Franklin Savanna
Background
Franklin Savanna State Natural Area (FSSNA) is a 85.6 acre site located on Oakwood Road in the City of Franklin. This rare habitat consists of floodway, floodplain, and associated wetlands along Ryan Creek. Adjacent upland communities, include degraded oak savanna remnants, scattered open and forested wetlands, and row-cropped agricultural fields and pastures. The conservation value of the FSSNA is recognized for containing elements of mesic oak savanna or oak opening, one of the rarest plant communities in Wisconsin.
This natural area has been studied and documented by many over the years. The invaluable information, gathered about the site's preliminary vegetation and floristic surveys by Richard Barloga of the Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy (MALC), staff of the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (Leitner et al. 2003, 2001, 1992, 1978), the Natural Areas Preservation Council, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Endangered Resources, and the Milwaukee County Parks (2004), and various individuals of the Franklin Friends Group.
The Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy is partnering with the Natural Resource Foundation and Milwaukee County to increase the Friends Group volunteer pool and raise funds that will help implement the AES restoration plan. Land uses in the watershed including urban and residential development will continue to threaten the stability and ecological health of the natural communities of the site. A conservation plan for surrounding lands will be needed to protect this site from further degradation.
What is Happening
A broad group of organizations, businesses, and governments are coming together to preserve, protect, and revitalize this precious natural area.
On February 27th, 2008, individuals representing the WDNR, Milwaukee County, the City of Franklin, MALC, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, and many others met at the Franklin Public Library to discuss the site's next steps.
Thanks to this meeting, a set of goals was promoted:
- MALC and Milwaukee County will apply for grants to help fund restoring the site.
- The City of Franklin will begin looking into rezoning the land in and around the savanna as a conservancy district.
- To begin a series of volunteer groups to converge on the site and work on restoration and revitalization of the site, moderated by Milwaukee County and MALC's land management team.
- To possibly create an endowment for the site, for maintenance and other upkeep.
- To seek out individuals, organizations, and area businesses for contributions and volunteers.
- To provide an opportunity to tour similar sites with Dr. Jim Reinartz of the UWM Field Station for educational purposes.
MALC has contributed $14,000 to Milwaukee County Parks and Recreation for restoration at this County owned State Natural Area.