Skip to main content

MWCD Receives Statewide Marketing Awards for Excellence

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) recently received recognition for achievement in marketing and advertising at the Ohio Travel Association’s RUBY Awards presentation, held Oct. 5 at Shisler Conference Center in Wooster, Ohio. MWCD received RUBY awards for Targeted Marketing Campaign, Radio Advertisement, and Print Advertisement. A Citation of Excellence was received for the Annual Report. Accepting the awards were Adria Bergeron, Director of Marketing and Communications, and Logan Phillips, Digital Media Coordinator.

The Ohio Travel Association’s RUBY Awards recognize excellence in Ohio’s hospitality and tourism industry for efforts in advertising, marketing, and public relations. In this year’s competition, the Recognizing Uncommon Brilliance Yearly (RUBY) Awards had 236 entries in 17 categories. The awards, sponsored by Ohio Magazine, were presented during the Ohio Conference on Travel, the state’s tourism conference for all sectors of the tourism industry.

Nine marketing professionals representing academia, consulting firms and ad agencies judged each entry on the basis of concept, results and creativity.

“Competition for these awards seems to grow every year, and this year was no exception. We had a record number of entries,” said Melinda Huntley, Ohio Travel Association executive director. “Winners truly represent the best of the best in marketing strategy and design. It’s inspiring.”

“We are thrilled to receive these awards which reflect our team’s dedication to creativity, innovation, and excellence in marketing campaigns,” said Bergeron. “I was honored to represent the MWCD at the Ohio Conference on Tourism, and proud to have the opportunity to serve as this year’s conference chair. The organizations that are represented at the Ohio Conference on Tourism are some of the best in the state. To be recognized amongst your peers, who present tough competition, is exciting.”

The Ohio Travel Association is a nonprofit trade association representing travel and tourism-related businesses throughout the state. For more information on OTA, visit www.ohiotravel.org

MWCD Winter Drawdown Schedule and Reservoir Projects Released

Millions of visitors enjoy the lakes of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) on an annual basis to enjoy outdoor recreation ranging from fishing and boating, to camping and hiking among a variety of other opportunities. While relaxing on the water or reeling in a big catch are obvious benefits of the lakes, the most important function is to mitigate flooding for the entire Muskingum Watershed region.

To prepare for winter, on an annual basis the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) conducts annual temporary drawdown of the normal pool elevation of the lake levels. The drawdown allows for additional flood storage capacity needs during the winter thaw and spring rains and allows MWCD personnel to access near-shore areas for shoreline stabilization projects and other reservoir maintenance activities. Drawdown will begin in early November and the return to normal pool elevation will initiate in February. Normal pool elevations will be obtained in time for the next summer recreation season.

The temporary 2023 – 2024 drawdown dates and lake levels are as follows:

Reservoir Normal Pool Winter Level Total Drawdown (feet) Begin 2023 Drawdown Release Duration (days) Suggested intermediate refill schedule by

March 15, 2024

Atwood 928.00 920.00 8.0 November 8 42 926.00
Charles Mill 997.00 992.00 5.0 November 15 35 995.00
Clendening 898.00 893.00 5.0 November 15 35 896.00
Leesville 963.00 958.00 5.0 November 15 35 961.00
Piedmont 913.00 908.00 5.0 November 1 35 911.00
Pleasant Hill 1020.00 1012.00 8.0 November 1 42 1018.00
Seneca 832.20 824.20 8.0 November 1 42 830.20
Tappan 899.30 894.30 5.0 November 15 35 897.30
NOTE:  Due to planned construction at Atwood, Charles Mill, Seneca, and Pleasant Hill Lakes, we request that additional drawdown occur to the elevations noted.  All reservoirs with extended drawdown will be held at the requested elevation until February 15, 2024, and then returned to normal winter schedule elevations.

