The Cultural Resources Program coordinates archaeological and historical work for WSDOT regions, divisions, and project offices. We help the agency comply with state and federal cultural resource laws that apply to archaeological sites, historic structures, and culturally important areas.

Our Program staff are experienced professionals in Washington State archaeology, history and cultural resources management. We provide guidance on WSDOT projects, advise agency decision makers, provide training and workshops, and share

 

	WSDOT Archaeologists uncover a historic wooden culvert exposed during construction activities. The culvert once provided drainage or irrigation access to an adjacent stream.

our research through public meetings, professional conferences and publications. We strive to provide the best quality cultural resources management to the highest standards of our profession, while supporting the WSDOT mission to keep people and business moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems.

Transportation Projects and Archaeological/Historic Resources Management

Washington state has a rich and diverse prehistory/ history that has left evidence across the landscape. When WSDOT embarks on a project, Federal and State laws require that impacts to archaeological, historical and cultural resources be considered. We coordinate with the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) to complete public transportation improvements with limited impacts to archaeological and historic resources. Our Archaeologists and Historians work to identify archaeological remains and historic structures eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places located within areas of potential effects (APE) of proposed projects. We then coordinate and consult with the State Historic Preservation Officer (DAHP), Native American Tribes, and the public concerning the appropriate treatment of archaeological and historic resources that cannot be otherwise avoided, and ensure that mitigation measures stipulated in Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) are successfully completed.

The following highlight our involvement on various transportation projects (past and present)-

• McMillin Bridge- SR 162 Puyallup River Bridge Project
• Meridian Street Bridge- SR 167 Puyallup River Bridge Project
• Manette Bridge - Historic Documentary (Video)
• Gee Creek Archaeological Site- I-5/ SR 502 Project
• SR 16 Tacoma Narrows Bridge Project- Bridge History
• Hood Canal Bridge - Port Angeles Graving Dock
• I-5 Nuclear Fallout Shelter

For more information on how WSDOT complies with laws, regulations, and policies, visit our Cultural Resources Compliance page.

Contacts

Questions about the Cultural Resources Program and the work we do? Please contact the Cultural Resources Program Manager or refer to our Frequently Asked Questions. Looking for information on a specific project or region activity? Contact that region's or program's Cultural Resources Specialist (CRS) (pdf 27 kb).

Information on consultation with Native American Tribes can be found at the WSDOT Tribal Liaison Office site.

Cultural Resources Training

Each spring we partner with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation and Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission to offer a multi-day Cultural Resources Training (CRT) at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington. CRT promotes awareness, preservation and stewardship of Washington’s cultural resources and is the only comprehensive training of this kind in the state. Enrollment is open to anyone with a need or desire to learn about cultural resources, cultural resource management laws and regulations and the importance of preservation.

CRT Participants will explore archaeological sites on the Yakima Training Center.

Utilizing classroom and field exercises, participants work with some of the region's most qualified instructors to learn the skills necessary to address cultural resource management issues. This award-winning training is held only once a year and space is limited. For more information on the agenda and upcoming sessions, please contact Erin Littauer.

• CRT Brochure (pdf 254 kb)
• CRT Course Abstracts (pdf 104 kb)

2012 Cultural Resources Training

The upcoming session will be held May 22- 25, 2012 at the Central Washington University campus in Ellensburg, WA. This session is full, however we are still taking names for the waitlist should any spots become available. Please contact Erin Littauer at littaue@wsdot.wa.gov or by phone at 360.570.2448 for more information.

Learn More!

	McMillin Bridge, 1934 A National Register Listed Historic Bridge of significant and rare architectural style.

Visit the WSDOT Historic Bridges site to view highlights of Washington's most significant Transportation structures.

The Ethnobotany and Cultural Resources List identifies plants found along the highway Right-of-Way in Western Washington of traditional cultural significance and use.