city of muskego parks and conservation plan 2012

Transcription

CITY OF MUSKEGO
PARKS AND CONSERVATION PLAN
2012 - 2016
S
MU
KE
GO
TIO
N
MUSKEGO
EA
PARKS & REC R
CO
NSERVATION
CITY OF MUSKEGO
ELECTED OFFICIALS
2012
Mayor
Honorable Kathy Chiaverotti
Common Council
Council President Neil Borgman, District 3
Alderman Rob Wolfe, District 1
Alderman Kert Harenda, District 2
Alderman Keith Werner, District 4
Alderman Dan Soltysiak, District 5
Alderman Neome Schaumberg, District 6
Alderman Noah Fiedler, District 7
i
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
PARK AND RECREATION BOARD
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Mr. Toby Whipple, President
Mr. Leonard Pilak, Chairman
Alderman Kert Harenda
Alderman Dan Soltysiak
Mr. Jerald Hulbert
Ms. Karen Hartwell
Ms. Kelly Koble
Ms. Julie Holubowicz
Mr. Gerald Boisits
Mr. William Miller
Mr. Bret Hyde
Ms. Sharon Roy
Mr. William “Butch” LeDoux
Mr. Howard Schneider
CITY OF MUSKEGO STAFF
Mr. Craig Anderson, Director of Parks and Recreation
Mr. Jeff Muenkel, Director of Planning
Mr. Tom Zagar, Conservation Coordinator/City Forester
Mr. Peter Theis, Parks Maintenance Supervisor
Ms. Tammy Dunn, Recreation Supervisor
Mr. Adam Trzebiatowski, Planner
Ms. Kellie McMullen, Planning Secretary
Ms. Stella Dunahee, Parks & Recreation Secretary
Mr. Sam Theis, Conservation Technician
City Hall Mailing Address:
W182 S8200 Racine Avenue
Post Office Box 749
Muskego, WI 53150-0749
Telephone: (262) 679-4100
Web Site: www.ci.muskego.wi.us
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Plan Commission Resolution ...................................................................... vi
Common Council Ordinance ....................................................................... vii
Chapter 1 - INTRODUCTION
Foreword ..................................................................................................... 1
Objectives ................................................................................................... 1
Park and Recreation Administration ............................................................ 1
Administration of the Conservation Program .............................................. 1
Chapter 2 - COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT
Physical Resources ..................................................................................... 3
Regionally Identified Environmental Lands ................................................. 4
Natural Areas and Critical Species Habitats ............................................... 4
Population ................................................................................................... 8
Transportation ............................................................................................. 8
Land Uses ................................................................................................... 8
Chapter 3 – INVENTORY OF PARKS AND RECREATION TRAILS
Introduction ................................................................................................. 13
City of Muskego Park and Open Space Sites ............................................. 13
Public-Owned School Sites ......................................................................... 20
Waukesha County Site ................................................................................ 20
Muskego Recreation Trails ......................................................................... 21
Chapter 4 – CONSERVATION LANDS INVENTORY & CONSERVATION PLANNING
Introduction ................................................................................................. 23
City of Muskego Conservation Lands ......................................................... 23
County, State, and Other Conservation Lands ........................................... 29
Conservation Planning ................................................................................ 30
Conservation Funding ................................................................................. 31
Chapter 5 – PARKS & CONSERVATION LAND NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Introduction ................................................................................................. 33
Park Classification, Standards, and Needs ................................................. 33
Assessment of Park Needs ......................................................................... 34
Future (2010) Park Needs ........................................................................... 35
Park Facility Needs ..................................................................................... 37
Classification of Conservation Lands .......................................................... 37
Conservancy Lands Needs Assessment .................................................... 38
Prioritization of Conservation Areas ............................................................ 38
Community Support for Land Conservation ............................................... 38
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Chapter 6 - RECOMMENDED PARK PLAN
Introduction ................................................................................................. 41
Improvements Planned or Recommended for Existing Sites ...................... 41
Recommended Future Sites and their Facilities ......................................... 43
Urban Forestry Recommendations for Parks .............................................. 44
Funding for Park Acquisition and Development .......................................... 44
Summary ..................................................................................................... 44
Chapter 7 - RECOMMENDED CONSERVATION PLAN
Introduction ................................................................................................. 45
Conservation Priorities ................................................................................ 45
Planning Process for Conserving Prioritized Lands .................................... 47
Acquisition of Conservation Lands .............................................................. 47
Land Dedications and Reservations ........................................................... 47
Conservation Developments ....................................................................... 47
Preservation Restrictions and Conservation Easements ............................ 48
Purchase of Development Rights ................................................................ 48
Preservation of Existing Conservation Lands ............................................. 48
Management and Development of Conservation Lands ............................. 49
Funding for Conservation Lands ................................................................. 49
Farmland Preservation ................................................................................ 50
Tree Mitigation, Tree Preservation .............................................................. 50
Public Participation and Volunteerism ......................................................... 50
Public Education ......................................................................................... 50
Stormwater Retention Ponds ...................................................................... 51
Green Building Technology ......................................................................... 51
Specific Recommendations ......................................................................... 51
CHAPTER 8 - RECREATION TRAIL RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction ................................................................................................. 53
Recommended Recreation Trail Additions .................................................. 53
Trail Specifications ...................................................................................... 58
Summary ..................................................................................................... 59
iv
MAPS
Map 1:
Map 2:
Map 3:
Map 4:
Map 5:
Map 5A:
Map 6:
Map 7:
Map 8:
Map 9:
Map 10:
Map 11:
Environmentally Significant Lands (SEWRPC) ........................ 5
Natural Areas and Critical Species Habitat Sites (SEWRPC) .. 7
Current Land Use ..................................................................... 11
2010 Land Use Plan ................................................................. 12
Public-Owned Park and Open Spaces in the City of Muskego 16
(Inset) Public-Owned Park and Open Spaces .......................... 17
City of Muskego Recreation Trails ........................................... 22
Conservation Lands in the City of Muskego ............................. 26
Areas Within the City of Muskego Served by Park Sites .......... 36
Recommended Park Plan in the City of Muskego .................... 42
Conservation Priorities in the City of Muskego ......................... 46
Proposed City of Muskego Recreation Trails ........................... 57
FIGURES
Figure 1:
Natural Areas and Critical Species Habitat Areas in the City
of Muskego ............................................................................... 6
Figure 2: City of Muskego Population ...................................................... 8
Figure 3: City of Muskego Land Use - 2007 ............................................ 10
Figure 4: Public-Owned Park and Open Spaces ..................................... 14, 15
Figure 5: Conservation Lands in the City of Muskego ............................. 24, 25
Figure 6: Per Capita Standards and Needs for Public-Owned Parks ...... 34
Figure 7: Per Capita Standards and Projected 2010 Needs for
Public-Owned Parks ................................................................. 35
Figure 8: Survey Responses to Conservation Issues .............................. 39
Figure 9: Proposed Recreation Trails in the City of Muskego ................. 56
Figure 10: Standard Recreation Trail Detail (Asphalt) ............................... 58
Figure 11: Non-Standard Pedestrian Path Detail (Concrete) .................... 59
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RESOLUTION #P.C. 025-2012
RECOMMENDATION TO COMMON COUNCIL TO AMEND SECTION 41.06 OF THE
MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTION OF THE NEW PARK AND CONSERVATION
PLAN
WHEREAS, Chapter 41 regulates Comprehensive Plan element regulations within the
City of Muskego, and
WHEREAS, A portion of Chapter 41 needs to be amended in order to adopt the new
Parks and Conservation Plan as a detailed component of the Comprehensive Plan, and
WHEREAS, This adoption gives the plan the weight it needs to enforce the
recommendations found within on future developments and decisions, and
WHEREAS, Parks and Conservation staffs have been preparing updates to the Parks
and Conservation Plan, and
WHEREAS, The Park Board and Conservation Commission have approved the Parks
and Conservation Plan, and
WHEREAS, A public hearing will be heard heard to consider the matter on April 10,
2012.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Plan Commission recommends the attached
amendment to Section 41.06 of the Chapter 41 Comprehensive Plan Ordinance to the
Common Council and adoption of the new Parks and Conservation Plan.
Plan Commission
City of Muskego
Adopted: April 3, 2012
Defeated:
Deferred:
Introduced: April 3, 2012
ATTEST: Kellie McMullen, Recording Secretary
41.06
2003 - 2007 Park and Open Space Plan, adopted by the Plan Commission on February 18, 2003 and the
Common Council on March 11, 2003 by Ordinance #1134. (Ord. #1134 - 3-20-2003)(2) 200712
- 201116 Parks and Conservation Plan, adopted by the Plan Commission on April 3, 2012
August 7, 2007 and the Common Council on April 24, 2012 August 14, 2007.
vi
COMMON COUNCIL - CITY OF MUSKEGO -ORDINANCE #1358
AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE 2012 - 2016 PARKS AND CONSERVATION PLAN
AND TO AMEND CHAPTER 41, SECTION 41.06,
OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF MUSKEGO
(Detailed Components of Comprehensive Plan)
THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MUSKEGO, WISCONSIN DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: The 2012 - 2016 Parks and Conservation Plan is hereby adopted.
SECTION 2: Chapter 41, Section 41.06, of the Municipal Code of the City of Muskego is hereby amended to
read as follows:
41.06
DETAILED COMPONENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Section 62.23(2) of Wisconsin Statutes provides that the City of Muskego may from time to time amend, extend
or add to the Comprehensive Plan or carry out any part of the subject matter in greater detail. The following
are more detailed components of the City of Muskego Comprehensive Plan, which shall therefore have the
same force and effect as the adopted Comprehensive Plan:
• 2012 - 2016 Parks and Conservation Plan, adopted by the Plan Commission on April 3, 2012 and the
Common Council on April 24, 2012.
•
Durham Hill Design Guide
•
Downtown Design Guide
•
General Design Manual
•
Racine Avenue Gateway Design Guide
•
Moorland Corridor South Design Guide
•
Tess Corners Design Guide
•
Business Park Design and Development Standards
Design Guides adopted by this Section are advisory documents of the Plan Commission and may be changed
or varied from time to time by action of the Plan Commission or by other methods as may be set forth in each
of said documents.
SECTION 3: The several sections of this ordinance are declared to be severable. If any section or portion
thereof shall be declared by a decision of a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, unlawful, or
unenforceable, such decision shall apply only to the specific section or portion thereof directly specified in the
decision, and not affect the validity of all other provisions, sections, or portion thereof of the Ordinance which
shall remain in full force and effect. Any other ordinances whose terms are in conflict with the provisions of this
ordinance are hereby repealed as to those terms that conflict.
SECTION 4: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS
24th
DAY OF April , 2012.
CITY OF MUSKEGO
_______________________________
Kathy Chiaverotti, Mayor
First reading: 04/10/2012
ATTEST:
____________________
Clerk-Treasurer
Notice of Newly Enacted Ordinance Published: May 3, 2012
vii
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City of Muskego
Parks and Conservation Plan
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Foreword
Parks and conservation lands are valuable attributes of a community. Outdoor recreation
contributes to the mental and physical well-being of the community’s citizens. Developed
park lands provide areas for active recreation, entertainment, and education. Conservation
lands provide natural resource preservation, wildlife habitat, outdoor education and passive
recreational activities. Parks and conservation areas both provide transition and separation
from more intensively developed lands.
Objectives
The objectives of the City of Muskego Park and Conservation Plan are to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Provide for quality active and passive outdoor recreational opportunities of
various kinds to all current and future Muskego residents of all ages and abilities
Evaluate how existing public recreation facilities address the present and future
needs of the people of Muskego
Identify areas where existing recreation facilities are inadequate to serve the
present and future needs of the people of Muskego
Develop a plan of action to meet both the current and future recreational
demands of the public
Inventory Muskego’s natural resource base
Evaluate and prioritize lands of environmental significance, scenic views, and
trail connectivity to be considered for preservation and provide strategies to
preserve them
Provide the City of Muskego with a period of eligibility for cost sharing assistance
through the Federal and State grant programs.
Parks and Recreation Department Administration
The Parks and Recreation Department staff is directly responsible for park development,
maintenance and operations, as well as the administration of all municipal recreation
programs. The Parks and Recreation Department also oversees two public access cable
channels and the Muskego Historical Society activities. The Parks and Recreation Director
heads the Department. The Parks Supervisor, Recreation Program Manager, and Park and
Recreation Secretary report to the Director. In 2009, staff was reduced two full time
positions and four seasonal positions. Currently just one full time Parks Maintenance
Worker and a reduced staff of seasonal maintenance workers are under the direction of the
Parks Supervisor. Seasonal recreation program instructors are staff to the Recreation
Program Manager.
The Parks and Recreation Director reports to the Mayor and Common Council, and provides
staff support to the Parks and Recreation Board. The City of Muskego Parks and
Recreation Board is composed of six citizens and one Common Council member and is
advisory to the Common Council.
Administration of the Conservation Program
The Community Development Department is responsible for conservation planning and
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City of Muskego
management in the City of Muskego. Codes and land use planning objectives are
implemented to guide residential and commercial developments in a manner that also
strives to preserve environmentally significant lands and other open spaces. The
department also establishes land acquisition priorities and land management objectives.
The Community Development Department Director oversees the Planning, Building, and
Conservation Divisions of the Department. The Conservation Coordinator, who also serves
as the City Forester, reports to the Director and is responsible for forestry, lakes, and
conservation projects. The Conservation Coordinator oversees a half-time Conservation
Technician who assists in associated fieldwork and office duties. Some conservation
fieldwork is also completed with the assistance of the Public Works Department and Parks
and Recreation Department. The Conservation Coordinator serves as staff support to the
Conservation Commission. The Conservation Commission is composed of six citizens and
one Common Council member and makes recommendations to the Planning Commission
and Common Council on matters concerning urban forestry and conservation.
2
City of Muskego
Chapter 2
COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT
Geography
The City of Muskego is located in southeastern Waukesha County, and encompasses
23,023 acres of land, or approximately 35.8 square miles. The city is bounded to the west
by the Town of Vernon and Village of Big Bend, to the north by the City of New Berlin, to the
east by the Village of Hales Corners and City of Franklin, and to the south by the Town of
Norway.
The topography of Muskego was largely formed by the Lake Michigan Lobe of the
Wisconsin glaciation event more than ten thousand years ago during the Pleistocene Epoch.
While the majority of the community has the flatter topography of outwash plains, the
northwestern portion of the city contains the rolling topography of moraines and drumlins.
