PHASE 1B HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES INVENTORY REPORT TAHOE DONNER TRAILS PROJECT FIVE-YEAR IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ADDENDUM I

Transcription

1 PHASE 1B HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES INVENTORY REPORT TAHOE DONNER TRAILS PROJECT FIVE-YEAR IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ADDENDUM I Report prepared by Susan Lindström, Ph.D. (RPA), Truckee, California with Lizzie Bennett, Reno, Nevada Devin Blom, Battle Born GIS Consulting Virginia City Highlands, Nevada Report prepared for Tahoe Donner Association Truckee, California December 2015

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS page SUMMARY 1 PROJECT BACKGROUND 3 Study Protocols 3 Study Goals and Objectives 3 METHODS 5 Personnel 5 Phase 1B Pre-Field Planning 5 Field Techniques 5 Post-Field Research 6 RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 7 Trail #1: "Coyote Crossing and Last Round-Up" 7 Trail #3: "Sidewinder" 9 Trail #10: "East Firewalker, East Sundance, Lower Crazy Horse" 10 Trail #15: "Glacier Way Trail Head" 10 Trail #18: "Bermgarten/McGlashan Springs Trail Head" 11 Trail #19: "Nature Loop South" 12 Trail #20: "Nature Loop North" 12 Project-Wide Trails 13 REFERENCES CITED 15 TABLES Tahoe Donner Trails Cultural Resource Summary 17 FIGURES Project location map (USGS quad) 21 December 2015 i Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

3 2. Project location map (aerial photo) Archaeological coverage map (USGS quad) Archaeological coverage map (aerial photo) 24 RESUMES 25 CONFIDENTIAL APPENDIX Cultural Resource Location Map: Trails Project #1 Cultural Resource Location Map: Trails Project #3 Cultural Resource Location Map: Trails Project #10 Cultural Resource Location Map: Trails Project #19 Cultural Resource Location Map: Trails Project #20 Cultural Resource Location Map: Project-Wide Trails (Note that this appendix contains confidential archaeological site information. In order to prevent the deliberate and/or inadvertent destruction of historical and archaeological resources, this information should be used for planning purposes only and should not be distributed to the general public. Releasing information about the nature and location of archaeological resources is restricted under Section 304 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470w-3) and Section 9 of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 470hh; 36 CFR296.18). December 2015 ii Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

4 SUMMARY Tahoe Donner Association plans to extend and improve environmental quality on their current trails system over a five-year period. The program involves existing trail and road rehabilitation, rerouting of existing trails, and new trail construction for an approximate total project area of 22 miles. New trails account for 45 percent of the inventory, with improvements to existing trails totaling 55 percent. The Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan (Trails 5YIP) is intended to move 22 identified trail projects (and associated trail heads and parking areas) from broad recommendations contained within the Tahoe Donner Trails Master Plan closer to the project-level design and detail necessary for permitting through the various local, state and federal agencies as well as CEQA review and clearance. In compliance with state and county antiquities guidelines under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA Section , the CEQA Guidelines , and the Public Resource Code 5024) and the Nevada County Zoning Ordinance Land Use and Development Code (Nevada County 2013), the project sponsor is required to consider potential project impacts on significant historical and archaeological resources in the planning process and as part of baseline environmental studies. Cultural resource studies are customarily performed in a series of phases, each one building upon information gained from the prior study. The inventory phase (Phase 1) involves prefield research and Native American contact (Phase 1A), field reconnaissance/resource discovery (Phase 1B), and documentation of any cultural resources located within the project area (Phase 1C). If cultural properties are present and if they may be subject to project-related impacts, their significance is evaluated according to eligibility criteria established in the California Register of Historical Resources (Phase 2). If project redesign to avoid impacts to significant resources is unfeasible, then mitigation measures are implemented (Phase 3). Mitigation (or data recovery) typically involves supplemental archival research, field excavation, photo documentation, mapping, archaeological monitoring, interpretation, etc. The Phase 1B-Addendum I report is intended as a complementary companion piece to the proceeding Phase 1A prefield study (bound under separate cover) that contains necessary contextual background. In the Phase 1A volume, a cultural overview is presented and known and suspected historical and archaeological resources and related problem areas that exist within the 5YIPlan area have been identified. The matter in which these issues should be addressed and resolved through a set of protocols to be implemented as part of the necessary agency permitting process are outlined. When properly applied, these protocols insure that implementation of the 5YIPlan and the 22 individual projects it contains should not have an adverse impact to significant historical and archaeological resources. The Phase 1B-Addendum I reports upon additional steps that have been taken to accomplish a selected portion of the fieldwork now, wherein seven of the 22 trails projects have been subject to a Phase 1B field reconnaissance. Fieldwork was completed during November 2015 by Susan Lindström, Ph.D.,, and assisting archaeologists, Lizzie Bennett and Devin Blom. Field discovery disclosed two archaeological site complexes, nine sites, 10 linear features, and five isolated finds. In order to guide Tahoe Donner staff at this earlier stage of planning, the Phase 1B- Addendum I report also provides a provisional assessment of archaeological resource significance December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

