A company hired to survey a section of the Natchez Trace Parkway for archaeological artifacts did so without a permit, and then removed some century-old artifacts, according to federal authorities./NPS

A company hired to conduct an archaeological survey in advance of a tree-planting project along the Natchez Trace Parkway not only proceeded before obtaining the requisite permits, but then took some Native American artifacts more than a century old, according to court action in the case.

Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc., headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, settled the matter by entering into a deferred prosecution agreement with the United States to resolve violations of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, said U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.

On December 22, 2017, National Park Service rangers with the Natchez Trace Parkway issued a notice of violation to CRA for conducting an unauthorized archaeological survey on Parkway lands, in connection with the proposed Stephen’s Valley development in Davidson and Williamson counties in Tennessee.

According to the notice of violation, in November 2016 the company conducted excavation activities without the required ARPA permits. That digging resulted in the removal of Native American archaeological artifacts that were more than 100 years old, a park release said. The excavation was in advance of a proposed tree planting effort to screen the development from Parkway visitors’ view.

The agreement between the United States and CRA defers prosecution for criminal violations of the ARPA and requires CRA to pay a $15,024 fine, the amount of damages determined from the unauthorized excavation, and to return all artifacts discovered during the process.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to enforcing laws that Congress enacted to protect archaeological resources,” said U.S. Attorney Cochran. “This agreement is fair and just and properly mitigates the damage by deferring criminal prosecution, requiring the return of the artifacts and imposing a penalty for failing to secure the required permits.”

Natchez Trace Parkway Superintendent Mary Risser said the violations could have been avoided had the company applied for the necessary permits.

“Archaeological resources on National Park Service property belong to everyone, and we have a responsibility to prevent their unauthorized removal," she said. "Parkway staff will use the funds paid by CRA to preserve cultural resources on the Parkway.”