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48 <br />1 <br />2 <br />3 <br />4 <br />5 <br />6 <br />7 <br />8 <br />9 <br />10 <br />11 <br />12 <br />13 <br />14 <br />15 <br />16 <br />17 <br />18 <br />19 <br />20 <br />21 <br />22 <br />23 <br />24 <br />25 <br />26 <br />27 <br />28 <br />29 <br />30 <br />31 <br />32 <br />33 <br />34 <br />35 <br />36 <br />37 <br />38 <br />39 <br />40 <br />In addition to archaeological surveys conducted in advance of new <br />County development projects, local residents can also ensure the <br />documentation and preservation of valuable historic and prehistoric <br />archaeological resources. The value. of an artifact is in its context <br />(original location), its relationship with other artifacts, its structural <br />elements, or its relationship to natural features. Once removed from <br />their context many artifacts lose their value.; Residents are encouraged <br />to use the Office of State Archaeology (OSA) to determine the <br />appropriate course of action regarding archaeological finds, particularly <br />those that may involve old cemetery sites. The OSA can help residents <br />record, map, and catalog sites, thus preserving valuable locations <br />information on the future. <br />HISTORIC CEMETERIES <br />Historic cemeteries offer an invaluable link to the past. Often, smaller <br />family cemeteries are subject to abandonment and neglect over time, <br />resulting in the loss of valuable genealogical and historical information. <br />Increasing development in the region further jeopardizes these cultural <br />resources. The OSA can provide information on the State Cemetery <br />Survey and the state statutes (N.C.G.S. Chapter 70, Article 3), regarding <br />the handling of human skeletal remains." <br />SCENIC RESOURCES <br />During the late 1980s to mid 1990s, Orange County Planning staff, <br />working in conjunction with the Planning Board's Transportation <br />Advisory Subcommittee (TAS), researched scenic road programs in <br />other states and localities, and developed a proposal for Orange <br />County. The Scenic, Rustic, and Rural Roads Program separated <br />potential corridors into three categories based on the focus of their <br />designation-natural features, historic or cultural resources, or rural or <br />agricultural context. The group systematically ranked roads based on <br />criteria and produced a Scenic Road Corridors Map, which included <br />segments from fifty (50) local roads. (See Map 6-6: Scenic Roads Map.) <br />While, the initial proposal was voluntary, the map was included in the <br />Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan and referenced in the <br />Flexible Development option of the Subdivision Regulations. Views <br />from the identified corridors are considered conservation areas in the <br />Flexible Development standards. <br />The HPC is currently evaluating the corridors shown on the 1981 map <br />to determine which road segments still merit scenic designation. The <br />' Archaeological research in the late 1970s and early 1980s led to the creation of an <br />"Archaeological Potential Map," which reflected the likelihood of finding resources based on <br />topographic features such as ridges and drainageways. The map lacks the precision to <br />replace site specific-fieldwork for predicting the location of archaeological resources and <br />should only be used as a general guide. <br />a ERCD works with the Durham-Orange Genealogical Society of North Carolina (D-OGS) to <br />inventory cemeteries in Orange County; information on their cemetery census is available <br />online. <br />t~YC~.c~iCous~.ty Co-vvcpc~e~~.v~;,ve~~la-vv Public Hearing Draft 5-6-08 Page 6- 45 <br />