Water Resources
Muskego has four major water bodies within its civil boundaries. Big Muskego Lake is a
shallow 2,260-acre lake that is fringed with wetlands and encompasses islands of cattail
marsh. Bass Bay is a 100-acre connected embayment of Big Muskego Lake and has a
deeper basin typical of other glacially formed kettle lakes in the region. Recent rehabilitation
efforts have enhanced the water quality, plant diversity, and fish and wildlife habitat of both
Bass Bay and Big Muskego Lake. Little Muskego Lake, which covers 506 acres, contains
shallow areas as well as a deeper basin that reaches 65 feet in depth. Lake Denoon, which
is partially located in the Town of Norway, is a kettle lake covering 162 acres with a
maximum depth of 55 feet.
Significant tributaries in the watershed include Jewel Creek, which flows into Little Muskego
Lake, Muskego Creek (also locally known as Pilak Creek), which flows from Little Muskego
Lake to Big Muskego Lake, and Muskego Canal, which is the outlet of Big Muskego Lake.
Tess Corners Creek is located in the northeast part of the city. Numerous smaller surface
water bodies are distributed throughout the community.
Muskego is located along a sub-continental divide, wherein waters to the east of the divide
flow towards Lake Michigan and the Atlantic Ocean Basin, and lands to the west of the
divide flow towards the Gulf of Mexico. The city’s four major lakes drain into the Gulf of
Mexico via the Fox River, Illinois River, and Mississippi River. Tess Corners Creek is in the
Root River watershed that ultimately drains into the Atlantic Ocean via the Great Lakes.
Soils
Soil characteristics vary greatly within the community but generally fall into three soil
associations (or types). The soils of the northwestern portion of the city are well drained
soils derived from glacial till. Soils surrounding Big Muskego Lake are poorly drained to
well-drained soils formed in shallow glacial lakebeds. Soils in the remainder of the city are
well drained to somewhat poorly-drained and are derived from glacial till. Most soils in the
city have a relatively high clay component and some have a high content of organic
material. Many soils in the area have severe limitations for building structures and the
installation and operation of on-site wastewater treatment systems. Soil characteristics and
their suitability for development are discussed in greater detail in Southeastern Wisconsin
Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) Planning Report No. 8, Soils of Southeastern
Wisconsin, and in the Soil Conservation Service Soils Survey of Waukesha County,
3
City of Muskego
Wisconsin.
Regionally Identified Environmental Lands
The two sections that follow describe environmentally significant areas within Muskego that
have been identified by the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
(SEWRPC). More discussion of environmentally significant lands in Muskego is presented
in Chapter 4 of this Plan. A more thorough description of plant coverage within Muskego is
detailed in Vegetation and Ecological Conditions of the City of Muskego System:
Opportunities for Restoration and Management – which was developed as a foundation for
and component of the city’s original conservation document: City of Muskego Conservation
Plan (2001).
Environmental Corridors and Isolated Natural Resource Areas
Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) has identified and
delineated areas in the region which contain concentrations of natural resource and
resource-related amenities. Environmental corridors and isolated natural resource areas
contain almost all of the remaining high-value wetlands, woodlands, wildlife habitat areas,
major surface waters, and delineated floodlands and shorelands. Primary environmental
corridors are generally larger contiguous areas of such lands, usually along major surface
waters. Secondary environmental corridors are shorter, narrower contiguous areas of
environmentally significant lands.
Isolated natural resource areas are smaller
concentrations of natural resource features. The protection and preservation of such areas
in essentially natural, open uses is considered by SEWRPC to be critical to maintaining both
the ecological balance and natural beauty of the region.
Consideration of these
environmentally significant lands is therefore important in the acquisition and development
of conservation and park lands. The SEWRPC-identified environmentally significant lands
within Muskego are shown on Map 1.
Natural Areas and Critical Species Habitat Sites
SEWRPC also undertook the task of identifying all of the high quality natural areas and
critical species habitats remaining in the seven-county region. This inventory, as well as a
recommended plan for the management and protection of these areas, is detailed in
SEWRPC Planning Report No. 42, A Regional Natural Areas and Critical Species Habitat
Protection and Management Plan for Southeastern Wisconsin (1997).1 Natural areas are
defined as tracts of land or water so little modified by human activity, or sufficiently
recovered from the effects of such activity, that they contain intact native plant and animal
communities believed to be representative of the landscape before European settlement.
Natural areas are classified into one of the following three categories: natural areas of
statewide or greater significance (NA-1); natural areas of countywide or regional significance
(NA-2); or natural areas of local significance (NA-3). Classification into one of these three
categories is based upon consideration of the diversity of plant and animal species and
community types present as well as size, uniqueness, extent of disturbances, and
educational value.
1
This plan was updated by SEWRPC in December 2010.
4
City of Muskego
5
City of Muskego
Critical species habitat sites (CSH) are identified by SEWRPC as areas that support rare, threatened, or
endangered plant or animal species. These sites are separately identified when they lie outside of the natural
areas described above. Preservation of natural areas and critical species habitat areas are an important
consideration in the planning of parks and conservation lands. Inventoried natural areas and critical species
habitat areas within the City of Muskego are summarized in Figure 1 and depicted on Map 2.
No.
Map 2
1
Area Name
2
Big Muskego
Lake Marsh1
NA-2
State of
Wisconsin
and Private
3026
3
NA-3
1
NA-3
City of
Muskego
Private
45
None
Private
123
CSH
Private
30
7
Luther Parker
Cemetery
Ryan Road
Swamp
Parker Drive
Woods2
Lake Denoon
Wetland
Jewel Creek
Diverse hardwoods and spring flora.
Endangered Crow-spur sedge and
threatened blue ash grow here. Habitat
for Coopers Hawk
Large marsh with Forster’s Tern
(Endangered), Common Tern
(Endangered), Great Egret (Threatened),
and Black Tern (Special Concern)
Pioneer cemetery with remnant mesic
prairie
Lowland hardwood swamp with some
northern elements
Large forested area recommended for
State ownership by SEWRPC
Habitat for Black Tern (Special Concern)
CSH
1.3
Habitat for Redfin Shiner (Threatened)
8
Muskego Canal
CSH
Private and
conservancy
Private
2.4
9
Muskego
Settlement Center
Woods
Janesville Road
Woods
Schroeder Woods
Peters Woods
CSH
City of
Muskego
and private
Private
18
Habitat for Lake Chubsucker (Special
Concern)
Endangered Crow’s foot sedge (Carex
crus-corvi) and Special Concern Red
trillium (Trillium recurvatum)
Red trillium (Trillium recurvatum)
4
5
6
10
11
12
Muskego Park
Hardwoods State
Natural Area
Classification
Code
NA-1
CSH
CSH
CSH
Ownership
Waukesha
Co. and
Private
Private
State of
Wisconsin
Size
(acres)
100
2
35
23
Description and Comments
Red trillium (Trillium recurvatum)
Oak woods with Great Blue Heron
rookery
Figure 1: Natural Areas and Critical Species Habitat Areas within the City of Muskego
1
Subsequent to the formulation of A Regional Natural Areas and Critical Species Habitat Protection and Management Plan for Southeastern Wisconsin,
Lake Chubsucker (State-designated Special Concern) was introduced to Big Muskego Lake in conjunction with a rehabilitation project.
2
Although the site does not contain inventoried Natural Areas or Critical Species Habitat sites, acquisition is recommended by SEWRPC for
reestablishment of a relatively large forest interior.
Source: SEWRPC, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the City of Muskego.
6
City of Muskego
7
City of Muskego
Population
The 2010 Census showed the official population of Muskego as 24,168. This represents an
13.0% increase since 2000, and a 43.7% increase since 1990. The City of Muskego’s
population growth is illustrated in Figure 2. Muskego is part of Waukesha County which had
a 2010 population of 383,864. Muskego represents 6% of the county’s population while also
comprising 6% of the land area. Located approximately twelve miles from downtown
Milwaukee, Muskego is considered to be within the socio-economic influence of the
Southeastern Wisconsin region.
This region, which includes Kenosha, Milwaukee,
Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha Counties, has a 2010 population
of 1,801,688.
30000
25000
n 20000
o
it
a
l 15000
u
p
o
P 10000
5000
15277
168
11573
8888
1349
1318
1294
1576
1900
1910
1920
1930
2495
4157
1940
1950
0
1960
1970
1980
19
Figure 2: City of Muskego Population
Source: US Census Bureau and Wisconsin Department of Administration.
Transportation
The City of Muskego is well connected to the region. Interstate 43 runs just north of the city,
connecting Milwaukee to Beloit. County Trunk Highway (CTH) L, also known as Janesville
Road, is a highway serving the northern half of Muskego, running in a southwest to
northeast direction and into Milwaukee County. STH 36 (Loomis Road) is a four-lane
highway in southeastern Muskego that also connects to Milwaukee. CTH HH, also known
as College Avenue, forms much of the city’s northern border. CTH O (Moorland Road)
connects the north central part of the city to Interstate 43. CTH OO (North Cape Road) runs
in a north-south direction on the city’s east side. CTH Y (Racine Avenue) runs in a northsouth direction through the west-central part of the community.
Land Uses
Residential Development: The City of Muskego boasts a wide variety of residential housing.
Residential land uses range from low density country estates, to clustered planned unit
development, to high density lake homes and condominiums.
8
City of Muskego
Commercial Development: Commercial uses in the City of Muskego are generally found in
three areas:
•
•
•
Janesville Road, including the intensely developed Tess Corners area, the
Moorland Road intersection, and Downtown, located in the north-central
neighborhood
Racine Avenue between Woods Road and College Avenue, located in the northcentral and south-central neighborhoods, and
Loomis Road/Drive near North Cape Road, referred to as the Durham Hill area,
located in the southeast neighborhood.
While there are other scattered commercial properties throughout the community, the three
locations identified above represent the bulk of commercial activity in Muskego. Their
functions vary from professional office uses, neighborhood and community oriented retail
uses, and highway oriented uses.
Industrial/Business Development: The Muskego Business Park encompasses 200 acres of
land in the west-central part of the city. The business park is adjacent to County Trunk
Highway Y (Racine Avenue) and is just minutes from Interstate Highway 43. The Tess
Corners Industrial Park occupies 50 acres of land located in the northeast neighborhood. It
is currently built to capacity and fully occupied.
Landfill and Extractive Uses: The city is host to a number of landfills and extractive uses.
Currently there are two landfill sites and one extractive site of significant size within the city
limits. The Waste Management, Inc. landfill site located near the northeast corner of
Janesville and Crowbar Roads is approximately 123 acres in size and has been
permanently capped. Veolia Environmental Services Emerald Park Landfill Incorporated
(formerly Onyx Emerald Park Landfill) is located in the southeast region of the city, near
State Trunk Highways 36 and 45. The site contains 480 total acres of property. However,
only 35 acres are currently engaged in landfill activities. The city has approved an additional
55 acres of expansion area.
The Payne & Dolan, Inc. extractive site is located directly west of the former Waste
Management, Inc. landfill site, at the northwest corner of Janesville and Crowbar Roads.
The extractive use encompasses 293 contiguous acres and supplies various sand, gravel,
stone, concrete, and asphalt products to numerous projects in southeastern Wisconsin.
Agriculture/Open Space: Agriculture/open space uses comprise the single-largest land use
category in the city of Muskego. Although farming was far more prominent a few decades
ago, croplands still constitute a significant portion of this land use category. However few
farms in the community have livestock and just one farm still keeps a dairy herd as of 2012.
The active croplands are mostly located in the southern and western portions of the
community.
Recreational Development and Environmental Lands: Land uses within these categories
are the subject of this document. A detailed inventory of park and conservation lands within
the city can be found in Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 respectively.
9
City of Muskego
Land Use Summary
Figure 3 illustrates the land use composition of the City of Muskego in effect in January
2011. Map 3 depicts the spatial distribution of these land uses within the city. Clearly, nonurban agricultural land uses occupy the largest amount of land area in the community.
Environmental lands, including surface water, wetlands, and woodlands, also occupy a
substantial amount of land. Urban uses are predominately residential, with commercial and
industrial land uses being small by comparison. Map 4 depicts proposed land uses for the
year 2010.
Residential Commercial Industrial Government and Institutional Recreational Agricultural/Open Surface Water Rights‐of‐way and other unclassified uses Landfill/Extractive Total: Acres 6466 405 242 399 2104 7941 3009 1560 894 23020 Percent of Total 28.1% 1.8% 1.1% 1.7% 9.1% 34.4% 13.1% 6.8% 3.9% 100% Figure 3: City of Muskego Existing Land Use - 2011
Source: City of Muskego GIS, January 30, 2011
10
City of Muskego
11
City of Muskego
12
City of Muskego
Chapter 3
PARKS AND RECREATION TRAIL INVENTORY
Introduction
An inventory of the park and open space sites within the City of Muskego was conducted in
2011. The City of Muskego has 36 park sites, which encompass 327 acres. In addition,
there are six Muskego-Norway school district recreation sites covering approximately 100
acres. One Waukesha County Park, Muskego Park, covers 209 acres. In total, there are 42
publicly owned parks and school sites covering 636 acres or 3.0% of the surface area of the
community. The City of Muskego also has an existing network of recreation trails totaling 31
miles.
City of Muskego Park and Open Space Sites
Figure 4 summarizes the following data for each site and identifies a site number that
corresponds to their locations on Map 5.
Big Muskego Lake Access (Durham Drive): This eight-acre site located on the northern
shore of Big Muskego Lake in the east-central portion of the city provides the only publicowned access to Big Muskego Lake/Bass Bay. The site provides a boat launching ramp
and a portable restroom. The site includes wetlands and primary environmental corridor
along the lake’s shore. There is an associated one-acre site 600 feet to the southwest on
Durham Drive that provides additional parking for 17 vehicles with trailers. This one acre
site was paved in 2011, with financial assistance through a DNR Waterways Commission
grant. Collectively, there is off street parking available for 22 car/trailer spaces (including 1
ADA stall).
Big Muskego Lake Access (Boxhorn Drive): This 2.2-acre boat access site is leased by the
City of Muskego from Boxhorn Gun Club. There are two launching lanes, a portable
restroom, and a lighted parking lot with 27 car/trailer spaces (including 2 ADA stalls). The
city is pursuing ownership of this launch site.
Bluhm Farm Park: This 50-acre community park is located in the northeastern portion of the
city. Existing facilities include a basketball goal, four softball/baseball diamonds, an area for
football/rugby, playground equipment, picnic areas, an open shelter, and indoor restrooms.
