scholarly journals Cultural Resources Survey for the City of Florence Municipal Facilities Complex Project, Williamson County, Texas

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Shelton ◽  
Victoria Myers
Keyword(s):  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Tree Planting ◽  
Cultural Resources ◽  
Project Area ◽  
Historical Structures ◽  
Complex Project ◽  
Williamson County ◽  
The City ◽  
The U.S ◽  
Historic Origin

On behalf of the City of Florence, Texas, SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive cultural resources survey of the proposed City of Florence Municipal Facilities Complex (Project) in Williamson County, Texas. The 1.2-acre parcel scheduled for redevelopment is located on land owned and managed by the City of Florence, a political subdivision of the state of Texas; therefore, the Project requires compliance with the Antiquities Code of Texas (ACT). In addition, the project will receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA); therefore, the work was conducted to comply with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). This cultural resources investigation was conducted under ACT Permit No. 9142. On behalf of the USDA, SWCA has also issued engagement letters to the six Tribes identified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as having overlapping interest with the Project area. To date, SWCA has yet to receive comments from the identified Tribes. The parcel on which the Project is proposed contains four extant buildings/structures: the Florence City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce, a large Veteran’s Memorial, and a thrift store. As part of the Project, all but the Veteran’s Memorial are scheduled for demolition and a larger municipal complex is expected to be constructed in their stead. Impacts are expected to include widespread surficial modifications with deeper impacts in locations of foundations and utilities. The cultural resources investigation consisted of a background and historical map review followed by intensive pedestrian survey augmented by shovel testing conducted by an archaeologist, and an assessment of the extant buildings conducted by an architectural historian. SWCA’s background review determined that there are no known cultural resources within the Project area. Additionally, the historical map review identified only two potential historical structures within the Project area. During field investigations on September 25 and November 5, 2019, SWCA confirmed that the four extant buildings/structures on the subject property are of modern construction, and therefore, are not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and are not considered eligible for designation as a State Antiquities Landmark (SAL). In addition, the two potential historical structures identified during the historical map review within the Project area are not extant. SWCA excavated a total of 12 shovel tests within the Project area, three of which were positive for cultural materials. The cultural material includes an axe head, an unidentifiable metal fragment, a round nail, and a white-bodied earthenware sherd. The artifacts found within the shovel tests cannot be securely identified as being from a historic origin and were found with, or near the same depth as, modern plastic fragments. Furthermore, the soils within the Project area exhibited a high degree of disturbance due to decades of construction, landscaping, and tree planting, as well as buried utilities. Due to the lack of soil integrity and the lack of artifacts that can securely be attributed to a historic origin, SWCA finds the three positive shovel tests as constituting an isolated find and does not rise to the level of an archaeological site. As such, the isolated finds do not meet the criteria for NRHP listing nor SAL designation. No other cultural resources were identified within the Project area. In accordance with the ACT and with Section 106 of the NHPA (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 800.4 (b)(1)), SWCA has made a reasonable and good faith effort to identify historic properties within the area of potential effects. SWCA recommends a finding of No Historic Properties Affected per 36 CFR 800. 5(b) and no further archaeological investigation of the current Project area is recommended. No artifacts or samples were collected during this survey. All survey-related documentation will be curated at the Center for Archaeological Studies, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.

scholarly journals A Needs-Driven, Multi-Objective Approach to Allocate Urban Ecosystem Services from 10,000 Trees

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 4488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Almeter ◽  
Arik Tashie ◽  
Andrew Procter ◽  
Tara McAlexander ◽  
Douglas Browning ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vulnerable Populations ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Urban Ecosystem ◽  
Multiple Objectives ◽  
Tree Planting ◽  
Stormwater Reduction ◽  
The City ◽  
The U.S

