Archaeological commission approves no-survey finding for two Caltrans SR‑1 geotechnical sites with discovery clause

The Mendocino County Archaeological Commission voted to accept a no-survey finding for two Caltrans geotechnical investigation sites on State Route 1, while requiring tribal notification and a discovery clause should cultural materials be uncovered.

Caltrans requested permission to conduct subsurface geotechnical investigations at two locations along Highway 1—Fishrock Gulch at post mile 4.64 near Anchor Bay Campground and a site near post mile 58.78 north of Fort Bragg—intended to inform foundation design for future bridges replacing culverts to restore fish passage. "Looks like the applicant has done some somewhat of a survey, and they didn't find any artifacts," said Keith, Planner III with the county Planning and Building Department, summarizing the applicant's submittal.

Commission discussion focused on whether the project file needed referral to the Northwest Information Center and on tribal consultation. Planner Mark Klaizer told the commission the applicant had submitted an archaeological memo and staff had brought the project directly to the commission rather than referring it to Northwest Information Center. County staff and commissioners noted Caltrans conducted a record search of Caltrans' cultural resources database and an augmented search at the Northwest Information Center (March 2023) and reported no previously recorded sites within a half‑mile radius; Alta Archaeological Consulting completed a pedestrian survey in May 2024 that covered portions of the project right-of-way.

Commissioners and staff discussed tribal outreach and monitoring. Commissioners noted that some tribes had been contacted and that a tribal representative, Valerie Stanley, had said she had no concerns but asked to be contacted if cultural resources were encountered. The commission adopted a motion to not require a new (additional) survey but to require tribal notification/monitoring if cultural resources are found during work and to include a standard discovery clause in permit conditions. The motion passed on a roll-call vote: Commissioner Johnson — yes; Commissioner Cole — yes; Commissioner (name redacted) — yes; planning staff — yes (tally 4–0).

The commission did not make findings that archaeological resources exist at either location; instead it accepted the applicant's documentation and added conditions to ensure tribal notification and professional stop-work procedures if material is discovered. The record includes the applicant's archaeological memo, Caltrans' record search, and the May 2024 pedestrian survey.