20141134 Ver 3_NCDOT Roaring Branch Road - Tribal Coordination packet_20221011

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Roy COOPER J.ERIC BOYETTE
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
August 30,2022
Elizabeth Toombs
Cherokee Nation
Tribal Historic Preservation Office
PO BOX 948
Tahlequah,OK 74465
Dear Ms. Toombs,
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is starting the project development,environmental,and
engineering studies for the improvement of Roaring Branch Rd, SR 1339 in Ashe County,as project WBS
11 C.005148. The US Army Corps of Engineers(USACE)is the lead federal agency for compliance with the
National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA)and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act(NHPA)and
a Permit is anticipated under the Section 404 Process with the USACE. A project vicinity map is attached.The
coordinates of this project are approximately 36.505600,-81.585906. The results of our archaeology review is also
included.
We would appreciate any information you might have that would be helpful in evaluating potential environmental
impacts of the project including recommendation of alternates to be studied.Your comments may be used in the
preparation of a National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA)or State Environmental Policy Act(SEPA)
Environmental Document.
In accordance with Section 106 of the NHPA,we also request that you inform us of any historic properties of
traditional religious or cultural importance that you are aware of that may be affected by the proposed project.Be
assured that,in accordance with confidentiality and disclosure stipulations in Section 304 of the NHPA,we will
maintain strict confidentiality about certain types of information regarding historic properties.
Please respond by September 30,2022 so that your comments can be used in the scoping of this project. If you have
any questions concerning this project,or would like any additional information,please contact me at
kJhininggncdot.gov or 828-386-7202.
Thank you,
Kevin Hining l/
Division 11 Environmental Supervisor
cc: Matt Wilkerson,NCDOT Archaeology Team Leader
Lori Beckwith,USACE Project Manager
Mailing Address: NCDOT Highway Division 11
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Telephone:[phone] Location:
HIGHWAY DIVISION 11 NDOT Customer Service: 1-877-368-4968 801 STATESVILLE ROAD
801 STATESVILLE ROAD NORTH WILKESBORO,NC 28659
NORTH WILKESBORO,NC 28659 Website:www.ncdot.gov

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Roy COOPER J.ERIC BOYETTE
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
August 30,2022
Acee Watt
United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
Section 106 Coordinator
PO BOX 746
Tahlequah,OK 74465
Dear Mr.Watt,
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is starting the project development,environmental,and
engineering studies for the improvement of Roaring Branch Rd, SR 1339 in Ashe County,as project WBS
I IC.005148. The US Army Corps of Engineers(USACE)is the lead federal agency for compliance with the
National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA)and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act(NHPA)and
a Permit is anticipated under the Section 404 Process with the USACE. A project vicinity map is attached.The
coordinates of this project are approximately 36.505600,-81.585906. The results of our archaeology review is also
included.
We would appreciate any information you might have that would be helpful in evaluating potential environmental
impacts of the project including recommendation of alternates to be studied.Your comments may be used in the
preparation of a National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA)or State Environmental Policy Act(SEPA)
Environmental Document.
In accordance with Section 106 of the NHPA,we also request that you inform us of any historic properties of
traditional religious or cultural importance that you are aware of that may be affected by the proposed project.Be
assured that,in accordance with confidentiality and disclosure stipulations in Section 304 of the NHPA,we will
maintain strict confidentiality about certain types of information regarding historic properties.
Please respond by September 30,2022 so that your comments can be used in the scoping of this project.If you have
any questions concerning this project,or would like any additional information,please contact me at
kihinin ncdot.gov or 828-386-7202.
Thank you,
Kevin Hining
Division 11 Environmental Supervisor
cc: Matt Wilkerson,NCDOT Archaeology Team Leader
Lori Beckwith,USACE Project Manager
Mailing Address: NCDOT Highway Division 10
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Telephone:[phone] Location:
HIGHWAY DIVISION 11 NDOT Customer Service: 1-877-368-4968 801 STATESVILLE ROAD
801 STATESVILLE ROAD NORTH WILKESBORO,NC 28659
NORTH WILKESBORO,NC 28659 Website:www.ncdot.gov

