Archeological Investigations along Cactus Forest Drive

TWO part report in one volume:
Part 1: Phase I Data Recovery at Nine Sites on Cactus Forest Drive

Part 2: Phase II Data Recovery and Archeological monitoring along Cactus Forest Drive

Abstract:
Two phases of archeological data recovery were conducted at Saguaro National Park in 2004 and 2006 in support of proposed reconstruction and improvements to Cactus Forest Drive in the Rincon Mountain District
at sites that are part of the Rincon Mountain Foothills Archeological District. Phase I data recovery at nine archeological sites along the roadway is reported in Part I of this report. Intact, buried cultural deposits were found in the road right-of-way at two sites, AZ BB:14:44 (ASM) and AZ BB:14:169 (ASM). Phase II data recovery in the roadbed at AZ BB:14:44 (ASM) found shallow, disturbed deposits. The cultural deposits at AZ BB:14:169 (ASM) are deep and lie below the zone of direct impact. Following the recommendations of the Phase I report, park staff and engineers redesigned and relocated the parking lot at site AZ BB:14:44(ASM) to minimize indirect impacts to the site. Monitoring of construction activities and revegetation did not encounter any additional impacts to the archeological sites.