Cultural Resources

San Diego, California

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RECON completed an archaeological constraints analysis for the City of San Diego’s wetland mitigation opportunities assessment in San Pasqual Valley. This effort included requesting a cultural resources records search from the South Coastal Information Center for the study area, which encompassed approximately 910 acres with a half-mile buffer. The review of existing cultural resource data helped identify constraints and sensitive areas for mitigation planning. RECON also conducted a pedestrian survey of 162 acres in support of a conceptual wetland mitigation plan, which included wetland creation, restoration/rehabilitation, and enhancement. RECON archaeologists accompanied by a Native American monitor recorded one new cultural resource and updated the conditions of two previously recorded cultural resources. Avoidance as a mitigation measure, along with environmentally sensitive area fencing around one of the resources, was recommended to prevent adverse effects to the significance of cultural resources during the construction of wetland mitigation areas. Construction monitoring by a qualified archaeologist, along with Native American monitoring, was also recommended because of the potential for subsurface cultural resources.

Imperial County, California

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RECON completed a Class III cultural resources inventory for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) within the 350-acre Vinagre Wash Special Management Area in Imperial County, California. The project involved a records search, literature review, and intensive pedestrian survey along approximately 15 miles of travel routes, identifying and documenting cultural resources in accordance with BLM and federal guidelines. RECON recorded two historic survey markers, one prehistoric lithic scatter, two historic roads, one historic transmission line, and one historic military property with sub‑meter GPS technology and submitted new and updated DPR 523 forms, GIS shapefiles, and a comprehensive inventory report. The final report included National Registration of Historic Places eligibility evaluations, site condition assessments, and management recommendations to support BLM’s obligations under the Dingell Act to conserve and protect cultural and recreational resources in the area.

San Diego, California

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RECON provided cultural resources construction monitoring for the La Media North Industrial Project, overseeing the excavation of the top three feet of soil during clearing, grubbing, and grading. This included 176 hours of archaeological monitoring and coordination with the client, construction personnel, and the City of San Diego jurisdiction through a pre‑construction meeting and daily safety meetings. RECON also conducted a records search of the project area and a 0.25-mile buffer to identify potential cultural resources. A negative results report was prepared and submitted to the City of San Diego’s Mitigation Monitoring and Coordination office. Additionally, RECON subcontracted Red Tail Environmental to provide a Native American monitor, ensuring culturally sensitive oversight throughout the process.

Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Reservation, California

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RECON provided archaeological services for a property located in Thermal, California, within the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Reservation. The project included Phase 2 testing and preparation of a Phase 3 monitoring plan. Phase 2 involved excavating four shovel test pits, cataloging and analyzing any recovered materials, and preparing a findings report in accordance with tribal and National Environmental Policy Act requirements. All materials were returned to the Tribe, and a final report was submitted following agency review. RECON also developed a Phase 3 monitoring and data recovery plan outlining protocols for inadvertent discoveries during construction and defining the roles of the archaeological team.

San Diego, California

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RECON provided cultural resource services in support of the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation’s Comprehensive Tree Replacement Program, which involved planting 117 trees across as many as 22 County park and preserve locations. The program’s goal was to plant three trees for every one lost to drought, invasive pests, or other causes within County parks and preserves. To protect potential subsurface cultural resources during tree planting and irrigation installation, RECON archaeologists, accompanied by a Luiseño or Kumeyaay Native American monitor, provided on-site monitoring during ground-disturbing activities. Additional services included pre-construction sensitivity training, preparation of daily monitoring logs, completion of DPR 523 site forms for any cultural discoveries, and preparation of a final monitoring report. Project management tasks included coordination with County staff to schedule contractors and monitors. An in-house records search identified nine cultural resources within or adjacent to tree-planting locations. No new cultural resources were identified, and no adverse effects were incurred to the nine previously recorded resources by the project.