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HomeMy Public PortalAbout4.9 Cultural Revised per new Arch report 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Town of Truckee Coldstream Specific Plan October 2013 Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report 4.9-1 This section evaluates the potential impacts the proposed Coldstream Specific Plan would have on historic and cultural resources. The Truckee area has had a particularly rich prehistory and history, and the town is one of the richest locations in California in terms of density and variety of historic and cultural resources (Town of Truckee, 1997, 2006). Consequently, projects in the Truckee area must be cognizant of potential impacts on sites of historic, cultural, or educational value. This section of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR or DEIR) is based on the Archaeological Inventory Survey prepared for the proposed project by Jensen & Associates (2002) as well as an updated Archaeological Inventory Survey prepared by Genesis Society in 2013. For analysis purposes, cultural resources may be categorized into four groups: archaeological resources (prehistoric and historical); historic properties, buildings, and districts; areas of importance to Native Americans; and paleontological resources (fossilized remains of plants and animals). Cultural resource impacts include those to existing historic resources (i.e., historic districts, landmarks, etc.) and to archaeological and paleontological resources. CONCEPTS AND TERMINOLOGY FOR EVALUATION OF CULTURAL RESOURCES The following definitions are common terms used to discuss the regulatory requirements and treatment of cultural resources: Cultural resources is the term used to describe several different types of properties: prehistoric and historical archaeological sites; architectural properties such as buildings, bridges, and infrastructure; and resources of importance to Native Americans. Historic properties is a term defined by the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) as any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or object included in, or eligible for inclusion on, the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), including artifacts, records, and material remains related to such a property. Historical resources as described in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) includes buildings, sites, structures, objects, or districts, each of which may have historical, prehistoric, architectural, archaeological, cultural, or scientific importance, and is eligible for listing or is listed in the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) or a local register of historical resources. The CRHR includes resources listed in or formally determined eligible for listing in the NRHP, as well as some California State Landmarks and Points of Historical Interest. Paleontological resource is defined as including fossilized remains of vertebrate and invertebrate organisms, fossil tracks and trackways, and plant fossils. A unique paleontological site would include a known area of fossil-bearing rock strata. 4.9.1 EXISTING SETTING PREHISTORY Past archaeological studies of the eastern Sierra Nevada have documented an archaeological chronology dating back almost 11,000 years, comprising four prehistoric phases. From most recent to earliest, these are termed the Washoe/Kings Beach, Martis, Spooner, and Tahoe reach prehistoric phases; each of these phases is characterized by collections of ground and flaked stone artifacts, including projectile points and stone tools. The Kings Beach phase is commonly divided into Early Kings Beach (AD 1250–650), and Late Kings Beach (1800–1250). Although not precisely aligned chronologically, this phase sequences into the Proto-Historic/Late Archaeologic period of California prehistory. The Martis Phase is divided into the Late (650 AD– 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Coldstream Specific Plan Town of Truckee Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report October 2013 4.9-2 2050 BC) and Early (2050–4050 BC); approximately corresponding to the Late Archaic and Middle Archaic Periods of California prehistory. The Spooner Prehistoric Phase (3050–6050 BC) corresponds approximately with the Early/Pre-archaic period of California prehistory. Artifacts from this period are relatively sparse, which has led to difficulties in establishing dates for those that have been found. The Tahoe Reach phase (6050–8050 BC) corresponds with the Late Pre- archaic phase of California prehistory; artifacts from this phase are sparser even than those from the Spooner Phase (Town of Truckee, 2006). Between 7,000 and 2,000 years ago, there was a large increase in the physical evidence of people in the Sierra Nevada area. Archaeological sites found from this period increase dramatically from those found from previous periods. During this time period, populations expanded into areas only minimally visited previously. The Late Archaic period began about 1,500 years ago and is considered to be the final time period of prehistoric occupation. More distinctive local cultures and adaptations occurred. In the project area, the overall Lake Tahoe area, and along the Truckee River, this time period is termed the Kings Beach Phase and represents the Washoe ethnographic pattern (Jensen, 2002). ETHNOGRAPHY The project site is in the center of historic Washoe territory, with primary use by the northern Washoe. Washoe territory encompassed the area between the Great Basin to the east and the Sierra Nevada range area to the west. Their community lived a mobile lifestyle due to the requirements of the seasons and increases and decreases of food sources. The Washoe often spent the winter months at residential base camps, with several known to be located along the Truckee River and Donner, Cold, and Martis creeks. During the spring season, younger members of the community moved from the base camps in the valleys, including the Truckee area, to Lake Tahoe to fish. By late spring and early summer, it is likely that all Washoe had gathered around Lake Tahoe (Jensen, 2002). The ethnographic record suggests that during the mild season, small groups traveled through high mountain valleys collecting edible and medicinal roots, seeds, and marsh plants. In the higher elevations, men hunted large game and trapped smaller mammals. The Truckee River and its tributaries were important fisheries year-round. Suitable toolstone was quarried at various locales. The Washoe have a tradition of making long treks across the Sierran passes for the purpose of hunting, trading, and gathering acorns. These aboriginal trek routes, patterned after game trails, were often the precursors of historic and modern road systems. Archaeological evidence of these ancient subsistence activities are found along the mountain flanks. Even into the 20th century, the Washoe were not completely displaced from their traditional lands (PMC, 2000). HISTORY Euroamerican contact with Native American groups living in coastal areas and the Central Valley of California began during the last half of the 18th century. The Spanish period in California lasted from about 1769 to 1821. This was a time when the Spanish missions dominated lives of both the Spanish and the Native Americans in those areas in California. However, the effect of the Spanish on the Washoe has not been documented. The Mexican Period (ca. 1821–1848) in California is an outgrowth of the Mexican Revolution, and its accompanying social and political views affected the mission system. Evidence exists to document that some of the Spanish and Mexican expeditions and early trapping attempts may have traveled through and made short stays along many of the major Sierra Nevada rivers. One of these expeditions was that of the Jedediah Strong Smith party, which crossed the Walker pass in 1825–1826. In the 1830s, Joseph Reddeford Walker led a party of trappers up the Truckee River from Nevada to California. Walker guided more 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Town of Truckee Coldstream Specific Plan October 2013 Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report 