Scope-of-Work: Distribution Canal Documentation, Montezuma Well Unit of Montezuma Castle National Monument

Schroeder, John

This project consists of the documentation and condition assessment of a prehistoric irrigation canal located at the Montezuma Well unit of Montezuma Castle National Monument. On July 21, 2004, as part of the restroom replacement project (MOCA 99A, MOCA 88A, 002-2004-MOCA), ground disturbance activities unearthed a section of a previously recorded irrigation canal located directly adjacent to the northwest corner of the new facility. A newly exposed section previously lay beneath an asphalt parking lot, which was cut away to facilitate a concrete slab in front of the new restrooms. At the recommendation of Todd Metzger, director of the National Park Service’s Vanishing Treasures program, the feature is to be cleaned off and assessed not only for damage incurred through its location beneath the parking lot, but also for damage which may have taken place during the construction activities at the site. Based on the results of this assessment a preservation plan is to be developed to insure the long-term preservation and safety of the canal segment.