Standards For Survey

New Mexico Register / Volume XVI, Number 15 / August 15, 2005
TITLE 4 CULTURAL RESOURCES

CHAPTER 10 CULTURAL PROPERTIES AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION
PART 15 STANDARDS FOR SURVEY AND INVENTORY
4.10.15.1 ISSUING AGENCY: Cultural Properties Review Committee. Contact State Historic
Preservation Division, Department of Cultural Affairs.
[4.10.15.1 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15.2 SCOPE: This rule applies to all public and private entities, including but not limited to,
individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, associations, educational institutions, foundations, museums and any
agency of the federal government conducting or proposing to conduct archaeological investigations on any lands
owned, controlled or operated by the state of New Mexico.
[4.10.15.2 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15.3 STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Section 18-6-5 (NMSA 1978) of the Cultural Properties Act.
[4.10.15.3 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15.4 DURATION: Permanent.

[4.10.15.4 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15.5 EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2006, unless a later date is cited at the end of a section.
[4.10.15.5 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15.6 OBJECTIVE: This rule describes procedures and standards to conduct surveys to identify,
record and evaluate archaeological sites, isolates, other cultural properties and areas of historic and scientific interest
on lands owned, controlled or operated by a department, agency, institution or political subdivision of the state.
[4.10.15.6 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15.7 DEFINITIONS:
A. "Archaeological investigation" means the study of archaeological sites, isolates and other
cultural properties and areas of historic and scientific interest including without limitation survey and inventory,
examination, collection, limited tests, test excavation, excavation and monitoring.
B. “Archaeological records management section" or "ARMS" means the entity within the historic
preservation division that maintains, in cooperation with the museum of Indian arts and culture-laboratory of
anthropology (MIAC), the statewide archaeological and cultural properties databases and associated records and
documents pursuant to Section 18-6-7A of the Cultural Properties Act.
C. "Archaeological site” or "site" means a location where there exists material evidence of the past
life and culture of human beings in the state. A significant archaeological site typically is 50 or more years old.
Examples of archaeological sites include without limitation campsites, pueblos, homesteads, artifact scatters,
resource procurement or processing areas, agricultural fields, locales with one or more features in association with
other cultural materials, and locales that have the potential for subsurface features or cultural deposits.
D. "Area of potential effect" or "APE" means the geographic area or areas within which an
undertaking may directly or indirectly cause changes in the character or use of a cultural property. The APE is
influenced by the scale and nature of an undertaking and is different for different kinds of effects caused by the
undertaking. For archaeological sites the APE typically includes all areas involving ground disturbance but may
also include areas adjacent to the disturbance that may be indirectly affected as a consequence of the undertaking.
For aboveground historic buildings, structures and other cultural properties, the APE often extends beyond the limits
of ground disturbance and includes visual, vibratory and noise impacts to a building, structure, site, district, or
cultural landscape and its setting and viewshed. Variation in topography, vegetation, and contemporary land use
influences the visual impact on cultural properties.
E. "Areas of historic and scientific interest" means areas lacking surface evidence of cultural
properties but where there is a high probability of finding subsurface material remains and cultural deposits or areas
suitable for geomorphological or paleoenvironmental study.
F. "Buffer area" means an area extending 500 meters or 1000 meters in every direction of the edge
of the APE or project area.
4.10.15 NMAC 1
G. "Collection" means the removal of material remains from state land, whether or not the remains
are located within an archaeological site or isolate as defined herein.
H. "Cultural landscape" means a geographic area including both cultural and natural resources
associated with a historic event, activity or person or exhibiting other cultural or aesthetic values. Landscapes
include formally designed landscapes, vernacular landscapes, sites and ethnographic landscapes.
I. "Cultural property" or "cultural resource" means a structure, place, site or object having
historic, archaeological, scientific, architectural or other cultural significance.
J. "Excavation" means displacing, disturbing or moving earth, soil, dirt, other deposits or material
remains from their current contexts or significant orientation in, or on, the ground within the boundaries of an
archaeological site, isolate or area of historic and scientific interest using hand tools or mechanical earth-moving
equipment.
K. "Historic preservation division" or "HPD" means the division within the department of cultural
affairs created pursuant to Section 18-6-8A of the Cultural Properties Act.
L. "Historic structures and buildings" means structures or buildings that are 50 or more years old
or properties less that 50 years old that either meet the requirements of national register criteria consideration G
(properties that have achieved significance within the past 50 years) or properties that are likely to meet the integrity
and significance criteria in 30 CFR 60.4 within 5 years of the date of recording.
(1) A historic structure is an engineered construction created principally for the conveyance of water,
natural resources, railroad stock or automobiles and trucks; or an engineered construction created principally for the
extraction, refinement and distribution of natural resources; or an engineered construction created principally to
support a function other than human shelter. Structures include but are not limited to vehicular bridges, railroad
bridges, engineered roads and highway, tunnels, dams, canals, turbines, pipelines, refineries, stamp mills, smelters,
dams, power plants, silos, grain elevators or locomotives.
(2) A historic building is a construction created principally to shelter any form of sustained or
temporary human activity; or a functional construction created principally to provide shelter for goods, animals,
machinery or instrumentation. Buildings include but are not limited to houses, barns, stables, sheds, garages,
warehouses, courthouses, city halls, social halls, commercial buildings, libraries, factories, mills, train depots,
motels, theaters, schools, stores or churches.
M. "Human burial" or "unmarked human burial" means a human body or human skeletal
remains and includes any funerary object, material object or artifact buried, entombed or sepulchered with that
human body or skeletal remains.
N. "Intensive survey" means a visual inspection conducted on foot that examines, identifies,
records, evaluates and interprets all surface-visible cultural properties 50 or more years old located in an APE or
project area.
O. "Interpretation" means the inventory, registration, mapping and analysis of cultural properties
and public educational programs designed to prevent the loss of cultural properties.
P. "Isolate” means a single object or artifact or a few artifacts greater than 50 or more years old that
lack clear association. Examples of isolates include a single flake, projectile point, potsherd, sherds from a single
broken pottery vessel, pieces of glass from a single bottle or a single feature that lacks integrity.
Q. "Items of cultural and religious significance " means ceremonial or cultural items, such as
funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony.
R. "Limited tests" means the systematic placement of probes, cores, shovel tests or similar tests
using hand tools. Limited tests are conducted during survey to augment survey-level information on an
archaeological site or isolate without substantially damaging or diminishing the integrity of the archaeological site.
The total surface disturbance resulting from the limited tests shall not exceed five one-hundredths percent (.05%) of
the area of the site surface.
S. "Material remains" means any tangible evidence of past human life or activities. Such evidence
includes without limitation:
(1) naturally occurring objects or raw materials extracted for use in the production of human-made
objects or for other uses by humans that can be found within an archaeological site, or another context from which
intended or actual human use can be reasonably inferred;
(2) items manufactured or modified by humans, including whole or fragmentary tools, implements,
containers, and other objects such as pottery, ceramics, basketry, cordage, weavings, textiles, glassware, flaked
stone, ground stone, pecked stone, worked bone, metal, wood, hide, feathers and pigments;
(3) byproducts, waste products and debris resulting from the manufacture or use of human-made
items or from the human use of natural materials;
4.10.15 NMAC 2
(4) organic material deposited through human actions, organic material remaining from the decay of
perishable objects manufactured or modified by humans, and organic material deposited through natural processes
when found within an archaeological site including without limitation soil or sediment samples, botanical and
animal remains and coprolites; or
(5) human remains including without limitation bone, mummified flesh, teeth, the remains of
cremations, any associated artifacts and objects, and the soil, sediments, or other matrix in which the human skeletal
or mummified remains and associated artifacts and objects were deposited or are now associated.
T. "Mechanical earth-moving equipment" means any motorized machine or device that is capable
of displacing, disturbing or moving earth, soil, dirt or other deposits or materials from their current contexts or
significant orientation in, or on, the ground, including without limitation trenchers, backhoes, graders, scrapers,
bulldozers and front-end loaders.
U. "Monitoring" means the presence of and visual inspection by a supervisory archaeologist on the
ground immediately prior to and during ground-disturbing actions to ensure site protection, avoidance of site
deposits or recovery of information from newly discovered cultural properties.
V. “Museum of Indian arts and culture-laboratory of anthropology" or "MIAC" means the
museum division within the department of cultural affairs, museum of New Mexico, that serves as the repository for
archaeological materials and associated records and documents taken or collected from state land.
W. "National register of historic places" or "national register" means the official federal register
of historic properties maintained by the U.S. department of the interior, national park service.
X. "New Mexico cultural resource information system" or "NMCRIS" means the statewide
archaeological and cultural properties database maintained by ARMS.
Y. "Permit" means the written authorization required for all public and private entities to conduct
archaeological investigations of a particular kind, within a defined geographic location and for a specified period of
time, all of which are specified in the written authorization.
Z. "Preservation" means sustaining the existing form, integrity, material or vegetative cover of a
cultural property and includes protective maintenance or stabilization.
AA. "Project area" means the geographic area or areas of study for an archaeological investigation
conducted for research purposes.
BB. "Registered cultural property" means a cultural property that the CPRC placed in the state
register individually or as a contributing property within a district either on a permanent or temporary basis.
CC. "Sample survey" means a pedestrian survey that identifies all surface-visible cultural properties
within defined sample units of a larger whole.
DD. "State agency" means a department, agency, institution or political subdivision of the state.
EE. "State archaeologist" means the archaeologist designated pursuant to Section 18-6-15 of the
Cultural Properties Act.
FF. "State historian" means the historian designated pursuant to Section 18-6-14 of the Cultural
Properties Act.
GG. "State historic preservation officer" or "SHPO" means the individual appointed pursuant to
Section 18-6-8 of the Cultural Properties Act and serves as the director of the historic preservation division.
HH. "State land" means property owned, controlled, or operated by a department, agency, institution
or political subdivision of the state. Examples of state land, include but are not limited to: state trust lands managed
by the commissioner of public lands; New Mexico department of transportation rights of way and easements; state
parks; state monuments; state game and fish lands; county and municipal property including open space areas,
leased lands, and rights of way; and lands owned or managed by public schools and state colleges and universities.
II. "State register" or "official register" means the New Mexico register of cultural properties
maintained by the CPRC for the purpose of recording cultural properties deemed worthy of preservation.
JJ. "Survey" means a visual inspection of land to examine, identify, record, evaluate and interpret
cultural properties and may include limited tests but shall not include excavation or test excavation.
KK. "Test excavation" means the systematic placement of probes, cores, shovel tests or test pits using
hand tools, and test trenches excavated by hand or with mechanical earth-moving equipment to expose
geomorphological soils and buried cultural deposits to determine the research potential and nature and extent of
cultural deposits at an archaeological site without substantially damaging or diminishing the integrity of the
archaeological site. The total surface disturbance resulting from test excavation shall not exceed 5 percent of the
surface area of the site area or 5 percent of the portion of the site that may be affected by an undertaking or project,
whichever is less.
4.10.15 NMAC 3
LL. "Thematic survey" means a pedestrian survey that identifies selected types of cultural properties
and may be performed with written concurrence of the state agency.
MM. "Traditional cultural places" means a geographic place or area of cultural or religious
importance to an Indian tribe or pueblo or other ethnic group. Traditions include beliefs, customs and practices of a
living community of people that have been passed down through the generations.
NN. "Tribal consultation" means formal discussion between a state agency and Indian tribes and
pueblos that may have knowledge of and interest in the general area of an archaeological investigation to assist in
identification and protection of traditional cultural places and items of cultural and religious significance.
OO. "Unmarked burial ground" means a location where there exists a burial or burials of any human
beings that are not visibly marked on the surface of the ground in any manner traditionally or customarily used for
marking burials and includes any funerary object, material object or artifact associated with the burial or burials.
[4.10.15.7 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15.8 TYPES OF SURVEYS AND PERMITS: Surveys are conducted to identify, record, evaluate
and interpret cultural properties and to relocate, update records and evaluate previously identified cultural properties
including but not limited to archaeological sites, historic structures and buildings, isolates and other properties of
cultural, historic and scientific interest. Management and research objectives determine the survey intensity, design
and methods. Surveys may employ predictive models to assist in developing survey strategies. Geomorphological
studies are helpful and suggested when there is a likelihood of deeply buried archaeological sites.
A. General permits. All surveys on state land performed under a general permit obtained pursuant
to 4.10.8 NMAC shall be intensive surveys and shall be performed in conformance with 4.10.15.11 NMAC.
B. Project-specific permits. Sample, thematic and other types of surveys on state land are
performed under a project-specific permit obtained pursuant to 4.10.8 NMAC and implemented in accordance with
the approved research design prepared in conformance with 4.10.15.9 NMAC.
[4.10.15.8 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15.9 PRE-FIELD REQUIREMENTS:

A. Obtain a general permit or project-specific permit authorizing survey pursuant to 4.10.8 NMAC
prior to commencement of work.
B. Conduct a literature and files search to identify the type, location and distribution of previously
recorded cultural properties; to gather information on past surveys and other investigations; to identify current
research issues pertinent to the project; and to identify factors such as geomorphological conditions that may affect
site integrity or visibility. The scale of the literature review and records check shall be appropriate to the complexity
and scale of the survey project.
(1) Identify and review literature pertinent to the project including but not limited to statewide and
regional cultural-historical overviews and historic contexts, research designs, published archaeological, ethnographic
and historical monographs and articles, cultural resource management technical reports, field reports (both positive
and negative survey reports) and historic maps and records. Most archaeological reports are available from ARMS.
Other federal and state agencies maintain pertinent archives and records.
(2) Review records and files including but not limited to:
(a) query the NMCRIS database and map server to identify previously recorded sites and
previous archaeological investigations located in the APE or project area and in the buffer area extending 500 meters
in every direction from the edge of the APE or project area; extend the buffer to 1000 meters in every direction from
the edge of the APE or project area if the 500-meter search fails to identify the presence of previously recorded sites;
query the NMCRIS database to identify additional surveys that may be in the APE or project area and buffer area
that could be missing from the map server coverage (contact ARMS for assistance); append a copy of the NMCRIS
map server map to the final report and mark the map search as confidential and not subject to general distribution;
(b) obtain appropriate copies of paper laboratory of anthropology (LA) archaeological site
records for all sites in the APE or project area or likely to be in the APE or project area; for sites recorded after
January 1994, information in the NMCRIS database supplemented by copies of the site narrative section of the LA
archaeological site record and the site map may be used in lieu of obtaining a complete copy of the LA
archaeological site record(s); do not obtain copies for sites in the 500-meter or 1000-meter buffer area unless there is
a likelihood that the site boundaries may extend into the APE or project area;
(c) review national and state register property files maintained by HPD to determine whether
properties listed in the national or state registers are present in the APE or project area; obtain copies of nominations
4.10.15 NMAC 4
for all state or national register properties that may be directly or indirectly affected by the project; HPD provides
assistance in locating these records;
(d) examine historic cultural properties inventory (HCPI) forms, formerly known as historic
building inventory (HBI) forms, to determine if any buildings, structures or other cultural properties are located
within the APE or project area. HPD provides assistance in locating these records; and
(e) review additional documents and records, such as engineering records or historic
documents, the historic architectural building survey/historic architect and engineering records (HABS/HAER)
documents, when appropriate; contact the state agency and the archaeologist at the agency, if it has one, to see if
additional records are required.
C. Review archival sources to identify historic structures, buildings and other cultural features and to
determine historic land use practices and types of resources likely to be identified during the project, as appropriate
to the scale and complexity of the project and the types of resources expected. Sources include but are not limited to
general land office surveys or land grant survey plats; state land office lease records, county deeds and abstracts;
Sanborn fire insurance maps; probate, tax and judicial records; and Spanish and Mexican archives at the state
records center and archives.
D. If the file search reveals that the APE or project area or portion of the APE or project area has
been previously surveyed and the survey or surveys were conducted more than 10 years ago, request a determination
on whether a new survey will be required. Submit requests by letter, electronic mail or facsimile to the state agency
or agencies if the state agency has an archaeologist or to HPD if the state agency does not have an archaeologist.
The state agency or HPD will base its determination on a review of the field methods used, the results of the survey,
the completeness of documentation, the stability of the geomorphological surface and any other pertinent factors that
inform on whether the prior survey is consistent with the identification and documentation standards in this rule.
HPD will provide a written determination within 10 working days of the request.
E. The permittee shall contact the state agency to incorporate results of tribal consultation as it may
affect the survey pursuant to current state policy on consultation and repatriation.
[4.10.15.9 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
[The NMCRIS map server may not be complete and up-to-date for all surveys, archaeological sites or state and
national register properties. Check all appropriate files and databases to ensure a complete pre-field records search.
Contact ARMS or HPD for assistance or more information. Not all information on the LA archaeological site
record is included in the database. Obtain copies of the LA archaeological site record for the most complete
information for the site.]
4.10.15.10 INTENSIVE SURVEY STANDARDS: Intensive surveys performed on state land shall be
conducted in accordance with the following specifications. The state agency with jurisdiction may specify
additional requirements and standards that meet or exceed the following specifications. All work shall be performed
under the general supervision of individuals listed in the SHPO directory of qualified supervisory personnel
(4.10.8.11 NMAC). All fieldwork shall be performed under the direct supervision of an archaeologist listed in the
SHPO directory unless the properties recorded consist primarily of historic structures and buildings (see 4.10.15.12
NMAC). The supervisor in the field is responsible for assessing field conditions, altering field methods such as
decreasing survey interval, making collections or conducting limited tests, and determining when slope, vegetation
or other factors affect field conditions. Document these conditions and specific methods used during the survey in
the survey report.
A. Survey area. Conduct a comprehensive, systematic, pedestrian survey of the APE or project area
to identify, document and record all cultural properties including archaeological sites, historic structures and
buildings, isolates and other properties of historic and scientific interest 50 or more years old that may be reasonably
detected from the surface or which are exposed in profiles. Record historic structures and buildings less than 50
years old that may be eligible for the state or national registers within 5 years of the date of the survey. Identify and
record properties that meet the requirements of national register criteria consideration G (properties that have
achieved significance within the past 50 years).
B. Survey interval and transect width. Transect width for surveys shall not exceed 15 meters and
shall be contiguous with no uninventoried areas left between transects. Intervals shall be reduced when surface
visibility is poor. The terrain, vegetative cover and the nature of cultural properties influence transect width and
intensity of survey coverage. For linear projects the minimum width of the APE or project area is 15 meters.
C. Survey velocity. The amount of area surveyed including recording time should not exceed a rate
of 30 acres per person per eight hours of survey calculated for the survey project as a whole and not daily. Terrain
and the number and complexity of cultural resources influence survey velocities. When survey velocities are greater
4.10.15 NMAC 5
than this standard, include an explicit explanation in the survey report. HPD and the state agency with jurisdiction
will evaluate the explanation and results of the survey and may request that the survey or portion of the survey be
reinventoried if the justification is inadequate.
D. Items of cultural and religious significance. If these items are encountered during a survey,
they may be recorded. The permittee shall not disturb these items in any way.
E. Human burials. If a human burial or unmarked burial ground is encountered during survey,
notify the local law enforcement agency pursuant to 4.10.11.8 NMAC. Do not disturb the human burial or
unmarked burial ground in any way.
F. Survey visibility.
(1) Halt survey if falling precipitation (rain, snow, hail or freezing rain) exceeds trace amounts for
any length of time. Do not conduct survey if fallen snow impairs ground visibility. Ground visibility is considered
impaired if more than 20 percent of total ground surface is covered by snow.
(2) In areas with dense, continuous vegetative cover, shovel tests, augers, probes or small excavation
tests may be necessary to identify cultural properties. The supervisory archaeologist shall document areas with
reduced visibility and, if tests are conducted, document areas of the tests, on the project field map and through
photographs, and discuss in the survey report.
(a) Place shovel tests, augers, probes or small excavation units in a systematic pattern at an
interval not to exceed 15 meters.
(b) Shovel tests shall be approximately 30 cm in diameter.
(c) Limited test excavation units shall be 50 cm by 50 cm in size.
(d) Shovel tests and limited test excavation units typically should be excavated to a minimum
depth of 30 cm or to the depth of cultural materials whichever is less.
(e) Sediments removed from all limited test units shall be passed through a screen of no greater
than one-quarter inch (6.35mm).
G. Alternate inventory procedures. In some circumstances a state agency including municipalities
and counties may propose an alternate method to the standards in this section to survey and inventory cultural
properties in the APE or project area. The proposal shall be submitted in writing to HPD and shall provide a
detailed description of the alternate methods proposed and justification. HPD shall review and provide written
comments on the proposal within 10 calendar days of receipt. Alternate procedures require consensus between the
state agency and HPD prior to implementation.
[4.10.15.10 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15.11 RECORDING ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES DURING SURVEY:

A. Record all archaeological sites located within the project area and include the portions of sites that
extend outside of the APE or project area if the entirety of the site lies on state land. If a portion of the site lies on
land not owned, controlled or operated by a state agency, the portion on state land shall be recorded. If permission
for access can be obtained from the owner of the remaining portion of the site, record the entire site. If permission
cannot be obtained from the owner of the remaining portion of the site, document observations about features
outside of, but visible from the APE or project area.
B. If large sites extend outside the APE or project area, record all features and artifacts within and
immediately adjacent to the APE or project area and make observations about features outside of but visible from
the project area. Incorporate observations made by previous recorders regarding the sites and how those
observations relate to the part of the site recorded during the current project.
C. Document all archaeological sites on an LA archaeological site record form consistent with this
section and the NMCRIS guidelines for submitting archaeological records, July 1993, available from the ARMS
website http://potsuii.arms.state.nm.us/. Additional forms may be used at the discretion of the permittee. The LA
archaeological site record shall be typed or word-processed. Complete the following fields except for SHPO
consultation.
(1) Identification and ownership. Include LA number, site name(s), other site numbers(s), agency
assigning number, current site owner(s) and site update.
(2) Recording information. Include the NMCRIS number, field site number, site marker, recorder(s),
agency, recording date, site accessibility, surface visibility, remarks, recording activities, description of analysis or
excavation activities, photographic documentation, surface collections, records inventory, repository for original
records and repository for collected artifacts.
(3) Condition. Include archaeological status (surface collection, test excavation, partial excavation,
complete excavation), source of disturbance, vandalism, percentage of site intact and observations on site condition.
4.10.15 NMAC 6
(4) Recorder recommendations. Include national register eligibility and criteria, basis for the
recommendation, assessment of project impacts and treatment recommendations.
(5) SHPO consultation for use by SHPO and agency or sponsor. Leave section blank.
(6) Location. Identify source graphics; map-based or global position system-based (GPS) coordinates
to 10-meter accuracy; directions to site; town, county and state; USGS 7.5-minute (1:24,000) topographic
quadrangle name, date and code; public land survey system (PLSS) unplatted or township, range, section, quarter-
section to nearest 40-acre unit and protraction. Indicate if PLSS is protracted.
(7) Physical description. Include site dimensions, basis for dimensions, site area, basis for area, site
boundaries, depositional and erosional environment, stratigraphy and depth of archaeological deposits, estimated
depth of deposits, basis for depth determinations, observations on subsurface archaeological deposits, local
vegetation, vegetative community, topographic location and observations on site setting.
(8) Assemblage data. Include assemblage content for lithics, prehistoric ceramics, historic artifacts
and other artifacts and materials, assemblage size by artifact class, dating potential and assemblage remarks
including description of assemblage.
(9) Cultural and temporal affiliation(s). Include total number of components defined and the
following information for each component: cultural affiliation, basis for temporal affiliation, period of occupation,
beginning and ending dates, dating status, basis for affiliation, component type and remarks.
(10) Feature data. Include feature type, reliability of identification, number observed, associated
component number, feature identification number(s), notes and remarks.
(11) References. Include written sources of information and additional sources of information.
(12) Narrative site description. Provide a complete description of the site, features and assemblages
and interpretation of the site, features and intrasite proveniences. This information provides the basis for site
evaluation and future nomination of the site to the state or national registers.
(13) Site record attachments. Append a copy of 7.5-minute (1:24,000) topographic quadrangle scale
with the location of the site, the site sketch map or site plan, continuation forms and any other materials.
D. Newly recorded sites.
(1) Complete all data items within every section of the LA archaeological site record.
(2) Prepare a detailed site plan map for each newly recorded site located during the survey. The map
may be a scaled sketch map or an instrument-generated map. Each map shall display:
(a) LA number;
(b) north arrow (indicate if true north and/or magnetic north);
(c) map scale and scale bar;
(d) key that identifies all symbols used on the map;
(e) site boundary (indicate whether the boundary is complete or incomplete);
(f) features, feature numbers, the distribution of artifacts and artifact concentrations;
(g) site datum (indicate whether the datum is temporary or permanent);
(h) collection and limited test units, if any;
(i) photographic points;
(j) natural features such as drainages, rock outcrops, vegetation patterns and other noncultural
manifestations within or adjacent to the site and topography as represented by estimated contour lines;
(k) boundary of the APE or project area relative to the site or distance and direction to the
project if the site is away from areas of ground disturbance;
(l) cultural or natural landmarks within or adjacent to the site (such as roads, fences, buildings,
benchmarks);
(m) location and extent of any vandalized or disturbed areas of the site; and
(n) the name of the map artist(s), institutional affiliation and date the map was drawn.
E. Previously recorded sites.
(1) Review and update the information obtained during the pre-field files check pursuant to 4.10.15.9
NMAC consistent with the standards set forth below. Special attention shall be paid to changes in physical
description and assemblage data resulting from natural or cultural modifications to the site since the last site visit.
(a) If an archaeological site has been documented on an LA archaeological site record since
January 1994 and all data items in all sections of the form are complete and accurate, check the site update box and
complete the identification and ownership, recording information, condition and recommendations sections.
(b) If an archaeological site has been documented on an LA archaeological site record since
January 1994 but some information is incomplete or incorrect, update the incomplete or incorrect sections and
clearly differentiate observations made during the current survey from observations made by previous recorders.
4.10.15 NMAC 7
Check the site update box and complete the identification and ownership, recording information, condition,
recommendations and narrative site description sections. Summarize changes and updates in the narrative site
description section.
(c) If the site was recorded prior to January 1994 and has not been updated since that time,
complete all fields of the current version of the LA archaeological site record. Note any changes in condition or
content from the earlier field recording.
(d) If the previously recorded site cannot be relocated, check the site update box on the LA
archaeological site record and complete the identification and ownership, recording information, condition,
recommendations and narrative site description sections. Explain in the narrative site description section specific
efforts that were made to find the site and possible reason(s) the site could not be relocated.
(2) Prepare a new detailed site plan map for each previously recorded site following the standards in
4.10.15.11D NMAC. Annotated copies of existing maps are not acceptable. The site plan shall be based on the
previous site map and should include important features of the previous map along with new observations.
Observations made during the current survey shall be clearly distinguished from the observations made on the
existing map.
F. Documentation of features. Individual features shall be illustrated if the form of a feature cannot
be accurately rendered on the site plan map. Measurements shall be taken in metric units unless the feature is
historic and English measurements are more appropriate. Render standing structures and other standing features in
both plan and elevation.
G. In-field artifact analysis. Perform in-field analysis on all or a sample of all classes of surface-
visible artifacts including but not limited to lithics, ceramics and historic artifacts. The size of the sample shall be
sufficient to document the full variety of types of artifacts represented at the site and to delineate intrasite activity
areas. Formal, bounded sample units are recommended. Required information may be documented in a table, on a
form developed by the individual or firm performing the survey or on a form required by the state agency. Required
information includes class of artifact, make, type or series and other attributes that relate to interpretation of
chronology, form and function. If measurements will aid in the identification or classification, measure artifacts
with a ruler, tape or calipers. Measurement shall be taken in metric units unless the artifact is historic and English
measurements are more appropriate. Illustrations or photographs of diagnostic artifacts are encouraged. Attach
copies of the in-field analysis forms, narrative descriptions and illustrations to the LA archaeological site record.
H. Photography.
(1) Take photographs of all newly recorded and previously recorded sites. Photograph the following
subjects:
(a) general setting of the site within its boundaries; incorporate features or background
landmarks in site setting photographs;
(b) individual cultural features;
(c) representative diagnostic artifacts or items representative of the major classes of artifacts
within the site assemblage; and
(d) scale and photographic board.
(2) Photographs shall conform to the standards detailed below.
(a) Black-and-white negatives, prints, color transparencies, color prints or digitally captured
images are all acceptable media. Black-and-white images printed on silver-emulsion resin-coated paper or black-
and-white prints produced from digital images that meet or exceed a 75-year-permanence standard as defined by the
national park service, national register of historic places, are preferred for archival stability. Digital images shall not
be submitted on compact discs. Attach a photographic log that includes, but is not limited to, the NMCRIS number,
the LA number, provenience, content, orientation, photographer and date.
(b) Submit all photographic materials in archivally stable sleeves as an attachment to the
report. Do not append photographs to the LA archaeological site record. Prints, negatives and slides shall be sleeved
in page preservers made to fit the format size. Label the back of prints or slide sleeves with pencil or archivally
approved photographic ink. Do not label with a ballpoint pen, permanent ink or adhesive labels.
(c) Do not affix photographs to paper with glue, tape or staples.
(d) Digital images shall not be submitted on compact discs. If digital images are submitted,
print on acid-free paper using a toner-based printer.
I. Other agency requirements. The state agency may require other recording activities. The state
agency may also require the permanent or temporary marking of the site datum and/or boundaries. Contact the
archaeologist at the agency to see if additional recording or marking procedures are required.
[4.10.15.11 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15 NMAC 8
4.10.15.12 RECORDING HISTORIC STRUCTURES, BUILDINGS AND OTHER CULTURAL