4.9-3 immigrants through the pass to California in 1843, and in 1844, a larger incursion occurred by members of the Stephens-Murphy-Townsend party. From the area of the Truckee River and Donner Creek, one group, the famous ill-fated Donner Party, attempted to take wagons up Donner Valley and cross the Sierra Nevada at Donner Summit during the winter of 1846–1847. This attempt at crossing Walker Pass is memorialized at Donner Memorial State Park and Visitor’s Center, which is located adjacent to the western side of the project site (Jensen, 2002). The history of the Truckee community began with the arrival of Joseph Gray, who built a stage station near the present-day downtown in 1863. Gray and George Schaffer constructed the area’s first lumber mill in 1864, and other inns and commercial buildings were constructed at Donner Lake’s east end. Gray was soon joined by a blacksmith named S. S. Coburn, and the fledgling settlement of Gray’s Toll Station was renamed Coburn’s Station. This tiny way station grew from two structures into a thriving town which accommodated emigrants, stagecoach travelers, and freight wagons en route westward to California’s gold fields and eastward to the Comstock Lode in Nevada. In 1868, Coburn’s Station was destroyed by fire and the name was changed to Truckee. In the same year, the Central Pacific Railroad was constructed across Donner Pass to the newly established Town of Truckee. The completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1868 gave rise to other developments in transportation, lumber, ice, agriculture, and tourism, which were to become the essential economic bases of Truckee. The right-of-way of this railroad (now the Union Pacific) is located adjacent to the project site (Jensen, 2002; PMC, 2000; Town of Truckee, 2006). Logging was first initiated in the Truckee-Donner area in 1859 and Truckee soon became one of the major lumbering centers of the area. Overton (subsequently known as Hobart Mills), located a few miles north of the project site, became the headquarters for the Sierra Nevada Wood and Lumber Company’s operations. Here, mills were reconstructed and, during 1896, a new standard gauge railroad was built between Hobart and Truckee to service the new facilities. Hobart Mills closed in 1936, and subsequently the mill was dismantled and all activity along the narrow gauge feeder lines and the standard gauge main line ceased (PMC, 2000). Charcoal production formed an important adjunct to the lumber industry and thrived during the latter part of the 19th century. With the completion of the railroad, Chinese immigrants began working in the lumber industry, among other occupations. Such engagement forced immigrant Chinese into direct competition with Euroamericans and immigrant groups, and the subsequent anti-Chinese sentiment resulted in the expulsion of Chinese from Truckee in 1885. From 1860 to 1930, the dairy industry was successful in the Truckee Basin. The Joerger Ranch was one of the larger operations. It is still a prominent landmark in Martis Valley and is located about 3 miles east to southeast of the project site (Jensen, 2002; PMC, 2000; Town of Truckee, 2006). Throughout most of the 19th century, Truckee thrived on the related fields of lumber, railroading, and ice harvesting. By the 1920s, this industrial economy and society had largely disappeared, due to the relocation of the train switching yard to Roseville, the depletion of local timber supplies, and the development of mechanical refrigeration. In its place, the community began to develop a recreation-based economy, boosted by the completion of a good state highway over Donner Summit. The 1960 Winter Olympics at nearby Squaw Valley secured Truckee’s position as a center point for year-round recreation. In 1993, Truckee was incorporated as a town. The name of the town is said to derive from a Paiute Indian guide who, in 1844, assisted thousands of emigrants migrating west across the Humboldt Sink. The Indian’s name was thought to sound like “Tro-kay” to the immigrants, who called him “Truckee” (PMC, 2000; Truckee-Donner Historical Society, 2009). 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Coldstream Specific Plan Town of Truckee Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report October 2013 4.9-4 DONNER MEMORIAL STATE PARK Donner Memorial State Park is located adjacent to the western side of the project site. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also National Historic Landmark #66000218. In addition, the park, along with the Donner (or Pioneer) Monument, is also listed on the California Register of Historical Resources as California Historical Landmark #134. The park memorializes the Donner Party’s 1846–1847 ill-fated attempt to travel over Walker Pass by wagon and the resulting suffering and loss of life. This park offers opportunities for camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking. In winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowshoe on trails. The park includes the Emigrant Trail Museum and Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate those who emigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800s. Included in the museum are displays and information about the Donner Party. The park encompasses Scallenberger Ridge to the south of Donner Lake. The Pioneer Monument, Emigrant Museum, and historical Murphy Cabin are located approximately 600 feet to the west of the western boundary of the project site. A general plan and EIR was prepared for the Donner Memorial State Park in 2003. The park is described as follows in the general plan: Donner Memorial State Park is an extremely important park with national importance, for it contains the site of the Murphy and Breen-Keseberg cabins, which together represent one of three camps established by the Donner Party during the winter of 1846–1847. Due to its national significance, the area that includes the cabins and Donner Memorial/Pioneer Monument (thought to be on top of the Breen-Keseberg Cabin site) was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966, known as Donner Camp Sites. The purpose of the park’s general plan is to “identify park-wide goals and guidelines to guide the future development, management, and protection of park resources and visitor facilities, as well as to determine the best location for a new museum/visitor center for the park and to alleviate existing traffic conflicts in the park’s entrance area.” One of the park-wide planning goals included in the general plan is regarding cultural resources and is to “ensure the highest level of appropriate protection, stabilization, preservation, and interpretation of the park’s significant cultural resources, focusing in areas of exceptional archaeological and historical significance.” In addition, a natural resources goal for the park relates to buffers. The plan states, “Buffers: Establish, maintain, and preserve buffers around existing significant park resources as protection against adverse environmental impacts” (State of California, 2003). PREVIOUS CULTURAL RESOURCE SURVEYS AND RESULTS A records search was completed at the North Central Information Center at California State University, Sacramento by Jensen and Associates (2002). An updated records search was completed by Genesis Society in 2013. As part of the Archaeological Inventory Survey Surveys, the following sources were also consulted: • The National Register of Historic Places (1986, Supplements to 12/012008, and updates); • The California Register of Historical Resources (2008 and updates); • The California Inventory of Historic Resources (State of California, 1976); • The California Historical Landmarks (State of California, 1990 and 1996); 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Town of Truckee Coldstream Specific Plan October 2013 Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report 4.9-5 • The California Points of Historical Interest (May 1992 and updates); • The Historic Property Data File (OHP, 2012); • Determination of Eligibility (OHP, 2012); • Caltrans Bridge Inventory; • Historic General Land Office Plat maps; • 1889 Truckee map; • 1951 USGS 7.5-minute quad; • Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, contacted 