Urban areas face challenges including vehicular emissions, stormwater runoff, and sedentary lifestyles. Communities recognize the value of trees in mitigating these challenges by absorbing pollution and enhancing walkability. However, siting trees to optimize multiple benefits requires a systems approach that may cross sectors of management and expertise. We present a spatially-explicit method to optimize tree planting in Durham, NC, a rapidly growing urban area with an aging tree stock. Using GIS data and a ranking approach, we explored where Durham could augment its current stock of willow oaks through its plans to install 10,000 mid-sized deciduous trees. Data included high-resolution landcover metrics developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), demographics from the U.S. Census, an attributed roads dataset licensed to the EPA, and sidewalk information from the City of Durham. Census block groups (CBGs) were ranked for tree planting according to single and multiple objectives including stormwater reduction, emissions buffering, walkability, and protection of vulnerable populations. Prioritizing tree planting based on single objectives led to four sets of locations with limited geographic overlap. Prioritizing tree planting based on multiple objectives tended to favor historically disadvantaged CBGs. The four-objective strategy met the largest proportion of estimated regional need. Based on this analysis, the City of Durham has implemented a seven-year plan to plant 10,000 trees in priority neighborhoods. This analysis also found that any strategy which included the protection of vulnerable populations generated more benefits than others.

scholarly journals 2018-2019 Annual Report of Work Carried Out at Memorial Park, City of Houston, Harris County, Texas

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Quennoz
Keyword(s):  
Historic Preservation ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Cultural Resources ◽  
Harris County ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Project Area ◽  
Research Survey ◽  
National Historic Preservation Act ◽  
Age Structures

On behalf of the City of Houston and the Memorial Park Conservancy, Gray & Pape, Inc. conducted intensive pedestrian surveys of three areas totaling 144.4 hectares (357.6 acres) of Memorial Park, City of Houston, Harris County, Texas. Fieldwork was carried out between April 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019, under Texas Antiquities Annual Permit Number 8465. The following report presents the results of site file and background research, survey methods, field results, and conclusions and recommendations for each of these surveys. The goals of the intensive pedestrian surveys were to assist the Memorial Park Conservancy in identifying the presence of cultural resources as they are defined by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (36 CFR 800), and provide management recommendations for identified resources. Survey methods, site identification and delineation, and reporting adhere to standards established by the Archeology Division of the Texas Historical Commission, the Council of Texas Archeologists, and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. At this time, the Memorial Park Conservancy plans to conduct standard park maintenance activities including low impact mechanical clearing of the invasive understory, spraying, and new plantings in each of the areas surveyed. Gray & Pape, Inc. focused particular attention on the State Antiquities Landmark-designated (#8200003264) Camp Logan archaeological site (41HR614) that encompasses large portions of Memorial Park. As a result of survey findings, the boundary for 41HR614 has been expanded to include the entirety of the former Camp Logan footprint as preserved within the boundaries of Memorial Park. The boundary of the previously recorded prehistoric site 41HR1217 was also extended. Four new prehistoric sites (41HR1226, 41HR1227, 41HR1229, 41HR1230) and one new multicomponent site (41HR1228) were also recorded. The 12.4-hectare (30.6-acre) Sports Complex survey resulted in the identification of five historic features considered part of 41HR614: the partial remains of a Camp Logan era road, segments of two Camp Logan era ditches, a Camp Logan concrete grease trap, and a concrete signpost from the 1940s. Gray & Pape recommends that the grease trap and signpost be avoided by Memorial Park Conservancy planned activities. The remaining features will not be impacted by current planned Memorial Park Conservancy activities. Based on the results of this survey, and with these protective measures in place, Gray & Pape recommends that the no further cultural resources work be required in the remaining portions of the Sports Complex project area and that the project be cleared to proceed as currently planned. The 76-hectare (189-acre) Bayou Wilds – East survey resulted in the identification of four new prehistoric sites (41HR1226, 41HR1227, 41HR1229, 41HR1230) and one new multicomponent site (41HR1228). The boundaries of the prehistoric site 41HR1217 and the historic site 41HR614 were extended A total of 14 new features were identified as associated with 41HR614, as well as two historic-age structures. Gray & Pape, Inc. recommends avoidance of the identified sites, features, and historic age structures. Based on the results of this survey, and with these protective measures in place, Gray & Pape, Inc. recommends no further cultural resources work be required in the remaining portion of the Bayou Wilds – East project area and that the project be cleared to proceed as planned. The 56-hectare (138-acre) Northwest Trails – North survey resulted in the identification of four historic-age structures, nearly identical footbridges constructed of irregular blocks and mortar that are part of the park’s active trail network; as well as a historical isolate. Based on the results of this survey, and with these protective measures in place, Gray & Pape, Inc. recommends that the no further cultural resources work be required in the remaining portions of the Northwest Trails – North project area and that the project be cleared to proceed as currently planned. As part of the Unanticipated Finds Plan developed by Gray & Pape, Inc. and the Memorial Park Conservancy, Gray & Pape, Inc. archaeologists identified and recorded nine cultural features (seven manholes, one grease trap, one segment of vitrified clay pipe) uncovered by activities undertaken by the Memorial Park Conservancy and their contractors. In each case ongoing work in the area of the newly encountered feature was halted until the feature was fully documented by a Gray & Pape, Inc. archaeologist, and potential impacts were coordinated between Gray & Pape, Inc., the Memorial Park Conservancy, and the Texas Historical Commission. Gray & Pape, Inc. also coordinated with the Texas Historical Commission on two occasions in relation to Memorial Park Conservancy projects for which no fieldwork was required. As a project permitted through the Texas Historical Commission, Gray & Pape, Inc. submitted project records to the Center of Archaeological Studies at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.

