Little Menomonee River Parkway Habitat Restoration & Wildlife Enhancements Project (AOC)

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This is a Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern Project. Please visit the Parks & the AOC and the Waterway Restoration Partnership for more information on this amazing, multi-partner effort to cleanup waterways and restore habitat across the County.


Updates (Section Descriptions below):

LMRP Section 1-6 Fish & Wildlife Aquatic Enhancements - Calling all consultants! We are seeking proposals for Design and Engineering Services for the Little Menomonee River Parkway Fish and Wildlife Aquatic Habitat Enhancements Project. Please visit the County Bonfire hub for more details. Pre-proposal meeting is January 8, 2025 and proposals are due February 11, 2025.

LMRP Section 4 & 5 Habitat Restoration - Fall/Winter 2024 Habitat Restoration Contractor Eco-Resource Consulting will resume clearing of remaining woody invasive species. They will continue clean-up of areas forestry mowed and cleared this past winter. As a reminder timing and schedules are subject to change - use of forestry mowing equipment and clearing activities are dependent on weather and proper ground conditions.

LMRP Sections 2, 3, & 6 Habitat Restoration - Habitat Restoration FINAL Plans coming soon! Expect an outreach meeting in Spring 2025.

LMRP Section 1 Wildlife Enhancements -The design phase has started! Expect updates and opportunities for input in Spring 2025!


Restoration and regeneration along the Little Menomonee River in Section 4


Project Background and Overview:

You may have seen some big changes along the Little Menomonee River Parkway (or LMRP) in the past two years. Dense stands of invasive species have started to come down and for many, the river can be viewed for the first time in 30 years! Soon native trees and shrubs will be planted, and work will begin in new stretches of the parkway. This is one of the largest Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern restoration efforts - seeking to improve habitat and make enhancements for fish and wildlife on over 800 acres of parkland and 6 miles of river!

The LMRP contains a special collection of natural communities now rare in Southeast Wisconsin. Milwaukee County Parks and Community Science volunteers have also documented over 241 species of wildlife in key sections of the parkway, making it a critical AOC Project area to protect and improve. Today the existing natural communities are in degraded condition, impacted by invasive species, development, and deer overpopulation. Once dominated by beech-maple (or southern mesic) and floodplain forest, along with a variety of wetlands, the parkway has lost over 96% of its former habitat. The LMRP project is designed to expand and revitalize these natural areas and support healthy, sustainable populations of wildlife species that rely on them. Planned work includes continued removal of invasive plant species and reintroduction of diverse native trees, shrubs, and plants, as well as in river and shoreline improvements for aquatic critters!


When and Where is Work Happening?

The LMRP is a six-mile river corridor that runs from W. County Line Rd. in the north to the intersection of N. Lovers Lane & W. Hampton Rd. in the south, broken into six management areas, outlined on the map below:

Section locations by major roads:

  • Section 1 - Between County Line Road and Brown Deer Road
  • Section 2 - Between Brown Deer Road to Bradley Road
  • Section 3 - Between Bradley Road to Good Hope Road
  • Section 4 - Between Good Hope Road to Fond du Lac Avenue
  • Section 5 - Between Fond du Lac Avenue to Appleton Avenue
  • Section 6 - Between Appleton Avenue to Hampton Avenue

That's a lot of parkway! Due to the size and scope of work it has been divided into multiple, phased projects, outlined below. When, where, and how much of the parkway are restored are contingenet on funds - all of our AOC projects are fully grant funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Please note that timelines are also subject to change.

Section 1 – Current Phase: Design

Section 1 of the LMRP is one of the largest (approximately 210 acres) and most critical habitat areas in the Milwaukee Estuary AOC, containing forest, shrubland, grassland, and wetland communities. It is essential that Section 1 receives much-needed enhancements, as it is the ecological engine for the entire Little Menomonee River corridor to the south and will support reproducing wildlife populations that are impaired in the AOC. A habitat assessment was conducted from 2020-2021 and an Ecological Restoration and Management Plan (ERMP) were completed in 2022. This document lays out the recommended restoration activities for the site designed to meet both AOC and Milwaukee County Parks goals. Milwaukee County Parks has selected Eco-Resource Consulting, Inc. to take the ERMP to next phase - developing Habitat Restoration Plan sets!

Timelines:

  • Spring 2020 – Winter 2021: Phase 1: Planning - Habitat Assessment & Ecological Restoration & Management Plan Development

  • Spring 2024 – Spring 2025: Phase 2: Design - Habitat Restoration Plan Design & Development

  • 2026 – TBD: Phase 3: Restoration - Habitat Restoration begins, implementing plans approved in the design phase.

