Managing Archaeological Investigations

Abstract

This synthesis report focuses on practices that improve archaeological investigations by both streamlining the overall transportation project delivery process and enhancing the stewardship of archaeological resources. The report examines practices that improve and maintain good communication and coordination at all stages of transportation programs, including that between agencies and Native Americans and efforts at public outreach. It also reviews internal state department of transportation (DOT) business practices, and examines effective and innovative practices for complying with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and project design. The synthesis also examines pre-project planning efforts, including programmatic agreements, treatment guidance and specifications on specific archaeological resources, creative mitigation, and effective collection methods. In addition, problems and successes encountered when attempting to apply innovative approaches are discussed. Information on effective practices was obtained through a literature search, including historic preservation, environmental streamlining, and state historic preservation office (SHPO) websites and surveys of state DOT archaeologists, Federal Highway Administration state division offices, SHPOs, Native American tribes, and private-sector cultural resource management consultants working for DOTs.