MVAC plans archaeological dig on FWS property on Brice Prairie

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has contracted with the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center to monitor cultural resources on about 24 acres of the 75.4-acre Mathy tract on Brice Prairie.

The FWS acquired the land from Mathy Construction in August 2008. It has been identified as a potential site for a headquarters/visitor facility for the La Crosse District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

An earlier on-site archaeological investigation recommended further steps to protect and properly excavate any cultural resources that might be encountered. This project implements that recommendation.

Fieldwork is scheduled to begin next week and should be completed within two to three weeks. MVAC will use heavy equipment to excavate sites in key areas and dig trenches at other locations.

If cultural resources are found, excavation and recovery would begin immediately. A professional archaeologist will be present to identify and recover any artifacts.