6/18/02; • The Truckee Museum, Truckee (by Lindstrom, 1998); • The Native American Heritage Commission regarding sacred land, 6/10/02; and • Existing published and unpublished documents relevant to regional environment, prehistory, ethnography, and early historic developments in the vicinity. The records search revealed that no archaeological resources have been recorded on or immediately adjacent to the project site or in the immediate area one prehistoric site was identified within the project site as a result of a previous archaeological survey. This site, identified as CA-NEV-785, is located along Donner Creek. The site consists of an oval-shaped prehistoric lithic scatter of basalt flakes located on a natural elevated flat. The site is identified by a light surface scatter of basalt flakes (unmodified, circa 25–50 flakes were visible on the surface at the time of initial recording) and at least two basalt primary decortications flakes or spent cores. The scatter extends approximately 30 meters north–south by 75 meters east–west. Depth of this deposit was not formally determined during the initial recordation, but scraping the surface with a trowel occasionally revealed flakes located immediately beneath the surface, indicating the possibility that a subsurface component may also be present. This is further suggested by the fact that two similar sites, both containing subsurface components, are known to exist on the opposite side of Donner Creek, a short distance downstream (east) of this site. While no additional prehistoric features (no bedrock, mortars, petroglyphs, housepits) were observed during site recordation, such features may be present below the surface. The records search also resulted in a review of two additional archaeological surveys which had evaluated approximately 90 percent of the project site. The surveys and their findings are as follows: 1. Jones & Stokes 1992 Survey for the Cold Springs Project: This field survey included all of the project site using widely spaced transects, due to the extensive disturbance of the property which had been subjected to aggregate mining. The survey was modified to an intensive- level survey. No previously unidentified cultural resources were found during this survey. 2. Susan G. Lindstrom 1998 Survey for the Cold Creek Line: An intensive-level pedestrian survey was conducted along a linear corridor adjacent to the south side of Donner Creek, within the northern portion of the project site. The survey covered about one-half 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Coldstream Specific Plan Town of Truckee Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report October 2013 4.9-6 of the only undisturbed portion of the property and did not identify any prehistoric or early historic-period sites. An archaeological survey was conducted in 2002 by Jensen & Associates as part of the Archaeological Inventory Survey report prepared at that time. An intensive-level survey was completed within the northern portion of the project site, within lands previously undeveloped for gravel quarry and extraction and utilized primarily for residential use and construction of a segment of sewer trunk line. In addition, a general-level survey was undertaken within the remaining approximately 90 percent of the project site, which consisted of lands completely recontoured and subjected to wholesale disturbance in conjunction with past gravel mining activities. During the survey field work, it was noted that disturbance to the ground surface has been substantial throughout approximately 90 percent of the project site, due to the gravel mining operation which had been located there. Within the northern portion of the property, less substantial ground surface impacts occurred due to the construction in 1962 and 1984 of two residences and trenching for a sewer line. An additional archaeological survey was conducted in 2013 by Genesis Society as part of the updated Archaeological Inventory Survey report. During this updated survey, the entire project site was subjected to intensive-level pedestrian survey. During the survey fieldwork, it was noted that disturbance to the ground surface throughout approximately 90 percent of the site has been substantial associated with a previous gravel mining operation. The northern portion of the property was again observed to have less substantial ground surface impacts associated with construction of two contemporary residences and associated road grading, trenching for a sewer line, and placement of buried and overhead utilities. The prehistoric site CA-NEV-785 described previously was observed in the northern portion of the project site during this field survey. The 2002 Archaeological Inventory Survey also identified evidence of prehistoric occupation at four locations within the northern portion of the project site. No additional evidence of prehistoric use or activities was identified; therefore, all were considered to be “isolates.” The Archaeological Inventory Survey identified Isolates as being categorically excluded as eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, since they do not minimally qualify as “historic properties.” No evidence of historic-period activities or sites was identified on the project site in either 2002 or 2013. Therefore, there are no known cultural resources found on the project site. NATIVE AMERICAN CONSULTATION As part of the 2002 Archaeological Inventory Survey completed by Jensen and Associates, a sacred lands search was requested from the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC). The results of the sacred lands search were received on June 14, 2002, and did not identify any Native American sacred lands within the area of the project site. However, the NAHC noted that “the absence of specific site information in the sacred lands file does not indicate the absence of cultural resources in any project area.” The Washoe Tribe of California and Nevada was sent a letter at that time requesting any information regarding Native American cultural resources associated with the project site. The 2002 Archaeological Inventory Survey indicated that none of the “individuals, groups, or agency sources supplied any information concerning known sacred lands, sites, features, or traditional use/collection areas within the project area.” The NAHC provided a letter to the Town of Truckee in response to the Notice of Preparation (NOP) for this DEIR. The letter indicated that the NAHC completed another search of its sacred lands records and did not locate any sites on the project site (NAHC, 2009). PMC staff, through written 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Town of Truckee Coldstream Specific Plan October 2013 Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report 4.9-7 correspondence, contacted representatives of all tribes provided by the NAHC. To date, no responses have been received. PALEONTOLOGICAL SETTING Paleontology is defined as a science dealing with the life of past geological periods as known from fossil remains. Paleontological resources include fossil remains, as well as fossil localities and formations that have produced fossil material. Such locations and specimens are important nonrenewable resources. CEQA offers protection for these sensitive resources and requires that they be addressed during the environmental impact report process. A search of the University of California Museum of Paleontology paleontological database conducted by PMC did not discover any previously identified paleontological resources on the project site. The Nevada County search revealed that 59 paleontological localities have been identified. Most of the project site has been mined for aggregate material and has been substantially disturbed. Therefore, there is a potential for the inadvertent discovery of unique archaeological resources during project-related ground-disturbing activities in the remaining undisturbed portion of the project site (University of California, Berkeley, 2009). 4.9.