The playground equipment provided on the site accommodates both the 2-5 and 5-12 year
age groups. The site is linked to the city-managed recreation trail along the WE Energies
electrical transmission line right-of-way. Off street parking is available for 136 vehicles. The
park contains managed conservation lands including seventeen acres of woodlands, eight
acres of prairie, and two acres of wetlands.
City Hall: There is approximately eight acres of open space on the grounds of City Hall.
This is a passive use area of turf grass that is also used for parking vehicles during the
Muskego Community Festival. The paved lots provide parking for 109 vehicles.
13
34 Schmidt Park
35 Veterans Memorial Park
CITY OF MUSKEGO TOTALS
6.6 Neighborhood
X
X
X
X
X
1
2
2
X
X
Volleyball
Tennis Courts
Swimming
Softball/Baseball
Soccer Fields
Snowmobile Access
X
Skateboarding
Sledding Hill
X
Shelter
X
Running Track
X
X
X
X
Restrooms
X
X
X
Recreation Trail
X
Pond
Picnicking
Conservation Area
Meeting/Classrooms
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
X
X
X
4
X
1
1
X
X
1
2
X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
0
0
1
7
1
X
X
1
2 13 7
X
X
X
X
Playground (5-12 yr.)
X
4
X
Lake Access/Fishing
Ice Skating
Horseback Riding
Historical Sig.
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
8.9 Neighborhood
327.1
Hiking/Walking Trail
Football Field
Cross-Country Skiing
Camping
Boat Launch
Basketball Goals
Baseball (Regulation)
Park Type
0.3 Lake access
0.5 Lake access
0.3 Lake access
0.7 Neighborhood
0.2 Lake access
0.2 Lake access
0.3 Lake access
0.2 Lake access
0.9 Lake access
0.1 Lake access
0.2 Lake access
0.2 Lake access
0.2 Lake access
0.3 Lake access
0 Lake access
0.1 Lake access
6.4 Community
0.3 Lake access
7.8 Lake access
2.2 Lake access
50 Community
8.1 Open space
63.2 Community
0.9 Other
22.5 Neighborhood
3.7 Neighborhood
18.0 Neighborhood
3.8 Neighborhood
15.2 Neighborhood
36.9 Community
6.8 Special Use
61.1 Community
Archery Range
Park or Open Space
Lake Access No. 1 Pearl Drive
Lake Access No. 2 Emerald Drive
Lake Access No. 3 Diamond Drive
Lee Hubka Park (Lake Access No. 4)
Lake Access No. 5 Ruby Drive
Lake Access No. 7 Hillview Drive
Lake Access No. 8 Shore Drive
Lake Access No. 9 Oak Court
Lake Access No. 10 Lochcrest Boulevard
Lake Access No. 11 Oak Grove
Lake Access No. 12 Park Drive
Lake Access No. 13 Michi Drive
Lake Access No. 14 Schubring
Lake Access No. 15 Pleasant View rive
Lake Access No. 16 Kingston Drive
Lake Access No. 17 Lincoln Drive
Idle Isle Park (Lake Access No. 18)
Lake Access No. 19 Silver Drive
Big Muskego Lake Access (Durham)
Big Muskego Lake Access (Boxhorn)
Bluhm Farm Park
City Hall
Denoon Park
Freedom Square
Horn Field
Jensen Park
Kurth Park
Lions Park
Manchester Hill Park
31 Moorland Park*
32 Old Muskego Settlement Centre
33 Park Arthur
1
2
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Acres
Number on Map 5
City of Muskego
1
X
X
X
1
1
X
2
X
X
X
X
X
X
1 21 3 11 7 11 10 1
2
X X
X
3 13 0
5
Figure 4: Public-Owned Parks and Open Spaces in the City of Muskego (Page 1 of 2)
14
X
X
X
X
X
1
4
4
8
1
7
0
TOTAL (ALL PUBLIC PARK SITES)
1
4 27 7
X
X
X
X
X
4
X
4
X
0
0
X
X
1
1
3
0
0
X
4
8
0 0 0
0
1
0
X
X
2 1 22 3
13
8 11 14 6
X
1
X
1
X
3
X
1
X
3 20 1
3
0 0 0
3
4 10 1
4
8 18 3 20 1
X
6 1 1
X 12
0
X
Figure 4: Public-Owned Parks and Open Spaces in the City of Muskego (Page 2 of 2)
*Moorland Park – Potential for skateboard facility being moved to another location if the buildable acreage at Moorland Park is sold. (Ord. #1317 - 04-13-2010)
15
Volleyball
4
Tennis Courts
Softball/Baseball
1
Swimming
Soccer Fields
Snowmobile Access
Shelter
Skateboarding
Sledding Hill
0
X
X
X
X
X
X
6
Running Track
Restrooms
Pond
Natural/Conservation
Area
Picnicking
Meeting/Classrooms
Horseback Riding
Ice Skating
Lake Access/Fishing
Historical Sig.
Hiking/Walking Trail
Football Field
Cross-Country Skiing
X
Recreation Trail
2 14 0
X
X
2
209 Regional
636
Camping
Boat Launch
Basketball Goals
7
1
2
2
5 School
40 School
5 School
1.5 School
45 School
3.5 School
100
Baseball (Regulation)
Park Type
Archery Range
Park or Open Space
School Sites
36 Bay Lane/Country Meadows School
37 Lake Denoon Middle School
38 Mill Valley Elementary School
39 Muskego Elementary School
40 Muskego High School
41 Tess Corners Elementary School
SCHOOL SITE TOTALS
Waukesha County Sites
42 Muskego Park
Acres
Number on Map 5
City of Muskego
0
1
X
City of Muskego
16
City of Muskego
17
City of Muskego
Denoon Park: This 63-acre community park is located in the southwestern portion of the
city, adjacent to the northwestern shore of Lake Denoon. The site has two basketball goals,
one baseball/softball diamond, picnicking, playground equipment, soccer fields, snowmobile
trails, a walking trail, an open-air shelter, portable restrooms, and lake launching access.
The playground equipment provided on the site accommodates the 2-5 year age group and
the 5-12 year age group. Lake Denoon Middle School utilizes the park for outdoor physical
education classes and accommodates a cross-country course. Off street parking is
provided for 100 vehicles. The park contains about seven acres of prairie plantings as well
as wetlands and woodlands within the primary environmental corridor associated with Lake
Denoon.
Freedom Square: This 0.9-acre park provides a basketball court and a tennis court.
Horn Field (Park): This 22.5-acre neighborhood park located in the north-central portion of
the city provides a regulation baseball field, play equipment, restrooms, and a preschool
classroom. Off street parking is available for 44 vehicles. Playground equipment provided
on the site accommodates the 2-5 year age group. The site, which contains some wetlands
within an isolated natural resource area, is linked to the recreation trail that follows the
electrical transmission line right-of-way. Horn Field (Park) is contiguous to the Old Muskego
Settlement Centre.
Idle Isle Park: This 6.4-acre community park contains boat launching ramps (Little Muskego
Lake Access Site No. 18), a swimming beach, a fishing pier, picnicking, and an open air
shelter with storage and indoor restrooms. Playground equipment provided on the site
accommodates both the 2-5 year and 5-12 year age groups. Off-street parking is available
for 44 vehicles. Overflow parking is available at nearby Park Arthur on Martin Drive
accommodating 11 car-trailer units and 15 automobiles. A local water ski club provides a
water ski show at Idle Isle one evening weekly during the summer. In 2011, the Little
Muskego Lake Association, in partnership with the city, aesthetically improved the launch
area with plantings, decorative stone, and signage. More projects will be done by this group
in years to come.
Jensen Park: This 3.7-acre neighborhood park is located north of Little Muskego Lake in
the northwestern portion of the city. Existing facilities include a recreation baseball/softball
diamond, rest rooms, and classroom space that currently accommodates our dance/summer
gymnastics programming. Off street parking is available for 28 vehicles. Playground
equipment provided on the site accommodates both the 2-5 year and 5-12 year age groups.
Kurth Park: This 18-acre neighborhood park is located in the northeastern portion of the
city. The park provides a paved pedestrian trail that links Belmont Drive to Woods Road,
playground equipment, two tennis courts, one basketball hoop, restrooms, a
baseball/softball diamond, and soccer fields. Playground equipment provided on the site is
designed to accommodate the 2-5 year and the 5-12 year age group. Tess Corners Creek
and its associated secondary environmental corridor, border the northeastern edge of the
park. A prairie area of approximately one acre was planted between the trail and the creek
in fall of 2001. Off-street parking is available for 96 vehicles.
Lee Hubka Park: This 0.7-acre park was formerly considered an annex of Jensen Park
across Silver Drive to its south. Located adjacent to Jewel Creek, a Little Muskego Lake
tributary, Lee Hubka Park is the site of Little Muskego Lake Access Site No. 4. The park
also provides picnic tables and two basketball courts. No off street parking is available.
Lions Park: Lions Park is a 3.8-acre neighborhood park located in the north central portion
of the city. The park provides two basketball goals, an open play field area and restrooms.
18
City of Muskego
Playground equipment provided on the site accommodates both the 2-5 year and 5-12 year
age groups. Off street parking is available for 10 vehicles.
Little Muskego Lake Access Sites: The City of Muskego provides 18 sites with access to
Little Muskego Lake that collectively comprises 11 acres. The following lists these and
indicates any facilities in addition to the provision of lake access: No. 1, Pearl Drive,
providing a dock; No. 2, Emerald Drive, also providing a dock and picnic tables; No. 3,
Diamond Drive; No. 4, Hubka Park, providing access to Jewel Creek (Little Muskego Lake
tributary), as well as picnic tables and two basketball courts; No. 5, Ruby Drive; No. 7,
Hillview Drive, which provides a boat launch; No. 8, Shore Drive, providing a dock; No. 9,
Oak Court, which provides a boat launch; No. 10, Lochcrest Boulevard, providing a dock;
No. 11, Oak Grove, which provides a dock; No. 12, Park Drive, which provides a dock and
picnic tables; No. 13, Michi Drive, which provides a dock; No. 14, Schubring Drive; No. 15,
Pleasant View Drive, providing a boat launch; No. 16, Kingston Drive, which provides a
dock; No. 17, Lincoln Drive providing snowmobile access; No. 18, Idle Isle Park (described
above); and No. 19, Silver Drive, providing access to Jewel Creek (Little Muskego Lake
tributary).
Manchester Hill Park: Formerly called Parkland Plaza, and renamed to honor long-standing
Parks and Recreation Board member Rich Manchester, this 15.2-acre park is located in the
north central part of the city. Facilities include a soccer field, shelter, picnic area, and
portable toilets. A pond on the park’s south end provides a lighted ice-skating rink during
the winter months. Playground equipment provided on the site accommodates both the 2-5
year and 5-12 year age groups. Off street parking is available for 42 vehicles. The park
contains a small wooded area, a wetland, and a one acre prairie planting on the pond
perimeter.
Moorland Park: This 37-acre park in the center of the city has a skateboard park, portable
toilets, and off-street parking for 75 vehicles. Two regulation soccer fields were installed in
2011. Playground equipment provided on the site accommodates both the 2-5 year and 512 year age groups. There is a possible shift of amenities to other locations and sale of
park, if desired. (Ord. #1317 - 04-13-2010)
Old Muskego Settlement Centre: This 6.8-acre site, used by the Muskego Historical
Society, has several replica and historic structures that have been relocated from the
surrounding area including the Old Muskego Town Hall. The Muskego Historical Society
sponsored events are held throughout the year and tours are conducted during the Muskego
Community Festival. The Old Muskego Town Hall structure is utilized for recreation
programming and rentals. Off street parking is available for 58 vehicles.
Park Arthur: This 61-acre park site, located on the far north central part of the city, had the
eastern portion of the park graded in 2011, for future amenities. A sledding hill and archery
range will be ready for use in the Fall of 2012, while planned baseball fields will be built in
2012 or 2013. Parking for over 200 vehicles will be provided in 2012. There is a possible
shift of proposed amenities to other locations with the sale of the western portion of Park
Arthur, if desired. (Ord. #1317 - 04-13-2010)
Schmidt Park: This 6.6-acre park located in the northeastern part of the city has two tennis
courts, an open play field area, one basketball hoop, and playground equipment for the 2-5
year and 5-12 year age groups. One acre of prairie vegetation was planted in 2009.
Veterans Memorial Park: Formerly referred to as Leisure Park, this 8.9-acre open space
area between City Hall and the Old Settlement Centre is the site of the annual Muskego
Community Festival. The site contains a shelter, restrooms, and playground equipment for
19
City of Muskego
the 2-5 year and 5-12 year age groups. Lighted paved walking paths in the park connect to
a boardwalk nature trail through a 4.2-acre woodland area named “Betty’s Woods” in
memorial of Betty Czarapata who raised awareness of managing invasive plant species in
the community. This trail connects to the Old Muskego Settlement Centre. The open turf
area is occasionally used for soccer practice and recreation classes. This park hosts a
summer playground program.
Public-Owned School Sites
The Muskego-Norway School District has six schools located within the city. These sites
also encompass open area and provide outdoor recreational activities available to the
community at times outside of school uses. Figure 4 summarizes the following data for each
site and identifies a site number that corresponds to their locations on Map 5.
Bay Lane Middle School/Country Meadows Elementary School: This school has five acres
of open space that provide seven basketball goals, four baseball/softball diamonds, soccer
facilities, a walking trail, and playground equipment for the 5-12 year age group.
Lake Denoon Middle School: This school has approximately 40 acres of open space with a
basketball goal and ponds. Other outdoor facilities are available at the neighboring Denoon
Park.
Mill Valley Elementary School: This school has a five-acre open area that provides
playground equipment for the 2-5 year, and 5-12 year age groups, a basketball court, and
three baseball/softball diamonds. One of these diamonds has lighting for night games.
Muskego Elementary School: This school has a 1.5-acre open area that provides two
basketball goals, open playfields, and playground equipment for the 5-12 year age group.
Muskego High School: A 45-acre athletic complex provides a running track/football field
stadium, three softball diamonds, two baseball fields, three soccer fields, two football
practice fields, twelve tennis courts, indoor rest rooms, and a paved pedestrian path. There
is also an indoor pool that is leased to the South West Aquatic Team (SWAT) for offering
swim lessons/open swim times.
Tess Corners Elementary School: This school has a 3.5-acre open area that provides two
basketball goals, an open turf ball field area, and playground equipment for the 5-12 -year
age group.
Waukesha County Park Site
There is one county park, Muskego Park, located in the near northwestern part of the city.
This 209-acre park provides picnicking, camping, play fields, swimming beach, and tennis
court. Portions of the hiking trails in this park provide opportunities for cross-country skiing
and horseback riding. A 73-acre area of hardwood forest and wetland is designated as a
State Natural Area.
