CHCH NMP, Moccasin Bend National Archeological District, DCP, EA

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Moccasin Bend National Archeological District Tennessee

PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT June 8, 2009

Moccasin Bend National Archeological District

Development Concept Plan Environmental Assessment / Assessment of Effect

MOCCASIN BEND NATIONAL ARCHEOLOGICAL DISTRICT

DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT / ASSESSMENT OF EFFECT

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE: PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PLAN INTRODUCTION 3 Brief Description of the Area 3 Purpose and Need for the Action 4 Planning/Legislative History and Background 4 Purpose and Significance Statements 10 Primary Interpretive Themes 11 Relationship to other Projects and Plans 11 Project-Related Issues and Considerations 13 User Capacity 15 Partnerships 15 Commercial Visitor Services 16 IMPACT TOPICS 17 Derivation of Impact Topics 17 Impact Topics Analyzed in this Document 17 Impact Topics Dismissed From Further Analysis 18

CHAPTER TWO: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE THE ALTERNATIVES 31 Interpretive Center Site Selection 31 Alternatives Considered 31 Alternatives Considered but Dismissed 36 Costs 37 Identification of the Preferred Alternative 38 Environmentally Preferred Alternative 38 MITIGATION MEASURES 40 SUMMARY TABLES 41

CHAPTER THREE: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT INTRODUCTION 51 VISITOR USE AND EXPERIENCE 52 ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES 54 American Indian Sites 54 Civil War Sites 55 Current Project Investigations 56 ETHNOGRAPHIC RESOURCES 57 SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 59 NPS OPERATIONS AND FACILITIES 61

CHAPTER FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSING IMPACTS 65 Introduction 65 Cumulative Impacts 65

CONTENTS

Impairment of Resources and Values 66 VISITOR USE AND EXPERIENCE 67 Definitions 67 No-action Alternative 67 Alternative A 68 Alternative B 70 Alternative C 71 Alternative D 72 CULTURAL RESOURCES AND THE NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT 75 ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES 76 Definitions 76 No-action Alternative 76 Alternative A 77 Alternative B 79 Alternative C 80 Alternative D 82 ETHNOGRAPHIC RESOURCES 85 Definitions 85 No-action Alternative 85 Alternative A 86 Alternative B 88 Alternative C 89 Alternative D 91 SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 94 Definitions 94 No-action Alternative 94 Alternative A 95 Alternative B 96 Alternative C 97 Alternative D 98 NPS OPERATIONS AND FACILITIES 100 Definitions 100 No-action Alternative 100 Alternative A 101 Alternative B 102 Alternative C 103 Alternative D 104

CHAPTER FIVE: CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION CONSULTATION AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT 109 COORDINATION 110

APPENDIXES, REFERENCES, PREPARERS AND CONSULTANTS APPENDIX A: ADDITIONAL COST INFORMATION 113 REFERENCES 115 PREPARERS AND CONSULTANTS 117

Contents

Figures and Tables

Figure 1: Location Map 5 Figure 2: Boundaries 7 Figure 3: Development Site Alternatives 33

Table 1: Summary of Comparative Costs (Fiscal Year ’09 Dollars) 37 Table 2: Summary of Alternatives 41 Table 3: Summary of Key Impacts 44

iii

CONTENTS

MOCCASIN BEND VIEW FROM LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN CHAPTER 1:

Purpose and Need for the Plan

INTRODUCTION

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA dredging and from agricultural and development activities. Portions of the Bend Moccasin Bend is a peninsula formed by a were cultivated for row crops and other areas prominent bend in the Tennessee River, were used for pastures. By the 1960s, several situated to the west and just across the river of these disturbed areas had begun to return from downtown Chattanooga, Hamilton to natural conditions. Plant communities are County, Tennessee (see figure 1, location presently in early stages of succession to map). The area contains nationally significant forests and consist of dense understory with archeological sites that chronicle scattered deciduous hardwoods. Vegetation in approximately 12,000 years of continuous upland areas consists of a mixed forest canopy American Indian occupation. The Trail of of evergreen and deciduous trees. Various Tears National Historic Trail passes through stages of old field succession exist in the portions of Moccasin Bend, commemorating northern portion of the national archeological the forced removal in 1838 of Cherokee district; wooded lands are on Stringers Ridge Indians from their ancestral homelands. on the eastern portion, and old fields, Important Civil War-era earthworks and woodlots, lawns, and hayfields are on the associated resources are also located along southern extremity on land occupied by the Stringers Ridge at the southeastern portion of state-owned Moccasin Bend Mental Health the Bend. Institute.

The 956-acre Moccasin Bend Archeological The varied land uses on Moccasin Bend District National Historic Landmark (NHL), include government facilities and residential, designated in 1986, recognizes the national recreational, and industrial development. significance of these cultural resources (see Lands are held by the National Park Service figure 2, boundaries). In 2003, 755 acres on the (NPS) (755 acres), the City of Chattanooga Bend were added to Chickamauga and and Hamilton County (183 acres), the City of Chattanooga National Military Park (NMP) as Chattanooga (184 acres), the state of the Moccasin Bend National Archeological Tennessee (102 acres), and private District (unit) of the park. This development landowners (22 acres). On the northernmost concept plan / environmental assessment area of the Bend is a 99-acre tract of NPS land (DCP/EA) presents a range of alternatives for that was previously owned by the Rock-Tenn interpreting the significant resources of Company. At that tract’s southern boundary is Moccasin Bend to the visiting public, the City of Chattanooga-owned Moccasin including the development of an interpretive Bend Wastewater Treatment Facility. Near and cultural center. the junction of Hamm Road and Moccasin

Bend Road are a small residential area, a City The topography of Moccasin Bend ranges of Chattanooga and Hamilton County tract, from primarily flat land with low-lying and an NPS tract referred to as the former floodplain areas at the western edge, to steeply Serodino property. sloping ridges on the east. Elevations range from about 660 feet above mean sea level at The City of Chattanooga and Hamilton the western edge to approximately 820 feet County jointly own the Moccasin Bend Golf above mean sea level along the eastern ridge. Course, the Law Enforcement Firearms

Training Range, and the site of a former Native vegetation on Moccasin Bend has been model airplane facility. The 22 acres under degraded by previous sand and gravel private ownership include the WDEF radio 3

CHAPTER ONE: PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PLAN towers and a private residence. The state activities while also ensuring the protection of mental health hospital occupies 102 acres on sensitive resources. All planning and design the southern portion of the bend. Traversing considerations for this project have (and will the bend are two Colonial Pipeline 50-foot continue to be) undertaken in cooperation petroleum pipeline rights-of-way, and a with partners, affiliated American Indian Chattanooga Electric Power Board 150-foot tribes, and other stakeholders. right-of-way for a high-tension power line. Interspersed among these public and private parcels are NPS tracts, one of which includes PLANNING/LEGISLATIVE HISTORY the Blue Blazes Trail that crosses between the AND BACKGROUND golf course and the WDEF radio towers. The Park Service also owns shoreline easements The first documented archeological bordering the wastewater treatment facility, excavations on Moccasin Bend were golf course, mental health hospital, and conducted in 1914-15. Beginning in the 1920s, firearms training range. various unsuccessful proposals were advanced to provide a public park on the Bend primarily for recreation and to protect the site’s scenic PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE ACTION beauty (not necessarily its archeological resources) from industrial development. By The purpose of the proposed National Park the 1940s, increasing recognition of the Bend’s Service action is to provide and suitably locate importance began to galvanize broad public educational and interpretive information support for site protection. In 1950, with the about Moccasin Bend’s significant resources backing of the secretary of the interior, the to the visiting public. As a means to achieve U.S. Congress enacted legislation authorizing these objectives, various site locations on the addition by donation of 1,400 acres of Moccasin Bend were evaluated for the Moccasin Bend to Chickamauga and development of an interpretive/cultural Chattanooga National Military Park. At that center, as well as possible provision of time, Moccasin Bend was almost entirely open interpretive and educational functions at space. Although authorized property was existing visitor centers of Chickamauga and acquired by state, county, and city Chattanooga National Military Park. As part governments, no lands were transferred to the of the 2003 legislation that established the National Park Service at that time (NPS 1998). national archeological district, the secretary of the interior was given the discretionary During the 1950s and 1960s, various facility authority to develop and administer a visitor developments and public uses of Moccasin interpretive center for interpreting the Bend were completed. Among the facilities district’s historical themes and cultural constructed during the period were a mental resources. health hospital, golf course, sewage treatment plant, radio transmission towers, a model The action is needed to ensure that airplane flying facility, and a law enforcement interpretation of Moccasin Bend’s resources firearm training range. In 1959, the National and stories is carried out in an Park Service declined local overtures to environmentally responsible and culturally acquire the Bend as an addition to sensitive manner that is compatible with the Chickamauga and Chattanooga NMP because long-range planning objectives for of the various nonconforming land uses. management and protection of the national archeological district. Based on an evaluation In 1963, construction was undertaken to of a range of planning alternatives, the Park widen the bank of the Tennessee River to Service proposes to select a preferred accommodate Interstate 24 on the opposite development option that best addresses the (south) side of the river from Moccasin Bend. scope of desired facility functions and The construction included the dredging of a 4

Signal Point Reservation

d r a 127 v CHICKAMAUGA le ER u RIV LAKE o B n o E t E y S a S D E outh Ch N S ickam N au E ga T Cr ee k 58

17 73rd Pennsylvania Amnicola HighwayReservation Sherman Reservation 27

TENNESSEE Confederate Glass Sth d Cemetery t a 153 58 r o o R Moccasin Bend Missionary N t

s To e

r Ridge National Knoxville Orchard Knob C

Archeological Reservation McCallie Ave Phelps Monument

East 3rd St District (under development) M.L. King Boulevard De Long Reservation Lookout Mountain Dodson Street Battleﬁeld and Main St Turchin Reservation Bailey Ave Ave Point Park Central Ave Ohio Reservation

24 Orchard Knob 41 11 72 64 Exit Holtzclaw 64 174 41 11 Chattanooga Lindberg St 64 Broad St 72 National Brainerd Road Cemetery Exit 180B Bragg 148 17 Reservation CHATTANOOGA 24 75 Rossville Boulevard

T d

a U h 11 Y t o u R O E o t L s EAST RIDGE K 58 S e L O r C d A a O Ro V s 41 Exit 1 L 17 Ros John 76 TENNESSEE South Crest Road GEORGIA ROSSVILLE Iowa Reservation

To Nashville, E k e

Tennessee e G 193 r

C via 24 and 27 a D Birmingham, g GEORGIA Exit 353 o I Alabama, via o n a t 59 t R a N h T C I 146 A U Battleﬁeld Parkway G A

2 d O a T O o Y

R 75 Y FORT OGLETHORPE K O N z E t

e i N R O L U D

A L A O O T A N 2 L T M V

O A Exit 350 I

S C

S To Atlanta I 27 k ree C M a g u a m a Chickamauga k c i Battleﬁeld h C

t s e

North

0 1 2 Kilometers

012 Miles Park Units Moc Figure 1 Location Moccasin Bend National Archeological District United States Department of the Interior / National Park Service P50 • 2004 • DSC • June 2009

NORTH 27 CHATTANOOGA

North Manufacturers RoadShore

Former Rock-Tenn Property

Market St. Bridge

Walnut St. Bridge

Former Veterans Bridge STRINGERSHamm RIDGE SerodinoRoad Moccasin Property Bend Wastewater r Treatment Facility 58 e v Georgia Ave. i

s Moccasin s Bend Golf Course e L O O K O U T V A L L E Y CHATTANOOGA

T WDEF Moccasin Bend Road Radio Towers

MOCCASIN BEND Former Model Law Airplane Enforcement Facility Firearm Training Range

Mental Health Hospital

41 11 72 64 24

Chicamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Moccasin Bend Archeological District National Historic Landmark

Moccasin Bend National Archeological District (NPS Fee Property)

NPS Easement Figure 2 City of Chattanooga District Boundaries and Hamilton County Moccasin Bend Archeological District National Historic Landmark Private Property Moccasin Bend National Archeological District United States Department of the Interior / National Park Service City of Chattanooga P50 • 2005 • DSC • June 2009 State of Tennessee

Introduction strip of riverbank (500 feet long x 125-250 feet an NPS unit. The Friends of Moccasin Bend wide) from Moccasin Bend’s southwestern proposed that an American Indian tip. The dredged material was slurried and interpretive center be developed outside the pumped onto the first terrace of the Bend. boundaries of the national historic landmark Although archeological resources were district. The Park Service and the Friends of disturbed and lost by the dredging operation, Moccasin Bend met in 1997 to begin archeological salvage investigations carried collaborating on a planning approach for the out in conjunction with the project confirmed Bend that would determine the best that American Indians occupied the location management, protection, and use strategies for several thousands of years. for the area (NPS 1998).

By the early 1980s, an organization known as In 1998, the National Park Service prepared a the Moccasin Bend Task Force was draft Moccasin Bend Cooperative Management established to explore development options Plan / Environmental Assessment (Special for Moccasin Bend as a tourist destination and Resource Study) that favorably evaluated the to provide economic stimulus for suitability of the area as a new national park Chattanooga. This prompted further system unit because of the national extensive archeological investigations, and in importance of the area’s archeological and 1984 the archeological resources identified at historical resources. However, the study the southern end of the Bend were listed in determined that the area failed to meet the the National Register of Historic Places. NPS feasibility criteria of new areas because of Further recognition of the national the incompatible land uses then in existence significance of the resources led to that diminished opportunities to effectively designation of the 956-acre “Moccasin Bend carry out comprehensive resource protection Archeological District National Historic and provide for quality visitor experiences. Landmark” in 1986. The study concluded that the area could be determined feasible as a new unit of the Growing concern was expressed at this time national park system provided the multiple by Cherokee and other culturally associated governmental agencies involved in tribal members for protection of ancestral management of the Bend committed to a burials and recognition of the area’s religious binding agreement for phased removal of importance to American Indians. Widespread incompatible land uses and any hazardous looting and grave robbing had impacted the wastes. This would allow an opportunity to archeological resources and burial sites, restore the Bend’s cultural landscape to particularly following the end of small-scale approximate its appearance at the time of the commercial truck farming on the southern 1950 authorizing legislation. end of the Bend in 1974. The limited level of law enforcement protection and monitoring The cooperative management plan initially on the Bend at the time was inadequate to assessed seven planning alternatives for site deter the illegal site disturbances. management. Two of the alternatives were ultimately selected for further analysis: 1) By the early 1990s, renewed support had continuation of existing conditions, and 2) emerged for the addition of the national establishment of a Moccasin Bend National historic landmark district to the national park Historical Park. As proposed by the latter system. Among the local supporters was the alternative, the historical park would become Friends of Moccasin Bend National Park, Inc., a new national park unit under the a nonprofit organization formed in 1995. A administration of the superintendent of study undertaken by the organization found Chickamauga and Chattanooga NMP. The that positive economic benefits would accrue alternative placed primary focus on the Bend’s to the community if the site were developed as significant archeological and historic

CHAPTER ONE: PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PLAN resources, with site management involving district, and authorization for the secretary of close collaboration among the Park Service, the interior “to consult and enter into associated American Indian groups, and other cooperative agreements with culturally public and private partners committed to affiliated federally recognized Indian tribes, Moccasin Bend’s preservation and governmental entities, and interested persons interpretation (NPS 1998). to provide for the restoration, preservation, development, interpretation, and use of the In October 2001, the U.S. House of archeological district.” Representatives passed H.R. 980, a bill calling for establishment of the “Moccasin Bend By the end of 2004, lands acquired by the Park National Historic Site” as a unit of the Service for the archeological district included national park system. However, the National 420 acres from the city of Chattanooga and Park Service recommended to congressional Hamilton County, 220 acres from the state of committees (in June 2001 and in June 2002) Tennessee, and 110 acres of private land. that the proposed addition of the historic site Excluded from the boundaries of the be postponed because of the agency’s need to archeological district were the Moccasin Bend address the backlog of deferred maintenance Mental Health Institute, the municipal golf at other existing NPS units. It was noted that course, the WDEF radio towers, the law the House bill did not adequately address the enforcement firing range and the model disposition of incompatible land uses on the airplane facility. Bend or provide a reasonable timetable for transference of lands to the secretary of the interior. The NPS objection to park unit PURPOSE AND SIGNIFICANCE designation also noted that subsurface STATEMENTS cultural resources would continue to be at risk as long as portions of the archeological district Purpose remained under the jurisdiction of other land- Purpose statements are derived from the park managing entities that did not have resource unit’s authorizing legislation and reaffirm the preservation as a primary goal. However, the reason for which the area was established as a NPS statement of June 2002 to the U.S. Senate unit of the national park system. Purpose subcommittee on national parks noted that statements provide the foundation for all the addition of the Bend to the park system decisions regarding the management and use could yet occur provided that certain of the park unit. commitments and timetables for the land transfers were met along with agreement on The Moccasin Bend National Archeological operational issues (NPS 2001; NPS 2002). District was established as a unit of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National A subsequent bill was introduced in the U.S. Military Park by Public Law 108-7 enacted House of Representatives in January 2003 for February 20, 2003. In accordance with the establishment of the Moccasin Bend National legislative intent, the archeological district was Archeological District. The bill was passed established “in order to preserve, protect, and and the archeological district was ultimately interpret for the benefit of the public the established as a unit of Chickamauga and nationally significant archeological and Chattanooga National Military Park on historic resources located on the peninsula February 20, 2003 (117 Stat. 248; Public Law known as Moccasin Bend, Tennessee.” 108-7). The legislation repealed the prior land acquisition authorities granted under the act Significance of 1950. Among the administrative provisions Significance statements describe the of the legislation were the establishment of a distinguishing resources and characteristics visitor interpretive center in the archeological that set a park unit apart in a regional, 10

Introduction national, and sometimes international PRIMARY INTERPRETIVE THEMES context. These statements assist managers Primary interpretive themes are based on park with making decisions that preserve the purpose and significance; they connect park resources and values necessary to accomplish resources to relevant ideas, meanings, the purpose of the park unit. concepts, contexts, beliefs, and values. They • The Moccasin Bend National serve to increase visitor understanding and Archeological District possesses national appreciation of the park’s significant and international importance based on resources. approximately 12,000 years of continuous • Moccasin Bend contains many layers of American Indian occupation. The resources representing approximately archeological information and research 12,000 years of human history and many potential of the district’s excavated and different cultures that connect with unexcavated archeological resources are American Indian peoples living today. not duplicated within the national park system. These resources span periods of • The river and the peninsula, combined American Indian occupation from with abundant resources throughout the transitional Paleo-Archaic, Archaic, area, provided the peoples of Moccasin Woodland, Mississippian, European Bend with the necessities for sustaining contact, and Cherokee removal. community life. • Moccasin Bend represents the best • Moccasin Bend was a part of a larger preserved, most important, and most network of trade routes, crossroads, and concentrated archeological assemblage of corridors, and was a focal point of Southeastern American Indian cultures multicultural contacts, interactions, and known to exist in the Tennessee Valley. conflicts. • The Trail of Tears (the route followed • The Trail of Tears, an event that forced the during the tragic event of 1838 when the removal of American Indians from their U.S. Government forcibly removed Southeastern homelands, is part of the Cherokee Indians from their homelands) story of Moccasin Bend. passes through portions of Moccasin Bend. • The presence of human burials at • Moccasin Bend retains profound spiritual Moccasin Bend makes it a sacred site to importance for many contemporary honor those who have gone before and a American Indian tribes with ancestral ties place for making spiritual connections. to the area. • Moccasin Bend was an important strategic • Civil War earthworks on Stringers Ridge location for Union forces in Chattanooga, from the Battles for Chattanooga (1863) and was used to break the Confederate are the best preserved constructed siege of the town in November 1863. remnants of the battles. These Union Army gun emplacements and related features represent the only surviving physical RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PROJECTS elements associated with the campaign. AND PLANS The following plans, policies, and actions Other Important Resources and Values could affect the alternatives being considered • Moccasin Bend has scenic values long held in this plan and environmental assessment. in high regard by the region’s residents and These plans and policies were also considered visitors, particularly as part of the in the analyses of cumulative impacts. expansive vistas experienced from the top of Lookout Mountain.

CHAPTER ONE: PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PLAN

General Management Plan / Development of cultural resources has led to the decision to Concept Plan, Chickamauga and employ minimally intrusive stabilization Chattanooga National Military Park (1987). measures incorporating riprap and The existing general management plan is bioengineering techniques that involve the dated and a new plan is presently underway to planting of native plant species. Public provide a long-term management framework meetings and tribal consultations were held in for the national military park including the 2005 as part of initial project planning. The Moccasin Bend unit. The 1987 general first phase of construction is scheduled to management plan, however, did consider begin in the fall of 2009. options for protecting the Civil War resources of Stringers Ridge located on the Bend. The Five-Year Chattanooga Greenway and preferred alternative called for the Park Open Space Plan (April 1, 2005 – March 31, Service to encourage existing landowners to 2010). This plan was undertaken by the Trust protect the historically significant features of for Public Land as part of long-range planning Stringers Ridge, but not to seek formal for the Tennessee Riverpark and Chattanooga involvement in protection of the site. Other Area Greenways System. The City of alternatives considered in the plan involved Chattanooga contracted with the Trust for NPS acquisition of fee-simple title to Stringers Public Land in 1994 to assist the community Ridge and its establishment as a park unit, and with the development of a unified greenway the development of cooperative agreements system. The objectives for the Tennessee or scenic easements to protect the ridge. Riverpark are to provide a 20-mile-long circuit of publically accessible parks, trails, Draft Cooperative Management Plan / and landmarks that stretch from Chickamauga Environmental Assessment (Special Dam through downtown Chattanooga to Resource Study), Moccasin Bend, Tennessee Moccasin Bend, and to connect the riverpark (1998). This plan evaluated the suitability and to other greenways in the area. feasibility of adding Moccasin Bend to the national park system. The plan affirmed the North Shore Plan (2007). The Chattanooga – national significance of the site’s archeological Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency and historical resources, and recommended undertook this plan to provide long-term that a Moccasin Bend National Historical vision and design recommendations for Park could feasibly be established as a unit of Chattanooga’s North Shore area. The plan Chickamauga and Chattanooga NMP with the proposed goals to address a wide variety of provision that an agreement be reached with issues regarding residential and commercial government agencies and landowners for development, transportation, public spaces, phased removal of incompatible land uses and natural systems, viewsheds, and other topics. hazardous wastes. The following recommendations were provided to link the North Shore with Moccasin Bend Stream Bank Stabilization Moccasin Bend: Project (2005). The U.S. Army Corps of 1) Provide a greenway connection between Engineers (Nashville District), in cooperation Renaissance Park and Moccasin Bend in with the National Park Service, undertook this cooperation with the Trust for Public Land project in 2005 to control erosion impacting and the National Park Service. approximately 6 miles of Moccasin Bend’s 2) Explore mass transit opportunities to riverbank. An estimated 10 to 15 feet of Moccasin Bend to reduce or mitigate the riverbank has eroded into the Tennessee impact of increased visitation. River over the past 20 years, and threats from erosion to the Bend’s significant archeological 3) Provide appropriate way-finding signage resources and American Indian burials along access routes. prompted the stabilization project. Protection

Introduction

4) Develop Manufacturers Road as a • A world-class interpretive and curatorial gateway to Moccasin Bend, and work with center would honor the site’s former property owners to enhance the landscaping inhabitants and descendents. and other qualities contributing to the • Moccasin Bend should be returned to appearance of the gateway approach. natural conditions to preserve green space 5) Explore a variety of transportation and wildlife habitat. opportunities to connect Moccasin Bend • A modest, basic visitor facility is needed with the North Shore and downtown (e.g., rather than an elaborate or high-tech bicycle facilities, sidewalks, shuttles, facility that would overshadow the canoes/kayaks, riverwalk extension, water importance of the place and contribute to taxi). other incompatible modern development.

• Moccasin Bend is a sacred place where PROJECT-RELATED ISSUES AND American Indian culture and history should be respected and interpreted. CONSIDERATIONS • Any new facilities should incorporate The planning team conducted both internal contextual designs and materials that are scoping with NPS park and regional office sensitive to the Bend’s natural personnel and external scoping with the surroundings and American Indian public, culturally affiliated tribes, other heritage. agencies, and partners and stakeholders to • Other conflicting land uses on the Bend identify the broad range of issues bearing on could diminish the visitor experience. the present development concept plan. These • issues were considered in the development of Moccasin Bend should be linked with planning alternatives. Chattanooga and the city’s cultural facilities, and should complement the city’s The following issues and considerations were other waterfront development efforts. received from the public at planning meetings • Explore alternative modes of access to and and workshops held in Chattanooga in throughout the Bend, such as hiking/biking September 2005, March 2006, September trails and water taxi transport. 2007, and in response to newsletter question- • Ensure that the primary emphasis of a naires (September 2005, February 2006, and visitor center is on education and research, August 2007): and limit other recreational activities. • Ensure that any proposed development • Development on Moccasin Bend could and use of Moccasin Bend fully considers divert NPS funds from other pressing the protection of the site’s primary management needs of Chickamauga and archeological and historical resources. Chattanooga NMP. • A new Moccasin Bend visitor center • Protect the site from encroaching should be an attractive, state-of-the-art commercial development, and do not facility that accurately interprets the broad commercialize the visitor experience at the history of the Bend (i.e., American Indian interpretive center. occupation; the Trail of Tears; Civil War • sites). Provide an enjoyable educational experience for families and large groups, • Visitors should have a “transformative” with adequate parking for tour and school experience that provides them with strong buses. personal connections to the stories and • historical events of Moccasin Bend, and Incorporate dynamic, hands-on draws them back for repeat visits. interpretation methods (e.g., live demonstrations, festivals, reenactments) rather than just static exhibits and displays. 13

CHAPTER ONE: PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PLAN

• American Indians should be employed to • Any artifacts retrieved from outside provide site interpretation and security repositories and considered for exhibit patrols. display at Moccasin Bend need to be assessed for possible repatriation with The following issues and considerations were affiliated tribes in conformance with the discussed during government-to-government Native American Graves Protection and meetings with American Indian tribal Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). representatives held in Chattanooga in • Tribal members should be involved in September 2005, March 2006, and October efforts to procure artifacts from museums 2006. The tribes represented at the meetings and other repositories, and in assessing the were the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of appropriateness of publicly exhibiting Oklahoma, Alabama-Quasssarte Tribal Town, selected artifacts at the interpretive center. Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, • It is important to carefully determine what Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, Eastern Band of visitor activities are appropriate in efforts Cherokee Indians, Eastern Shawnee Tribe of to respect the Bend’s sacred status. Oklahoma, Kialegee Tribal Town, and the • Muscogee (Creek) Nation: Tribal representatives wish to be involved in all phases of planning for the • The presence of open graves and disturbed interpretation of Moccasin Bend. human remains associated with American • Indian settlements on Moccasin Bend is a Interpretive facility development should critical concern, and proper filling and on- occur on federal land to better ensure site reburying of remains is urgent. NPS tribal participation under government-to- staff agreed to sensitively fill burial government authorities in planning and depressions. design decision making. • • Ancestral burials on Moccasin Bend must Federally owned lands on Moccasin Bend be protected by any new construction for are held in fee-simple ownership, and not visitor facilities and trails, and develop- as Indian trust lands. ment proposals must fully consider that the • Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee area is sacred ground. Indians participated in NPS archeological • More information is needed by way of surveys carried out in September 2006 of archeological investigations or other means possible facility development sites. Because to locate burials and sensitive sites before no significant archeological sites or human tribal representatives can offer planning remains were identified, the Cherokee advice. tribal representative indicated that any of the proposed development locations • It is important to recognize the layering of would be acceptable, but they and other different cultures at Moccasin Bend over tribal representatives desired continued time, inter-tribal interactions and input into the functions and interpretive cooperation, and the connections and approach for the proposed interpretive continuity with present-day American center. Indian cultures. • There may be value in negotiating formal • There is concern that visitors could disturb agreements among the Park Service, tribes, the burials if they are allowed to walk and other partners (such as the Friends of among the village sites such as Hampton Moccasin Bend) to address the desired Place, and there is general consensus that nature and level of participation in the burial locations should be off-limits to development and management of the visitors. interpretive center. • Long-term provision of security measures • Interpreting the story of burial site looting for the village sites is critical. on Moccasin Bend may provide an 14

Introduction

opportunity to educate the public about range of actions for management of visitor use the destructive repercussions of these on Moccasin Bend. These would be illegal practices, and serve to reinforce site developed in the course of future general protection objectives at the core of visitor management planning. interpretation.