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FEDERAL National Register of Historic Places The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the nation’s master inventory of known historic resources. The NRHP is administered by the National Park Service and includes listings of buildings, structures, sites, objects, and districts that possess historic, architectural, engineering, archaeological, or cultural significance at the national, state, or local level. Structures, sites, buildings, districts, and objects over 50 years of age can be listed in the NRHP as significant historic resources. However, properties under 50 years of age that are of exceptional importance or are contributors to a district can also be included in the NRHP. The criteria for listing in the NRHP include resources that: a) Are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of history (events); b) Are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past (persons); c) Embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction (architecture); or d) Have yielded or may likely yield information important in prehistory or history (information potential). In addition to qualifying for listing under at least one of the National Register criteria, a property must have historic integrity. The concept of integrity is essential to identifying the important physical characteristics of historical resources and hence, in evaluating adverse changes to them. Integrity is defined as “the authenticity of an historical resource’s physical identity 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Coldstream Specific Plan Town of Truckee Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report October 2013 4.9-8 evidenced by the survival of characteristics that existed during the resource’s period of significance.” The seven aspects of integrity are: • Location, the place where the historic property was constructed. • Design, the combination of elements that create the form, plans, space, structure, and style of the property. • Setting, the physical environment of the historic property inclusive of the landscape and spatial relationships of the building(s). • Materials, the physical elements that were combined or deposited during a particular period of time and in a particular pattern of configuration to form the historic property. • Workmanship, the physical evidence of the crafts of a particular culture or people during any given period in history. • Feeling, the property’s expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of a particular period of time. • Association, the direct link between an important historic event or person and a historic property. STATE California Register of Historic Resources The California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) is an inventory of significant architectural, archaeological, and historical resources in the State of California. Like the National Register, a property must be found significant within a historic context and retain sufficient historic integrity. In order for a property to be eligible for listing in the California Register, it must be found significant under one or more of the following criteria: 1) Events: Resources that are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local or regional history, or the cultural heritage of California or the United States. 2) Persons: Resources that are associated with the lives of persons important to local, California, or national history. 3) Architecture: Resources that embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represent the work of a master, or possess high artistic values. 4) Information Potential: Resources or sites that have yielded or have the potential to yield information important to the prehistory or history of the local area, California, or the nation. The process of determining integrity is similar for both the California Register and the National Register. The same seven aspects that define integrity for the National Register are applicable to the California Register. 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Town of Truckee Coldstream Specific Plan October 2013 Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report 4.9-9 State CEQA Guidelines Under CEQA, public agencies must consider the effects of their actions on both “historical resources” and “unique archaeological resources.” Pursuant to Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 21084.1, a “project that may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an historical resource is a project that may have a significant effect on the environment.” Section 21083.2 requires agencies to determine whether proposed projects would have effects on unique archaeological resources. “Historical resource” is a term with a defined statutory meaning (PRC, Section 21084.1; determining significant impacts to historical and archaeological resources is described in the State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15064.5 [a], [b]). Under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5(a), historical resources include the following: 1) A resource listed in, or determined to be eligible by the State Historical Resources Commission, for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources (Public Resources Code, Section 5024.1). 2) A resource included in a local register of historical resources, as defined in Section 5020.1(k) of the Public Resources Code or identified as significant in a historical resource survey meeting the requirements of Section 5024.1(g) of the Public Resources Code, will be presumed to be historically or culturally significant. Public agencies must treat any such resource as significant unless the preponderance of evidence demonstrates that it is not historically or culturally significant. 3) Any object, building, structure, site, area, place, record, or manuscript which a lead agency determines to be historically significant or significant in the architectural, engineering, scientific, economic, agricultural, educational, social, political, military, or cultural annals of California may be considered to be a historical resource, provided the lead agency’s determination is supported by substantial evidence in light of the whole record. Generally, a resource will be considered by the lead agency to be historically significant if the resource meets the criteria for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources (Public Resources Code, Section 5024.1), including the following: a) Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of California’s history and cultural heritage; b) Is associated with the lives of persons important in our past; c) Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic values; or d) Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. 4) The fact that a resource is not listed in, or determined to be eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, not included in a local register of historical resources (pursuant to Section 5020.1(k) of the Public Resources Code), or identified in a historical resources survey (meeting the criteria in Section 5024.1(g) of the Public Resources Code) does not preclude a lead agency from determining that the resource may be an historical resource as defined in Public Resources Code Section 5020.1(j) or 5024.1. 