DOI - Upper Bosque del Apache Cultural Survey - MRAS

The Department of the Interior (DOI), through the General Services Administration (GSA), is conducting market research for a cultural and historic resource assessment in the Upper Bosque del Apache area. This initiative aims to ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) by evaluating cultural resources within specific areas of potential effect (APE). The project is centered around Camino San Pedro on the east side of the Rio Grande, under the jurisdiction of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The overarching goal is to identify, assess, and mitigate any potential impacts on cultural resources that may be affected by proposed activities in this region.

The scope of work involves several critical tasks, including conducting a Class III inventory and producing a comprehensive Cultural Resources Report. This report will include eligibility recommendations for identified sites and propose avoidance or mitigation strategies to preserve cultural heritage. The contractor will also be responsible for procuring an Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) permit from USFWS, reviewing existing data from NMCRIS and ARMS databases, and performing field assessments as needed. Additionally, there is a requirement to update site forms and create GPS-generated site maps that accurately reflect current conditions.

Specific requirements necessitate collaboration with USFWS to update site information within or near designated APEs. This includes conducting inventories at intersections along Camino San Pedro and access roads on USFWS land. Known sites within these areas have varying eligibility statuses and require different levels of documentation or mitigation strategies based on their proximity to proposed road improvements or other disturbances. The contractor will address any comments or concerns raised by Reclamation regarding draft reports before final acceptance.

Ultimately, this project seeks not only to comply with regulatory requirements but also to protect valuable cultural resources for future generations. By working closely with federal agencies like USFWS, the selected contractor will play a crucial role in preserving historical sites while facilitating necessary infrastructure developments in this unique ecological area.