PARTNERSHIPS USER CAPACITY The National Park Service and the Friends of In the process of planning for a park unit, the Moccasin Bend National Park, Inc. (Friends) National Park Service is required to address entered into a memorandum of understanding user capacity management. The Park Service (MOU) in 2005 for the purpose of defines user capacity as the type and level of coordinating philanthropy, preservation, visitor use that can be accommodated while interpretation, and other activities to benefit sustaining the quality of park resources and the Moccasin Bend National Archeological visitor experiences. Managing for visitor use District. As part of the cooperative agreement, includes establishing desired conditions, the Friends (a nonprofit, tax-exempt monitoring and evaluating these conditions, corporation) indicated their willingness to applying management strategies, and making participate as a planning partner with the Park adjustments to ensure that park values are Service to “facilitate the development, protected. management, and operation of a cultural interpretive center.” The agreement was Planning for user capacity is most often carried out in accordance with NPS accomplished at the general management plan management policies and specific provisions level, a broader planning process than that of Public Law 108-7 that authorized the conducted for the present development establishment of the archeological district. concept plan for Moccasin Bend. User The establishing legislation allowed the capacity on the Bend was not considered in secretary of the interior to consult and enter the previous general management plan for into cooperative agreements with federally Chickamauga and Chattanooga National recognized tribes, governmental entities, and Military Park, but likely would be an other interested parties for undertakings important element of future planning for all related to the preservation, development, units of the national military park. interpretation, and use of the district.

As with all planning efforts, managing for user Among the fundamental services that the capacity involves remaining consistent with Friends agreed to provide under the MOU the purpose and significance of the park unit. was assistance preparing the long-term vision Indicators and standards are developed for the visitor interpretive center, with public against which park staff can measure and and private entities collaborating to provide evaluate damage to resources or identify educational and interpretive opportunities for compromised visitor experiences. An visitors. The Friends also agreed to facilitate indicator is a measurable variable that can be public involvement activities, assist with fund- used to monitor and track changes in resource raising and philanthropic donation efforts, conditions and visitor experiences to foster partnerships with other stakeholders, determine if desired conditions are being met. and seek ways to link Moccasin Bend to A standard is the minimum acceptable Chattanooga’s comprehensive economic condition for an indicator. If a standard is not development objectives. met, management strategies may be adjusted to minimize impacts. There are presently no An economic analysis was prepared for the surveys or studies to provide supporting data Friends in 1996 that recommended the for developing indicators, standards, and a addition of the national historic landmark 15

CHAPTER ONE: PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PLAN district as a unit of the national park system, COMMERCIAL VISITOR SERVICES with construction of a cooperatively managed There are currently no definitive proposals to visitor interpretive center as the centerpiece of provide commercial visitor services at a second phase of development. Based on Moccasin Bend as part of the proposed marketing and tourism analysis, the study development for the NPS interpretive center. projected that a well-planned, well- However, in conformance with the National constructed, and well-operated Park Service Concessions Management project/facility could attract a mid-range Improvement Act of 1998 (Public Law 105- estimate of 591,740 visitors annually to the 391) and NPS Management Policies 2006, the national historic landmark district and National Park Service may use commercially interpretive center. provided services to assist the agency in

achieving objectives for visitor use and Project development was determined to enjoyment. Commercial visitor services must potentially have far-reaching benefits on the be consistent with a park unit’s enabling local and regional tourism economies, and legislation and general management plan, contribute to Chattanooga’s profile as a support the park’s purpose and significance, tourist destination. Elements deemed key to protect fundamental resources and values, project success were the close proximity of and address visitor experience objectives. Moccasin Bend to a major metropolitan area, the unusually long and rich span of American Separate planning is carried out to determine Indian history at the site, the extraordinary whether proposed or existing commercial setting, the wide scope of interpretation, services are necessary and appropriate. anticipated national park status, and the Commercially provided sales of books and Bend’s potential to complement the existing educational materials, for example, may be tourism economy (Martin 1996). found to be a necessary and appropriate

activity for the visitor center. A range of The partnership approach that was potential management alternatives for these recommended above for the visitor services would be considered and evaluated. interpretive center is reflected in alternative D Commercial visitor services are typically of the present development concept plan. The authorized by contracts, commercial use Friends have purchased a land parcel authorizations, or special use permits. They adjoining the NPS-owned former Serodino must be economically feasible and are property selected for the center. Joint generally supported by a feasibility study of proposals for facility development and the planning alternatives. cooperative interpretive programs could be pursued on these adjoining parcels.

IMPACT TOPICS

DERIVATION OF IMPACT TOPICS development proposals. The evaluation of potential impacts of proposed actions on Impact topics are the resources or subjects of significant historic properties is required by concern that could be affected by actions the National Historic Preservation Act and the discussed in the range of alternatives. These National Environmental Policy Act, as is impact topics were identified from federal attention to the provisions of the Native laws and regulations, issues that were brought American Graves Protection and Repatriation up by the public, and NPS staff knowledge of Act for sites where human remains or burials limited or easily impacted resources. A brief may be present. rationale for the selection of each impact topic is provided below, as well as the rationale for Archeological Resources. The nationally dismissing specific impact topics from further significant archeological resources of consideration. Moccasin Bend provide a physical record

documenting approximately 12,000 years of

continuous American Indian settlement and IMPACT TOPICS ANALYZED IN THIS use of the area. These resources, together with DOCUMENT archeological evidence of 1863 Union Army Visitor Use and Experience artillery emplacements and associated Civil War sites on Stringers Ridge, were designated Providing for quality visitor experiences and a national historic landmark district in 1986. interpretation are among the fundamental In 2006, archeological surveys and testing of purposes of the National Park Service. The proposed locations for the visitor interpretive public responses received during scoping for center were carried out by the NPS Southeast this development concept plan reflect a broad Archeological Center to determine whether range of desired experiences (e.g., provide a currently unidentified archeological resources state-of-the art visitor information center, might be present in these locations that could restrict inappropriate recreational activities, be adversely impacted by ground-disturbing provide visitors with “transformative” construction activities. Although no experiences). Taking these comments into significant archeological resources were consideration, the alternatives evaluated in found, there is a possibility that archeological this plan would affect visitor access to the resources may yet be identified within the area national archeological district and the types of potential effect associated with the selected and levels of educational and recreational site location. The proximity of the known opportunities that would be available. The archeological resources contributing to the impacts on visitor use and experience are national archeological district provide further therefore analyzed in this plan and justification for analyzing the effects of the environmental assessment. proposed undertaking on archeological

resources in this environmental assessment. Cultural Resources

The 1966 National Historic Preservation Act Ethnographic Resources. Ethnographic (16 USC 470 et seq.), the 1916 NPS Organic resources are defined by the National Park Act, NPS Director’s Order 28: Cultural Service as any “site, structure, object, Resource Management Guideline, and other landscape, or natural resource feature NPS planning and cultural resource policies assigned traditional legendary, religious, and guidelines call for the consideration and subsistence, or other significance in the protection of historic properties in cultural system of a group traditionally 17

CHAPTER ONE: PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION associated with it” (DO-28). Although no capital outlay for site development and formal ethnographic investigations have been construction, and ongoing facility completed for Moccasin Bend, the overall maintenance and operations would contribute area retains profound importance for many to Chickamauga and Chattanooga NMP’s American Indian tribes. The long history of long-term budget requirements. The staffing settlement and the presence of ancestral needs at Moccasin Bend for site interpretation burials in proximity to the former village sites and protection, law enforcement, and facility imbue the Bend with a complex spiritual management would also affect NPS dimension. In recognition of the Bend as operations. Because the proposed alternatives sacred ground, all development and use would have long-term implications for NPS proposals must be carried out in a manner that operational management and budgetary respects the former inhabitants. Based in part allocations, the impacts on NPS operations on the tribal consultations that have occurred and facilities are analyzed in this plan. to date, no ethnographic resources or traditional uses have been specifically identified in the proposed location of the IMPACT TOPICS DISMISSED FROM visitor interpretive center. Ethnographic FURTHER ANALYSIS resources, however, may yet be identified by future investigations in support of long-range Cultural Resources cultural resource management of the Bend Historic Structures/Buildings. The former and more comprehensive general Serodino property selected for the visitor management planning efforts. The impacts of interpretive center is presently an open the proposed project alternatives on agricultural / grazing tract and there are no ethnographic resources are therefore historic structures or buildings listed in or considered in this plan. eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places within the area of potential Socioeconomic Environment effect on Moccasin Bend. Increasing visitation to Moccasin Bend has the potential to contribute to the economies of Under alternative A of this development Chattanooga and Hamilton County as the concept plan, the Park Service would provide Bend’s interpretive and educational primary interpretation of Moccasin Bend at opportunities expand the range of available existing park visitor centers (i.e., in the visitor activities, become linked to other local headquarters area at Fort Oglethorpe, and regional interpretive sites and facilities, Georgia, or at the Lookout Mountain and encourage visitors to spend more time in Battlefield and Point Park in Tennessee). the area. Actions proposed by the planning Museum objects and exhibits associated with alternatives that result in increased visitation the Bend could be displayed at these locations. may indirectly affect land use and commercial The Colonial Revival-style visitor center / development. Short-term economic impacts administration building in the headquarters are also anticipated from construction of the area was built in 1936 by the Public Works visitor interpretive center. The impacts of the Administration with labor provided by the alternatives on the socioeconomic Civilian Conservation Corps. Later additions environment are therefore considered in this to the national register-listed building were plan. constructed for museum exhibits and interpretive displays, visitor information, and NPS Operations and Facilities audio/visual presentations. The Lookout Mountain Battlefield visitor center is housed The planning alternatives considered for in an altered, non-contributing building. Moccasin Bend are anticipated to affect NPS Exhibits could also be placed in the national operations and facility management. The new register-listed Ochs Memorial Museum / interpretive center would entail the initial 18

Impact Topics

Observatory, a rustic stone structure located topography, spatial organization, land use on a promontory at Point Park overlooking patterns, circulation systems, vegetation, Moccasin Bend. buildings and structures, views and vistas) associated with the prehistoric and historic Although no substantial modifications to occupation of the area that contribute to the these existing buildings for interpretive significance of the national archeological purposes are anticipated under alternative A, district. any project undertakings with the potential to affect their historical integrity would be No archeological or other resources have carried out in conformance with Section 106 been identified on the former Serodino of the National Historic Preservation Act. The property associated with American Indian Park Service would consult with the State settlement and use of Moccasin Bend, and the Historic Preservation Officer in seeking landscape selected for the visitor interpretive measures to avoid or minimize potential center contains no natural and cultural adverse effects. With appropriate mitigation resources that could be considered heritage and in conformance with the Secretary of the resources to associated American Indian tribal Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of members or that have significance to their way Historic Properties, no moderate or major of life. There are no resources at the proposed adverse impacts to the buildings are development site associated with subsistence, anticipated under alternative A. The topic of religious, ceremonial, or other traditional historic structures and buildings is therefore activities resulting from historical or dismissed from further analysis in this contemporary use. For the above reasons, development concept plan and environmental cultural landscapes have been dismissed from assessment. analysis in this plan.

Cultural Landscapes. According to the Museum Collections. Among the items National Park Service’s Director’s Order 28: typically retained in NPS museum collections Cultural Resource Management Guideline, a are prehistoric/historic objects and artifacts, cultural landscape is archival documents, natural history specimens, and works of art. Artifacts “a reflection of human adaptation and recovered from Moccasin Bend by previous use of natural resources and is often archeological investigations are held in expressed in the way land is organized various state and university repositories, and divided, patterns of settlement, land museums, and private collections. Although use, systems of circulation, and the types general discussions have occurred among of structures that are built. The character planners, tribal representatives, and other of a cultural landscape is defined both by stakeholders regarding the desirability and physical materials, such as roads, sensitivity of exhibiting museum objects at the buildings, walls, and vegetation, and by proposed Moccasin Bend visitor interpretive use reflecting cultural values and center, no detailed studies have been traditions.” completed to determine the proper scope of the collections that should be accessioned or Despite the long span of human settlement exhibited onsite. and use of Moccasin Bend, there are no identified cultural landscape features within Further collections management studies and the project area that would be affected by exhibit planning are required to guide these project actions. The former Serodino property efforts at Moccasin Bend. Any facilities selected for the visitor interpretive center is proposed for storing or exhibiting museum presently an open agricultural/grazing tract collections would need to meet NPS curation with no landscape characteristics (e.g., standards for acquisition, accessioning,

CHAPTER ONE: PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION cataloging, preservation, and protection. Prior out the mandates of federal law with respect to the storage or exhibit of American Indian to American Indian and Alaska native tribes. objects, and in accordance with stipulations of There are no Indian trust resources on the Native American Graves Protection and Moccasin Bend, and lands on the Bend are not Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the National held in trust by the secretary of the interior for Park Service would consult with tribal the benefit of Indians due to their status as representatives with regard to the disposition Indians. Therefore, the impact topic of Indian and possible repatriation of human remains, trust resources is dismissed in this plan and funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects environmental assessment. of cultural patrimony. Natural Resources Under National Park Service policy and Air Quality. Protection of air quality in units guidelines for floodplain management (DO- of the national park system is required by NPS 77), the location of “irreplaceable records, management policies and the Clean Air Act as museums, and storage of archeological amended. The Park Service seeks to artifacts” within 500-year floodplains is perpetuate the best possible air quality in considered a Class II action which typically parks to preserve natural resources and entails the preparation of a statement of systems; protect cultural resources; and findings. Hydrologic and geomorphic sustain visitor enjoyment, human health, and processes and hazards are assessed, and scenic vistas. The Park Service actively measures are proposed to avoid or mitigate promotes and pursues measures to protect air potential flood impacts. The Park Service is quality-related values from the adverse presently investigating the delineation of the impacts of air pollution (NPS Management 500-year floodplain of the Tennessee River in Policies 2006, sec. 4.7.1). proximity to the former Serodino property, and appropriate mitigation measures will be Potential localized sources of air pollution on included in the project planning and design Moccasin Bend are from facilities (e.g., the requirements if the present project is wastewater treatment plant), industrial determined a Class II action. development located on the northern part of the Bend, vehicle emissions, and other sources Because separate studies and planning are of urban pollution associated with the greater required for museum collections at Moccasin Chattanooga area. Increased vehicle emissions Bend, and the decision to store or display could occur from visitors coming to the museum objects and artifacts on site is interpretive center. However, large numbers presently undetermined, this topic has been of vehicles are not anticipated at any given dismissed from analysis in this development time except possibly for special events and concept plan. exhibits. As proposed by the North Shore Plan prepared by the Chattanooga – Hamilton Indian Trust Resources County Regional Planning Agency, the Secretarial Order 3175 requires that any provision of alternative modes of visitor anticipated impacts to Indian trust resources transportation to the Bend would serve to from a proposed project or action by reduce or mitigate emission levels. department of the interior agencies be explicitly addressed in environmental Short-term adverse air quality impacts could documents. The federal Indian trust also occur from vehicle emissions and dust responsibility is a legally enforceable fiduciary resulting from construction of the interpretive obligation on the part of the United States to center and related site development. Best protect tribal lands, assets, resources, and management practices would be used to treaty rights, and it represents a duty to carry control dust during construction and subsequent maintenance activities. Because 20

Impact Topics the impacts on air quality associated with development would be constructed in construction and ongoing operation of the previously disturbed areas and would be set visitor interpretive center are anticipated to be back from the riverbank. Structures and short term and negligibly adverse, and would parking areas would be designed to minimize not appreciably contribute to the impacts of interference with natural water runoff other sources of air pollution in the area, the processes. Any adverse impacts associated topic of air quality is dismissed from further with project actions on geologic resources analysis in this plan. would be negligible to minor in the short and long term. Therefore, geologic resources are Geologic Resources. The National Park not analyzed further in this plan. Service preserves and protects geologic features and processes. Park Service planning Soils. Soil resources are managed according to and management actions consider geologic NPS Management Policies 2006 (sec. 4.8.2.4). processes in decision making to reduce threats Most of the soils in the western and southern to public and staff safety and to the long-term portions of Moccasin Bend are well drained viability of park infrastructure. Although the but are severely limited for road and structural Park Service generally allows natural geologic development, particularly in flood-prone processes to proceed unimpeded, intervention areas. In areas protected from flooding, soil is allowed under certain conditions, including limitations on development are generally instances when there is no other feasible way moderate. A large portion of Moccasin Bend’s to protect natural resources, park facilities, or central section is overlain with sand and gravel historic properties (NPS Management Policies dredged from the south end of the riverbank 2006, sec 4.8.1). in 1963 for construction of Interstate 24; later borings indicated the redeposited dredged The Moccasin Bend peninsula is located in the material was 14 to 17 feet deep in places (NPS Valley and Ridge physiographic province near 1998). Natural soils in the vicinity of the its junction with the Cumberland Plateau. The project area (former Serodino property) area is characterized by northeast to consist of Staser loam along the river’s edge— southwest trending ridges formed by uplifting a deep, well-drained flood plain soil with and folding. Underlying layers of moderate permeability. Bodine cherty silt predominantly softer limestone and shale loam exists west (upslope) of the Staser loam. have eroded to form valleys, leaving an almost The deep, strongly acid, and moderately continuous escarpment of erosion-resistant permeable Bodine loam is poorly suited to bedded chert that rises almost 1,000 feet urban uses such as septic tank absorption above the level of the Tennessee River. fields (SCS 1982). Stringers Ridge along the eastern side of Moccasin Bend is representative of these Core borings were conducted as part of the irregular linear escarpments (NPS 1998). subsurface archeological testing carried out in September 2006 for the various visitor center Other than the stabilization project locations. The borings of the former Serodino undertaken in cooperation with the U.S. Army property revealed that fill soils (including Corps of Engineers to control erosion and construction debris such as brick and protect cultural resources along the concrete) were found at depths ranging Tennessee River bank adjacent to Moccasin between 3.6 and 4.8 meters. Former owner of Bend (see “Relationship to Other Projects and the tract, Pete Serodino, related to NPS staff Plans” earlier in this document), the Park that he had brought in fill and distributed it Service would not undertake further actions across the site to an approximate depth of 2.4 as part of the present planning effort that meters to raise the area above the 100-year would impede or alter natural geologic flood hazard level. The core testing revealed resources or processes. All facility that not only were the fill soils deeper than

CHAPTER ONE: PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION previously estimated, but also the previous natural functioning of aquatic and terrestrial topsoil on the tract was likely scraped off prior ecosystems is dependent on maintaining non- to the importation of fill material (NPS polluted surface and ground waters. 2006b). The peninsula of Moccasin Bend is bounded All proposed construction for this project on the east, south, and west by the Tennessee would be designed to minimize disturbance to River, the fifth largest river in the United naturally occurring soils. Because most of the States. The river is navigable for barge traffic soils in the project area are imported fill, the and recreational boating. The watershed of impacts on soils from implementation of this the Tennessee River system covers about plan would be negligible to minor. Soils have 41,000 square miles across seven states. Five therefore been dismissed as an impact topic major tributaries (the Clinch, Holston, French for this plan. Broad, Little Tennessee, and Hiwassee Rivers) contribute about 86% of the Tennessee Prime and Unique Farmlands. The 1981 River’s annual mean discharge of 35,450 cubic Farmland Protection Policy Act (PL 97-98) feet per second at Chattanooga. The was passed to minimize the extent to which Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) manages federal programs contribute to the the watershed of the river system with the unnecessary and irreversible conversion of primary objectives of providing low-cost, farmland to nonagricultural uses. Provisions reliable power to the nearly eight million of the act also ensure that federal programs people living in the region; stimulating are administered in a manner that (to the economic growth; and supporting a thriving extent practicable) is compatible with the river system. Although pollution regulations farmland protection programs and policies of are set by the Environmental Protection state and local governments and private Agency and the states within the river valley, entities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture the TVA employs a watershed condition index defines prime farmland as land that has the to assess and monitor overall water quality best combination of physical and chemical conditions. The index is based on stream and characteristics for producing food, feed, reservoir ecological health, water quality forage, fiber, and oilseed crops and is available assessments, and the condition of reservoir for these uses. Unique farmland is land other shoreline vegetation. than prime farmland that is used for the production of specific high value food and There are no surface water features (e.g., fiber crops (e.g., citrus, tree nuts, olives). streams, springs, ponds, irrigation ditches) on the former Serodino property that could be The soils presently on the former Serodino affected by proposed site development. The property are imported fill materials containing depth to groundwater on the property is brick and concrete debris unsuited for use as presently unknown although groundwater is prime and unique farmlands. Because no suspected to be relatively close to the surface identified prime and unique farmlands would (below the depth of the imported fill material) be affected by the proposed project, this topic because of the site’s proximity to the river. On has been dismissed from analysis in this plan. Moccasin Bend but outside of the project area are two freshwater springs north of the state Water Resources. In accordance with NPS hospital and east of Moccasin Bend Road. A Management Policies 2006 (sec. 4.6.3), the small pond is located about ½ mile north of Clean Water Act, and other applicable laws the hospital west of Moccasin Bend Road, and and regulations, the Park Service strives to another is located on the golf course less than avoid, to the extent possible, the pollution of 1,000 feet from the riverbank (NPS 1998). water resources by human activities occurring within and outside the parks. The health and

Impact Topics

In accordance with all applicable regulations Floodplains. Floodplains in units of the and permit requirements, the Park Service national park system are protected and would incorporate best management practices managed in accordance with Executive Order and other mitigation measures into the 11988, “Floodplain Management,” NPS construction specifications to avoid or Director’s Order 77-2: Floodplain minimize possible erosion and run-off Management, and NPS Management Policies resulting from construction or operation of 2006 (sec. 4.6.4). Under this guidance, the the interpretive/cultural facility from entering Park Service protects, preserves, and restores the Tennessee River. Measures would also be floodplains; minimizes risk to life or property implemented to avoid contamination of by design or modification of actions in ground water by fuel spills or other floodplains; and assesses impacts on construction-related incidents. In floodplains. It is NPS policy to avoid adversely consideration of these protection measures, affecting floodplains and to minimize impacts and because no existing water features on the when they are unavoidable. former Serodino property or other water resources on Moccasin Bend would be As determined by the Federal Emergency affected by proposed development, water Management Agency (FEMA), a 100-year resources have been dismissed from analysis floodplain parallels the Tennessee River in this plan. around Moccasin Bend, varying in width from less than 50 feet from the shoreline near Wetlands. All wetlands in units of the portions of the state hospital on the south end, national park system are protected and to approximately 1,600 feet on the golf course. managed in accordance with Executive Order A 500-year floodplain generally parallels the 11990, “Protection of Wetlands,” NPS 100-year floodplain, occurring in low-lying Director’s Order 77-1 and its accompanying areas and south of the golf course on the procedural handbook regarding wetlands, and western portion of the Bend (NPS 1998). NPS Management Policies 2006 (sec. 4.6.5). The National Park Service strives to protect Periodic storms can result in significant flood and enhance natural wetlands and to avoid events in the Chattanooga area and adverse impacts or minimize unavoidable throughout the watershed particularly adverse impacts to wetlands. NPS Procedural between December and May. The Tennessee Manual 77-1, “Wetlands Protection,” Valley Authority manages the retention and describes NPS policies and procedures for release of water along the Tennessee River protection of wetlands in park units. It is NPS with its system of nine dams to control policy to prepare a “statement of findings” flooding and generate hydroelectric power. As when a proposed action has the potential to part of this system, the Chickamauga Dam and adversely affect wetlands. Reservoir is located approximately seven miles upstream from the downtown area of There are no designated wetlands within the Chattanooga. current project area. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has mapped three areas on Under National Park Service policy and the Moccasin Bend golf course as palustrine guidelines for floodplain management (DO- open water wetland systems. Two additional 77), the location of “irreplaceable records, areas south of the golf course and about museums, and storage of archeological midway between the east and west riverbanks artifacts” within 500-year floodplains is are also classified as palustrine open water considered a Class II action which typically wetlands (NPS 1998). Because no identified entails the preparation of a statement of wetlands would be impacted by any proposals findings. Hydrologic and geomorphic in this plan, wetlands have been dismissed as processes and hazards are assessed, and an impact topic for this plan. measures are proposed to avoid or mitigate

CHAPTER ONE: PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION potential flood impacts. The Park Service is could be considered “noise” when compared presently investigating the delineation of the to the natural soundscape. However, this does 500-year floodplain of the Tennessee River in not imply that all human sounds are proximity to the former Serodino property, inappropriate or unacceptable. The range of and appropriate mitigation measures will be acceptable human-caused sounds is variable, included in the project planning and design and what is acceptable near a visitor center requirements if the present project is may be unacceptable in a campground or a determined a Class II action. backcountry area.

Based on examination of U.S. Army Corps of The natural soundscape of Moccasin Bend Engineers floodplain maps, the former includes all of the naturally occurring sounds Serodino property selected for the visitor such as calling birds, insects, wind, rustling interpretive center is situated at an elevation leaves, and the lapping of the river on the approximately one foot above the level of the shoreline. These naturally occurring sounds 100-year floodplain. Because of the proximity are currently affected by the sounds produced of the proposed development location to the by the various facilities on the Bend, including 100-year floodplain level, the Park Service vehicle noise and other human activities that would ensure that appropriate design occur there. Boat traffic on the Tennessee considerations and mitigation measures are River is another contributing sound factor. incorporated into the construction of the visitor center. Measures would be taken to Construction activities associated with minimize potential impacts from natural flood development of the visitor interpretive center processes and storm events, and construction would contribute to short-term noise impacts; would be in accordance with state and local more long-term noise impacts would building codes with regard to floodplain accompany ongoing visitation and operation considerations. With the intent to incorporate of the center. The latter impacts would be appropriate protection measures into facility associated primarily with vehicle traffic to the development, and because proposed center and occasional outdoor development would have localized and demonstrations and interpretive activities. negligible adverse impacts on natural These noise impacts would be expected to floodplain processes, the analysis of contribute only negligible to minor adverse floodplains has been dismissed from this plan. impacts to the soundscape in conjunction with the other sources of human-caused Soundscapes. NPS Management Policies 2006 sounds on Moccasin Bend. For this reason, (sec. 4.9) and Director’s Order 47: Soundscape further analysis of the soundscape has been Preservation and Noise Management recognize dismissed in this plan. the importance of natural soundscapes as park resources. The natural soundscape is defined Lightscapes. In accordance with NPS as the natural sounds in a park unit that exist Management Policies 2006 (sec. 4.10), national in the absence of any human-produced or park system units strive to preserve natural associated sounds. The policies and director’s ambient lightscapes, which are natural order call for the National Park Service to resources and values that exist in the absence preserve, to the greatest extent possible, the of human-caused light. The Park Service seeks natural soundscapes of parks, to restore to minimize light that emanates from park degraded soundscapes to natural conditions facilities, and artificial lighting is restricted to whenever possible, and to protect natural areas and facilities requiring specific safety soundscapes from adverse noise impacts. and security measures. Minimal lighting “Noise” is defined as unwanted sound that techniques are employed, and artificial interferes with an activity or disturbs the lighting is shielded to prevent or minimize person hearing the sound. All human sound light intrusion affecting ecosystems and the

Impact Topics night sky. There are several sources of trees, shrubs or other vegetation, a negligible artificial light on Moccasin Bend associated loss of wildlife habitat is anticipated as a primarily with existing non-NPS facilities— consequence of proposed development. the state hospital, radio towers, sewage Therefore, the topic of wildlife has been treatment plant, etc. Negligible impacts on the dismissed in this plan. lightscape of Moccasin Bend are anticipated from the proposed NPS action. For these Threatened and Endangered Species and reasons, and because the Park Service would Species of Special Concern. The Endangered employ measures to minimize light intrusions Species Act requires federal agencies to ensure emanating from new NPS facilities, the topic that their activities do not jeopardize the of lightscapes has been dismissed from further existence of any endangered or threatened analysis in this plan. species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat of such species. Wilderness. There are no federally The Park Service consulted with the U.S. Fish designated wilderness areas on Moccasin and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Bend, and no proposals to manage specific Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to areas on the Bend for the protection of determine if threatened and endangered wilderness values. For this reason, wilderness species and species of special concern were in has been dismissed as an impact topic. the project area or could be affected by project actions. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Wildlife. Despite Moccasin Bend’s current Service notified the park that no significant high level of development and disturbed land adverse impacts to wetlands or federally listed areas, habitat exists in certain locations to endangered or threatened species are support a variety of wildlife. Mammals include anticipated from the NPS proposal. The opossum, short-tailed shrew, meadow vole, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency notified white-footed mouse, and hispid cotton rat. the park that no extant populations of state- Small populations of deer also have been listed or endangered species are known to known to inhabit the area. Observed bird exist within the Moccasin Bend National species include the Carolina wren, tufted Archeological District. titmouse, mockingbird, song sparrow, American robin, cardinal, rufous-sided U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service records towhee, red-tailed hawk, and American available for Hamilton County indicate the kestrel. Several waterfowl species that fly and following federally listed endangered and feed along the Tennessee River have nesting threatened species: sites on Moccasin Bend. Reptiles and amphibians include the black rat snake, fence [Note: (E) – Endangered; (T) – lizard, and five-lined skinks. Turtles and frogs Threatened; (h) – Historic (pre 1970); (C) – inhabit the area particularly along the river Candidate; (CH) – Critical Habitat] shore (NPS 1998). Snail darter – Percina tanasi (T) Proposed construction activities (e.g., use of Cumberland monkeyface pearly mussel – heavy equipment for excavation, grading, and Quadrula intermedia (E) (h) utility trenching, and on-site construction Dromedary pearly mussel – Dromus dromas assembly of the visitor center) are unlikely to (E) (h) have greater than negligible short-term or Fine-rayed pigtoe – Fusconaia cuneolus (E) (h) long-term adverse impacts on wildlife populations because construction will Orangefoot pimpleback – Plethobasus primarily occur in the previously disturbed cooperianus (E) and cleared former Serodino tract. Because Pink mucket pearly mussel – Lampsilis abrupta the tract is open without established stands of (E) (=Lampsilis orbiculata)

CHAPTER ONE: PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION

Rough pigtoe – Pleurobema plenum (E) (h) understory with scattered deciduous Tuberculed-blossom pearly mussel – hardwoods (NPS 1998). The former Serodino Epioblasma torulosa torulosa (E) (h) tract has been previously cleared for Large-flowered skullcap – Scutellaria montana agricultural/ grazing use and does not have (E) stands of vegetation in areas proposed for facility development. Any impacts on Small-whorled pogonia – Isotria medeoloides vegetation from project-related development (T) would be negligible. For these reasons, White fringeless orchid – Platanthera vegetation has been dismissed from further integrilabia (C) analysis in this plan. Virginia spirea – Spiraea virginiana (T) Gray Bat – Myotis grisescens (E) Transportation. Existing city and county roads are anticipated to provide primary Much of the potential habitat on Moccasin access to the former Serodino property on Bend has been disturbed by facility Moccasin Bend selected for the development or agricultural use. These visitor/cultural center. The two principal disturbed areas, including the former roads on the Bend that lead to the visitor Serodino tract, do not provide suitable habitat center site and the archeological district are for the above threatened, endangered, or Manufacturers Road and Moccasin Bend special concern species. These species would Road. Hamm Road (a secondary road most likely only occur in these areas as connecting Manufacturers Road and transients or migrants (NPS 1998). For these Moccasin Bend Road) provides final access to reasons, the potential impacts of project the development site as it traverses across the actions on threatened and endangered species property’s northwestern boundary. are not further analyzed in this plan. Recreational visitors share the roads with personnel and service providers of the state Vegetation. The vegetation in upland hospital, wastewater treatment plant, and portions of Moccasin Bend consists of a other facilities. Truck traffic is occasionally mixed forest canopy of evergreen and interspersed with passenger vehicles traveling deciduous trees. Tree species in riparian forest to the various facility and recreational areas include sweeetgum, sycamore, black destinations. willow, river birch, cottonwood, box elder, slippery elm, green ash, silver maple, At present, traffic volumes are not particularly hackberry, and willow oak. Common heavy along these roads in the southern understory vegetation includes swamp portion of the Bend in comparison with the dogwood and sumac. Japanese honeysuckle is North Shore area or other portions of the the dominant ground cover in open forest Chattanooga metropolitan area. Traffic areas. Old field vegetation includes crabgrass, studies have not been completed to analyze horseweed, pokeweed, asters, broom sedge, the projected additional volume of visitor Queen Anne’s lace, and berry briars. Various vehicle traffic to the visitor/cultural center, stages of old field succession exist in the although visitation is anticipated to contribute northern portion of Moccasin Bend, wooded to daily increases in traffic along these existing lands on Stringers Ridge on the east, and old roads. Periodically, special events and exhibits fields, woodlots, and lawns/hayfields on the would also be expected to draw greater than southern toe of the Bend (NPS 1998). average visitation and traffic to the site.