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Coldstream Specific Plan Town of Truckee Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report October 2013 4.9-10 As noted above, CEQA also requires lead agencies to consider whether projects will impact unique archaeological resources. Public Resources Code Section 21083.2, subdivision (g), states that “ ‘unique archaeological resource’ means an archaeological artifact, object, or site about which it can be clearly demonstrated that, without merely adding to the current body of knowledge, there is a high probability that it meets any of the following criteria: • Contains information needed to answer important scientific research questions and that there is a demonstrable public interest in that information. • Has a special and particular quality such as being the oldest of its type or the best available example of its type. • Is directly associated with a scientifically recognized important prehistoric or historic event or person.” TOWN OF TRUCKEE GENERAL PLAN The Town of Truckee General Plan contains goals and policies in the Community Character Element that are related to historic and cultural resource issues. Draft EIR Appendix B analyzes the proposed project’s consistency with applicable Town of Truckee General Plan policies. While this DEIR analyzes the proposed Coldstream Specific Plan’s consistency with the Town of Truckee General Plan pursuant to CEQA Section 15125(d), the Town of Truckee Town Council will ultimately make the determination of the project’s consistency with the General Plan. Environmental impacts associated with inconsistency with General Plan policies are addressed under the appropriate impact discussion sections of this Draft EIR. 4.9.3 PROJECT IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES STANDARDS OF SIGNIFICANCE Following Public Resources Code (PRC) Sections 21083.2 and 21084.1, and Section 15064.5 and Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines, cultural resource impacts are considered to be significant if implementation of the project considered would result in any of the following: 1) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in PRC Section 21084.1 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5, respectively. 2) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource as defined in PRC Sections 21083.2, 21084.1, and CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5, respectively. 3) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geological feature. 4) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries. State CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5 defines “substantial adverse change” as physical demolition, destruction, relocation, or alteration of the resource or its immediate surroundings such that the significance of an historical resource is materially impaired. CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5, subdivision (b) (2), defines “materially impaired” for purposes of the definition of substantial adverse change as follows: 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Town of Truckee Coldstream Specific Plan October 2013 Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report 4.9-11 The significance of an historical resource is materially impaired when a project: 1) demolishes or materially alters in an adverse manner those physical characteristics of an historical resource that convey its historical significance and that justify its inclusion in, or eligibility for, inclusion in the California Register of Historical Resources; or 2) demolishes or materially alters in an adverse manner those physical characteristics that account for its inclusion in a local register of historical resources pursuant to section 5020.1(k) of the PRC or its identification in an historical resources survey meeting the requirements of section 5024.1(g) of the PRC, unless the public agency reviewing the effects of the project establishes by a preponderance of evidence that the resource is not historically or culturally significant; or 3) demolishes or materially alters in an adverse manner those physical characteristics of a historical resource that convey its historical significance and that justify its eligibility for inclusion in the California Register of Historical Resources as determined by a lead agency for purposes of CEQA. CEQA requires that if a project would result in an effect that may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource, or would cause significant effects on a unique archaeological resource, then alternative plans or mitigation measures must be considered. Therefore, prior to assessing effects or developing mitigation measures, the significance of cultural resources must first be determined. The steps that are normally taken in a cultural resources investigation for CEQA compliance are as follows: • Identify potential historical resources and unique archaeological resources; • Evaluate the eligibility of historical resources; and • Evaluate the effects of the project on eligible historical resources METHODOLOGY Efforts to identify cultural resources which could be affected by the proposed Coldstream Specific Plan included review of the Archaeological Inventory Survey (Jensen, 2002) completed for the project and the records search completed for that report as well as the updated 2013 Archaeological Inventory Survey (Genesis Society) and associated records search. In addition, a sacred lands file search was completed by the NAHC, and Native American representatives were mailed written correspondence requesting information regarding cultural resources on July 21, 2009. A search of the University of California Museum of Paleontology (UCMP) collections database was also completed. The potential impacts of the proposed project on cultural resources were evaluated by considering both construction and operational impacts. 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Coldstream Specific Plan Town of Truckee Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report October 2013 4.9-12 PROJECT IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Substantial Adverse Change in the Significance of a Historical Resource Impact 4.9.1 The proposed Coldstream Specific Plan could result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. This impact is considered less than significant. The proposed project would not affect any historical buildings or sites located on the project site as no historical resources have been identified on-site. However, Donner Memorial State Park is located adjacent to the western boundary of the project site. The park is listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical Resources. The proposed project includes potential off-site trails along the northern boundary of Donner Memorial State Park, along Donner Pass Road. Off-site trails along Donner Memorial State Park are not expected to result in any impact to the park, because the trails would be located within the existing right-of-way for Donner Pass Road and no resources were identified during field review of the trail alignment. The project would have no direct impacts on the park; thus, this impact would be less than significant. Mitigation Measures None required. Substantial Adverse Change in the Significance of an Archaeological Resource Impact 4.9.2 Implementation of the proposed Coldstream Specific Plan could potentially destroy or damage undiscovered prehistoric and historical cultural resources on the project site. This impact is considered potentially significant. As described previously, one prehistoric site was identified. This site, identified as CA-NEV-785, consists of an oval-shaped prehistoric lithic scatter of basalt flakes located on a natural elevated flat. While no additional prehistoric features (no bedrock mortars, petroglyphs, housepits) were observed during site recordation, such features may be present below the surface. The Archaeological Inventory Survey prepared for the project (2013) concluded that this site is considered potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places because the potential subsurface/midden deposits have not yet been evaluated. No evidence of other prehistoric or historic archaeological sites has been identified for the project site. Due to the presence of prehistoric sites on and near the project site, there is the potential for additional However, unanticipated archaeological resources could to be encountered during construction, as a prehistoric site has been identified near the project site. The Archaeological Inventory Survey (Jensen, 2002) stated that “the present evaluation and recommendations are based on the findings of an inventory-level surface survey only. T[t]here is always the possibility that potentially significant unidentified cultural materials could be encountered on or below the surface during the course of future development or construction activities. In such a situation, archaeological consultation should be sought immediately.” This investigation did not identify any archaeological resources on the project site. However, thereTherefore, there is a possibility of unanticipated and accidental archaeological discoveries during project-related ground- disturbing activities. Potential disturbance of the prehistoric site located on the project site as well as Unanticipatedunanticipated and accidental archaeological discoveries during project implementation have the potential to affect significant archaeological resources, resulting in a potentially significant impact. 