HomeMy WebLinkAboutTPM20-0002 NEIC Comment Letter
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Northeast Center of the
California Historical Resources
Information System
BUTTE GLENN LASSEN MODOC PLUMAS SHASTA
SIERRA SISKIYOU SUTTER TEHAMA TRINITY
123 West 6th Street, Suite 100
Chico CA 95928
Phone (530) 898-6256
neinfocntr@csuchico.edu
March 30, 2020 Butte County Department of Development Services 7 County Center Drive
Oroville, CA 95965-3397 Attn: Ms. Tristan Weems
I.C. File # L20-2 Project Review
RE: Margaret Johnson/TPM20-0002/APN 042-010-085 T22N, R1E, Unsectioned Arroyo Chico Landgrant USGS Nord 7.5' quadrangle
5.06 acres (Butte County) Dear Ms. Weems,
In response to your request, a project review for the project cited above was conducted by examining the official maps and records for archaeological sites and surveys in Butte County. RESULTS: Prehistoric Resources: According to our records, no sites of this type have been recorded in the project area or the immediate project vicinity. The project is located in a region utilized by Konkow Maidu populations. Unrecorded prehistoric cultural resources may be located in the project area.
Historic Resources: According to our records, no sites of this type have been recorded in the project area. However, one site of this type, P-04-004089, the Chico Grange, has been recorded within one mile of the proposed project. Unrecorded historic cultural resources may be located in the project area.
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The USGS Nord 7.5’ quad map indicates that the Arroyo Chico Land Grant and Bell Road are
located within the project area, while the city of Chico, orchards, Lindo Channel, Bidwell School
(Chico Grange), Mud Creek, Highway 99, roads and structures are located in the project vicinity. Rancho Arroyo Chico was a 22,214-acre Mexican land grant in present-day Butte County, California given in 1844 by Governor Manuel Micheltorena to William Dickey. The name means
'little stream' and refers to Chico Creek. The grant was located along the north bank of Chico
Creek, east of the Sacramento River and encompassed present-day Chico. The land grant was later purchased by John Bidwell, who founded the City of Chico at the junction of the old Shasta-Marysville Road (now Highway 99) and Chico Creek. The Chico Grange, originally Bidwell School, was built in 1902. It is listed in the State Built Environment Resource Directory
as individually eligible for Local listing.
Previous Archaeological Investigations: According to our records, the project area has not been previously surveyed for cultural resources. Literature Search: The official records and maps for archaeological sites and surveys in Butte
County were reviewed. Also reviewed: National Register of Historic Places - Listed properties and Determined Eligible Properties (2012), California Register of Historical Resources (2012), California Points of Historical Interest (2009), California Investigation of Historic Resources (1976), California Historical Landmarks (2012), Gold Districts of
California – Bulletin 193 (2005), Historic Spots in California – Fifth Edition (2002), Handbook of North American Indians, Vol. 8, California (1978), and Directory of Properties in the Historic Property Data File for Butte County (2012). RECOMMENDATIONS:
Based upon the above information and the local topography, and regional history, the project is located in an area considered to be sensitive for prehistoric, protohistoric, and historic cultural resources. Konkow Maidu populations used the local region for seasonal and/or permanent
settlement, as well as for the gathering of plants, roots, seeds, domestic materials, and hunting
seasonal game. Historically, Euro-Americans utilized the region for farming. Therefore, because the project area has not been previously surveyed, we recommend that a professional archaeologist be contacted to conduct a cultural resources survey of the entire project
area. The consultant can offer recommendations for avoidance and protection of any identified
resources. In addition, any existing structures should be evaluated for potential historical significance. The project archaeologist will be able to offer recommendations for the preservation of or mitigation of effects on any cultural resources encountered as a result of field survey. A list of qualified consultants is available online at www.chrisinfo.org.
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The project archaeologist should also contact the appropriate local Native American representatives
for information regarding traditional cultural properties that may be located within project
boundaries for which we have no records. The Native American Heritage Commission should be contacted at (916) 373-3710 for information regarding Native American representatives in the vicinity of the project.
During any phase of parcel development, if any potential prehistoric, protohistoric, and/or historic
cultural resources are encountered, all work should cease in the area of the find pending an examination of the site and materials by the project archaeologist. This request to cease work in the area of a potential cultural resource find is intended for accidental discoveries made during construction activities, and is not intended as a substitute for the recommended cultural resources
survey.
The fee for this project review is $75.00 (1 hour of Project Review Time @ $75.00 per hour). Payment for this project review was received on March 11, 2020 (Check # 2680). Thank you for your dedication preserving Butte County’s and California's irreplaceable cultural heritage, and
please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need any further information or
assistance. Sincerely,
Amy Huberland, M.A. Coordinator