NATURAL RESOURCES

Waukesha County is a rapidly urbanizing county bordering the west side of Milwaukee in southeastern Wisconsin. The county is made up of 16 survey townships, covering approximately 580 square miles or 371,600 acres.  Located within its borders are 37 municipalities, including 7 cities, 18 villages and 12 towns. 

The natural resource base of Waukesha County is one of the most important factors influencing the quality of life and the economy for residents within the county and the region.  Without sufficient understanding and recognition of the character and importance of the various elements of the natural resource base, human use and alteration of the natural environment proceeds at the risk of excessive costs in terms of both monetary expenditures and environmental degradation.  A sound and meaningful planning effort must therefore acknowledge that natural resources are limited, and that land use decisions be properly adjusted to the natural resource base so that serious and costly environmental problems can be avoided.