scholarly journals Cultural Resources Investigations for the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Project, Bexar County, Texas

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophia Salgado ◽  
Laura Clark
Keyword(s):  
San Antonio ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Cultural Resources ◽  
Science Center ◽  
Project Area ◽  
University Of Texas ◽  
Texas Health ◽  
Standards And Guidelines ◽  
The University ◽  
The City

At the request of TriLeaf Corporation (TriLeaf), SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted a cultural resources investigation for the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) Project (Project) located in Bexar County, Texas. The Project involves the installation of a 432-foot-long (132-meter [m]-long) fiber-optic communication line directly south of Floyd Curl Drive in northwest San Antonio, Texas. The total disturbance of the proposed Project area measures approximately 0.28 acre (0.1 hectare [ha]) in size. The Project area is situated on the grounds of UTHSCSA and located approximately 8.48 miles (13.65 kilometers [km]) from downtown San Antonio. At its nearest, Zarzamora Creek is 40 feet (12 m) northwest of the Project area. The proposed Project includes property owned by the UTHSCSA, a political subdivision of the state of Texas, and is therefore subject to review by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) under the Antiquities Code of Texas (ACT) and the City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation (SA-OHP) under the Historic Preservation and Design Sections of the City of San Antonio’s Unified Development Code (UDC) (Article VI 35-606). SWCA conducted all work in accordance with the standards and guidelines set forth by the THC and the Council of Texas Archaeologists under ACT Permit No. 9311. The purpose of the investigation was to identify and assess any cultural resources, such as historic and prehistoric archaeological sites and historic buildings, structures, objects, and sites (such as cemeteries) that might be located within the boundaries of the proposed Project area and evaluate the significance of these cultural resources. Investigations consisted of a background literature and historical map review and monitoring of mechanical trench excavations within the Project area. SWCA conducted all investigations in accordance with the standards and guidelines established by the THC and the Council of Texas Archeologists. The background review determined that the Project area has not been previously surveyed for cultural resources, and three cultural resources investigations and three previously recorded cultural resources occurred within a 1.0-mile (1.6-km) radius of the Project area. SWCA’s intensive archaeological monitoring was performed during construction activities that occurred on April 7–14, 2020. All work within the Project area was conducted within moderately disturbed deposits. SWCA observed no subsurface cultural materials and no cultural features or temporally diagnostic artifacts were encountered. In accordance with the City of San Antonio UDC and the ACT, SWCA has made a reasonable and good faith effort to identify cultural resources properties within the Project area. No properties were identified within the Project area that may meet the criteria for listing as a State Antiquities Landmark, nor as a Historic Landmark or District according to the UDC. Therefore, SWCA recommends that no additional cultural resources investigations are warranted within the UTHSCSA Project Area, as currently defined. Following the review and acceptance of the final cultural resources report, all records and photographs will be curated with the Center for Archaeological Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio, per requirements of the ACT.

