Conduct Closed Record Meeting for the McIntyre Preliminary Plat LP-08-00015

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STATE OF WASHINGTON RECEIVEr' JUL 13 2009 Ki#ti Unty DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY & HISTORIC PRESERVATION 1063 S. Capitol Way, Suite 106 • Olympia, Washington 98501 Mailing address: PO Box 48343 • Olympia, Washington 985048343 (360) 586-3055 • Fax Number (360) 586-3067 • Website: www.dahp.wa.gov July 7, 2009 Mr, Dan Valoff Staff Planner Kittitas County Development Services 411 Ruby St., Ste 2 Ellensburg/WA/98926 In future correspondence please refer to: Log: 070709 -12 -KT Property: McIntyre Preliminary Plat LP-08-00015/Windbent Ranch LP -08-00016 Re: Archaeology - Survey Requested Dear Mr. Valoff: We have reviewed the materials forwarded to our office for the proposed project referenced above. The area has a high to moderated potential for archaeological resources. The project parcels are within approximately 100 feet ofNaneum Creek. Historic and prehistoric artifacts have been recorded on similar landforms in the Ellensburg area and the project area would have been and prime location for prehistoric camping during travel to and from villages on the Yakima River. In addition the proximity fo the creek would have been attractive to early settlers and historical archaeological resources may be present. DAHP has developed a statewide predictive model for prehistoric archaeological resources . The project area is depicted as moderate to moderate high probability for containing prehistoric archaeological resources on the predictive model. Therefore, we request a professional archaeological survey of the project area be conducted prior to ground disturbing activities. An archaeological survey strategy that addresses areas that are slated for ground -disturbance and excludes areas that will be left as open space can be developed. This will assist in lessening the cost for investigation while targeting areas that will be disturbed. We also recommend consultation with the concerned Tribes' cultural committees and staff regarding cultural resource issues. Although the platting process does not initiate ground disturbance, the future development of the building lots would disturb or destroy any archaeological resources present. We recommend that a professional archaeological survey of the project area be conducted at the platting phase rather than waiting for development as this would prevent future owners from buying property that may be encumbered by archaeological resources that may limit development. Archaeological concerns are addressed under the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA). The building of single—family residences does not trigger the SEPA process therefore cultural resource concerns must be addressed during the short -platting phase.