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Roy COOPER J.ERIC BOYETTE
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
August 30,2022
LeeAnne Wendt
Muscogee(Creek)Nation
PO BOX 580
Okmulgee,OK 74447
Dear Ms.Wendt,
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is starting the project development,environmental,and
engineering studies for the improvement of Roaring Branch Rd, SR 1339 in Ashe County,as project WBS
I IC.005148. The US Army Corps of Engineers(USACE)is the lead federal agency for compliance with the
National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA)and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act(NHPA)and
a Permit is anticipated under the Section 404 Process with the USACE. A project vicinity map is attached.The
coordinates of this project are approximately 36.505600,-81.585906. The results of our archaeology review is also
included.
We would appreciate any information you might have that would be helpful in evaluating potential environmental
impacts of the project including recommendation of alternates to be studied.Your comments may be used in the
preparation of a National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA)or State Environmental Policy Act(SEPA)
Environmental Document.
In accordance with Section 106 of the NHPA,we also request that you inform us of any historic properties of
traditional religious or cultural importance that you are aware of that may be affected by the proposed project.Be
assured that,in accordance with confidentiality and disclosure stipulations in Section 304 of the NHPA,we will
maintain strict confidentiality about certain types of information regarding historic properties.
Please respond by September 30,2022 so that your comments can be used in the scoping of this project. If you have
any questions concerning this project,or would like any additional information,please contact me at
kihinin ncdot.gov or 828-386-7202.
Thank you,
Kevin Hining
Division 11 Environmental Supervisor
cc: Matt Wilkerson,NCDOT Archaeology Team Leader
Lori Beckwith,USACE Project Manager
Mailing Address: NCDOT Highway Division 11
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Telephone:[phone] Location:
HIGHWAY DIVISION 11 NDOT Customer Service: 1-877-368-4968 801 STATESVILLE ROAD
801 STATESVILLE ROAD NORTH WILKESBORO,NC 28659
NORTH WILKESBORO,NC 28659 Website:www.ncdot.gov

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Roy COOPER J.ERIC BOYETTE
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
August 30,2022
Russell Townsend
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
Tribal Historic Preservation Office
2077 Governors Island Road
Bryson City,NC 28713
Dear Mr.Townsend,
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is starting the project development,environmental,and
engineering studies for the improvement of Roaring Branch Rd, SR 1339 in Ashe County,as project WBS
I I C.005148. The US Army Corps of Engineers(USACE)is the lead federal agency for compliance with the
National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA)and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act(NHPA)and
a Permit is anticipated under the Section 404 Process with the USACE. A project vicinity map is attached.The
coordinates of this project are approximately 36.505600,-81.585906. The results of our archaeology review is also
included.
We would appreciate any information you might have that would be helpful in evaluating potential environmental
impacts of the project including recommendation of alternates to be studied.Your comments may be used in the
preparation of a National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA)or State Environmental Policy Act(SEPA)
Environmental Document.
In accordance with Section 106 of the NHPA,we also request that you inform us of any historic properties of
traditional religious or cultural importance that you are aware of that may be affected by the proposed project.Be
assured that,in accordance with confidentiality and disclosure stipulations in Section 304 of the NHPA,we will
maintain strict confidentiality about certain types of information regarding historic properties.
Please respond by September 30,2022 so that your comments can be used in the scoping of this project. If you have
any questions concerning this project,or would like any additional information,please contact me at
kjhininggncdot.gov or 828-386-7202.
Thank you,
Kevin Hining (/
Division I I Environmental Supervisor
cc: Matt Wilkerson,NCDOT Archaeology Team Leader
Lori Beckwith,USACE Project Manager
Mailing Address: NCDOT Highway Division 11
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Telephone:[phone] Location:
HIGHWAY DIVISION 11 NDOT Customer Service: 1-877-368-4968 801 STATESVILLE ROAD
801 STATESVILLE ROAD NORTH WILKESBORO,NC 28659
NORTH WILKESBORO,NC 28659 Website:www.ncdot.gov