20
City of Muskego
Muskego Recreation Trails
There are approximately 41 miles of recreation trails within the City of Muskego (Map 6).
These trails facilitate non-motorized modes of travel including cycling and pedestrian use.
The 25 miles of these trails that have a paved surface can also accommodate the use of
wheel chairs, strollers, and in-line skates. The trail network connects several parks and
areas of environmentally significant lands.
The City of Muskego utilizes approximately ten miles of electrical line rights-of-way for trail
purposes. A portion leased from WE Energies extends east-west five miles between North
Cape Road and the intersection of Janesville and Woods Roads and is constructed of
crushed limestone. The remaining 1.5 miles of this trail extending westward into Big Bend
has an unimproved surface and may be used for horseback riding. There is also a 3.5-mile
section of crushed limestone trail within a WE Energies electrical line right-of-way extending
west along STH 36 from North Cape Road to Muskego Dam Road. In 2010, this trail was
extended (.88 miles) along the south side of STH 36 from Muskego Dam Road and over the
Muskego Canal with a city installed bridge, to the city limits where it links with an existing
Wind Lake (Racine County) trail. In 2011, a paved trail was built along the east side of
Durham Drive from the recreation trail to Hwy. OO (North Cape Road). In 2011, Common
Council approved building a paved recreation trail in 2012 along the north side of Woods
Road from Racine Avenue to Quietwood Drive, as well as a trail along Pioneer Drive from
Janesville to Racine Avenue.
There are also approximately twelve miles of paved recreation trails within the city.
Footpaths, woodchip trails, or mowed trails suitable for hiking are available at the Engel
Conservation Area and within Muskego County Park. Veterans Memorial Park has a
boardwalk trail that connects with a crushed limestone trail extending through Old Muskego
Settlement Centre and Horn Field before linking to the WE Energies trail. All recreation
trails that exist within the city as of 2012 are depicted on Map 6 at the end of this chapter.
In June of 2011, parks and recreation staff performed a trail assessment per the
implementation of a new Rule related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regarding
the use of “Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices” (OPDMD’s) that became effective March
15, 2011. As a result of this, the Department of Justice (DOJ) decided the burden of proof
as to whether a particular OPDMD should be allowed on a given trail will now be on the trail
manager to determine if such a device can or cannot be used. Without such determination,
based on completing an assessment of the suitability of the trail for such a device, the user
can expect to be allowed to use his or her device without further question.
After reviewing the 5 trail assessment factors deemed necessary by the DOJ, the trail
assessment wording in affect and approved by the Parks & Recreation Board is: Because
of the high number of trail users (factor II) with multi-use activities occurring on our trail
system and while allowing for safe passing (factor IV) from both directions and overall safe
usage on our 8’ wide asphalt/stone trails, allowable OPDMD’s (only for persons with mobility
disabilities) should not be wider than 32” and for the safety of all users, all trail users shall
observe a not to exceed five (5) miles per hour speed limit (factor I) on all park trails. Also,
per the city’s trail agreement lease with WE Energies, they have determined that for safety
reasons (factor IV) there are “no motorized recreational vehicles, including but not limited to
snowmobiles, motor bikes, mini-bikes, motor cycles, mopeds, go-carts, and all-terrain
vehicles will be used, operated, or permitted on the licensed premises. Licensee/Licensor
(City/WE Energies) shall have the right to use motorized vehicles for patrol and
maintenance of the right-of-way lands used for hiking, biking, and cross-county ski trails.”
21
City of Muskego
22
City of Muskego
Chapter 4
CONSERVATION LANDS INVENTORY
AND CONSERVATION PLANNING
Introduction
This chapter describes the existing amount of conservation land within the City of Muskego
municipal boundaries. For the purpose of this inventory conservation lands include lands of
environmental significance that have some level of protection from development to other
uses. These lands include woodlands, wetlands, and prairies that have native or naturalized
vegetation growing upon them. Conservation lands include publicly owned lands that have
been specifically identified as conservation lands or areas of native/naturalized vegetation
cover that exist within developed parks. Also included are private lands with recorded
preservation restrictions or conservation easements and lands owned by conservation
organizations. In total there are 1784 acres of conservation land in Muskego which
represents approximately 8.6% of the community’s land surface.
Figure 5 identifies all existing conservation lands in Muskego and shows a breakdown of the
cover types including woodlands, generalized wetland, prairie, wet woodlands, wet prairie,
and savanna (prairie/woodland). Map 7 shows the locations of these conservation sites. A
section at the end of this chapter covers conservation planning in Muskego.
City of Muskego Conservation Lands
The City of Muskego owns 25 conservation sites that collectively cover 519 acres or 2.5% of
the land surface area.
Of this total 147 acres lie within City of Muskego park sites.
Categorized by cover types, these lands collectively cover 120 acres of upland woods, 113
acres of prairie, 108 acres of general wetlands, 53 acres of wet woodlands, 61 acres of wet
prairie, 27 acres of oak savanna, and 38 acres of other surfaces.
The following section briefly describes the size, location and cover types of city-owned
conservation sites.
More detailed descriptions of vegetative cover types for City
conservation lands are found in Management Plan for City of Muskego Conservation Lands.
This plan lays out specific land management recommendations in five-year increments.
Badertscher Preserve: This 104-acre conservation area was purchased in 2012. The site
has woodlands, rolling glacial topography, croplands, wetlands, and a tributary stream that
are headwaters to Little Muskego Lake. The wetlands include a relatively rare calcareous
fen plant community and formerly drained & farmed fields. The woodlands on the site were
historically oak woods/oak savanna with some oak trees over 200 years old. This site lies
immediately adjacent to the City of Muskego’s 27-acre “Ridges” conservation site. A site
plan will be developed to restore agricultural lands to native land cover types and establish
outdoor recreation uses and attendant facilities. Land cover totals in Figure 5 reflect the
cover types expected following restoration.
23
CITY CONSERVATION SITES
1 Badertscher Preserve
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
23.9
Big Muskego Lake
Access
Blattner Conservation
Site
Bluhm Park
Candlewood Outlots
Denoon Park
Engel Conservation
Area
Forest Glen
Conservation Site
Guernsey Meadows
Holz Island
Horn Field/Historical
Area
Kelsey Conservation
Site
Kurth Park
Library
Luther Parker
Cemetery
Manchester Hill Park
Marlan Meadows
Moorland Park
Park Arthur
Quietwood East
Wetlands
Ridges Conservation
Site
Schmidt Park
Veterans Memorial
Park
Woodcrest Heights
Woods Road Wetlands
CITY TOTALS
18.8
4.3
39.7
7.6
0.3
1.3
6.6
0.9
6.5
0.3
0.3
4.7
6.6
0.5
29.1
23.5
31.3
21.8
42
0.3
2.1
5.6
0.3
7.2
1.8
1.6
3.7
1.4
28.1
12.4
29.5
2.6
4.9
155.2
4.2
8.6
2
1.6
0.7
0.6
4.4
0.9
0.3
7.8
0
1.2
0.4
19.8
5
9.4
1.9
0.3
1.9
1.2
0.6
2.6
7.6
5.7
1.3
0.5
1.6
1.7
9.8
7.4
12.2
11
2.9
0.1
0.6
3.1
108.1
0.1
12.8
26.7
0.9
1.2
0.6
5.1
7.4
119.5
1.9
8.1
1.4
6.4
10
28.9
19
9.2
0.3
4.4
0.6
0.8
12.7
5.3
2.9
113.2
52.9
61.3
Figure 5: Conservation Lands in Muskego – 2011
(Part 1 of 2)
24
7.7
1.9
1.2
9.7
104.3
1.3
1.9
0.4
6.4
8.4
Total
Acres
14
2.1
15.8
0.5
8.2
5.9
Other
Wooded Prairie
(Savanna)
Wet Prairie
Wet Woodlands
Prairie
Acres
(Upland)
Wetland
Acres
Woodland
Acres
(Upland)
Site Name
Number on Map 7
City of Muskego
26.5
10.3
0.4
4.1
37.9
519.4
COUNTY CONSERVATION SITES
26 Muskego Park
119.6
STATE CONSERVATION SITES
Big Muskego Lake
27
80.4
Wildlife Area
OTHER CONSERVATION SITES
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
Belle Chaase
Subdivision
Big Muskego Estates
Subdivision*
Boulder Venture
(Kohl's)
Candlewood Creek
Subdivision
Chamberlain Hill
Subdivision*
Champions Village
Subdivision
Copper Oaks
Subdivision
Deer Creek
Subdivision
High School
Lake Ridge
Condominiums &
Apartments
Lakeview Highlands
Subdivision
Lakewood Condos
Lakewood Meadows
Subdivision
Martin Estates
Subdivision*
Muskego Lake CC
Muskego Lakes Land
Conservancy
North Cape Farms
Oak Ridge Glen
Subdivision
Pleasant View
Condominiums
Plum Creek
Subdivision
Prairie Meadows
Quietwood Creek
Subdivision
Rosewood Estates
Stonebridge
Subdivision
Veolia Environmental
Wind Lake
Management District
Other Totals
19
386.8
12
14.4
3
21.5
8.5
0.6
83.4
9.5
5.1
148.4
61.6
48.2
660.4
0.9
4.4
31.7
1.7
33.1
68.8
9.3
6.1
1.3
Total
Acres
Other Acres
Wooded Prairie
(Savanna) Acres
4.7
0.2
7.2
6
Wet Prairie Acres
Wet Woodlands Acres
Prairie
Acres
(Upland)
Wetland
Acres
Woodland
Acres
(Upland)
Site Name
Number on Map 7
City of Muskego
2.9
3.6
16.9
2.5
12.7
9.9
9.9
4.5
4.5
7.8
2.5
10.3
9.6
9.6
5.2
9.2
5.2
5.6
5.6
7.8
7.8
3.4
3.4
0.6
6.3
4.9
5.4
5.7
5.7
2.3
2.3
4
4
4
4
15.1
4.6
15.1
3.2
3.2
4.8
4.8
14.9
2.9
1.8
11.6
21.5
35.7
70.8
TOTAL (All)
386
* Conservation Subdivisions (CPD zoning).
22.4
1.8
11.6
24.4
66.5
26.4
238.8
40.2
13.8
35.7
752.7
236.8
133
97
Figure 5: Conservation Lands in Muskego – 2011 (Part 2 of 2)
25
26.5
0.2
81.8
6.5
77.3
58.6
456.1
149.8
1784.3
City of Muskego
26
City of Muskego
Big Muskego Lake Access (Durham Drive): This eight-acre site located on the northern
shore of Big Muskego Lake in the east-central portion of the city provides the only publicly
owned boating access to Big Muskego Lake/Bass Bay. The site includes wetlands and
primary environmental corridor along the lake’s shore. Big Muskego Lake and the
surrounding marsh contain habitat for two endangered bird species, the Forster’s Tern and
the Common Tern, one threatened bird species, the Great Egret, and one threatened reptile,
the Blanding’s turtle. The marsh is classified as a natural area of regional significance (NA2) in the 2010 updated Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission document:
A Regional Natural Areas and Critical Species Habitat Protection and Management Plan for
Southeastern Wisconsin.
Blattner Conservation Site: A seven-acre parcel of land containing open grown oak and
hickory trees and an isolated wetland was dedicated to the city in the platting of Boxhorn
Reserve Subdivision. This area is being managed to restore the oak savanna cover type.
Bluhm Park: This 50-acre community park is located in the northeastern portion of the city.
In addition to active recreation areas, the site encompasses 16 acres of older growth oak
woodlands classified as an isolated natural resource area. Seven acres of prairie and two
acres of oak savanna have been established in passive areas of the park.
Candlewood Creek Subdivision Outlots: Four separate outlot parcels comprising 12 acres
adjacent to an unnamed tributary to Bass Bay were dedicated to the city upon the platting of
Candlewood Creek subdivision. Approximately one third of the land cover is delineated as
wetland and the majority is in the 100-year floodplain. In 2010 the parcels north of
Cherrywood Drive were seeded with diverse wet prairie vegetation. An Eagle Scout led a
project that planted native wetland trees and shrubs in 2011.
Denoon Park: This 63-acre community park is located in the southwestern portion of the
city and is adjacent to the northwestern shore of Lake Denoon. The park encompasses
approximately eight acres of upland woods. Over eight acres of prairie vegetation has been
planted within the park including wet prairie and oak savanna. A portion of the park is part
of a primary environmental corridor associated with Lake Denoon.
Engel Conservation Area: This 155-acre site, the largest city-owned conservation site, was
acquired and developed for passive recreational use and outdoor education. There are 29
acres of upland woodlands, 87 acres of wetlands (including 22 acres of wet woodlands and
42 acres of wet prairie plantings), and 31 acres of upland prairie plantings within the
property. A 67-acre area on the northern half of the property was enrolled into the Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Wetlands Reserve Program. The US Fish &
Wildlife Service supported projects to re-establish the upland prairies and restore other
wetland areas. Several scout and volunteer projects have helped enhanced the habitats
and developed support facilities. Engel Conservation Area has off street parking for
approximately 16 vehicles and a portable restroom facility. The approximate four miles of
hiking trails that traverse the site have interpretive signage for self-guided nature walks.
Several outdoor recreation programs and events have been held at this facility including the
observance of Arbor Day and International Migratory Bird Day. Long-term developments
may include a nature center/interpretive building with classrooms and restroom facilities.
Forest Glen Conservation Site: This nine-acre city-owned parcel north of Janesville Road
contains 2 acres of hardwood swamp. The northwestern portion of the site has a retention
pond built in conjunction with a residential development.
Guernsey Meadows: This eight-acre open space is located in the north-central part of the
city was formerly known as Basse’s Woods. It contains a six acre hardwood forest with a
27
City of Muskego
diverse assemblage of spring ephemeral wildflowers and is classified as an isolated natural
resource area. Combined with adjacent woods owned by Quietwood Creek Subdivision this
site encompasses approximately 10 acres of woodlands. In 2002, an adjacent old field of
1.5 acres was converted to prairie vegetation and planted with Bur oaks and Shagbark
hickories as a project to recreate an oak savanna cover type.
Holz Island: This undeveloped one-acre island located near the eastern shore of Little
Muskego Lake was dedicated to the city for conservation purposes by Rudolf Holz in 1972.
It is entirely forested with a mixture of hardwood trees and is classified by SEWRPC as
primary environmental corridor.
