Muskego Lake District Proposes a Compromise With Conservancy

The Little Muskego Lake District (LMLD) has drafted a proposal that could help smooth the waters over a disagreement of Holz Foundation grant dollars that the Muskego Lakes Land Conservancy accepted.  The money was part of funding expected in the purchase and preservation of land, named the Calhoun Creek Preserve, in New Berlin.

LMLD members were upset that the conservancy was not planning on redistributing funds back to all partners involved in the initial purchase of the property. Along with the LMLD, the Little Muskego Lake Association, Linnie Lac Lake District and the cities of Muskego and New Berlin had contributed dollars to purchase the 40-acre parcel to the north of Calhoun Park.

At the December meeting, the conservancy offered to cover the costs of a 50-foot roadway and culvert at the entrance to the land, which would amount to the same amount the LMLD would have received back from the grant dollars. Thursday night's meeting indicated that the LMLD overall felt it would be a good use of the dollars, and recommended setting up a trust.

In the proposal, the trust (called the Calhoun Creek Restoration Fund) would be set up with the $30,000 grant as well as remaining funds from the Wisconsin DNR given to offset costs associated with the purchase (approximately $5,000). The conservancy would be required to apply the funds toward the road and culvert, and would be required to spend down the remaining balance within the next five years.

The funds would need to be used for streambank restoration and repair, repair of bridges and the restoration of native prairie plantings. The road and culvert would need to be completed by May 28, 2012.

The proposal will be sent to the conservancy for review. An agreement could be reached by the LMLD's next meeting in February.