PREHISTORICAL, HISTORICAL & ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCESPREHISTORICAL, HISTORICAL & ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCESHistoric sites, structures, roads, trails, and railways can be found in this area. These historic resources are valued by residents, tourists, historians, governments, geologists, and archaeologists. They can be preserved through identification, classification and protective regulations.
Structures of local, state or national significance are often associated with notable events or individuals, are works of master architects and builders, have a unique style typical of the locale or are of a style disappearing from the area, or reveal important information.
The Colorado State Archaeologist has responsibility for archaeological resources of both the prehistoric and historic eras. Examples of these resources include places of human occupation, work areas, areas where evidence of economic practices is found, burial or other funeral remains, aboriginal artifacts, structures dating from prehistoric periods, and paleontological specimens.
The opportunity to preserve and, when appropriate, to excavate archaeological sites properly is important and ensures a continuing link to information about this area's past inhabitants and geological condition.
Cooperation among residents, agencies and governments will be needed to preserve important prehistorical, historical and archaeological resources because most of this area has not been surveyed, nor has the information been recorded by state agencies.
Preserve, maintain and protect prehistoric, historic and archaeologic sites which are significant links to the community's past, present and future.
1. Prevent damage and enhance prehistorical, historical and archaeological resources.
2. Ensure that development is harmonious with the character of the prehistorical, historical and archaeological sites.
3. Ensure that prehistorical, historical and archaeological resources are preserved to further the education and enrich the environment for present and future residents.
In addition to the following policies, the criteria in the Mountain Site Design Criteria section which apply to prehistorical, historical and archaeological resources should be followed.
Red text identifies policies which can be applied in the land use review processes.
A. Survey and Inventory1. A survey should be undertaken by the community, the County and state agencies as a cooperative effort to identify the prehistorical, historical and archaeological resources in the North Mountains area of Jefferson County. Upon completion of the inventory, the resources should be assessed to determine which structures and sites are important to preserve.
2. The appropriate agencies and organizations which should be contacted to assist in this work include: Jefferson County Historical Commission, Jefferson County Historical Society, Colorado Historical Society, State Archaeologist, Colorado Archaeological Society, National Park Service, local museums and citizens.
3. Monument-style markers showing maps of the historical trails, sites and structures in the area should be placed in appropriate locations where room for automobile parking can be provided safely and aesthetically, e.g., safe pull-off access and without ugly cuts into the sidewalls of the canyons. Examples of these locations include, but should not be limited to, Golden Gate, Coal Creek and Clear Creek Canyon Roads.
4. To identify and preserve archaeological sites and artifacts, additional resources will be needed to supplement the state's work. With professional supervision, trained volunteers should be encouraged to identify and assess the importance of archaeological sites in the North Mountains area to compile a more complete listing of these sites.
5. The appropriate historical and archaeological organizations, school children and interested citizens should be encouraged to cooperate in identifying funding sources, volunteers and other resources to survey and identify these prehistorical, historical and archaeological resources which are important parts of the heritage of the North Mountains community.
6. Professional cultural resource inventories should be encouraged in advance of specific development projects.
7. The information compiled in conjunction with the development of the Community Plan for the North Mountains area could be used as the basis for an expanded compendium of prehistorical, historical and archaeological information for the area.
The Appendix has a list of the groups known to have an interest or mandate to protect prehistorical, historical and archaeological resources.
B. Preservation1. Land uses should be allowed which preserve and maintain prehistorical and historical resources. If necessary and appropriate, these resources should be relocated to suitable sites for preservation, and recorded completely prior to relocation.
2. Development proposals should integrate historically significant structures or sites into site design and development plans to maintain and complement the unique features of the historical resource, preserve all relevant aspects of the setting and prevent any destruction or deterioration of the resource.
3. Innovative techniques, e.g., public and private purchase, tax incentives and conservation zoning, etc., should be explored to preserve prehistorical, historical and archaeological resources.
4. The Jefferson County Open Space Advisory Committee should be encouraged to consider acquisition of prehistorical, historical and archaeological resources.
1. When new development is proposed, the Historic map adopted as part of this Plan should be reviewed to determine the presence of historical sites and structures, and the development proposal should be referred to the appropriate organizations and state agencies for review and comment (see maps). Any site specific information related to archaeological resources should be secured and restricted.
2. Archaeological resources should be protected through the preservation of land or the proper excavation of artifacts and site documentation before development occurs.
3. Development proposals should be referred to appropriate agencies/organizations for assessment of potential archaeological finds. When it is recommended by referral agencies/organizations, developers should be encouraged to have at least a sample survey done of the site to assess the nature and significance of archaeological finds.
4. Development proposals should preserve the archaeological resource areas or complete the required excavation and documentation specified by the office of the State archaeologist before development begins. See Appendix for additional information.
5. An incentive program should be considered by the group formed to expand awareness of the heritage of the North Mountains area. It should encourage people to report archaeological finds, while respecting public and private ownership. Examples include: projectile points, e.g., arrowheads, pottery shards, etc., and the locations where they are found. Both prehistoric and historic artifacts should be left in place and documented.