Cultural Resources Assessment

Within the Fishing Creek Lake Study Area, there are 18 previously recorded cultural resources including 3 architectural resources and 15 archaeological sites. Architectural resources include a cemetery, a waterway, and a bridge. The architectural resources range in date from the eighteenth to the twentieth centuries. The archeological sites range in date from the Early Archaic through the Historic periods.

The majority of the archaeological sites contain lithic or ceramic artifacts. Many of the sites have Archaic and Woodland period components. Three of the sites are Middle Archaic sites. A possible Catawba Indian burial site is under water.

Of the 15 recorded archaeological sites, the Landsford Canal site is the only site listed in the National Register.

The Landsford Canal is listed in the National Register.

The information on both the archaeological and architectural sites from the state files is being used in preparation of the predictive model to assign the shoreline on Fishing Creek Lake either a High, Medium, Low, or No probability for the occurrence of cultural resources. Prior to the completion of the model non-exempt activities such as excavation projects, commercial marina development, and certain conveyance projects will be provided to the appropriate SHPO for review before construction or excavation activity begins within the project boundary. To ensure the potential impact to cultural resources is properly evaluated after completion of the predictive model, Lake Management will review the predictive model for all non-exempt activities. Applicants for all non-exempt lake use permitting activities in medium and high probability areas will be required to consult with the appropriate SHPO regarding their proposal.