CALUMET TOWNSHIP – An anonymous donation of $100,000 accounts for nearly a quarter of the Keweenaw National Historical Park’s 2016 budget approved Tuesday by the park’s Advisory Commission.

“That will go a long way toward our grant program,” said John Sullivan, commission vice chairman.

Of the $409,074 spending plan, operational expenses are expected to be $90,850, Sullivan said. Program expenses are budgeted at $130,000. About $50,000 has been budgeted to study what the exact boundaries should be for the Quincy National Historic Landmark District in the Quincy Unit of the park north of Hancock.

Another $50,000 was budgeted as a match for an education program being created by Kathleen Harter, the park’s chief of interpretation and education.

“That would be a three-year program to get the youth involved in knowing our Keweenaw National Historical Park,” Sullivan said.

He said $19,000 was budgeted for support of the park’s 21 Heritage Site partners around the Copper Country.

Park Landscape Architect Steve DeLong, acting superintendent, gave an update on the search for a permanent superintendent to replace Mike Pflaum, who was named superintendent at Badlands National Park in August.

“I understand there is a list of candidates, and I understand it is robust,” he said. “They have a large candidate pool.”

DeLong said he thought a new superintendent could be chosen before the end of the year.