Past agricultural and development activities The Park Service would work with the have disturbed native vegetation on Moccasin appropriate governmental transportation and Bend. Plant communities are presently in early planning agencies to ensure that issues succession to forests and consist of dense affecting traffic and safety are adequately

Impact Topics addressed, including any roadway federal, state, local, and tribal programs and modifications and turnoffs that may be policies. required to provide safe access to the site from Hamm Road. Consistent with NPS As stated in this final guidance, the goal of this Management Policies 2006 (sec. 9.2), the Park “fair treatment” is not to shift risks among Service would also coordinate planning efforts populations, but to identify potentially with the Chattanooga – Hamilton County disproportionately high and adverse effects Regional Planning Agency to improve the and identify alternatives that may mitigate connection between the North Shore area and these impacts. Moccasin Bend (see Relationship to Other Projects and Plans-North Shore Plan discussed In responding to this executive order, two previously in this document). Alternate modes questions are addressed as the major part of of transportation, including water transport, the analysis: could be explored to lessen the impacts of 1. Does the potentially affected community increased visitation. Because the Park Service include minority or low-income would undertake further site planning, agency populations? coordination and design development to 2. Are the environmental impacts likely to address traffic and transportation fall disproportionately on minority or low- requirements to Moccasin Bend, the topic of income members of the community or on transportation has been dismissed from tribal resources? further analysis in this plan.

In order to fulfill Executive Order 12898 in the Environmental Justice. Executive Order context of the National Environmental Policy 12898, “Federal Actions to Address Act, the alternatives addressed in this plan Environmental Justice in Minority were assessed during the planning process. Populations and Low-Income Populations,” Although there are minority and low-income requires all federal agencies to incorporate populations and communities within the environmental justice into their missions by county and region, it was determined that identifying and addressing disproportionately none of the planning alternatives would result high and adverse human health or in disproportionately high direct or indirect environmental effects of their programs and adverse effects on these groups. The following policies on minorities and low-income information contributed to this conclusion: populations and communities. • The actions proposed by the alternatives The Environmental Protection Agency’s would not result in any identifiable human Office of Environmental Justice defines health effects. Therefore, there would be Environmental Justice as follows: no direct or indirect adverse effects on human health within any minority or low- The fair treatment and meaningful income population or community. involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect • The impacts on the natural and physical to the development, implementation, and environment that would occur due to any enforcement of environmental laws, of the alternatives would not regulations, and policies. Fair treatment disproportionately and adversely affect any means that no group of people, including minority or low-income population or racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic group community. should bear a disproportionate share of the • The alternatives would not result in any negative environmental consequences identified effects that would be specific to resulting from industrial, municipal, and any minority or low-income community. commercial operations or the execution of • The planning team actively solicited public participation as part of the planning 27

CHAPTER ONE: PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION

process and gave equal consideration to all Because of this information and analysis, input from persons regardless of age, race, environmental justice was dismissed as an income status, or other socioeconomic or impact topic for this plan and environmental demographic factors. assessment. • Impacts on the socioeconomic environment resulting from the action alternatives would be beneficial. The impacts would occur mostly within the one-county region containing Moccasin Bend and would be either short-term or spread out over a number of years, thus mitigating their effects. Additionally, the impacts on the socioeconomic environment would not substantially alter the physical and social structure of nearby communities.

MOCCASIN BEND AND CHATTANOOGA

BATTERY AT LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN OVERLOOK CHAPTER 2:

Alternatives, Including the Preferred Alternative

THE ALTERNATIVES

INTERPRETIVE CENTER traffic from the site provide interpretive SITE SELECTION opportunities.

The planning team evaluated four possible The site offers the greatest opportunity for locations for the development of a visitor water access. Also, the entrance to the site interpretive center on Moccasin Bend. These avoids the sewage treatment plant; therefore, locations consisted of a site bordering the odors from the plant are less noticeable. Tennessee River near the northeast corner of the national archeological district (previously Because of previous site disturbances (e.g., owned by Peter Serodino), the law agricultural and grazing uses, importation of enforcement firing range, a site along the Blue fill dirt), the site ranked the highest with Blazes Trail, and a location referred to as the regard to resource protection considerations. “central properties” (see figure 3, The site was also found to present the greatest development site alternatives). At a workshop potential advantage for partnership held in June 2007 in Chattanooga, the opportunities because adjacent land is held by planning team used a selection process known the Friends of Moccasin Bend, and thereby as “Choosing by Advantages” (CBA) to allows the flexibility for possible future facility determine the preferred site location. The expansion. CBA process rated and compared the advantages associated with the following To varying degrees, the other evaluated factors: 1) site development considerations, 2) locations (the firing range, the Blue Blazes quality of visitor experience, 3) resource Trail site, and the central properties site) held protection considerations, and 4) potential for some of the same advantages as the former partnership opportunities and provision of Serodino property (e.g., relatively flat other advantages to the National Park Service. development site, no known hazardous materials, some potential for expansion on The former Serodino property, consisting of adjacent lands). These other sites, however, approximately 10 acres recently acquired by were determined not to have the same high the Park Service, ranked considerably higher degree of advantages for the factors discussed than the other three sites evaluated. With above. regard to site development considerations, it offered the highest comparative advantage partly because access to the site is from a flat ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED secondary road that can accommodate anticipated traffic volumes with the least The following alternatives represent a range of degree of required physical improvements. suitable options for providing and locating The building site is relatively flat, utilities are educational and interpretive information readily available, no known hazardous about Moccasin Bend’s significant resources materials are present, and the site is to the visiting public. The alternatives reflect immediately available. possible actions that the National Park Service could pursue either independently (through The quality of the visitor experience ranked the “no-action” alternative, and alternatives A highest for the former Serodino property and B) or in partnership with outside because the site is highly visible from across organizations (through alternatives C and D). the river, and views of the river and river The issues expressed by the public, tribal representatives, NPS staff, and other partners

CHAPTER TWO: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE and stakeholders have helped guide the corner of the archeological district along the preparation of these alternatives. Tennessee River (former Serodino tract). Among the core space and functional No-action Alternative requirements for the facility would be a lobby Under the “no-action” alternative, the with information desk, site orientation National Park Service would continue to exhibits, a small seating area, and restrooms. protect and manage the Moccasin Bend An exhibit/museum area would include National Archeological District as it does displays addressing the archeological district’s currently under the administration of primary interpretive themes. The potential Chickamauga and Chattanooga National retrieval, display, and storage of artifacts and Military Park. No new NPS facilities would be other museum objects would be in accordance constructed on Moccasin Bend in support of with NPS museum collections policies and the archeological district. Although occasional planning objectives. A small sales area would ranger-led interpretive tours to Moccasin provide books and merchandise determined Bend could occur, no facility space would be necessary and appropriate to support site provided at the national military park interpretation. Administrative support space dedicated specifically to interpretation of the would be provided for NPS facility Bend. No museum collection efforts would be management and staff functions (e.g., undertaken to retrieve, exhibit, or store office/work room space, supply and artifacts associated with the Bend. equipment storage, and mechanical and security systems). Alternative A Exterior space would be provided to Under alternative A (and in common with the accommodate interpretive programs, “no-action” alternative) no new NPS facilities including covered space for school groups and would be developed on Moccasin Bend. other group activities. Site development Chickamauga and Chattanooga National would include an access drive, parking area, Military Park would continue to protect and landscaping, limited trails, boat dock, and the manage the Moccasin Bend National installation of necessary utilities (e.g., water Archeological District as it does currently. In and waste water lines, electrical service). addition to ranger-led interpretive tours, increased interpretation of the archeological Alternative C district would be provided at existing visitor center facilities located at the Chickamauga Under alternative C, the National Park Service Battlefield and/or at the Point Park and would develop an interpretive/cultural facility Lookout Mountain Battlefield units of the on Moccasin Bend providing expanded visitor park. These facilities could be adapted to services and interpretive opportunities. The enhance interpretation efforts, and museum facility would be constructed on NPS lands collections strategies could be developed and located near the northeast corner of the implemented to retrieve, exhibit, and store archeological district along the Tennessee artifacts associated with Moccasin Bend. River (former Serodino tract). Both federal and partnership (private) funds would be used Alternative B for the project.

Under alternative B, the National Park Service The core facility and site design elements would develop an interpretive/cultural facility identified under alternative B would be on Moccasin Bend to provide basic visitor implemented (e.g., lobby, exhibit/museum services and space for interpretation. The area, administrative space, sales area, exterior facility would be constructed with federal interpretive space, restrooms, site funds on NPS lands located near the northeast development elements). The potential retrieval, display, and storage of artifacts and 32

Moccasin Bend National Archeological District (NPS Fee Property)

NPS Easement

d a o City of Chattanooga and R Hamilton County m

m a H Private Property 1 Former Rock-Tenn City of Chattanooga Property State of Tennessee

Moccasin Bend Archeological District T National Historic Landmark e

Moccasin n M n Bend o c e Wastewater c a s s Treatment i s n e

Facility B e e n d R R i o v a d e 2 r Moccasin 4 Bend 3 Law Golf Course Enforcement Firearm Training Range

WDEF Radio Towers

Former Model Airplane Facility

1 Former Serodino Property Site Mental Health 2 Law Enforcement Firing Range Site Hospital 3 Central Properties Site 4 Blue Blazes Trail Site

WV 0 400 800 Feet IL MO KY North VA

Figure 3 TENNESSEE Development Site Alternatives AR NC Moccasin Bend National Archeological District MOCCASIN BEND ) Chattanooga United States Department of the Interior / National Park Service SC P50 • 2006 • DSC • June 2009 MS AL GA

The Alternatives other museum objects would be in accordance The National Park Service would prioritize with NPS museum collections policies and the facility functions and spaces identified planning objectives. The expanded facility above based on the availability and level of would include a theater for films, lectures, and funding. If funds are limited, some functions performances related to Moccasin Bend’s may not be included. interpretive themes. In addition, a classroom, expanded lobby, expanded exhibit/museum If any of the above facility functions were area, expanded sales area, a multi-purpose accommodated on partner lands, a space, expanded administrative space, partnership agreement would be required to curatorial space, and expanded exterior define roles and responsibilities of the interpretation space would be constructed. National Park Service and the partner organization(s). Park visitors would be The National Park Service would prioritize expected to have a seamless experience the facility functions and spaces identified between federal and private facilities. above based on the availability and level of funding. If funds are limited, some functions Actions Common to Alternatives B, C, may not be included. and D

Alternative D There are no existing buildings or structures on the former Serodino property that could Under alternative D, an expanded interpretive conceivably be adapted for the interpretive / cultural facility would be developed on center or used in site development. Moccasin Bend utilizing a combination of Consequently, new construction would be federal and private investments. Facility required for all facility development, development either would occur on NPS including utility systems, parking, and other lands (former Serodino tract) or on a infrastructure. combination of NPS and adjacent lands held by the partnership organization. The National The National Park Service would carry out all Park Service would only apply federal funds design and construction activities in towards selected facility development on NPS accordance with NPS Management Policies lands. 2006 (sec. 9.1) to ensure that park resources and values are protected and that This alternative would implement the core environmental leadership is demonstrated. facility and site design elements identified Park Service principles for sustainability and under alternative B (e.g., lobby, asset management would be incorporated into exhibit/museum area, administrative space, all facility development and operations. sales area, exterior interpretive space, Measures would be instituted to ensure that restrooms, site development components). the facility achieves the lowest life-cycle costs The additional elements of alternative C consistent with requirements for would also be incorporated: theater, environmental and energy conservation, classroom, expanded lobby, expanded energy performance, reliability, quality, safety, exhibit/museum area, expanded sales area, a and resource protection. In accordance with multi-purpose space, expanded administrative the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility space, curatorial space, and expanded exterior Standards (May 2006), all facilities would be interpretation space. The potential retrieval, designed and constructed to be accessible and display, and storage of artifacts and other usable by persons with disabilities to the museum objects would be in accordance with greatest extent possible. NPS museum collections policies and planning objectives. It is NPS policy to avoid development in areas where facilities are prone to damage or destruction by natural physical processes. 35

CHAPTER TWO: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE

Although the former Serodino property is In keeping with NPS Management Policies located at a slight elevation above the 100-year 2006 (sec. 9.3.1.3), the site selected for the floodplain of the Tennessee River because of visitor interpretive center is located outside the fill material that has been imported on- the boundary of the national historic site, the Park Service would incorporate landmark district to minimize visual intrusions design and construction measures that would and possible impacts on the district’s primary serve to mitigate or protect against possible resources and features. In respect for the flood damage and safety hazards. The Park concerns expressed by tribal representatives Service would also continue to coordinate and others for protecting the American Indian erosion and flood control measures with the village sites and other sensitive archeological U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the resources, the Park Service would carefully Tennessee Valley Authority to protect the site. evaluate (in consultation with concerned tribal members) options for managing visitor Under National Park Service policy and use and access near sensitive areas, and the guidelines for floodplain management (DO- appropriateness of developing trails or 77), the location of “irreplaceable records, wayside exhibits for visitor interpretation. museums, and storage of archeological artifacts” within 500-year floodplains is Some among the general public have considered a Class II action which typically expressed the desire to view or participate in entails the preparation of a statement of archeological investigations. Although the findings. Hydrologic and geomorphic Park Service may consider authorizing future processes and hazards are assessed, and archeological investigations to address measures are proposed to avoid or mitigate specific research questions or to assist, for potential flood impacts. The Park Service is example, in refining the spatial extent of the presently investigating the delineation of the national historic landmark district, such 500-year floodplain of the Tennessee River in investigations would fully take into proximity to the former Serodino property, consideration the cultural sensitivities and appropriate mitigation measures will be expressed by tribal representatives. Park included in the project planning and design Service staff would assess any possible requirements if the present project is participation or viewing of the investigations determined a Class II action. by the general public on a case-by-case basis and in consultation with the affiliated tribes. If NPS floodplain management investigations determine that proposed on-site exhibit and storage of artifacts and museum collections is ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED BUT appropriate, special facility systems for DISMISSED climate control, fire protection, and other requirements would be installed as necessary As previously noted in the discussion of site in the interpretive center that meet NPS selection, the Park Service evaluated three standards for long-term museum curation and other sites on Moccasin Bend in addition to storage. the former Serodino property for possible location of the cultural/interpretive center. The visitor interpretive center is expected to With varying modifications, the facility and connect to existing utility lines (gas, electrical, program elements of the alternatives could be and water) that follow the Hamm Road right- accommodated on the different land parcels. of-way. Wastewater requirements are However, of the sites considered, the former expected to be addressed by connection to the Serodino property was found to best address sewage treatment facility on Moccasin Bend. the overall site development objectives. Although included within the boundaries of the national archeological district, the former Serodino property was the only one located 36

The Alternatives

outside the boundaries of the national historic parcels that were evaluated would have landmark district and was therefore in entailed greater costs (e.g., construction of an conformance with provisions of NPS access road along the river edge to the police Management Policies 2006 (sec. 9.3.1.3) that firing range site) or presented other site visitor centers should not be located in close limitations and constraints. For these reasons, proximity to primary park resources or the other sites on Moccasin Bend were features in order to minimize visual intrusions dismissed from further environmental analysis and other impacts. This consideration also in this document. best addressed concerns expressed by American Indian tribal representatives that development not intrude on the ancestral COSTS village locations. Cost estimates for the various alternatives

were developed based on preliminary facility The former Serodino property was found to modeling, and include projected capital costs have the least development constraints in part for construction of the interpretive facility, because of its location adjacent to an existing associated infrastructure, and program secondary access road (Hamm Road), and requirements (e.g., exhibits, audio/visual previous site disturbances have contributed to program). Estimated costs are also provided reduce most concerns for natural and cultural for NPS operations including staffing costs. resource protection. The site was found to The costs are not intended to replace more present the greatest potential for partnership detailed consideration of operational needs opportunities because adjacent land is held by and final construction estimates. Cost the Friends of Moccasin Bend, providing the information is summarized in the table below. flexibility for possible facility/development See appendix A for additional information. expansion. Development of the other land

Table 1: Summary of Comparative Costs (Fiscal Year ’09 Dollars)

No Action Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D Total Capital N/A $143k – $185k $7.99m – $9.53m $13.85m – $19.16m $13.85m – $19.16m Costs Operational Costs $4k – $6k $18k – $22k $348k – $413k $418k – $512k $418k – $512k (including Staffing)

Note 1: Capital costs reflect total project requirements and include the following: • Net Construction Costs for the Facility, Infrastructure, and Site Amenities • Design Services, Construction Management, Construction Contingencies • Exhibit Design, Fabrication, and Installation • Development of Audio/Visual Program (Alternatives C and D)

Note 2: The range in capital costs for alternatives B, C, and D is based on facility modeling and utilizes varying levels of expected visitation. Prior to beginning facility design, more precise visitation data will be required to finalize square footage requirements.

CHAPTER TWO: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE

IDENTIFICATION OF THE PREFERRED interpretive center by increased funding ALTERNATIVE contributions. However, it would not include an option for some functions to be accommo- The National Park Service identified dated on partner lands. This could potentially alternative D as the agency’s preferred diminish opportunities to provide the broad alternative. Alternative D offers the Park array of visitor services and activities Service the greatest degree of flexibility with proposed by the partnership organization and regard to achieving the proposed broad range perhaps limit their collaborative support. of basic and expanded facility functions and Alternative D allows the Park Service the activities on Moccasin Bend. In consideration flexibility to accomplish the program of potential future funding uncertainties (from development objectives envisioned by the both federal and private sources), the agency and to sustain the long-term support alternative allows the Park Service to prioritize of the partnership organization. construction of the various facility functions and space requirements, and to adapt the development program to address projected ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERRED funding levels. ALTERNATIVE

Under alternative D (as under alternative C), a The environmentally preferred alternative is combination of public and private investments defined by the Council on Environmental are required for implementation. If any of the Quality as the alternative that best meets the described functions in alternative D are following criteria or objectives, as set out in accommodated on partner lands, a the National Environmental Policy Act (sec. partnership agreement would be required. 101): There is also an opportunity for the partner 1. Fulfill the responsibilities of each organization to develop facilities and activities generation as trustee of the environment on partner lands beyond those described in for succeeding generations. this development concept plan. These 2. Ensure for all Americans safe, healthful, facilities and activities would be considered productive, and aesthetically and private ventures, but could complement the culturally pleasing surroundings. functions and activities described in the alternatives. Under the partnership 3. Attain the widest range of beneficial uses arrangement envisioned in alternative D, the of the environment without degradation, Park Service would be in a sound position to risk of health or safety, or other fulfill its mandate for resource preservation undesirable and unintended and protection while also providing an consequences. opportunity for visitors to receive an 4. Preserve important historic, cultural, and enhanced appreciation and understanding of natural aspects of our national heritage the Moccasin Bend National Archeological and maintain, whenever possible, an District. environment that supports diversity and variety of individual choice. Although implementation of alternative B 5. Achieve a balance between population would allow the Park Service to establish a and resource use that will permit high recognizable presence on Moccasin Bend with standards of living and a wide sharing of the development of basic facilities and life’s amenities. interpretive activities, it would not take 6. Enhance the quality of renewable advantage of the potential contributions for resources and approach the maximum expanded services provided by collaboration attainable recycling of depletable with the partnership organization. Alternative resources. C would allow the Park Service to expand the functions and activities of the visitor 38

The Alternatives

With some differences, the alternatives development proposed under these similarly fulfill the above six criteria by alternatives would occur at sites outside the preserving and protecting the nationally national historic landmark district and would significant resources and cultural values consequently be expected to equally address associated with the Moccasin Bend National criteria #1 and #4 with particular regard to Archeological District. The alternatives also protection and stewardship of the district’s provide for a diverse range of visitor sensitive cultural resources. interpretive and educational opportunities in a safe and environmentally responsible and The greatest diversity of visitor use sustainable manner. opportunities would be expected under alternative D, with separate and expanded No facilities would be constructed on facilities operated by the Park Service and the Moccasin Bend under the no-action partnership organization. Alternative D would alternative and alternative A, and therefore best address criterion #2, allowing consequently these two alternatives would wide public accessibility to “aesthetically and best meet criterion #3 because there would be culturally pleasing surroundings.” Because of no associated environmental impacts from the wide array of visitor activities and construction activities. Although alternatives functions proposed under alternative D, it B, C, and D entail progressively greater levels would also best address criterion #4 by of new construction for visitor interpretive protecting historic and cultural resources in a facilities on Moccasin Bend, construction fashion that supports diversity and variety of would be carried out in conformance with all individual choice. applicable environmental design standards and would incorporate energy conservation As evaluated in this document, alternative D is measures in construction and operations to the environmentally preferred alternative. The reduce the consumption of nonrenewable preferred alternative best meets the six criteria resources. Among alternatives B, C, and D, presented in the National Environmental however, the basic level of facility Policy Act (section 101). construction envisioned for alternative B would likely best meet criterion #6. All

MITIGATION MEASURES

Mitigation measures are analyzed as part of • Visitors would be informed in advance of the alternatives. These have been developed to proposed construction and directed away lessen the potential adverse impacts of the from construction areas to avoid safety proposed actions or to present measures the hazards and minimize visitor use conflicts. Park Service would follow in the event of • Best management practices would be used unexpected occurrences during the course of during construction to minimize impact to construction. air quality from increased dust or other • Should construction unearth previously particulates. These practices could include undiscovered archeological resources, keeping disturbed soils moist to hold down work would be stopped in the area of the dust. discovery, and NPS staff would consult • Best management practices would be used with the state historic preservation officer, during construction to minimize soil affiliated tribes and the Advisory Council disturbance and the potential for erosion on Historic Preservation, as necessary, in the project area. Erosion control according to 36 CFR 800.13 (Post Review methods could include (but not be limited Discoveries). In the unlikely event that to) filter cloth and silt fencing. human remains are discovered during construction, provisions outlined in the • To avoid introduction of exotic plant Native American Graves Protection and species, no hay bales or other organic Repatriation Act (1990) would be followed. material would be used in erosion control measures. Standard measures that involve • All sensitive cultural resources would be only inorganic materials (e.g. silt fences clearly marked for avoidance to protect and/or sand bags) would be used. them from construction disturbance. All workers would be informed of the • Fueling of all machinery would be penalties for illegally collecting artifacts or conducted only in approved equipment intentionally damaging cultural resources. staging areas away from the Tennessee Workers would also be informed of the River or other sensitive water bodies. Any correct procedures to follow in the event spills of hazardous materials, fuel, etc., previously unknown resources are would be cleaned up immediately to uncovered during construction. prevent contamination or discharge into ground or surface waters. • The Park Service would continue to consult with affiliated tribes to ensure all • The Park Service would comply with development, use and interpretive applicable state and local regulations to proposals are carried out in a manner minimize the impacts on water quality respectful of the site’s cultural and spiritual associated with wastewater management. importance. Best available technologies would be used. • Before any construction activity, • The Park Service would limit the use of construction zones would be clearly artificial outdoor lighting to that which is delineated with stakes or by other means in necessary for basic safety requirements, order to confine activity to the minimum and would ensure that all sources of area required for construction. All artificial light are shielded to the maximum protection measures would be clearly extent practicable. stated in the construction specifications, • Any plant materials used for revegetation and workers would be instructed to avoid efforts would be native to Moccasin Bend. conducting activities beyond the construction zone. 40

SUMMARY TABLES

Table 2: Summary of Alternatives

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE A ALTERNATIVE B ALTERNATIVE C ALTERNATIVE D • No new NPS facilities • No new NPS facilities • The National Park • The National Park • The National Park would be constructed would be constructed Service would develop Service would develop Service would develop on Moccasin Bend. on Moccasin Bend. an interpretive/cultural an interpretive/cultural an expanded facility on Moccasin facility on Moccasin interpretive/cultural Occasional ranger-led In addition to ranger- Bend to provide basic Bend providing facility on Moccasin interpretive tours to led interpretive tours, visitor services and expanded visitor Bend with optional Moccasin Bend could increased interpreta- space for services and separate facility occur, but no facility tion of the archeo- interpretation. interpretive development and space would be logical district would opportunities. activities operated by a provided at the national be provided at existing partnership military park dedicated visitor center facilities. organization. specifically to interpretation of the Bend. The NPS facility would The NPS facility would The NPS facility would be constructed on the be constructed on the be constructed on the NPS-owned former NPS-owned former NPS-owned former Serodino tract. Serodino tract. Serodino tract.

Federal funds would Both federal and Both federal and be used. partnership (private) partnership (private) funds would be used. funds could be used for development on the former Serodino tract. Only private funds would be used for development on private land.

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE A ALTERNATIVE B ALTERNATIVE C ALTERNATIVE D • The core space and • The core facility and • The core facility and site functional site design elements design elements requirements for the identified under identified under facility would be a alternative B would be alternative B and the lobby with information implemented. additional elements of desk, site orientation alternative C would be exhibits, a small Additionally, the incorporated. seating area, and expanded facility restrooms. An would include a Additional facility space exhibit/museum area theater for films, and functions would be would include displays lectures, and funded, developed, and addressing the performances related managed by the archeological district’s to Moccasin Bend’s partnership organization primary interpretive interpretive themes. A on non-NPS property. themes. classroom, expanded • A small sales area lobby, expanded would provide books exhibit/museum area, and merchandise expanded sales area, a determined necessary multi-purpose space, and appropriate to expanded support site administrative space, interpretation. curatorial space, and Administrative support expanded exterior space would be interpretation space provided for NPS would be constructed. facility management and staff functions (e.g., office/work room space, supply and equipment storage, and mechanical and security systems) • Exterior space would be provided to accommodate interpretive programs.

NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE A ALTERNATIVE B ALTERNATIVE C ALTERNATIVE D Site development would include an access drive, parking area, landscaping, limited trails, and the installation of necessary utilities (e.g., water and waste water lines, electrical service).