Horn Field/Old Muskego Historical Center: This 30-acre park site located in the northcentral portion of the city contains an isolated natural resource area with nine acres of
woodlands and ten acres of wetlands. One acre of unused turf area was planted to prairie
vegetation. The woodlands have a good diversity of hardwood trees and spring ephemeral
wildflowers.
Kelsey Drive Retention Pond: This nine-acre open space has a one-acre retention pond on
the south end. Four acres of prairie was planted around the pond’s perimeter while the
remainder is leased for agriculture. Future plans will plant the remaining area to prairie.
Kurth Park: This 18-acre neighborhood park is located in the northeastern portion of the
city. Tess Corners Creek and its associated secondary environmental corridor border the
edge of the park. Prairie vegetation was established on two acres of this park to buffer the
creek, reduce mowing costs, improve aesthetics, and provide wildlife habitat.
Library: The Muskego Public Library has a one acre wetland area and a prairie planting that
covers one third of an acre.
Luther Parker Cemetery: This cemetery, covering 0.6 acres, contains the burial sites of
some of the earliest European settlers to this area including Luther Parker, who is credited
as the Muskego area’s first European settler. The site contains a remnant mesic prairie of
rich diversity and is identified as a natural area of local significance in: A Regional Natural
Areas and Critical Species Habitat Protection and Management Plan for Southeastern
Wisconsin (SEWRPC, 1997 and 2010).
Manchester Hill Park: This 15-acre park, located in the north central part of the city, has a
1.7-acre prairie planting surrounding a 1.5-acre pond. It also includes 3 acres of woodlands
and 2 acres of wetlands within an isolated natural resource area.
Marlan Meadows Park: This 7.6-acre mixed hardwood forest site located in the north
central part of the city is classified as an isolated natural resource area. It was dedicated to
the city in the platting of Marlan Meadows subdivision.
Moorland Park: An unnamed Bass Bay (Big Muskego Lake) tributary stream bisects this 37acre park. Five acres of prairie were planted at the time of developing the active use areas
in the northern portion of the park. The southern portion of the park is predominantly
wetland and floodplain. Eleven acres of wet prairie and an additional 5 acres of upland
prairie were planted here in 2011. Collectively this site and the adjacent Candlewood Creek
site comprise a 25-acre restoration area.
Park Arthur: Thirty-five acres of this formerly undeveloped 61-acre park site on the far north
central part of the city were developed in 2011-2012. The park contains 6 acres of
woodlands, 3 acres of wet woodlands, and 2 acres of wetland within an isolated natural
28
City of Muskego
resource area.
vegetation.
Park development included the seeding of over seven acres of prairie
Quietwood Creek Wetlands: Wetlands encompassing 12.7 acres adjacent to an unnamed
Bass Bay tributary stream were dedicated to the city upon the platting of Quietwood East
subdivision. Combined with conservation lands in Moorland Park and Candlewood Creek
Subdivision there are over 70 acres of land protected along this tributary corridor.
Ridges Conservation Site: This 27-acre open space site located in the northwestern portion
of the city encompasses some relatively high quality wetlands and mixed hardwoods within
a secondary environmental corridor. The site has a spring-fed stream locally known as
“Spring Creek” that flows through a valley between drumlin glacial features and is tributary
to Little Muskego Lake. Land management at this site has included prescribed burns to
restore native vegetation, and disabling of drain tiles to restore hydrology. The city recently
purchased approximately 104 acres of adjacent land from the former Borst/Badertscher
farmstead creating a larger contiguous conservancy area in this important watershed area.
Schmidt Park: This seven-acre neighborhood park has a one-acre prairie planting that is
mostly wetland.
Veterans Memorial Park: This park, located just north of City Hall, includes 4.4 acres of
woodlands and 0.6 acres of wet woodlands. The woodlot contains endangered crow’s foot
sedge as well as a diverse assemblage of wildflowers and is recognized as a natural area of
local significance. The forest was named “Betty’s Woods” to memorialize Betty Czarapata
who spearheaded invasive species management projects in Muskego. A boardwalk trail
with interpretive nature signage traverses Betty’s Woods. A small patch of prairie was also
planted adjacent to Racine Avenue.
Woodcrest Heights Wetlands: This 10.3-acre parcel located just south of Muskego
Business Park and north of Woods Road in the west central part of the city has 7.4 acres of
wetlands.
Woods Road Wetlands: This 4.1-acre parcel adjacent to Woods Road in the west central
part of the city has over three acres of wetlands.
County Conservation Lands
Waukesha County owns and manages Muskego Park, which contains 148 acres of lands
with environmental significance. A 100-acre forested area within this park is designated as
a State Natural Area. The forest has a diversity of hardwood species including the
threatened Blue Ash as well as Kentucky Coffeetree, a tree uncommon in Wisconsin. The
endangered crow’s foot sedge grows on the site as well as exceptionally diverse spring
woodland flora.
State Conservation Lands
In 1999, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) set a 3,800-acre project
boundary for establishing the Big Muskego Lake State Wildlife Area. However, only
undeveloped lands with environmental significance and restoration potential within this
project area are typically sought. Land is acquired only from willing sellers and with
available funding. Thus, the realized size of the wildlife area can be expected to be a
fraction of the project area. The purpose of the wildlife area is to protect, enhance, and
manage the aquatic and terrestrial resources of Big Muskego Lake and surrounding lands,
as well as to provide public hunting, fishing, and compatible recreational and educational
29
City of Muskego
opportunities. As of 2012, the Big Muskego Lake State Wildlife Area comprised 660 acres
of land. Big Muskego Lake and surrounding marshlands are classified as a natural area of
regional significance by SEWRPC. The area has habitat for an exceptional diversity of
wildlife including several critical species: Forster’s tern (endangered), Great Egret
(threatened), and Black Tern (special concern). Big Muskego Lake was the first and
currently one of the only places in Waukesha County to have nesting Bald eagles and
Ospreys. The rich diversity of wildlife associated with Big Muskego Lake and surrounding
marshlands has garnered the designation as an “Important Bird Area” and as one of just 229
“Land Legacy” places in Wisconsin.
Figure 5 compiles only the land surfaces of conservation in the community. Similarly only
land surfaces are tallied in the park land totals in Figure 4 in Chapter 3. However Muskego
is fortunate to have several major waterways within its boundaries including Big Muskego
Lake, Little Muskego Lake, Lake Denoon, and Bass Bay as well as smaller lakes and
streams. The Public Trust Doctrine of Wisconsin establishes that waterways are owned in
common by all of Wisconsin’s citizens and are for everyone’s use and enjoyment to fish,
swim, boat, hunt, and simply enjoy the natural scenic beauty. Thus public waterways should
be recognized when evaluating the parks and conservation attributes of the community.
Collectively Muskego has 3009 acres of public surface waters (14% of the community) that
provide open space, recreation and wildlife habitat.
Other Conservation Lands
There are also 454 acres of lands within the community that are conserved through other
various mechanisms. This total includes 288 acres of land within subdivisions and
commercial properties that have preservation restrictions on their recorded plats or surveys.
(Note: This largely includes wetland areas but there are many other privately-owned wetland
areas within Muskego that do not have recorded deed restrictions and thus not included in
this category. However there are federal, state and local laws that regulate wetlands which
assures some conservation value to these areas as well). This “Other Conservation Lands”
category also includes 80 acres of lands owned by lake districts and nonprofit conservation
organizations for the purpose of conservation. Figure 5 identifies these privately owned
conservation lands and Map 7 depicts their locations.
Conservation Planning Provisions
Land Dedications: City of Muskego Municipal Code allows for the acquisition of lands
through dedication when they are designated in a comprehensive plan component – such as
this plan. Chapter 18.46 (2) (a) permits the city to require open space conservation land
dedications of designated areas (conservation priority areas) for up to 9.7% of the total net
area of a development. This code also has a fee in lieu of land dedication provision which is
described later in this chapter.
30
City of Muskego
Conservation Easements and Preservation Restrictions: The city may also request that
developers encompass environmentally significant lands within an outlot that is collectively
owned by the residents of the subdivision and have preservation restrictions or a
conservation easement upon the parcel. Preservation restrictions are recorded on the final
plat while a conservation easement is a separate, stand-alone document. Both options can
be used to record language with the County Register of Deeds office to take certain
development rights away from the property and/or limit certain uses. A conservation
easement gives the easement holder the ability to enforce the terms of the easement in
perpetuity and the right to take corrective legal actions if terms are not followed.
Conservation Developments: Chapter 17 of the City of Muskego Municipal Code allows the
city to create zoning districts for the development of conservation subdivisions. This zoning
area permits smaller lots than the base zoning would typically allow in exchange for
preserving areas designated as a conservation priority. Developers first determine the yield
of lots that conventional zoning would allow. Density bonuses (additional lots) are allowed
in exchange for preservation of these lands, as well as other provisions such as prairie
establishment, wetland restorations, and trail connections. Lots are then clustered in
developable areas with larger contiguous tracts of priority lands and restoration areas
preserved within outlots. Recorded agreements may be required between the homeowners
associations and the city for the associations to execute open space management plans and
maintain these areas in an ecologically responsible manner.
Tree Mitigation: The city’s municipal code also has provisions for preserving wooded areas.
It requires that each tree removed in preparation for development is replaced at a 1:1 ratio.
Planning Department policy applies this code to all trees in excess of six inches in diameter
measured at breast height (4.5 feet above grade). Developers must plant trees species
from the recommended species list in City of Muskego Urban Forestry Management Plan or
others approved by the City Forester.
Conservation Land Acquisition Funding
Funding for conservation acquisitions has been made primarily through the city’s landfill
settlement fund. State regulations require landfill companies to negotiate a payment to local
communities to help offset the negative impacts of locating a landfill within the community.
These funds are typically used for improving the quality of life. The current landfill
agreement between the City of Muskego and Veolia Environmental Services Emerald Park
Landfill Incorporated (formerly Onyx Emerald Park Landfill) requires that 10% of the city’s
annual direct payment is directed to a Land and Open Space Conservation Fund to
purchase land and/or conservation easements that will provide for open space preservation.
The city has used this fund in conjunction with state grants to acquire conservation lands.
The city also collects fees in lieu of land dedications. New land developments are required
to dedicate park and open space lands where designated by the Comprehensive Plan or
any plan component (i.e. this Plan). In the event that a development does not include lands
designated for conservation Developers must pay fees in lieu of land dedication. These
monies are collected in a segregated account for acquisition and development purposes.
Promotion and Recognition of Muskego’s Conservation Efforts
Muskego has received recognition for its conservation efforts. Muskego’s precursor
conservation planning document, City of Muskego Conservation Plan 2001, received an
award from the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Planning Association in 2002. The
National Arbor Foundation has recognized Muskego as a Tree City USA since 1998 for its
efforts in the management and public awareness of urban tree resources. Muskego is also
31
City of Muskego
recognized for its conservation efforts relating to birds. In 2009 Big Muskego Lake and its
surrounding marshland was named as a Wisconsin “Important Bird Area.” Further, the
Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative honored the City of Muskego in 2010 as one of the
first communities in the state to be recognized as a “Bird City Wisconsin.”
32
City of Muskego
33
City of Muskego
Chapter 5
PARKS AND CONSERVATION LAND
NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Introduction
Municipal park systems and conservation lands should encompass a variety of
classifications and offer varied passive and active recreational opportunities. Development
of the system is a long-term endeavor, requiring the community to continually evaluate its
parks and conservation needs in response to land use changes, population growth, and
transportation considerations. The classification of parks and open space types and the
preparation of standards is the first step in assuring that the community is meeting the
needs of its residents and visitors.
Park Classifications and Standards
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), as well as park and planning
departments across the nation, are now placing more emphasis upon locally preferred
standards and levels of service. This change has occurred in recognition of the variability in
the social, economic, and physical aspects of our communities as such standards that work
well for one community are often not appropriate for another. This view promotes a
systems-based planning approach that translates local information into a framework for
meeting the physical, spatial, and facility requirements that enable a community to develop
local level of service guidelines.
In recognition of this information, the following recommendations and standards were
utilized in determining a baseline for parkland and recreation facility needs:
*
*
*
*
The recommendations of the city’s previous Parks & Conservation Plan (2007)
Per capita, jurisdictional, and accessibility standards outlined by the NRPA
Recommendations of the Parks & Recreation Board and city staff
Public and stakeholder input, survey results comments, and suggestions
To compare and evaluate various recommendations and standards in a meaningful manner,
a park classification system is essential. Such a system is also useful in the comparison of
different types of recreation and open space sites and facilities to one another during capital
and park dedication funding efforts.
Neighborhood Parks
Typical Size:
Per Capita Standard:
Accessibility Standard:
5 - 20 acres
3.0 acres per 1,000 persons
1.0 mile radius
Neighborhood parks usually provide facilities for children’s outdoor recreation activities.
These typically include playground equipment, sandlot play fields, picnic shelter, and
basketball courts. Neighborhood parks should be within a comfortable walking distance of
intended users, generally not exceeding 1 mile.
Community Parks
Typical Size:
25+ acres
6 acres per 1,000 persons
34
City of Muskego
2.5 mile radius
Community Parks are intended to serve passive and active recreational needs of several
neighborhoods. These parks offer a diversity of community-oriented facilities such as
swimming beaches, quality softball/baseball diamonds and soccer fields, trail-oriented
recreation, lake access, and winter sports. Support facilities, which include restrooms,
shelters, and parking, are found in community parks. They may also contain areas of
environmental significance that are classified as conservation lands. They are usually within
a short drive of the intended users but can also serve the neighborhood park facility needs
for the proximate residential areas. Community parks should be within a comfortable driving
distance of intended users, generally not exceeding 2.5 miles.
Regional Parks
Typical Size:
200+ acres
Not Applicable
One hour driving time
Regional parks are intended to serve multiple communities over a diverse geographic area.
These parks encompass large areas and typically include surface waters and/or
environmentally significant lands. They may offer camping, swimming, and recreation trails.
These are facilities that may be found in community parks, but on a much larger scale. The
development of new regional parks is beyond the scope of this municipal parks and open
space plan, and is typically initiated by higher levels of government.
Special Use Parks
Special use parks cover a broad range of recreation facilities oriented toward single purpose
use. This category includes the Old Muskego Settlement Centre.
Assessment of Park Needs
Per Capita Park Needs
Figure 6 illustrates how the existing acreage of public park sites serves the city’s current
population needs for park lands. The city’s current population is adequately served by the
existing neighborhood and community park acreage. No attempt was made to determine
how Muskego County Park, the only regional park in the city, serves the community on a per
capita basis since this park draws users from beyond city boundaries. Discussion of
recommended actions to fulfill park and open space needs is presented in Chapter 6.
