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Committee approves 11‑year conservation easement with MMSD for tree planting along Kinnickinnick River Parkway
Summary
Milwaukee County Parks and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District will place an 11‑year conservation easement on county land at the Kinnickinnick River Parkway to support reforestation funded by a U.S. Forest Service grant and administered by MMSD and Riverkeeper. Parks will monitor the site and maintain the new trees.
The committee recommended granting an 11‑year conservation easement to the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) to support a tree-planting and wetland restoration project along the Kinnickinnick River Parkway.
Peter Brett, director of operations for Milwaukee County Parks, said the work is part of a larger MMSD program funded by a U.S. Forest Service grant to support reforestation and wetland restoration across southeastern Wisconsin. Parks and Riverkeeper planted trees on a half-acre site in the watershed under a memorandum of understanding; the requested 11‑year conservation easement would protect that planting and similar plantings for the limited term. Brett said the county’s natural areas team will monitor the site—generally via quarterly visits—and the operations team conducts routine drive-by observation; Parks will take responsibility for maintenance and monitoring during the easement term.
Supervisor Martinez moved adoption and the committee recommended the easement by a 7–0 vote. Committee members praised the partnership and noted the environmental benefits of trees in flood management and habitat restoration. The department indicated it will prioritize diverse, climate-adaptive species and will coordinate watering/maintenance during establishment when weather requires it.
Parks staff said the project advances the department strategic plan goals to increase sustainability and community partnerships.