• No efforts would be • Museum collections • The retrieval, display, • The retrieval, display, • The retrieval, display, undertaken to retrieve, strategies would be and storage of and storage of and storage of artifacts exhibit, or store developed and artifacts and other artifacts and other and other museum artifacts associated with implemented to museum objects on museum objects on objects on Moccasin the Bend. retrieve, exhibit, and Moccasin Bend would Moccasin Bend would Bend would be in store artifacts be in accordance with be in accordance with accordance with NPS associated with NPS museum NPS museum museum collections Moccasin Bend at collections policies and collections policies and policies and planning existing NPS visitor planning objectives. planning objectives. objectives. center facilities. • The National Park • The National Park • The National Park • The National Park • The National Park Service would continue Service would Service would protect Service would protect Service, in partnership to protect and manage continue to protect and manage the and manage the with the friends the Moccasin Bend and manage the Moccasin Bend Moccasin Bend organization, would National Archeological Moccasin Bend National Archeological National Archeological protect and manage the District as it does National Archeological District with a District with an Moccasin Bend National currently. District as it does noticeable presence on expanded presence on Archeological District currently. the Bend operating the Bend operating with an expanded from the visitor / from the visitor / presence on the Bend interpretive center. interpretive center. operating from joint visitor / interpretive centers.

Table 3: Summary of Key Impacts

TOPIC NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE A ALTERNATIVE B ALTERNATIVE C ALTERNATIVE D

Visitor Use • Long-term minor to • Long-term minor to • Long-term beneficial • Long-term beneficial • Long-term beneficial impacts and moderate adverse moderate adverse impacts from impacts from construction from construction of Experience impacts from impacts from construction of basic of expanded visitor facilities expanded NPS and continued limited continued limited visitor facilities on on Moccasin Bend and partnership visitor facilities interpretive interpretive Moccasin Bend and implementation of on Moccasin Bend and opportunities and opportunities and implementation of interpretive and implementation of joint access restrictions access restrictions on interpretive and educational programs interpretive and educational on Moccasin Bend Moccasin Bend educational programs programs

• Beneficial impacts • Beneficial impacts • Minor long-term • Minor long-term adverse • Minor long-term adverse from the from the adverse impacts from impacts from access impacts from access continuation of continuation of access restrictions and restrictions and site restrictions and site occasional NPS-led occasional NPS-led site protection measures protection measures protection measures interpretive tours interpretive tours and the provision of interpretation/ exhibits at other park visitor centers • Long-term beneficial • Long-term beneficial • Long-term beneficial • Long-term beneficial and • Long-term beneficial and and minor adverse and minor adverse and minor adverse minor adverse cumulative minor adverse cumulative cumulative impacts, cumulative impacts, cumulative impacts, impacts, with a substantial impacts, with a substantial with a modest with a modest with an appreciable contribution of alternative contribution of alternative D contribution of the contribution of contribution of C to cumulative impacts to cumulative impacts no-action alternative alternative A to alternative B to to cumulative cumulative impacts cumulative impacts impacts

TOPIC NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE A ALTERNATIVE B ALTERNATIVE C ALTERNATIVE D

Archeological • No facility • No facility • No archeological • No archeological resources • No archeological resources Resources development or development or resources have been have been identified at the have been identified at the ground-disturbance ground-disturbance identified at the location location selected for location selected for would occur that would occur on selected for proposed proposed NPS visitor proposed NPS visitor could adversely Moccasin Bend that NPS visitor interpretive interpretive center on interpretive center on affect archeological could adversely center on Moccasin Moccasin Bend Moccasin Bend resources affect archeological Bend resources

• Additional archeological • Additional archeological • Additional archeological surveys and/or surveys and/or monitoring surveys and/or monitoring monitoring may be may be required may be required, including required surveys for the adjoining site selected by the partnership organization for additional visitor use facilities

• Any adverse impacts • Any adverse impacts • Any adverse impacts • Any adverse impacts from • Any adverse impacts from from NPS from NPS from NPS management NPS management actions NPS management actions management management actions actions would be long would be long term or would be long term or actions would be would be long term term or permanent and permanent and minor to permanent and minor to long term and and negligible to minor to moderate in moderate in intensity moderate in intensity negligible to minor minor in intensity intensity in intensity

• Long-term beneficial • Long-term beneficial • Long-term beneficial • Long-term beneficial impacts impacts would result impacts would result impacts would result from would result from increased from increased from increased onsite increased onsite onsite interpretation and visitor interpretation interpretation and interpretation and education and education at education education existing visitor centers

TOPIC NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE A ALTERNATIVE B ALTERNATIVE C ALTERNATIVE D

Archeological • Minor to major • Minor to major • Minor to major adverse • Minor to major adverse • Minor to major adverse and Resources adverse and adverse and and beneficial and beneficial cumulative beneficial cumulative (continued) beneficial beneficial cumulative cumulative impacts impacts impacts cumulative impacts impacts

• Section 106 finding • Section 106 finding of • Section 106 finding of no • Section 106 finding of no of no adverse effect no adverse effect to adverse effect to adverse effect to to archeological archeological resources archeological resources archeological resources resources • No impairment of • No impairment of • No impairment of the • No impairment of the • No impairment of the the archeological the archeological archeological district’s archeological district’s archeological district’s district’s district’s archeological resources archeological resources and archeological resources and archeological archeological and values values values resources and values resources and values

Ethnographic • No facility • No facility • No identified • No identified ethnographic • No identified ethnographic Resources development or development or ethnographic resources resources would be directly resources would be directly ground-disturbance ground-disturbance would be directly impacted by construction impacted by construction of would occur that would occur that impacted by of NPS visitor interpretive NPS visitor interpretive could adversely could adversely construction of NPS facilities on Moccasin Bend, facilities on Moccasin Bend, affect ethnographic affect ethnographic visitor interpretive although the Bend retains although the Bend retains resources resources facilities on Moccasin profound spiritual profound spiritual Bend, although the importance for culturally importance for culturally Bend retains profound affiliated tribes affiliated tribes spiritual importance for culturally affiliated tribes • Any adverse impacts • Any adverse impacts • Any adverse impacts • Any adverse impacts from • Any adverse impacts from from NPS from NPS from NPS management NPS management actions NPS management actions management management actions actions would be long would be long term and would be long term and actions would be would be long term term and negligible to negligible to minor in negligible to minor in long term and and negligible to minor in intensity intensity intensity negligible to minor minor in intensity in intensity

TOPIC NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE A ALTERNATIVE B ALTERNATIVE C ALTERNATIVE D

Ethnographic • Long-term beneficial • Long-term beneficial • Long-term beneficial • Long-term beneficial impacts Resources impacts from impacts from visitor impacts from visitor from visitor interpretation (continued) increased visitor interpretation and interpretation and and education provided at interpretation and education provided at education provided at the the NPS and partnership education at existing the NPS visitor NPS visitor interpretive visitor interpretive facilities visitor centers interpretive facility facility

• Minor to major • Minor to major • Minor to major adverse • Minor to major adverse • Minor to major adverse and adverse and adverse and and beneficial and beneficial cumulative beneficial cumulative beneficial beneficial cumulative cumulative impacts impacts impacts cumulative impacts impacts • Section 106 finding • Section 106 finding of • Section 106 finding of no • Section 106 finding of no of no adverse effect no adverse effect to adverse effect to adverse effect to to ethnographic ethnographic resources ethnographic resources ethnographic resources resources • No impairment of • No impairment of • No impairment of the • No impairment of the • No impairment of the the archeological the archeological archeological district’s archeological district’s archeological district’s district’s district’s ethnographic resources ethnographic resources ethnographic resources and ethnographic ethnographic and values and values values resources and values resources and values

Socioeconomic • Negligible to minor • Negligible to minor • Minor to moderate • Minor to moderate • Moderate beneficial impacts Environment beneficial impacts to beneficial impacts to beneficial impacts to the beneficial impacts to the to the local and regional local and regional local and regional local and regional local and regional economies from increased economies from economies from economies from economies from increased visitation to the current modest modest levels of increased visitation to visitation to the archeological district and levels of visitation to visitation to the the archeological district archeological district and sites on the Bend associated the archeological archeological district, and sites on the Bend sites on the Bend with the Trail of Tears NHT district and sites on and sites on the associated with the Trail associated with the Trail of following construction of the Bend associated Bend associated with of Tears NHT following Tears NHT following expanded NPS visitor with the Trail of the Trail of Tears construction of basic construction of expanded interpretation facilities and Tears NHT NHT NPS visitor interpretation NPS visitor interpretation the additional facilities facilities facilities proposed by the partnership

TOPIC NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE A ALTERNATIVE B ALTERNATIVE C ALTERNATIVE D

organization

Socioeconomic • Long-term minor Long-term minor • Long-term minor to • Long-term minor to • Long-term moderate Environment beneficial beneficial cumulative moderate beneficial moderate beneficial beneficial cumulative (continued) cumulative impacts impacts cumulative impacts cumulative impacts impacts

NPS • Long-term minor to • Long-term minor to • Long-term moderate to • Long-term moderate to • Long-term moderate to Operations moderate adverse moderate adverse major beneficial impacts major beneficial impacts on major beneficial impacts to and Facilities impacts on NPS impacts on NPS on NPS operations from NPS operations from an NPS operations from joint operations without operations from a basic visitor expanded visitor NPS and partnership visitor on-site dedicated adapting existing interpretive facility on interpretive facility on interpretive facilities on facilities and staff visitor center Moccasin Bend with Moccasin Bend with Moccasin Bend with facilities without adequate staffing adequate staffing adequate staffing dedicated facilities and staff on Moccasin Bend

• Long-term moderate • Long-term moderate • Long-term moderate adverse adverse impacts on NPS adverse impacts on NPS impacts on NPS operations operations and operations and budgetary and budgetary allocations budgetary allocations allocations from expenses from expenses associated from expenses associated with with construction and associated with construction and operation/maintenance of construction and operation/maintenance of the expanded NPS operation/maintenance the expanded NPS interpretive facility of the basic NPS interpretive facility interpretive facility

• Long-term minor • Long-term minor • Long-term moderate • Long-term moderate • Long-term moderate adverse and adverse and beneficial and adverse beneficial and adverse beneficial and adverse beneficial beneficial cumulative cumulative impacts cumulative impacts cumulative impacts cumulative impacts impacts

MOCCASIN BEND , SOUTH BANK

MOCCASIN BEND, EAST BANK

CHAPTER 3:

Affected Environment

INTRODUCTION

The following discussion highlights resources As identified in Chapter 1 of this document, and other management considerations for the impact topics that are analyzed include Moccasin Bend that could be affected by visitor use and experience; cultural resources implementation of the development concept (archeological and ethnographic resources); plan alternatives. It is not intended to provide the socioeconomic environment; and NPS a complete description of Moccasin Bend’s operations and facilities. resources, but rather an overview of the relevant resource conditions, values, uses, and characteristics that might be affected.

VISITOR USE AND EXPERIENCE

Information regarding visitor use of Moccasin village locations that have been documented Bend is limited, and Chickamauga and as part of the archeological district. Physical Chattanooga National Military Park does not evidence of the sites is subtle, and currently have statistics or other visitor use interpretation is important to assist in studies to document the numbers of visitors explaining the spatial arrangement of the that go to the Bend or the range of customary villages and the configuration of specific visitor activities that occur there. The NPS features. Visitor expectations to view and Public Use Statistics Office reported 991,645 experience the archeological sites would likely recreational visitors at the national military be one of the more challenging issues facing park in 2007, the highest number since 1998 NPS site managers. During the tribal when 1,019,503 visitors were reported. It may consultations held for this plan, several tribal be assumed that with the addition of representatives expressed concern that Moccasin Bend to the national military park in Moccasin Bend (and particularly the village 2003, some visitors have expanded their stay locations with associated human burials) be at the park to explore the new NPS unit treated with respect as sacred ground. The although no formal NPS facilities or regular extensive past disturbance and looting of the interpretive programs are yet provided there. burial sites have heightened sensitivities Overall park visitor statistics do not show a regarding the treatment and protection of marked increase since 2003 that might these areas. correspond to an influx of visitors to the Moccasin Bend unit. Staff of the national NPS management strategies regarding the military park currently conduct limited nature of visitor use and interpretation in interpretive tours of the national archeological proximity to the village sites are beyond the district. scope of this development concept plan. Separate program planning will also be The diverse range of historical/interpretive undertaken to guide specific interpretive, themes represented on Moccasin Bend may exhibit, and other visitor use elements draw different visitors and groups, although it envisioned for the Moccasin Bend visitor is also likely to appeal to those seeking a broad interpretive center. The National Park Service interpretive perspective of regional cultural will develop a preferred approach for visitor history and particular historical events. use and interpretive activities on Moccasin Visitors whose interests are more narrowly Bend as part of current general management focused on the Civil War and the 1863 Battles planning and comprehensive interpretive for Chattanooga would likely be drawn to the planning efforts for the national military park. Stringers Ridge portion of the national Consistent with NPS Management Policies archeological district where Union Army (sec. 8.1.1), the Park Service will evaluate and earthworks and gun emplacements exist as the authorize proposed visitor use activities that best-preserved remnants of the battles. The are appropriate to the purposes for which the forest succession of deciduous trees along park and the Moccasin Bend unit were Stringers Ridge, however, tends to obscure established, and can be sustained without sight lines to other locations, namely Lookout causing unacceptable impacts. Input received Mountain, that were critical vantage points from ongoing consultation with affiliated during the battles. tribal members and others concerning visitor use issues will be factored into the NPS Other visitors may be more interested in the decision-making process. American Indian archeological sites and 52

Visitor Use and Experience

Another historic resource drawing visitors to public 18-hole Moccasin Bend Golf Course. Moccasin Bend is the Trail of Tears National The golf course falls within the boundaries of Historic Trail (NHT). Specific locations on the Moccasin Bend Archeological District Moccasin Bend associated with the Trail are National Historic Landmark (NHL). The not presently marked, and physical remnants lease for the golf course was renewed in (which followed the old Federal Road November 2005, and stipulations were through this area) are not readily discernable. included in the lease agreement regarding Therefore, interpretation is vitally important protection of archeological resources in to convey the events and stories associated cooperation and partnership with the with the Trail of Tears and the forced removal National Park Service. The Blue Blazes Trail, a of Cherokee Indians in 1838 from their public nature trail used for hiking and wildlife homelands for resettlement in the West. The watching, is adjacent to the southern broader story of removal of other eastern boundary of the golf course. tribes (e.g., Choctaw, Muscogee Creek, Seminole, and Chickasaw) is incorporated Recreational visitors share the two-lane into interpretation of the Trail of Tears NHT. secondary roads on the Bend (e.g., The Trail of Tears Association (a national Manufacturers Road, Hamm Road, Moccasin organization dedicated to the preservation of Bend Road) with personnel and service the Trail of Tears) and other concerned providers of the mental health hospital, partners assist the Park Service in interpreting wastewater treatment plant, and other and raising public awareness of the Trail of facilities. Truck traffic is occasionally Tears and other regionally associated sites. interspersed with passenger vehicles traveling to the various facility and recreational Recreational activities on Moccasin Bend destinations. Public parking is available at the outside of the national archeological district golf course and at the access point to the Blue and Park Service jurisdiction include the Blazes Trail.

ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

The Moccasin Bend Archeological District as a strategic center of trade, communication, National Historic Landmark (NHL) was and economic and political importance. These designated in 1986. The district was factors have been dramatically influenced by previously listed in the National Register of the Bend’s favorable geographic setting by the Historic Places in 1984 as a multiple resource Tennessee River. The following component area based on the results of field investigations sites have been identified. carried out the previous year (1983) by the Chattanooga Regional Anthropological Association. Cultural material and records AMERICAN INDIAN SITES collected and generated by these Hampton Place investigations are curated by the Tennessee Division of Archaeology in Nashville. This is a large protohistoric Mississippian (Mouse Creeks phase) village site occupied in Located in the southern half of Moccasin the 16th century. Earlier Archaic and Bend, the 956-acre district contains 18 Woodland period components are also component sites in an area that witnessed present. The primary component consists of approximately 12,000 years of continuous two contiguous habitation areas each with American Indian use and occupation as well as archeological evidence of community strategic military positions associated with the buildings, plaza, and small dwellings. Palisade 1863 Battles for Chattanooga. Although Paleo- fortifications surrounded each area. Indian cultural material was identified during Archeological testing has revealed a large construction of the state hospital at the number of gravesites and burned dwellings southern toe of the Bend, evidence for these with intact floors. Spanish-manufactured earliest aboriginal inhabitants artifacts uncovered at the site support contact (ca. 12,000 B.C. – 8000 B.C.) is not presently or trade with 16th century Spanish explorers. reflected among the artifact assemblages of the district’s component sites. The site contains unparalleled archeological data reflecting the initial influence of The district’s broad array of archeological European (Spanish) cultural contact on resources hold the potential for refining indigenous Southeastern Indian cultures. The understanding of local and regional site appears to represent a major center of chronologies, particularly for the prehistoric aboriginal economic and political power, Archaic period (ca. 8000 B.C. – 1000 B.C.) and which may have provided the impetus for Woodland period (ca. 1000 B.C. – A.D. 1000). Spanish interest in the location (e.g., the Analysis of the material cultural assemblages expeditions led by Hernando De Soto in 1540, associated with these sites can advance far- Tristan de Luna in 1560, and Juan Pardo in ranging research objectives and 1566 – 1568). The extensive burning of the understanding regarding various Southeastern village and subsequent alluvial deposition had prehistoric and protohistoric populations. the effect of sealing the site as it existed during Research can address questions concerning the 16th century, with little subsequent cultural and technological change, aboriginal alteration. The site is extremely communication, population distribution, well preserved despite the extensive looting structural and architectural features, etc. The and disturbance of gravesites that primarily archeological resources provide unparalleled occurred between 1974 and 1982. It retains evidence of Moccasin Bend’s fundamental exceptional opportunities for further research importance throughout prehistory and history on far-ranging questions regarding the initial 54

Archeological Resources impact of European cultures on indigenous casualties) are present in one of the mounds Southeastern peoples (McCollough et al. (McCollough et al. 1985). 1985).

Vulcan Site CIVIL WAR SITES This site is a Late Archaic period campsite Civil War features on Stringers Ridge (cannon with stratified midden deposits, hearth emplacements, rifle pits, bivouac pads, etc.) features, and a subterranean house (ca. 1335 are considered the best preserved of all B.C.) considered one of the earliest formally physical remains from the Battles for built dwellings in the Southeast. Pottery Chattanooga, and the only surviving features sherds indicating a later Middle/Late from that engagement associated with Union Woodland period village are also present. The Army activities. The Stringers Ridge features site’s archeological information includes reflect Union positions during both the early subsistence data associated with faunal, floral, stages of the battles—August to September and midden deposits; architectural data (e.g., 1863 when Chattanooga was occupied by structure floors, pit houses, and hearths); and Confederate forces—and later engagements— chronological data such as charcoal associated September to November 1863, following the with site features and ceramics that mark Battle of Chickamauga when federal forces cultural episodes (McCollough et al. 1985). were under Confederate siege in Chattanooga.

Mallards Dozen Site Eight sites have been identified that are This a large, deeply stratified site with associated with various Union artillery and Early/Middle Archaic period occupation rifle positions. These include a possible signal deposits and a concentrated Middle tower base; earthworks of two cannon Woodland period component. Archeological emplacements with line of fire directed at testing revealed a Middle Woodland period Chattanooga; a linear (20-meter-long) triple structure dated at A.D. 405. Archeological cannon emplacement; a west facing double information is associated with subsistence- cannon emplacement (two meters high) with related food refuse, architectural features, four embrasures surrounded by rifle pits and floral and faunal remains, and ceramic and leveled bivouac pad areas; two C-shaped lithic artifacts (McCollough et al. 1985). cannon emplacements (one with an embrasure), rifle pits, and bivouac pads; a Mound Complex complex on the southernmost ridge crest Eight conical prehistoric mounds are located consisting of a right-angled rifle pit (35 meters at the southern toe of Moccasin Bend on the long), two west facing C-shaped cannon state hospital grounds. The mounds are emplacements with rifle pits, a possible sally associated with burial and ceremonial port, and an L-shaped cannon emplacement activities during the Late Woodland period with two embrasures and flanking rifle pit (30 meters long); a complex of bivouac pads on a (A.D. 600 - A.D. 1000). Partially excavated by archeological investigations in 1915, the level occupation area at a ridge gap; and mounds are expected to contain information another complex of bivouac pads on slopes regarding construction techniques, mortuary surrounding a spring (McCollough et al. practices, and the socio-political organization 1985). associated with the Late Woodland period. These mounds represent the most substantial The Stringers Ridge position was vital for the mortuary center from the period in this Union Army’s efforts to command the critical portion of the Tennessee River Valley. supply link across the Tennessee River at Historic coffins (possibly of Union Army Brown’s Ferry, and enabled Union artillery to counter Confederate fire from across the river at Lookout Mountain. It served as part of the 55

CHAPTER THREE: THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT advance Union positions for the battles of have resulted from the impacts of the boring Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, equipment (NPS 2006b). which ultimately resulted in Confederate forces being driven south into Georgia. Shovel testing along the Blue Blazes Trail encountered culturally sterile clay subsoil about 35-50 centimeters (on average) below CURRENT PROJECT INVESTIGATIONS the surface. Although prehistoric lithic flakes were identified in some of the shovel tests, no In September 2006, the NPS Southeast artifact concentrations or distinct sites were Archeological Center (SEAC) conducted identified (NPS 2006b). Phase I archeological survey and testing of the locations considered for the proposed visitor Metal detection equipment was used by the interpretive center on Moccasin Bend. SEAC archeologists to systematically survey Representatives of the Eastern Band of the firing range area located along the east Cherokee Indians assisted SEAC archeologists flank of Stringers Ridge. Members of the with the survey. The survey was carried out Chattanooga Area Relic Hunters Association for the former Serodino property, the Blue (CARHA) assisted with the investigations. Blazes Trail area, and the law enforcement Civil War-related artifacts were identified firing range. Testing consisted of traditional including lead fragments, Minie balls, a spout shovel testing, soil core sampling, and metal fragment from a brass canteen, a lead pistol detection. ball, and a brass lamp wick holder. No

significant sites or earthworks were identified Sixty-nine soil core borings were collected at in the area, and it was determined that the former Serodino property. The core prehistoric or historic occupation sites were samples confirmed that imported fill soils unlikely to exist in the area because of the were deeper than originally anticipated, with steep topographical relief of Stringers Ridge the fill containing brick and concrete debris (NPS 2006b). and sandy clay extending to depths between

3.6 and 4.8 meters. Natural soils were As a result of the testing, SEAC staff encountered in some of the borings at depths recommended that construction could greater than 7 meters. The test borings proceed at either the former Serodino or supported the observation that top soils had firing range properties without further been previously scraped from the site prior to archeological testing because of the lack of the importation of fill material, as evidenced significant sites or artifacts uncovered, and the by an abrupt transition between the overlying low probability for sites to exist in these fill and culturally sterile clay subsoil. Although locations. Further testing was recommended partially degraded limestone flakes were for the Blue Blazes Trail location, however, observed in a couple of the borings that were although initial testing of the area did not originally thought to be prehistoric lithic identify significant resources. material, the flakes were later determined to

ETHNOGRAPHIC RESOURCES

Ethnographic resources are defined by the character of sites and resources to the public if National Park Service as any “site, structure, disclosure would result in significant invasion object, landscape, or natural resource feature of tribal member privacy, risk harm to historic assigned traditional legendary, religious, resources, or impede traditional religious use subsistence, or other significance in the and access by tribal members. cultural system of a group traditionally associated with it” (DO-28). No formal As previously noted in the “Visitor Use and ethnographic investigations have been Experience” section, tribal concern for the completed for Moccasin Bend, and no protection of sensitive site locations such as ethnographic resources or traditional uses Hampton Place (or portions thereof) could have been specifically identified in the various entail restricting or limiting visitor access in locations proposed for the visitor interpretive efforts to respect the ancestral inhabitants and center. burial sites. Several tribal members expressed personal uneasiness in visiting these areas However, as expressed by tribal because of the adverse spiritual consequences representatives during project consultations, associated with disturbance of burial Moccasin Bend retains profound importance locations. Therefore, it may be more for many American Indian tribes although important for some tribal members that locations on the Bend are not presently measures are instituted to avoid or minimize occupied by tribal groups. The long history of further site disturbances (by restricting visitor settlement and the presence of ancestral access or other means) rather than providing burials in proximity to the former village sites access to these locations to conduct imbue the Bend with a complex spiritual ceremonial or religious activities. dimension. As noted in the national historic landmark nomination for the archeological Although located outside of the archeological district, “All of the aboriginal sites known district NHL and the current project area, the within the Moccasin Bend Archeological Trail of Tears National Historic Trail crosses District, and especially Hampton Place, have Moccasin Bend. The national historic trail is important ethnic significance to living groups managed by the NPS Historic Trails System and are considered of state and national Office, and encompasses about 2,200 miles of significance, individually and collectively, by land and water routes that traverse portions of the Tennessee Indian Commission” nine states (Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, (McCollough et al. 1985). Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee). The historic route In accordance with NPS Management Policies generally followed the old Federal Road 2006, the American Indian Religious Freedom through the vicinity of Moccasin Bend. Ross’s Act (1996), and other laws and policies, the Landing at Chattanooga and Brown’s Ferry, Park Service permits tribal access to park areas on the western side of Moccasin Bend, served for traditional religious, ceremonial, and other as regional points of departure and transit customary activities at places historically used across the Tennessee River. Ethnographic for such purposes. In consultation with the resources associated with the tragic removal culturally affiliated tribes and consistent with of Cherokee Indians from the area in 1838 tribal goals, the Park Service would protect may be identified through further research. known sacred sites and other ethnographic Tribal histories and stories related to the Trail resources should these be identified. The Park of Tears would expand understanding of Service would not disclose the location and Moccasin Bend’s role during the initial stages 57

CHAPTER THREE: THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT of the forced departure. The broad history of with concerned tribal members, NPS staff the Trail of Tears is among the primary would identify and evaluate potential interpretive themes that would be presented ethnographic resources by conducting at the proposed visitor interpretive center. appropriate research and investigations (i.e., ethnographic overviews and assessments, Ethnographic resources may be identified by traditional use studies, ethnographic future investigations in support of long-range landscape studies, oral histories, etc.) that cultural resource management of the Bend inform NPS management and decision and more comprehensive general making. management planning efforts. In consultation

SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

Moccasin Bend is located in Hamilton county population declines. A recent report County, Tennessee, one of six counties in the by the Brookings Institution attributes Chattanooga Metropolitan Statistical Area Chattanooga’s successful recovery from the (MSA). The MSA covers 2,091 square miles economic difficulties of the 1980s to the city’s with Hamilton, Marion, and Sequatchie far-sighted civic leadership, and their counties in Tennessee, and Catoosa, Dade, adoption of a process known as the and Walker counties in Georgia. According to “Chattanooga way” that incorporated urban U.S. Census Bureau statistics, Chattanooga’s planning, citizen engagement, public-private population in 2007 was 168,294, and that of partnerships, and investments in Hamilton County was 330,168. Chattanooga’s transformative projects (Eichenthal and per capita income was $23,104, compared to Windeknecht, 2008). $25,523 for Hamilton County and $32,305 for the state of Tennessee. In 2006, the The Moccasin Bend Task Force was unemployment rate for both Chattanooga and appointed in the early 1980s to explore Hamilton County was 4.4%, slightly less than options for economic redevelopment. The that for the state of Tennessee (5.2%) and the task force’s 1985 report provided U.S. average of 4.6%. Reflecting the current recommendations not only for Moccasin national economic downturn, the Bend across from downtown Chattanooga, unemployment rate for the Chattanooga MSA but also recommended that the community (as of March 2009) stood at 9.1%. concentrate its revitalization efforts on the city’s riverfront. A primary recommendation Within the MSA, nearly 20,000 businesses was the creation of the Tennessee Riverpark employ over 200,000 people and generate along a 22 mile-long stretch of the Tennessee nearly $35 billion in annual sales. The finance, River. The river park was envisioned as a insurance, and real estate industries account means to reconnect the city with the river and, for the largest business sector, followed by by providing a variety of amenities and manufacturing, services, transportation and attractions, draw tourists and business public utilities, retail and wholesale trade, investments to the area. Also established in the construction, and agriculture (including for- early 1980s, the Urban Design Studio estry and fishing). Chattanooga’s strategic (associated with the University of Tennessee’s location by the Tennessee River has long School of Architecture) entered into a served to strengthen its position as a major partnership with the City of Chattanooga and manufacturing and distribution center for the undertook coordinated planning focused on region. Historically, Chattanooga’s iron and revitalizing the downtown area. steel foundries served as a reliable cornerstone of the city’s economic prosperity The successful implementation of from the 19th century until the industry began Chattanooga’s revitalization plans helped spur to decline in the 1970s. renewed private investment in downtown development projects, including new housing Chattanooga experienced a deep economic units and other business ventures. The downturn during the 1980s, like many other downtown area witnessed a reversal of its cities across the country with economies 25% population decline of the 1980s as the heavily reliant on manufacturing. The number downtown population grew by more than 7 % of Chattanoogans employed in manufacturing during the 1990s. Although manufacturing has industries declined 28% during the decade, a continued to struggle (an estimated 10,900 factor reflected in corresponding city and manufacturing jobs were lost in the 59