PROPERTIES DURING SURVEY:
A. Record all large historic sites and districts 50 or more years old that are located within the APE or
project area or that may be eligible for the state or national registers within 5 years of the date of the survey. The
recording shall be performed under the review of an architectural historian, historian or historic architect listed in the
SHPO directory (4.10.8.11 NMAC). Identify and record properties that meet the requirements of national register
criteria consideration G (properties that have achieved significance within the past 50 years).
B. If portions of the historic resource extend outside of the project area and the resource is on state
land, record the entire resource. If a portion of the resource lies on land not owned or controlled by a state agency,
record the portion on state land. If permission for access can be obtained from the owner of the remaining portion of
the resource, record the entire resource.
C. Complete an HCPI form for all historic structures, buildings and other cultural properties in
conformance with the historic cultural properties inventory manual, July 31, 2001, available on HPD website
(http://nmhistoricpreservation.org/) or from HPD. HCPI form 1 shall be used for recording historic structures,
buildings and other cultural properties that are not potentially eligible for nomination to the state register of cultural
properties and national register of historic places. HCPI form 2 shall be used for historic structures, buildings and
other cultural properties that are potentially eligible or are already on the state or national registers. HCPI form 2
shall be completed by architectural historians, historical architects or historians listed in the SHPO directory
(4.10.8.11 NMAC). Information includes but is not limited to:
(1) administrative and project information including name of property, location, local reference
number, property type, date of survey, previous survey date(s), name of project, universal transverse mercator
(UTM) coordinates, source graphics and photographic information; GPS coordinates to 10-meter accuracy or better
are encouraged;
(2) a brief description of the property, present use; construction data and setting, relationship to
surroundings; additional perspectives (photographs, drawings, footprint), name of recorder and performing agency
or group and owner or individuals knowledgeable about the property;
(3) the significance of the property and identifying the state register and national register status and
name of property if listed and whether it is part of a district;
(4) detailed information on the property including architectural and construction details, number of
stories, foundation, roof construction materials, windows, doors, chimneys, porches and other significant features,
modifications and date if known or estimated; primary architectural style, associated documents and location of
source materials and associated properties; and
(5) a site plan with footprint, porches and balconies, major landscape features, north arrow,
associated properties, walls, fences, gates, nearby roads and driveways.
D. Photography.
(1) Take photographs of all recorded buildings, structures and other cultural properties recorded on
the HCPI form; include related context images or streetscapes as appropriate. Black-and-white prints are required.
Black-and-white images printed on silver-emulsion resin-coated papers or black-and-white prints produced from
digital images that meet or exceed a 75-year-permanence standard as defined by the national park service, national
register of historic places, are acceptable. Digital images shall not be submitted on compact discs.
(2) Submit all photographic materials in archivally stable sleeves as an attachment to the HCPI form.
Prints, negatives and slides shall be sleeved in page preservers made to fit the appropriate format size. Label the
pack of prints or slide sleeves with pencil or archivally approved photographic ink. Do not label with a ballpoint
pen, permanent ink or adhesive labels. Do not affix photographs to paper with glue, tape or staples.
[4.10.15.12 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15.13 RECORDING ISOLATES DURING SURVEY:

A. There is no standardized form for recording isolates on state lands. Isolates shall be listed and
described in a table, on a form developed by the individual or firm performing the survey or on a form required by
the state agency.
(1) Include all qualitative and quantitative observations relevant to the artifact consistent with the
standards for in-field analysis in this section. Make type or series identifications when possible.
(2) If the isolate consists of more than one item, record the dimensions of the distribution (for
example, three flakes scattered over 2-by-3 meter area or sherds from a single pottery vessel scattered over a 75-cm
diameter area).
4.10.15 NMAC 9
B. Determine the location of the isolate and plot on a copy of a USGS 7.5-minute (1:24,000)
topographic quadrangle map; include name, date and code of the map. Determining location with a global
positioning system (GPS) unit to 10-meter accuracy is encouraged.
C. Illustrate diagnostic artifacts and other items or take photographs if they will aid in the description
or identification of the item.
[4.10.15.13 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15.14 COLLECTION OF ARTIFACTS DURING SURVEY:

A. Collection of artifacts. Collection of artifacts from archaeological sites and isolates is strongly
discouraged. Collection of artifacts from state trust lands shall be allowed only with the written permission of the
Commissioner. In all other cases, collections are permitted if the items are likely to be lost through illegal
collection, are required to address specific predefined research issues that necessitate laboratory analysis or are
necessary for accurate classification. Collections shall be analyzed in the laboratory, reported upon in the survey
report and curated at an acceptable repository pursuant to 4.10.8 NMAC.
(1) Collection from archaeological sites. A sample of artifacts may be collected in accordance with
the following specifications. Exceptions to these specifications are allowed with the written concurrence of the state
agency.
(a) Sampling. Artifacts collected from archaeological sites shall only represent an extremely
small and nominal percentage of the total surface-visible artifact assemblage and shall never involve collection of all
surface-visible artifacts.
(b) Recording. Attach a list of all collected artifacts with provenience information to the LA
archaeological site record and as an appendix to the survey report.
(c) Location of collected artifacts. Plot the location of each collected artifact on the site plan
map unless defined spatial collection units are used such as 1-by-1 meter grid units or 1-meter diameter collection
units. If collection units are employed, plot the location of each unit on the site plan map and indicate the
dimensions of the collection units and artifacts collected. Plot artifact and collection unit locations relative to a
permanent datum.
(2) Collection of isolates. Attach a list of all collected isolates and their GPS coordinates to 10-
meter accuracy to the survey report.
B. Analysis of collected artifacts. Analyze collected artifacts in a laboratory and in accordance with
current professional standards for the class of artifact in the region. At a minimum, required information includes
class of artifact, make, type or series and other attributes that relate to interpretation of chronology, form and
function. Include results of the analyses in the survey report.
[4.10.15.14 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15.15 LIMITED TESTS DURING SURVEY:

A. Purpose. Limited tests of archaeological sites during survey are strongly discouraged. Total
surface disturbance resulting from the tests shall not exceed five one-hundredths percent (.05%) of the total site area.
The supervisory archaeologist should consider the following when making a decision on whether to conduct limited
tests.
(1) Do not conduct limited tests if a site can be avoided by the undertaking.
(2) Do not conduct limited tests to assess potential for subsurface deposits if a recommendation of
eligibility can be made from visible evidence such as cultural deposits exposed in road beds or arroyo cuts.
(3) Conduct limited tests only when the tests are likely to produce sufficient information to make a
definitive recommendation on whether the site should or should not be listed on the state register or determined
eligible for the national register. Often limited tests are too restricted in scale to demonstrate the absence of
subsurface cultural deposits. Test excavations (see 4.10.16 NMAC) are recommended in these situations and
produce more reliable information about the site.
(4) Limited tests are prohibited if no adequate screen is available during survey.
B. Limited test equipment. Use hand tools such as trowels, shovels, hand corers and non-
mechanical bucket augers. The use of mechanized equipment is prohibited.
C. Standards.
(1) Design limited tests to gather the appropriate information and to minimize damaging or
diminishing the integrity of the archaeological site and features within the site. Make systematic tests to maximize
interpretation of results. All shovel tests, augers, probes, small excavation units and test pits shall be given a unique
field designation and shall be point-provenienced or excavated on a grid.
4.10.15 NMAC 10
(a) Shovel tests shall be approximately 30 cm in diameter.

(b) Small test excavation units shall be 50-by-50 cm in size.
(c) Do not conduct trowel tests.
(2) With the exception of soil samples, sediments removed from all limited test units shall be passed
through a screen of no greater than one-quarter inch (6.35mm). Consider using a smaller screen size.
(3) The bottom of the tests shall be lined with landscape cloth or marked in some other fashion to
indicate depth of disturbance.
(4) Excavation of features is prohibited during limited tests.
(5) Collection of artifacts recovered from limited tests is discouraged and in-field artifact analysis is
recommended.
(a) In-field analysis. Record recovered artifacts to professional standards in the region for the
class of artifact. At a minimum, required information includes class of artifact, make, type or series and other
attributes that relate to interpretation of chronology, form and function. Illustrations or photographs of diagnostic
artifacts are encouraged. Attach copies of the in-field analysis forms, narrative descriptions and illustrations to the
LA archaeological site record.
(b) Collections. If collections are made, note the provenience or collection unit and depth from
which the artifact was retrieved. Analyze collected artifacts in a laboratory and in accordance with current
professional standards for the class of artifacts in the region. Include results of the analyses in the survey report and
indicate disposition of artifacts on the LA archaeological site record form. Collections shall be curated at an
acceptable repository pursuant to 4.10.8 NMAC.
D. Documentation of limited test activities. At a minimum, the following information shall be
included:
(1) explain the purpose of the limited tests on the archaeological site record and discuss in the survey
report;
(2) location of test units. Plot the location of all test units on the site plan map relative to a permanent
datum. List the point provenience or grid coordinate of each limited test unit relative to the site datum. Label
limited test units according to their provenience on the site plan map, or attach a list of proveniences to the LA
archaeological site record; and
(3) description of deposits. Describe the nature of the subsurface deposits encountered in each test
unit and the depth of the unit. Use standard scientific terminology; color descriptions shall be made in Munsell
terminology. Prepare profile drawings and photographs of at least one wall of each small excavation unit or test pit
and features. Append the deposit descriptions to the LA archaeological site record and discuss in the survey report.
Deposit descriptions include but are not limited to sediment color, texture, moisture content, nature of inclusions,
organic content and an inventory of cultural materials, if any.
[4.10.15.15 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15.16 EVALUATION AND STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Evaluate each property identified