Sections 2, 3, & 6: - Current Phase: Design

Sections 2, 3, and 6 of the Parkway contain degraded woodland and grassland habitat, and considerable amounts of invasive species. However, with careful management, including invasive species control and native plant re-establishment, we have the opportunity to restore health and improve biodiversity on over 350 acres of habitat along the river. Specialized projects include including sedge meadow, pocket wetland, and prairie restoration, as well wildlife improvements for shrubland species. The LMRP Section 2-6 ERMP was developed in 2018 and habitat restoration design consultant Eco-Resource Consulting (ERC), finalized HRP sets in January 2024.

Timelines:

  • 2017 – 2018: Phase 1: Planning - Habitat Assessment & Ecological Restoration & Management Plan Development

  • 2022 - 2024: Phase 2: Design - Habitat Restoration Plan Design & Development

  • 2024 – TBD: Phase 3: Restoration - Habitat Restoration begins, implementing plans approved in the design phase.


Sharing the trail in Section 3


Sections 4 & 5 – Current Phase: Restoration

Sections 4 and 5 were prioritized for restoration after a suite of rare species and natural communities were discovered in the planning phase assessments. These included beech-maple and burr oak woodland remnants, a concentration of ephemeral ponds and sedge meadows, and grassland habitat. In 2020 Milwaukee County Parks Natural Areas staff began restoration in the most sensitive areas, working to restore the beech-maple remnant and return the oak woodland to oak savanna conditions. While this was ongoing, design consultant Stantec developed habitat restoration plan sets based on the 2018 LMRP Sections 2-6 ERMP. In 2022, ERC was selected as the restoration contractor and began the intensive work of invasive species control. In December 2023 Parks Natural Areas staff completed management of the beech-maple and oak savanna parcels. ERC continues invasive management in 2024 with the potential for some native plant installation later this year!

Timelines:

  • 2017 - 2018: Phase 1: Planning - Habitat Assessment & Ecological Restoration & Management Plan Development

  • 2021 - 2022: Phase 2: Design - Habitat Restoration Plan Design & Development

  • 2022 - 2026: Phase 3: Restoration - Habitat Restoration begins, implementing plans approved in the design phase.

Sections 1-6 Aquatic Enhancements – Current Phase: Planning & Assessment

In addition to upland restoration activities, the LMRP project will also be making in-river enhancements for aquatic species, including fish, amphibians, and reptiles. A detailed assessment (Feasibility Study) of the waterway from Section 1-6 was completed in 2023, led by Ozaukee County Parks and Planning Department (OCPP) and consultant, Inter-fluve. The purpose of the Feasibility Study was to determine the appropriate types and locations of in-river habitat improvements. This included recommendations for restoration to river-bottom and wetland habitat in Section 1, the planting of more native trees and shrubs along the shoreline in Section 2-6, as well as modifications to structures impeding fish passage and installation of engineered log jams to create more in-river habitat. Since 2021 OCPP has also been conducting fish monitoring assessments anticipated for completion in 2024. In spring of 2024 the County will move the project into Phase 2, seeking consultants to develop final aquatic enhancements design based upon the Feasibility Study for Sections 1-6.

Timelines:

  • 2020 - 2024: Phase 1: Planning - Aquatic Site Assessments, Fish Monitoring, & Feasibility Study

  • 2024 - 2025: Phase 2: Design - Habitat Restoration Plan Design & Development

  • TBD: Phase 3: Restoration - Habitat Restoration begins, implementing plans approved in the design phase.


What to expect?

Left: Crew prepping chainsaws; Right: Herbicide Warning signThe first two phases (planning and design) of each LMRP project should cause minimal disturbance as efforts are focused on data gathering and habitat assessments. Expect to see County staff and consultants in the field, as well as monitoring tools and equipment required for field surveys. However, Phase 3 of the project will likely cause disruption as restoration efforts begin on the ground. You may notice…

  • Temporary trail and recreational amenity closures,
  • Heavy machinery and landscape equipment,
  • Herbicide and forestry tools,
  • Invasive species removal,
  • Tree removal,
  • Revegetation activities,
  • Loud noises,
  • Prescribed burns,
  • Temporary decline of visual aesthetics.

For everyone's safety, please stay on designated trails, do not approach field crews, and be mindful of any signs and notices. We know this work is exciting and some of those machines are pretty cool, but crews are wearing protective gear for a reason - use of chainsaws, forestry mowers, herbicide and other restoration tools requires total focus. More details at AOC FAQ (Coming soon).

