In 2012, the property of Whispering Woods underwent Phase I testing in compliance with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act (NJ ACC7:7A). After completing 624 shovel test pits at intervals of 50 feet, it was determined that there exist nine potential historic and prehistoric sites on the property. These findings were consistent with existing historic and geographic data.
On the recommendation of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, the site requires Phase II testing. This excavation will be used to make a formal determination as to the significance of the nine sites and whether further mitigation and investigation will be needed before the property can be developed. Thus far, all nine sites have been registered with the NJ State Museum. Phase II testing will determine if any of the sites meet the Eligibility for Inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (36 CFR 63).
