Archaeological Survey and Site Recordation

OWSVRA Photo- surveying

 

California State Parks’ Southern Service Center has a team of archaeologists trained in  large- and small-scale archaeological survey and site recordation. An example of one of our recent archaeological surveys is presented below.

Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreational Area Archaeological Trails Survey and Site Recordation

During the 2019-2020 season, a team of archaeologists from California State Parks’ Southern Service Center and Ocotillo Wells District conducted archaeological surveys along Bank Wash, East Bank Wash, Freedom Trail, Alkali Trail, Artesian Trail, Lost Lizard Trail, Rock n’ Roll Trail, Tule Wash, and Sand Rail Wash in Ocotillo Wells SVRA. There were over 100 sites and isolates recorded and updated during the duration of this project with a mixture of prehistoric and historic resources (see photos). Many of the historic sites and isolates were likely related to the military training that occurred in the area during World War II (1940s). The Native American sites observed during the survey included pottery, lithic scatters, and Fire-Affected Rock (FAR) features.

OWSVRA_crews surveying along Rock and Roll trail

OWSVRA-chert-flaked-stone-side-1-closeup

OWSVRA_50 cal bullet still in shell casing, primer not struck

OWSVRA_Gray chert core, bifacially flaked