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Roy COOPER J.ERIC BOYETTE
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
August 30,2022
Dr.Wenonah Haire
Catawba Indian Nation Eastern
Tribal Historic Preservation Office
1536 Tom Steven Road
Rock Hill, SC 29730
Dear Dr.Haire,
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is starting the project development,environmental,and
engineering studies for the improvement of Roaring Branch Rd, SR 1339 in Ashe County,as project WBS
11 C.005148. The US Army Corps of Engineers(USACE)is the lead federal agency for compliance with the
National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA)and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act(NHPA)and
a Permit is anticipated under the Section 404 Process with the USACE. A project vicinity map is attached.The
coordinates of this project are approximately 36.505600,-81.585906. The results of our archaeology review is also
included.
We would appreciate any information you might have that would be helpful in evaluating potential environmental
impacts of the project including recommendation of alternates to be studied.Your comments may be used in the
preparation of a National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA)or State Environmental Policy Act(SEPA)
Environmental Document.
In accordance with Section 106 of the NHPA,we also request that you inform us of any historic properties of
traditional religious or cultural importance that you are aware of that may be affected by the proposed project.Be
assured that,in accordance with confidentiality and disclosure stipulations in Section 304 of the NHPA,we will
maintain strict confidentiality about certain types of information regarding historic properties.
Please respond by September 30,2022 so that your comments can be used in the scoping of this project. If you have
any questions concerning this project,or would like any additional information,please contact me at
kJhininggncdot.gov or 828-386-7202.
Thank you,
Kevin Hining U
Division 11 Environmental Supervisor
cc: Matt Wilkerson,NCDOT Archaeology Team Leader
Lori Beckwith,USACE Project Manager
Mailing Address: NCDOT Highway Division 11
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Telephone:[phone] Location:
HIGHWAY DIVISION 11 NDOT Customer Service: 1-877-368-4968 801 STATESVILLE ROAD
801 STATESVILLE ROAD NORTH WILKESBORO,NC 28659
NORTH WILKESBORO,NC 28659 Website:www.ncdot.gov

