Ohio is currently experiencing significant drought conditions, with nearly two-thirds of the state affected, according to the latest data from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s “U.S. Drought Monitor.” As of Thursday, August 22, the Drought Monitor reports that 62.67% of the state is under drought conditions. Since the beginning of the calendar year, nearly 45% of Ohio has been impacted by drought.

The most severe conditions, classified as “extreme drought,” are primarily affecting Southern and Southeastern Ohio. Approximately 2.7 million Ohioans currently live in drought-affected areas.

In response to these challenging conditions, the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) is taking proactive steps to protect the state’s vital water resources. As part of our ongoing commitment to balancing economic development, drinking water needs, and recreational opportunities, MWCD staff have been closely monitoring lake levels throughout the watershed and are prepared to take any precautions needed.

Beginning Wednesday, August 28, MWCD will curtail water withdrawals from Atwood Lake until conditions improve. This decision comes in light of the extreme dry conditions that have caused lake levels to drop by over 12 inches, impacting some recreational activities.

“MWCD lakes store over 68 billion gallons of water during the summer, with Atwood Lake alone having a storage capacity of over 7 billion gallons,” said Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director. “While our program to sell water has a negligible impact on lake levels, we are taking this proactive measure to ensure that we balance our economic, recreational, and conservation priorities during this critical time.”

MWCD remains committed to preserving Ohio’s lakes and recreational resources, ensuring they continue to serve the community’s needs both now and in the future. For more information about MWCD or to view lake levels in real time, visit www.mwcd.org.

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) is now accepting applications for the Nonpoint Source Implementation Strategy (NPS-IS) Development Fund. This newly created fund is intended to assist communities in developing a 9-element nonpoint source implementation strategy for watersheds within the Muskingum River Basin and implement them through conservation programs and projects, water quality issues, and flood reduction and mitigation projects.

Nonpoint source pollution does not come from a single, identifiable source, such as an industrial facility or residence, but instead is created collectively from multiple diffuse sources, such as agriculture or forestry, construction activities or even highways. Because the sources are difficult to pin down, it can be difficult to correct and, therefore, requires larger, community-wide strategies to effectively address.

A NPS-IS is a strategic planning document that summarizes the causes of nonpoint source water impairments and identifies projects to address them. Each watershed has its own unique list of issues, and each plan will be unique to properly address those issues. Most of all, an approved NPS-IS opens the door to funding opportunities through both state and federal organizations that are otherwise unavailable.

“This fund represents a significant step forward in supporting MWCD’s neighboring communities as they work to improve water quality and manage flood risks,” said Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director. “By assisting with the development of these strategic plans, we are helping to lay the groundwork for long-term environmental and economic benefits throughout the Muskingum River Basin.”

The new fund aims to reimburse up to 75% of a community’s costs associated with developing a nonpoint source implementation strategy (NPS-IS), up to $9,000.00 per plan. The grant opportunity provides assistance to local agencies and groups involved in projects and programs that support the conservation and flood control aspects of MWCD’s mission as outlined in the Amendment to the Official Plan of the MWCD.

The deadline to apply is October 1, 2024. The application is available online at www.MWCD.org and can be emailed to Rome Marinelli, Watershed Coordinator at [email protected].

The MWCD held a community open house on July 18th to solicit feedback from the community regarding a plan to potentially develop the Atwood Lake Peninsula located across Lodge Road on SR 542. We had a great response at the open house, but in case you missed it, you still have an opportunity to provide feedback.

What’s being considered includes housing, retail, community services, and recreational opportunities. We invite you to join the conversation and provide feedback by Saturday, August 3.

Graphic inspiration boards have been designed to provide a options for consideration, along with a survey where you can provide feedback.

Click here to view graphic inspiration boards 

MWCD Celebrates ‘Where You Belong’  

Parks and Recreation Month highlight the impacts of outdoor recreation 

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) is celebrating Park and Recreation Month, an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), by inviting our community to share their experiences, memories and stories about what parks and recreation mean to them. Since 1985, July has been celebrated as the nation’s official Park and Recreation Month. Park and Recreation Month specifically highlights the essential and powerful role local park and recreation professionals play in building stronger, more vibrant and more resilient communities across the country.   

