AVON PARK AIR FORCE RANGE CULTURAL RESOURCES SURVEY / FLORIDA
The U.S. Air Force required a Phase I archaeological inventory of 190 acres across Avon Park Air Force Range, Highlands and Polk Counties, Florida. The project also required Phase II testing for an archaeological site in the same location. Baer Engineering performed a Phase I cultural resources survey and archaeological inventory that consisted of a pedestrian survey and excavation of 854 shovel tests covering approximately 189.83 acres on six selected noncontiguous tracts within APAFR. Phase II testing and evaluation was conducted on a single previously recorded site, 8HG1107. In the course of the Phase II evaluation, eight 1m x 2m units were excavated, yielding 642 artifacts. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the site’s eligibility for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Findings deemed the site eligible for inclusion in the Register. Geospatial data collected during execution included survey area boundaries, probability zone divisions, location of positive shovel tests, Phase II site datums, and georeferenced site maps. Data were processed in Florida and Texas and checked for accuracy. Deliverables included maps and tables derived from these data. Digital copies of these data were submitted as a CD to the APAFR GIS specialist and with the archived report. Polygons and data tables associated with new and updated archaeological sites were delivered to the FMSF office. All data were in UTM, Zone 17, NAD 83, with planar units in meters. Following the completion of this project and acceptance of the final report by the FDHR, all artifacts, field and laboratory notes, analysis sheets, records, photographs, and a photo-ready copy of the final report were transferred to the Avon Park CRM for in-house curation. The contractor cataloged and curated all materials following State of Florida guidelines. All artifacts were cleaned, dried, stabilized, and packaged in 4-mil resealable-closure polyethylene bags with acid-free labels denoting project, artifact, and provenience information placed inside, with the same information marked clearly and legibly on the exterior of each bag. The Baer team submitted these materials to the CRM for in-house final curation, packaged in cubic-foot acid-free boxes, clearly labeled by project, agency, dates, and FMSF numbers of enclosed sites, with a list of field specimen/sample (FS) numbers. Each box was accompanied by an inventory or packing list on acid-free/lignin-free paper. Original field notes, maps, photographs, and other documentation accompanied the collections of artifacts and other materials and were boxed in the same manner. Oversized maps or aerial photographs were rolled and stored in cardboard map tubes.