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Trails committee backs $7,885 feasibility study for Negri preserve bird blind and pond work
Summary
Franklin Township Trails Advisory Committee voted to recommend a feasibility study by T & M Associates—priced at $7,885—to the Open Space Advisory Committee for possible bird blind replacement and pond restoration at the Negri grassland preserve. The report would identify permits, wetlands delineation and two design options.
The Franklin Township Trails Advisory Committee voted Nov. 13 to recommend that the Open Space Advisory Committee review a proposal from T & M Associates for a feasibility study on restoration work at the Negri grassland preserve, including replacing a damaged bird blind and assessing options for the nearby pond.
Tara, the township staff member who presented the proposal, said the consultant would perform field work, wetland approximations, species and vegetation surveys, and prepare permit narratives to support applications to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. She summarized the firm’s quoted fees: $1,900 for initial project research, $5,310 for the feasibility report and an additional document review component, for a total of $7,885.
The feasibility report would offer two design options for a new bird blind, construction cost estimates, bid specifications, geotechnical recommendations and a permitting summary. Tara said the study could show whether the pond restoration is necessary; the committee could decide later to pursue only the bird blind work.
Committee members raised questions about whether the scope and price were excessive given earlier student work and public commentary. One member noted that local volunteers and previous grasslands studies had produced options; Tara responded that T & M’s work requires field measurements, groundwater elevations and wetlands analysis—and that wetlands permitting depends on vegetation, species present and the specific restoration method.
The committee also discussed funding. Tara said the Open Space Trust Fund contains a line item for grasslands management and that, if OSAC approves the proposal, the township council would receive a resolution to authorize spending from that fund.
By voice vote the committee moved to present the T & M Associates proposal to the Open Space Advisory Committee; if OSAC endorses it, staff said they will prepare a council resolution to authorize the expenditure and direct T & M to proceed.
Next steps: the proposal will be presented to OSAC at its upcoming meeting; staff will report back on OSAC’s decision and council action.
