Projects
Archaeological Assessments for Forestry Developments in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Natural Resource District, on Behalf of BC Timber Sales.
Services: Archaeology & Cultural Resources
Work Involved:
- Archaeological Overview Assessment (AOA)
- Preliminary Field Reconnaissance (PFR)
- Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA)
- First Nations and Indigenous Consultation
Project Description
Ecofor provided archaeological assessment services to BC Timber Sales in 2017-2019 to aid in the planning of forestry developments within their Cariboo-Chilcotin Business Area. Developments assessed during these years included proposed cutblocks, proposed roads, and upgrades to existing roads.
Ecofor conducted archaeological assessments for over 300 proposed forestry developments. These efforts included 289 field surveys conducted as Archaeological Impact Assessments and Preliminary Field Reconnaissance, guided and preceded by the results of 112 Archaeological Overview Assessment desktop studies.
Twenty-eight newly identified archaeological sites were recorded as a result of these assessments. In addition, 29 previously recorded archaeological sites were revisited, with their site records being updated with the Archaeology Branch. Over 200 areas of high archaeological potential were also identified and delineated for avoidance during development. Detailed recommendations regarding the protection and management of the archaeological sites and areas of archaeological potential were provided to the client.
Field assessments were conducted with the support of archaeological field assistants from First Nations with asserted traditional territories within the study area. First Nations were also consulted during desktop assessments, with their input and guidance included within AOA reports prior to their submission to the client and the BC Archaeology Branch.
Field and desktop assessments were conducted on an ongoing basis, guided by client priorities and development schedules. Regular status updates were provided, and project deliverables were submitted to the client, the BC Archaeology Branch, and affected First Nations as assessments were completed.
Field assessments were conducted in snow-free conditions during approximately 7-month long field seasons each year, from May to November. Desktop assessments and production of deliverables occur year-round and continue until project completion.