Property owners receive a total of $4 million in savings annually

Property owners within the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) will see their property assessments paid to MWCD reduced by 66 percent, from $6 dollars to $2, thanks to the approval of the assessment-reduction plan voted on recently by the MWCD Board of Directors. 

“We have always been good stewards of these public funds and are very pleased to allow residents in the watershed to keep more of their hard-earned dollars in their pockets,” said Craig Butler, MWCD executive director. “We are making this reduction because the district’s financial position has changed positively.  We have been fortunate to earn and invest nearly $200 million in our public-use facilities and recreational areas, and now for the second time, the Board has voted to extend those benefits to the property owners in our watershed by reducing the assessment collection.”   

The assessment originally was levied in 2009 at $12 per parcel and was then cut to $6 in 2015. Assessments are collected through landowners’ county property tax payments, and the funds are required to be used by MWCD on the operation and maintenance of the system of 16 dams and reservoirs. The system was constructed nearly 90 years ago for flood reduction and water conservation benefits in the Muskingum River Watershed, as well as other important conservation and reservoir management projects.

The assessment reduction will result in an estimated $4 million overall reduction in the total amount of assessments collected in 2024 by the MWCD.  However, the district will still meet its financial commitments to the federal government for dam and reservoir maintenance, as well as for conservation and reservoir management projects. Routine financial reviews will be very important and, in the event of any major changes in the district’s financial position, corresponding adjustments could be made to assessment levels.

Assessment funds are also used to support the work of other regional agencies and groups involved in conservation programs, water quality issues, and flood reduction and mitigation projects through the Partners in Watershed Management (PWM) Project Assistance Program. The PWM program provides assistance to local communities, agencies and groups involved in projects and programs that support the conservation and flood control aspects of the Mission of the MWCD. The PWM program, approved by the Board of Directors in June of 2009, has provided over $12.2 million in grant funding for 177 projects.

“There is a tremendous need across the watershed to provide funding to communities, universities and other conservation organizations that regularly partner with us on projects that protect the people of our region,” said Butler. “These projects help to prevent costly flooding, minimize soil erosion and nutrient loss from agricultural operations, assist with upgrading essential community services, and preserve and rehabilitate sensitive lands for public use.  MWCD is proud to be a sponsor of these projects as they support our core mission and allow us to give back to the communities that are in our backyard.” 

In addition, the MWCD has spent assessment funds on shoreline stabilization projects at the MWCD lakes and dredging of the lakes. Assessment revenues by law cannot be used to pay for projects that enhance or improve the MWCD’s recreational programs and facilities, and all expenditures must be covered by guidelines stipulated in the Amendment to the Official Plan of the MWCD that was approved in 2005 by the Conservancy Court and the Board of Directors.

The MWCD collects assessments from owners of property in all or portions of the following counties: Ashland, Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Knox, Licking, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Richland, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas, Washington and Wayne.

MWCD Staff held a virtual public meeting on April 12 to welcome back campers and boaters for the 2023 season. In case you missed it, the recording is now available on YouTube! 

Whether you camp with us for the season, or occasionally throughout the year, this meeting will provide updates from MWCD Staff on exciting things to expect throughout the year. 

Meeting agenda:

• Welcome back campers! 
• Introduction of new Chief Ranger 
• Program overview/ Communication
• Campground Rules Overview
• Upcoming Projects
• Q&A

Click on the image below to view the recording on YouTube.

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Did you know that MWCD owns and operates a flood control system in Medina and Wayne counties that is separate from the Muskingum Flood Control System? The system is operated by the Chippewa Subdistrict of MWCD.

Chippewa Subdistrict was formed in the 1960s through a grassroots effort led by local business owners and farmers to lessen the devastating impacts of flooding along Chippewa Creek, which starts in northern Medina County and flows in a southeasterly direction to where it meets the Tuscarawas River near the town of Clinton. The Chippewa Creek watershed encompasses 188 square miles. The eight dams and associated channel improvements along Chippewa Creek and two other tributaries, Little Chippewa Creek and River Styx, were designed and built by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), now called the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The SCS built hundreds of similar dams all over the United States. However, to build the Chippewa system, a local sponsor was required. MWCD was asked to fill that role and was instrumental in acquiring property and easements for construction of the dams and channel improvements. Construction of the project was supported by federal funds at a total cost of $12,190,000 with a local cost-share of $2,268,000. When the last dam was built in 1980, the entire system was handed over to the Chippewa Subdistrict to own, maintain, and operate.

