Conservation

The Gault School of Archaeological Research

The story of the Gault site is one of people’s deep connection to the land. That connection is honored by GSAR’s commitment to the conservation of natural and historic landscapes. After acquiring the site in 2007 to preserve it from risk of development, Dr. Collins immediately donated it to the Archaeological Conservancy for protection. Inspired by his vision and conservation ethic, GSAR now serves as a resource for other property owners who are passionate about archaeological site conservation and stewardship. We provide guidance and support for landowners who are interested in understanding what kinds of archaeological sites might be found on their property, and how those irreplaceable sites and their natural environments can be protected forever.

Pecan Springs Ranch

GSAR was a partner in achieving protected status for important sites on Pecan Springs Ranch in northern Williamson County. This legacy ranch encompassed 3250 acres under the ownership of the same family since 1948.  

The ranch first attracted the interest of GSAR board member Tim Brown who was actively investigating geographic locations exhibiting similarities to those present at the Gault site.  In 2016 he contacted representatives of the ranch ownership and secured an access agreement to conduct preliminary surveys for cultural resources. Over the course of the following three years, he identified and mapped three major archaeological sites and one minor site associated with spring complexes.  

In 2020, Brown toured the primary sites with owners’ representatives to point out and explain the significance of the cultural resources there.  He also explained the significance of the springs for biological research and encouraged their cooperation with scientists from the US Fish & Wildlife Service.   

Subsequently, Brown and GSAR staff members Tom Williams, Nancy Velchoff, Clark Werneke and Jennifer Gandy conducted limited trench testing at Pecan Spring, one of several springs on the ranch. This investigation confirmed the presence of extensive cultural deposits representing recurrent human occupation spanning at least 10,000 years. Evidence of even earlier occupation was observed in lithic scatter on upland areas near the spring.

With the family’s permission, Brown completed the process of recording the primary sites (41WM1470, 41WM1471 and 41WM1472). Documents provided to the family included Brown’s Phase I Survey Report, detailed reports of the trench testing and recording documents.

The owners appreciated the unique value of the pristine land in an area heavily impacted by suburban growth and mining and were receptive to conservation objectives. Sometime around 2023, they sold the ranch with a simultaneous execution of a gift deed transferring 1200 acres of land surrounding the most sensitive sections of the ranch to the Hill Country Conservancy, thereby protecting the important natural and cultural resources present there.

Conservation and Preservation Resources

• Texas Land Trust Council’s Conservation Easement Guidebook <link>
• Land Trust Alliance <link>
• Liability protections for landowners allowing scientific study on their land through the Texas Agritourism Act <link>
• Texas Land Use Trends and the loss of native and agricultural landscapes on private lands in Texas <link>
• Information on State Antiquities Landmark designations <link>

Please contact us with questions about this process and what opportunities might be appropriate for you.

“Mike and I believed very strongly that archaeology programs at universities were not teaching the skills that students would need to get a job and function as archaeologists. Universities tend to teach lots of theory and history aimed toward turning out teachers/professors rather than practicing archaeologists. We felt that we could help, in some small way, to fill that gap and help prepare students for life after college. This meant learning about practical skills, CVs, meeting other archaeologists, and getting field and lab experience. When I started in anthropology, most graduates still worked in academia, and now something like 85% work outside of education. When you apply for a job, they don't ask you what theory classes you took - they want to know what you can DO. Archaeology is an apprenticeship discipline, but often we have waited until students get graduate degrees before exposing them to this reality. Mike was doing this long before me when he set up the CRM program at the University of Kentucky. When we first talked about this (probably around 2000), we found that we shared this belief in what the mission of an organization like the GSAR should be. And not just education for college students but also telling the public what we do and why it should be important to them. Also talking to schoolchildren of all ages to not only acquaint them with archaeology but also to encourage those who might have an interest in pursuing the field.”
- Dr. Clark Wernecke