Vasquez Rocks Natural Park: Los Angeles County

SERVICES USED ON THIS PROJECT INCLUDE:
	Environmental Compliance		Planning

Located in the high desert in northern Los Angeles County, Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is a unique area characterized by remarkable geologic formations and extensive cultural resources. The County acquired the 932-acre property in the 1970s and created the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park.

Sapphos Environmental, Inc. has provided environmental, master planning, and cultural resources management services related to the 932-acre Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park to the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation (LADPR) since 1997. These efforts initiated with the preparation of the Recommended Event Capacity and Sensitivity Guidelines for Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park. These guidelines regulate the planning, development, and maintenance of recreational facilities and programs while conserving the park’s unique natural and cultural resources for County of Los Angeles residents and visitors. The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works retained Sapphos Environmental, Inc. to prepare an Initial Study, Environmental Impact Report (EIR), and related technical reports associated with the construction of an interpretive center in the park. Sapphos Environmental, Inc. developed mitigation measures to reduce impacts on areas, such as air quality, cultural resources, hazardous materials, and land use and planning, to below the level of significance. During this process, Sapphos Environmental, Inc. identified sustainable design strategies for the interpretive center consistent with the County of Los Angeles Energy and Environmental Policy. Sapphos Environmental, Inc. performed archaeological monitoring of excavations conducted in support of the proposed project. An intensive-level historic resources survey on the proposed project site resulted in the identification of two cultural resources that may be affected by project implementation.

In view of the density and vulnerability of the park’s archaeological resources, the identification of sections of the park as sacred land by the Native American community, and the desirability of comprehensive information for master planning purposes, Sapphos Environmental, Inc. was contracted to conduct Phase I archaeological surveys of the entire park between 2004 and 2007. In addition to the walkover survey, a record search at the South Central Coastal Information Center was performed and extensive research was conducted. The survey recorded 58 sites and isolates, of which 18 were previously undocumented. Detailed measurements, sketches, photographs, and descriptions were made, and archaeological site records [Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) 523 series] were completed. Ten artifacts were collected and analyzed for curation. The majority of the park’s cultural resources are from the prehistoric period and include rock art, lithic scatters, rock shelters with associated midden deposits, milling stations, yucca ovens, and other features. Historic period resources are also present and include foundations, landscape features, grave markers, historic trash scatters, and folk art.

In conjunction with these efforts, Sapphos Environmental, Inc. has coordinated with the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) and other Native American representatives. A request for consultation at the outset of the Phase I study was followed by correspondence with the tribal representatives identified by NAHC. A Native American monitor was present throughout the archaeological monitoring of the geotechnical excavations.