What is a Cultural Resource Assessment?

At Harris Anthropological Research (HAR), we don’t just see the past—we help you understand how it shapes your project’s future. A Cultural Resource Assessment (CRA) is your first line of defense against unexpected compliance hurdles, ensuring that your project moves forward while honoring and protecting cultural heritage.

From historic sites and sacred landscapes to buried artifacts and State Antiquities Landmarks, cultural resources shape the land we work with. With a CRA, we map out potential risks before they become costly surprises, helping you avoid regulatory headaches, legal tangles, and last-minute redesigns.

What a Cultural Resource Assessment is NOT

A CRA is not a desktop review—it’s an expert advisement on whether further study, consultation, or permit is anticipated or not.
A CRA is not a guarantee of approval—it ensures that you understand and plan for compliance before it’s too late.
A CRA is not an archaeological survey—it’s your roadmap to determining whether more extensive work is required.

A CRA is your strategic advantage—ensuring that cultural heritage considerations don’t derail your project when deadlines are tight and budgets are fixed.

Who Benefits from a Cultural Resource Assessment?

If land ownership, development, or regulatory obligations are involved, a CRA is essential. Our clients include:

Developers and Landowners – Get ahead of cultural resource compliance before construction even starts.
Government Agencies – Streamline public infrastructure planning while avoiding preservation conflicts.
Tribal Governments and Organizations – Stay informed, protect heritage sites, and ensure respectful stewardship.
Environmental and Planning Firms – Secure historical compliance for sustainable development projects.
Legal and Consulting Professionals – Navigate laws, regulations, and preservation mandates with expert insights.

Why Cultural Resource Assessments Matter: Costly Mistakes That Could Have Been Avoided

Failing to conduct a Cultural Resource Assessment (CRA) before development has led to lawsuits, public backlash, financial losses, and halted projects across Texas. Here are some real-world examples where a CRA could have saved clients from costly consequences:
1. Religious Freedom Issue – Sacred Site Harmed in San Antonio
A sacred site tied to the Coahuiltecan creation story was disrupted in Brackenridge Park, San Antonio when contractors removed trees and harassed sacred birds, violating Indigenous ceremonial practices. The controversy led to a lawsuit under Texas’ Religious Liberty Act, arguing that the disturbance infringed on protected religious rights. Had a CRA identified the sacred site beforehand, the city could have prevented legal challenges and preserved the space for ceremonial use.

2. Historic Cemeteries – Austin Development Halted
A developer in Austin unknowingly planned a residential project over an unmarked historic cemetery. When human remains were discovered during excavation, the project was immediately halted, requiring costly legal mitigation and redesign. A CRA could have identified the cemetery beforehand, allowing for an alternative site plan and avoiding delays.

3. Tribal Cultural Sites – Pipeline and SpaceX Projects Controversy
A pipeline project and SpaceX project in Texas faced legal challenges for failing to consult Tribal nations about potential cultural sites. The oversight led to lawsuits, public opposition, and regulatory intervention, delaying construction for months. A CRA would have facilitated early consultation, preventing reputational damage and costly litigation.

Defenders of the Delta: A Tribal Leader Fights for Ancestral Land in South Texas

4. Historic Architecture Violation – San Antonio Developer Fined
A developer in San Antonio demolished a historic building without obtaining proper preservation permits, violating local heritage laws. The city imposed fines and required partial rebuilding of historic elements to comply with preservation standards. A CRA would have ensured proper approvals, preventing financial losses and legal disputes.

A CRA would have flagged the preservation rules early, avoiding costly redesigns and delays.

Why Choose a Cultural Resource Assessment?

With HAR, you don’t just check a compliance box—you gain clarity and confidence:

Avoid costly surprises—Early planning reduces risks before projects stall.
Make informed decisions—Know where cultural concerns might require adjustments.
Save time and money—Minimize unnecessary redesigns by understanding obligations upfront.
Navigate regulations like a pro—We break down complex laws to keep your project on track.
Foster community and stakeholder trust—Show respect for cultural heritage while building lasting partnerships.

What You’ll Receive

A written brief report detailing:

Records checked—Maintaining confidentiality while assessing historical significance.
Applicable regulations—Understanding the legal landscape of your project.
Strategic next steps—Guidance on whether further permits or reviews are necessary.
Potential redesign advisement—Helping you avoid delays before they happen.

At HAR, we’re here to make the complex simple—ensuring your project is not just compliant, but prepared, informed, and ethically responsible.

Let’s get started—protect history while building your future with confidence instead of playing minesweeper.