during the survey in conformance with this section and document in the technical report and on the LA
archaeological site record or HCPI form. Depending on the complexity and scale of the project, present evaluations
in both narrative and tabular form.
A. Apply the criteria for integrity and significance to evaluate each property over 50 years old
identified during the survey pursuant to 36 CRF Part 60.4. Identify the property as a district, site, building, structure
or object. Indicate whether the property should be listed on the state register or should be determined as eligible for
national register listing. Properties less than 50 years old should be evaluated if it is apparent that they will be
eligible for the state or national registers within 5 years of the date of survey. Properties less than 50 years old that
may be eligible for inclusion in the national register based on exceptional significance should be evaluated using
national register criteria consideration G. If a property has been previously nominated for either the state or national
registers, discuss the register status of the property.
B. Significance statement. Prepare a clear statement of significance for each archaeological site,
historic structure or building, or other cultural property identified during the project. Indicate the level of
significance as local, state or national and include in the technical report.
(1) If the cultural property is recommended as not significant or not eligible for listing, provide a
clear discussion and complete documentation to support the recommendation. For archaeological sites, the
discussion shall demonstrate that the site has been thoroughly studied, that surface artifacts and features have been
recorded and that sufficient subsurface tests have been performed to support a conclusion that the site is unlikely to
contribute important information. The lack of subsurface deposits is not in itself sufficient to support a
4.10.15 NMAC 11
recommendation that a site is not significant or not eligible. If the cultural property is from the historic period,
provide basic archival documentation to augment field information and support the significance evaluation.
(2) If the cultural property is recommended as significant or eligible for listing, provide evidence
supporting its significance including reference to historic contexts and scholarly research in the region. Include a
specific, evidence-based argument, linked to specific research topics and characteristics (historic values) observed.
The recommendation shall be documented on the LA archaeological site record, HCPI form or other HPD-approved
inventory form. For archaeological sites provide detailed descriptions of the types and numbers of surface artifacts
and the types and numbers of features visible on the surface or in arroyos or road cuts. The presence of a large
artifact scatter or the potential for subsurface deposits is not sufficient information to support an eligibility
recommendation without additional discussion. If the cultural property is historic, include the results of archival
research to support the evaluation.
(3) Survey data alone may not be sufficient to evaluate the property. For archaeological sites, it may
be necessary to conduct more extensive test excavations, beyond survey-level study and limited tests, to gather
sufficient information to evaluate the specific research potential to support a recommendation for listing or not
listing the property on the state or national registers. Additional archival research and detailed documentation may
be necessary to evaluate the specific potential and criteria for historic structures, buildings and engineering features.
Provide a clear explanation that details the need for additional information. Document the recommendation on the
LA archaeological site record, the HCPI form or other HPD-approved inventory form.
[4.10.15.16 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15.17 RESEARCH DESIGNS UNDER PROJECT-SPECIFIC PERMITS: Prepare a research

design for sample, thematic and other surveys to be performed under a project-specific permit. Research designs are
not required for surveys performed under a general permit.
A. Purpose. A research design shall detail the reason for the survey and how the survey will
contribute to the public's knowledge of the cultural heritage of the state. Research designs shall take into account
broad regional research needs and strive to fill in gaps in current state of knowledge and shall be realistic and
attainable from the nature of the study. Research designs shall be flexible enough to accommodate unanticipated
discoveries.
B. Components. A research design shall include the following components. The length of each
section shall be appropriate to the complexity and scale of the study.
(1) Title page.
(2) Table of contents, lists of figures and tables (for documents with more than 10 pages of text).
(3) Purpose of the study. Provide a succinct overview of the proposed survey including:
(a) goals for the survey;
(b) the name of the project;
(c) brief description of the history of the project;
(d) the project sponsor or client, state agency and other land jurisdictions;
(e) project location and size of area to be surveyed in acres and hectares; and
(f) project map at a USGS 7.5-minute (1:24,000) topographic quadrangle scale depicting
survey area boundaries, land ownership boundaries, north arrow, key and name of USGS quadrangle(s).
(4) Research context. The context provides a foundation for the development of specific research
questions. Scale the discussion to the complexity, size and limitations of the proposed study. The length of each
discussion may vary but shall include the following elements:
(a) review of pertinent literature including but not limited to statewide and regional cultural-
historical overviews and historic contexts, research designs, published archaeological, ethnographic and historical
monographs and articles, cultural resource management technical reports, field reports and archival sources;
(b) discussion of the theoretical orientation and assumptions guiding the proposed research;
(c) identification of general research problems and topics relevant to the region; discuss the
research problems in the context of the culture history and knowledge of the area and current research gaps;
(d) specification of research questions; provide a clear link between the questions and the
theoretical assumptions;
(e) identification of the specific data needed to answer the questions; explain how the survey
results are likely to contain data relevant to answer the questions;
(f) discussion of survey procedures; adopt the standards for intensive survey whenever possible
(4.10.15.11 NMAC); explain and justify deviation from these standards; discuss how the specific field methods and
approach are related to the research goals; provide a specific link between the data needs and the survey approach;
4.10.15 NMAC 12
for sample surveys, explain why the proposed sampling strategy is appropriate to the research questions; samples
may be random or stratified but also shall be appropriate to estimate the nature, distribution and density of cultural
properties within the entire project area; and
(g) discussion of analytical procedures; provide a specific link between the research questions,
data needs and proposed analyses to resolve the research questions; discuss sampling strategy and sampling fraction
if all artifacts recorded and specimens collected will not be analyzed; include copies of analysis forms expected to
be used for field or laboratory analysis in addition to the LA archaeological site record form.
(5) Personnel. Identify all supervisory personnel and analysts who will perform the fieldwork,
laboratory analyses and prepare the report. Include subcontractors, if appropriate, and off-site laboratories for
specialized analyses if proposed. If specific personnel or subcontractors have not been identified for all activities,
provide a list of personnel or subcontractors who may be retained, or list the minimum qualifications of the
personnel that will be retained.
(6) Schedule. Explain the expected time frame to implement the field, analysis and reporting phases
of the project.
(7) References cited.
(8) Appendices as needed.
[4.10.15.17 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15.18 NMCRIS INVESTIGATION ABSTRACT:

A. Obtain a NMCRIS number from ARMS immediately following the completion of the survey and
prior to writing and submitting a report. If any archaeological sites were encountered during survey, request an LA
archaeological site number for each newly discovered site. Do not request new numbers for previously recorded
sites if they already have LA numbers.
B. Complete the NMCRIS investigation abstract for the survey. The NMCRIS investigation abstract
includes the following information.
(1) Administrative data. Provide the NMCRIS number; the name of the federal or state agency or
sponsor for purposes of consultation, if applicable, and agency identification number; performing agency name, field
personnel and report number; report title in its entirety with no abbreviations, the author(s) and report date; permit
number(s); client or customer name, contact information and project number; beginning and end dates for the
investigation and investigation type. Indicate status of tribal consultation.
(2) Location and land status. Indicate landownership status type (federal, state, tribal, private or
any combination thereof) and name or administrative unit (such as, bureau of land management Farmington field
office, state land office, New Mexico department of transportation, pueblo of Taos). Specify survey area and APE
in acres for each land status; for linear surveys include length and width. Enter USGS 7.5-minute (1:24,000)
topographic quadrangle name, date and code; township, range, section, quarter section to nearest 40-acre unit or
unplatted. Indicate if the PLSS is protracted. Identify other source graphics if used. Specify the nearest city or
town, county and state for the survey and include other descriptions including but not limited to well pad footages,
mile markers or land grant names.
(3) Project data. Enter the project name (if known), date of NMCRIS database and other agency
records check and name of individual conducting the search. Provide a description of the project or undertaking, the
environmental setting, condition of the project area (such as grazed, bladed or dense vegetative cover) and percent
ground visibility.
(a) For surveys provide a brief description of survey methods, type of survey, configuration,
scope, coverage method, survey interval, time in field for survey, time recording archaeological sites and time
recording the built-environment.
(b) For monitoring projects list sites monitored by LA site number and provide a brief
description of any area of historic and scientific interest monitored, if applicable. Include NMCRIS number(s) and
the report title in its entirety with no abbreviations for the previous project that identified the sites to be monitored.
Indicate any changes in site condition noted during the monitoring project and whether site updates were completed.
(c) For limited tests, test excavation and excavation, list sites by LA site number and indicate
the type of tests performed, the number and size of each test unit and whether site updates were completed.
(4) Cultural resource findings. Summarize the cultural resources identified. Specify the number of
sites, the number of historic structures, buildings or other cultural properties and the number of isolates discovered.
Indicate the number of sites and other cultural properties registered; the number of sites and other cultural properties
not registered, and the number of previously recorded sites revisited. List archaeological sites by LA site number.
Indicate if collections were made and whether tests were conducted. For negative surveys only, discuss the possible
4.10.15 NMAC 13
reasons for the lack of sites, evaluate significance of the identified resources pursuant to 4.10.15.16 NMAC and
make management recommendations.
[4.10.15.18 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15.19 NEGATIVE SURVEY REPORTS: The NMCRIS investigation abstract constitutes the final
survey report for surveys that do not identify cultural properties of any kind or only identify isolates. Letter reports
are prohibited.
A. Complete all sections of the NMCRIS investigation abstract. An electronic version of the
NMCRIS investigation abstract and guidelines for its use are available from ARMS and HPD. It is permissible to
increase or decrease the size of the data fields on the paper copy of the form, as needed, or attach continuation
sheets.
B. In the event an archaeological site reported to be located within the APE or project area is not
relocated during the survey, check the site update box on the LA archaeological site record and complete the
identification and ownership, recording information, condition, recommendations and narrative site description
sections. Explain in the narrative site description section specific efforts that were made to find the site and the
reason(s) the site could not be relocated.
C. Append the following to the NMCRIS investigation abstract:
(1) a copy of the NMCRIS map server map check; NMCRIS table is optional;
(2) a project map based on a USGS 7.5-minute (1:24,000) topographic quadrangle source that depicts
the exact location of the APE, survey area (if different from the APE) and exact location of all isolates;
(3) a list of all isolates and detailed information on each isolate consistent with 4.10.15.13 NMAC;
(4) a list of all isolates collected;
(5) photographs and photographic log, illustrations and other graphics;
(6) a copy of all updated LA archaeological site records consistent with 4.10.15.11E NMAC; and
(7) signature of the principal investigator certifying accuracy of the information provided.
D. Report review. The NMCRIS investigation abstract shall be reviewed in conformance with
4.10.8.18 NMAC. If collections were made during survey, the permittee shall curate the collections in accordance
with the procedures outlined in 4.10.8.18 NMAC.
[4.10.15.19 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15.20 POSITIVE SURVEY REPORTS: Prepare a technical report for all surveys that identify
archaeological sites, historic structures and buildings, isolates and other cultural properties. Letter reports are
prohibited. Include the results of any limited tests conducted. A standard survey report shall contain the following
sections unless indicated as optional below. The length of each section shall be appropriate to the complexity and
scale of the survey project. State agencies may have additional report requirements.
A. Title page. List the following information:
(1) NMCRIS number in the upper left-hand corner;
(2) report title, author(s) and the principal investigator if different from the author;
(3) name of the organization that performed the survey;
(4) agency(ies) requiring and receiving the report;
(5) state permit number and other permit numbers for project; and
(6) report date (month, day and year).
B. Abstract. Complete all sections of the NMCRIS investigation abstract, which serves as the report
abstract.
C. Table of contents (required only for reports with more than 10 pages of text). Include:
(1) list of major report sections, subheadings and appendices with page numbers;
(2) list of figures and plates with page numbers; and
(3) list of tables with page numbers.
D. Introduction and Project Description. Discuss the purpose of the survey and project
background. Include the following information:
(1) purpose of the survey and project background;
(2) project description and location;
(3) description of the project area and survey area (if different from the project area or the APE);
(4) size of the project area and size of area surveyed in acres and hectares;
(5) name of each public agency and the portion of surveyed land owned by each in acres and
hectares; privately owned land may be reported as a cumulative total in acres and hectares rather than by each
4.10.15 NMAC 14
private land owner; if multiple areas and land jurisdictions are involved, the information may be presented in a table;
if a project falls under the jurisdiction of multiple state and federal agencies, discuss the relationship between the
various agencies;
(6) the township, range, section and quarter section and protraction; for state trust land identify the
section to nearest 40-acre parcel;
(7) map showing the general project location within the state or region (and land jurisdiction if more
than one owner);
(8) project personnel: the names and position titles of the individuals who participated in the survey,
including crewmembers and any analytical or support staff who did not participate in the fieldwork but assisted in
preparing information for the report; the client or sponsor; and
(9) exact dates of the survey.
E. Environmental setting of the project area. The length of each of the following discussions shall
be appropriate to the complexity and scale of the survey project, and should include representative photographs of
environmental features as appropriate.
(1) Natural environment. Describe the topography, geology and soils; contemporary flora and
fauna; and current climatological conditions. Discuss the effect of current environmental conditions and past
environmental processes (such as erosion or deposition) on the visibility and preservation of archaeological remains.
(2) Cultural environment. Identify modern land use impacts such as mining, logging, agricultural
activities or urban development and discuss the effect that modern land uses have on the visibility and integrity of
archaeological sites and other cultural properties. Note evidence of vandalism or looting.
F. Results of records check. Summarize the results of all records checked for the project area and
500-meter or 1000-meter buffer. List all known previous surveys or investigations and summarize their results. List
each archaeological site, national and state register property, historic structure and building and other cultural
properties located in the project area and all archaeological sites within the 500 meter or 1000 meter buffer. Provide
a brief summary of these resources. The lists may be presented in tabular form. Include the date when the records
check was conducted and name of the individual performing the check.
G. Culture history, literature review and research orientation. The length and detail of this
section shall be appropriate to the type and scale of the project and the findings.
(1) Discuss the past human occupation of the survey area in its regional context within established
culture-historical frameworks or chronologies for all periods of occupation. Based upon current research, describe
the cultural and historic developments for each major period of time, the archaeological evidence (site types, types
of artifacts) characteristic of each time period and the major research questions associated with each period with a
goal to aid in the understanding and evaluation of resources identified during the project. Tailor discussion to the
types of cultural resources found during survey. For example, if only sites dating to the U.S. Territorial period were
located, then the culture history section should be devoted to the cultural and historic developments of late
nineteenth and the early twentieth centuries. The discussion of other periods of occupations should be abbreviated.
(2) Incorporate results of the pre-field literature review. Reference statewide and regional cultural-
historical overviews and research designs, published archaeological, ethnographic and historical monographs and
articles, cultural resource management technical reports, field reports (both positive and negative survey reports) and
historic maps and records, as appropriate, given the results of the project. Incorporate the results of the records
check.
H. Research design (required for surveys under a project-specific permit; optional for surveys under