5 (in terms of eligibility criteria for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources as per CEQA Section ). This report also outlines potential project impacts and recommended steps for further action (if appropriate) according to the protocols outlined in the Phase 1A report. The ultimate objective is to achieve a CEQA determination whereby potential effects of this project on cultural resources are not considered to be a significant effect on the environment. None of the historic-era resources identified during the Phase 1B-Addendum I study appears to qualify for listing in the California Register. While the three prehistoric sites and five prehistoric isolated finds also do not appear eligible for listing in terms of their archaeological values, it is possible these resources may have Native American values and the Washoe Tribe should be consulted as part of subsequent resource evaluation and treatment. Note that these provisional statements of California Register eligibility are preliminary assessments and await follow-up Phase 1C documentation and Phase 2 evaluation in order to be consistent with the cultural protocols in the Phase 1A report. December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

6 PROJECT BACKGROUND Tahoe Donner Association plans to extend and improve environmental quality on their current trails system over a five-year period through a program involving existing trail and road rehabilitation and rerouting of existing trails and new trail construction for an approximate total of 22 miles. New trails account for 45 percent of the inventory, with improvements to existing trails totaling 55 percent. The Tahoe Donner Trails 5-Year Implementation Plan (Trails 5YIP) is intended to move 22 identified trail projects (and associated trail heads and parking areas) from broad recommendations contained within the Tahoe Donner Trails Master Plan closer to the project-level design and detail necessary for permitting through the various local, state and federal agencies as well as CEQA review and clearance. STUDY PROTOCOLS In compliance with state and county antiquities guidelines under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA Section , the CEQA Guidelines , and the Public Resource Code 5024) and the Nevada County Zoning Ordinance Land Use and Development Code (Nevada County 2013), the project sponsor is required to consider potential project impacts on significant historical and archaeological resources in the planning process and as part of baseline environmental studies. Historical and archaeological resource studies are customarily performed in a series of phases that comprise a sequence of steps or "protocols", each one building upon information gained from the prior one. These protocols are summarized below and discussed in greater detail in the companion Phase 1A volume. Protocol: Phase I Inventory o Phase IA Prefield Research o Phase IB Field Reconnaissance (pre-construction pedestrian survey) o Phase 1C Documentation (historical and archaeological resource recordation) Protocol: Phase II Evaluation Protocol: Phase III Impact Mitigation (data recovery, archaeological monitoring. treatment of unforeseen discoveries, etc.) STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The Phase 1B-Addendum I report is intended as a follow-up to the Phase 1A prefield study (bound under separate cover). In the Phase 1A volume, the cultural context has been summarized and known and suspected historical and archaeological resources and related problem areas that exist within the 5YIPlan area have been identified. The matter in which these issues should be addressed and resolved through a set of protocols to be implemented as part of the necessary agency permitting process are outlined. When properly applied, these protocols insure that implementation of the 5YIPlan and the 22 individual projects it contains should not have an adverse impact to significant historical and archaeological resources. December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

