ARCHIVED REPORTS_DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

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4.12 CULTURAL RESOURCES This section provides an evaluation of the potential impacts on cultural resources that could result from project implementation. Cultural resources may include archaeological traces such as early Native American occupation sites and artifacts,historic-era buildings and structures, and places used for traditional Native American observances or places with special cultural significance. These materials can be found at many locations on the landscape, and along with prehistoric and historic human remains and associated grave-goods, are protected under various state and local statutes. The information presented here is based on previous work completed by EDAW and other investigators in the project vicinity, a review of historic maps and photographs, an archaeological field inventory, and a review of tax assessor's documents. Given the confidentiality requirements of the state and the California Historical Resources Information System(CHRIS),references to the locations of cultural resources sites in this DEIR are provided in general rather than specific terms. The cultural resources report,which identifies specific locations of archaeological sites in or near the project area,has been placed on file at the Central California Information Center(CCIC) of the CHRIS, and may be reviewed by authorized individuals. 4.12.1 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING REGIONAL PREHISTORIC CONTEXT Fredrickson(1973, 1974)proposed a sequence of cultural patterns for the central districts of the North Coast Ranges,placing them in a framework of cultural periods that he believed were applicable to California as a whole. He proposed and used the concept of the cultural pattern as an adaptive mode that is shared in general outline by a number of cultures that are analytically separable. These different cultures could be characterized by similar technological skills and devices and similar economic modes,which include participation in trade networks and practices surrounding wealth and similar mortuary and ceremonial practices.Fredrickson argued that the dating and definition of particular patterns should be kept separate from temporal periods, given the coexistence of more than one cultural pattern operating at any particular time. Thus,his framework of prehistoric periods is based on general technological and cultural horizons in operation throughout California over appreciable lengths of time. The general elements of this framework are outlined below. The Paleo-Indian Period(12,000-8000 Before Present [B.P.]) saw the first demonstrated entry and spread of humans into California. Known sites are situated along lakeshores and a developed milling tool technology may have existed at this time. The social units were not heavily dependent on exchange of resources. Exchange activities occurred on an ad hoc,individual basis. Characteristic artifacts include fluted projectile points and flaked stone crescents. Traditionally,Paleo-Indians are viewed as exclusive big-game hunters. However,more recent research suggests that they pursued much more varied subsistence and economic systems than previously thought. The beginning of the Lower Archaic Period(8000-5000 B.P.)coincides with the middle Holocene climatic change to generally drier conditions and the disappearance of the pluvial lakes that likely influenced earlier land- use patterns. Subsistence appears to have been focused on the consumption of plant foods as opposed to those obtained by hunting or trapping. Settlement appears to have been semi-sedentary,with little emphasis on wealth. Most tools were manufactured of local materials, and exchange remained on an ad hoc basis. Distinctive artifact types included large dart points,milling slabs, and hand stones. The Middle Archaic Period(5000-3000 B.P.)begins at the end of mid-Holocene climatic conditions,when the climate became similar to present-day conditions. Cultural change likely was, in part, a response to changing environmental conditions. Economies were more diversified, and possibly included the introduction of acorn- processing technology. Hunting remained an important source of food, as evidenced by faunal remains recovered from sites from this period. Sedentism appears to have been more developed and a general population growth and Manteca WQCF and Collection System Master Plans EIR EDAW City of Manteca 4.12-1 Cultural Resources