Archaeology


UWM-CRM routinely performs a variety of archaeological investigations to assist clients with compliance tasks related to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as well as Wisconsin Statutes 44.40 and 157.70 (burial sites). Archaeological studies have included extensive archival/literature research, monitoring, Phase I surveys, Phase II evaluations, Phase III data recovery, burial sites/cemetery investigations, and other various cultural resource related tasks.

Cultural Resources Reviews

UWMCRM provides on demand archival/literature research for client requested locales. If previously reported archaeological and/or burial sites are identified as coincident with the project area, recommendations for field research are immediately provided.

Monitoring

UWM-CRM provides on demand services for on site archaeological monitoring during construction as a stipulated from the Wisconsin Historic Society relative to Wisconsin’s burial sites law. Monitoring services are performed by our staff Qualified Archaeologists. UWM-CRM is staffed with several Qualified Archaeologists allowing the program the ability to monitor multiple concurrent projects throughout the region.

Phase I Investigations/Surveys

Phase I (identification) archaeological investigations have been conducted for a numerous projects throughout Wisconsin. Surveys have included small urban reconditioning projects to large scale, multi-county corridor studies. The results of the Phase I surveys are documented in standard reporting forms consistent with those required by the various agencies including WisDOT and WisDNR for projects where archaeological resources are not encountered and in formal technical reports for surveys that identified archaeological sites in the project area.

Phase II Evaluations

UWM-CRM has conducted evaluations for archaeological sites to determine their eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). In 2015, Phase II evaluations were conducted at two prehistoric open-air Native American sites along the USH 51 Corridor in Dane County. At 47DA0105 (BDA-0395) C.M. Colladay 1, the investigations consisted of detailed topographic mapping of three extant mounds and hand excavation of test units in areas adjacent to the mounds.

Phase III Data Recovery

Archaeological mitigation, typically conducted at those sites adversely impacted by planned roadway work, has been recently undertaken at two sites:
47WP0294 (McHugh) and 47JE00902 (Finch). UWM-CRM conducted archaeological data recovery at site 47WP0294 (McHugh), a mid-nineteenth to early twentieth century Irish immigrant farmstead located in Waupaca County. The excavations identified dugout cabin, as well as at least one outbuilding. Initial analysis of the extensive artifact assemblage indicate the potential of the site to address questions relating to gender, childhood and the lives of Irish immigrants on the Wisconsin frontier.

The UWM-CRM program also conducted archaeological data recovery efforts at 47JE0902 (Finch). The Finch site, located approximately two kilometers east of Lake Koshkonong, defines an American Indian habitation site that harbors several cultural and temporal components spanning the past twelve thousand years of prehistory. Archaeological excavations have scientifically excavated over 1,500 square meters, yielding over 165,00 artifacts, identifying 163 in situ features, yielding evidence of a substantive and recurrent occupation along the margins of an interior wetland.

Human Burial Site Assessment

UWM-CRM provides on demand services for WisDOT relative to cultural resource issues that arise during construction, especially with regard to human burial sites and cemeteries that are protected under WisStat 157.70.

UWM-CRM offers a full array of contract archaeology services including:

  • literature searches
  • archival research
  • cemetery documentation
  • archaeological field surveys
  • archaeological site evaluations
  • archaeological excavations/data recovery
  • digital mapping
  • report writing
  • laboratory analysis of artifacts, animal bone, botanical materials, and human remains
  • Memorandum of Agreements
  • Programmatic Agreements
  • Draft Environmental Impact Statement – Cultural Resources
  • Specific to archaeological and architecture/ history resources, the UWM-CRM program has prepared Archaeological Data Recovery Plans, Determination of Eligibility Forms (NPS Form 10-900), and formal NRHP nominations.
  • As well as having strong history of preparing a variety of types of cultural resource documentation, UWM-CRM has established innovative technical document formats for a number of compliance-driven project types. These report types include:
    • Wisconsin Historical Society-Monitoring Short Form Report
    • FERC Programmatic Agreement SHPO Notifications
    • FERC Programmatic Agreement Project Record Documentation
    • Combined Wis. Stat. §44.40 and §157.70 Report Format