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Town of Truckee Coldstream Specific Plan October 2013 Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report 4.9-13 Mitigation Measures • MM 4.9.2a Prior to any ground disturbances or construction within 20 feet of the archaeological site CA-NEV-785, the following mitigation shall be accomplished: • All land disturbance and construction shall avoid site CA-NEV-785 and a buffer area of 20 feet around the perimeter of the site shall be established. • A Historic Properties Treatment Plan shall be completed using the Archaeological Testing and Data Recovery Approach outlined in the Archaeological Inventory Survey prepared for the proposed project (Genesis Society, 2013) which is included as Section 4.9.5 of the Draft EIR. • Prior to initiation of ground-disturbing activities, formal archaeological testing of the prehistoric site shall be completed as well as evaluation of the significance of any cultural materials encountered during any formal archeological testing in accordance with the recovery methods and analytical techniques and approaches described in the Archaeological Inventory Survey. Upon completion of formal archaeological testing or any mitigative-level data recovery excavations recommended on the basis of testing results, initial ground-disturbing impacts to untested portions of the prehistoric site shall be monitored per the specifics identified in the Monitoring Plan of the Archaeological Inventory Survey, included in Section 4.9.5 of the Draft EIR. Monitoring shall ensure that any inadvertent discoveries of previously undocumented and unknown cultural materials encountered are evaluated and that an appropriate level of data recovery is undertaken in the event of such a discovery. Monitoring shall involve one or more archaeologists (depending on the number of pieces of equipment operating at once) during initial land clearing, grading, and other ground- disturbing impacts at the site or within the 20-foot buffer and shall include the presence of a Native American representative. Timing/Implementation: As a condition of project approval, and implemented during project construction for each phase MM 4.9.2b If, during the course of construction, cultural resources (i.e., prehistoric sites, historic sites, exotic rock [non-native], or unusual amounts of shell or bone, isolated artifacts, or other features) are discovered, work shall be halted immediately within a 200-foot radius of the discovery, the Town of Truckee Community Development Department shall be notified, and a professional archaeologist that meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards in prehistoric or historical archaeology shall be retained to determine the significance of the discovery. Determination of impacts, significance, and mitigation shall be made by a qualified archaeologist (in consultation with recognized local Native American groups, if the resources are of Native American association). Prior to the commencement Monitoring/Enforcement: Town of Truckee Planning Division 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Coldstream Specific Plan Town of Truckee Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report October 2013 4.9-14 of project excavations, all construction personnel shall be informed of the potential to inadvertently uncover cultural resources and human remains and the procedures to follow subsequent to an inadvertent discovery of cultural resources or human remains. Timing/Implementation: As a condition of project approval, and implemented during project construction for each phase Monitoring/Enforcement: Town of Truckee Planning Division Implementation of mitigation measures MM 4.9.2a and MM 4.9.2b would involve the evaluation and proper treatment and protection of discovered and undiscovered archaeological artifacts and thereby, minimize any potential adverse effects to historic properties or undiscovered archaeological resources. Implementation of these measures would result in a less than significant impact to archaeological resources. Implementation of mitigation measure MM 4.9.2 would reduce potential impacts associated with substantial adverse change in the significance of an undiscovered archaeological resource to less than significant. Destroy a Unique Paleontological Resource or Geological Feature Impact 4.9.3 Approval of the proposed Coldstream Specific Plan could result in the potential disturbance of paleontological resources (i.e., fossils and fossil formations) on the project site. This is considered a potentially significant impact. A search of the University of California Museum of Paleontology paleontological database conducted by PMC did not identify any previously identified paleontological resources on the project site, but there is a potential for the inadvertent discovery of unique archaeological resources during ground-disturbing project activities. Mitigation Measures MM 4.9.3 A note shall be placed on the improvement plans stipulating that if paleontological resources are discovered on-site, the applicant shall retain a qualified paleontologist to observe grading activities and salvage fossils as necessary. The paleontologist shall establish procedures for paleontological resource surveillance and shall establish, in cooperation with the project developer, procedures for temporarily halting or redirecting work to permit sampling, identification, and evaluation of fossils. If major paleontological resources are discovered, which require temporarily halting or redirecting of grading, the paleontologist shall report such findings to the project developer, and to the Town of Truckee Community Development Department. The paleontologist shall determine appropriate actions, in cooperation with the project developer, which ensure proper exploration and/or salvage. Timing/Implementation: As a condition of project approval, and implemented during project construction for each phase Monitoring/Enforcement: Town of Truckee Planning Division 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Town of Truckee Coldstream Specific Plan October 2013 Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report 4.9-15 Implementation of mitigation measure MM 4.9.3 would reduce impacts associated with destruction of a unique paleontological resource or geological feature to less than significant. Disturb Human Remains Impact 4.9.4 No evidence of human remains has been identified for the project site. However, human remains could be encountered during construction. This is considered a potentially significant impact. Archaeological investigations completed for the project site are adequate to identify known prehistoric and historic resources in the area. No evidence of prehistoric or historic archaeological sites or human remains has been identified for the project site. However, construction could result in encountering human remains, as there is a possibility of unanticipated and accidental archaeological discoveries during project-related ground-disturbing activities. Unanticipated and accidental archaeological discoveries during project implementation have the potential to affect significant archaeological resources, including human remains, and result in a potentially significant impact. Mitigation Measures MM 4.9.4 If human remains are discovered, all work shall be halted immediately within a 200-foot radius of the discovery, the Town of Truckee Community Development Department shall be notified, and the County Coroner must be notified, according to Section 5097.98 of the State Public Resources Code and Section 7050.5 of California’s Health and Safety Code. If the remains are determined to be Native American, the coroner will notify the Native American Heritage Commission, and the procedures outlined in CEQA Section 15064.5(d) and (e) shall be followed. Timing/Implementation: As a condition of project approval, and implemented during project construction for each phase Monitoring/Enforcement: Town of Truckee Planning Division Implementation of mitigation measure MM 4.9.4 would reduce impacts associated with potential disturbance of human remains to less than significant. 