Shoreline projects planned for the Winter of 2023 – 2024 include:

  • Charles Mill Lake – South Peninsula Cottage Area: Coir log, rock riprap, and native plantings will be installed to stabilize approximately 1,900 feet of eroding shoreline on the west shore of the South Peninsula cottage area.
  • Atwood Lake – Arcadia Drive: Rock riprap, coir log, and native grass plantings will be used to stabilize a 500-foot section of eroding shoreline in the Atwood Pines cottage area.

 

Muskellunge Stocking at MWCD Lakes

On September 19th, ODNR released 1100 juvenile Muskellunge into Leesville Lake at the North Fork Marina boat launch and on September 25th, they also released 2370 fish into Piedmont Lake. This is a routine stocking event that has been happening almost every year since 1965. Muskellunge, Esox masquinongy, or “Muskie” are a large, predatory fish species native to Ohio. Currently there are only a few naturally reproducing populations, one of them being the Little Muskingum River, although historically their distribution was widespread across the rivers in Ohio. These predators routinely reach 50 inches in length, 50 pounds, and live for 30 years in their natural environments. They are a sport fisherman favorite, elusive and fun to fight with on the reel, with large heads and many sharp teeth. Because of their high sportfish value, they are stocked in selected reservoirs in Ohio.

The stocking of Muskie and other sport fish is done to boost populations in reservoirs where sufficient spawning habitat does not exist. Muskellunge are usually not able to reproduce in inland man-made lakes. In natural river systems, Muskie will lay their eggs on flooded vegetation in early spring. Man-made reservoirs typically have the water levels drawn down in winter and early spring to hold back the water from these floods, so the Muskie don’t have the needed vegetation in place to protect and hold their eggs.

A second reason for the lack of reproductive success of Muskie in lakes is the dense populations of predators like Largemouth Bass. When Muskie hatch, they tend to hover in place and wait for prey to pass by, and don’t hide down in vegetation where they might be safer. Bass are aggressive predators and will gobble up most of the Muskie that manage to hatch. Because of this threat, fish hatcheries raise Muskies until they are too big to be eaten by the Largemouth, then release them back into the reservoirs.

In April of each year, an ODNR field crew captures live male and female Muskellunge from Leesville Lake. Eggs are extracted from the gravid (meaning full of eggs) females, and then fertilized using sperm collected from the males.  These fertilized eggs are then taken to the London Ohio Fish Hatchery and the Kincaid State Fish Hatchery where they are raised for 6 months. In September, the juveniles are then transported back to Leesville Lake in a large truck with a holding tank and aerators to give a continuous supply of oxygen. The Muskie are then released into the water using a pipe attached from the bottom of the tank that flows into the lake. The Muskie will then continue their life cycle, growing to maturity within 3 to 4 years.

In addition to their sportfish value, Muskellunge provide an important ecological and conservation value. Although they can’t spawn naturally within the reservoirs, they do add to the biological diversity and as a large predatory fish they help balance fish populations in the food web. This is one of many examples of how recreation and conservation weave together. Sport fish such as Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish are all native fish species that add wildlife diversity to the reservoirs, promoting both ecological health, and a draw for fishermen. The revenue generated from these fisheries goes to back organizations like MWCD, as well as state and federal agencies so that fish stocking and other conservation projects can continue for years to come.

MWCD Chief Engineer Announces Retirement, Interim Chief Named

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD), announced today the retirement of Boris Slogar, P.E., Chief Engineer, effective September 15, 2023, after 16 years of service.

Slogar served more than 30 years as an Ohio public servant with significant roles at Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Ohio Department of Taxation. He has developed a program to work together with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to ensure the 14 dams and reservoirs within the MWCD are sound and safe and meet the MWCD’s mission of providing flood mitigation for the region.  Slogar has also been instrumental in overseeing a $150 million master plan renovation and construction of parks, marinas, and facilities. Beyond this, he has also led an effort to provide direct grant funding to communities within the MWCD to lessen flood risk.

“Boris has helped MWCD reach significant milestones, including overseeing substantial upgrades to MWCD’s 14 dams and reservoirs, as well as the creation and administration of MWCD’s Partners in Watershed Management Program,” said Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director.  “I am thankful for his service to MWCD and wish him the very best in retirement.”