The Chippewa Subdistrict is its own entity and was created and is operated in a similar fashion as the larger MWCD. Chippewa has a project coordinator on staff that keeps the system operating smoothly and the chief engineer for MWCD also serves as chief engineer for the Chippewa Subdistrict. The subdistrict also has its own Conservancy Court and maintenance assessment which generates $320,000 per year. Those funds are used to maintain the eight dams and associated spillway systems, remove logjams and debris that accumulate throughout the channel system, maintain access along the channel system, and maintain over 600 drainage structures along the channel. Local contractors are utilized for much of the maintenance work and in doing so, Chippewa supports many small businesses in the local community.

For nearly five decades, the Chippewa Flood Control System has been a great success in preventing disastrous flooding for communities along Chippewa Creek including Seville, Sterling, Creston, Rittman, and Clinton. The last devastating flood occurred in 1969 when severe thunderstorms moved from Lake Erie into Ohio’s north coast communities on July 4th. This line of storms became stationary for eight hours from Toledo southeastward through Fremont, Norwalk, Ashland, and Wooster. 10-14 inches of rain fell in a band heading southeast from Ottawa County to Wayne and Holmes Counties. Massillon, just east of that area, received six or more inches of rain. Most of Ashland and Wayne Counties were flooded and isolated for two days after the flood. Killbuck Creek in Holmes County rose 20 feet, its highest known level.

Chippewa’s dams range in size from 27 feet to 55 feet tall and from 470 feet to over 2,600 feet in length. Four of the dams are “dry dams” meaning they do not impound water during normal conditions, while the other four are “wet dams” where a permanent reservoir is impounded behind the dams. All eight dams are regulated by the State of Ohio and are in complete compliance with state standards and regulations.

If you ever find yourself driving west on Interstate 76 about two miles before the Interstate 71 intersection, look northward and you will see Hubbard Valley Dam, one of Chippewa’s dams.

Boris Slogar                                                                                                                                                          Chief Engineer

This article was featured in MWCD’s quarterly newsletter, LakeViews. To join our LakeViews mailing list, call 330-343-6647 or visit MWCD.org 

The American chestnut was once the dominant economically and ecologically important tree species in eastern North America. Among the tallest, largest, and fastest-growing trees, and often found in both urban and rural settings, nearly four billion American chestnut trees covered the region. Facing extinction from a fungal blight in the early 20th century, it has become the embodiment for landscape-level ecological disasters. By the 1930s, entire ecosystems collapsed, and economies shifted dramatically. The local traditions and culinary history that centered around the American chestnut faded into the past along with the deaths of millions of trees.

In the aftermath of the disease that swept across Appalachia, there still were some remnant trees struggling to survive. These trees, more of a scrubby bush than an actual tree, were living genetic stock that offered hope of reintroducing the chestnut into our landscape.

Since the 1980s, The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) has been working to create a blight-resistant American chestnut tree by crossing it with blight-resistant Chinese chestnut varieties. Carefully controlled pollination and selection of trees that exhibit blight resistance, nut quality and timber producing characteristics have brought us to the point of experimental reintroduction into forested areas. Developing trees with good characteristics in isolation is only half the battle. The other half is studying how these seedlings survive in a more natural landscape.

The Ohio chapter of TACF has participated in this national effort and has also conducted independent chestnut breeding research with Dr. Greg Miller of Ohio TACF and Empire Chestnut Company, Carroll County. Miller has been breeding and selecting chestnut trees with tall timber-type growth form, blight resistance, and other beneficial characteristics for over 40 years.

MWCD has the unique ability to plant, monitor, and manage test plantings within the watershed. These small plots help managers assess tree survival and growth and are an important first step in better understanding how they can be part of Ohio’s forests once again.

In April 2022, MWCD planted 200 chestnut trees – 100 from TACF’s backcross breeding program, and 100 from Empire Chestnut Company. These trees were planted near Tappan Lake in Harrison County. MWCD’s Conservation Department, in partnership with TACF, Empire Chestnut Company, and researchers from The Ohio State University will be monitoring the growth and survival of the trees as they start to fill the canopy. When these trees reach nut-bearing age (approximately five years), MWCD will survey the surrounding forests and fields for evidence of natural regeneration.

These renewed chestnut trees have quite a lot to offer beyond timber, wood products, and food. By reintroducing the chestnut into the forest, we make our forest ecosystems more resilient, more biodiverse, and able to withstand future challenges. MWCD is proud to participate in this critical research and long-term forest management for the greater good of our Ohio landscapes, wildlife, and people.