4.9.4 CUMULATIVE SETTING, IMPACTS, AND MITIGATION MEASURES CUMULATIVE SETTING The cumulative setting for cultural resources generally consists of past, present, and future development projects in the Town of Truckee and the region. In particular, this cumulative setting includes the proposed and approved projects identified in Table 4.0-2 and 4.0-3, planned development under both the Town of Truckee Land Use Element of the General Plan and planned and proposed land uses in Nevada County and Placer County communities near the town. Cumulative impacts associated with cultural resources would occur from increased development. Continued growth in the region would contribute to potential conflicts with cultural and paleontological resources. These resources include archaeological resources associated with Native American activities and historic resources associated with settlement and economic development. 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Coldstream Specific Plan Town of Truckee Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report October 2013 4.9-16 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Cumulative Impacts to Prehistoric and Historic Resources and Human Remains Impact 4.9.5 Implementation of the proposed Coldstream Specific Plan, in combination with foreseeable development in the surrounding area, could result in the disturbance of cultural resources (i.e., prehistoric sites, historic sites, and isolated artifacts and features) and human remains. This impact is considered cumulatively considerable. Implementation of the proposed project may contribute to the cumulative loss of prehistoric resources, historic resources, and human remains in the region. This contribution is expected to be considerable, when combined with other past, present, and foreseeable development in the area. Mitigation Measures Implementation of mitigation measures MM 4.9.2a, MM 4.9.2b, and MM 4.9.4 would assist offset project impacts in reducing significant impacts to known and unknown prehistoric and historic resources and human remains. Therefore, the proposed Coldstream Specific Plan’s contribution to impacts related to prehistoric and historic cultural resources and human remains would be less than cumulatively considerable. Cumulative Impacts to Paleontological Resources Impact 4.9.6 Implementation of the proposed Coldstream Specific Plan, along with any foreseeable development in the surrounding area, could result in the potential disturbance of paleontological resources (i.e., fossils and fossil formations). This impact is considered cumulatively considerable. Implementation of the proposed project may contribute to the cumulative loss of paleontological resources in the region. This contribution is expected to be considerable, when combined with other past, present, and foreseeable development in the region. Mitigation Measures Implementation of mitigation measure MM 4.9.3 would assist in reducing significant cumulative impacts to known and unknown paleontological resources. Therefore, cumulative impacts related to paleontological resources would be reduced to less than cumulatively considerable. 4.9.5 HISTORIC PROPERTIES TREATMENT PLAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL TESTING AND DATA RECOVERY APPROACH Research Guidelines: There are a number of implications of the culture historical models and other information presented above (see discussion of prehistory, ethnography) for evaluating the significance of cultural materials encountered during any formal archaeological testing. Three primary research domains are relevant for prehistoric sites, each with a number of specific research questions by means of which the data from these sites could be evaluated. (1) Site Function: One series of questions relevant to the project area relates to the type of subsistence and/or other activities undertaken during prehistoric times, and the relation of cultural material types to other sites located nearby. Relevant questions include: 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Town of Truckee Coldstream Specific Plan October 2013 Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report 4.9-17 a) What activities occurred at the sites, based on artifacts, lithic debris and midden constituents, and which appear to be the most important? b) Is there evidence for intra-site patterning of artifactual and other materials in terms of distinct activity areas, or is the distribution of artifacts/features essentially random and un- patterned, or has the patterning been destroyed or compromised by activities associated with ranching (such as vegetation clearing and tree removal and road grading), mining, or past vandalism and pot hunting? c) How does the artifact assemblage at this site compare with regional sites in terms of function? d) Are innovative means of artifact production evident, or are there changes through time in technology associated with implement manufacture or resource procurement, trade, importation, or processing? e) What is the depth of cultural deposits at this site, including deposits within any buried features encountered, and is there measurable change in the relative frequencies of artifacts and midden constituents related to depth? If so, what are the possible temporal (or cultural) implications of these changes? (2) Temporal Patterns: One of the keys to an adequate understanding of regional prehistory rests with chronological control over a sample of regional sites. Various chronological sequences have been proposed for this portion of the Sierra Nevada, derived from sites located within diverse environmental areas ranging from Lake Tahoe, Martis Valley, lands to the east within the western Great Basin, and lands to the west along the Yuba River. Specific research questions directed at understanding temporal patterns would include: a) What is an estimate of the length of occupation of this site based on the cultural materials encountered, and is it likely that further chronometric and stratigraphic analyses would provide significant additional chronological information for this site? b) Was this site likely to have been occupied continuously, or are recurring episodes of use suggested by sterile layers present in stratigraphic sequences that might be present? c) What time markers (esp. projectile point styles, beads) are present which can be correlated to local and regional sequences? Can the indicated temporal range be refined or can new “horizon markers” be justified on the basis of unique artifact styles present? (3) Settlement, Land Use and Subsistence Patterns: Settlement pattern distribution is an integral component of the conjunctive approach in archaeology. The ultimate goal of such studies is to provide a means of summarizing exploitative strategies and changes in these strategies through time. Such changes may be registered as variation in the distribution of archaeological site types and feature complexes within a circumscribed geographic area. Consequently, successful settlement pattern analysis requires the development and application of accurate functional typologies for sites (Question 1, above), and reliable temporal controls (Question 2, above). In order to further evaluate the nature and intensity of occupation at a particular site, several additional questions may be appropriate, depending on the nature of the cultural materials exposed: 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Coldstream Specific Plan Town of Truckee Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report October 2013 4.9-18 a) Are cultural remains reflecting the full range of traditional Washoe domestic activities represented, or is only a restricted range of domestic activities indicated? b) Is there evidence for intensive exploitation of a wide range of local resources, as would be indicated by quantities of fish bone, deer and other mammal bone, or associated recovery and processing