7 For the Phase 1B-Addendum I, additional steps have been taken to accomplish a selected portion of the fieldwork now, wherein seven of the 22 trails projects have been subject to a Phase 1B field reconnaissance. (Following the Phase 1A protocols, subsequent addenda would be created as and when needed based upon the planned year-to-year project implementation as determined by Tahoe Donner.) The companion Phase 1B-Addendum I volume presents findings of the initial field discovery phase (Phase 1B) for seven trails projects (shown on figures 1 and 2). In order to guide Tahoe Donner staff at this earlier stage of planning, it also provides a provisional assessment of historical and archaeological resource significance (in terms of eligibility criteria for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources as per CEQA Section ). Potential project impacts are outlined and steps for further action (if appropriate) are recommended according to the protocols outlined in the Phase 1A report. The ultimate objective is to achieve a CEQA determination that the potential effects of this project on cultural resources are not considered to be a significant effect on the environment. Table 1 describes inventoried cultural resources, their likelihood of historical and archaeological significance, recommended further actions, and potential project impacts. Note that statements of resource significance appearing on the table are preliminary evaluations and await follow-up Phase 1C documentation and Phase 2 evaluation. For the treatment of prehistoric resources, the Washoe Tribe should be consulted. Recommendations for further actions apply only to archaeological resources that would be impacted by implementation of the planned trail. An assessment of project impacts implies that recommended further actions, which are consistent with the cultural protocols in the Phase 1A report, have been implemented as follows. A. For those cultural resources subject to impacts on new trails, trail re-routing is advised. In that event, the resource would drop from the inventory list and from further project consideration under the CEQA process. B. Where project re-design is not feasible on new or existing trails, Phase 1C recordation and Phase 2 evaluation should follow. 1. For those resources evaluated as non-significant, Phase 1C and Phase 2 documentation will suffice and the project can proceed as planned without constraint. 2. For those resources evaluated as significant, further mitigation work should involve one or more of the following protocols. a. Modify planned project ground disturbance activities in proximity to the resource to avoid impacts, with archaeological monitoring during construction activities (if appropriate). b. Perform supplemental archival research, field excavation, photo documentation, mapping, archaeological monitoring, interpretation, etc. The treatment of Native American resources should be accomplished in consultation with members of the Washoe Tribe. December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

8 With the implementation of the proposed further actions shown on Table 1 and discussed above, the project should be able to proceed as planned without constraints regarding cultural resources. PERSONNEL METHODS Archaeological work for the Phase 1B study was conducted by Susan Lindström, Ph.D.,. Lindström has over 42 years of professional experience in regional prehistory and history, holds a doctoral degree in anthropology/archaeology and has maintained certification by the Register of Professional Archaeologists (formerly Society of Professional Archaeologists) since She meets the Secretary of Interior's Standards (48 FR ) for expertise in archaeology, history and related disciplines. Assisting archaeologist, Lizzie Bennett has over 20 years of regional archaeological experience. Devin Blom holds a B.A. in Anthropology and has six years of local archaeological experience. He also assisted in the field survey and coordinated the project's GPS/GIS mapping effort. (See attached resumes.) Project oversight was coordinated by environmental planner, Gavin Ball, and Forrest Huisman, Director of Capital Projects for Tahoe Donner Association. Legal advice was offered by Braiden Chadwick, Legal Counsel to Tahoe Donner (personal communication, October 20, 2015). Sean Connelly, Tahoe Donner Trails Ranger, provided guidance regarding field logistics. PHASE 1B PRE-FIELD PLANNING Phase 1A prefield research was completed by Susan Lindström in June 2015 when a draft report was prepared. Tahoe Donner staff completed their draft review in October 2015 and a report incorporating the comments of the staff reviewers was finalized in December (Lindström 2015). A verbal notice-to-proceed with the subsequent Phase 1B field reconnaissance was authorized by Tahoe Donner on October 22, Fieldwork for seven of the 22 trails projects was prioritized according to the following rationale. 1) The seven trails projects are clearly locatable and known and constitute a representative sample based on trail project types (e.g., new and existing roads and trails). 2) The seven trails projects correspond to current construction priorities (recognizing that Tahoe Donner could re-prioritize the construction schedule). 3) The seven trails projects entail some of the most culturally sensitive areas within the 5- Year Implementation Plan area. Accordingly, they will serve as a test in order to confirm the adequacy of the cultural resource protocols presented in the Phase 1A document and demonstrate their workability. FIELD TECHNIQUES Despite the threat of inclement weather, the late-season field work was initiated on October 25, 26 and 29, 2015 by Lizzie Bennett and Devin Blom under the supervision of Susan Lindström. Field work was supplemented by helpful field orientation on October 26, 2015 from December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

