Community surveys have shown that Muskego citizens prefer that the City retain its rural character and open spaces, and protect its natural resources. To achieve this end, the Common Council took action in 2000 to develop the City of Muskego Conservation Plan as a component of the 2010 Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The conservation plan evaluated the remaining natural resource base and scenic rural areas and proposed ways to preserve them. The Conservation Plan was updated in 2007 and was merged with the former Park and Open Space Plan 2003-2007 to create one new document now titled the Parks and Conservation Plan for the City of Muskego, 2007-2011.

Click here to view the Parks and Conservation Plan for the City of Muskego, 2007-2011.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission was created by the Common Council in December 2001, following the adoption of the City of Muskego Conservation Plan. Seven citizens hold periodic meetings to make recommendations to the Planning Commission and Muskego Common Council on matters pertaining to protection of the community's natural resources, open space conservation, and preservation of its rural character. The Conservation Commission also serves as Muskego's tree board, making recommendations on urban forestry issues. The Commission receives guidance from the Conservation Coordinator/City Forester and other Planning Department staff.

Management of Conservation Lands in Muskego

The City of Muskego owns and manages over 350 acres of conservation land in the community.  These include areas upon City-owned properties with woodlands, wetlands, prairie plantings, and fallow areas of land that have naturalized over time.  Conservation sites range in size from the 153-acre Engel Conservation Area to small wetlands and prairie plantings that cover a fraction of an acre.  The goal of management is to restore native plant diversity, reduce the density of invasive nonnative plants, restore habitat for wildlife, create quality green spaces to lessen the impact of development, and provide areas for the public to enjoy.  The City of Muskego staff and community volunteers plant prairies and native trees, control invasive plants, conduct controlled burns, and create trails & other support facilities.

For more information on conservation, please contact the Conservation Coordinator, at (262) 679-5617.

The Engel Conservation Area is a 153-acre site owned and managed by the City of Muskego for open space preservation, wildlife habitat, and outdoor education.  There are over 40 acres of woodlands, 30 acres of restored upland prairie habitat, and a 66-acre wetland restoration.  There are four miles of hiking trails with interpretive nature signage.  Engel Conservation Area was purchased with assistance from the Wisconsin DNR and land restoration was conducted with help from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, and many volunteers.  Several scouts earned their highest honor by conducting projects at the site to manage land and develop facilities.  Please come enjoy the beauty of the land's plants and wildlife!