CHAPTER THREE: THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Chattanooga MSA between 2000 and 2008), Rock City Gardens atop Lookout Mountain; growth in other economic sectors such as Ruby Falls (cave with waterfall); Coolidge tourism, hotels and restaurants, education, Park in the North Shore area with its and insurance industries has helped to offset celebrated antique carousel and fountains; the manufacturing declines. Chattanooga Choo Choo (30-acre vacation playground with theme restaurants, trolley Over 3 million people annually visit rides, gardens, etc.); and the Southern Belle, a Chattanooga’s broad array of tourism sites riverboat with onboard restaurant that takes and facilities for recreational and cultural passengers for excursions on the Tennessee experiences. Tourism generates revenues of River. The Riverbend Festival, a popular approximately $688 million in Chattanooga summer musical event, contributes about $21 and Hamilton County. Chattanooga’s million annually to the Chattanooga economy riverfront redevelopment projects have served and draws an estimated 650,000 visitors as a catalyst for the city’s economic during nine nights of entertainment. resurgence, and the downtown area along the riverfront has become an attractive place for In 2004, the Tennessee Department of Tourist residents and visitors with its many shops, Development listed the top tourist attractions restaurants, and music venues. Several within the state based on visitation numbers. museums are also located in Chattanooga with Six of Chattanooga’s attractions were listed exhibits devoted to regional and Civil War among the top twenty at that time: the history, decorative arts, railroading, and a Tennessee Aquarium (ranked #5 with 856,000 wide variety of other themes. The Tennessee visitors); the Chattanooga Choo Choo Aquarium, opened in 1992 in Ross’s Landing (ranked #10 with 592,360 visitors); the IMAX Park and Plaza, is among the world’s largest 3D theater at the aquarium (ranked #13 with freshwater aquariums. With its IMAX 3D 506,000 visitors); Lookout Mountain Incline theater, the aquarium draws about one million Railway (ranked #17 with 434,119 visitors); visitors each year. Electric-powered free Rock City Gardens (ranked #18 with 405,246 shuttle buses and other improvements to the visitors); and Ruby Falls (ranked #20 with public transportation system have enhanced 391,039 visitors). accessibility throughout the downtown area. A substantial boost to the local and regional The North Shore area has also undergone a economies is expected to come from German transformation from a primarily industrial and auto maker Volkswagen’s recent decision to warehouse district into a tourist-friendly construct its new United States production destination with mixed-use neighborhoods of plant at the Enterprise South Industrial Park, residences, shops, restaurants, cultural located 12 miles northeast of downtown facilities (e.g., galleries, theaters), pedestrian Chattanooga. Despite the trouble currently paths, and other amenities. The historic affecting the overall automotive industry, Walnut Street Bridge across the Tennessee Volkswagen remains on target to invest a River (at one time slated for demolition) was projected $1 billion in the plant that will reopened in 1993 as a pedestrian-only bridge. directly employ about 2,000 workers. Many It links the North Shore to the Bluff View more jobs will be created in support / supply section of downtown Chattanooga. industries and businesses. Production is scheduled to begin in 2011. The plant is Among the local and regional tourist anticipated to play a major role in reviving attractions are the Lookout Mountain Incline Chattanooga’s struggling manufacturing Railway; Point Park and Lookout Mountain sector, and is seen by many as another positive Battlefield (units of Chickamauga and outcome achieved through collaborative Chattanooga National Military Park) with public-private partnerships and investments. panoramic views down to Moccasin Bend;

NPS OPERATIONS AND FACILITIES

The Moccasin Bend National Archeological Although the exact numbers of additional District is administered by Chickamauga and NPS employees projected for the new Chattanooga National Military Park with Moccasin Bend unit has not been determined, headquarters at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. it is assumed that additional staff would be Moccasin Bend is located approximately 13 required to operate and maintain the visitor miles by road from park headquarters. The interpretive center and to protect the Point Park and the Lookout Mountain archeological district. Staff would likely be Battlefield units of the national military park required for resource and visitor protection, are both located across the Tennessee River, interpretation and educational programs, approximately 11 miles by road south of administration, maintenance, and possibly Moccasin Bend. There are presently no NPS museum collections management. facilities at Moccasin Bend and protection and interpretive activities are undertaken by staff There are no existing buildings or other assigned to primary duty stations at other park structures on the former Serodino property locations. that could conceivably be adapted for the interpretive center under alternatives B, C, The NPS Budget Office reported that the and D. Connections to existing utility lines national military park’s budget in 2006 was along the Hamm Road right-of-way (water, approximately $2.5 million, having steadily gas, electrical lines) are anticipated for site grown over the preceding ten years from $1.3 development at the former Serodino property. million in 1996. The park’s full time equivalent Wastewater requirements are expected to be (FTE) ceiling was 36 full-time employees in addressed by connection to the sewage 2006, a number that has remained relatively treatment facility on Moccasin Bend. The constant over the last ten years. However, the property is located at a slight elevation (one actual numbers of employees at the park has foot) above the 100-year floodplain of the generally fallen short of the FTE ceiling; in Tennessee River because of the fill material 2008 the park employed approximately 25 that has been imported to the site. permanent full-time staff, 5 permanent part- time staff, and 20 temporary staff (including many seasonal workers whose numbers do not substantially affect the FTE ceiling).

The park is assisted in its activities by members of the Volunteers-in-Parks (VIP) program, and by the fundraising and community liaison assistance provided by its nonprofit friends organizations: The Friends of the Park (Chickamauga and Chattanooga NMP) and The Friends of Moccasin Bend.

Photo provided by Friends of Mocassin Bend National Park

RIVERFRONT

CHAPTER 44::

Environmental Consequences

METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSING IMPACTS

INTRODUCTION surrounding region. These projects include the following: Potential impacts (direct, indirect, and • cumulative effects) are described in terms of Erosion control measures have been type (are the effects beneficial or adverse?), developed by the U.S. Army Corps of context (are the effects site-specific, local, or Engineers in cooperation with the National regional?), duration (are the effects short- Park Service to control erosion that has term, i.e. occurring during the period of impacted approximately 6 miles of construction or lasting less than one year; Moccasin Bend’s riverbank. Minimally long-term, i.e. lasting longer than one year; or intrusive stabilization measures will be permanent?) and intensity (is the degree or utilized incorporating riprap and severity of effects negligible, minor, moderate, bioengineering techniques that involve the or major?). Because definitions of intensity planting of native plant species. (negligible, minor, moderate, or major) vary • The North Shore Plan developed by the by impact topic, intensity definitions are Chattanooga – Hamilton County Regional provided separately for each impact topic Planning Agency is intended to provide analyzed in this assessment. long-term vision and design recommendations for Chattanooga’s North Shore area. Recommendations CUMULATIVE IMPACTS provided in the plan to effectively link the North Shore with Moccasin Bend include ’ The Council on Environmental Quality s the following: regulations, which implement the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC 1) provide a greenway connection 4321 et seq.), require assessment of cumulative between Renaissance Park and Moccasin impacts in the decision-making process for Bend in cooperation with the Trust for federal projects. Cumulative impacts are Public Land and the National Park defined as Service the impact on the environment which results 2) explore mass transit opportunities to from the incremental impact of the action Moccasin Bend to reduce the impact of when added to other past, present, and increased visitation reasonably foreseeable future actions 3) provide appropriate way-finding signs regardless of what agency (federal or non- along access routes federal) or person undertakes such other 4) develop Manufacturers Road as a actions (40 CFR 1508.7). gateway to Moccasin Bend, and work with property owners to enhance the Cumulative impacts are considered for all landscaping and other qualities alternatives, including the no-action contributing to the appearance of the alternative. gateway approach

5) explore a variety of transportation Cumulative impacts were determined by opportunities to connect Moccasin Bend combining the impacts of each alternative with the North Shore and downtown with other past, present, and reasonably (e.g., bicycle facilities, sidewalks, shuttles, foreseeable future actions. Therefore, it was canoes/kayaks, riverwalk extension, necessary to identify other ongoing or water taxi) reasonably foreseeable future projects on or near Moccasin Bend and, if applicable, the 65

CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

IMPAIRMENT OF RESOURCES AND An impact would be more likely to constitute VALUES impairment to the extent that it affects a resource or value whose conservation is In accordance with the NPS Organic Act and • the General Authorities Act, it is the policy of necessary to fulfill specific purposes the National Park Service to avoid the identified in the establishing legislation or proclamation of the park, or impairment of park resources and values unless directly and specifically provided for by • key to the natural or cultural integrity of legislation or the proclamation establishing the park or to opportunities for enjoyment the park. An impact could constitute an of the park, or impairment if, in the professional judgment of • identified in the park’s general the responsible NPS manager, the severity of management plan or other relevant NPS the impact would harm the integrity of park planning documents as being of resources or values, including the significance. opportunities that otherwise would be present For this planning document, an assessment for the enjoyment of those resources or of impairment is provided in the values. Factors bearing on whether an environmental consequences section for impairment could occur include the particular archeological and ethnographic resources. resources and values that would be affected; the severity, duration, and timing of the impact; the direct and indirect effects of the impact; and the cumulative effects of the impact in question and other impacts (NPS Management Policies 2006, sec. 1.4.5).

VISITOR USE AND EXPERIENCE

NPS Management Policies 2006 state that the NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE enjoyment of park resources and values is part Analysis of the fundamental purpose of all parks. The Park Service is committed to providing Under the no action alternative, no NPS appropriate, high-quality opportunities for interpretive facilities would be constructed at visitor enjoyment and education in a fashion Moccasin Bend although visitors could access that protects fundamental resources and the archeological district and receive leaves them unimpaired for future educational information by participating in generations. Although current NPS visitor use occasional NPS-led interpretive tours of the information is limited for Moccasin Bend, an site. Those electing to visit the archeological estimate of the nature and intensity of the district on their own would likely have a impacts on visitor use and experience mostly unstructured experience but could associated with the various alternatives is expect to encounter NPS resource and visitor provided based on the projected range of protection rangers and possibly face access visitor uses and facility functions. restrictions to sensitive site locations. Without a well-defined NPS presence or facility destination on Moccasin Bend, visitors may DEFINITIONS experience some uncertainty regarding access routes, designated parking areas, and the Intensity Levels boundaries of the archeological district and Negligible: The impact would be at or below neighboring properties. This could result in the lower levels of detection and would not potential use conflicts. have an appreciable effect on visitors. Because above-ground evidence of the Minor: The impact would be slight but archeological sites is not readily discernible detectable, would not occur in primary without interpretive assistance, visitors resource areas, or would affect few visitors. without prior knowledge or orientation to the area and its resources could experience Moderate: The impact would be readily difficulties linking the multiple episodes of apparent, would occur in primary resource Moccasin Bend’s cultural history to specific areas, or would affect many visitors. The locations. Those wishing to view museum impact would be clearly detectable by visitors objects collected from previous archeological and could have an appreciable effect on visitor investigations would have to visit off-site experiences. repositories where Moccasin Bend objects are presently curated. With respect for tribal Major: The impact would be severely adverse concerns regarding the protection and or exceptionally beneficial, would occur in honoring of the former village and burial primary resource areas, or would affect the locations, NPS managers may determine majority of visitors. (through the general management planning process) that it is necessary and appropriate to Duration of Impact implement site protection measures that Short-term impacts would be less than one restrict or limit visitor access to sensitive site year, and long-term impacts would extend areas. The visitor uncertainties and limitations beyond one year and have a permanent effect reflected by the above factors would continue on visitor use and experience. to have long-term minor to moderate adverse impacts on visitor use and experience. 67

CHAPTER FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

However, ongoing provision for occasional contribution to these cumulative impacts NPS-led tours of the site would continue to would be modest. have long-term beneficial impacts on visitor experience. Conclusion Under the no-action alternative, long-term Cumulative Impacts minor to moderate adverse impacts on visitor The wide variety of museums, historic sites use and experience would occur from limited (e.g., other units of Chickamauga and visitor interpretive and orientation Chattanooga National Military Park), and opportunities on Moccasin Bend. Beneficial other cultural events and activities in impacts would occur, however, from the Chattanooga and the surrounding region continuation of occasional NPS-led provide visitors with opportunities to further interpretive tours. Long-term beneficial and their understanding of local cultural history long-term minor adverse cumulative impacts including that of Moccasin Bend. Activities to would be expected, with a modest mark and interpret the Trail of Tears National contribution of the no-action alternative to Historic Trail on Moccasin Bend and at other these cumulative impacts. regional locations could also proceed independently under the administration of the NPS Historic Trails System Office with ALTERNATIVE A assistance of the Trail of Tears Association. Analysis These opportunities would provide long-term benefits to the visitor experience that would Under alternative A (as under the no-action compensate to some degree for the lack of on- alternative), no NPS interpretive facilities site facility development on Moccasin Bend. would be constructed at Moccasin Bend. Existing visitor center facilities at Proposed city and county measures to link Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Moccasin Bend with Chattanooga’s North Military Park would be used or modified to Shore and improve the gateway experience for support the interpretation of Moccasin Bend visitors traveling to the Bend would be and to potentially store and exhibit artifacts expected to proceed. Although a destination collected from the site. Visitors could interpretive center on the Bend would not be continue to access the archeological district constructed under this alternative, visitors and receive educational information by would be expected to receive improved initial participating in occasional NPS-led orientation to the Bend from Chattanooga and interpretive tours. have a more enjoyable experience because of way-finding signs, opportunities to take Those electing to visit the archeological alternative modes of transportation, landscap- district on their own would likely have a ing, and other proposed enhancements to the mostly unstructured experience but could gateway approach. These improvements expect to encounter NPS resource and visitor would have long-term beneficial impacts on protection rangers and possibly face access visitor use and experience. restrictions to sensitive site locations. Without a well-defined NPS presence or facility Consequently, the beneficial impacts of the destination on Moccasin Bend, visitors may opportunities and actions described above, in experience some uncertainty regarding access combination with the adverse and beneficial routes, designated parking areas, and the impacts of the no-action alternative, would boundaries of the archeological district and result in long-term beneficial and minor neighboring properties. This could result in adverse cumulative impacts on visitor use and potential use conflicts. experience. The no-action alternative’s

Visitor Use and Experience

Because above-ground evidence of the independently under the administration of the archeological sites is not readily discernible NPS Historic Trails System Office with without interpretive assistance, visitors assistance of the Trail of Tears Association. without prior knowledge or orientation to the These opportunities would provide long-term area and its resources could experience benefits to the visitor experience that would difficulties linking the multiple episodes of compensate to some degree for the lack of on- Moccasin Bend’s cultural history to specific site facility development on Moccasin Bend. locations. However, interpretive exhibits and other visitor education opportunities at Proposed city and county measures to link existing park visitor centers would enhance Moccasin Bend with Chattanooga’s North visitor understanding of Moccasin Bend’s Shore and improve the gateway experience for cultural history, and could serve to provide visitors traveling to the Bend would be initial orientation to the Bend prior to on-site expected to proceed. Although a destination visits. interpretive center on the Bend would not be constructed under this alternative, visitors Those wishing to view selected museum would be expected to receive improved initial objects collected from previous archeological orientation to the Bend from Chattanooga, investigations would have opportunities to do and have a more enjoyable experience as a so at the park visitor centers or at off-site result of way-finding signs, opportunities to repositories. With respect for tribal concerns take alternative modes of transportation, regarding the protection and honoring of the landscaping, and other proposed former village and burial locations, NPS enhancements to the gateway approach. managers may determine (through the general These improvements would have long-term management planning process) that it is beneficial impacts on visitor use and necessary and appropriate to implement site experience. protection measures that restrict or limit visitor access to sensitive site locations. The Consequently, the beneficial impacts of the visitor uncertainties and limitations reflected opportunities and actions described above, in by the above factors would have long-term combination with the adverse and beneficial minor to moderate adverse impacts on visitor impacts of alternative A, would result in long- use and experience. However, the provision of term beneficial and minor adverse cumulative occasional NPS-led tours of the site and impacts on visitor use and experience. interpretation/exhibits at the Chickamauga Alternative A’s contribution to these Battlefield and the Point Park and Lookout cumulative impacts would be modest. Mountain Battlefield units of the park would have long-term beneficial impacts on visitor Conclusion experience. Under alternative A, long-term minor to moderate adverse impacts on visitor use and Cumulative Impacts experience would occur from limited visitor The wide variety of museums, historic sites interpretive and orientation opportunities on (e.g., other units of Chickamauga and Moccasin Bend. Beneficial impacts would Chattanooga National Military Park), and occur, however, from the continuation of other cultural events and activities in occasional NPS-led interpretive tours and the Chattanooga and the surrounding region provision of interpretation/exhibits at existing provide visitors with opportunities to further park visitor centers. Long-term beneficial and their understanding of local cultural history minor adverse cumulative impacts would be including that of Moccasin Bend. Activities to expected, with a modest contribution of mark and/or interpret the Trail of Tears alternative A to these cumulative impacts. National Historic Trail on Moccasin Bend and at other regional locations could also proceed 69

CHAPTER FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

ALTERNATIVE B for tribal concerns regarding the protection and honoring of the former village and burial Analysis locations, NPS managers may determine Under alternative B, the Park Service would (through the general management planning construct interpretive facilities at Moccasin process) that it is necessary and appropriate to Bend that provide basic visitor services (e.g., implement site protection measures that exhibit/museum area, sales area, exterior restrict or limit visitor access to sensitive site space for interpretive programs). NPS-led locations. This would have minor long-term interpretive tours could also occur on-site to adverse impacts on visitor use and experience. supplement information provided at the interpretive center. These facilities and Visitors to Moccasin Bend could experience programs would enhance visitor short-term minor adverse impacts associated understanding of Moccasin Bend’s with construction of the visitor interpretive fundamental resources and provide center resulting from dust, noise, vehicle opportunities to link interpretation of the emissions, etc. However, these impacts would Bend’s cultural history to identified site last only as long as the period of construction, locations. and visitors would be directed away from construction areas to ensure their safety. Those visiting the archeological district and visitor center would likely have a more Cumulative Impacts structured experience than under the no- The wide variety of museums, historic sites action alternative and alternative A. They (e.g., other units of Chickamauga and would continue to encounter NPS resource Chattanooga National Military Park) and and visitor protection rangers and possibly other cultural events and activities in face access restrictions to sensitive site Chattanooga and the surrounding region locations. The existence of a well-defined and provide visitors with opportunities to further visible NPS presence operating from the their understanding of local cultural history visitor center on Moccasin Bend would serve including that of Moccasin Bend. Activities to to lessen the degree of uncertainty some mark and/or interpret the Trail of Tears visitors may otherwise experience regarding National Historic Trail on Moccasin Bend and basic site orientation and information (e.g., at other regional locations could also proceed access routes, designated parking areas, independently under the administration of the boundaries of the archeological district and NPS Historic Trails System Office with neighboring properties) which could reduce assistance of the Trail of Tears Association. potential use conflicts. The Trail of Tears would be a primary theme

interpreted at the Moccasin Bend visitor Long-term NPS management strategies for interpretive center. These opportunities visitor use and interpretation at Moccasin would provide long-term benefits to visitor Bend will be developed as part of the park’s use and experience. general management and comprehensive interpretive plans. Selected museum objects Proposed city and county measures to link collected from previous archeological Moccasin Bend with Chattanooga’s North investigations could be displayed at the visitor Shore and improve the gateway experience for center, and other objects would continue to visitors traveling to the Bend and the visitor be curated and displayed at outside interpretive center would be expected to repositories. Construction of the visitor proceed. Visitors would receive improved interpretive facility and implementation of the initial orientation to the Bend from programs and activities that would occur Chattanooga and have a more enjoyable there would have long-term beneficial impacts experience because of way-finding signs, on visitor use and experience. With respect opportunities to take alternative modes of 70

Visitor Use and Experience transportation, landscaping, and other would enhance visitor understanding of proposed enhancements to the gateway Moccasin Bend’s fundamental resources and approach. These improvements would have provide opportunities to more directly link long-term beneficial impacts on visitor use interpretation of the Bend’s cultural history to and experience. identified site locations. The expanded facilities envisioned by this alternative would Consequently, the beneficial impacts of the also likely draw greater numbers of visitors to opportunities and actions described above, in Moccasin Bend. combination with the adverse and beneficial impacts of alternative B, would result in long- Those visiting the archeological district and term beneficial and minor adverse cumulative visitor center would likely have a more impacts on visitor use and experience. structured experience than under the no- Alternative B would have an appreciable action alternative and alternative A. They contribution to these cumulative impacts, would continue to encounter NPS resource markedly greater than the no-action and visitor protection rangers and possibly alternative and alternative A. face access restrictions to sensitive site locations. The existence of a more well- Conclusion defined and visible NPS presence operating Under alternative B, long-term beneficial from the visitor center on Moccasin Bend impacts would occur to visitor use and would serve to lessen the degree of experience from construction of the visitor uncertainty some visitors may otherwise interpretive center and implementation of the experience regarding basic site orientation interpretive and educational programs and information (e.g., access routes, envisioned for the facility. Minor long-term designated parking areas, boundaries of the adverse impacts on visitor use and experience archeological district and neighboring would occur from site protection measures properties) which could reduce potential use that would possibly limit or restrict visitor conflicts. access to sensitive locations. Long-term beneficial and minor adverse cumulative Long-term NPS management strategies for impacts would be expected, with alternative B visitor use and interpretation at Moccasin having an appreciable contribution to the Bend will be developed as part of the park’s overall cumulative impacts. general management and comprehensive interpretive plans. Selected museum objects collected from previous archeological ALTERNATIVE C investigations could be displayed at the visitor center, and other objects would continue to Analysis be curated and displayed at outside Under alternative C, the Park Service would repositories. Construction of the visitor construct visitor interpretive facilities at interpretive facility and implementation of the Moccasin Bend that provide both the basic programs and activities that would occur facility and visitor service elements identified there would have long-term beneficial impacts for alternative B as well as additional and on visitor use and experience. With respect expanded facilities (e.g., theater, classroom, for tribal concerns regarding the protection expanded exhibit/museum area, sales area, and honoring of the former village and burial and exterior space for interpretive programs). locations, NPS managers may determine NPS-led interpretive tours could also occur (through the general management planning on-site to supplement information provided at process) that it is necessary and appropriate to the interpretive center. To a greater extent implement site protection measures that than the basic capabilities envisioned for restrict or limit visitor access to sensitive site alternative B, these facilities and programs 71

CHAPTER FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES locations. This would have minor long-term Consequently, the beneficial impacts of the adverse impacts on visitor use and experience. opportunities and actions described above, in combination with the adverse and beneficial Visitors to Moccasin Bend could experience impacts of alternative C, would result in long- short-term minor adverse impacts associated term beneficial and minor adverse cumulative with construction of the visitor interpretive impacts on visitor use and experience. center resulting from dust, noise, vehicle Alternative C’s contribution to these emissions, etc. However, these impacts would cumulative impacts would be substantial. last only as long as the period of construction, and visitors would be directed away from Conclusion construction areas to ensure their safety. Under alternative C, long-term beneficial impacts would occur to visitor use and Cumulative Impacts experience from construction of the visitor The wide variety of museums, historic sites interpretive center and implementation of the (e.g., other units of Chickamauga and expanded interpretive and educational spaces Chattanooga National Military Park) and and programs envisioned for the facility. other cultural events and activities in Minor long-term adverse impacts on visitor Chattanooga and the surrounding region use and experience would occur from site provide visitors with opportunities to further protection measures that would possibly limit their understanding of local cultural history, or restrict visitor access to sensitive locations. including that of Moccasin Bend. Activities to Long-term beneficial and minor adverse mark and/or interpret the Trail of Tears cumulative impacts would be expected, with National Historic Trail on Moccasin Bend and alternative C having a substantial contribution at other regional locations could also proceed to these cumulative impacts. independently under the administration of the NPS Historic Trails System Office with assistance of the Trail of Tears Association. ALTERNATIVE D The Trail of Tears would be a primary theme Analysis interpreted at the Moccasin Bend visitor interpretive center. These opportunities Under alternative D, the Park Service would would provide long-term benefits to visitor construct visitor interpretive facilities at use and experience. Moccasin Bend that provide both the basic facility and visitor service elements identified Proposed city and county measures to link for alternative B as well as the additional and Moccasin Bend with Chattanooga’s North expanded facilities identified for alternative C Shore and improve the gateway experience for (e.g., theater, classroom expanded exhibit/ visitors traveling to the Bend and the visitor museum area, sales area, and exterior space interpretive center would be expected to for interpretive programs). NPS-led proceed. Visitors would receive improved interpretive tours could also occur on-site to initial orientation to the Bend from supplement information provided at the Chattanooga and have a more enjoyable interpretive center. These facilities and experience because of way-finding signs, programs would substantially enhance visitor opportunities to take alternative modes of understanding of Moccasin Bend’s transportation, landscaping, and other fundamental resources and provide proposed enhancements to the gateway opportunities to link interpretation of the approach. These improvements would have Bend’s cultural history to identified site long-term beneficial impacts on visitor use locations. and experience. In addition to the above NPS facilities and programs, separate visitor facilities could be 72

Visitor Use and Experience developed and managed by the partnership implement site protection measures that organization on adjoining non-NPS property. restrict or limit visitor access to sensitive site These non-NPS facilities and programs would locations. This would have minor long-term be expected to complement those of the Park adverse impacts on visitor use and experience. Service and substantially contribute to visitor understanding and appreciation of Moccasin Visitors to Moccasin Bend could experience Bend’s cultural history. The expanded NPS short-term minor adverse impacts associated and partnership facilities envisioned by this with construction of the visitor interpretive alternative would also likely draw greater centers resulting from dust, noise, vehicle numbers of visitors to Moccasin Bend. emissions, etc. However, these impacts would last only as long as the period of construction, Those visiting the archeological district, NPS and visitors would be directed away from facilities, and privately operated facilities construction areas to ensure their safety. would likely have a more structured experience than under the no-action Cumulative Impacts alternative and alternative A. They would The wide variety of museums, historic sites continue to encounter NPS resource and (e.g., other units of Chickamauga and visitor protection rangers and possibly face Chattanooga National Military Park) and access restrictions to sensitive site locations. other cultural events and activities in The existence of a more well-defined and Chattanooga and the surrounding region visible NPS and partnership presence provide visitors with opportunities to further operating from the joint visitor centers on their understanding of local cultural history Moccasin Bend would serve to lessen the including that of Moccasin Bend. Activities to degree of uncertainty some visitors may mark or interpret the Trail of Tears National otherwise experience regarding basic site Historic Trail on Moccasin Bend and at other orientation and information (e.g., access regional locations could also proceed routes, designated parking areas, boundaries independently under the administration of the of the archeological district and neighboring NPS Historic Trails System Office with properties) which could reduce potential use assistance of the Trail of Tears Association. conflicts. The Trail of Tears would be a primary theme interpreted at the Moccasin Bend visitor Long-term NPS management strategies for interpretive centers. These opportunities visitor use and interpretation at Moccasin would provide long-term benefits to visitor Bend will be developed as part of the park’s use and experience. general management and comprehensive interpretive plans. Selected museum objects Proposed city and county measures to link collected from previous archeological Moccasin Bend with Chattanooga’s North investigations could be displayed at the visitor Shore and improve the gateway experience for center, and other objects would continue to visitors traveling to the Bend and the visitor be curated and displayed at outside interpretive centers would be expected to repositories. Construction of the visitor proceed. Visitors would receive improved interpretive facility and implementation of the initial orientation to the Bend from programs and activities that would occur Chattanooga and have a more enjoyable there would have long-term beneficial impacts experience because of way-finding signage, on visitor use and experience. With respect opportunities to take alternative modes of for tribal concerns regarding the protection transportation, landscaping, and other and honoring of the former village and burial proposed enhancements to the gateway locations, NPS managers may determine approach. These improvements would have (through the general management planning long-term beneficial impacts on visitor use process) that it is necessary and appropriate to and experience. 73

CHAPTER FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Minor long-term adverse impacts on visitor Consequently, the beneficial impacts of the use and experience would occur from site opportunities and actions described above, in protection measures that would possibly limit combination with the adverse and beneficial or restrict visitor access to sensitive locations. impacts of alternative D, would result in long- Long-term beneficial and minor adverse term beneficial and minor adverse cumulative cumulative impacts would be expected, with impacts on visitor use and experience. alternative D having a substantial contribution Alternative D’s contribution to these to these cumulative impacts. cumulative impacts would be substantial.

Conclusion Under alternative D, long-term beneficial impacts would occur to visitor use and experience from construction of the NPS and partnership visitor interpretive centers and implementation of the expanded interpretive and educational programs envisioned for these facilities.