9 Randy Carter, Tahoe Donner Trail Department. Snowfall on November 2nd halted the field survey. Archaeological field reconnaissance was facilitated by a Trimble GeoXh 6000 Series GPS unit. This unit is capable of sub-meter accuracy (i.e., less than three-foot accuracy). The hand-held unit is based on the Microsoft Windows Mobile Version 6.5 operating system and utilizes NAD 83 as the datum. This level of mapping accuracy is the archaeological industry standard, especially when applied to the context of the Tahoe Donner trails project, where the trail treadway is generally only three feet wide, with a potential impact corridor of only about 20 feet. Accuracy is paramount and properly documenting the exact location of historical and archaeological resources in relation to the trail alignment is essential to insure their avoidance and/or implement subsequent management. Supplemental mapping was accomplished using a mix of field tools including compass, tape, and range finder, along with GPS unit. The field survey incorporated intensive archaeological reconnaissance techniques, which entailed systematically walking an area in transects no greater than three feet (~one meter) apart, looking for all evidence of prior human activity. In many cases it was necessary (and possible) to perform some ground cover modification to allow for the detection of the smallest of archaeological remains likely to occur in the area under study. Areas containing or expected to contain historical and archaeological resources, were examined the most thoroughly. Although an attempt was made to systematically transect the entire project area, some areas were less than completely inspected because of obscured ground surface visibility (e.g., brush, duff, etc.). Larger block areas at proposed trail heads and parking areas were examined at no greater than 30- foot (~10-meter) intervals. Field techniques are further detailed under the discussion of each numbered trails project (see results and recommendations section). Archaeological coverage is shown on figures 3 and 4. During the Phase 1B reconnaissance, known historical and archaeological resources identified during Phase 1A prefield research were relocated and known and newly-discovered resources were GPS mapped and briefly described. Recordation was deferred to follow-up Phase 1C work as part of a separate scope and cost proposal. POST-FIELD RESEARCH At the completion of the Phase 1B field reconnaissance, a preliminary report (in table format) summarizing historical and archaeological resources and their potential significance, accompanied by a map showing the location of these findings, were submitted to the project proponent. These field results were jointly reviewed in a meeting (November 11, 2015) with project planner Gavin Ball and Sean Connelly and Forrest Huisman of Tahoe Donner Association. Authorization to proceed with the Phase 1B-Addendum I report of findings was issued by Tahoe Donner on November 18, As a first step in the post-field research process, raw field data were organized and categorized into various historical and archaeological resource types in order to gain a more accurate assessment of their nature, location and extent. The field inventory was "filtered" in order to: December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

10 1) eliminate those resources that are not historic (i.e., generally younger than 50 years and not considered to be cultural resources); and 2) identify only those resources that would actually be impacted by implementation of the planned trail project. The map of known and/or suspected historical and archaeological resources prepared for the Phase 1A study was reviewed and the original source historical maps were re-examined. Available aerial photographs dating from 1939 and 1966 were inspected. Bill Houdyschell, Tahoe Donner Forester, kindly shared his collection of historical aerial photographs dating from 1939 and 1966 (personal communication, November 13 and December 8, 2015). He reviewed the Phase 1B-Addendum I historical and archaeological resource location map and offered insights on mid-20th century logging features associated with the 1960 Donner Ridge Fire (or "Donner Burn") in light of a map of the burned areas within the Tahoe Donner Subdivision. LIDAR map images containing the seven trails project areas were inspected for clues relating to historic linear features identified during the field survey. In addition, Heidi Euer Martin (cousin of John and Robert Euer) was re-contacted on December 12, Upon her request, a list of questions regarding Euer family history and archaeological resources identified in Euer Valley was prepared and ed on December 15th, to be forwarded to John Euer, the recognized "family historian." Answers to these questions are pending. RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS For each of the seven trails projects studied, results of the Phase 1B field reconnaissance are described below and summarized on Table 1. The locations of historical and archaeological resources are shown on maps contained in the accompanying confidential appendix. Note that historical and archaeological resources are referenced according to a numbering hierarchy. Historical and archaeological resources confined to a single trail project are shown on their respective trail maps and numbered first according to their respective trails project number, i.e., the trail number (contained in parentheses) appears before a site number, linear feature (LF) number or isolated find (IF) number. Historical and archaeological resources that extend into multiple trails projects are shown only on the "Project-Wide Trails" map, where the trail number (shown in parentheses) is listed behind the site number. Therefore, in order to identify the total inventory of historical and archaeological resources present on any particular numbered trail, the "Project-Wide Trails" map must also be consulted. This discussion also addresses the expected archaeological sensitivity of each individual trails project, any prior archaeological coverage, and the record of previously documented historical and archaeological resources. The potential significance of inventoried archaeological resources is also assessed. Note that statements regarding the likelihood of archaeological significance (in terms of eligibility criteria for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources as per CEQA Section ) are preliminary and await follow-up Phase 1C documentation and Phase 2 evaluation. Evaluations of Native American resources should be accomplished in consultation with the Washoe Tribe. In addition, recommendations for further action according to the cultural December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