This July, we will celebrate the vital role park and recreation professionals play in bringing people together, providing essential services and fostering the growth of our communities. 

“July is an ideal time to highlight the significant contributions of our park and recreation professionals to the health, well-being, and growth of our community,” said Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director. “We play a crucial role in offering outdoor recreation opportunities to over five million visitors who enjoy our lakes each year. It’s essential for park systems to thrive, enriching both our communities and the lives of our guests. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the power of parks and recreation.” 

MWCD is leading initiatives and providing opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and identities to achieve healthier lifestyles, promote and understand nature and environmental resilience, as well as bring the community closer through a variety of programs and services. Programs range from guided hikes, kayak tours, day camps, live music, and movies under the stars to name a few.  

NRPA and MWCD encourage everyone who supports parks and recreation to share how it has fostered belonging, as well as why their local park and recreation professionals are important to them, on social media with #WhereYouBelong.  

Learn about the activities planned at MWCD parks online at MWCD.org/events. 

The MWCD is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the newly renovated Atwood Lake Park Activity Center. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Saturday, July 13, marking a significant milestone for the park’s ongoing development. 

The Activity Center, located in the heart of Atwood Lake Park, is a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance the recreational experiences of both residents and visitors. This $1.6 million project includes a larger inside gathering space, a covered outdoor gathering space, an expanded nature center with storage, an ADA-accessible restroom, an expanded food prep and concession area with an eat-in dining area, and a larger retail store operated by Kathy Stotzer.  Additionally, the HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems have been upgraded, along with a new standing-seam metal roof and backup generator. The center section of the activity center, aptly named “Community Hub” can accommodate up to 158 people and will be available for reservation for parties and events. 

Attendees of the ribbon cutting will have the opportunity to tour the new facility, learn about upcoming programs and activities, and enjoy light refreshments. 

“The opening of the Atwood Lake Park Activity Center represents our commitment to providing exceptional recreational facilities and amenities for our community,” said Craig Butler, Executive Director of the MWCD. “We are excited to see this center become a hub for learning, activities, and social gatherings for people of all ages.” 

The ceremony will also highlight other recent improvements within the park including improvements to the trail system and the addition of Wi-Fi within the park.  

4,100 feet of existing gravel trails have been paved with asphalt, improving accessibility to various areas within the park. The paved trail now connects the Activity Center to the Amphitheater, Area H, and the Beach Area special event parking lot at a cost of $114,000.  

Another highly requested amenity that is available for guests of Atwood Lake Park is wi-fi. Complimentary wireless data access is now included with your campsite as a introduced as part of the camping reservation to all Atwood camping areas. 

For more information about the MWCD visit www.mwcd.org.  

Funding available for projects advancing conservation, environmental stewardship

Ohio environment, agriculture, and natural resources leader Karl Gebhardt has been appointed to the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) board of directors by the Conservancy Court. The Court is the 18-judge body that oversees MWCD operations and makes appointments to its board. The Court appointed Gebhardt at its recent annual meeting at the Tuscarawas County Courthouse.

“I applaud the Court for selecting Karl for the MWCD board. Time and again he has demonstrated not only his deep knowledge of the natural resources issues in Ohio but also his commitment to public service, having served as a township trustee, senior leader at cabinet agencies and on international committees for the Great Lakes. We are lucky to have his knowledge and experience at work for the MWCD and are deeply grateful for his willingness to serve,” said Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director.

Gebhardt’s service to Ohio includes leading farmland preservation efforts at the Department of Agriculture, as well as deputy director of Water Resources and chief of the Division of Surface Water for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. He also served as deputy director at the Department of Natural Resources, overseeing its Division of Soil and Water Resources and leading the Ohio Lake Erie Commission. He has also served as a township trustee and as a member of the International Joint Commission’s Water Quality Board, a U.S-Canada body that works on shared issues impacting the Great Lakes. He has a master’s in public policy from The Ohio State University and bachelor’s in business from Franklin University.

