Brinker, Ruth A. (Department of Natural Resources, Division of Reclamation)
ARCHAEOLOGY IN THE COAL FIELDS OF INDIANA
Public interest and the active participation of avocational and professional archaeologists
are the key factors in the progress which has occurred relative to cultural resources
in the coal producing area of the state. This progress has taken several rather
indirect pathways. Methods include a lands unsuitable for mining petition process,
informal conferences between coal producers and archaeologists, and agreements
between the regulatory authority (Division of Reclamation) and coal producers.
Important sites preserved, temporarily avoided, or mitigated include the Beehunter
Site, the Haug Sites, the Bluegrass Site, the Blanca Site, the Lattas Creek Site
and the Flynn Site.
The Federal regulatory authority (Office of Surface Mining) is currently
proposing changes for rules concerning cultural resources. While state laws
and regulations have not been specific on locating, identifying, and
evaluating historic and prehistoric archaeological sites in the coal fields,
the Federal rule changes, if implemented, will eventually necessitate State
regulatory changes. This may result in more direct and effective treatment
of cultural resources.
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