11 protocols outlined in the Phase 1A report are presented. Further action applies only to archaeological resources that would be impacted by implementation of the planned trail project. TRAIL #1: "COYOTE CROSSING AND LAST ROUND-UP" Trail Type: Existing road/trail improvement and rehabilitation. Location: The trail traverses along the south side of Euer Valley and connects to the end of Alder Creek Road. Description: The trail is approximately three miles of single lane unpaved road. The road currently has drainage and erosion issues that impede vehicle access and impact water quality. The proposed work is intended to repair and stabilize the road surface involving roadside ditch improvements, culvert and turnpike/drainage lens installations, and surface capping/stabilization. Prior Archaeological Coverage: None. Known Historical and Archaeological Resources: The existing trail is located on a historic railroad grade (Huisman, personal communication 5/17/15) that was adapted into a mid-20th century tractor logging road. The trail crosses old Euer Valley Road (shown on maps ca. 1880s maps and 1939 aerial). Archaeological Sensitivity Level: High. Field Survey (October 25, 2015): The trail/road prism contours along a moderately-steep and forested northwest-facing slope that gently descends down the ridge towards the south side of Euer Valley. The trail assumes the alignment of an existing dirt road built of modest cut-and-fill construction. Slash is piled on and adjacent to the road. The road/trail passes through a historic railroad logging and mid-20th century tractor logging landscape marked by associated staging areas, log landings, cleared flats, artificial benches, cuts, berms, trenches, blasted rock, mechanically scarred boulders, scarred trees, and road drainage and erosion control features. Modern social trails intersect the road/trail prism. Modern debris and concrete fragments were observed near the Nordic "ski hut." The road/trail prism crosses beneath a power line shown on 1966 aerial photos [see TD(10)-LF1 on Table 1 and on the "Trail #10 Map"]. Field Findings and Likelihood of Historical and Archaeological Significance: Resources include one prehistoric lithic scatter and isolated artifacts and remnants of a 1920s logging railroad grade that was converted to a tractor-logging haul road in the aftermath of the 1960 Donner Ridge Fire (or "Donner Burn"). Resources do not appear to be significant and are likely ineligible for listing on the California Register; however, prehistoric resources may possess Native American values. TD(1)-Site 1: prehistoric basalt lithic scatter (8+ flakes; stemmed projectile point and biface fragment) TD(1)-LF1(a-f): Crown Willamette Logging Railroad Grade (ca ) and associated features and artifacts (e.g., railroad ties and spikes, blasted boulders, cut-and-fill construction, etc.). December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