“It has truly been an honor to serve MWCD as the Chief Engineer for the past 16 years,” said Slogar. “It has been a privilege to work along-side a staff of responsible stewards so dedicated to the mission of MWCD.”

Dave Lautenschleger, P.S., GISP, MGIS will be stepping into the role of Interim Chief Engineer while a search is conducted to fill the role as Chief of Engineering. Lautenschleger is currently the Deputy Chief of Surveying and GIS for MWCD and has provided great leadership and service for more than 14 years.

Boris Slogar, MWCD Chief Engineer

MWCD Receives Horizon Award from Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD), is proud to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious Horizon Award by the Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).

Ashland SWCD selects a Horizon Award winner annually to recognize a pioneer in conservation in the county. The MWCD has been a long-time partner with Ashland SWCD in helping farmers and landowners implement conservation practices that make a difference in the watershed.

“For the last 90 years, MWCD has made a commitment to flood reduction, water conservation, and recreational opportunities throughout Ohio’s largest watershed,” said Jane Houin, Program Administrator for Ashland SWCD. “For Ashland County, this commitment has resulted in MWCD partnering with our conservation district on a number of projects that directly benefit farmers, landowners and residents of the county. Their cover crop cost-share program has provided cost share for over 22,000 acres of cover crops to be planted in Ashland County over the last 10 years. Ashland County’s soil and water resources would not be where they are today without the support and commitment to these resources the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District has provided to our area since 1933.”

The Horizon Award is a testament to MWCD’s commitment to preserving and improving the natural environment and supporting the farming communities in the district. MWCD is dedicated to supporting innovative conservation practices and fostering a sense of responsibility towards local ecosystems.

“We are deeply honored to receive the Horizon Award from the Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District,” said Matt Thomas, MWCD’s Chief of Conservation. “This award underscores our efforts to protect the environment, promote sustainable practices, and make a positive impact on the community.”

MWCD has a long history of collaborating with local organizations, educational institutions, and community members to drive environmental awareness and change. This award recognizes the commitment to working hand-in-hand with the Ashland SWCD to advance conservation initiatives within the county.

For more information about MWCD and its conservation efforts, please visit www.mwcd.org. To view the Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District newsletter with the annual meeting and award winner info: https://www.ashlandswcd.com/the-steward-newsletters

Turkey Ridge Trailhead’s Turtle Sculpture at Tappan Lake Park

If you have gone on a hike at Tappan Lake Park’s Turkey Ridge Trail this summer, you have probably seen this turtle.

It all started with a girl scout, Nicolette Ellis, working towards achieving “The Gold Award”, a prestigious award that makes a direct and lasting impact on the community. It is through this project she found an outlet to share her passion for keeping our planet clean, wildlife safe, and ecosystems intact. Here is a quote from her that should give you a better understanding of why this turtle is here, what it is made of, and why those materials were used.

“My project addresses littering and trash in nature and shows the importance of keeping our world clean. The turtle statue was made to represent the animals impacted by littering and to raise awareness of this serious problem. The statue was made from an old dog bowl, a frying pan, scrap sheet metal, a worn firepit, and metal cans. All of these items were found littered or about to enter a landfill. Accompanying the statue is a plaque explaining the dangers of littering and how it affects us. Additionally, litter sticks and bags are provided at the trailhead for hikers to pick up any litter they may see on the trail. This idea was formed to address a dangerous problem and show how objects labeled as ‘trash’ can still be useful, as well as raise awareness of proper trash disposal, such as recycling. The total duration of the project was 84 hours, and it was a fun and challenging experience!”

Inspiration can come from anyone.

To see the efforts of the youth making a positive impact on the community is truly inspiring. It is important that we too take a note from this girl’s book to make an effort to be/make the changes we want to see.

Thank you, Nicolette Ellis for being an inspiration!

