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III. Environmental Setting, Impacts,and IVlitig ations E. CULTURAL RESOURCES SETTING To evaluate the potential for presence of cultural resources in the project area,a study of applicable literature and a field inspection were conducted by a qualified archaeologist. The results of this research,which include ethnographic and historic information pertaining to the project area, are presented in a cultural resources study prepared by Archeological Services,Inc. A copy of the cultural resources study is on file at the City of Stockton Department of Community Development Planning Division, available for review by qualified individuals. As part of this study, maps and other archival documents relating to previous historical and archaeological research for the project area were consulted at the Central California Information Center of the California Archaeological Inventory, at California State University, Stanislaus. Archaeological Services,Inc.contacted organizations and agencies for concerns and information and conducted archival research at the county museum and city library. In addition, Archeological Services, Inc. surveyed most of the project site on foot by walking zigzag transects in 80-foot wide corridors in order to locate and identify any cultural resources. Particular attention was given to the banks of Little Johns Creek for the presence of surface and subsurface prehistoric archaeological resources. The Brocchini parcel was inspected in the same manner after the alfalfa had been harvested. This setting discussion summarizes the results of the literature research and field inspection. Background State and Federal legislation require the protection of historical and cultural resources. In 1971, the President's Executive Order No. 11593 required that all Federal agencies initiate procedures to preserve and maintain cultural resources by nomination and inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1980,the Governor's Executive Order No.B-64-80 required that State agencies inventory all "significant historic and cultural sites, structures,and objects under their jurisdiction which are over 50 years of age and which may qualify for listing on the National Register of Historic Places." Prehistory The project site lies within the flat plains of northern San Joaquin Valley region. Archaeological study indicates that human occupation in the northern San Joaquin Valley extends back at least 8,000 years(Archaeological Services,Inc., 1991). By 4,500 years ago a pattern of seasonally III.E.1