6.0 HPSR 06-09-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Background St. Cloud State University is the second-largest University in the State of Minnesota, and the largest University in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, with approximately 700 faculty members and 16,000 students. With an Archaeological laboratory, a Cultural and Environmental Landscapes Laboratory, and the Spatial Analysis Research Center (GIS lab), SCSU is uniquely equipped to conduct archaeological research in Central Minnesota. Prof. Rothaus has worked extensively in Europe, Asia and North America, and he is one of the few individuals in Minnesota who meets the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Standards for both prehistoric and historic archaeology. In Minnesota, Prof. Rothaus has focused his research on issues of landscape history and cultural resource management in Central Minnesota, focusing on the Mille Lacs and Elk River regions. In 2003 he completed a literature search of prehistoric and historic Elk River, and created an archaeological probability model now being used as by the City of Elk River as a planning tool.l In 2004, Prof. Rothaus conducted a Phase I archaeological survey in Elk River which confirmed the veracity of the probability model and identified the first known prehistoric sites in Elk River Township. Nine sites were added to the official state inventory of archaeological sites as a result of that survey. SCSU is particularly interested in this project as it meshes well with our educational objectives, the ongoing research activities of Prof. Rothaus and a continuing partnership with the City of Elk River and the Sherburne County Historical Society. SCSU does not regular engage in archaeological contract work, as our primary mission is teaching and research. This project, however, corresponds nicely with that mission, and we consider this a "value-added" opportunity. While all work will be performed by qualified individuals fully paid for their time, SCSU will involve both graduate and undergraduate students as possible. Of particular interest is using this project to illustrate the real-world elements of archaeological field work. Additionally, this project calls for substantial public outreach and education. Not only does this fall within the mission of SCSU, we are particularly eager to engage our students in public education, outreach and service activities. We believe that students learn best from opportunities for civic engagement within the context of their studies, and that by providing them with such opportunities we are preparing the professionals of the future who will incorporate the ideals of civic responsibility into their lives. Site Description Elk River First Sawmill (21 SH00051). This site has been identified as the location of the first sawmill and later the first planing mill in Elk River. See Locations 2 and 9 on Map 1, and Map 2. 1 R. Rothaus, J. Haug, and J. McFarlane, "`Prehistoric and Early Historic Heritage of Elk River, Minnesota: Current Knowledge and Probability Modeling." Minnesota Archaeologist 63 (2004) 97-117. 2