Restoration work is a process. There may be times that these areas are unsightly, and trails may be closed, but we promise it will be worth the wait. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation!

Project Benefits

  • Enhance recreation opportunities for the community
  • Increase of fish and wildlife populations
  • Improve quality of habitat types
  • Improve in-river aquatic habitats
  • Improve water quality of the Little Menomonee River
  • Designed for climate adaptation

Not only will this project help to enhance native biodiversity and outdoor recreation for the community, but it is also a necessary action to help de-list the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern. “De-listing” involves completing projects that will address issues, or Beneficial Use Impairments, which have prevented humans, fish, and wildlife from being able to fully and safely use our natural resources. The LMRP project will achieve this by addressing the Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat and Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs). For more information on delisting and BUIs visit Parks and the AOC.

How can I get involved and where can I learn more?

The best way to get involved is by signing up for project updates on this page! You can also sign up for the WRP Newsletter to stay up to date on all things AOC. Your input is valuable and important to all AOC Projects, we encourage you to join us at events or interact with us online!

While there is a lot of heavy lifting for us to do first, there will be many different ways you get involved in the future, such as:
  • Volunteer workdays,
  • Species monitoring,
  • Educational hikes and events,
  • And more!

But there are some very important ways you can help now:

  • Start a Friend’s Group and work with local non-profits. Little Menomonee River Parkway needs you – there currently is no Friends Group for this amazing site. More information can be found here: 2022 Friends Group Field Guide. Friends Groups and local non-profits can help provide long term maintenance and monitoring once the project is completed.
  • Help keep our parks clean! Illegal dumping has been one of the biggest challenges to improving the parkway. Work has been halted and delayed on multiple occasions until the issue could be properly managed. If you see something, please submit a report via the Milwaukee County Parks Issue Reporter. Some of the recent issues we have encountered:


Left: Hundreds of used diapers thrown into Section 5 required a special contractor for removal; Middle: TV, desk, clothes, mail and other personal items driven in & abandoned along the Oak Leaf Trail; Right: Tires and construction materials dumped in Section 4.

Still looking for some more information? Check back on Parks’ website for updates (search for "Area of Concern"), or you can find additional fact sheets, videos, presentations and project specific answers to frequently asked questions by visiting Waterway Restoration Partnership website.

Land and Water Acknowledgement

This is a Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern Project. Please visit the Parks & the AOC and the Waterway Restoration Partnership for more information on this amazing, multi-partner effort to cleanup waterways and restore habitat across the County.


Updates (Section Descriptions below):

LMRP Section 1-6 Fish & Wildlife Aquatic Enhancements - Calling all consultants! We are seeking proposals for Design and Engineering Services for the Little Menomonee River Parkway Fish and Wildlife Aquatic Habitat Enhancements Project. Please visit the County Bonfire hub for more details. Pre-proposal meeting is January 8, 2025 and proposals are due February 11, 2025.

LMRP Section 4 & 5 Habitat Restoration - Fall/Winter 2024 Habitat Restoration Contractor Eco-Resource Consulting will resume clearing of remaining woody invasive species. They will continue clean-up of areas forestry mowed and cleared this past winter. As a reminder timing and schedules are subject to change - use of forestry mowing equipment and clearing activities are dependent on weather and proper ground conditions.

LMRP Sections 2, 3, & 6 Habitat Restoration - Habitat Restoration FINAL Plans coming soon! Expect an outreach meeting in Spring 2025.

LMRP Section 1 Wildlife Enhancements -The design phase has started! Expect updates and opportunities for input in Spring 2025!


Restoration and regeneration along the Little Menomonee River in Section 4


Project Background and Overview:

You may have seen some big changes along the Little Menomonee River Parkway (or LMRP) in the past two years. Dense stands of invasive species have started to come down and for many, the river can be viewed for the first time in 30 years! Soon native trees and shrubs will be planted, and work will begin in new stretches of the parkway. This is one of the largest Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern restoration efforts - seeking to improve habitat and make enhancements for fish and wildlife on over 800 acres of parkland and 6 miles of river!

The LMRP contains a special collection of natural communities now rare in Southeast Wisconsin. Milwaukee County Parks and Community Science volunteers have also documented over 241 species of wildlife in key sections of the parkway, making it a critical AOC Project area to protect and improve. Today the existing natural communities are in degraded condition, impacted by invasive species, development, and deer overpopulation. Once dominated by beech-maple (or southern mesic) and floodplain forest, along with a variety of wetlands, the parkway has lost over 96% of its former habitat. The LMRP project is designed to expand and revitalize these natural areas and support healthy, sustainable populations of wildlife species that rely on them. Planned work includes continued removal of invasive plant species and reintroduction of diverse native trees, shrubs, and plants, as well as in river and shoreline improvements for aquatic critters!