CULTURAL RESOURCES AND THE NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT

In this environmental assessment, impacts on Adverse Effects). A determination of no cultural resources are described in terms of adverse effect means there may be an effect, type, context, duration, and intensity, which is but the effect would not diminish the consistent with the regulations of the Council characteristics that qualify the cultural on Environmental Quality (CEQ) that imple- resource for inclusion in the national register. ment the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These impact analyses are intended CEQ regulations and the NPS Director’s to comply with the requirements of both Order 12: Conservation Planning, NEPA and Section 106 of the National Environmental Impact Analysis and Decision Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). In accor- Making also call for a discussion of mitigation, dance with the Advisory Council on Historic as well as an analysis of how effective the Preservation’s regulations implementing mitigation would be in reducing the intensity Section 106 of the National Historic Preserva- of a potential impact, e.g. reducing the tion Act (36 CFR Part 800, Protection of intensity of an impact from major to moderate Historic Properties), impacts to cultural or minor. Any resultant reduction in intensity resources were also identified and evaluated of impact due to mitigation, however, is an by (1) determining the area of potential estimate of the effectiveness of mitigation effects; (2) identifying cultural resources under the National Environmental Policy Act present in the area of potential effects that are only. It does not suggest that the level of effect either listed in or eligible to be listed in the as defined by Section 106 is similarly reduced. National Register of Historic Places; (3) Cultural resources are non-renewable applying the criteria of adverse effect to resources and adverse effects generally affected cultural resources that are listed in or consume, diminish, or destroy the original eligible for listing in the national register; and historic materials or form, resulting in a loss of (4) considering ways to avoid, minimize, or resource integrity that can never be recovered. mitigate adverse effects. Therefore, although actions determined to have an adverse effect under Section 106 may Also, under the Advisory Council’s be mitigated, the effect remains adverse. regulations, a determination of either adverse effect or no adverse effect must be made for Section106 summaries are included in the affected national register-listed or national impact analyses for archeological and register-eligible cultural resources. An adverse ethnographic resources (alternatives A effect occurs whenever an impact alters, through D). The Section 106 summary is an directly or indirectly, any characteristic of a assessment of the effect of the undertaking cultural resource that qualifies it for inclusion (implementation of the alternative) on in the national register, e.g. diminishing the national register-eligible or national register- integrity (or the extent to which a resource listed cultural resources only, based upon the retains its historic appearance) of its location, criterion of effect and criteria of adverse effect design, setting, materials, workmanship, found in the Advisory Council’s regulations. feeling, or association. Adverse effects also include reasonably foreseeable effects caused by the alternatives that would occur later in time, be farther removed in distance, or be cumulative (36 CFR 800.5, Assessment of

ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

DEFINITIONS NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE Intensity Levels Analysis Negligible: Impact is at the lowest levels of Under the no-action alternative, no NPS detection with neither adverse nor beneficial visitor interpretive facilities would be consequences. The determination of effect for constructed at Moccasin Bend and Section106 would be no adverse effect. consequently there would be no potential for disturbance of in-situ archeological resources Minor: Adverse impact – disturbance of a by construction activities. Occasional NPS-led site(s) results in little, if any, loss of integrity. interpretive tours of the archeological district The determination of effect for Section106 would occur. Tour visitors as well as those would be no adverse effect. exploring the district independently may be subject to access restrictions in sensitive areas. Moderate: Adverse impact – disturbance of a The Park Service would carefully monitor site(s) results in loss of integrity. The visitor use to ensure archeological resources determination of effect for Section 106 would are not adversely or inadvertently affected by be adverse effect. A memorandum of the development of social trails, erosion, or agreement is executed among the National other factors. The Park Service would also Park Service and applicable state or tribal continue to carry out routine resource and historic preservation officer and, if necessary, visitor protection patrols of the archeological the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation district to deter site looting and disturbances, in accordance with 36 CFR 800.6(b). and to monitor resource conditions. These Measures identified in the MOA to minimize factors would have long-term negligible to or mitigate adverse impacts reduce the minor adverse impacts on archeological intensity of impact under NEPA from major to resources. moderate. Cumulative Impacts Major: Adverse impact – disturbance of a Moccasin Bend’s nationally significant site(s) results in loss of integrity. The American Indian village sites and associated determination of effect for Section 106 would burials have been disturbed by previous be adverse effect. Measures to minimize or looting. Despite the widespread impacts of mitigate adverse impacts cannot be agreed these disturbances, notably at Hampton Place, upon and the National Park Service and the archeological resources are still applicable state or tribal historic preservation considered to retain good integrity officer and/or Advisory Council are unable to (McCollough et al. 1985). negotiate and execute a memorandum of agreement in accordance with 36 CFR Other ground-disturbing activities have 800.6(b). adversely affected or have the potential to adversely affect archeological resources on Duration of Impact Moccasin Bend. These activities have All impacts that diminish the potential of included governmental and private facility archeological resources to yield information development, agricultural use, placement of important in prehistory or history would be pipelines and utilities, and the dredging of the irreversible and of long-term and possibly toe of Moccasin Bend as part of the permanent duration. construction of I-24 in the 1960s. Other threats to archeological resources are soil 76

Archeological Resources erosion and the possibility for high winds to general management plan of Chickamauga overturn trees and dislodge potential and Chattanooga National Military Park or resources near the roots. The above actions other relevant NPS planning documents, there have had long-term and permanent, minor to would be no impairment of the archeological major adverse impacts on archeological district’s resources and values. resources. The streambank stabilization project being undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is anticipated to have ALTERNATIVE A long-term beneficial impacts on archeological Analysis resources by abating the steady erosion of Moccasin Bend’s shoreline by the Tennessee Under alternative A (as under the no-action River and protecting near-shore resources alternative), no NPS visitor interpretive from erosion damage. facilities would be constructed at Moccasin Bend and consequently there would be no As described above, implementation of the no potential for disturbance of in-situ action alternative would result in long-term archeological resources by construction negligible to minor adverse impacts to activities. Occasional NPS-led interpretive archeological resources. The adverse impacts tours of the archeological district would of this alternative, in combination with the occur. Tour visitors and those exploring the predominantly adverse impacts of other past, district independently may be subject to present, and reasonably foreseeable future access restrictions in sensitive locations. The actions, would result in a long-term minor to Park Service would carefully monitor visitor major adverse cumulative impact. The adverse use to ensure archeological resources are not effects of the no action alternative, however, adversely or inadvertently affected by the would be a very small component of the development of social trails, erosion, or other adverse cumulative impact. factors. The Park Service would also continue to carry out routine resource and visitor Conclusion protection patrols of the archeological district to deter site looting and disturbances, and to No facility development or ground- monitor resource conditions. These factors disturbance would occur under the no-action would have long-term negligible to minor alternative that could adversely affect adverse impacts on archeological resources. archeological resources. The Park Service would continue to monitor and protect the Increased interpretation of the archeological national archeological district and possibly district would be provided at existing park restrict visitor access to sensitive site visitor centers. This would serve to orient locations. Any adverse impacts on visitors to the Moccasin Bend district and archeological resources would be long-term educate them about the importance of and negligible to minor in intensity. The no- protecting the district’s significant action alternative would have minor to major archeological resources. Long-term beneficial adverse and beneficial cumulative impacts. impacts would occur to archeological

resources from these interpretive and Because there would be only negligible to educational measures. Any modifications to minor adverse impacts on a resource or value existing visitor centers that entail ground whose conservation is (1) necessary to fulfill disturbance would be assessed by NPS staff to specific purposes identified in the establishing ensure potential archeological resources (if legislation of the Moccasin Bend National found in proposed construction areas) are Archeological District, (2) key to the natural avoided, protected, and/or mitigated in or cultural integrity of the archeological consultation with the state historic district or to opportunities for enjoyment of preservation officer. the district, or (3) identified as a goal in the 77

CHAPTER FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Cumulative Impacts Conclusion Moccasin Bend’s nationally significant No facility development or ground American Indian village sites and associated disturbance would occur on Moccasin Bend burials have been disturbed by previous under alternative A that could adversely affect looting. Despite the widespread impacts of archeological resources. The Park Service these disturbances, notably at Hampton Place, would continue to monitor and protect the the archeological resources are still national archeological district and possibly considered to retain good integrity restrict visitor access to sensitive site (McCollough et al. 1985). locations. Any adverse impacts on archeological resources would be long-term Other ground-disturbing activities have and negligible to minor in intensity. Long- adversely affected or have the potential to term beneficial impacts would result from adversely affect archeological resources on increased visitor interpretation and education Moccasin Bend. These activities have measures at existing visitor centers. included governmental and private facility Alternative A would have minor to major development, agricultural use, placement of adverse and beneficial cumulative impacts. pipelines and utilities, and the dredging of the toe of Moccasin Bend as part of the Because there would be only negligible to construction of I-24 in the 1960s. Other minor adverse impacts on a resource or value threats to archeological resources from whose conservation is (1) necessary to fulfill natural processes are soil erosion and the specific purposes identified in the establishing possibility for high winds to overturn trees legislation of the Moccasin Bend National and dislodge potential resources near the Archeological District, (2) key to the natural roots. The above actions have had long-term or cultural integrity of the archeological and permanent, minor to major adverse district or to opportunities for enjoyment of impacts on archeological resources. The the district, or (3) identified as a goal in the streambank stabilization project being general management plan of Chickamauga undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of and Chattanooga National Military Park or Engineers for the National Park Service is other relevant NPS planning documents, there anticipated to have long-term beneficial would be no impairment of the archeological impacts on archeological resources by abating district’s resources and values. the steady erosion of Moccasin Bend’s shoreline by the Tennessee River and Section 106 Summary protecting near-shore resources from erosion After applying the Advisory Council on damage. Historic Preservation’s criteria of adverse effect (36 CFR Part 800.5, Assessment of As described above, implementation of Adverse Effects), the National Park Service alternative A would result in both long-term concludes that implementing alternative A negligible to minor adverse impacts and long- would result in no adverse effect on term beneficial impacts to archeological archeological resources. resources. The adverse and beneficial impacts of this alternative, in combination with the predominantly adverse impacts of other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, would result in a long-term minor to major adverse cumulative impact. The adverse effects of alternative A, however, would be a very small component of the adverse cumulative impact. 78

Archeological Resources

ALTERNATIVE B to deter site looting and disturbances, and to monitor resource conditions. These factors Analysis would have long-term negligible to minor Under alternative B, the Park Service would adverse impacts on archeological resources. construct basic visitor interpretive facilities on Moccasin Bend. As a result of the Phase I The interpretation of the archeological district archeological investigations completed for the provided at the proposed interpretive facility current project by the NPS Southeast on Moccasin Bend would serve to orient Archeological Center (SEAC), no national visitors to the district and educate them about register-eligible archeological resources were the importance of protecting the district’s identified within the area of potential effect at significant archeological resources. Long-term the former Serodino property, the location beneficial impacts would occur for the selected for construction of the visitor protection of archeological resources from interpretive center. Soil core borings of the these interpretive and educational measures. former Serodino property supported the likelihood that top soils had been removed Cumulative Impacts from the site prior to the importation of fill Moccasin Bend’s nationally significant material. Archeological resources were American Indian village sites and associated determined unlikely to be present within burials have been disturbed by previous underlying clay subsoils. looting. Despite the widespread impacts of

these disturbances, notably at Hampton Place, Additional archeological surveys and/or the archeological resources are still monitoring may be necessary for any ancillary considered to retain good integrity construction such as access roads and possible (McCollough et al. 1985). trenching required for the placement of underground utility lines to the interpretive Other ground-disturbing activities have facility. In the unlikely event that national adversely affected or have the potential to register-eligible or national register-listed adversely affect archeological resources on archeological resources were identified that Moccasin Bend. These activities have could not be avoided, an appropriate included governmental and private facility mitigation strategy would be developed in development, agricultural use, placement of consultation with the state historic pipelines and utilities, and the dredging of the preservation officer and affiliated tribal toe of Moccasin Bend as part of the representatives. Any adverse impacts on construction of I-24 in the 1960s. Other archeological resources would be long-term threats to archeological resources are soil or permanent and minor to moderate in erosion and the possibility for high winds to intensity. overturn trees and dislodge potential

resources near the roots. The above actions NPS-led interpretive tours of the have had long-term and permanent, minor to archeological district would occur. Tour major adverse impacts on archeological visitors and those exploring the district resources. The streambank stabilization independently may be subject to NPS access project being undertaken by the U.S. Army restrictions in sensitive locations. The Park Corps of Engineers for the National Park Service would carefully monitor visitor use to Service is anticipated to have long-term ensure archeological resources are not beneficial impacts on archeological resources adversely or inadvertently affected by the by abating the steady erosion of Moccasin development of social trails, erosion, or other Bend’s shoreline by the Tennessee River and factors. The Park Service would also continue protecting near-shore resources from erosion to carry out routine resource and visitor damage. protection patrols of the archeological district

CHAPTER FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

As described above, implementation of Because there would be only negligible to alternative B could result in both long-term or moderate adverse impacts on a resource or permanent negligible to moderate adverse value whose conservation is (1) necessary to impacts and long-term beneficial impacts to fulfill specific purposes identified in the archeological resources. The adverse and establishing legislation of the Moccasin Bend beneficial impacts of this alternative, in National Archeological District, (2) key to the combination with the predominantly adverse natural or cultural integrity of the impacts of other past, present, and reasonably archeological district or to opportunities for foreseeable future actions, would result in a enjoyment of the district, or (3) identified as a long-term minor to major adverse cumulative goal in the general management plan of impact. The adverse effects of alternative B, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National however, would be a small component of the Military Park or other relevant NPS planning adverse cumulative impact. documents, there would be no impairment of the archeological district’s resources and Conclusion values. No archeological resources were identified at the location selected for construction of a Section 106 Summary proposed visitor interpretive center on After applying the Advisory Council on Moccasin Bend, and there is little likelihood Historic Preservation’s criteria of adverse for resources to be present at the location effect (36 CFR Part 800.5, Assessment of because of the prior removal of top soil. Adverse Effects), the National Park Service Additional archeological surveys and/or concludes that implementing alternative B monitoring may be required for off-site would result in no adverse effect on construction (e.g., access roads, utility archeological resources. trenching). In the unlikely event that national register-eligible or national register-listed archeological resources were identified that ALTERNATIVE C could not be avoided, an appropriate Analysis mitigation strategy would be developed in consultation with the state historic Under alternative C, the Park Service would preservation officer and affiliated tribal construct expanded visitor interpretive representatives. Any adverse impacts on facilities on Moccasin Bend. As a result of the archeological resources would be long term or Phase I archeological investigations permanent and minor to moderate in completed for the current project by the NPS intensity. Southeast Archeological Center (SEAC), no national register-eligible archeological The Park Service would continue to monitor resources were identified within the area of and protect the national archeological district potential effect at the former Serodino and possibly restrict visitor access to sensitive property, the location selected for site locations. Any associated adverse impacts construction of the visitor interpretive center. on archeological resources would be long- Soil core borings of the former Serodino term and negligible to minor in intensity. property supported the likelihood that top Long-term beneficial impacts would result soils had been removed from the site prior to from increased visitor interpretation and the importation of fill material. Archeological education measures provided at the visitor resources were determined unlikely to be interpretive facility. Alternative B would have present within underlying clay subsoils. minor to major adverse and beneficial cumulative impacts. Additional archeological surveys and/or monitoring may be necessary for any ancillary construction such as access roads and possible 80

Archeological Resources trenching required for the placement of Other ground-disturbing activities have underground utility lines to the interpretive adversely affected or have the potential to facility. In the unlikely event that national adversely affect archeological resources on register-eligible or national register-listed Moccasin Bend. These activities have archeological resources were identified that included governmental and private facility could not be avoided, an appropriate development, agricultural use, placement of mitigation strategy would be developed in pipelines and utilities, and the dredging of the consultation with the state historic toe of Moccasin Bend as part of the preservation officer and affiliated tribal construction of I-24 in the 1960s. Other representatives. Any adverse impacts on threats to archeological resources from archeological resources would be long term or natural processes are soil erosion and the permanent and minor to moderate in possibility for high winds to overturn trees intensity. and dislodge potential resources near the roots. The above actions have had long-term NPS-led interpretive tours of the and permanent, minor to major adverse archeological district would occur. Tour impacts on archeological resources. The visitors and those exploring the district streambank stabilization project being independently may be subject to access undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of restrictions in sensitive locations. The Park Engineers for the National Park Service is Service would carefully monitor visitor use to anticipated to have long-term beneficial ensure archeological resources are not impacts on archeological resources by abating adversely or inadvertently affected by the the steady erosion of Moccasin Bend’s development of social trails, erosion, or other shoreline by the Tennessee River and factors. The Park Service would also continue protecting near-shore resources from erosion to carry out routine resource and visitor damage. protection patrols of the archeological district to deter site looting and disturbances, and to As described above, implementation of monitor resource conditions. These factors alternative C could result in both long-term or would have long-term negligible to minor permanent negligible to moderate adverse adverse impacts on archeological resources. impacts and long-term beneficial impacts to archeological resources. The adverse and The interpretation of the archeological district beneficial impacts of this alternative, in provided at the proposed interpretive facility combination with the predominantly adverse would serve to orient visitors to the district impacts of other past, present, and reasonably and educate them about the importance of foreseeable future actions, would result in a protecting the district’s significant long-term minor to major adverse cumulative archeological resources. Long-term beneficial impact. The adverse effects of alternative C, impacts to the protection of archeological however, would be a small component of the resources would occur from these interpretive adverse cumulative impact. and educational measures. Conclusion Cumulative Impacts No archeological resources were identified at Moccasin Bend’s nationally significant the location selected for construction of a American Indian village sites and associated proposed visitor interpretive center on burials have been disturbed by previous Moccasin Bend, and there is little likelihood looting. Despite the widespread impacts of for resources to be present at the location these disturbances, notably at Hampton Place, because of the prior removal of top soil. the archeological resources are still Additional archeological surveys and/or considered to retain good integrity monitoring may be required for off-site (McCollough et al. 1985). construction (e.g., access roads, utility 81

CHAPTER FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES trenching). In the unlikely event that national ALTERNATIVE D register-eligible or national register-listed Analysis archeological resources were identified that could not be avoided, an appropriate Under alternative D, the Park Service would mitigation strategy would be developed in construct expanded visitor interpretive consultation with the state historic facilities on Moccasin Bend. Additional visitor preservation officer and affiliated tribal use facilities could be constructed and representatives. Any adverse impacts on managed on adjoining property owned by the archeological resources would be long-term partnership organization. As a result of the or permanent and minor to moderate in Phase I archeological investigations intensity. completed for the current project by the NPS Southeast Archeological Center (SEAC), no The Park Service would continue to monitor national register-eligible archeological and protect the national archeological district resources were identified within the area of and possibly restrict visitor access to sensitive potential effect at the former Serodino site locations. Any associated adverse impacts property, the location selected for on archeological resources would be long- construction of the NPS visitor interpretive term and negligible to minor in intensity. center. Soil core borings of the former Long-term beneficial impacts would result Serodino property supported the likelihood from increased visitor interpretation and that top soils had been removed from the site education measures provided at the visitor prior to the importation of fill material. interpretive facility. Alternative C would have Archeological resources were determined minor to major adverse and beneficial unlikely to be present within underlying clay cumulative impacts. subsoils.

Because there would be only negligible to Archeological surveys and/or monitoring may moderate adverse impacts on a resource or be necessary for any ancillary construction value whose conservation is (1) necessary to such as access roads and possible trenching fulfill specific purposes identified in the required for the placement of underground establishing legislation of the Moccasin Bend utility lines to the interpretive facility. It is also National Archeological District, (2) key to the anticipated that archeological surveys and natural or cultural integrity of the assessments would be carried out for the archeological district or to opportunities for adjoining site selected by the partnership enjoyment of the district, or (3) identified as a organization for additional visitor use facilities goal in the general management plan of prior to construction-related ground Chickamauga and Chattanooga National disturbance. In the unlikely event that Military Park or other relevant NPS planning national register-eligible or national register- documents, there would be no impairment of listed archeological resources were identified the archeological district’s resources and in these locations that could not be avoided, values. an appropriate mitigation strategy would be developed in consultation with the state Section 106 Summary historic preservation officer and affiliated tribal representatives. Any adverse impacts on After applying the Advisory Council on archeological resources would be long-term Historic Preservation’s criteria of adverse or permanent and minor to moderate in effect (36 CFR Part 800.5, Assessment of intensity. Adverse Effects), the National Park Service concludes that implementing alternative C NPS-led interpretive tours of the would result in no adverse effect on archeological district would occur. Tour archeological resources. visitors and those exploring the district 82

Archeological Resources independently may be subject to access project being undertaken by the U.S. Army restrictions in sensitive locations. The Park Corps of Engineers for the National Park Service would carefully monitor visitor use to Service is anticipated to have long-term ensure archeological resources are not beneficial impacts on archeological resources adversely or inadvertently affected by the by abating the steady erosion of Moccasin development of social trails, erosion, or other Bend’s shoreline by the Tennessee River and factors. The Park Service would also continue protecting near-shore resources from erosion to carry out routine resource and visitor damage. protection patrols of the archeological district to deter site looting and disturbances, and to As described above, implementation of monitor resource conditions. These factors alternative D could result in both long-term or would have long-term negligible to minor permanent negligible to moderate adverse adverse impacts on archeological resources. impacts and long-term beneficial impacts to archeological resources. The adverse and The interpretation of the archeological district beneficial impacts of this alternative, in provided at the proposed interpretive facility combination with the predominantly adverse on Moccasin Bend would serve to orient impacts of other past, present, and reasonably visitors to the district and educate them about foreseeable future actions, would result in a the importance of protecting the district’s long-term minor to major adverse cumulative significant archeological resources. Long-term impact. The adverse effects of alternative D, beneficial impacts would occur for the however, would be a small component of the protection of archeological resources from adverse cumulative impact. these interpretive and educational measures. Conclusion Cumulative Impacts No archeological resources were identified at Moccasin Bend’s nationally significant the location selected for construction of a American Indian village sites and associated proposed visitor interpretive center on burials have been disturbed by previous Moccasin Bend, and there is little likelihood looting. Despite the widespread impacts of for resources to be present at the location these disturbances, notably at Hampton Place, because of the prior removal of top soil. the archeological resources are still Additional archeological surveys and/or considered to retain good integrity monitoring may be required for off-site (McCollough et al. 1985). construction (e.g., access roads, utility trenching). Archeological surveys and Other ground-disturbing activities have assessments would be carried out as necessary adversely affected or have the potential to for the adjoining site selected by the adversely affect archeological resources on partnership organization for additional visitor Moccasin Bend. These activities have use facilities. In the unlikely event that included governmental and private facility national register-eligible or national register- development, agricultural use, placement of listed archeological resources were identified pipelines and utilities, and the dredging of the that could not be avoided, an appropriate toe of Moccasin Bend as part of the mitigation strategy would be developed in construction of I-24 in the 1960s. Other consultation with the state historic threats to archeological resources are soil preservation officer and affiliated tribal erosion and the possibility for high winds to representatives. Any adverse impacts on overturn trees and dislodge potential archeological resources would be long-term resources near the roots. The above actions or permanent and minor to moderate in have had long-term and permanent, minor to intensity. major adverse impacts on archeological resources. The streambank stabilization 83

CHAPTER FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

The Park Service would continue to monitor natural or cultural integrity of the and protect the national archeological district archeological district or to opportunities for and possibly restrict visitor access to sensitive enjoyment of the district, or (3) identified as a site locations. Any associated adverse impacts goal in the general management plan of on archeological resources would be long- Chickamauga and Chattanooga National term and negligible to minor in intensity. Military Park or other relevant NPS planning Longterm beneficial impacts would result documents, there would be no impairment of from increased visitor interpretation and the archeological district’s resources and education measures provided at the visitor values. interpretive facility. Alternative D would have minor to major adverse and beneficial Section 106 Summary cumulative impacts. After applying the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s criteria of adverse Because there would be only negligible to effect (36 CFR Part 800.5, Assessment of moderate adverse impacts on a resource or Adverse Effects), the National Park Service value whose conservation is (1) necessary to concludes that implementing alternative D fulfill specific purposes identified in the would result in no adverse effect on establishing legislation of the Moccasin Bend archeological resources. National Archeological District, (2) key to the

ETHNOGRAPHIC RESOURCES

In this plan and environmental assessment, NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE potential impacts to ethnographic resources Analysis are described in terms of context (are the effects site-specific, local, or regional?), Under the no-action alternative, no NPS duration (are the effects short-term: lasting visitor interpretive facilities would be less than a year; long-term: lasting more than a constructed at Moccasin Bend and year; or permanent?) and intensity (is the consequently there would be no potential for degree or severity of effects negligible, minor, disturbance of potential ethnographic moderate, or major?). resources by construction activities. No formal ethnographic investigations have been completed for Moccasin Bend. However, DEFINITIONS Moccasin Bend in general, and the American Indian village sites with ancestral burials in Negligible: Impact(s) would be barely particular, retain profound spiritual perceptible and would alter neither resource importance for culturally affiliated tribes. conditions, such as traditional access or site preservation, nor the relationship between the Occasional NPS-led interpretive tours of the resource and the affiliated group’s body of national archeological district and sites practices and beliefs. associated with the Trail of Tears would occur. Tour visitors and those exploring the Minor: Adverse impact – impact(s) would be district independently may be subject to slight but noticeable but would appreciably access restrictions in sensitive areas. The Park alter neither resource conditions, such as Service would carefully monitor visitor use to traditional access or site preservation, nor the ensure potential ethnographic resources are relationship between the resource and the not adversely or inadvertently affected by the affiliated group’s body of practices and development of social trails, erosion, or other beliefs. visitor use activities. The Park Service would also continue to carry out routine resource Moderate: Adverse impact – impact(s) would and visitor protection patrols of the be apparent and would alter resource archeological district to deter site looting and conditions. Something would interfere with disturbances, and to monitor resource traditional access, site preservation, or the conditions. These factors would have long- relationship between the resource and the term negligible to minor adverse impacts on affiliated group’s practices and beliefs, even ethnographic resources. though the group’s practices and beliefs would survive. Cumulative Impacts

Major: Adverse impact – impact(s) would Moccasin Bend’s nationally significant alter resource conditions. Something would American Indian village sites and associated block or greatly affect traditional access, site burials have been disturbed by previous preservation, or the relationship between the looting. These disturbances have heightened resource and the affiliated group’s body of the sensitivities expressed by tribal members practices and beliefs, to the extent that the and others, and highlight the need for survival of a group’s practices or beliefs would adequate site protection measures and be jeopardized. potential access restrictions to sensitive locations.

