Protecting Historic Places, Archeological Sites and Cultural Landscapes from the Effects of Natural Hazards

Jen Sparenburg and Stephanie Sperling

At the November 12 CCASM meeting there were two talks relating to protecting archaeological sites from the effects of Natural Hazards.

First, Jen Sparenberg discussed hazard mitigation in Maryland.  She indicated that each county had a 5-year hazard mitigation plan, but most counties do not consider cultural resources in the Hazard Mitigation Plans.  Several counties are working to change that when the plans are updated over the next few years.  (The current Charles County's Hazard Mitigation Plan is for 2011-2016).   Jen also described the types of hazards that affect archaeological sites as well as gave some examples of protecting archaeological sites and historic structures.  Jen is the Hazard Mitigation Officer for the Maryland Historical Trust.

Next Stephanie Sperling talked about the continuing effort in Anne Arundel County to identify archaeological sites at risk due to sea-level rise and coastal erosion.  Stephanie also showed their SWAT team effort on three of the sites considered most at risk.  On her cell phone was an image of her in chest waders excavating a stratified site as the tide started coming in.  Stephanie is with the Lost Towns Project in Anne Arundel County.

Two members brought in things to share.  Barbara brought in a bone - what looks like the vertebra of a very large animal.  A neighbor had found it in the banks of a stream. The general opinion was that it may have been from a whale.  Also Joe brought in glass, possibly worked, that he had found near Zekiah Swamp.

Attendance: 15