Park Type
Neighborhood
Community
Regional
Existing
Acreage
Acres/1000
persons
79.6
207.3
209
3
6
n/a
Minimum
Acres Required
2011
72
144
n/a
Figure 6: Per Capita Standards and Needs for Public-Owned Parks
Site Needs Based on Accessibility
35
Surplus or
Deficit Acreage
+7.6
+63.3
n/a
City of Muskego
The spatial distribution of neighborhood and community parks should provide convenient
access to city residents. Map 8 shows the extent to which the city is served by public park
sites. The smaller shaded circles define the service areas of neighborhood parks and
represent a reasonable walking distance (1.0 mile) for most park users. The larger shaded
areas show the area served by a community park (2.5-mile radius) – typically a short drive
for park users. Muskego County Park serves the regional park needs of the entire city. The
southeastern portion of the city contains the largest contiguous area not served by
community or neighborhood parks. Recommended actions to fulfill service area deficits are
discussed in Chapter 6.
Future Population Park Needs
Using Wisconsin Department of Administration population projections, the City of Muskego
is expected to have 24,791 persons in 2020. While this plan is designed to facilitate park
planning for a five-year period for DNR grant eligibility, the 2020 population level is used to
coordinate recommendations of this plan with the City of Muskego Comprehensive Land
Use Plan.
Figure 7 illustrates how the existing acreage of public park sites serves the city’s 2020
population needs for park lands. Existing neighborhood and community park acreage would
serve the city’s projected 2020 population. Future regional park needs were not analyzed
since provision of regional parks is beyond the scope of this plan. Chapter 6 discusses
recommended actions to fulfill these future park needs.
Park Type
Neighborhood
Community
Regional
Existing
Acreage
Acres/1000
persons
79.6
207.3
209
3
6
N/A
Minimum
Acres Required
2020
75
150
N/A
Surplus or
Deficit Acreage
+4.6
+57.3
N/A
Figure 7: Per Capita Standards and Projected 2020 Needs for Public-Owned Parks
The spatial distribution of neighborhood and community parks for the 2020 population will
need to accommodate any expansion of residential areas. As new neighborhoods are
formed, accessibility to existing parks should be evaluated. If existing parks are not
accessible, then new parks should be developed in these new residential areas. The
analysis of spatial distribution of the city’s parks indicates that an additional park should be
sited in the southeastern portion of the city.
36
City of Muskego
37
City of Muskego
Park Facility Needs
In the past, the city’s park planning documents attempted to evaluate the need for individual
recreation facilities (baseball diamonds, playgrounds, etc.) that are to be provided within
parks. Standards established by SEWRPC were used to determine the numbers of typical
recreation facilities needed for the current and future population. These standards however
did not take into account local differences in recreation preferences and often did not reflect
the true demand. Therefore this analysis was eliminated from use in subsequent park
planning documents. Basically, the provision of recreation facilities should accommodate
the reasonable demand of the public.
A primary function of the Parks and Recreation Board is to make determinations of park
facility needs based upon input from stakeholders, citizen user groups, and those who
schedule recreation events. The Board has recognized a need to:
1. Research the feasibility of a fieldhouse for basketball courts, volleyball courts,
and other indoor recreation activities requiring gymnasium space due to the
heavy department/community usage in school gymnasium space.
2. Establish a water “sprayground” as a relatively inexpensive alternative to the
provision of a wading pool as a water recreation facility for children.
3. Establish a sand volleyball court and give future consideration of providing a
basketball court at Moorland Park (further research is needed for this location).
4. Meet dog park needs by allocating future park space or work with county to
provide for in neighboring city/village.
5. Expand beach/swim area at Idle Isle Park to meet increased lake use needs.
6. Identify active use parks for clustering outdoor athletic facilities and continue
discussions on partnering with school district for development of more clustered
indoor/outdoor facilities (Parks Redistribution Plan).
7. Continue discussions with school district for determining public use times/access
for indoor/outdoor athletic facilities during new summer school physical education
class use and future referendum approvals for new schools.
8. Perform facility needs/efficiency study on current owned buildings (Horn/Jensen)
used for recreation classes to determine building life and if future needs will be
met.
9. Work with baseball clubs to create “Baseball Booster Club” for cost-sharing
options to create/build competitive baseball fields at Park Arthur and to identify
future cost-sharing methods for baseball field restoration at existing parks.
10. Continue trying to work with Waste Management and their closed landfill located
in the northwest portion of the city to provide for public trails and observation
deck/tower.
11. Identify parkland for purchase/development in the southeast portion of the city.
12. Purchase Boxhorn launch and associated land for a future park (would meet
southeast Muskego’s need for parkland) or possibly extend lease/purchase of
Boxhorn boat launch.
13. Investigate the effect the removal of the basketball court will have on the public
use at Denoon Park.
Classification of Conservation Lands
Conservation lands are areas intended to preserve and protect natural resources. They are
places that facilitate passive recreational activities and the observation, appreciation, and
study of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Conservation lands include forests, wetlands,
prairies, and lands adjacent to surface waters that have some level of protection from
development into other human uses. They include publicly owned lands with the expressed
38
City of Muskego
or implied purpose of resource protection. Private land areas with recorded conservation
easements or preservation restrictions are also classified as conservation lands.
The size and shape of conservation lands and their environmental protection functions can
vary. Larger contiguous tracts of conservation lands can encompass several ecosystems
thereby preserving a great diversity of plants, wildlife, and geological features. They can
also be linear in shape following natural corridors such as rivers to preserve floodplains or
bluff lines to preserve scenic vistas. Smaller, isolated conservation areas may preserve
remnants of high quality plant communities and provide critical stopover areas for migrating
birds.
Conservancy Lands Needs Assessment
It is difficult to quantify the need for conservation land. The evaluation of conservation land
needs may be looked at from two perspectives: 1. the need of the land to be conserved due
to its ecological significance, and; 2. the need the community has for areas of ecologically
significant open spaces and passive recreation uses. The first case includes land areas that
contain diverse native plant communities and/or harbor rare or diverse wildlife. The
community need for conservancy lands centers on the provision of services these lands
provide: recreation, outdoor education, stormwater management, air quality and aesthetics.
Prioritization of Conservation Areas
To establish conservation need from the land perspective a prioritization must be
established using ecological criteria. That is, those lands with the most conservation value
have the greatest need to be preserved. A conservation prioritization for the City of
Muskego is found in Chapter 7. This prioritization represents an update and refinement of
conservation priority areas identified in the City of Muskego Conservation Plan (2001).
Several factors are considered in ranking the areas including ecological significance,
development pressures, and scenic views. Connectivity to existing conservancy areas and
relative size are also important factors: a major tenet of ecology is that larger contiguous
tracts of habitat support a greater diversity of organisms. For example, many bird species
require large forested areas versus small woodlots.
Community’s Need for Land Conservation
A good assessment of the community’s need for conservation land is an evaluation of the
preferences of the community. Between December 2004, and February 2005 surveys were
mailed to a random sample of 1,500 Muskego property owners to gather citizen input in
preparing the city’s 2020 Comprehensive Plan. Figure 8 shows the level of agreement with
eight statements regarding conservation issues.
39
City of Muskego
No
Opinion
Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
Somewhat
Neutral
Agree
Somewhat
Strongly
Agree
Wetland preservation efforts by the city are
adequate.
10.7%
11.9%
14.3%
21.7%
29.2%
12.1%
Preservation of wooded areas in Muskego
is adequate.
8.1%
15.5%
20.4%
15.9%
29.4%
10.7%
5.6%
7.4%
9.2%
24.2%
30.1%
23.6%
2.4%
14.4%
11.0%
16.2%
36.9%
19.2%
2.6%
30.7%
15.4%
14.8%
23.4%
13.2%
The city should maintain the current
amount of farmland.
10.7%
6.3%
7.3%
18.6%
19.9%
37.2%
I
support
Subdivisions).
11.8%
13.2%
7.5%
23.3%
26.8%
17.4%
12.8%
18.8%
9.1%
23.9%
22.1%
13.4%
Survey Statement
Preservation of native plants is necessary.
I am willing to allow city dollars to be used
to support preservation efforts (water
quality, woodland…).
I am willing to pay higher city taxes to
support preservation efforts.
COPDs
(Conservation
I support bonus lots to encourage COPDs.
Figure 8: Survey Responses to Conservation Issues
Citizens were generally split on agreement regarding the adequacy of city woodland and
wetland preservation efforts. However, most residents agreed that native plants should be
preserved. Although most residents were at least somewhat in favor of using city dollars to
support conservation efforts, most were not willing to pay higher taxes to do so. Most
residents also favored maintaining the current amount of farmland as well as the use of
conservation subdivisions. Overall there appears to be a moderate support for conservation
efforts among Muskego residents.
Another perspective of the community’s need for land conservation is to consider the
services which conservation lands provide. Undeveloped land surfaces provide storm water
infiltration which attenuates flooding potential, removes sediment and pollutants, and
recharges groundwater supplies. Flourishing plant communities improve air quality by
absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Some studies have also shown that green
spaces reduce stress, allow medical patients to heal more quickly, and can reduce driver
aggression. Many of these benefits are difficult to quantify in terms of dollars but should
also be considered when evaluating the community’s need for conservation lands.
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City of Muskego
Chapter 6
RECOMMENDED PARK PLAN
Introduction
The previous chapters presented an inventory and analysis of how well the existing park
sites meet the needs of the current and future population of the City of Muskego. The next
step in the planning process is to make recommendations to fulfill the identified needs.
These include additional facilities at existing sites, land acquisition, and development of
facilities at proposed park sites. Locations of the recommendations outlined below are
depicted in Map 9. This recommended plan will serve as a guide in the decision making
process in the acquisition and development of parks in the City of Muskego.
Improvements Planned or Recommended for Existing Sites
Several improvements at various park sites have been planned by the Parks and Recreation
Department and approved by the Parks and Recreation Board but have yet to be
implemented. This section describes these planned improvements as well as other
recommended improvements to address the 2020 Muskego population needs. Many of the
improvements merely update or renovate existing recreational facilities, while others create
new facilities to fulfill recreation needs.
General Improvements and Updates: Screening enclosures are recommended around trash
dumpsters and portable toilets that exist within city parks. A plan is set for all of these
structures to have screening enclosures in place by the end of 2014. Baseball field
restoration is scheduled for every 4-5 years, based on monies available and restoration
need.
Moorland Park: Landscaping is also planned around the parking area. The Parks and
Recreation Board have adopted a preliminary site plan that includes a shelter with storage
and bathrooms. A water “sprayground” is recommended at this site as an addition to the
playground for summer recreation and relief from heat. A sand volleyball court is also
recommended. A basketball court should also be considered based upon determination of
community need. The need for a fieldhouse with gymnasium space should also be explored
further.
There is a possible shift of amenities to other locations and sale of park, if desired. (Ord.
#1317 - 04-13-2010)
Denoon Park: Investigate the possible negative effect removing the basketball court will
have on the public use of this facility.
Horn Park: Research the building life and efficiency for meeting community needs. Replace
the existing rubber roof of building (planned for 2012).
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City of Muskego
Park Arthur: The 17-acre western portion remains undeveloped as of January, 2012. The
current approved plan for the east side of the park (44 acres) will likely include a rink to
provide both winter ice skating activities and in-line skating activities during the rest of the
year. Other potential facilities include a pavilion with restroom facilities, picnic areas,
playground equipment, additional parking areas, an equestrian and pedestrian trail, and
athletic fields. The park will also have some conservation areas and eventual trail linkage to
the city’s recreation trail network. Planned for 2012, is the creation of four baseball fields,
paving work, and then eventually the entrance off College Avenue (per Waukesha County
direction/approval).
Possible shift of amenities of Park Arthur West to other locations and sale of west half of
park (17 acres), if desired (Ord. #1317 - 04-13-2010).
Idle Isle Park: It is recommended that the beach area be expanded to accommodate more
users, if lake-park does not become reality.
Jensen Park:
needs.
Research the building life and efficiencies for meeting future community
Kurth Park: It is recommended to have the southern section of the park be graded and
seeded for athletic use, once need is identified.
Schmidt/Lions Park: It is recommended to re-pave the asphalt basketball courts thru the
road paving program at these two parks.
Recommended Future Sites and their Facilities
This section outlines land acquisitions and facilities development (improvements) needed to
fulfill 2020 needs.
New Neighborhood Park - Southeast side: A neighborhood park of at least 20 acres in size
is recommended for the southeastern portion of the city, in U. S. Public Land Survey Section
24 or 25. Acreage for this park could vary depending on the amount of environmentally
significant lands it might contain. Proposed facilities could include a playground, a
basketball court, two tennis courts, a softball/baseball diamond, picnic facilities, a play field
(soccer) area, restrooms and appropriate support facilities. A pedestrian trail within the park
and linkage to the citywide recreation trail network is also recommended.
Waste Management Closed Landfill (N.E. part of city) Public Amenities: Work with Waste
Management to examine possible options for creating trails and an observation tower on this
site for public access/use.
Shared Park Facilities with Muskego Norway School District: (Ord. #1317 - 04-13-2010)
Opportunities may present themselves to share unused lands with the Muskego Norway
School District where Muskego can incorporate centralized park amenities in one location.
Two potential locations exist: Lake Denoon Middle School land along Kelsey Drive, and in
the school district-owned land south of McShane Drive. Possible partnerships could
develop via lease or purchase of lands. If opportunities take place, the shifting of amenities
from the city’s Moorland Park and/or Park Arthur West may occur at these new locations
making possible, clustered facilities for baseball, soccer, and football fields. These
discussions should also take place with any approved referendums for new school
facility/grounds expansion.
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Urban Forestry Recommendations for Parks
All forestry planning and operations within city parks should follow recommendations
outlined within the adopted City of Muskego Urban Forestry Strategic and Management
Plans. These plans provide recommendations for the establishment and management of
the tree population within the city’s parks. The Urban Forestry Strategic Plan establishes
the goals and objectives of the city’s urban forestry program. The Management Plan
provides recommendations for staff, equipment, and training. This plan also outlines a
timeline for specific tree management activities such as planting and pruning and projects a
five-year budget to complete the recommended activities.
Funding for Parks Acquisitions and Developments
New land developments are required to dedicate park and open space lands where
designated by the Comprehensive Plan or any plan component (i.e. this Plan). If an area of
development does not encompass a planned park or open space then a fee in lieu of park
dedication is imposed. These monies are collected in a segregated account for acquisition
and development purposes.
