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Commission accepts storage-container survey and adds discovery clause after tribal concerns raised
Summary
The Archaeological Commission accepted a survey for AP20260001 (storage containers at 17500 Highway 253, Blueville), required a discovery clause for artifact areas, and recommended tribal monitoring for ground disturbance; motion passed 4–0 after applicant clarified there would be limited excavation.
The Mendocino County Archaeological Commission reviewed Case AP20260001 on July 15, a proposal to install fourteen 8-by-30-foot storage containers at 17500 Highway 253 in Blueville where an earlier approval had allowed a larger footprint. Jamie Henry, the staff planner on the case, told the commission the previous, larger approval did not route through the commission and that the applicant now proposes a smaller footprint.
Commissioners discussed survey results that reported multiple isolated prehistoric finds in the area. Commissioner Bill Cole recommended monitoring during ground disturbance — either tribal monitors or an archaeologist — and emphasized that areas where artifacts were found should be treated as eligible until proven otherwise. “They should either move it along and not destroy it or throw it away. They should reach out,” Cole said.
Valerie, a representative speaking for Sherwood Valley, urged staff to contact Hopland tribal officers and the tribal historic preservation officer Katie Elliott, noting that territory boundaries in the survey mapping can be confusing. “Jamie, this is Hopland’s area… call the tribal officers. Katie is a new THPO,” she said.
Andrea Garcia Castaneda, the applicant’s agent, clarified that the site already has a gravel pad and that no major excavation would be necessary to place the containers, though anchoring into the ground would occur. “There’s gravel that’s been there for years… there’s no digging,” Garcia Castaneda said, adding that bolts were used previously to anchor containers.
Given the findings and tribal comments, the commission retracted an earlier vote, then moved to accept the survey as presented and to add a discovery clause requiring that any future ground disturbance within the identified artifact areas come before the commission. The motion carried by a 4–0 roll call vote. The commission also recommended tribal monitoring or archaeologist presence for any future ground disturbance in sensitive areas.
The commission did not specify precise monitoring or reporting protocols in the motion; staff will follow up with the applicant and tribal contacts on next steps.