 “Among Ohio’s many natural gems are the Muskingum River’s watershed and the conservancy district that was created 90 years ago to both help control its flooding and also steward its natural beauty for future generations. There are very few places in the country where public lands are managed as responsibly and where people can so fully enjoy them. I am honored to have the chance to contribute to this work and look forward to partnering with my fellow board members and the talented MWCD staff in continuing this strong legacy,” said Gebhardt.

 Members of Board of Directors are appointed by the Conservancy Court to oversee the operations and business affairs of the MWCD, which manages more than 58,000 acres of land and water dedicated to public use. Board members meet once a month in open, public session.

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) invites you to hit the trails this summer for a chance to win fabulous prizes while having a great time outdoors with your family and friends now through Labor Day!

Find a canvas and enter to win a prize! Guests are encouraged to try and find all six canvases at each of the MWCD parks but have a maximum of three entries per person. (One entry per person, per park.) Three winners will be randomly selected. First, second and third place winners will receive a $200, $100, or $50 gift card respectively, thanks to our sponsor, Encino Energy.

The first 200 entries will receive a custom MWCD walking stick medallion, and all participants with three entries from different parks will receive a walking stick.

Five local schools created the artwork that is on display to encourage residents to get outdoors and explore the trails. MWCD provided the materials, and students painted canvases. Participating schools and the locations of their artwork are:

New Philadelphia High School: Atwood Lake Park

Dover High School: Atwood Lake Park, and Charles Mill Lake Park

Lucas High School: Pleasant Hill Lake Park

Caldwell High School: Seneca Lake Park

Claymont High School: Tappan Lake Park

“We are excited to collaborate once again with local school districts to encourage people to explore our trails and experience nature at one of our parks,” said Pete Novotny, MWCD Chief of Recreation. “We strive to connect people to the outdoors and have focused on improving and adding trails. This is a great opportunity to invite people out to the parks and feature local talent at the same time.”

The artwork will be on display, and the contest will run from Memorial Day through Labor Day. To enter, visit one of the MWCD park locations and search for the canvas on the trail. Once found, take a photo of the canvas and visit www.mwcd.org/capturethecanvas to enter your information, upload your photo, find contest rules and trail maps. Must be 18 years of age to participate. Winners will be notified September 12, 2024

​​​MWCD Celebrates Earth Day by Planting 100 Trees at Clendening Marina and Collecting 33,000 Pounds of Tires at Atwood Lake

NEW PHILADELPHIA, OHIO — Earth Day was celebrated nationally on April 22, but ended up as a week-long event at the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD). The festivities began with litter clean-up events and culminated with a tire take-back.

Mid-week, MWCD partnered with MPLX to plant trees near Clendening Marina. This initiative was designed after the area was clear-cut due to the maturity of the previous white pine trees. MWCD staff, alongside staff from MPLX planted 100 native fruit and nut trees in the marina area.

“The restoration of this area through tree planting is vital for ecological balance and wildlife habitat restoration. Native fruit and nut trees will not only beautify the landscape but also provide essential food sources for local wildlife. By diversifying the tree species, we aim to attract a variety of birds and other wildlife to this important ecosystem. We appreciate the support from MPLX in advancing our conservation mission and are glad to welcome their employees to get this important work done,” said Matt Thomas, MWCD Chief of Conservation.

Other Earth Day activities included a tree giveaway, sponsored by the Williams Companies where more than 800 trees were provided to the public including white pine, red oak, and white oak. The remaining 100 trees were donated to Camp Tuscazoar.

A tire–take back event, sponsored by Kraton Chemical (Dover), Encino Energy, and Muskingum Watershed Conservancy Foundation culminated the week-long activities resulting in 1,100 recycled tires weighing in at more than 33,000 pounds! This event was designed to provide area residents an opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of discarded tires by bringing them to MWCD for proper disposal. Willig Tire Recycling LLC was onsite to accept the tires.

“Our Tire Take Back Event is a crucial step in reducing the environmental hazards posed by discarded tires,” said Thomas. “We were pleased with the programs that took place all week long and are grateful to all of the sponsors who have helped make these opportunities come to life.”

MWCD encourages everyone to join together in protecting and preserving the natural beauty of Eastern Ohio. More information on future MWCD’s events can be found at www.mwcd.org.