scholarly journals Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed Moore Park Athletic Complex, Plano, Collin County, Texas

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brett Lang ◽  
Melissa Green
Keyword(s):  
Western Boundary ◽  
Cultural Resources ◽  
Parks And Recreation ◽  
Project Area ◽  
The North ◽  
Eastern Boundary ◽  
Water District ◽  
Administrative Code ◽  
Project Data ◽  
The City

In March 2020, an intensive cultural resources survey of the proposed Moore Park athletic complex in Plano, Collin County, Texas was completed in order to inventory all cultural resources. The project parcel currently lies within an open field at the southwest corner of the intersection of Chaparral Road and Cottonwood Creek. It is bounded by Chaparral Road on the north, Cottonwood Creek to the east, Bright Star Way on the south, and Cloverhaven Way on the west in a densely residential developed area. A North Texas Municipal Water District building is located in the far northwestern corner near Cottonwood Creek. The archeological area of potential effects (APE) covers an area of approximately 103 acres (42 hectares). Because the project is owned and funded by the City of Plano, a political subdivision of the State of Texas, the project is subject to the Antiquities Code of Texas (9 Texas Natural Resources Code [TNRC] 191), which requires consideration of effects on properties designated as—or eligible to be designated as—State Antiquity Landmarks (SALs), which includes archeological resources. The survey was carried out for the City of Plano, Parks and Recreation under Texas Antiquities Permit 9334 by Brett Lang (Project Archeologist) of Cox|McLain Environmental Consulting, Inc. (CMEC). Melissa M. Green was the Principal Investigator. The parcel is situated on an upper terrace above Cottonwood Creek. From the western boundary, an unnamed tributary of Cottonwood Creek flows from the northwest corner to the southwest corner of the project parcel (as the terrace slopes southeastward) into Cottonwood Creek approximately 860 meters or 2821.5 feet away. Cottonwood Creek parallels the eastern boundary of the APE. Ground surfaces within the project area parcel were mostly covered in short, ankle-high prairie grasses used for active cattle grazing allowing for some limited visibility ranging from 20 to 50 percent. A densely wooded section was observed along the eastern boundary and along part of the tributary, allowing for 30 to 80 percent ground visibility. In all, 19 shovel test units were excavated judgmentally across the project area, of which none contained cultural materials. All materials (notes, photographs, administrative documents, and other project data) generated from this work will be housed at the Center for Archeological Studies at Texas State University at San Marcos, where they will be made permanently available to future researchers per 13 Texas Administrative Code 26.16-17. If any unanticipated cultural materials or deposits are found at any stage of clearing, preparation, or construction, the work should cease and Texas Historical Commission personnel should be notified immediately. The Texas Historical Commission concurred with the findings and recommendations of this report on 8 May 2020.

scholarly journals Cultural Resources Survey of the City of Hutto Transmission and Distribution Pumping Stations Phase I Project, City of Hutto, Williamson County, Texas

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Gibson ◽  
Joshua McCormick ◽  
Jamie Vandagriff ◽  
Kevin Stone
Keyword(s):  
Phase I ◽  
Cultural Resources ◽  
University Of Texas ◽  
Architectural Features ◽  
Pumping Stations ◽  
Management Recommendations ◽  
The University ◽  
Transmission And Distribution ◽  
Williamson County ◽  
The City

