July 31, 2006

DETAILED CULTURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY FOR “THE CLIFFS” FINDS PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT DISTURB HISTORICAL SITES
Survey discovers previously unrecorded historic turn of the century homestead sites

BOISE – Skyline Development Corporation today announced the findings of a highly detailed archaeological survey of the property in eastern Ada County where the company has applied to build The Cliffs, a 1,350-home mixed-use planned community. 
Archaeologists performing the detailed on-site survey identified two new isolated prehistoric artifacts, one previously recorded archeological site and five new archeological sites dating from the late 1800s to early 1900s.  Of the six total archeological sites identified by SWCA (www.swca.com), two are considered eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NHRP), three are considered ineligible, and the sixth (described below) needs further research. The archaeological finds include:

• Two prehistoric Native American arrowheads ranging from 800-4,000 years old
• Four historic homestead sites (including three newly discovered) dated to the turn of the century (two of which are NRHP eligible)
• A power line dating to the early 1900s (not eligible for NRHP)
• The sixth find includes concrete foundations which may have been used for dynamite storage (more investigation is required to determine NRHP eligibility)

When comparing the sites with Skyline’s proposed development plans, consultants found that The Cliffs proposed development plans will not disturb any of the NHRP eligible sites on the property since construction will not occur on or near those properties.

The intensive pedestrian inventory, which is conducted by archaeologists, was completed by SWCA Environmental Consultants and reviewed and approved by the Idaho State Historical Preservation Office (Idaho SHPO).  According to Idaho SHPO records, this was the first systematic survey of the property ever conducted.  The Ada County Planned Community Development process does not require developers to order such an extensive study of the land, however, due to the lack of historical information about this specific parcel, Skyline felt it was only responsible to learn as much about the land and its past as possible. 

 “We are well aware that Ada County – especially eastern Ada County – has a very rich history including, Native Americans, explorers, and hundreds of early pioneers,” said Tucker Johnson, vice president of Skyline Development Corporation. “We remain firmly committed in all we do to ensure proper stewardship of the land as we plan The Cliffs.  SWCA’s comprehensive study has been key in our ability to learn as much about the history of the area in the greater context of Ada County, and we hope to use this information to teach area children about the people who lived or passed through here long ago.”

SWCA archaeologists say their finds will contribute further information about some of Boise’s earliest settlers.

“We were most excited to discover the historic homestead sites, which collectively have potential to provide clues and information about how early farmers and ranchers lived in the Treasure Valley,” said Andrew Williamson, archaeological Field Director and Project Manager for SWCA. “While there were a number of mansions on Warm Springs Avenue that housed the rich during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, farmers and ranchers were making a living in less luxurious accommodations just a few miles down the road. This is particularly interesting because it offers a comparison between the urban and rural landscape of the Treasure Valley in the early 20th century, and how Boiseans define those same urban and rural landscapes today.”

Johnson said Skyline plans to include historical information about eastern Ada County at The Cliffs’ Environmental Education Center, a facility to be built within the community to help educate residents and the community at large about environmental and cultural issues of the region. The educational resources will be available to the public to learn more about local history, including use by Native Americans, explorers, pioneers and homesteaders.  The center will also host educational programs about area wildlife and habitat conservation.

“We believe it’s important to protect and preserve the cultural values as much as the wildlife and recreational values of this land,” said Johnson. “I’m excited to consider the role The Cliffs can play in teaching Treasure Valley families and children about the place they call home.”

SWCA carried out its survey from March 31 to April 4, 2006.  Archaeologists walked the entire site in lines spaced 30 meters apart, using GPS technology for survey and recording accuracy.  All site locations have been recorded with the Idaho SHPO. 

In February, Skyline submitted its application to Ada County for the approximately 1,350 home  mixed-use development to be built on 707 acres of privately-owned property above the black cliffs in Ada County near the intersection of Idaho 21 and Warm Springs Avenue.  More than half of the property will be set aside as natural open space, the majority of which will undergo extensive restoration and improvement to create enhanced habitat for wildlife.  The application is currently scheduled to go before the Ada County Planning and Zoning commission on August 3, 2006.

The family comprising Skyline Development, a 39-year-old home-grown Idaho business, has developed and designed more than 15 Treasure Valley neighborhoods with well over 5,000 home sites, including The Hickories, Vienna Woods and Rockhampton. About 15,000 people valley-wide live in Skyline neighborhoods. 

For more information about The Cliffs or to view the Cultural Study Report, visit www.thecliffsidaho.com.