a general permit). Detail the problem orientation and specific research issues and questions that guided the survey.
I. Field methods. Include the following information:
(1) the size of the survey crew;
(2) the transect interval(s) and transect method;
(3) field conditions during survey, including access, lighting, ground cover and other factors affecting
identification or recording of cultural properties;
(4) methods of site location (maps, global positioning system, topography);
(5) methods of site recording (compass and pace, compass and tape, instrument mapping);
(6) types of photographs taken and the media used (black-and-white prints, color transparencies,
color prints or digital images);
(7) any additional documentation methods, such as video recording, illustration of artifacts and
features, remote sensing, or specialized in-field artifact analysis;
4.10.15 NMAC 15
(8) strategies employed for collection or limited tests, including the strategies employed for the
location of collection or limited test units, the rationale for the collection or test unit size used and the choice of
testing implements; and
(9) list the types of documents and other media used for all types of recording.
J. Description of cultural resources and analysis of survey results. The results of the survey shall
be both descriptive and interpretive and contribute to the public's knowledge of the cultural heritage of the state.
Describe all archaeological sites recorded during the survey, all historic structures, buildings and other cultural
properties and all isolates and discuss them in relationship to the culture history of the area. Include the results of
any limited tests conducted. Include illustrations and photocopied or digitally reproduced photographs to augment
the text.
(1) Location of cultural properties. The public disclosure of the location of archaeological sites on
state and private lands is prohibited by Section 18-6-11.1 NMSA 1978. The public disclosure of the location of
archaeological sites on federal lands is prohibited by 36 CFR 296.18. Include all detailed locational information
(UTM coordinates, township, range and sections) whether in narrative or maps in an appendix for easy removal so
that the report may be made available to members of the public.
(2) Descriptions of archaeological sites. Provide a description of each site. The description should
summarize rather than duplicate information contained in the LA archaeological site record. Discuss the
environmental setting of the site; the site condition; the nature and distribution of site features; and the nature and
distribution of artifacts. Discuss the nature and potential of subsurface deposits and the basis for the description.
Include in the body of the report a copy of the site plan if it aids in understanding the narrative description of the
site. Include illustrations and photocopied or digitally reproduced photographs of features and artifacts specific to
the site. If the site was previously recorded, discuss briefly the recording history of the site and summarize any
changes in the physical condition of the site since it was last recorded.
(3) Descriptions of archaeological sites not relocated. Provide a brief description of the site as it
was last recorded. Discuss efforts to try to locate the sites and the possible reason why the site could not be
relocated (for example, the artifacts on the surface of the site were collected or the site was destroyed by
development).
(4) Descriptions of other cultural properties. Describe all other cultural properties, including but
not limited to historic structures, buildings, and cultural landscapes identified during the survey area or properties
that may be directly or indirectly affected by the project. Discuss the condition and integrity of the properties.
Incorporate information obtained from archival sources to place the property in its historic context.
(5) Descriptions of isolates. Information on isolates may be presented in narrative or tabular format.
Include all qualitative and quantitative observations relevant to the artifact class and make type or series
identifications when possible. If the isolate consists of more than one item, include the distribution area. Include
information on physiographic location or vegetation in the immediate area and the depositional or erosional context
of the isolate.
(6) Interpretive summary. Discuss the results of the survey in the context of the regional
occupation of the area and knowledge of the cultural heritage of the state.
K. Evaluation and statement of significance. Apply the criteria for integrity and significance to
evaluate each property identified during the survey pursuant to 36 CRF Part 60.4 and in conformance with
4.10.15.16 NMAC. Depending on the complexity and scale of the project, present evaluations in both narrative and
tabular form.
L. Effect determination. If not a research survey, identify whether the project has the potential to
affect the cultural properties located during the survey and provide a statement on how the project will affect the
properties. Discuss how the historic values or significant characteristics of each property will or will not be affected
by the project. Discuss how properties may be avoided or protected and whether it will be necessary to develop a
mitigation program if the properties cannot be avoided or protected. Depending on the complexity and scale of the
project, present evaluations in both narrative and tabular form.
M. Summary and recommendations.
(1) Discuss the survey results in relation to the archaeology and history of the area as described in the
culture history section. Include isolates as well as sites in the discussion. The size and scale of the discussion should
be relative to the size of the survey and its findings. Place the sites and isolated artifacts within the context of the
currently known pattern of archaeological remains in the general area of the survey.
(2) Explain how the survey findings contribute to the understanding of the current research problems
defined for the area. If the findings were not consistent with the known culture history of the area (for example, if
4.10.15 NMAC 16
fewer sites were found than would be expected, or site types not previously known to occur in the area were
located), possible explanations for these anomalous findings must be explored.
(3) Any concerns expressed through tribal consultation shall be discussed in general terms. Detailed
information on traditional cultural places, if any, and other properties shall be included in an appendix for easy
removal so that the report may be made available to members of the public.
(4) Discuss any management concerns or recommendations for future study.
N. References cited. List all references cited in the report.
O. Appendices. Mark as confidential all pages that discuss or depict exact locations of
archaeological sites or traditional cultural places pursuant to Section 18-6-11.1 NMSA 1978. At a minimum include
the following:
(1) a project map(s) depicting the exact location of the project area, survey area and exact location of
all archaeological sites, historic structures, buildings and other cultural properties, water delivery systems (acequias)
and other cultural properties identified during the survey; isolates may be plotted on this map or a separate map at
the same scale; the map shall be at the equivalent of a USGS 7.5-minute (1:24,000) topographic quadrangle scale;
(2) a list of all isolates, detailed information on each isolate if this information has not been included
in the body of the report, and GPS location. Include photographs and illustrations, as appropriate; and
(3) a list of artifacts collected during the survey project. Include provenience information and
associated illustrations and photographs;
P. Attachments. Mark as confidential all pages that discuss or depict exact locations of
archaeological sites pursuant to Section 18-6-11.1 NMSA 1978. Append the following to the report:
(1) a copy of the NMCRIS map server map;
(2) LA archaeological site records consistent with 4.10.15.11 NMAC for all newly recorded sites, all
relocated sites and all sites that could not be relocated, as appropriate; attach a site plan map and a copy of the
portion of a USGS 7.5-minute (1:24,000) topographic quadrangle map showing the site location to each LA
archaeological site record; include any other site-specific records generated, such as in-field artifact analysis forms
or analysis forms for collections; if coded analysis forms are attached, place a copy of the code key with every site
form; do not include copies of site records obtained as part of the records check;
(3) HCPI form consistent with 4.10.15.12 NMAC for all historic structures, buildings and other
cultural properties recorded during the survey;
(4) all archivally packaged photographic materials and photographic logs consistent with the
standards in 4.10.15.11 or 4.10.15.12 NMAC;
(5) oversize (greater than 11x17 inches) maps and plans of individual sites; do not attach these
materials to the LA archaeological site record; and
(6) engineering plan maps, aerial photographs and other nonstandard source graphics.
Q. Report review. The report shall be reviewed in conformance with 4.10.8.18 NMAC. If
collections were made during survey, the permittee shall curate the collections in accordance with the procedures
outlined in 4.10.8.18 NMAC.
[4.10.15.20 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15.21 POPULAR REPORTS: For positive surveys of 160 acres or more, surveys that identify 10 or
more sites, or whenever the cultural resources of importance or of general interest are identified, prepare a short
popular summary suitable for distribution in a newspaper, newsletter or magazine. The purpose of the report is to
provide information to the interested general public about the state's heritage and contributions from on-going
research and studies on state land. The public disclosure of the location of archaeological sites on state and private
lands is prohibited by Section 18-6-11.1 NMSA 1978. The public disclosure of the location of archaeological sites
on federal lands is prohibited by 36 CFR 296.18. The report may be brief, approximately 250 to 500 words in
length, and may include photographs or graphs as appropriate. The popular report shall be submitted to the state
agency with the final positive survey report.
[4.10.15.21 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15.22 DEVIATIONS: The CPRC, SHPO and state archaeologist reserve the right to waive or deviate
from this rule or any parts of this rule under circumstances deemed necessary by the CPRC, SHPO and state
archaeologist. Any waiver or deviance from this rule shall occur while maintaining the spirit, intent and objective of
this rule and the Cultural Properties Act.
[4.10.15.22 NMAC - N, 1/01/06]
4.10.15 NMAC 17
HISTORY OF 4.10.15 NMAC: [RESERVED]
4.10.15 NMAC 18

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New Mexico Register / Volume XVI, Number 15 / August 15, 2005

TITLE 4 CULTURAL RESOURCES

4.10.15.4 DURATION: Permanent.

4.10.15.9 PRE-FIELD REQUIREMENTS:

4.10.15.11 RECORDING ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES DURING SURVEY:

4.10.15.12 RECORDING HISTORIC STRUCTURES, BUILDINGS AND OTHER CULTURAL

4.10.15.13 RECORDING ISOLATES DURING SURVEY:

4.10.15.14 COLLECTION OF ARTIFACTS DURING SURVEY:

4.10.15.15 LIMITED TESTS DURING SURVEY:

(a) Shovel tests shall be approximately 30 cm in diameter.

4.10.15.16 EVALUATION AND STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Evaluate each property identified

4.10.15.17 RESEARCH DESIGNS UNDER PROJECT-SPECIFIC PERMITS: Prepare a research

4.10.15.18 NMCRIS INVESTIGATION ABSTRACT:

HISTORY OF 4.10.15 NMAC: [RESERVED]

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