These trees and their seedlings will become part of our diverse Ohio forests filling that ecological niche once lost. MWCD is making the important first steps needed to achieve sustainable chestnut timber harvest in Ohio. This will ultimately return chestnut wood products to local markets for the first time in over 100 years.

Matt Thomas                                                                                                                                                          Chief of Conservation

This article was featured in MWCD’s quarterly newsletter, LakeViews. To join our LakeViews mailing list, call 330-343-6647 or visit MWCD.org 

Age is just a number, right? 55 is the new 35, or so I am told. We hear these axioms all the time and it made me think about age in a different way. MWCD is turning 90 years old this year and if we think about this in terms of business survival, that is excellent! The prevailing theory, though unconfirmed, is that only about a half a percent (0.5%) of all companies have what it takes to last 100 years. This means that centennial firms—and MWCD is getting close—truly do have a lot to celebrate. In our case, turning 90 is unique from a business longevity perspective, but we see it as “just a number.” While we make time to honor and celebrate our past, we as stewards of MWCD, are looking forward and making plans for MWCD to be active, healthy, and a positive influence in the region for decades to come.

Speaking about honoring our past, immediate past Executive Director, John Hoopingarner took to the pen in 1993 to mark the 60th birthday of the MWCD. He eloquently reminded us of the will and foresight of strong leaders instrumental in our founding and success, none more-so than Bryce Browning, and predecessor of John, have laid and protected a strong foundation for which the modern-day MWCD is built. All of us in the Muskingum Valley and Ohio should be thankful for them and what they did.

Moving forward 30 years and we are just finishing a new strategic plan that will guide our actions, investments, and direction for the next five years, while also looking out 20 years. If you have ever gone through a robust planning process like this, it can be both rewarding and difficult. Difficult in the sense you are trying to juggle the day-to-day activities of running the business, while at the same time coming together with your staff and stakeholders to plan for the future. The result of this, not surprisingly, has MWCD continuing its excellent mission and work reducing the threat of flooding across the entire district while supporting conservation efforts and offering recreational opportunities – our three core pillars. However, we are contemplating how to do this differently, such as working with communities on issues like stormwater management and using green infrastructure to slow these waters before they enter our lakes. Likewise, we are putting a spin on our other long-successful pillar, recreation. Our last several strategic plans had MWCD focus squarely on investing in replacing infrastructure and building new recreational – camping – assets at our parks. While we will continue to work on areas still needing some TLC, we are looking forward to what our recreation mission will look like in the future. You will hear us talk about “reimagining recreation” and working to define what this means. Lastly, and somewhat new to the MWCD, is a large focus on conservation. This means many things. From improving our own sustainability and environmental performance, to planning for major investments of time and resources in the watershed to help improve water quality with our partners like the Department of Agriculture, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, farmers, and many others. So, as you can see, we are charting a new course, looking forward to new opportunities, but respecting our past traditions and continuing to support our mission and values.

In thinking how to close this editorial, I couldn’t find any better way than how John closed in his 1993 version…“our presence in the Muskingum Valley has enhanced our lives with countless benefits: jobs, commerce, industry, recreation, conservation, flood control, and on and on. Proud? Yes…and if you’d like to learn more about the district, give me a call. I never tire of telling the story.” I too, never get tired of telling our story. Happy 90th birthday, MWCD! You look great!

Craig Butler                                                                                                                                                            Executive Director

This article was featured in MWCD’s quarterly newsletter, LakeViews. To join our LakeViews mailing list, call 330-343-6647 or visit MWCD.org 

Two pickleball courts, a basketball court, playground, cornhole, community firepit, and swings with a scenic view of the lake are now under construction at Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District’s (MWCD) Pleasant Hill Lake Park in Perrysville, Ohio.

The amenities, totaling nearly $1 million, are scheduled to open by Memorial Day, and are part of the MWCD Master Plan investing approximately $195 million at Atwood, Charles Mill, Piedmont, Pleasant Hill, Seneca, and Tappan Lakes to improve infrastructure and construct new campground areas.

“We are excited to see these amenities under construction,” said Ryan McCleaster, MWCD Chief of Recreation. “We recently completed a strategic plan which includes the imperative to Reimagine Recreation. This project is one great example of many amenities that we plan to bring from idea to reality over the next 5-years at MWCD lakes and parks.” 

