A reconnaissance level survey is designed to identify archaeological sites of a prehistoric and historic nature. In general, these surveys are designed only to identify sites, not to evaluate their significance. At a mini mum, a Phase I survey should provide for the identification of sites and approximate boundaries. Phase II projects involve the testing of previously identified archaeological sites. This level of investigation may include controlled surface collections of plowed fields, strip plowing of areas with subsequent controlled co llections, test units, intensive shovel testing, and other appropriate methods for the determination of the extent and nature of archaeological deposits at the site or sites.
Data recovery is intended to remove and record the archaeological information at a site or sites.
Because of the unique or nearly unique nature of each archaeological site, requirements for mitigation will be determined through a process of consultation with the State Archaeologist, unless otherwise specified. They represent the minimum qualifications acceptable for the archa eologist in general charge and the archaeologist in direct charge of archaeological investigations conducted on property owned or controlled by the State of Tennessee. The rationale for specifying minimum qualifications is that the recognition and evaluation of the significance of archaeological properties requires professional training and experience. The permit will be issued to the person in general charge provided that a qualified archaeologist in direct charge is named in the permit appl ication. Responsible archaeological resource management requires matching skills and experience of the archaeologist to the proposed site investigation.