NPS Selects GeomorphIS to Conduct Archaeology Survey at Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas

The National Park Service has selected the GeomorphIS/Algonquin team to complete an archeological survey of approximately 25 acres within the Big Sandy Unit of Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas.  The work is in anticipation of future longleaf restoration activities. Two contiguous locations are proposed, on either side of Sunflower Road. One is on the north side of Sunflower Road and the other parcel is on the south. This is an undeveloped area southwest of Dallardsville, Polk County, Texas. The GeomorphIS team will conduct a shovel test pit survey on 30-meter grid for property known as the Big Sandy Unit 2021 planting area. It is estimated that approximately 113 shovel test pits will be necessary to complete this survey. Excavated soils from each shovel test pit (STP) will be dry-screened through 1/4-inch hardware cloth mesh screens in order to recover any artifacts in the soil matrix. Likewise, the constituent soil matrix and stratigraphy of each STP shall be recorded, employing standard Munsell Soil Chart terminology. GeomorphIS will prepare a final report documenting results in conformance with the Texas Historical Commission and National Park Service standards. Additionally, all GIS data, will be submitted in accordance with the National Park Service Cultural Resource Spatial Data Transfer Standards: Guidelines for Use and Implementation (see attached 91-page document).