12 [Also see TD Site 1on Table 1 and on the "Project-Wide Trails Map." Portions of the historic logging railroad were converted into tractor-truck log haul roads as part of the post- Donner Burn Fire ( ) and a variety of features that characterize this mid-20th century logging landscape occur along the road (e.g., log landings and staging areas, skid trails/roads, mechanically-scarred boulders and scarred trees, drainage and erosion control features/culverts/water bars, artifacts, etc.).] TD(1)-If 1 through 3: three prehistoric isolated artifacts Cultural Protocols: Further work involves Phase 1C documentation and Phase 2 evaluation. In coordination with the Washoe Tribe, the project should be revised to avoid further disturbance to prehistoric resources, if possible. TRAIL #3: "SIDEWINDER" Trail Type: New trail. Location: The trail is located on the north side of Euer Valley on the south aspect of a hillside north of and paralleling the Euer Valley Road. Description: The project proposes the creation of a new multi-use trail in Euer Valley. This new hillside trail will relocate users off of North Euer Valley Road. Prior Archaeological Coverage: Partial coverage ("Euer Ranch THP", Gilbert 1991, NCIC #8274). Known Historical and Archaeological Resources: No known resources have been recorded; however, historical resources are reported in close proximity, e.g., logging and horse camps; concrete foundation of steam engine (Euer Sawmill), a spring, barn, corral, dairy, and logging railroad. Archaeological Sensitivity Level: Moderate to high. Field Survey (October 26): The trail prism traverses the toe of a southeast-facing and forested slope above the north side of Euer Valley. The trail is accessed on the west and east ends by the historic dirt road to and through Euer Valley. The trail parallels this historic road on the northwest. The existing trail is a narrow single track. It passes through a modern and historic logging landscape marked by historic high-cut stumps and modern low-cut stumps, logging spurs and furrowed ground, and faint two-track roads. Field Findings and Likelihood of Historical and Archaeological Significance: Three prehistoric lithic scatters and isolated artifacts were inventoried, along with the remains of the historic Euer Sawmill, a historic fence line, and remnants of 19th and 20th century logging. Resources do not appear to be significant and are likely ineligible for listing on the California Register. However, prehistoric resources may possess Native American values. TD(3)-Site 1: prehistoric basalt lithic scatter (5-6 flakes) TD(3)-Site 2: Euer Sawmill (concrete foundation ca. 1917); furrowed ground December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

13 TD(3)-Site 3: prehistoric basalt lithic scatter TD(3)-Site 4: prehistoric basalt lithic scatter; historic refuse scatter (early 20th century) TD(3)-LF1: Euer Valley Road (ca. 1880s) TD(3)-LF2: logging grade TD(3)-LF3: road grade TD(3)-LF4: ditch; furrowed ground TD(3)-LF5: road grade TD(3)-LF6: fence line (railroad tie fence post) TD(3)-LF7: trench; large diameter logs TD(3)-IF1 and 2: prehistoric isolated artifacts Cultural Protocols: Further work entails Phase 1C documentation and Phase 2 evaluation. In coordination with the Washoe Tribe, the project should be revised to avoid further disturbance to prehistoric resources, if possible. TRAIL #10: "EAST FIREWALKER, EAST SUNDANCE, LOWER CRAZY HORSE" Trail Type: Existing roads/trails improvement and rehabilitation. Location: The trail is accessed from a trailhead on Skislope Way. The trail is located between the Moondance Hut (to the Sundance Hut) and Ski Slope Way. Description: The trail is characterized as a single long segment of dirt equestrian/administrative road. Plans involve adding base material and possible re-grading, as well as the installation of drainage management features to improve administrative and fire-fighting access and reduce airborne dust from recreational use. Prior Archaeological Coverage: None. Known Historical and Archaeological Resources: None. Archaeological Sensitivity Level: Moderate. Field Survey (October 26): The trail prism descends down a moderate east-facing forested slope. The north half of the trail aligns with a wide dirt road that was constructed to facilitate logging after the Donner burn in [See TD Site 1(10), LF-2 on Table 1 and the "Project-Wide Trails Map."] Field Findings and Likelihood of Historical and Archaeological Significance: Field survey disclosed a historic fence line and a pre-1966 utility line. Resources do not appear to be significant and are likely ineligible for listing on the California Register. December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

14 TD(1)-LF1: utility line (pre-1966) TD(10)-LF2: fence line Cultural Protocols: Phase 1C documentation; Phase 2 evaluation. TRAIL #15: "GLACIER WAY TRAIL HEAD" Trail Type: Existing trailhead expansion and improvement. Location: The trailhead is located off Glacier Way/Skislope Way. Description: Given the high recreational use of the existing trailhead, project plans involve expanding the existing parking lot to include additional parking spaces, along with an informational kiosk. Prior Archaeological Coverage: None. Known Historical and Archaeological Resources: None. Archaeological Sensitivity Level: Moderate. Field Survey (October 29): The project is located near the ridge area. The area surrounding the current parking area has been heavily impacted. Brush and wood chips cover most of the area on the northeast, south and west. The area on the northwest is covered by very dense brush. Field Findings: None. Cultural Protocols: None. TRAIL #18: "BERMGARTEN/MCGLASHAN SPRINGS TRAIL HEAD" Trail Type: New trailhead. Location: The trailhead is off of the southeastern end of Ski Slope Way (at the end of Bermgarten Road and beyond the gate). Description: The new trailhead would provide access to the Donner Lake Rim Trail and the McGlashan Springs area. It would be built on an existing modern logging deck. Ten paved parking spots would be added, along with an informational kiosk. Prior Archaeological Coverage: Partial coverage adjoins (but appears to be outside) the proposed trailhead on the southeast ("Tinker's Knob Land & Livestock Co. Land Exchange", Russell 1997, NCIC #3433/FS-543) and on the southwest ("Timber Harvest Plan", J. Johnson 1996, NCIC #3421). Known Historical and Archaeological Resources: No known resources have been recorded within the project area. This historic site of McGlashan Springs (P ) and several historic charcoal production sites (P ) have been recorded to the south. December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

