Oct 17, 2003 - 23:25:09 CDT
Although Harmon Lake recreational area is in just the initial stages of construction, it's been described as an oasis on the prairie. Apparently, it also held that title long ago.As crews cleared topsoil over the 40 acres, archaeologist Dan Flemmer of the National Resources Conservation Service followed in his government-issued 15-passenger van, his head hanging out the window as he surveyed the ground for artifacts. On Nov. 10, he found some.
The discovery of 12 possible fire hearths on the far west side of what will be Harmon Lake halted construction for a few days this week. Contractors have moved away from the historical site while it is evaluated. Workers may return to the area eventually, but right now it's important that any additional sites be left alone.
Wes Wiedenmeyer, an engineer with NRCS, said the hearths indicate the encampment was used a number of times. Although the area was surveyed before work on the project began, the site was about 4 to 6 inches under the surface, he said.
"We knew there were sites in the area and that raises the potential for others to be found," he said. "There's a chance that we will encounter cultural resources any time we uncover a big area."
Because the project is in just the beginning stages, there is plenty of work to be done without disturbing the artifacts. Wiedenmeyer said the timing of finding the site is good.
"If we would have been in the major contract it would have been harder to deal with because there's a larger workforce and more equipment. This gives us the winter to shut down and get prepared for the next season."
Paul Picha, chief archaeologist for the North Dakota State Historical Society, said his office is waiting for documentation on the discovery before issuing further recommendations on what the next step for the site will be.
He wouldn't comment on whether the project should continue, flooding the site, or be halted, preserving the site.
"Our role is to make sure (the project) is compliant with federal regulations," he said.
Flemmer said that with the help of the National Historical Preservation Society as well as state and tribal preservationists, as much information as possible will be retrieved. It's possible the site will be eligible for listing on the national register of historic places.
"We'll take the information and at least know something about how people lived with the land. We may not know it all, but we'll know more than now," he said.
The Knife River flint surrounding the hearths has a whitish color, hinting that it's been underground for a long time, possibly up to 5,000 years, Flemmer said. Remaining coal at the site will help determine age with the help of carbon dating. The remaining 15 to 20 acres left to search for more artifacts provide limitless possibilities for any more white chips of flint hiding in the dark soil.
"We don't know how far (the site) extends," Flemmer said. "Everything is suspect because we didn't even know this existed."
(Reach reporter Angie Buckley at 250-8255 or angiebuckley@ndonline.com)
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