Cultural Resources Monitoring of the McFarland Solar Project: Yuma County, Arizona
BCR Consulting LLC conducted cultural resources monitoring for a 3,100-acre project in Yuma County, Arizona, during 2021 and 2022. The monitoring team collaborated closely with the Quechan Historic Preservation Officer and Tribal Cultural Specialist to oversee all ground-disturbing activities. During the course of this work, staff archaeologists managed the identification, collection, and/or preservation of dozens of prehistoric cultural resources within and adjacent to the project area, including hearths, projectile points, ground stone tools, and ceramic sherds. Significant resources were successfully preserved.
Project Details
Project Type: Solar Project Development
Location: Yuma County, Arizona
Year: 2020-2024
Project Area: 3,100 Acres
Regulatory Context: Cultural Resources Monitoring Plan executed with Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe
Lead Agency: Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe
BCR's Role
BCR Consulting was responsible for the cultural resources assessment, including:
Archaeological monitoring
Site recording
Tribal monitoring
Demarcation of archaeological sites to be avoided
Establishment and Maintenance of Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA)
Artifact storage and curation
GIS/Shape File Maintenance and Distribution
Monitoring report
Key Challenges / Considerations
This project required intensive consultation with the Quechan Historic Preservation Officer and hiring a Quechan tribal monitor to balance requirements of site recording, artifact collection, ESA and site preservation, and tribal monitoring of prehistoric and historic resources within and adjacent to the project site.
Outcome
BCR Consulting successfully managed the monitoring project and needs of Quechan and the developer with minimal impacts to schedule and budget.
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