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 Economic Impact Flood control, provided by dams and reservoirs, protects businesses and industries throughout the region and make the area an excellent place for business relocations. Without reliable flood control, there would be a devastating impact on businesses, the future of jobs and the well-being of families. One particular village - Cadiz - can effectively attract business thanks to a plentiful water supply from Tappan Lake. In the future, the District plans a wide variety of improvements including raising road ways to maintain vehicle access in spite of high water. Conservation As resource stewards, the MWCD's Natural Resources staff strives to promote, maintain and enhance the health and diversity of the Conservancy District’s natural resources for the public. Agricultural Various sharecropping operations - notably in the Mohawk and Wills Creek reservoir areas - encompass over 1,000 acres. An active member of the Farm Bureau, the District itself farms large areas. Flood control efforts allow land to be profitably farmed that would regularly be threatened with high water. Natural Resource Protection The MWCD has a long-time commitment to work hand in hand with local, state and federal agencies as well as individuals to reduce pollution. Maintaining a constant effort to protect and even improve water quality, the Conservancy District is at the center of the region's leading water quality initiatives. Forestry Operations Over the years, the Conservancy District has planted millions of trees as part of an ongoing program that also has provided a renewable income source, helping to meet the cost of various flood control efforts. Even more important, the forestry program preserves and protects the thousands of protected acres of forest land for wildlife and nature. Wildlife Protection Flood control and forestry efforts provide an excellent habitat for wildlife propagation. Working with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Division of Wildlife, the MWCD carefully maintains and protects lands and waterways that are open for public access, including hunting and fishing. Mineral Operations The MWCD oil and gas drilling program has been in place for decades, today resulting in hundreds of wells. These wells provide income to help operate the District and serve as valuable sources of energy for homes and businesses in the region. Protecting these wells from the negative effects of flooding is vital. Dredging Program The MWCD's sediment management program is critical to protecting water quality and flood reduction. For example, a dredging program at Charles Mill Reservoir in recent years is the first of many such projects expected in the future at other MWCD reservoirs. Continuing dredging programs are important to maintaining flood reduction and water quality benefits of the reservoirs in the MWCD system. Shoreline Stabilization Projects Every year, the MWCD is faced with major erosion control challenges, restoring shorelines and spreading rip rap as budgets allow. This program is vital to the various District reservoirs and also benefits rivers and streams in various communities. Water Quality Surface water quality is becoming a major asset for the region. This effort also extends to drinking water, which the MWCD provides to the City of Cambridge and the Village of Cadiz. A new treatment center also has been activated at Atwood Resort. This responsibility is expected to grow in the future, as the region's population puts pressure on existing water and sewer systems in the Muskingum River Basin. |
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