CHAPTER FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Other ground-disturbing activities have alternative, however, would be a very small adversely affected or have the potential to component of the adverse cumulative impact. adversely affect ethnographic resources on Moccasin Bend. These activities include Conclusion governmental and private facility development, agricultural use, placement of No facility development or ground pipelines and utilities, and the dredging of the disturbance would occur under the no-action toe of Moccasin Bend as part of the alternative that could adversely affect construction of I-24 in the 1960s. Other ethnographic resources. The Park Service threats to ethnographic resources are soil would continue to monitor and protect the erosion and the possibility for high winds to national archeological district and sites overturn trees and dislodge potential associated with the Trail of Tears. Possible resources near the roots. The above actions restrictions would be placed on general public have had long-term and permanent, minor to access to sensitive site locations. Any adverse major adverse impacts on potential impacts on ethnographic resources would be ethnographic resources. long-term and negligible to minor in intensity. The no-action alternative would have minor The streambank stabilization project being to major adverse and beneficial cumulative undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of impacts. Engineers for the National Park Service is anticipated to have long-term beneficial Because there would be only negligible to impacts on ethnographic resources by abating minor adverse impacts on a resource or value the steady erosion of Moccasin Bend’s whose conservation is (1) necessary to fulfill shoreline by the Tennessee River and specific purposes identified in the establishing protecting near-shore resources from erosion legislation of the Moccasin Bend National damage. Ethnographic resources may be Archeological District, (2) key to the natural identified and/or be more clearly defined by or cultural integrity of the archeological future NPS investigations and studies district or to opportunities for enjoyment of conducted to support long-range cultural the district, or (3) identified as a goal in the resource management of Moccasin Bend. In general management plan of Chickamauga continuing consultation with culturally and Chattanooga National Military Park or affiliated tribes and consistent with tribal other relevant NPS planning documents, there goals, the Park Service would strive to protect would be no impairment of the archeological and respect identified sacred sites and other district’s resources and values. ethnographic resources. Implementation of these measures would have long-term beneficial impacts on ethnographic resources. ALTERNATIVE A Analysis As described above, implementation of the Under alternative A (as under the no-action no-action alternative could result in both alternative), no NPS visitor interpretive long-term negligible to minor adverse impacts facilities would be constructed at Moccasin and long-term beneficial impacts to Bend and consequently there would be no ethnographic resources. The adverse and potential for disturbance of ethnographic beneficial impacts of this alternative, in resources by construction activities. No combination with the predominantly adverse formal ethnographic investigations have been impacts of other past, present, and reasonably completed for Moccasin Bend. However, foreseeable future actions, would result in a Moccasin Bend in general, and the American long-term minor to major adverse cumulative Indian village sites with ancestral burials in impact. The adverse effects of the no-action particular, retain profound spiritual importance for culturally affiliated tribes. 86

Ethnographic Resources

Occasional NPS-led interpretive tours of the threats to ethnographic resources are soil national archeological district and sites erosion and the possibility for high winds to associated with the Trail of Tears would overturn trees and dislodge potential occur. Tour visitors and those exploring the resources near the roots. The above actions district independently may be subject to NPS have had long-term and permanent, minor to access restrictions in sensitive locations. The major adverse impacts on potential Park Service would carefully monitor visitor ethnographic resources. use to ensure that potential ethnographic resources are not adversely or inadvertently The streambank stabilization project being affected by the development of social trails, undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of erosion, or other visitor use activities. The Engineers for the National Park Service is Park Service would also continue to carry out anticipated to have long-term beneficial routine resource and visitor protection patrols impacts on ethnographic resources by abating of the archeological district to deter site the steady erosion of Moccasin Bend’s looting and disturbances, and to monitor shoreline by the Tennessee River and resource conditions. These factors would protecting near-shore resources from erosion have long-term negligible to minor adverse damage. Ethnographic resources may be impacts on ethnographic resources. identified or be more clearly defined by future NPS investigations and studies conducted to Increased interpretation of the archeological support long-range cultural resource district would be provided at existing park management of Moccasin Bend. In continuing visitor centers. This would serve to orient consultation with culturally affiliated tribes visitors to the district and educate them about and consistent with tribal goals, the Park the importance of protecting the district’s Service would strive to protect and respect potential ethnographic resources, and identified sacred sites and other ethnographic respecting the sensitivities of culturally resources. Implementation of these measures affiliated tribes. Long-term beneficial impacts would have long-term beneficial impacts on would occur to ethnographic resources from ethnographic resources. these interpretive and educational measures. As described above, implementation of Cumulative Impacts alternative A could result in both long-term Moccasin Bend’s nationally significant negligible to minor adverse impacts and long- American Indian village sites and associated term beneficial impacts to ethnographic burials have been disturbed by previous resources. The adverse and beneficial impacts looting. These disturbances have heightened of this alternative, in combination with the the sensitivities expressed by tribal members predominantly adverse impacts of other past, and others, and highlight the need for present, and reasonably foreseeable future adequate site protection measures and actions, would result in a long-term minor to potential access restrictions to sensitive major adverse cumulative impact. The adverse locations. effects of alternative A, however, would be a very small component of the adverse Other ground-disturbing activities have cumulative impact. adversely affected or have the potential to adversely affect ethnographic resources on Conclusion Moccasin Bend. These activities include No facility development or ground governmental and private facility disturbance would occur under alternative A development, agricultural use, placement of that could adversely affect ethnographic pipelines and utilities, and the dredging of the resources. The Park Service would continue toe of Moccasin Bend as part of the to monitor and protect the national construction of I-24 in the 1960s. Other archeological district and sites associated with 87

CHAPTER FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES the Trail of Tears. Possible restrictions would ancestral burials in particular, retain profound be placed on general public access to sensitive spiritual importance for culturally affiliated site locations. Any adverse impacts on tribes. ethnographic resources would be long-term and negligible to minor in intensity. Long- NPS-led interpretive tours of the term beneficial impacts to ethnographic archeological district would occur. Tour resources would result from increased visitor visitors and those exploring the district interpretation and education measures at independently may be subject to NPS access existing park visitor centers. Alternative A restrictions in sensitive locations. The Park would have minor to major adverse and Service would carefully monitor visitor use to beneficial cumulative impacts. ensure potential ethnographic resources are not adversely or inadvertently affected by the Because there would be only negligible to development of social trails, erosion, or other minor adverse impacts on a resource or value visitor use activities. The Park Service would whose conservation is (1) necessary to fulfill also continue to carry out routine resource specific purposes identified in the establishing and visitor protection patrols of the legislation of the Moccasin Bend National archeological district to deter site looting and Archeological District, (2) key to the natural disturbances, and to monitor resource or cultural integrity of the archeological conditions. These factors would have long- district or to opportunities for enjoyment of term negligible to minor adverse impacts on the district, or (3) identified as a goal in the ethnographic resources. general management plan of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park or The interpretation of the archeological district other relevant NPS planning documents, there provided at the proposed visitor interpretive would be no impairment of the archeological facility would serve to orient visitors to the district’s resources and values. district and educate them about the importance of protecting the district’s Section 106 Summary potential ethnographic resources. Long-term After applying the Advisory Council on beneficial impacts would occur to ethno- Historic Preservation’s criteria of adverse graphic resources from implementation of effect (36 CFR Part 800.5, Assessment of these interpretive and educational measures. Adverse Effects), the National Park Service concludes that implementing alternative A Cumulative Impacts would result in no adverse effect on Moccasin Bend’s nationally significant ethnographic resources. American Indian village sites and associated burials have been disturbed by previous looting. These disturbances have heightened ALTERNATIVE B the sensitivities expressed by tribal members and others, and highlight the need for Analysis adequate site protection measures and Under alternative B, the Park Service would potential access restrictions to sensitive construct basic visitor interpretive facilities on locations. Moccasin Bend. No formal ethnographic investigations have been completed for Other ground-disturbing activities have Moccasin Bend and no ethnographic adversely affected or have the potential to resources or traditional uses have been adversely affect ethnographic resources on specifically identified at the former Serodino Moccasin Bend. These activities include property selected for the visitor interpretive governmental and private facility center. However, Moccasin Bend in general, development, agricultural use, placement of and the American Indian village sites with pipelines and utilities, and the dredging of the 88

Ethnographic Resources toe of Moccasin Bend as part of the to retain profound spiritual importance for construction of I-24 in the 1960s. Other culturally affiliated tribes. The Park Service threats to ethnographic resources are soil would continue to monitor and protect the erosion and the possibility for high winds to national archeological district and sites overturn trees and dislodge potential associated with the Trail of Tears. Possible resources near the roots. The above actions restrictions would be placed on general public have had long-term and permanent, minor to access to sensitive site locations. Any adverse major adverse impacts on potential impacts on potential ethnographic resources ethnographic resources. would be long-term and negligible to minor in intensity. Long-term beneficial impacts to The streambank stabilization project being ethnographic resources would result from the undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of visitor interpretation and education measures Engineers for the National Park Service is provided at the proposed visitor interpretive anticipated to have long-term beneficial facility. Alternative B would have minor to impacts on ethnographic resources by abating major adverse and beneficial cumulative the steady erosion of Moccasin Bend’s impacts. shoreline by the Tennessee River and protecting near-shore resources from erosion Because there would be only negligible to damage. Ethnographic resources may be minor adverse impacts on a resource or value identified or be more clearly defined by future whose conservation is (1) necessary to fulfill NPS investigations and studies conducted to specific purposes identified in the establishing support long-range cultural resource legislation of the Moccasin Bend National management of Moccasin Bend. In continuing Archeological District, (2) key to the natural consultation with culturally affiliated tribes or cultural integrity of the archeological and consistent with tribal goals, the Park district or to opportunities for enjoyment of Service would strive to protect and respect the district, or (3) identified as a goal in the identified sacred sites and other ethnographic general management plan of Chickamauga resources. Implementation of these measures and Chattanooga National Military Park or would have long-term beneficial impacts on other relevant NPS planning documents, there ethnographic resources. would be no impairment of the archeological district’s resources and values. As described above, implementation of alternative B could result in both long-term Section 106 Summary negligible to minor adverse impacts and long- After applying the Advisory Council on term beneficial impacts to ethnographic Historic Preservation’s criteria of adverse resources. The adverse and beneficial impacts effect (36 CFR Part 800.5, Assessment of of this alternative, in combination with the Adverse Effects), the National Park Service predominantly adverse impacts of other past, concludes that implementing alternative B present, and reasonably foreseeable future would result in no adverse effect on actions, would result in a long-term minor to ethnographic resources. major adverse cumulative impact. The adverse effects of alternative B, however, would be a very small component of the adverse cumulative impact. ALTERNATIVE C

Conclusion Analysis No identified ethnographic resources would Under alternative C, the Park Service would be directly impacted by construction of construct expanded visitor interpretive proposed visitor interpretive facilities on facilities on Moccasin Bend. No formal Moccasin Bend, although the Bend is known ethnographic investigations have been 89

CHAPTER FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES completed for Moccasin Bend and no Other ground-disturbing activities have ethnographic resources or traditional uses adversely affected or have the potential to have been specifically identified at the former adversely affect ethnographic resources on Serodino property selected for the visitor Moccasin Bend. These activities include interpretive center. However, Moccasin Bend governmental and private facility in general, and the American Indian village development, agricultural use, placement of sites with ancestral burials in particular, retain pipelines and utilities, and the dredging of the profound spiritual importance for culturally toe of Moccasin Bend as part of the affiliated tribes. construction of I-24 in the 1960s. Other threats to ethnographic resources are soil NPS-led interpretive tours of the erosion and the possibility for high winds to archeological district would occur. Tour overturn trees and dislodge potential visitors and those exploring the district resources near the roots. The above actions independently may be subject to NPS access have had long-term and permanent, minor to restrictions in sensitive locations. The Park major adverse impacts on potential Service would carefully monitor visitor use to ethnographic resources. ensure potential ethnographic resources are not adversely or inadvertently affected by the The streambank stabilization project being development of social trails, erosion, or other undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of visitor use activities. The Park Service would Engineers for the National Park Service is also continue to carry out routine resource anticipated to have long-term beneficial and visitor protection patrols of the impacts on ethnographic resources by abating archeological district to deter site looting and the steady erosion of Moccasin Bend’s disturbances, and to monitor resource shoreline by the Tennessee River and conditions. These factors would have long- protecting near-shore resources from erosion term negligible to minor adverse impacts on damage. Ethnographic resources may be ethnographic resources. identified or be more clearly defined by future NPS investigations and studies conducted to The interpretation of the archeological district support long-range cultural resource provided at the proposed visitor interpretive management of Moccasin Bend. In continuing facility would serve to orient visitors to the consultation with culturally affiliated tribes district and educate them about the and consistent with tribal goals, the Park importance of protecting the district’s Service would strive to protect and respect potential ethnographic resources. Long-term identified sacred sites and other ethnographic beneficial impacts would occur to resources. Implementation of these measures ethnographic resources from implementation would have long-term beneficial impacts on of these interpretive and educational ethnographic resources. measures. As described above, implementation of Cumulative Impacts alternative C could result in both long-term Moccasin Bend’s nationally significant negligible to minor adverse impacts and long- American Indian village sites and associated term beneficial impacts to ethnographic burials have been disturbed by previous resources. The adverse and beneficial impacts looting. These disturbances have heightened of this alternative, in combination with the the sensitivities expressed by tribal members predominantly adverse impacts of other past, and others, and highlight the need for present, and reasonably foreseeable future adequate site protection measures and actions, would result in a long-term minor to potential access restrictions to sensitive major adverse cumulative impact. The adverse locations. effects of alternative C, however, would be a

Ethnographic Resources very small component of the adverse ALTERNATIVE D cumulative impact. Analysis

Conclusion Under alternative D, the Park Service would construct expanded visitor interpretive No identified ethnographic resources would facilities on Moccasin Bend. Additional visitor be directly impacted by construction of use facilities could be constructed and proposed visitor interpretive facilities on managed on adjoining property owned by the Moccasin Bend, although the Bend is known partnership organization. No formal to retain profound spiritual importance for ethnographic investigations have been culturally affiliated tribes. The Park Service completed for Moccasin Bend and no would continue to monitor and protect the ethnographic resources or traditional uses national archeological district and sites have been specifically identified at the former associated with the Trail of Tears. Possible Serodino property selected for the NPS visitor restrictions would be placed on general public interpretive center. However, Moccasin Bend access to sensitive site locations. Any adverse in general, and the American Indian village impacts on potential ethnographic resources sites with ancestral burials in particular, retain would be long-term and negligible to minor in profound spiritual importance for culturally intensity. Long-term beneficial impacts to affiliated tribes. ethnographic resources would result from the visitor interpretation and education measures NPS-led interpretive tours of the provided at the proposed visitor interpretive archeological district would occur. Tour facility. Alternative C would have minor to visitors and those exploring the district major adverse and beneficial cumulative independently may be subject to NPS access impacts. restrictions in sensitive locations. The Park

Service would carefully monitor visitor use to Because there would be only negligible to ensure that potential ethnographic resources minor adverse impacts on a resource or value are not adversely or inadvertently affected by whose conservation is (1) necessary to fulfill the development of social trails, erosion, or specific purposes identified in the establishing other visitor use activities. The Park Service legislation of the Moccasin Bend National would also continue to carry out routine Archeological District, (2) key to the natural resource and visitor protection patrols of the or cultural integrity of the archeological archeological district to deter site looting and district or to opportunities for enjoyment of disturbances, and to monitor resource the district, or (3) identified as a goal in the conditions. These factors would have long- general management plan of Chickamauga term negligible to minor adverse impacts on and Chattanooga National Military Park or ethnographic resources. other relevant NPS planning documents, there would be no impairment of the archeological The interpretation of the archeological district district’s resources and values. provided at the proposed visitor interpretive facility would serve to orient visitors to the Section 106 Summary district and educate them about the After applying the Advisory Council on importance of protecting the district’s Historic Preservation’s criteria of adverse potential ethnographic resources. Long-term effect (36 CFR Part 800.5, Assessment of beneficial impacts would occur to Adverse Effects), the National Park Service ethnographic resources from implementation concludes that implementing alternative C of these interpretive and educational would result in no adverse effect on measures. ethnographic resources.

CHAPTER FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Cumulative Impacts As described above, implementation of Moccasin Bend’s nationally significant alternative D could result in both long-term American Indian village sites and associated negligible to minor adverse impacts and long- burials have been disturbed by previous term beneficial impacts to ethnographic looting. These disturbances have heightened resources. The adverse and beneficial impacts the sensitivities expressed by tribal members of this alternative, in combination with the and others, and highlight the need for predominantly adverse impacts of other past, adequate site protection measures and present, and reasonably foreseeable future potential access restrictions to sensitive actions, would result in a long-term minor to locations. major adverse cumulative impact. The adverse effects of alternative D, however, would be a Other ground-disturbing activities have very small component of the adverse adversely affected or have the potential to cumulative impact. adversely affect ethnographic resources on Moccasin Bend. These activities include Conclusion governmental and private facility No identified ethnographic resources would development, agricultural use, placement of be directly impacted by construction of pipelines and utilities, and the dredging of the proposed visitor interpretive facilities on toe of Moccasin Bend as part of the Moccasin Bend, although the Bend is known construction of I-24 in the 1960s. Other to retain profound spiritual importance for threats to ethnographic resources are soil culturally affiliated tribes. The Park Service erosion and the possibility for high winds to would continue to monitor and protect the overturn trees and dislodge potential national archeological district and sites resources near the roots. The above actions associated with the Trail of Tears. Possible have had long-term and permanent, minor to restrictions would be placed on general public major adverse impacts on potential access to sensitive site locations. Any adverse ethnographic resources. impacts on potential ethnographic resources would be long term and negligible to minor in The streambank stabilization project being intensity. Long-term beneficial impacts to undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of ethnographic resources would result from the Engineers for the National Park Service is visitor interpretation and education measures anticipated to have long-term beneficial provided at the proposed NPS and impacts on ethnographic resources by abating partnership visitor interpretive facilities. the steady erosion of Moccasin Bend’s Alternative D would have minor to major shoreline by the Tennessee River and adverse and beneficial cumulative impacts. protecting near-shore resources from erosion damage. Ethnographic resources may be Because there would be only negligible to identified and/or be more clearly defined by minor adverse impacts on a resource or value future NPS investigations and studies whose conservation is (1) necessary to fulfill conducted to support long-range cultural specific purposes identified in the establishing resource management of Moccasin Bend. In legislation of the Moccasin Bend National continuing consultation with culturally Archeological District, (2) key to the natural affiliated tribes and consistent with tribal or cultural integrity of the archeological goals, the Park Service would strive to protect district or to opportunities for enjoyment of and respect identified sacred sites and other the district, or (3) identified as a goal in the ethnographic resources. Implementation of general management plan of Chickamauga these measures would have long-term and Chattanooga National Military Park or beneficial impacts on ethnographic resources. other relevant NPS planning documents, there would be no impairment of the archeological district’s resources and values. 92

Ethnographic Resources

Section 106 Summary After applying the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s criteria of adverse effect (36 CFR Part 800.5, Assessment of Adverse Effects), the National Park Service concludes that implementing alternative D would result in no adverse effect on ethnographic resources.

SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

DEFINITIONS district. The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail would also continue to attract visitors to Intensity Levels Moccasin Bend and other associated local and Negligible: The effects on socioeconomic regional sites. Although the visiting public conditions are below or equivalent to the level could experience the archeological district of detection. and the national historic trail as part of NPS- led group tours or on their own with certain Minor: The effects on socioeconomic access restrictions, it is anticipated that few conditions are slight but detectable, and only would spend extended periods of time on the affect a small portion of the surrounding Bend or consider it a primary cultural population. The impact is considered slight attraction or destination. Statistics for the and not detectable outside the affected area. national military park do not show a marked overall increase in visitation since 2003 that Moderate: The effects on socioeconomic could be directly correlated to increased conditions are readily apparent. Any effects numbers of visitors to the new Moccasin Bend would result in changes to socioeconomic unit. conditions on a local scale in the affected area. Visitors to Moccasin Bend would be Major: The effects on socioeconomic anticipated to combine their visit with conditions are readily apparent. Measurable opportunities to experience additional changes in social or economic conditions at cultural facilities, museums, and historic sites the county level occur. The impact is severely in the greater Chattanooga area. These adverse or exceptionally beneficial within the visitors, along with other tourists to the affected area. vicinity, would also be expected to spend time and dollars in Chattanooga’s downtown and Duration North Shore areas because of the proximity of Short-term impacts are those lasting generally these areas to the Bend. The North Shore less than one year. Long-term impacts are offers various tourist amenities (e.g., shops, those lasting longer than one year. galleries, restaurants) and is linked to the gateway approach to Moccasin Bend. Although tourism is a major factor NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE contributing to Chattanooga’s economic prosperity, the level of visitation to Moccasin Analysis Bend under the no action alternative would Under the no-action alternative, the National likely have only negligible to minor beneficial Park Service would continue to protect and impacts on the overall local economy. manage the Moccasin Bend National Archeological District under the Cumulative Impacts administration of Chickamauga and Proposed city and county measures to Chattanooga National Military Park. The Park enhance the connection between Moccasin Service would not construct a visitor Bend and Chattanooga’s North Shore and interpretive center on Moccasin Bend under improve the gateway experience for visitors this alternative. However, other appropriate traveling to the Bend would be expected to site development measures such as trails, proceed. However, these measures may not be interpretive signs, etc. could be implemented as extensive as might otherwise occur if a to support visitor use of the archeological 94

Socioeconomic Environment visitor interpretive facility were constructed this alternative. However, other appropriate on the Bend. Visitors would receive improved site development measures such as trails, initial orientation to the Bend from interpretive signs, etc. could be implemented Chattanooga and have a more enjoyable to support visitor use of the archeological experience because of way-finding signs, district. The Trail of Tears National Historic opportunities to take alternative modes of Trail would also continue to attract visitors to transportation, landscaping, and other Moccasin Bend and other associated local and proposed enhancements to the gateway regional sites. Although the visiting public approach. Because these improvements would could experience the archeological district encourage visitors to spend more time in the and the national historic trail as part of NPS- community and presumably contribute led group tours or visit on their own with financial revenue to the local economy, these certain access restrictions, it is anticipated that improvements would have long-term minor to few would spend extended periods of time on moderate beneficial impacts on the the Bend or consider it a primary cultural socioeconomic environment. attraction or destination. Statistics for the national military park do not show a marked Consequently, the minor to moderate overall increase in visitation since 2003 that beneficial impacts of the improvements could be directly correlated to increased described above, in combination with the numbers of visitors to the new Moccasin Bend negligible to minor beneficial impacts of the unit. no-action alternative, would result in long- term minor beneficial cumulative impacts on Visitors to Moccasin Bend would be the socioeconomic environment. The no anticipated to combine their visit with action alternative’s contribution to these opportunities to experience additional cumulative impacts would be relatively small. cultural facilities, museums, and historic sites in the greater Chattanooga area. Under this Conclusion alternative, visitors would also be able to Current modest levels of visitation to the receive interpretation of Moccasin Bend at Moccasin Bend National Archeological existing park visitor centers. Visitors, along District and sites associated with the Trail of with other tourists to the vicinity, would be Tears National Historic Trail on the Bend expected to spend time and dollars in would be expected to contribute negligible to Chattanooga’s downtown and North Shore minor beneficial impacts to the local and areas because of the proximity of these areas regional economies. Implementation of the to the Bend. The North Shore offers various no-action alternative would result in long- tourist amenities (e.g., shops, galleries, term minor beneficial cumulative impacts on restaurants) and is linked to the gateway the socioeconomic environment. approach to Moccasin Bend. Although tourism is a major factor contributing to Chattanooga’s economic prosperity, the level ALTERNATIVE A of visitation to Moccasin Bend under alternative A would likely have only negligible Analysis to minor beneficial impacts on the overall Under alternative A (as under the no-action local economy. alternative), the National Park Service would continue to protect and manage the Moccasin Cumulative Impacts Bend National Archeological District under Proposed city and county measures to the administration of Chickamauga and enhance the connection between Moccasin Chattanooga National Military Park. The Park Bend and Chattanooga’s North Shore and Service would not construct a visitor improve the gateway experience for visitors interpretive center on Moccasin Bend under traveling to the Bend would be expected to 95

CHAPTER FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES proceed. However, these measures may not be interpretive tours could also occur to as extensive as might otherwise occur if a supplement information provided at the visitor interpretive facility were constructed interpretive center. These facilities and on the Bend. Visitors would receive improved programs would be anticipated to draw initial orientation to the Bend from increased numbers of visitors to Moccasin Chattanooga and have a more enjoyable Bend. The interpretive facility would serve as experience because of way-finding signs, a destination point and recognizable opportunities to take alternative modes of expression of the Bend’s important resources transportation, landscaping, and other and NPS management of the archeological proposed enhancements to the gateway district. The Trail of Tears National Historic approach. Because these improvements would Trail would continue to attract visitors to encourage visitors to spend more time in the Moccasin Bend and other associated local and community and presumably contribute regional sites. Visitors would be more likely to financial revenue to the local economy, these spend greater time at Moccasin Bend because improvements would have long-term minor to of the basic facility elements and interpretive moderate beneficial impacts on the opportunities provided by this alternative. socioeconomic environment. They would also be expected to link their experience at Moccasin Bend with visits to Consequently, the minor to moderate other cultural facilities, museums, and historic beneficial impacts of the improvements sites in the greater Chattanooga area. described above, in combination with the negligible to minor beneficial impacts of It is anticipated that site visitors, along with alternative A, would result in long-term minor other tourists to the vicinity, would also spend beneficial cumulative impacts on the more time and dollars in Chattanooga’s socioeconomic environment. Alternative A’s downtown and North Shore areas because of contribution to these cumulative impacts the proximity of these areas to the Bend. The would be relatively small. North Shore offers various tourist amenities (e.g., shops, galleries, restaurants) and is Conclusion linked to the gateway approach to Moccasin Anticipated modest levels of visitation to the Bend. Because tourism is a major contributing Moccasin Bend National Archeological element of Chattanooga’s economic District, sites associated with the Trail of prosperity, the increased level of visitation to Tears National Historic Trail on the Bend, Moccasin Bend under alternative B would and existing park visitor centers, would be likely have minor to moderate beneficial expected to contribute negligible to minor impacts on the overall local economy. beneficial impacts to the local and regional economies. Implementation of alternative A Short-term minor benefits to the local would result in long-term minor beneficial economy would also occur from construction cumulative impacts on the socioeconomic of the interpretive facilities. It is anticipated environment. that building materials would be procured locally and the local labor force and range of construction trades would be adequate to ALTERNATIVE B complete the construction to NPS, state, and municipal standards. Analysis Under alternative B, the Park Service would Cumulative Impacts construct interpretive facilities at Moccasin Proposed city and county measures to Bend that provide basic visitor services (e.g., enhance the connection between Moccasin exhibit/museum area, sales area, exterior Bend and Chattanooga’s North Shore and space for interpretive programs). NPS-led improve the gateway experience for visitors 96

Socioeconomic Environment traveling to the Bend would be expected to exhibit/museum area, sales area, and exterior proceed. Visitors would receive improved space for interpretive programs). NPS-led initial orientation to the Bend from interpretive tours could also occur to Chattanooga and have a more enjoyable supplement information provided at the experience because of way-finding signs, interpretive center. These facilities and opportunities to take alternative modes of programs would be anticipated to draw transportation, landscaping, and other increased numbers of visitors to Moccasin proposed enhancements to the gateway Bend. The interpretive facility would serve as approach. Because these improvements would both a destination point and a recognizable encourage visitors to spend more time in the expression of the Bend’s important resources community and presumably contribute and NPS management of the archeological financial revenue to the local economy, these district. The Trail of Tears National Historic improvements would have long-term minor to Trail would continue to attract visitors to moderate beneficial impacts on the Moccasin Bend and other associated local and socioeconomic environment. regional sites. Visitors would be more likely to spend greater time at Moccasin Bend because Consequently, the minor to moderate of the expanded and enhanced facility beneficial impacts of the improvements elements and interpretive opportunities described above, in combination with the provided by this alternative. They would also minor to moderate beneficial impacts of be expected to link their experience at alternative B, would result in long-term minor Moccasin Bend with visits to other cultural to moderate beneficial cumulative impacts on facilities, museums, and historic sites in the the socioeconomic environment. greater Chattanooga area. Alternative B’s contribution to these cumulative impacts would be modest. It is anticipated that site visitors, along with other tourists to the vicinity, would also spend Conclusion more time and dollars in Chattanooga’s Greater levels of visitation to the Moccasin downtown and North Shore areas because of Bend National Archeological District and sites the proximity of these areas to the Bend. The associated with the Trail of Tears National North Shore offers various tourist amenities Historic Trail on the Bend would be expected (e.g., shops, galleries, restaurants) and is from construction of basic NPS visitor linked to the gateway approach to Moccasin interpretation facilities. Increased visitation Bend. Because tourism is a major contributing and facility construction would contribute element of Chattanooga’s economic minor to moderate beneficial impacts to the prosperity, the increased level of visitation to local and regional economies. Implementation Moccasin Bend under alternative C would of alternative B would have long-term minor likely have minor to moderate beneficial to moderate beneficial cumulative impacts on impacts on the overall local economy. the socioeconomic environment. Short-term minor benefits to the local economy would also occur from construction ALTERNATIVE C of the interpretive facilities. It is anticipated that building materials would be procured Analysis locally and the local labor force and range of Under alternative C, the Park Service would construction trades would be adequate to construct visitor interpretive facilities at complete the construction to NPS, state, and Moccasin Bend that provide both the basic municipal standards. facility and visitor service elements identified for alternative B and additional and expanded facilities (e.g., theater, classroom, expanded 97

CHAPTER FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Cumulative Impacts ALTERNATIVE D Proposed city and county measures to Analysis enhance the connection between Moccasin Under alternative D, the Park Service would Bend and Chattanooga’s North Shore and construct visitor interpretive facilities at improve the gateway experience for visitors Moccasin Bend that provide both the basic traveling to the Bend would be expected to facility and visitor service elements identified proceed. Visitors would receive improved for alternative B and the additional and initial orientation to the Bend from expanded facilities of alternative C (e.g., Chattanooga and have a more enjoyable theater, classroom, expanded exhibit/ experience because of way-finding signs, museum area, sales area, and exterior space opportunities to take alternative modes of for interpretive programs). Additional visitor transportation, landscaping, and other use facilities could be constructed and proposed enhancements to the gateway managed on adjoining property owned by a approach. Construction of a visitor partnership organization. interpretive facility at Moccasin Bend would provide a more recognizable destination for In comparison with the other alternatives, visitors as part of their gateway approach from these NPS and partnership facilities and Chattanooga. Because these improvements programs would be anticipated to draw the would encourage visitors to spend more time greatest numbers of visitors to Moccasin in the community and presumably contribute Bend. The joint interpretive facilities would financial revenue to the local economy, these serve as both a primary destination and a improvements would have long-term minor to recognizable expression of the Bend’s moderate beneficial impacts on the important resources and NPS management of socioeconomic environment. the archeological district. The economic

analysis prepared for the Friends of Moccasin Consequently, the minor to moderate Bend in 1996 postulated that the expanded beneficial impacts of the improvements facility development envisioned by the described above, in combination with the Friends would result in Moccasin Bend minor to moderate beneficial impacts of becoming a major visitor attraction, alternative C, would result in long-term minor enhancing and solidifying Chattanooga’s to moderate beneficial cumulative impacts on status as a tourism destination area. the socioeconomic environment. Alternative

C’s contribution to these cumulative impacts NPS-led interpretive tours could also occur to would be modest. supplement information provided at the

Conclusion interpretive centers. The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail would continue to Greater levels of visitation to the Moccasin attract visitors to Moccasin Bend and other Bend National Archeological District and sites associated local and regional sites. Visitors associated with the Trail of Tears National would be more likely to spend greater time at Historic Trail on the Bend would be expected Moccasin Bend because of the expanded and from construction of expanded NPS visitor enhanced facility elements and interpretive interpretation facilities. Increased visitation opportunities provided by this alternative. and facility construction would contribute They would also be expected to link their minor to moderate beneficial impacts to the experience at Moccasin Bend with visits to local and regional economies. Implementation other cultural facilities, museums, and historic of alternative C would have long-term minor sites in the greater Chattanooga area. to moderate beneficial cumulative impacts on the socioeconomic environment. It is anticipated that site visitors, along with other tourists to the vicinity, would spend