This report documents the substantive findings and management recommendations of a cultural resource inventory conducted by Integrated Environmental Solutions, LLC (IES) for the City of Hutto (COH) Transmission and Distribution Pumping Stations Phase I Project in the City of Hutto, Williamson County, Texas. As the COH is a political subdivision of the State of Texas, the COH is required to comply with the Antiquities Code of Texas (ACT). The goal of the survey was to locate, identify, and assess any cultural resources, which include standing buildings/structures and archeological sites that could be adversely affected by the proposed development, and to evaluate such resources for their potential eligibility for listing as a State Antiquities Landmark (SAL) or eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The cultural resources inventory was conducted by Project Archeologist Anne Gibson and Archeological Field Technician Will Clow on 03 and 04 March 2020, under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 9196. The Area of Potential Effects (APE) encompasses approximately 6.63 acres (ac) and is comprised of three distinct APE areas. The Frame Switch Pumping Station (PS) is 1.2 ac in size and is located approximately 900 feet (ft) south of the intersection of Farm-to-Market Road (FM) 3349 and U.S. Highway (US) 79 midway between the City of Hutto and the City of Taylor. The Inline PS is 4.05 ac in size and is located southwest of the intersection of FM 112 and Williamson County Road (CR) 432. The Shiloh PS is 1.38 ac in size and is located approximately 1,700 ft southwest of the intersection of FM 481 and 482. During the survey, a newly-recorded, historic-period site (41WM1419) was documented within the APE. Based on the lack of association with historically-important individuals or events, absence of significant architectural features, the degree of prior disturbance, and lack of contextual integrity, site 41WM1419 is recommended as not eligible for listing in the NRHP or designation as SALs. In addition, four historic-age architectural resources were identified within the indirect APE during this survey. All records will be temporarily curated at the IES McKinney office and permanently curated at the Center for Archeological Research (CAR) at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). No further work is warranted. However, if any cultural resources, other than those documented within this report, are unearthed during construction, the operators should stop construction activities, and immediately contact the project environmental representative to initiate coordination with the THC prior to resuming any construction activities.

scholarly journals Physical–Mechanical and Mineralogical Properties of Fired Bricks of the Archaeological Site of Harran, Turkey

Heritage ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 1018-1034
Author(s):  
Hanifi Binici ◽  
Fatih Binici ◽  
Mehmet Akcan ◽  
Yavuz Yardim ◽  
Enea Mustafaraj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thin Section ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Burial Mound ◽  
Historical Structures ◽  
Mineralogical Properties ◽  
Fired Bricks ◽  
City Walls ◽  
The University ◽  
The City

In this study, the physical–mechanical and mineralogical properties of bricks used in historical structures of the site of Harran, Turkey have been investigated. Harran was destroyed by the Mongol army, during the Turkish reconquest campaign around the 1260s. The remains of the buildings made of bricks and basalt/limestone were recently uncovered almost in their entirety. Several brick samples have been taken from the burial mound, the university, the city walls, the castle, and the great mosque. From the visual analyses, it was noted that the bricks have unique colors such as pottery, desert beige, and canyon. Physical analyses show that the absorption rates of the bricks are between 17.30–38.12%, their densities between 1.33–1.70 g/cm3, and porosities between 8.88–25.31%. For the mechanical analyses, the bending strengths have been found to be between 0.82–1.86 MPa and compressive strengths between 6.69–7.95 MPa. The thin-section images show that the bricks contain calcite, muscovite, and plagioclase quartz and pyroxene minerals.

scholarly journals Intensive Cultural Resources Survey of the Brushy Creek Sewer Line Phase 3 Project in the City of Ingram, Kerr County, Texas

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Shelton
Keyword(s):  
Research University ◽  
Ground Surface ◽  
Cultural Resources ◽  
Department Of Agriculture ◽  
Project Area ◽  
University Of Texas ◽  
Pedestrian Survey ◽  
Linear Alignment ◽  
National Historic Preservation Act ◽  
The City

