MWCD Invests $5 Million in Environmental Stewardship

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