15 Archaeological Sensitivity Level: Moderate. Field Survey (October 29): The trailhead is situated on a gentle west-facing slope covered by a mix of forest and brush. The area has been disturbed by a modern log landing. Field Findings: None. Cultural Protocols: None. TRAIL #19: "NATURE LOOP SOUTH" Trail Type: Existing trail improvement. Location: The trail parallels the southwest side of Trout Creek. Description: Plans involve improvements to the tread bench along the steep side slope near the creek in order to reduce erosion and runoff. Other improvements would repair the existing pedestrian bridge and add a turnpike. Prior Archaeological Coverage: Partial coverage ("Tahoe Donner Thinning THP", Houdyschell 1996, NCIC #5485). Known Historical and Archaeological Resources: No formally documented resources occur within the project area; however, a number of undocumented resources are reported. The trail passes through Elle Ellen's mill site, which is marked by two earthen dams, two mill ponds, a ditch, V- flume boards, and miscellaneous pieces of metal, burnt wood and pottery, window pane glass, and Chinese artifacts. Many of these items have been removed due to unauthorized artifact collecting (Houdyschell, personal communication May 27, 2015). Archaeological Sensitivity Level: High. Field Survey (October 25 and 29): The trail is characterized as a narrow single track path that traverses the north-facing slope along south side of Trout Creek. Its central portion borders the floodplain and is built on boardwalk above a beaver pond. Dense willow/dogwood and thickets of young fir border the trail. Private residences adjoin trail sections on the south. Field Findings and Likelihood of Historical and Archaeological Significance: The trail passes through the historic Elle Ellen sawmill complex. Archaeological resources are sparse and deteriorating and do not appear to be significant and are likely ineligible for listing on the California Register. TD(19)-Site 1 (a-b): Elle Ellen Sawmill Complex ( ) TD(19)-Site 1-LF1 through 3: ditch/flume and rock-walled dam) associated linear features (footpath, rock-lined TD(19)-Site 1 (a-b): associated artifacts (ceramic fragment and cut nails) Cultural Protocols: Phase 1C documentation and Phase 2 evaluation. December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

16 TRAIL #20: "NATURE LOOP NORTH" Trail Type: Existing trail improvement. Location: The trail parallels the northeast side of Trout Creek. Description: The trail provides connection between Northwoods Clubhouse and the Trout Creek Recreation Center. Plans would improve the trail tread, redirect street runoff drainage away from the trail and realign or turnpike the trail out of wet areas. Prior Archaeological Coverage: Partial coverage ("Tahoe Donner Thinning THP", Houdyschell 1996, NCIC #5485). Known Historical and Archaeological Resources: Although no resources have been formally documented within the project area, a number of undocumented resources are reported. The trail passes through Elle Ellen's mill site, which is marked by two earthen dams, two mill ponds, a ditch, V-flume boards, and miscellaneous pieces of metal, burnt wood and pottery, window pane glass, and Chinese artifacts. Many of these items have been removed due to unauthorized artifact collecting (Houdyschell, personal communication May 27, 2015). Archaeological Sensitivity Level: High. Field Survey (October 29): The trail prism traverses a narrow strip between Northwoods Boulevard and Trout Creek. Terrain is flat to gently sloping and forested. The north-central trail segment borders the Trout Creek floodplain. The existing trail is narrow but wider than a single track. Field Findings and Likelihood of Historical and Archaeological Significance: A historic roadbed is marked by seven separate rock-lined road segments that collectively may represent the initial road along Trout Creek. The route (temporarily referenced as "Old" Northwoods Boulevard, may follow the Emigrant Trail alignment and/or a 19th century logging road. Resources have been disturbed by the existing recreational trail and construction and maintenance of modern Northwoods Boulevard. They do not appear to be significant and are likely ineligible for listing on the California Register. TD(20)-LF1: historic roadbed ("Old" Northwoods Boulevard) along the north side of Trout Creek (ca. 1880s) Cultural Protocols: Phase 1C documentation and Phase 2 evaluation. PROJECT-WIDE TRAILS Shortly after the 1960 Donner Ridge Fire (or "Donner Burn"), Fibreboard Corporation initiated an intensive program of salvage logging, harvesting about 17 million board feet of timber (Houdyschell, personal communication December 8, 2015). In the company constructed miles of tractor-truck logging roads, skid trails, log landings, etc., to facilitate post-fire logging. The burn encompassed the northwest quadrant of the present-day Tahoe Donner Subdivision, as now marked by expansive brush fields and a large number of post-donner Burn logging features/landscapes. It is likely that, following the railroad logging era of the 1920s, Tahoe Donner stands were not re-entered until and immediately following the Donner Burn (Houdyschell, personal communication November 13, 2015). As such, these mid-20th century December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

