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Pinelands Commission reports FY26 appropriation, Fenwick Manor funding and archaeological GPR work
Summary
Staff told commissioners the commission’s FY26 state appropriation is $3,899,000 (up $150,000), with an anticipated $95,000 OMB supplement for negotiated salary increases and a $69,000 special appropriation for Fenwick Manor improvements; staff also summarized ground‑penetrating‑radar archaeological surveys detecting potential unmarked burials at historic sites.
Pinelands Commission staff reported on the commission's FY26 funding and active projects during the Aug. 8 meeting, including budget increases, planned improvements at Fenwick Manor and recent archaeological work using ground‑penetrating radar (GPR).
Staff said the commission's FY26 state appropriation is $3,899,000, an increase of $150,000 from the previous year. Staff also said the Office of Management and Budget is expected to provide an additional $95,000 to cover negotiated salary increases under a union contract. A separate $69,000 special appropriation was identified for Fenwick Manor improvements.
On Fenwick Manor projects, staff described required steps: a consultant has performed on‑site inspections, an RFQ for prequalified contractors for historic restoration has been posted, and an RFP will follow for construction firms with appropriate experience. Staff said actual construction is not anticipated to begin until after the new year. As part of an Assurant Trust grant requirement, staff said a very large sign displaying required logos will be installed in front of the building.
Staff archeologist Mark Paul Vest summarized the commission's use of GPR for archaeological surveys. He described work that detected potential unmarked burials at two historic church sites and ongoing surveys at Whitesboro Historic Village; staff said they are following appropriate protocols and will proceed with required preservations and consultations.
Staff also previewed draft budgets for Fenwick Manor, the Katie Fund (native plantings and gardens), the finance conservation fund and operating funds to be reviewed at upcoming committee meetings and on the commission's September agenda.
