The success of a cultural resources management company is based on two elements.  The first is a clearly defined niche. In this case it is defined by regional location and size of projects.  Through previous experience and contacts with established environmental engineering companies CRAG is able to step into and fulfill this need.  Based on state and federal legislation, projects that recieve any federal funding are subject to a cultural resource review.  From this, an archaeological survey of the land may be required based on comments and recommendations made by the State. This is regardless of size of acreage. By being a small business with minimum overhead, CRAG is able to undertake projects that larger firms may find prohibitively small based on rates of overhead and size of staff. The second criteria is associated with the rate of growth and development within the region. The Carolinas are currently seeing a steady and healthy growth in four areas; the Triangle, the Triad, the Greater Charlotte region, and the coast.  When conducting research for a project CRAG looks at several different forms of historic and modern documentation. Some of these sources include: Historic Maps and Land Grants- Historic maps are a great source for locating historic structures that may be located on the property being surveyed.  Obviously, the identification of sites or possible sites from historic maps can help our surveyors do their job better. Previously Recorded Archaeological Sites- One trip to the office of state archaeology can show us if any previously recorded archaeological sites have been identified on or near the property in question. This information can help our surveyors understand local site typologies and densities among other things. Cemetery Surveys- Each county performs cemetery surveys and this information can be valuable in locating cemeteries on or near the clients property. If there is a cemetery on the property it is important that we are able to identify its location so that it can be avoided or relocated. Aerial Photographs- The oldest photographs available usually date back to the 1930's and 40's for each county and this information can be particularly enlightening. Historic aerial photographs can help us identify the locations of historic structures, field lines, pre-existing topography, and roads among other things. Soil Surveys- There is a corralation between soil type and the location of archaeological sites. Knowing the soil types that exist on a specific property can help us pinpoint the high probability site locations.       Cultural Resources Assessment Group P.O. Box 12107 Raleigh, NC  27605 919 / 828-8100    cragarch@earthlink.net