17 logging features/landscapes are technically over 50 years old and subject to archaeological recordation and evaluation. In an effort to document this large but discontiguous site complex, one that transcends multiple trails projects, a single temporary site number has been assigned, i.e., "TD Site 1", followed by the individual trail number in parenthesis, e.g., "TD Site 1(1). Multiple site elements such as linear features/logging roads, etc., are referenced at the end of the numbering sequence by their linear feature number, e.g., "TD Site (1)-LF1." Inherent in this recording strategy is the assumption that mid-20th century logging landscapes do not appear to qualify for listing on the California Register. Given the limited resources for historical and archaeological resource recordation and management, these resources don't warrant the careful attention and recordation that might be applied to 19th and early 20th century logging resources. Mid-20th century logging resources dominate the forest landscape in the Truckee Basin and far outnumber 19th and early 20th century logging resources that retain good integrity. Consequently, there is a high redundancy factor involving these later landscapes. Furthermore, the relative archaeological and archival research potential is far less for mid-20th century logging resources than it is for 19th century and early 20th century resources, where archival and archaeological information is more limited. Logging records within the latter half of the 20th century are more readily available and there is a much fuller knowledge of tractor logging technology than that for animal-era or steam-era logging resources. Finally, the integrity of site elements is variable, as logging roads have been overlain by paved roads and housing subdivision development. Field Findings and Likelihood of Historical and Archaeological Significance: Resources associated with TD Site 1 and Site 2 do not appear to be significant and are likely ineligible for listing on the California Register. TD Site 1: post-donner Burn logging features/landscape TD Site 1-LF1 through 7: logging roads TD Site 1-LF1 (a-g): associated artifacts and features (log landings and staging areas, skid trails/roads, mechanically-scarred boulders and scarred trees, drainage and erosion control features/culverts/water bars, etc.) TD Site 2(1) and TD Site 2(10): pre-1966 electrical power line Cultural Protocols: Phase 1C documentation and Phase 2 evaluation. December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

18 REFERENCES CITED Gilbert, Carlys 1991 Euer Ranch Timber Harvest Plan (THP). Report (#8274) on file North Central Information Center, California State University, Sacramento. Houdyschell, William 1996 Archaeological and Historical Survey for Tahoe Donner Thinning. Report (#5485) on file North Central Information Center, California State University, Sacramento. Johnson, James P Confidential Archaeological and Historical Resources Survey and Impact Assessment: A Supplemental Report for a Timber Harvest Plan (THP). Report (#3421) on file North Central Information Center, California State University, Sacramento. Lindström, Susan G Phase 1A Heritage Resource Inventory Report Tahoe Donner Trails Project Five- Year Implementation Plan, Truckee. Report on file North Central Information Center, California State University, Sacramento. Russell, Gayle 1977 Archaeological Reconnaissance Report Tinker's Knob Land and Livestock Co. Land Exchange. Report (#3433) on file North Central Information Center, California State University, Sacramento. December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

19 TABLE December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

20 December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

21 December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

22 December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

23 FIGURES December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

24 December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

25 December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

26 December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

27 December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

28 RESUMES December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

29 December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

30 December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

31 December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

32 December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

33 December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

34 December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

35 December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.

36 December Susan Lindström, Ph.D.