Socioeconomic Environment more time and dollars in Chattanooga’s provide a more recognizable destination for downtown and North Shore areas because of visitors as part of their gateway approach from the proximity of these areas to the Bend. The Chattanooga. Because these improvements North Shore offers various tourist amenities would encourage visitors to spend more time (e.g., shops, galleries, restaurants) and is in the community and presumably contribute linked to the gateway approach to Moccasin financial revenue to the local economy, these Bend. Because tourism is a major contributing improvements would have long-term minor to element of Chattanooga’s economic moderate beneficial impacts on the prosperity, the increased level of visitation to socioeconomic environment. Moccasin Bend under alternative D would likely have moderate beneficial impacts on the Consequently, the minor to moderate overall local economy. beneficial impacts of the improvements described above, in combination with the Short-term minor benefits to the local moderate beneficial impacts of alternative D, economy would also occur from construction would result in long-term minor to moderate of the joint interpretive facilities. It is beneficial cumulative impacts on the anticipated that building materials would be socioeconomic environment. Alternative D’s procured locally and the local labor force and contribution to these cumulative impacts range of construction trades would be would be substantial. adequate to complete the construction to NPS, state, and municipal standards. Conclusion The comparatively greatest level of visitation Cumulative Impacts to the Moccasin Bend National Archeological Proposed city and county measures to District and sites associated with the Trail of enhance the connection between Moccasin Tears National Historic Trail on the Bend Bend and Chattanooga’s North Shore and would be expected from construction of improve the gateway experience for visitors expanded NPS visitor interpretation facilities traveling to the Bend would be expected to and the additional enhanced facilities proceed. Visitors would receive improved proposed by the partnership organization. initial orientation to the Bend from Increased visitation and facility construction Chattanooga and have a more enjoyable would contribute moderate beneficial impacts experience because of way-finding signs, to the local and regional economies. opportunities to take alternative modes of Implementation of alternative D would have transportation, landscaping, and other long-term minor to moderate beneficial proposed enhancements to the gateway cumulative impacts on the socioeconomic approach. Construction of expanded visitor environment. interpretive facilities at Moccasin Bend would

NPS OPERATIONS AND FACILITIES

DEFINITIONS assess the condition of archeological resources and ensure that resources are Intensity Levels adequately protected from erosion and other Negligible: NPS operations would not be potential site disturbances. affected or the effect would be at or below the lower levels of detection, and would not have Although no NPS facilities would be an appreciable effect on NPS operations. constructed that would place additional demands on the park’s budgetary Minor: The effects would be detectable, but requirements, the park would continue to face would be of a magnitude that would not have the logistical and staffing challenges of an appreciable effect on NPS operations. providing adequate site security and protection at Moccasin Bend. Park staff Moderate: The effects would be readily assigned to work at the archeological district apparent and would result in a substantial may also continue to have increased change in NPS operations in a manner workloads from shared duty assignments with noticeable to staff and the public. other park units. These factors would have long-term minor to moderate adverse impacts Major: The effects would be readily apparent on NPS operations. and would result in a substantial change in NPS operations in a manner noticeable to staff Cumulative Impacts and the public and be markedly different from The streambank erosion control activities existing operations. being undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Moccasin Bend would continue Duration to assist NPS operational objectives for Short-term impacts are those lasting generally protecting and preserving the national less than one year. Long-term impacts are archeological district. The city and county those lasting longer than one year. gateway improvements and signs planned for the approach to Moccasin Bend from Chattanooga would also assist the Park NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE Service by better orienting visitors to the archeological district and providing them with Analysis information that they are approaching a unit Under the no-action alternative, NPS staff of of the national park system with sensitive Chickamauga and Chattanooga National resource protection requirements. These Military Park would continue to carry out orientation and protection measures would routine resource and visitor protection patrols have long-term minor beneficial impacts on of the national archeological district. Because NPS operations. no NPS facilities would be constructed on Moccasin Bend under this alternative, NPS Consequently, the minor beneficial impacts of staff would coordinate patrol activities from the improvements described above, in their primary duty station at other units of the combination with the minor to moderate national military park. Occasional NPS-led adverse impacts of the no-action alternative, interpretive tours of the archeological district would result in long-term minor adverse and would also be coordinated and managed from beneficial cumulative impacts on NPS other park units. NPS archeological operations. The no-action alternative’s monitoring would occur on a regular basis to 100

NPS Operations and Facilities contribution to these cumulative impacts challenges of providing adequate site security would be modest. and protection at Moccasin Bend. Park staff assigned to work at the archeological district Conclusion may also continue to have increased Long-term minor to moderate adverse workloads from shared duty assignments with impacts to NPS operations would occur under other park units. These factors would have the no-action alternative as a consequence of long-term minor to moderate adverse impacts the logistical and staffing challenges on NPS operations. associated with providing adequate site security and protection at Moccasin Bend Cumulative Impacts without on-site dedicated facilities and staff. The streambank erosion control activities Implementation of the no-action alternative being undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of would result in long-term minor adverse and Engineers on Moccasin Bend would continue beneficial cumulative impacts on NPS to assist NPS operational objectives for operations. protecting and preserving the national archeological district. The city and county gateway improvements and signs planned for ALTERNATIVE A the approach to Moccasin Bend from Chattanooga would also assist the Park Analysis Service by better orienting visitors to the Under alternative A, NPS staff of archeological district and providing them with Chickamauga and Chattanooga National information that they are approaching a unit Military Park would continue to carry out of the national park system with sensitive routine resource and visitor protection patrols resource protection requirements. These of the national archeological district. Because orientation and protection measures would no NPS facilities would be constructed on have long-term minor beneficial impacts on Moccasin Bend under this alternative, NPS NPS operations. staff would coordinate patrol activities from their primary duty station at other units of the Consequently, the minor beneficial impacts of national military park. Occasional NPS-led the improvements described above, in interpretive tours of the archeological district combination with the minor to moderate would also be coordinated and managed from adverse impacts of alternative A, would result other park units. NPS archeological in long-term minor adverse and beneficial monitoring would occur on a regular basis to cumulative impacts on NPS operations. assess the condition of archeological Alternative A’s contribution to these resources and ensure that resources are cumulative impacts would be modest. adequately protected from erosion and other potential site disturbances. Conclusion

Long-term minor to moderate adverse Although no NPS facilities would be impacts to NPS operations would occur under constructed on Moccasin Bend that would alternative A as a consequence of adapting place additional demands on the park’s existing park visitor center facilities, and the budgetary requirements, the park would use logistical and staffing challenges associated or modify existing park visitor center facilities with providing adequate site security and to assist interpretation of the archeological protection at Moccasin Bend without on-site district and to potentially store and exhibit dedicated facilities and staff. Implementation artifacts collected from the site. In addition to of alternative A would result in long-term the expenses associated with using or minor adverse and beneficial cumulative modifying existing facilities, the park would impacts on NPS operations. continue to face the logistical and staffing

101

CHAPTER FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

ALTERNATIVE B construction measures would be incorporated as necessary to mitigate or protect against Analysis possible flood damage and safety hazards. It is Under alternative B, the Park Service would anticipated that existing utility lines on construct basic visitor interpretive facilities at Moccasin Bend (e.g., water, gas, electrical, Moccasin Bend outside the boundaries of the wastewater) would be extended to serve the national historic landmark district, but on interpretive facility. If the exhibit or storage of NPS property included in the national artifacts and museum objects were archeological district. The facility would determined appropriate at the facility, provide a more clearly recognizable NPS additional design measures would be presence for the archeological district and incorporated to provide climate control and serve as a base of operations for NPS staff other necessary curatorial protection systems. assigned to management of the district. Ongoing facility maintenance and operational Although the exact numbers and composition requirements would also be factored into the of the staff have not been determined, it is park’s budgetary requests. The short-term anticipated that NPS personnel would be construction-related expenses associated with required for resource and visitor protection, the interpretive facility together with the long- interpretation and education, administration, term expenses associated with facility maintenance, and possibly museum operations and maintenance would have collections management. NPS archeological overall long-term moderate adverse impacts personnel (possibly from the Southeast on NPS operations. Implementation of Archeological Center) would continue to sustainable design and energy efficiency monitor the archeological district on a regular measures would serve to mitigate the costs basis to assess the condition of archeological associated with ongoing operations. resources and ensure that resources are adequately protected from erosion and other Cumulative Impacts potential site disturbances. The streambank erosion control activities

being undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of The additional staff requirements for the Engineers on Moccasin Bend would continue archeological district and visitor interpretive to assist NPS operational objectives for center would entail budgetary increases for protecting and preserving the national the national military park, resulting in long- archeological district. The city and county term minor to moderate adverse impacts on gateway improvements and signs planned for operations. However, the addition of the approach to Moccasin Bend from personnel stationed at the center would also Chattanooga would also assist the Park provide long-term moderate to major Service by better orienting visitors to the beneficial impacts to NPS operations by archeological district and providing them with ensuring more coordinated and dedicated information that they are approaching a unit management attention to the district than of the national park system with sensitive would otherwise be expected under the no resource protection requirements. These action alternative and alternative A. orientation and protection measures would

have long-term minor beneficial impacts on The visitor interpretive center would be NPS operations. constructed according to all applicable NPS standards and guidelines for sustainability, Consequently, the minor beneficial impacts of energy efficiency, universal accessibility, and the improvements described above, in other design principles that demonstrate combination with the moderate to major environmental leadership and resource beneficial and adverse impacts of alternative protection. Although located above the 100- B, would result in long-term moderate year floodplain, special design and beneficial and adverse cumulative impacts on 102

NPS Operations and Facilities

NPS operations. Alternative B’s contribution adequately protected from erosion and other to these cumulative impacts would be potential site disturbances. substantial. The additional staff requirements for the Conclusion archeological district and visitor interpretive Long-term moderate to major beneficial center would entail budgetary increases for impacts to NPS operations would occur under the national military park, resulting in long- alternative B as a consequence of providing a term minor to moderate adverse impacts on visitor interpretive facility on Moccasin Bend operations. However, the addition of with adequate staffing to effectively personnel stationed at the center would also coordinate and manage the site protection provide long-term moderate to major and visitor use requirements of the beneficial impacts to NPS operations by archeological district. The short-term ensuring more coordinated and dedicated expenses associated with construction of the management attention to the district than basic interpretive facility, along with the long- would otherwise be expected under the no term expenses associated with its operation action alternative and alternative A. and maintenance would have overall long- term moderate adverse impacts on NPS The visitor interpretive center would be operations and budgetary allocations. constructed according to all applicable NPS Implementation of alternative B would result standards and guidelines for sustainability, in long-term moderate beneficial and adverse energy efficiency, universal accessibility, and cumulative impacts on NPS operations. other design principles that demonstrate environmental leadership and resource protection. Although located above the 100- ALTERNATIVE C year floodplain, special design and construction measures would be incorporated Analysis as necessary to mitigate or protect against Under alternative C, the Park Service would possible flood damage and safety hazards. It is construct expanded visitor interpretive anticipated that existing utility lines on facilities at Moccasin Bend outside the Moccasin Bend (e.g., water, gas, electrical, boundaries of the national historic landmark wastewater) would be extended to serve the district, but on NPS property included in the interpretive facility. If the exhibit or storage of national archeological district. The facility artifacts and museum objects were would provide a more clearly recognizable determined appropriate at the facility, NPS presence for the archeological district additional design measures would be and serve as a base of operations for NPS staff incorporated to provide climate control and assigned to management of the district. other necessary curatorial protection systems. Although the exact numbers and composition Ongoing facility maintenance and operational of the staff have not been determined, it is requirements would also be factored into the anticipated that NPS personnel would be park’s budgetary requests. The short-term required for resource and visitor protection, construction-related expenses associated with interpretation and education, administration, the interpretive facility together with the long- maintenance, and possibly museum term expenses associated with facility collections management. NPS archeological operations and maintenance would have personnel (possibly from the Southeast overall long-term moderate adverse impacts Archeological Center) would continue to on NPS operations. Implementation of monitor the archeological district on a regular sustainable design and energy efficiency basis to assess the condition of archeological measures would serve to mitigate the costs resources and ensure that resources are associated with ongoing operations.

103

CHAPTER FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Cumulative Impacts ALTERNATIVE D The streambank erosion control activities Analysis being undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Under alternative D, the Park Service would Engineers on Moccasin Bend would continue construct expanded visitor interpretive to assist NPS operational objectives for facilities at Moccasin Bend outside the protecting and preserving the national boundaries of the national historic landmark archeological district. The city and county district, but on NPS property included in the gateway improvements and signs planned for national archeological district. The facility the approach to Moccasin Bend from would provide a more clearly recognizable Chattanooga would also assist the Park NPS presence for the archeological district Service by better orienting visitors to the and serve as a base of operations for NPS staff archeological district and providing them with assigned to management of the district. information that they are approaching a unit Additional visitor use facilities could be of the national park system with sensitive constructed and operated by a partnership resource protection requirements. These organization on an adjoining land parcel. orientation and protection measures would Although the exact numbers and composition have long-term minor beneficial impacts on of the NPS staff have not been determined, it NPS operations. is anticipated that NPS personnel would be

required for resource and visitor protection, Consequently, the minor beneficial impacts of interpretation and education, administration, the improvements described above, in maintenance, and possibly museum combination with the moderate to major collections management. NPS archeological beneficial and adverse impacts of alternative personnel (possibly from the Southeast C, would result in long-term moderate Archeological Center) would continue to beneficial and adverse cumulative impacts on monitor the archeological district on a regular NPS operations. Alternative C’s contribution basis to assess the condition of archeological to these cumulative impacts would be resources and ensure that resources are substantial. adequately protected from erosion and other

Conclusion potential site disturbances.

Long-term moderate to major beneficial The additional staff requirements for the impacts to NPS operations would occur under archeological district and NPS visitor alternative C as a consequence of providing an interpretive center would entail budgetary expanded visitor interpretive facility on increases for the national military park, Moccasin Bend with adequate staffing to resulting in long-term minor to moderate effectively coordinate and manage the site adverse impacts on operations. However, the protection and visitor use requirements of the addition of personnel stationed at the center archeological district. The short-term would also provide long-term moderate to expenses associated with construction of the major beneficial impacts to NPS operations by interpretive facility, along with the long-term ensuring more coordinated and dedicated expenses associated with its operation and management attention to the district than maintenance would have overall long-term would otherwise be expected under the no moderate adverse impacts on NPS operations action alternative and alternative A. The and budgetary allocations. Implementation of potential construction and operation of visitor alternative C would result in long-term use facilities by a partnership organization moderate beneficial and adverse cumulative would also benefit NPS operations by impacts on NPS operations. providing a broad range of enhanced visitor uses and activities to be undertaken and cooperatively managed, including some uses

104

NPS Operations and Facilities and activities expected to be outside the of the national park system with sensitive authorization or funding capabilities of the resource protection requirements. These Park Service. orientation and protection measures would have long-term minor beneficial impacts on The NPS visitor interpretive center would be NPS operations. constructed according to all applicable NPS standards and guidelines for sustainability, Consequently, the minor beneficial impacts of energy efficiency, universal accessibility, and the improvements described above, in other design principles that demonstrate combination with the moderate to major environmental leadership and resource beneficial and adverse impacts of alternative protection. Although located above the 100- D, would result in long-term moderate year floodplain, special design and beneficial and adverse cumulative impacts on construction measures would be incorporated NPS operations. Alternative D’s contribution as necessary to mitigate or protect against to these cumulative impacts would be possible flood damage and safety hazards. It is substantial. anticipated that existing utility lines on Moccasin Bend (e.g., water, gas, electrical, Conclusion wastewater) would be extended to serve the Long-term moderate to major beneficial interpretive facility. If the exhibit or storage of impacts to NPS operations would occur under artifacts and museum objects were alternative D as a consequence of providing determined appropriate at the facility, joint NPS and partnership visitor interpretive additional design measures would be facilities on Moccasin Bend with adequate incorporated to provide climate control and staffing to effectively coordinate and manage other necessary curatorial protection systems. the site protection and visitor use Ongoing facility maintenance and operational requirements of the archeological district. The requirements would also be factored into the short-term expenses associated with park’s budgetary requests. The short-term construction of the expanded NPS construction-related expenses associated with interpretive facility, along with the long-term the interpretive facility together with the long- expenses associated with its operation and term expenses associated with facility maintenance, would have overall long-term operations and maintenance would have moderate adverse impacts on NPS operations overall long-term moderate adverse impacts and budgetary allocations. Implementation of on NPS operations. Implementation of alternative D would result in long-term sustainable design and energy efficiency moderate beneficial and adverse cumulative measures would serve to mitigate the costs impacts on NPS operations. associated with ongoing operations.

Cumulative Impacts The streambank erosion control activities being undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Moccasin Bend would continue to assist NPS operational objectives for protecting and preserving the national archeological district. The city and county gateway improvements and signs planned for the approach to Moccasin Bend from Chattanooga would also assist the Park Service by better orienting visitors to the archeological district and providing them with information that they are approaching a unit 105

106

Photo provided by Friends of Moccasin Bend National Park

CHAPTER 5:

Consultation and Coordination

108

CONSULTATION AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

During the preparation of this development (Creek) Nation. A summary of the key issues concept plan and environmental assessment, and considerations received from the tribal the National Park Service has consulted on representatives during these meetings is multiple occasions with public agencies, presented in the “Project-Related Issues and organizations, affiliated tribal representatives, Considerations” section of chapter one. and other individuals having a stake in the project. The National Park Service will continue to consult as necessary with the following Internal NPS scoping for the project was affiliated tribal groups with regard to the conducted at the headquarters of proposed development actions for Moccasin Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Bend and will provide them with copies of the Military Park in January 2005 and January development concept plan: Alabama- 2006. NPS staff from the national military Coushatta Tribes of Texas, Alabama- park, Southeast Regional Office (SER), and Quassarte Tribal Town, Catawba Indian Denver Service Center (DSC) conducted Nation, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, public scoping meetings and workshops in Cherokee Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Chattanooga in September 2005, March 2006, Indians (Qualla Boundary), United and September 2007. The public was Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, encouraged to provide comments at these Chickasaw Nation, Coushatta Indian Tribe, meetings or respond to newsletter Kialegee Tribal Town, Muscogee (Creek) questionnaires (September 2005, February Nation, Poarch Band of Creek Indians, 2006, and August 2007). A summary of the key Thlopthlocco Tribal Town, Seminole Nation issues and considerations received by the of Oklahoma, Seminole Tribe of Florida, public during these meetings and workshops Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, is presented in the “Project-Related Issues and Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Considerations” section of chapter one. Shawnee Tribe, Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw The National Park Service held government- Indians. to-government meetings in Chattanooga with American Indian tribal representatives in Among these tribes, those recognized by the September 2005, March 2006, and October National Park Service as having specific 2006. The Friends of Moccasin Bend also associations with the Trail of Tears National participated in these consultation meetings. Historic Trail are the Cherokee Nation of The tribes represented at the meetings were Oklahoma, Eastern Band of Cherokee the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Indians, Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Alabama-Quasssarte Tribal Town, Cherokee Oklahoma, Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation, Chickasaw Nation, Coushatta Tribe Nation of Oklahoma, Seminole Nation of of Louisiana, Eastern Band of Cherokee Oklahoma, Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Indians, Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, and United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Kialegee Tribal Town, and the Muscogee Indians.

109

COORDINATION

In January 2008, the Park Service notified the with alternatives for construction of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the cultural/interpretive center. The SHPO also Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency of the has been invited to attend the various public development concept plan and requested meetings for the project. The Park Service will information regarding the potential existence provide the SHPO with a copy of this on Moccasin Bend of threatened or document for review and comment. endangered species, species of concern, or other special status species that might be Throughout the planning project, the Park affected by project actions. On April 30, 2008, Service has consulted with its partnership the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service notified the organization, the Friends of Moccasin Bend, park that “no significant adverse impacts to to coordinate joint planning objectives and wetlands or federally listed endangered or strategies. The Friends will continue to be threatened species are anticipated from the involved in decisions to finalize and proposal.” The Tennessee Wildlife Resources implement the selected alternative for Agency notified the park on July 29, 2008 that Moccasin Bend. no extant populations of state-listed threatened or endangered species are known A draft of this document will be placed on the to exist within the Moccasin Bend National NPS planning website for public review: Archeological District. However, one historic (http://parkplanning.nps.gov/chch). record from 1977 identified the presence of Bachman’s sparrow (Aimophila aestivalis) in Future Consultation and Compliance the project area. The sparrow is state-listed as The National Park Service will continue to endangered and federally-listed as a consult with agencies, tribes, partners, management concern. Several caves that are stakeholders and the public as the project near the project area but on the opposite side progresses towards more detailed design of the Tennessee River provide critical habitat development stages. Under separate planning, for several subterranean species including the and with input solicited from the above Tennessee cave salamander (Gyrinophilus parties and the public, architectural designs palleucus). will be developed that fully consider site compatibility and the contextual requirements The Park Service has consulted with the U.S. for the design and construction of the Army Corps of Engineers since 2005 regarding proposed visitor/cultural center on Moccasin erosion control efforts to stabilize the river Bend. As site designs are refined, additional bank along Moccasin Bend. The Park Service compliance and permitting requirements will will continue to consult with the Corps and be addressed for the placement of utility lines the Tennessee Valley Authority regarding and infrastructure, flood and erosion control, ongoing erosion control and stabilization construction of access roads and turnoff measures, and any specific flood control lanes, and other construction-related measures that may potentially be incorporated requirements. into project design and construction for the visitor interpretive facility.

The Park Service notified the Tennessee State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in September 2005 of the intent to prepare the development concept plan for Moccasin Bend 110

CIVIL WAR EARTHWORKS Appendixes,

Photo provided by Friendsds ofof Moccasin Bend National Park References, Preparers, and Consultants

112

APPENDIX A: ADDITIONAL COST INFORMATION

Moccasin Bend National Archeological District-----Interpretive Center

Cost Estimate for Alternative B (based on preliminary facility modeling)

Building, 7,500 sq. ft. – 9,000 sq. ft. $3,667,500 – $4,401,000 Infrastructure $1,510,000 – $1,681,000 Net Construction Costs $5,177,500 – $6,082,000

Planning/Design/Construction Mgmt. $1,812,125 – $2,128,700 (standard 35% of net construction)

Exhibits $1,010,000 – $1,320,000

Total Project Costs $7,999,625 – $9,530,700

Note: This cost estimate incorporates all functional requirements described in alternative B. If limited funding is available, functional requirements will be prioritized and included in the architectural program based on available funds.

Cost Estimate for Alternative C and Alternative D (based on preliminary facility modeling)

Building, 11,000 sq. ft. – 17,500 sq. ft. $5,346,000 – $8,505,000 Infrastructure $2,101,000 – $2,336,000 Net Construction Costs $7,447,000 – $10,841,000

Planning/Design/Construction Mgmt. $2,606,450 – $3,794,350 (standard 35% of net construction)

Exhibits $3,100,000 – $3,820,000 Audio/Visual Program $0,700,000 – $0,700,000

Total Project Costs $13,853,450 – $19,155,350

Note: This cost estimate incorporates all functional requirements described in alternative C and in alternative D. If limited funding is available, functional requirements will be prioritized and included in the architectural program based on available funds. This cost estimate reflects federal funding only, and does not include estimates for funding contributions from the partnership organization or options for privately funded development on nonfederal lands.

113

114

REFERENCES

Alexander Archaeological Consultants, Inc. 2008 “Moccasin Bend National Archaeological District – Archaeological Overview and Assessment, Volume I (draft).” Wildwood, Georgia.

Chattanooga – Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency 2007 “North Shore Plan.” Development Resource Center, Chattanooga, Tennessee.

“Community Data and Local Advantages” n.d. On-line business and demographic statistics for Chattanooga. 2008_ data_ book1[pdf].

Eichenthal, David, and Tracy Windeknecht 2008 “Chattanooga, Tennessee: A Restoring Prosperity Case Study.” Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program. Washington, D.C.

Martin, Office of Thomas J. (Economic Research and Management Consultants) 1996 “Evaluation of the Economic Impacts of the Proposed Moccasin Bend National Park.” Prepared for the Friends of Moccasin Bend National Park.

McCollough, Major C. R., and Quentin R. Bass II 1983 “Moccasin Bend—Chattanooga’s First National Historic Landmark.” Chattanooga Regional Anthropological Association. Chattanooga, Tennessee.

McCollough, Major C. R., Roy S. Dickens Jr., Glenna Dean, and David S. Brose 1985 “Moccasin Bend Archaeological District.” National Historic Landmark nomination form. Society for American Archaeology, National Historic Landmark Committee. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland, Ohio.

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior 1987 General Management Plan / Development Concept Plan / Environmental Assessment, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.

1998 Draft Cooperative Management Plan / Environmental Assessment (Special Resource Study), Moccasin Bend, Tennessee. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Southeast Regional Office, and Denver Service Center.

2001 “Statement of Denis P. Galvin, Acting Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Before the Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands of the House Committee on Resources Concerning H.R. 980, to Establish Moccasin Bend National Historic Site in the State of Tennessee as a Unit of the National Park System.” (June 12, 2001).

2002 “Statement of P. Daniel Smith, Special Assistant to the Director, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Before the Subcommittee on National Parks of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Concerning H.R. 980, to Establish Moccasin Bend National Historic Site in the State of Tennessee as a Unit of the National Park System.” (June 12, 2002).

115

APPENDIXES, REFERENCES, PREPARERS AND CONSULTANTS

2004 Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, Final Interpretive Plan. National Trails System Office. Santa Fe, New Mexico.

2005 “Memorandum of Understanding Between the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Moccasin Bend National Archeological District, and the Friends of Moccasin Bend National Park, Inc.”

2006a “Research Design for Archeological Testing at Moccasin Bend NHL, Hamilton County, Tennessee Prior to the Construction of a Visitor Center.” R. Steven Kidd, NPS archeologist, Southeast Archeological Center, Tallahassee, Florida.

2006b “Trip Report on Archeological Survey of Possible Visitor Center Locations at Moccasin Bend NHL.” Memorandum from R. Steven Kidd (NPS archeologist, Southeast Archeological Center) to Director (NPS Southeast Archeological Center), Tallahassee, Florida. (October 20, 2006)

2006c “Foundation for Planning and Management (draft).” Development Concept Plan. Moccasin Bend National Archeological District. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Denver Service Center.

2007 “Trip Report on Archeological Mapping of Depressions at Hampton Place (Loci A and B) Moccasin Bend NHL.” Memorandum from R. Steven Kidd (NPS archeologist, Southeast Archeological Center) to Director (NPS Southeast Archeological Center), Tallahassee, Florida. (March 15, 2007)

Tennessee Division of Archaeology 1984 “Historic Resources of Moccasin Bend.” National Register of Historic Places nomination form. Prepared by George F. Fielder Jr., State Archaeologist. Nashville, Tennessee. January 30, 1984.

Tennessee Department of Tourist Development 2005 “Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Announces Tennessee’s Top Attractions for 2004” (media release).

Trust for Public Land n.d. “5-year Chattanooga Greenway and Open Space Plan, April 1, 2005 – March 31, 2010.” Chattanooga, Tennessee.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers n.d. “Moccasin Bend Stream Bank Stabilization Project.” Accessed online at http://www.lrn.usace.army.mil/pao/issues/moccasinbend/

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service 1982 “Soil Survey of Hamilton County, Tennessee.” By Bedford W. Jackson.

116

PREPARERS AND CONSULTANTS

PLANNING TEAM

NPS Denver Service Center Carla McConnell, Project Manager Nola Chavez, Project Specialist Margaret DeLaura, Community Planner Larry Van Horn, Ph.D., Cultural Resources Specialist Steve Whissen, Cultural Resources Specialist / principal author

NPS Harpers Ferry Center (Denver Office) Paul Lee, Interpretive Planner

NPS Southeast Regional Office John Barrett, Park Planner Tony Paredes, former Chief of Ethnography and Indian Affairs Allison Pena, Acting Chief of Ethnography and Indian Affairs Rich Sussman, former Chief of Planning

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Shawn Benge, Superintendent Jim Ogden, Historian Jim Szyjkowski, Chief of Resource Management Sam Weddle, Management Assistant

CONSULTANTS

NPS Denver Service Center David Kreger, Technical Specialist for Natural Resources Greg Cody, Technical Specialist for Cultural Resources

PUBLICATION SERVICES

NPS Denver Service Center June McMillen, Writer/Editor Ruth Eitel, Visual Information Specialist

117

As the nation’s principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally owned public lands and natural resources. This includes fostering sound use of our land and water resources; protecting our fish, wildlife, and biological diversity; preserving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historical places; and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. The department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to ensure that their development is in the best interests of all our people by encouraging stewardship and citizen participation in their care. The department also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in island territories under U.S. administration.

NPS D-4 Month-Year / Printed on recycled paper.