To date, 12 projects have been completed at Pleasant Hill Lake Park since 2016. These projects include a boat storage lot, sanitary collection system improvements, activity center improvements,  two new campgrounds and four renovated campgrounds, two new and one renovated restroom/shower building, and 10 new log cabins featuring indoor fireplaces and outdoor hot tubs. The total investment at Pleasant Hill to date is $26.1 million.

MWCD has become a model for outdoor recreation, drawing guests from across Ohio and the U.S. We are leaving a legacy for future generations to enjoy the benefits of recreation in the Muskingum River Watershed. 

An upcoming project will take place on portions of MWCD property at Atwood Lake. The project will include a Geophysical Survey conducted by Dawson Geophysical Company on behalf of EOG Resources. We have discussed and worked with both Dawson and EOG in advance of the project. For your convenience we have included below some frequently asked questions regarding this type of project. Please review this information at your convenience. We appreciate your patience while this project takes place.

What is a geophysical survey?
Geophysical surveys use acoustic waves to create images of the earth through analysis of vibrations from those waves. Surveys can be conducted on land and water. It’s basically like taking a “sonogram” beneath the surface.

Why is a geophysical survey needed?
The oil and gas industry uses the survey to image the earth’s subsurface layers to determine oil and gas reserves, along with other geologic features which could affect the exploration and development of the reserves.

How will this project affect me?

Throughout the duration of the project, you may experience temporary inconvenience in certain areas while recreating on land and on the water at and around Atwood Lake. This could include increased foot, vehicle, and equipment traffic, temporary boat traffic pattern changes, equipment placement and retrieval in and around MWCD lands, facilities, and on the lake. Please see the pictures below for examples of some of the equipment to be utilized during the project. No equipment is being placed on cottage area lots and access to cottage area lots is prohibited.

Has MWCD allowed geophysical surveys in the past?
MWCD has permitted both large and small geophysical surveys in the past, including at Atwood.

What is the timeline for this project?
Currently the project is expected to start in January-February of 2023. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of April 2023.

Where will the geophysical survey take place?
The entire survey is being conducted for a ~135 square mile area in Carroll, Stark, and Tuscarawas counties Ohio. A smaller portion of the entire survey is expected to be conducted at pre-determined global positioning system (gps) points on approximately 3,000 acres of MWCD land and water on the western side of Atwood Lake.

What steps are involved in a geophysical survey?
A geophysical survey typically involves multiple steps. They include a cultural survey, data recording and collection, and data analyzation.
1. Cultural Survey: Is the first step of the process to identify cultural points such as utilities, structures, and other items. Safety buffers are added to subsequently lay out a grid of energy sources and receivers.
2. Data Recording and Collection: The acoustic waves are created by an energy source at the surface. Acoustic wavelets then travel through subsurface layers of rock and then travel back to the surface, where the data is recorded by receivers at the surface.
3. Data Analyzed: This recorded data is subsequently analyzed to produce an image of the subsurface layers for use in exploration and development.

Who is Dawson Geophysical Company?
Dawson Geophysical is a leading provider in North America for onshore data acquisition services, operating in many of the larger producing basins including the Appalachian Basin. Additional information can be found at dawson3d.com.

What is the benefit to MWCD?
Primarily, the survey will benefit the development of MWCD’s mineral reserves to develop these reserves in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner. The survey information can allow the operator to reduce risk regarding cost, safety, and negative effects to the environment by allowing for more accurate planning of well locations and more accurate design of drilling and completions operations. The information can also reduce the probability of technical issues or hazards for the drilling and operations process. Additional benefits to MWCD could include a better picture or understanding of the geology underlying the lake and MWCD lands, as well as being a good steward and partner for private landowners adjacent to and within the entire survey to realize the benefits.

Who can I contact if I have any questions?
If you have questions, please contact 330-343-6647

An example of a receiver on water	An example of a receiver on land

Members of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) Board of Directors approved investing $5 million to create a fund managed by The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) at their meeting held on January 27.

FAO is a regional community foundation serving Appalachian Ohio’s 32 counties with the mission to create opportunities for Appalachian Ohio’s citizens and communities by inspiring and supporting philanthropy. The organization has five areas of investment known as Pillars of Prosperity Funds. The pillars are education, health and human services, community and economic development, arts and culture, and environmental stewardship.

The MWCD recently completed a five-year strategic plan which focuses on key areas, including strengthening conservation and sustainability. The plan identifies ways to makes tangible progress toward improving water quality, protecting healthy ecosystems, catalyzing collaborations, and demonstrating sustainability. The investment to FAO will contribute to their Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Prosperity which aligns with the priorities within the MWCD Conservation Strategic plan.

