SFPUC 2001 Alameda Watershed Management Plan

III. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND IMPACTSH. CULTURAL RESOURCESReservoir was constructed about 30 years later. Much of the Watershed lands are still leased tocattle ranchers, nursery owners, and mining operators.Two features of the SFPUC’s water system are listed as notable historic resources. The SunolWater Temple, built in 1900-1910, is listed in the California Inventory of Historic Resources andthe Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks. This neoclassical structure was built over a complexof forebays and filter galleries and marks the confluence of waters from Calaveras Reservoir,Sunol gravel beds, and the Pleasanton wells. The Hetch Hetchy Coast Range Tunnel is listed inthe Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks and consists of 29 miles of tunnels, siphons, andpipelines.Known Cultural ResourcesBased on archival research and field review of the Alameda Watershed area, there are about70 distinct archaeological and pre-1946 historical resources known to be located largely withinthe Watershed. Table III.H-1 lists these resources and their sensitivity, with five categories ofresources as follows:! National Register of Historic Places – includes resources that are listed or have beendetermined eligible for listing. There are no resources in the Alameda Watershed currentlylisted. However, several prehistoric, ethnohistoric, and historic resources have thepotential for eligibility.! Historic structures and features – includes pre-1946 wells, reservoirs, dams, tunnels,cottages, facilities buildings, fountains, and the Sunol Water Temple.! Historic archaeological sites – includes three rancho-era adobes, 34 homestead sites, fiveschool sites, the Brightside cottage site, and the Coast Range Tunnel labor camp.! Prehistoric archaeological sites – includes two midden sites that have not been officiallyrecorded (one remains unconfirmed).! Prehistoric/ethnohistoric resources – includes two locations identified by NativeAmericans; however, neither site has been officially recorded.In addition to known cultural resources, prehistoric and historic archaeological resources may belocated in archaeologically sensitive areas identified in the Alameda Watershed ManagementPlan. Sensitive areas include valleys where water sources are present and the terrain is relativelyflat, such as near creeks and springs. Other sensitive areas include ridgetops, large terraces, andbenches, such as Arroyo de la Laguna, where there may have been prehistoric trails andtemporary encampments or possibly historic features. As stated above, most of the Watershedlands have not been subject to an intensive archaeological survey; however, it is likely thatadditional, currently unknown resources are present on the Watershed due to the abundance ofidentified sensitive areas. Zones of cultural resource sensitivity include almost all of theAlameda Creek corridor, Sunol Valley, upstream areas above Calaveras and San AntonioReservoirs, upper regions of La Costa and Calaveras Valleys, and ridgetops of Apperson andOak Ridges.NOP 96.223E: Alameda Watershed Management Plan III.H-3 ESA / 930385January 2001