Archeological site testing to begin at proposed levee

Test excavations on nineteenth century historic and prehistoric archeological sites will begin during the week of September 19, 2011 within the proposed river levee footprint along the eastern side of the Cedar River in southeastern Cedar Rapids.

Bear Creek Archeology, Inc., of Cresco, Iowa, is conducting the cultural resources investigation in compliance with historic preservation regulations for the Rock Island District Corps of Engineers in cooperation with the City of Cedar Rapids. Historic and prehistoric sites are being tested to learn about the cultural practices of former residents of the area and to determine if the sites are eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.

Excavations will take place in backyards of flood-damaged structures and beneath City parks and parking lots at the corner of First Avenue and First Street in downtown Cedar Rapids, and in the land between Second Street SE and the riverbank extending from Ninth Avenue to one block south of Sixteenth Avenue SE. Private landowners will be contacted about excavating on their property, and public inquiries are welcome.

Visitors at the excavation sites are advised to respect safety perimeters around heavy machinery and digging areas. Excavations will be supervised by David Benn and Joe Thompson. The field crew will include approximately six people. Excavations are scheduled to be finished and back-filled to original contours by the end of October, and the analytical report will be completed in Spring 2012.

For information specific to the excavations, contact Bear Creek Archeology at (319) 364-4709.

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