Project Tracking No.:
L14-02-0001
NO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY REQUIRED FORM
r This form only pertains to ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES for this project. It is not rq' oa
valid for Historic Architecture and Landscapes. You must consult separately with the F,
Historic Architecture and Landscapes Group.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Project No: SR 1339 County: Ashe
WBS No: 11 C.005148 Document: Minimum Criteria
F.A. No: na Funding: ® State ❑ Federal
Federal Permit Required? ® Yes ❑ No Permit Type: NWP# 14
Project Description:
The project calls for the improvement(grade, drain, base, and pave) of existing SR 1339(Roaring Branch
Road) in Ashe County. The archaeological Area of Potential Effects (APE)for the project is defined as
an approximate 0.76-mile (1,223.10 m) long corridor starting at its intersection with SR 1331 (Virgil
Greer Road) and running northeast ending at the intersection with SR 1332 (Lee Osborne Road/Jack
Jones Road). The corridor follows a slightly new road alignment and measures approximately 50 feet
(15.24 m) wide extending 25 feet(7.62 m) on either side of the new centerline of SR 1339.
SUMMARY OF CULTURAL RESOURCES REVIEW
Brief description of review activities, results of review, and conclusions:
The Roaring Branch Road improvement project is located northwest of West Jefferson and west of
Lansing in northwest section of Ashe County,North Carolina. The project area is plotted along the
southern boundary of the Park USGS 7.5'topographic quadrangle(Figure 1).
A map review and site file search was conducted at the Office of State Archaeology(OSA) on February
10, 2014. No previously recorded archaeological sites have been identified within the APE or a mile of
the project. According to the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office online data base
(HPOWEB 2014), there are no known historic architectural resources within the APE that may yield
intact archaeological deposits. However, the Mt. Zion Regular Baptist Church(AH 115) and the Lee
Osborne Store and House(AH 109) are near to the project area. Although this are surveyed historic
properties, the current project will not require any ground disturbing activities that may affect their
archaeological integrity. Topographic maps,USDA soil survey maps, aerial photographs (NC One Map),
and historic maps (North Carolina maps website) were examined for information on environmental and
cultural variables that may have contributed to prehistoric or historic settlement within the project limits
and to assess the level of ground disturbance.
The APE for the project is situated mostly on side slopes or at the foot of slopes (Figures 2 and 3). The
Roaring Branch drainage runs along the north side the road. Although Roaring Branch is not crossed
within the project limits, several small seasonal drainages are. These tributaries drain off of steep slope
situated on the south side of the road. All of the waterways are part of the New River drainage basin.
Properties north of APE consist mostly of residential and forested lots, while the south side is mostly
wooded. A farm is present at the northern end of the project, and Mt Zion Church is at the southern. The
side slopes are considered moderate to steep with the more gradual slopes near either end of the project
area. Ground disturbance within the right-of-way appears moderate to heavy from previous alterations to
the topography to allow for the existing road.
"No ARCHAEOLOGYSURVEYREQUIRED"form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement.
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Project Tracking No.:
L14-02-0001
Three soils types compose the APE according to the USDA soil survey report for Ashe County(see
Figures 2 and 3). The soils include Edneyville loam(EdF), Tusquitee loam(TsD), and Toxaway loam
(To). The Edneyville series covers most of the project area towards the southwest. It is considered well
drained with a steep slope of 25 to 45 percent. Generally, landforms with a slope of 15 percent or more
are unlikely to yield significant archaeological sites and do not required subsurface testing. The
Tusquitee series has a more gradual slope of 8 to 15 percent and encompasses the northeastern portion of
the project area. A good portion of this area is occupied by the existing road and its ditchline. Also with
the road being situated at the foot of the slope and the transition to the Edneyville series, slope is actually
at or greater than 15 percent within the project area. The Toxaway loam at the northern end of the APE
constitutes a very minimal area within the APE. Being poorly drained and persistently wet, it is unlikely
this soil will yield significant cultural resources. Overall, the soil survey suggests it is very doubtful that
a significant archaeological site will be encountered within the project area.
A review of the site files shows no archaeological investigations in the nearby vicinity, and no site have
been reported in this section of the county. In general, more work is needed in this portion of Ashe
County before conclusions can be drawn on site predictability based upon known sites and past
investigations. However, the current project will not provide the data needed as the APE covers only a
small area of undisturbed properties within the right-of-way.
Lastly, a historic map review was conducted. Most early maps provide only general details concerning
the region illustrating just major roads and settlements. It is not until the early 20th century that maps are
produced that show the project location with any accuracy. The 1911 USGS Abingdon topographic map
is one of the first in which an approximate location for Roaring Branch Road can be determined(Figure
4). This map illustrates a road with a similar alignment as the current Roaring Branch Road. It also
depicts six structures along with Mt. Zion Church on the north side of the road. At least two of these
structures are likely still standing as they correspond with structures on later maps and the aerial. Since
most of the road improvements will be within the existing right-of-way or along new location on the slope
to the south, it is very unlikely for any archaeological deposits associated with historic structures to be
impacted by the road improvement project. Subsequent early 20th century maps such as the 1912 soil
survey for Ashe County provide little addition information concerning the area under investigation as
these maps show a similar picture(Figure 5). As a result of the map review, no significant archaeological
deposits associated with historic structures are expected to be present within the project limits.
Brief Explanation of why the available information provides a reliable basis for reasonably predicting
that there are no unidentified historic properties in the APE:
The defined archaeological APE for the proposed improvements to Roaring Branch Road in Ashe County
is unlikely to impact intact and significant archaeological deposits. This is primarily due to previous
ground disturbance caused by the existing road and slope in excess of 15 percent. In addition, the historic
maps show no significant former historic structures within the APE. As long as impacts to the subsurface
occur within the defined APE, no further archaeological work is recommended for the proposed
improvements to Roaring Branch Road. If work should affect subsurface areas beyond the defined APE,
further archaeological consultation might be necessary.
"No ARCHAEOLOGY SURVEYREQUIRED"form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement.
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Project Tracking No.:
L14-02-0001
SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION
See attached: ® Map(s) ❑ Previous Survey Info ® Photos ❑Correspondence
❑ Photocopy of County Survey Notes Other: Images from historic maps
FINDING BY NCDOT ARCHAEOLOGIST
NO ARCHAEOLOGY SUR VEY REO UIRED
2/10/14
C. Damon Jones Date
NCDOT ARCHAEOLOGIST II
"No ARCHAEOLOGY SURVEYREQUIRED"form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement.
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Project Tracking No.:
14-02-0001
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Figure 1. Topographic Setting of the Project Area,Park(1959, photorevised 1978) and Warrensville
(1966),NC,USGS 7.5'Topographic Quadrangle.
"No ARCHAEOLOGYSUR VEY REQUIRED"form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement.
4 of 7

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Project Tracking No.:
14-02-0001
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Figure 4. The 1911 USGS Abingdon topographic map showing the location of the project area.
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Figure 5. The 1912 Soil Survey Map for Ashe County showing the location of the project area.
"No ARCHAEOLOGYSURVEYREQUIRED"form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement.
7 of 7