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In late August, 1988, Archaeological Research Services, Inc. (ARS) performed a cultural resources survey on lands of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community for the Arizona Department of Transportation. The survey was undertaken for a project involving the construction of turn lanes. The project area encompassed a 4700 ft x 67 ft construction right-of-way adjacent to the northern edge of SR 87. Five prehistoric habitation sites and one prehistoric canal were identified within the right-of-way. The ceramics and architectural features associated with these sites indicate they were occupied by the Hohokam during the Sedentary and Classic Periods. At the request of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, ARS collected all of the surface artifacts from the five habitation sites within the construction right-of-way. A variety of ceramic and lithic artifacts were recovered, as well as some faunal remains and shell artifacts. This study presents an analysis of the surface collections from those five sites, and assesses the content and structure of the archaeological deposits for the portion of each site within the right-of-way. The results of the analysis suggest there were two groups of sites characterized by different artifact assemblages. One group of sites was associated with both Sedentary and Classic Period occupations, while a second group of sites was only associated with the Classic Period occupation of the area. These sites represent a group of agricultural communities that were first occupied during the Sedentary Period, and that grew substantially by Classic Period times. ARS will monitor the proposed turn lane construction for the presence of sub-surface cultural features and remains when the project is undertaken.

In late August, 1988, Archaeological Research Services, Inc. performed a cultural resources survey of an approximately 4700 ft long by 67 ft wide (7.23 acres) corridor of highway easement along the northwest side of State Route 87 (between Center Street and Mesa Drive) for the Arizona Department of Transportation. This study area is located north of Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona on lands of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Six prehistoric archaeological sites were observed and recorded during the course of this project (four previously recorded, and two newly recorded). It has been concluded that all six sites are eligible or potentially eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. It has been recommended that these sites be avoided by restricting all construction activities to areas specified in this report. If construction activities cannot be so restricted, it has been advised that an archaeological testing program be undertaken to determine the presence/absence of sub-surface cultural resources. Provisional archaeological clearance has been recommended for the proposed highway improvement project contingent upon the sponsor's agreement to implement site avoidance procedures.

This document consists of site descriptions for sites located on the Salt River Indian Reservation Lands. Those contributing content to the report include Gerald Bair, Susan B. Belt, Dav Buge, Thomas Cartledge, William G. Holiday, Susanne LaFollette, Minnabell E. Laughlin, Chad Phinney, Erwin R. Ray, Linda Richards, Helen P. Wells, Regge N. Wiseman, Robert York, and Betsy R. Zeligs.