NEW PHILADELPHIA, OHIO (October 9, 2024) – The Muskingum River Watershed provides hundreds of miles of scenic rivers and streams that are home to many Ohioans’ favorite paddling getaways. The watershed includes major tributaries such as the Mohican, Kokosing, Tuscarawas, Muskingum, and Walhonding Rivers. The first four rivers are designated state Water Trails through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Water Trail Program, providing recreational paddling access, amenities, and paddling safety information for visitors along the river.

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) is seeking public input regarding designation of the final major tributary within the Muskingum Watershed, the Walhonding River. This 23.5-mile-long river is formed by the confluence of the Mohican and Kokosing Rivers. After flowing through Coshocton County, it joins the Tuscarawas River, near the City of Coshocton, creating the Muskingum River. A short survey can be completed at www.MWCD.org/WalhondingRiver and the information gathered will assist the designation process, which will involve the partnership of many agencies, including organizations providing information and land management. The Water Trail designation program is administered by ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft. Partnering agencies include:

• MWCD
• US Army Corps of Engineers
• ODNR – Division of Wildlife, Parks and Watercraft
• City of Coshocton
• Coshocton County Park District
• Knox County Park District
• Village of Warsaw
• Village of Nellie
• Roscoe Village Foundation
• Friends of the Coshocton County Parks
• Coshocton County Commissioners & Engineers
• Coshocton Port Authority
• Our Town Coshocton
• Coshocton CVB
• Coshocton Chamber of Commerce

The Walhonding River has been special to those who live in the communities around the river and the partners hope to share it with paddlers around Ohio and surrounding states to improve awareness of paddling opportunities in the region. This region provides pristine natural landscapes and quiet stretches of nature, perfect for a relaxing trip on the river with opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy breathtaking views. If designated, the Walhonding River will join the Muskingum Watershed system of water trails, which would create a designated riverway system totaling over 300 miles.

“Embarking on a kayaking adventure down the Walhonding River is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Ohio’s natural beauty. Each moment spent on the river offers a unique connection to the environment and an unforgettable experience for paddlers of all skill levels”, said Craig Butler, Executive Director for MWCD. “We look forward to being able to share this hidden gem with paddlers across the region!”

New Philadelphia, OH (September 24, 2024)— The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (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.

Auditor of State, Keith Faber recently announced that the MWCD was selected to receive the award of commendation because the MWCD audit report for the year 2023 met the following guidelines:

• The entity must file financial reports with the Auditor of State’s Office by the statutory due date, without extension, via the Hinkle System on the GAAP accounting basis.
• The audit report does not contain any findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, Uniform Guidance (Single Audit) findings, or questioned costs.
• The entity’s management letter contains no comments related to:
  • Ethics referrals
  • Questioned costs less than the threshold per Uniform Guidance
  • Lack of timely report submission
  • Bank reconciliation issues
  • Failure to obtain a timely Single Audit in accordance with Uniform Guidance
  • Findings for recovery less than $500
  • Public meetings or public records issues
• The entity has no other financial or other concerns.

“MWCD is again proud to be recognized for financial management excellence by Auditor Farber,” said Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director.  “This award represents the high level of commitment to financial stewardship of our excellent financial management staff and all MWCD employees.”

Copies of the MWCD’s audit reports are available online at the Auditor of State’s website at www.auditor.state.oh.us.

The Auditor of State’s office is responsible for auditing more than 5,900 state and local government agencies.

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.

In Celebration of Earth Day

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  Tree Giveaway

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  Clean-Up Challenge

  Clean-Up Challenge

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  Earth Day Clean-Up

  Earth Day Clean-Up

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  Tire Take Back

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Tree Giveaway

Clean-Up Challange

Rules and Regulations

Earth Day Clean-Up

Tire Take Back Day

Join us at Atwood Lake Park on August 17, 2024, for our second annual Country Waves Concert with Joe Nichols, Travis Denning & Catie Offerman performing.

Tickets are on sale NOW – Click Here to Purchase

Joe Nichols is an ACM and CMA Award Winner and Grammy nominated multi-platinum country music star! He has been a mainstay of country music for two decades, racking up a half-dozen Number 1 singles and ten Top 10 hits including “Gimmie That Girl”, “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off”, and “Brokenheartsville”.

Also, taking the stage is Travis Denning and Catie Offerman. Rising star, Travis Denning, is known for his Top 10 single “After A Few”. He is also known for hits “David Ashley Parker From Powder Spring” and “ABBY”. Catie Offerman is new to country music but is quickly making a name for herself in Nashville with her debut track “Happyland Trailer Park”. She’s been touring with national acts such as Parker Mccollum, Ian Munsick and Ashley Mcbryde, and recently opened for George Strait.

Schedule:

4:30 PM – Gates open (along with food trucks & beer garden)

5:30 PM – Catie Offerman

7:00 PM – Travis Denning

8:30 PM – Joe Nichols

Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible!

• WTUZ Radio 99.9FM
• Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District
• Ferris Chevrolet Toyota on the Wabash
• Valley Septic
• Wayne Door
• Aultman and AultCare
• Simpson Salute
• Saltwell Western Store
• Atwood Lake Boats
• General RV
• TMK Valley Propane

In a commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of our visitors, our dedicated park rangers recently participated in a comprehensive CPR and First Aid training program. This training heightens our emergency response capabilities within our parks, solidifying our commitment to public safety and service.

During this training session, our rangers learned not only the fundamentals of CPR but also gained a comprehensive understanding of basic first aid techniques. From treating minor cuts and bruises to responding to more severe injuries, our rangers are well-prepared to provide immediate assistance until medical help arrives. This training emphasizes real-life scenarios that rangers may encounter during their duties. This hands-on approach ensures that the skills are practical and can be seamlessly applied in the field. Our rangers practiced administering CPR, applying bandages, and dealing with common injuries, fostering a confidence in their ability to respond effectively in an emergency situation.

As we move forward, this investment in the skills and capabilities of our rangers reflects our commitment to the safety and enjoyment of all those who explore our natural wonders. The knowledge gained from the training gives our rangers the ability to stand ready to respond with skill, compassion, and confidence, ensuring that our parks remain safe and welcoming for everyone.