Kisatchie Survey & Excavation 2019 - Passport in Time

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Current Projects > 2019
Louisiana - Kisatchie NF
Closed! Relocating and Testing Old Sites on the Kisatchie

kisatchie_winn_echinacea_pallida.jpg by US Forest Service
Winn Ranger District, Kistachie National Forest, Louisiana



LA-4402
April 12-19, 2019 (including weekends)

Must commit to a minimum of 5 days

Please join us this spring among the beautiful mixed pines and deciduous hardwoods of the Kisatchie National Forest for another exploration of Louisiana’s prehistory! Archaeological survey efforts have been in full swing on the forest since the late 1970’s. However, survey strategy and site-testing techniques have evolved over the decades. The Kisatchie Forest now has over 4,000 recorded sites, and some 676-plus are located on the Winn Ranger District alone. In the beginning of archaeological survey on the Forest, it was typically a single person ahead of the ground disturbing treatments, and sometimes after the fact. Time constraints, as you can imagine, did not always allow for the proper and complete recording of sites.

During this year’s project, PIT participants will help relocate and record several sites. As we collect the cultural materials from each, we will also photograph, map, and fully document findings using modern forms and recording techniques. There will be an archaeological field laboratory run in tandem with the excavation. In the lab, volunteers will help process and analyze artifacts as they are recovered. Our project will shed light on the cultural past of the area and will help establish correct eligibility recommendations for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). We hope to see you in April for this unique glimpse into the Kisatchie’s past!

Please note: due to the recent government shut down, submission deadlines for many projects were exceeded. As such, in order to allow the selection process to be expedited yet provide volunteers enough preparation and travel time post-selection, this project will run in an “ongoing until filled capacity,” so apply today!

Number of openings: 15

Special skills: Previous archaeological survey, excavation, laboratory, GPS, map and compass reading, photography, sketching, and/or artifact identification experience helpful, but not required

Minimum age: 18 years old

Facilities: Tent and/or small trailer/pop-up camping available at no charge at Gum Springs campground; water, chemical toilets; no hook-ups; Winnfield is a full-service community with motels, restaurants, grocery stores, and a range of other amenities; volunteers responsible for own lodging/camping equipment, food, water, and daily transportation (if opting to stay off-site)

Nearest towns: Winnfield, 14 miles; Natchitoches, 28 miles

Applications due: Ongoing until filled

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