We are very excited to partner with FAO as we share a commitment to improving lives and the environment  in Appalachia said Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director.  MWCD remains committed to our mission of flood mitigation, recreation, and conservation and through our strategic investments, we now have the opportunity to fund programs that will encourage and enhance environmental stewardship.

“We are grateful for MWCD’s visionary leadership in our region,” said Cara Dingus Brook, FAO President & CEO.  “MWCD’s investment will create many possibilities in the areas of environmental stewardship, not only today but for generations to come. We are excited to be partnering with MWCD and look forward to sharing information and grant applications soon.”

For more information, visit www.mwcd.org or www.appalachianohio.org.

Photograph Attached: Left to right: Front Row: Jim Crandall, MWCD CFO, Cara Dingus Brook, FAO President & CEO, The Honorable Judge Robert S. Moorehead, Jr., President, MWCD Board of Directors, Joanne Limbach, MWCD Board Member, Holley Shelton, FAO Vice President Back Row: Gordon Maupin, MWCD Board Member, Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director, James Gresh, MWCD Board Member

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) announced today that it has been recognized for excellence in policy management and training in 2022 by Lexipol, the nation’s leading provider of policy, training and wellness support for first responders and public servants.

The Lexipol Connect program tracks MWCD law enforcement performance on five metrics proven to measure success in policy management. MWCD achieved Gold recognition for consistent and effective policy dissemination to personnel, timely policy updates as laws change, and officer training on policies.

“I am very proud of the Ranger Department for this recognition,” says Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director. “MWCD’s excellence in policy and policy training enhances community safety by ensuring consistent, effective response based on national best practices. We are proud to be recognized by Lexipol Connect for continuously improving professionalism and safety.”

In 2021, the ranger department also received the Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Agency Certification. To obtain the certification, agencies must meet statewide standards set by the U.S. Department of Justice, the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, and the Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Agency Certification Program.

MWCD Rangers are required to be certified police officers within the State of Ohio and have full police powers on MWCD property and adjacent property. To become a certified Police Officer, they must complete the Ohio Police Officer Training Academy.  The requirements include intense training on Ohio Laws, Search and Seizure, Self Defense Training, Use of Force Training, Firearms, Pursuit Driving, Human Behaviors, De-escalation Techniques, Diversity, First Aid, and numerous other topics.  The MWCD employs 34 Rangers who are guided by professional policies that are written by Lexipol and are nationally recognized as Best Practices for Law enforcement Agencies.  

The job duties for a MWCD Ranger can vary daily from patrolling camp areas, cottage areas, and lakes, to providing Ohio Boater or Hunter Education Courses to the community. They also conduct safety checks, respond to noise complaints, criminal violations, and assist other nearby agencies. Lake Rangers complete vessel inspections, investigate boating accidents, and patrol the waterways to ensure safety.  

“Our rangers are committed to ensuring the safety of our guests who visit the MWCD lakes and surrounding communities,” said Scott Barnhart, Interim MWCD Chief Ranger. “Our Rangers are committed to delivering a standard of excellence through their policy management efforts that reduce risk for personnel and those we serve.”

For more information, visit www.mwcd.org or www.lexipol.com.

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) is adding 13 solar energy projects in 2023.  The solar power generated from these projects will save MWCD money on electricity bills and help offset approximately 73% of the energy on locations with solar and lower our carbon footprint by an estimated 656 tons of CO2 emissions.  This is a win-win for MWCD and the environment.

The MWCD Board of Directors recently approved an agreement with IMC Solar at their December board meeting to provide solar energy at Atwood, Clendening, Piedmont, Seneca, and Tappan Lakes, in addition to the office located in New Philadelphia.

“MWCD’s mission is to be a good steward of our natural resources,” said Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director. “By harnessing solar energy to help power our facilities, we can reduce our carbon footprint, and lessen our environmental impact.  Ohio has excellent opportunities for solar power, and we expect to grow this program to expand in the future.  We are fortunate to partner with IMC Solar and welcome them as part of our team to help us manage our long-term energy management needs.”

“The IMC Solar team is thrilled to partner with MWCD to develop renewable energy to help the District achieve its sustainability goals.  The solar program will also provide better economics for the District’s energy expenditures,” said Rick Frio, Managing Partner IMC Solar. 

The analysis began in 2022 with IMC Solar assessing the solar potential for MWCD. This included evaluating electricity usage, determining potential solar locations, and potential cost savings. IMC Solar will assist during the construction phase as well as the negotiations of a Purchase Power Agreement, including providing financial modeling of the potential projects.