The current landfill agreement between the City of Muskego and Superior Emerald Park
Landfill (now Veolia Environmental Services) requires that not less than 10% of the city’s
annual direct payment is directed to the park dedication fund. This plan recommends the
continued terms of this agreement with consideration of also utilizing some funds from the
unallocated portion of the annual direct payment to further assist in park development and
acquisition.
It may also be prudent to borrow money for land purchases since the full purchase price
may not be currently available and future residents (mortgagers) will benefit from the
acquisition. Also, more favorable park and open space land acquisition opportunities exist
in the present because land becomes subdivided and fragmented over time. Borrowing to
purchase land versus waiting and saving up for a land acquisition can also make sense
because land prices typically appreciate at a rate that exceeds municipal bond rates.
Other funding sources beyond the park dedication fund, landfill payment, and general fund
should be actively pursued. Federal, state, and private grants shall also be sought to
financially assist the acquisition and management of parklands. It is further recommended
that interested citizens form a non-profit “friends” group to generate donations to financially
assist parkland acquisition, development, and maintenance.
Summary
The additional sites and facilities proposed in this chapter should provide a park system that
meets the needs of the future population of Muskego. Development of the recommended
facilities would provide the city residents a wide variety of accessible recreational
opportunities. To adequately service these additional park sites and facilities, due
consideration should be given to staffing and equipment needs.
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City of Muskego
Chapter 7
RECOMMENDED CONSERVATION PLAN
Introduction
This chapter presents recommendations for conserving environmentally significant lands
within the City of Muskego. Mechanisms for conservation include land acquisitions through
fee simple purchase, land dedications, easements, and other planning techniques such as
conservation developments. Recommendations on acquisition funding, management costs,
municipal code modifications, and policies to meet land conservation objectives are also
presented.
Implementation of these recommendations is intended to provide a multitude of benefits to
the community:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Preservation of rural character
Preservation of native plant communities
Protection of wildlife habitat
Creation of passive and active outdoor recreation opportunities
Reduced development sprawl and overall population density
Reduced vehicular traffic
Reduced stormwater runoff and flooding
Cleaner surface waters
Groundwater recharge
Air pollution reduction
Conservation Priorities
This section presents a prioritization of lands that should be considered for conservation
with the community. It represents an update and refinement of conservation priority areas
identified in the City of Muskego Conservation Plan (2001). Areas identified by SEWRPC as
natural areas, critical species habitats, environmental corridors, and isolated natural
resource areas are all included. Essentially all wetlands and older-growth forest areas of
significant size are also included in the prioritization. The most important factor considered
in the ranking is the ecological significance; the diversity of the plant community and quality
of wildlife habitat. The size of an ecologically significant land area also plays a role in
ranking as larger contiguous tracts of habitat typically support a greater diversity of plants
and wildlife. Map 10 shows the locations of land areas identified as high, medium, or low
conservation priority.
High Conservation Priority Areas: Lands classified as a “High Conservation Priority” are
generally larger tracts of land with higher quality environmental features such as older
growth forests or larger, contiguous wetland areas. Land areas that provide continuity
between large tracts of high quality environmental features are also included. Strong
consideration should be given to acquiring lands in this designation should they become
available. Those lands not acquired should be protected through other conservation
planning techniques.
Medium Conservation Priority Areas: These lands are basically a continuum between high
conservation priority areas and the low conservation priority areas described below. Tracts
are moderately sized and/or the environmental features that they contain may be of
somewhat lower quality than those designated as high priority.
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City of Muskego
Low Conservation Priority Areas: These land areas are generally smaller tracts of
environmental features. This designation includes drained or degraded wetlands or lower
quality woodlands. Also included are extensively fragmented, older-growth woodland areas
that remain after previous subdivision or other development of land. In most cases, low
conservation priority lands would be protected through means other than acquisition - such
as isolated wetlands that are protected through state and federal land use regulations.
Planning Process for Conserving Prioritized Lands
This Plan recommends that the city consider conservation of all prioritized areas. While it is
certainly not feasible to acquire these lands through fee simple purchase they may be
preserved through land dedications, conservation easements, preservation restrictions,
conservation developments, or other means. The Conservation Commission shall review all
land division and land development proposals that would affect conservation priority areas.
With Community Development Department staff guidance, the Conservation Commission
shall recommend a strategy to the Planning Commission and the Common Council to
preserve or minimize the development impact of such lands. It is further recommended that
the city proactively seek to acquire some of the highest prioritized areas before any
development proposals are brought forth.
Acquisition of Conservation Lands
Typically, Muskego shall respect private property owners’ rights and acquire lands only from
willing sellers. Only in extremely rare circumstances should eminent domain powers ever
be executed upon an unwilling seller as a means of acquiring conservation lands. High
priority lands should receive more consideration for acquisition, followed by medium, and
then low. Higher consideration should be given to acquisitions that will create larger
contiguous area of conserved lands of environmental significance. Greater consideration
should also be given for acquisitions that help link the proposed trail network that is
presented in the next chapter. Some potential conservancy lands may have regional
significance extending beyond civil boundaries, so conservation organizations or other
levels of government may be sought to partner in their acquisition. In particular, the city
should work with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in the acquisition of
conservation priority lands that lie within the Big Muskego Lake Wildlife Area project
boundary.
Land Dedications
This Plan recommends the implementation of the Chapter 18 Land Division Ordinance that
allows for the acquisition of conservation priority lands through dedication.
Upon
development of properties that contain prioritized lands, the city may require conservation
land dedications of up to 9.7% of the total net area of a development.
Conservation Developments
This Plan recommends that, if not acquired, all conservation priority lands that lie within
proposed residential developments be considered for preservation through conservation
subdivision development. A conservation planned development (CPD) zoning district
designation allows smaller residential lots than an area’s zoning would otherwise allow
whereby such lots are clustered and a larger contiguous environmentally significant open
space area is preserved. This conservation area is encompassed within an outlot mutually
owned by subdivision homeowners and preserved through deed restrictions or a
conservation easement as described in the section below.
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City of Muskego
This Plan further recommends the education of the public regarding the use of conservation
subdivisions as a tool to more responsibly preserve natural resource features. In some
previous subdivision proposals neighboring residents had voiced opposition to the smaller
lot sizes of conservation subdivision developments. There may be more support for this
land use planning strategy if the conservation value of preserving larger contiguous tracts of
environmentally significant land was more clearly understood.
Preservation Restrictions and Conservation Easements
Even if developments containing conservation priority lands do not utilize CPD zoning the
City should still seek to have these areas preserved through preservation restrictions or
conservation easements. Preservation restrictions are recorded on the final plat while a
conservation easement is a separate, stand-alone document. Both options are used to
record language with the County Register of Deeds office to take certain development rights
away from the property and/or limit certain uses. A conservation easement gives the
easement holder the ability to enforce the terms of the easement and the right to take
corrective legal actions if terms are not followed.
Purchase of Development Rights
In some cases the city may seek to acquire priority lands from a landowner who may be
reluctant to sell but still desires to preserve the land. In these instances the city should give
consideration to paying landowners for perpetual conservation easements. This strategy is
commonly referred to as purchase of development rights. The land remains privately owned
while the objective of conserving the land is achieved. Actual city ownership would remain a
possibility because with development rights taken away, the land may be purchased in the
future at a diminished cost.
Farmland Preservation
This plan recommends the preservation of farmland to maintain the community’s rural
character. Purchase of development rights, discussed above, could be utilized for farmland
preservation. Planned development zoning should also be an available option to preserve
tracts of agricultural lands in the same way that this zoning is used to preserve
environmentally significant lands. Codes and policies should be modified to allow
developers to dedicate farmlands or place deed restrictions or conservation easements
upon significant tracts of agricultural lands in exchange for allowing clustered developments
of smaller lot sizes than the base zoning would otherwise allow. Preservation of farmland
should receive the greatest consideration in areas where agriculture remains the primary
land use – the western and southeastern portions of the city. Farmland preservation should
also be considered to buffer conserved environmentally significant lands from areas of more
intensive land development.
Preservation of Existing Conservation Areas
This plan recommends that existing city-owned conservation lands identified in Figure 5
remain preserved in perpetuity. Thus all existing conservation areas are also classified as
“high conservation priority.” However it is also recognized that rare circumstances could
arise in the future in which the conversion of an area of conservation land (or park) to
another use could be for the greater public benefit. The City of Muskego 2020
Comprehensive
Plan
establishes
a
process
to scrutinize any proposed
selling/dedicating/granting of city open spaces or recreation lands to an alternative use. It
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City of Muskego
must be well documented that the public need substantially outweighs the public good
afforded by such lands and that alternatives sites are not feasible. It is further established
that only the minimum area be affected and that it is mitigated by the acquisition of another
site of at least comparable size and quality.
Management and Development of Conservation Lands
Conservation lands should be managed in a manner to preserve and enhance their
ecological quality. Invasive species control and establishment of native plant communities
are requisite in the stewardship of conservation lands. It is recommended that the City of
Muskego maintain a separate planning document Management of City of Muskego
Conservation Lands in addition to this document to outline specific management for the
conservation lands that it owns. This document shall include a four year work plan with a
prioritization and timeline for completing the recommended conservation management
activities.
Some conservation lands should be developed to facilitate passive recreational activities or
outdoor education. Hiking trails should be established particularly where conservation lands
are within parks or adjacent to existing recreation trails. Educational components such as
interpretive signage should also be considered in these areas. Establishment of an outdoor
interpretive learning center at the Engel Conservation Area should be a long-range goal.
Partnerships and alternative funding sources should be explored so there is less
dependence on city funds for such a facility.
Funding for Conservation Lands
The current landfill agreement between the City of Muskego and Veolia Environmental
Services Emerald Park Landfill Incorporated requires that 10% of the city’s annual direct
payment is directed to a Land and Open Space Conservation Fund to purchase land and/or
conservation easements that will provide for open space preservation. This Plan
recommends the continued terms of this agreement with consideration of also utilizing some
additional funds from the unallocated portion of the annual direct payment to further assist in
conservation acquisitions. Similarly fees in lieu of land dedications should continue to be
collected as a funding source for land acquisition.
Other funding sources beyond the landfill payment, dedication funds, and general fund
should be actively pursued. Federal, state, and private grants should also be sought to
financially assist the acquisition and management of conservation lands. It is further
recommended that interested citizens are encouraged to form a non-profit “friends” group or
develop a conservation endowment fund to generate donations to financially assist the
community’s land conservation objectives. It may also be prudent to borrow money for land
purchases for reasons described in the previous chapter.
It is recommended that the city maintain a specific budget for land management and
facilities development costs. Sources for this funding could include the unallocated portion
of the landfill settlement fund, the city’s general fund, state and federal grants, and private
sources. To fund special projects the city also should seek partnerships and financial
assistance from private conservation organizations, local lake districts and associations,
local service groups, and scouting groups in the area.
Public Participation and Volunteerism
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City of Muskego
It is recommended that efforts be made to involve the community in conservation planning
and implementation. A public hearing shall be held in the ratification of this plan to obtain
citizen endorsement of its development and implementation. From time to time, public
hearings, or other public forums such as “open houses” may be necessary to inform and
obtain input when issues arise that may significantly impact environmental areas or the rural
character of the community.
However for most conservation related issues the
Conservation Commission should continue its service of acting on behalf of the community
in making recommendations to the Plan Commission and the Common Council.
It is recommended that efforts be made to recruit volunteers to help the community meet its
conservation objectives. Involving the community will raise a sense of stewardship for the
city’s natural resources. Volunteer activities can range from assisting in land management
tasks such as tree planting, seed collection, or invasive plant control, to fundraising efforts.
Existing partnerships with scout groups and students should continue and new partnerships
with conservation-related associations and groups should be sought.
Public Education
Information should be available to citizens on a variety of conservation issues. These may
include but are not limited to: Invasive species control, native landscaping, urban wildlife
management, erosion control, fertilizer and pesticide usage, recycling, and composting.
Information and appropriate links to other responsible sources should be available on the
city’s website to inform citizens of how their daily habits and management of their own back
yards can collectively enhance the conservation goals of the community and beyond. The
City Conservation Coordinator should maintain a capacity of consultation to the community
on conservation related issues. Outdoor education classes and special events should
periodically be offered through the city’s recreation programming.
Tree Mitigation
This Plan recommends the full enforcement of the tree mitigation code.
It is also
recommended that mitigation be allowed offsite upon city-owned conservation lands or other
conserved lands as recommended by the Conservation Commission. It is further
recommended that in lieu of planting trees, the dollar value of tree mitigation may be paid to
a segregated fund designated for conservation restoration and management projects.
These projects should include reforestation, prairie plantings and maintenance, invasive
species control, and wetland restorations. Code changes may be needed to implement
these recommended tree mitigation modifications.
Tree Preservation
In cases where residential development will occur within wooded areas, measures should
be taken to minimize the removal of trees and adequately protect the trees that are to
remain. Building envelopes should be established and preservation restrictions placed upon
the lands outside of the development area. Steps should also be taken to alleviate any
construction damage outside of the cleared area. Often the adverse effects of construction
activities do not show for several years and are not attributed to the construction because
trees slowly decline in health and die several years later. It should be required that home
construction plans on wooded lots be reviewed by the City Forester in addition to the
Engineering Department. Fencing and signage should be erected to assure there is no
change of grade or soil compaction within designated preservation areas. Landowners and
contractors should be given information to implement practices to adequately protect trees
from construction activities.
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City of Muskego
Stormwater Management Facilities
In addition to their flood control functions stormwater retention ponds serve to settle solids
and assimilate nutrients from runoff water - delivering a cleaner outflow to natural surface
waters. These human-made waters bodies provide an excellent opportunity to establish
native vegetation and create wildlife habitat. Managing mowed turf around ponds should be
discouraged, as this landscape tends to attract Canada Geese that graze upon the turf.
Excessive numbers of geese can leave nuisance amounts of defecation that can cause
bacteria associated health concerns. Taller native vegetation discourages use by geese
because they cannot remain as vigilant for potential predators. A diversity of native flora
can enhance habitat for more desirable wildlife such as ducks, shorebirds, butterflies, frogs,
and turtles while the interesting structures and colorful blossoms of native plants can
improve human aesthetics. Native plants require no fertilization and therefore keep the
pond’s nutrient levels lower than fertilized lawn grasses. This reduces the potential for algal
blooms, which can be unsightly, cause offensive odors, and can be toxic to humans.
It is recommended that the city require in construction specifications and landscape plans
the establishment of native vegetation around the side slopes of stormwater retention
basins. In many cases the seeding of native vegetation could also include areas of adjacent
uplands that are within a communally owned outlot – creating a larger naturalized area.