technologies? The objective is to utilize these questions as a guide in assessing the information and research values represented by cultural materials present at the project area site that might be subjected to formal archaeological testing, depending on final development actions for the Coldstream Specific Plan. Once the types of data actually present have been determined, then a conclusion can be reached as to the specific research or other values of the identified cultural materials in addressing questions and issues of local and regional consequence, such as those enumerated above. Recovery Methods, and Analytical Techniques and Approaches: Data for addressing the research topics outlined above is derivable from excavation and laboratory analyses of recovered artifactual materials and non-artifactual constituents, and architectural details of any potential dwelling (house pit) construction. Already available for this site that could be tested is inventory-level archaeological survey data as well as additional information concerning prehistoric sequences and other relevant information derived from test excavation at other sites in Nevada, and adjacent Plumas and Placer counties. Based on the research objectives detailed above, the following collection and evaluation tasks are considered appropriate for the one prehistoric site within the APE which might be subjected to testing/data recovery excavation: a) Excavation of 1-meter-square exposures and in arbitrarily-defined 10 cm levels, conducted with hand tools (i.e., trowels, mattocks, dental instruments, whisk brooms, rock hammers, shovels, etc.) with all recovered material screened through 1/4” mesh, unless very small objects (e.g., beads, small historic artifacts) are observed, in which case screening would shift to 1/8” mesh. Screen devices include standard wood-framed and metal screened shakers. It is recommended that from four to ten (potentially more) test units be placed within the midden areas at any tested site. Units would be placed on an intuitive basis, and would consider surface disturbance, trees and other vegetation, and any other features (surface or subsurface) that might interfere with obtaining adequate data. Stratigraphic profiles would be documented for each of the test units, and any features (house pits, hearths, burials, etc.) encountered would be mapped in situ, and photographed. b) Submission of charcoal samples for radiocarbon analysis if material is recovered in suitable quantities and in sufficiently undisturbed contexts to warrant evaluation. Recovered samples would likely be delivered to Beta Analytic in Miami, Florida, where Carbon 13/Carbon 12 ratios would be established to arrive at a conventional radiocarbon date for each sample. c) Evaluation of recovered cultural material in relation to local and regional typologies for various types of formed artifacts that might be recovered. Based on the results of recovery efforts at nearby sites, forms of artifacts likely to be recovered include: lithic debitage, scrapers, burins, knives, projectile points, groundstone implements, etc. Sorting of recovered cultural material would occur within the laboratory setting, where the assemblage from each level of each unit would be subjected to cleaning and initial sorting. All artifacts would be subjected to detailed measuring, with data categories 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Town of Truckee Coldstream Specific Plan October 2013 Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report 4.9-19 assigned appropriately, and finally assigned a unique accession number. The totality of the assemblage would be examined for intra-site and temporal variability. The purpose of this latter task would provide data necessary to address research objectives. d) Preparation of a final report, to proceed in conformity with standard professional practices, designed to detail the information and research values of recovered cultural material. The report would include appropriate recommendations for any additional data recovery justified on the basis of the specific findings of formal testing, since testing would represent the initial subsurface evaluation undertaken (excepting any shovel test pit evaluation deemed appropriate and implemented in conjunction with and prior to test unit excavation). For the testing or data recovery program and report, recovered cultural material would be accessioned and the final report would include illustration of representative examples of formed artifact types, including especially diagnostic projectile points, beads, and other artifact types. • All materials recovered during the project would be considered the real property of the property owner/project proponent, and would be returned to the property owner along with a copy of the final report for permanent curation. The landowner intends to place any recovered cultural materials at an appropriate facility for permanent curation. The landowner, in consultation with the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and interested Native American tribes, will determine the location for curation and develop a formal curation plan prior to completion of the data recovery effort. • Excavation would be planned and proceed in consultation with local Native American representatives. As part of the federal Section 106 process, the ACOE will communicate with these representatives, and conduct formal government- to-government consultation with federally-recognized Tribes if requested. The goal of these communications is to obtain information about historic properties which may be of religious or spiritual significance. MONITORING PLAN Upon completion of formal archaeological testing or any mitigative-level data recovery excavations, initial ground-disturbing impacts to untested portions of the project area site recommended eligible for the National Register would be monitored. Monitoring would involve one or more archaeologists (depending on the number of pieces of equipment operating at once) during initial land “grubbing”, grading and other ground-disturbing impacts at and within a 20 ft radius of the site, and would include the presence of a Native American representative. The Native American representative present during this task would be selected as part of the federal Section 106 consultation process. The goal of monitoring would be to ensure that any inadvertent discoveries of previously undocumented and unknown cultural materials encountered are evaluated and that an appropriate level of data recovery be undertaken in the event of such a discovery. An “appropriate level of data recovery” would be based on the general research guidelines, and recovery and analytical techniques and approaches, as detailed above under Archaeological Testing and Data Recovery Approach. 4.9 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES Coldstream Specific Plan Town of Truckee Partially Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report October 2013 4.9-20 REFERENCES Genesis Society. 2013. Archaeological Inventory Survey, Proposed Coldstream Development Project, c. 178.9-acres, Town of Truckee, Nevada County, California. Jensen & Associates. 2002. Archaeological Inventory Survey, Cold Creek Residential and Commercial Development Project, c. 178 acres in West Truckee at Cold and Donner Creeks, Nevada County, California. June 28, 2002, Revised July 29, 2002. Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC). 2009. Letter from Katy Sanchez to Jenna Endres, Town of Truckee, dated June 12, 2009. PMC. 2000. Planned Community-2 Specific Plan, Draft Environmental Impact Report. State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation. 2003. Donner Memorial State Park. General Plan. ———. 2009. http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=503 (accessed August 20, 2009). Town of Truckee. 1997. Downtown Truckee Specific Plan. ———. 2006. 2025 General Plan EIR. Truckee, CA. Truckee-Donner Historical Society. 2009. http://truckeehistory.org/historyArticles/history2.htm (accessed August 18, 2009). University of California, Berkeley, Museum of Paleontology. 2009. http://ucmpdb.berkeley.edu/ loc.html (accessed August 20, 2009).