When and Where is Work Happening?

The LMRP is a six-mile river corridor that runs from W. County Line Rd. in the north to the intersection of N. Lovers Lane & W. Hampton Rd. in the south, broken into six management areas, outlined on the map below:

Section locations by major roads:

  • Section 1 - Between County Line Road and Brown Deer Road
  • Section 2 - Between Brown Deer Road to Bradley Road
  • Section 3 - Between Bradley Road to Good Hope Road
  • Section 4 - Between Good Hope Road to Fond du Lac Avenue
  • Section 5 - Between Fond du Lac Avenue to Appleton Avenue
  • Section 6 - Between Appleton Avenue to Hampton Avenue

That's a lot of parkway! Due to the size and scope of work it has been divided into multiple, phased projects, outlined below. When, where, and how much of the parkway are restored are contingenet on funds - all of our AOC projects are fully grant funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Please note that timelines are also subject to change.

Section 1 – Current Phase: Design

Section 1 of the LMRP is one of the largest (approximately 210 acres) and most critical habitat areas in the Milwaukee Estuary AOC, containing forest, shrubland, grassland, and wetland communities. It is essential that Section 1 receives much-needed enhancements, as it is the ecological engine for the entire Little Menomonee River corridor to the south and will support reproducing wildlife populations that are impaired in the AOC. A habitat assessment was conducted from 2020-2021 and an Ecological Restoration and Management Plan (ERMP) were completed in 2022. This document lays out the recommended restoration activities for the site designed to meet both AOC and Milwaukee County Parks goals. Milwaukee County Parks has selected Eco-Resource Consulting, Inc. to take the ERMP to next phase - developing Habitat Restoration Plan sets!

Timelines:

  • Spring 2020 – Winter 2021: Phase 1: Planning - Habitat Assessment & Ecological Restoration & Management Plan Development

  • Spring 2024 – Spring 2025: Phase 2: Design - Habitat Restoration Plan Design & Development

  • 2026 – TBD: Phase 3: Restoration - Habitat Restoration begins, implementing plans approved in the design phase.

Sections 2, 3, & 6: - Current Phase: Design

Sections 2, 3, and 6 of the Parkway contain degraded woodland and grassland habitat, and considerable amounts of invasive species. However, with careful management, including invasive species control and native plant re-establishment, we have the opportunity to restore health and improve biodiversity on over 350 acres of habitat along the river. Specialized projects include including sedge meadow, pocket wetland, and prairie restoration, as well wildlife improvements for shrubland species. The LMRP Section 2-6 ERMP was developed in 2018 and habitat restoration design consultant Eco-Resource Consulting (ERC), finalized HRP sets in January 2024.

Timelines:

  • 2017 – 2018: Phase 1: Planning - Habitat Assessment & Ecological Restoration & Management Plan Development

  • 2022 - 2024: Phase 2: Design - Habitat Restoration Plan Design & Development

  • 2024 – TBD: Phase 3: Restoration - Habitat Restoration begins, implementing plans approved in the design phase.


Sharing the trail in Section 3


Sections 4 & 5 – Current Phase: Restoration

Sections 4 and 5 were prioritized for restoration after a suite of rare species and natural communities were discovered in the planning phase assessments. These included beech-maple and burr oak woodland remnants, a concentration of ephemeral ponds and sedge meadows, and grassland habitat. In 2020 Milwaukee County Parks Natural Areas staff began restoration in the most sensitive areas, working to restore the beech-maple remnant and return the oak woodland to oak savanna conditions. While this was ongoing, design consultant Stantec developed habitat restoration plan sets based on the 2018 LMRP Sections 2-6 ERMP. In 2022, ERC was selected as the restoration contractor and began the intensive work of invasive species control. In December 2023 Parks Natural Areas staff completed management of the beech-maple and oak savanna parcels. ERC continues invasive management in 2024 with the potential for some native plant installation later this year!

Timelines:

  • 2017 - 2018: Phase 1: Planning - Habitat Assessment & Ecological Restoration & Management Plan Development

  • 2021 - 2022: Phase 2: Design - Habitat Restoration Plan Design & Development

  • 2022 - 2026: Phase 3: Restoration - Habitat Restoration begins, implementing plans approved in the design phase.