It is further recommended that rain gardens are utilized as a stormwater management tool.
Rain gardens allow greater infiltration and evapo-transpiration of water - thus reducing the
amount of stormwater runoff and requiring fewer or smaller retention basins.
Green Building Technology
Green building technology utilizes methods that efficiently use energy, water, and materials
in both construction and maintenance. Also known as “sustainable” building, it incorporates
practices that reduce energy consumption or even harvest energy for the power grid. Green
building practices reduce water consumption and utilize materials that are reusable or
derived from renewable resources. Practices that reduce pollution, reduce stormwater
runoff, or improve indoor air quality are also considered green building technologies.
This plan encourages the use of “green” building technologies in the construction of housing
and commercial structures in Muskego. The utilization of green technologies should be a
consideration in the granting of “density bonuses” for conservation subdivision
developments. Future city building projects should strive to employ green building
technologies. Green technologies should be utilized over conventional building practices if
they can be shown to recover the initial investment and have greater cost effectiveness over
time. Green-built municipal structures will also promote an awareness of efficient and
environmentally responsible development to the community and help promote the concept.
Specific Recommendations
The preceding sections of this chapter discuss general conservation recommendations. The
Conservation Commission and city staff evaluated existing conservation lands, facilities, and
initiatives and considered “a vision” of conservancy for the future population of the
community. This vision includes the following specific conservation recommendations:
1. Big Muskego Lake State Wildlife Area Expansion It is recommended that the City of
Muskego and the Big Muskego Lake/Bass Bay Protection and Rehabilitation District
collaborate with the Wisconsin DNR in acquiring key parcels to protect the best
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City of Muskego
2.
3.
4.
5.
remaining lands in the project area and create larger contiguous conservancy areas
around Big Muskego Lake.
Badertscher Preserve/Ridges Conservation Site Master Plan A formal plan should
be developed to restore habitats, develop trails, establish uses, and create support
facilities for the Badertscher Preserve and Ridges Conservation Site.
Develop an interpretive center at Engel Conservation Area A facility should be
constructed to hold events, meetings, and classes at Engel Conservation Area. It is
recommended that construction and maintenance of the facility is mostly or entirely
funded with non-public dollars through donations, endowments, or partnerships with
other organizations.
Expansion of Engel Conservation Area Conservation priority lands north and west of
Engel Conservation Area should be acquired to expand the size of this conservancy
and help create a greenway that links to Muskego County Park. A trail should be
established through this corridor to link two of the largest conservation sites in the
community.
Promote conservation sites Citizens should become aware of conservation sites in
the city so that they can be visited and appreciated. Modest signage should be
placed at each of the smaller sites. The new Badertscher Preserve should have
more conspicuous signage similar to Engel Conservation Area. City website should
include more information. An “Adopt a Conservation Site” could be started where
neighboring residents would help with land management activities and develop a
sense of stewardship for the site.
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City of Muskego
Chapter 8
RECREATION TRAIL RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction
Recreation trails described in this chapter are extensions of the transportation system of the
city that are intended for the use of non-motorized modes of travel. Most recreation trail
facilities are located within existing or planned rights-of-way while others traverse public land
holdings or are located within land easements from private owners. These facilities should
serve to link the City of Muskego together with a system of safe and functional off-street
recreation trail connections to accommodate such activities as walking, running, biking,
cross-country skiing, in-line skating, and hiking.
Recommended Recreation Trail Additions
Recreation trails are proposed to follow road rights-of-way, utility corridors, and easements
to facilitate travel within the city and also connect to trails in adjoining communities as part of
a regional trail network. It is recommended that future subdivision and other land
developments construct proposed trail sections that are adjacent to or within their proposed
development area. Trails should have a paved surface in urbanized areas and conform to
the specification shown in Figure 10 or Figure 11. Rural trail connections would typically be
an unpaved surface of crushed stone.
Descriptions of proposed trail additions are presented below and summarized in Figure 9.
Locations of recommended trails are depicted on Map 11. Trail additions have been
prioritized through the year 2021 and 5-year plans are presented to the Common Council for
their approval and funding through the capital budget process. The year indicated on Map
11 is for trail construction. Planning for these trails should commence at least one
year earlier.
College Avenue: A paved recreation trail (2.3 miles) is proposed within the right-of-way on
the south side of College Avenue between Moorland Road on the east and Racine Avenue
on the west.
Hardtke Drive: A recreation trail (0.2 miles) is proposed within the right-of-way of Hardtke
Drive between Martin Drive and Idle Isle Park.
Martin Drive: A paved recreation trail (0.1 miles) is proposed within the right-of-way on the
south side of Martin Drive between Ranch Road and Hardtke Drive.
Lannon Drive: A paved recreation trail is proposed within the right-of-way on the west side
of Lannon Drive from Martin Drive to Janesville Road (0.9 miles) and from the WE Energies
right-of-way to Woods Road (0.4 miles).
Janesville Road: A 5-foot wide concrete paved recreation trail is being constructed within
the right-of-way of both sides of Janesville Road from Moorland Road to Lannon Road as
part of the Janesville Road reconstruction project in 2012. Trails on both sides of Janesville
Road between Lannon Drive and Racine Avenue are planned for 2013. A trail on the south
side of the road between Racine Avenue and Mercury Drive then south to the WE recreation
trail is planned for 2015.
Racine Avenue: A paved recreation trail should be located within the right-of-way on the
west side of Racine Avenue extending from College Avenue on the north and link to the
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City of Muskego
existing portion in front of the Muskego Centre on the south. This trail should also continue
from the south end of the existing section at the WE Energies electrical transmission line
trail intersection and extend southward to the city’s south border. A trail should also be
located on the east side of Racine Avenue from College Avenue to Woods Road.
Woods Road: A paved recreation trail is recommended within the Woods Road right-of-way
on the north side of the road. This trail would extend from the city’s eastern border
westward to Janesville Road across from Muskego County Park. Portions of this trail have
been completed. The trail section from Quietwood Creek Drive to Racine Avenue will be
completed in the summer of 2012.
WE Energies Right-of-way: A recreation trail extension of crushed limestone traffic bond is
proposed within the WE Energies electrical transmission line right-of-way adjacent to
Janesville Road on the city’s west side. This trail (1.7 miles) would extend from the west
end of the existing WE Energies trail near Muskego Park to the city’s western boundary.
This utility corridor currently has an unimproved dirt trail used by horseback riders.
North Cape Road: A paved recreation trail (2.1 miles) is proposed within the right-of-way on
the west side of North Cape Road extending from Hi View Drive southward to Loomis Road.
Muskego Dam/Kelsey Drive: A recreation trail constructed of traffic bond is proposed within
the right-of-way on the north side of Muskego Dam Road from Loomis Road westward to
Kelsey Drive then to Racine Avenue (approximately 2 miles). It is also expected to be open
to horseback riders.
Crowbar Drive: A recreation trail (2.6 miles) is proposed within the right-of-way on the east
side of Crowbar Drive from the intersection with the WE Energies electrical transmission line
ROW trail southward to the Denoon Park entrance. This trail, constructed of crushed
limestone traffic bond, is expected to be open to horseback riders.
Parker Road: A recreation trail (1.2 miles) is recommended within the right-of-way along
Parker Road from Racine Avenue to Crowbar Drive. This trail, constructed of crushed
limestone traffic bond, is also expected to be open to horseback riders.
Kelsey Drive: A recreation trail (1.2 miles) is proposed within the right-of-way of Kelsey
Drive from Racine Avenue to Crowbar Drive. This trail, constructed of crushed limestone
traffic bond, is also expected to be open to horseback riders.
Bay Lane Drive: A paved recreation trail is recommended within the right-of-way on Bay
Lane Drive. This trail would extend from Janesville Road (0.8 miles) southward to Woods
Road and facilitate pedestrian traffic to Bay Lane Middle School.
Henneberry Road: A recreation trail (1.8 miles) is recommended within the right-of-way
along Henneberry Road from Racine Avenue to Crowbar Drive. This trail, constructed of
crushed limestone traffic bond, is also expected to be open to horseback riders.
Pioneer Road: A paved recreation trail is scheduled for construction for 2012 within the
right-of-way of Pioneer Road from Janesville Road to Racine Avenue.
Tess Corners Drive: A recreation trail (.95 miles) is scheduled for construction for 2012
within the right-of-way along Tess Corners Drive from Janesville Road to Woods Road.
55
City of Muskego
Hillendale/Field Drive: A recreation trail (.5 miles) is recommended from Racine Avenue to
access Badertscher Preserve. This trail could go southwest along Hillendale then west
along Field Drive or a shorter path directly from Racine Avenue could be researched.
McShane Drive: A 1.4-mile paved recreation trail is proposed within the right-of-way of
Mcshane Drive from North Cape Road to Durham Drive.
Northwest Rural Connections: A 3.6-mile rural trail connection is recommended from Tans
Drive and Racine Avenue, through the Ridges Conservation site and Badertscher Preserve
to an area near Field Drive and Crowbar Road where it will link with the Crowbar Road trail.
The trail is proposed to then follow the Crowbar right-of-way south, and resume through the
Waste Management site to Janesville Road where it links to the existing WE Energies trail.
This rural connection and those described below may not necessarily follow the exact routes
as depicted in Map 11.
Muskego County Park to Engel Conservation Area Greenway Connection: A 0.7-mile rural
trail connection is recommended from the WE Energies trail near Muskego Park to Engel
Conservation Area. This trail should follow an off-road route amid the conservation priority
lands that lie between these conservancy parklands. Land dedications, acquisitions, and
easements should be sought to both expand Engel Conservation Area and complete this
“greenway” trail section.
Southwest Rural Connection: A 1.5-mile rural trail connection is recommended from the
Henneberry Drive to Denoon Park.
Big Muskego West Rural Connection: A 2.7-mile rural trail connection is recommended
from north intersection of Racine Avenue and Parker Road to Muskego Dam Road near the
Big Muskego Lake outlet channel. This trail will run through portions of the Big Muskego
Lake Wildlife Area.
Big Muskego East Rural Connection: A 4.3-mile rural trail connection is recommended from
Muskego Dam Road near the Big Muskego Lake outlet channel extending counterclockwise
around the lake to Durham Drive near Holz Drive.
Engel Conservation Area to Woods Road: An unpaved footpath (0.3 miles) is planned to
connect Engel Conservation Area to Woods Road. This trail will run adjacent to the western
boundary of the Settlement Subdivision providing access for residents of this subdivision
and Plum Creek subdivision to the north.
56
City of Muskego
Number on
Map 11
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Proposed Trail
Trail Segment
College Avenue
Hardtke Drive
Martin Drive
Lannon Drive (N)
Lannon Drive (S)
Janesville Road
Racine Avenue
Moorland Rd. to Racine Ave.
Martin Dr. to Idle Isle Park
Ranch Dr. to Hardtke Dr.
Martin Dr. to Janesville Rd.
WE trail south to Woods Rd.
Pioneer Drive to Mercury Drive.
College Ave. to the Muskego
Centre, and WE Energies trail
intersection to Muskego Dam Rd.
8
Eastern city boundary to Durham
Drive
Racine Avenue to Muskego
County Park
Hi View Dr. to Loomis Rd.
Loomis Rd. to Racine Ave.
12
Woods Road
East
Woods Road
West
North Cape Rd.
Muskego Dam Kelsey Drive
Crowbar Dr.
1.6
Planned Side
of Roadway
South
East
South
East
East
Both
Both - College
to Woods;
West - Woods
to Racine Co.
North
Asphalt
1.5
South
--
2.1
2.3
West
North
2.6
East
Parker Road
Janesville WE trail to Denoon
Park.
Racine Ave. to Crowbar Dr.
1.2
--
14
Kelsey Dr.
1.2
North
15
16
Bay Lane Dr.
Northwest Rural
Connection
Muskego Park to
Engel
Conservation
Area
Southwest Rural
Connection
Big Muskego
West Rural
Connection
Henneberry Drive
Janesville Rd. to Woods Rd.
Racine Ave & Tans Dr. to
Janesville Road WE trail
WE trail near Muskego Park to
Engel Conservation Area
0.8
3.6
East
--
Asphalt
Crushed
Limestone
Crushed
Limestone
Crushed
Limestone
Crushed
Limestone
Asphalt
--
13
0.8
--
--
Henneberry Drive to Denoon
Park
Racine Ave. & Parker Rd. to
Muskego Dam Rd.
2.5
--
--
2.7
--
--
1.8
--
Big Muskego
East Rural
Connection
Engel
Conservation
Area to Woods
Road
Hillendale/Field
Drives
McShane Drive
Muskego Dam to Holz Dr. &
Durham Dr.
5.0
--
Crushed
Limestone
--
Northern hiking trail in Engel
Conservation Area to Woods
Road
0.4
--
--
Racine Ave. to Badertscher
Preserve
North Cape Dr. to Durham Dr.
0.6
North
Asphalt
9
10
11
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Total
Length
(miles)
2.3
0.2
0.1
0.9
0.4
1.0
12.7
1.4
49.7
Figure 9: Proposed Recreation Trail Additions within the City of Muskego
57
Surface
Asphalt
Asphalt
Asphalt
Asphalt
Asphalt
Asphalt
Asphalt
Asphalt
City of Muskego
58
City of Muskego
Trail Specifications
The following are the minimum specifications for off-street recreation trails constructed in the
City of Muskego:
1. Cross section may be straight grade or crowned with a one percent slope as conditions
warrant.
2. Base construction of nine foot wide by six inches thick ¾-inch compacted crushed
limestone (traffic bond) meeting requirements of State Gradation Number Two.
3. Eight feet wide by two inches thick bituminous concrete base course pavement (asphalt)
conforming to the City Street Specifications.
4. Subgrade, gravel grade and pavement grade must be set to adequately drain water.
STANDARD PEDESTRIAN PATH - ASPHALT
Figure 10: Standard Recreation Trail Detail (Asphalt)
59
City of Muskego
NON-STANDARD PEDESTRIAN PATH - CONCRETE
Figure 11: Non-Standard Recreation Trail Detail (Concrete)
Summary
The 41 miles of existing recreation trails within the City of Muskego are well used by
bicyclists, runners, and pedestrians. Horseback riders and cross-country skiers also utilize
portions of these trails. Consideration is being given for equestrian activity on unpaved
recreation trails. The addition of approximately fifty trail miles proposed in this plan would
facilitate more users and produce a city-wide network of safe routes for non-motorized
transportation which would link residential areas to parks, open spaces, schools, and
businesses.
60

city of muskego parks and conservation plan 2012

Transcription

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