On behalf of the City of Ingram, Texas, SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive cultural resources survey of the proposed Brushy Creek Sewer Line Project (Project) in Kerr County, Texas. The approximately 1-mile-long sewer main extension line is being developed by the City of Ingram, a political subdivision of the State of Texas; therefore, the Project requires compliance with the Antiquities Code of Texas (ACT). In addition, the Project will receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA); therefore, the work was conducted to comply with requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). This cultural resources investigation was conducted under ACT Permit No. 9243. The Project begins just south of Winona Street West and terminates just south of Highway 27. The Project Area includes the proposed linear alignment situated within a 25-foot-wide corridor and lies on undeveloped land. Proposed impacts are expected to include widespread surficial modifications with deeper impacts in location of sewer lines. The cultural resources investigation consisted of a background and historical map review, followed by intensive pedestrian survey augmented by shovel testing conducted by SWCA archaeologists. SWCA’s background review determined that there are no known cultural resources within the Project area. SWCA also reviewed a 0.5-mile study area surrounding the proposed Project. This review determined there are a total of five previously conducted surveys and six previously recorded archaeological sites within 0.5 mile of the Project area. None of the six previously recorded sites have been recommended as eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Additionally, no NRHP districts or properties, sites designated as State Antiquities Landmarks, historical markers, cemeteries, or local neighborhood surveys were identified within the Project area or the larger study area. During field investigations conducted on February 4, 2019, SWCA conducted an intensive archaeological pedestrian survey augmented with shovel testing of the Project area. For linear projects, the Texas Historical Commission (THC)/Council of Texas Archaeologists (CTA) survey standards require a minimum of 16 shovel tests per mile with thorough documentation of all exceptions noted (e.g., disturbance, slope, and impervious surfaces). Based on these standards, SWCA exceeded the requirements by excavating a total of 34 shovel tests within the 1-mile Project area. No cultural materials were identified on the ground surface or within any of the shovel tests excavated within the Project area. In accordance with the ACT and with Section 106 of the NHPA (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 800.4 (b)(1)), SWCA has made a reasonable and good faith effort to identify historic properties within the area of potential effects. SWCA recommends a finding of No Historic Properties Affected per 36 CFR 800. 5(b) and no further archaeological investigation of the current Project area is recommended. No artifacts or samples were collected during this survey. All survey-related documentation will be curated at the Center for Archaeological Research, University of Texas at San Antonio.

scholarly journals Together, We Can Make This Place Our Home: Civic Engagement Among Asian Immigrants

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 99-99
Author(s):  
Cindy Bui ◽  
Kyungmin Kim ◽  
Qian Song ◽  
Yuri Jang
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Civic Engagement ◽  
Asian American ◽  
American Culture ◽  
City Council ◽  
Asian Immigrants ◽  
The City ◽  
The U.S ◽  
Acculturation Factors

Abstract Civic engagement is an important dimension of age-friendly communities but has been understudied among Asian immigrant groups. While research has attributed greater civic engagement among immigrants to acculturation factors, the influence of acculturation may be conditioned upon Asian immigrants’ social network and place attachment to their city. We used data from the Asian American Quality of Life survey to analyze civic engagement activity (e.g., City council meeting, voting in a City election) among a diverse sample of middle-aged and older Asian immigrants in Austin, Texas (N = 994). 34.5% of the sample had participated in at least one civic engagement activity in the past 12 months. We examined how such civic engagement is associated with acculturation factors, and further examined whether one’s friend network and perception of their city moderated the association. We found that number of years lived in the U.S., familiarity with mainstream American culture, and number of friends in one’s social network were positively related to civic engagement activity. Furthermore, we found that the association between years lived in the U.S. and civic engagement was more pronounced for immigrants with larger friend networks; the association between familiarity with American culture and civic engagement was more pronounced for immigrants with more positive perceptions of the city. These findings highlight that acculturation may not operate alone in civic engagement among Asian immigrants. Rather, it may also be important to create opportunities for Asian immigrants to feel connected to their community and build meaningful friend networks to encourage civic engagement.

scholarly journals Costs of Biological and Cultural Resource Protection to the U.S. Natural Gas Industry

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Mitch Kunce
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Natural Gas ◽  
Jel Classification ◽  
Cultural Resources ◽  
Private Lands ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Land Type ◽  
Threatened And Endangered Species ◽  
Natural Gas Industry ◽  
The U.S

Using a unique land transaction from the 1860s in the Western U.S., this paper examines whether the presence of biological and cultural resources on private and federal land increase drilling costs to the U.S. natural gas industry. Our results suggest that the presence of these resources can increase costs, but the effect depends on the land type and which resources are being protected. The presence of threatened and endangered species increase drilling costs significantly on both federal and private lands; whereas the existence of migratory wildlife like elk and pronghorn does not. Cultural resources have a differentiated impact-they raise drilling costs significantly on federal lands, but not on private lands. JEL classification numbers: C23, Q58. Keywords: Endangered Species, U.S. Natural Gas, Cultural Resources, Drilling Costs.

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