News Releases

MWCD Names Chief Counsel
| February 8, 2021Jonathan Mizer has been named Chief Counsel for the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD). Appointed by the MWCD Board of Directors in November of 2020, Mizer had previously served as Associate Counsel for MWCD since May 2018.
Keywords: chief council, jonathan mizer

HFP Racing and Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District partner to bring multisport racing back to Ohio
| January 25, 2021HFP Racing (HFP) and the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) today officials announced a partnership to bring the HFP triathlon and duathlon races to MWCD parks in 2021.

The MWCD is currently planning for the second phase of renovations, and we're looking for your input!
| December 28, 2020Please join us for an upcoming focus group session to dive deeper into what activities and amenities inspire you!

MWCD Awards Over $750,000 in Grants Locally to Improve Water Quality
| November 30, 2020Members of the MWCD Board of Directors approved $748,450.37 in grants to ten local organizations.
Keywords: partners in watershed management, pwm
MWCD Advisory Committee to Welcome New Member
| November 23, 2020Members of the MWCD Board of Directors approved the appointment of Karl Gebhardt during a recent meeting to the volunteer Development Advisory Committee.

MWCD Receives OPRA Award
| November 13, 2020Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) has announced its 2020 Annual Awards of Excellence winners and locally, the MWCD won a 1st place award in the Natural Resources & Conservation for the Tuscarawas River Water Trail.
Keywords: opra, tuscarawas river water trail
MWCD Receives Auditor of State Award for Clean Audit Report
| November 4, 2020The MWCD has been awarded the Auditor of State Award from the Ohio Auditor of State's office for meeting a range of criteria for required audits conducted on the conservancy district's financial records for the past year.
Keywords: audit, auditor of state award

MWCD Names Chief of Recreation
| November 2, 2020After a nationwide search, Ryan McCleaster has been named Chief of Recreation for Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD).
Keywords: chief of recreation

Movies at the Lake Planned for September & October
| September 21, 2020Bring your popcorn and snacks and watch a movie under the stars from your car, truck, golf cart, or camp chair!

MWCD Winter Drawdown Schedule and Reservoir Projects Released
| September 18, 2020As part of the flood risk management operation of the reservoirs and dams in the Muskingum River Watershed, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) conducts annual temporary drawdown of the normal pool elevation of the lake levels.

ODNR Designates the Tuscarawas River as 15th State Water Trail
| August 20, 2020Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz designated the Tuscarawas River in eastern Ohio as the state’s 15th official water trail during a small ceremony on August 14, 2020 in Uhrichsville, Ohio.
2020 Atwood Fall Festival Cancelled
| August 13, 2020MWCD officials announce jointly with the Atwood Area Fall Festival Committee that the 38th annual Atwood Area Fall Festival has been canceled. It was planned for October 2 - 4, 2020.
Fireworks Update at MWCD Parks
| August 7, 2020We continue to follow guidance and requirements from public health officials when making decisions about events at MWCD parks, and it is with that in mind we need to cancel all fireworks displays.

MWCD Chief of Recreation/ Chief Ranger Retires
| August 4, 2020Scott Barnhart, Chief of Recreation/ Chief Ranger for the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD), served his last day on Friday, July 31, 2020 after more than 31 years of exemplary service.
Keywords: retire, scott barnhart

MWCD Parks to Host Ranger Day!
| July 17, 2020Participants will be able to meet and talk to MWCD Park Rangers, along with Law Enforcement officers from nearby agencies including K9 officers. The event includes demonstrations, giveaways including finger print kits, photo ops, and an obstacle course.

Summer Lakeviews Now Available Online!
| July 8, 2020Featured in this issue: New Executive Director, Master Plan Project Status, Coshocton Forest, John Hoopingarner Recognition from US Army Corps of Engineers, Earth Day Clean-up, Reforestation Projects
Keywords: lakeviews, newsletter
July Fireworks Shows Postponed at MWCD Lake Parks
| June 3, 2020It is our desire to reschedule all firework shows later this summer if at all feasible. Dates to be announced at a later time.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding MWCD Operations During COVID-19
| May 18, 2020Information will be updated frequently to adapt to the continually evolving situation.
Campground Re-Open to Everyone on May 21, 2020
| May 18, 2020Just in time for Memorial Day, we finally we received the news we've been waiting for, to re-open the campgrounds to EVERYONE!
Keywords: coronavirus, covid-19
MWCD Cabins, Marinas, and Park Offices Open Friday, May 15!
| May 13, 2020Online reservations are available for boat rentals, and cabin reservations at www.mwcd.org.
Keywords: covid-19/ coronavirus
MWCD Main Offices Re-Open Tuesday, May 12
| May 11, 2020Prearranged appointments are strongly encouraged at the Bryce Browning building and are required at the Annex building.
Keywords: coronavirus, covid-19
UPDATED 05/11/2020: Frequently Asked Questions Regarding MWCD Operations During COVID-19
| May 6, 2020Information will be updated frequently to adapt to the continually evolving situation.
Keywords: coronavirus, covid-19
Exciting News for MWCD Seasonal Campers and Dockers
| May 1, 2020Based on the new order issued by Ohio Department of Health, MWCD campgrounds and docks will open tomorrow, May 2, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. for seasonal campers and dockers ONLY! Restrooms and showers remain closed. Daily camping is not yet permitted. We will post an update as soon as we have more information.
Keywords: coronavirus, covid-19
UPDATE: MWCD Campgrounds Remain Closed Until Further Notice
| April 28, 2020As soon as we permitted by ODH, and when we feel confident that are prepared to open, we will provide that information.
UPDATE: MWCD campgrounds and marinas will be closed to the public through May 1, 2020
| April 3, 2020The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) prioritizes the safety and health of our community: the visitors we serve, our employees, volunteers, and neighbors. Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are committed to aligning operations with the o
Keywords: coronavirus, covid-19
UPDATED 04/03/2020: Frequently Asked Questions Regarding MWCD Operations During COVID-19
| April 3, 2020Information will be updated frequently to adapt to the continually evolving situation.
Keywords: coronavirus, covid-19
MWCD campgrounds will be closed to the public Tuesday, March 24 - Tuesday, April 7, 2020
| March 23, 2020We will continue to follow the guidance provided by ODH and provide an update should this order be extended.
MWCD to Close Buildings to the Public
| March 17, 2020The MWCD prioritizes the safety and health of our community: the visitors we serve, our employees, volunteers, and neighbors. Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are committed to align operations with the orders/ recommendations of national, state, and local public health experts.
Keywords: building closure
MWCD Response to the Coronavirus
| March 11, 2020One of the values of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) is safety. We foster a culture of safety to ensure protection of our customers, our partners and each other.

1,800+ acres of Coshocton Forest preserved
| March 5, 2020American Electric Power (AEP), Western Reserve Land Conservancy, Ohio Public Works Commission and Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) have worked together to permanently preserve 1,827 acres of forestland in Linton Township.
Keywords: coshocton forest