy use from the public (Figure 3). The eastern tract is at Town's Bluff
Landing, approximately 500 m (2000 ft) downstream. At present this area is covered with dense
pine plantation (Figure 4). The proposed improvements will include parking spaces, boat ramps,
playgrounds, camping areas, a well and water lines, a picnic shelter, rest rooms, a septic tank,
drain fields and maintenance shops. The land-use will be largely passive and there are no plans for
extensive ground disturbing activities. Combined, the two tracts consist of approximately 30 acres.
The archeological work was conducted to ensure that the DNR is in compliance with the Georgia
Environmental Policy Act (GEPA). Four archeological sites and an artifact occurrence were
delineated during the survey. None are considered eligible for listing in the National Register of
Historic Places. Thus, the proposed construction will not adversely affect any significant
archeological remains.