Sections 1-6 Aquatic Enhancements – Current Phase: Planning & Assessment

In addition to upland restoration activities, the LMRP project will also be making in-river enhancements for aquatic species, including fish, amphibians, and reptiles. A detailed assessment (Feasibility Study) of the waterway from Section 1-6 was completed in 2023, led by Ozaukee County Parks and Planning Department (OCPP) and consultant, Inter-fluve. The purpose of the Feasibility Study was to determine the appropriate types and locations of in-river habitat improvements. This included recommendations for restoration to river-bottom and wetland habitat in Section 1, the planting of more native trees and shrubs along the shoreline in Section 2-6, as well as modifications to structures impeding fish passage and installation of engineered log jams to create more in-river habitat. Since 2021 OCPP has also been conducting fish monitoring assessments anticipated for completion in 2024. In spring of 2024 the County will move the project into Phase 2, seeking consultants to develop final aquatic enhancements design based upon the Feasibility Study for Sections 1-6.

Timelines:

  • 2020 - 2024: Phase 1: Planning - Aquatic Site Assessments, Fish Monitoring, & Feasibility Study

  • 2024 - 2025: Phase 2: Design - Habitat Restoration Plan Design & Development

  • TBD: Phase 3: Restoration - Habitat Restoration begins, implementing plans approved in the design phase.


What to expect?

Left: Crew prepping chainsaws; Right: Herbicide Warning signThe first two phases (planning and design) of each LMRP project should cause minimal disturbance as efforts are focused on data gathering and habitat assessments. Expect to see County staff and consultants in the field, as well as monitoring tools and equipment required for field surveys. However, Phase 3 of the project will likely cause disruption as restoration efforts begin on the ground. You may notice…

  • Temporary trail and recreational amenity closures,
  • Heavy machinery and landscape equipment,
  • Herbicide and forestry tools,
  • Invasive species removal,
  • Tree removal,
  • Revegetation activities,
  • Loud noises,
  • Prescribed burns,
  • Temporary decline of visual aesthetics.

For everyone's safety, please stay on designated trails, do not approach field crews, and be mindful of any signs and notices. We know this work is exciting and some of those machines are pretty cool, but crews are wearing protective gear for a reason - use of chainsaws, forestry mowers, herbicide and other restoration tools requires total focus. More details at AOC FAQ (Coming soon).

Restoration work is a process. There may be times that these areas are unsightly, and trails may be closed, but we promise it will be worth the wait. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation!

Project Benefits

  • Enhance recreation opportunities for the community
  • Increase of fish and wildlife populations
  • Improve quality of habitat types
  • Improve in-river aquatic habitats
  • Improve water quality of the Little Menomonee River
  • Designed for climate adaptation

Not only will this project help to enhance native biodiversity and outdoor recreation for the community, but it is also a necessary action to help de-list the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern. “De-listing” involves completing projects that will address issues, or Beneficial Use Impairments, which have prevented humans, fish, and wildlife from being able to fully and safely use our natural resources. The LMRP project will achieve this by addressing the Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat and Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs). For more information on delisting and BUIs visit Parks and the AOC.

How can I get involved and where can I learn more?

The best way to get involved is by signing up for project updates on this page! You can also sign up for the WRP Newsletter to stay up to date on all things AOC. Your input is valuable and important to all AOC Projects, we encourage you to join us at events or interact with us online!

While there is a lot of heavy lifting for us to do first, there will be many different ways you get involved in the future, such as:
  • Volunteer workdays,
  • Species monitoring,
  • Educational hikes and events,
  • And more!

But there are some very important ways you can help now:

  • Start a Friend’s Group and work with local non-profits. Little Menomonee River Parkway needs you – there currently is no Friends Group for this amazing site. More information can be found here: 2022 Friends Group Field Guide. Friends Groups and local non-profits can help provide long term maintenance and monitoring once the project is completed.
  • Help keep our parks clean! Illegal dumping has been one of the biggest challenges to improving the parkway. Work has been halted and delayed on multiple occasions until the issue could be properly managed. If you see something, please submit a report via the Milwaukee County Parks Issue Reporter. Some of the recent issues we have encountered:


Left: Hundreds of used diapers thrown into Section 5 required a special contractor for removal; Middle: TV, desk, clothes, mail and other personal items driven in & abandoned along the Oak Leaf Trail; Right: Tires and construction materials dumped in Section 4.

Still looking for some more information? Check back on Parks’ website for updates (search for "Area of Concern"), or you can find additional fact sheets, videos, presentations and project specific answers to frequently asked questions by visiting Waterway Restoration Partnership website.

Land and Water Acknowledgement

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Page last updated: 16 Dec 2024, 02:49 PM