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 Widespread flooding was the primary reason for the creation of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District in 1933. The Official Plan of the MWCD called for the construction of 14 dams and reservoirs – the heart of a coordinated and comprehensive system that has effectively provided for the equitable distribution of flood control and to conserve and protect water quality throughout the basin. Today, all of the Muskingum River Watershed benefits from the system’s flood reduction and water conservation features. In fact, since the system’s inception, it has effectively minimized millions of dollars in property damage and saved countless lives. When they were constructed, the reservoirs had a general life expectancy of around 50 years. However, as of 2005, the system has performed capably for nearly 70 years, resisting the effects of sedimentation, erosion and other factors. Today, the watershed system is in dire need of maintenance to continue to meet its original needs. The Amendment to the Official Plan identifies the maintenance needs in the watershed that will be addressed over a 20-year period beginning in 2007. This amendment will enable MWCD to meet the needs identified within the watershed and continue its tradition of strong partnerships with federal, state and local stakeholders, and presents a strategy for renewal of this watershed initiative. |
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