 

MWCD Announces Transition to Daily-Use Duck Blinds

In a move towards sustainable and equitable use of natural resources, the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) has announced a policy shift regarding duck blinds. Effective immediately, the use of seasonal duck blinds will no longer be permitted, and only daily-use duck blinds will be allowed.

This decision is rooted in our commitment to promote fair access to our natural resources for all members of the community. By transitioning to daily-use duck blinds, we aim to reduce the environmental impact of permanent structures while ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to enjoy the beauty of our wetlands and the thrill of waterfowl hunting.

Hunters must be aware of local hunting regulations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sets the frameworks for waterfowl and other migratory game birds. Migratory bird hunting is governed by both state and federal regulations. For further information about hunting on MWCD property, and links to ODNR hunting rules and regulations, visit www.mwcd.org/hunting.

About Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District

The MWCD, a political subdivision of the state, was organized in 1933 to develop and implement a plan to reduce flooding and conserve water for beneficial public uses in the Muskingum River Watershed, the largest wholly contained watershed in Ohio. Since their construction, the 16 reservoirs and dams in the MWCD region have been credited for saving over $7 billion worth of potential property damage from flooding, according to the federal government, as well as providing popular recreational opportunities that bolster the region’s economy garnering more than 5 million visitors annually. A significant portion of the reservoirs are managed by the MWCD and the dams are managed for flood-risk management by the federal U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). For more information about the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org and follow the MWCD on Facebook and Twitter.

Osprey Rescued from Tree Entangled in Fishing Line at Atwood Lake

Thanks to community cooperation and concern for wildlife, a distressed osprey was successfully rescued after becoming entangled in fishing line high up in a tree. The rescue mission, led by Atwood Park Staff, MWCD Rangers, Dellroy Fire Department, and DH Land Clearing took place over the weekend near Dellroy. 

A nearby resident noticed the osprey struggling in the tree and alerted local authorities. The osprey, had been ensnared in discarded fishing line, leaving it unable to free itself.

“We have an awesome, supportive community and were able to quickly assemble a team to attempt a successful recovery,” said John Lewis, Atwood Lake Park Manager. “This rescue serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible fishing practices and the impact on our wildlife. We cannot stress enough how important it is to discard used fishing lines, or other materials properly. We are grateful for the swift response of the community and the dedication of our team in ensuring the safety of this animal.”

Osprey after being freed  Stark Parks Wildlife Conservation Center

Rescuers managed to safely reach the distressed osprey and carefully remove the entangling fishing line. Following the successful rescue, the osprey was transported to Stark Park’s Wildlife Conservation Center where it is being cared for to ensure its health and well-being.

“The Osprey is doing fairly well,” said Stephon Echague, Animal Care Supervisor Stark County Park District’s Conservation Center. “He has a swollen leg where the fishing line was wrapped, but he can put weight on it, so that is a good sign. He will see the vet this week and is currently receiving fluids and being well-fed. If all goes well, and he continues to show positive improvements, we will look forward to releasing him back into the wild soon.”

Fishing line disposal bins are located at the public launch ramps, and various locations at each of the MWCD lakes. Additionally, residents are encouraged to report any wildlife in distress to local authorities.

Osprey entangled in fishing line    Fishing line disposal bin

Abundance of Pine Trees on MWCD Lands is no Accident!

MWCD has a long history of managing forests. To this day, MWCD maintains stewardship over the lands acquired in the 1930s. At that time, poor farming practices caused significant erosion of the lands, triggering water quality issues both locally and downstream. In the 1940s, and over the course of 30 years, to mitigate these inadequate farming practices, MWCD foresters, with help from the Civilian Conservation Corps, Soil Conservation Service, and National Youth Administration planted over 12 million trees covering over 7,000 acres for watershed protection in critical areas. Additionally, farmers were educated on best management practices so that the dilapidated grounds could be restored.

Initially, trees were hand planted, but foresters found a more efficient way to plant the trees by using mechanical means. A dozer was utilized to plow the soil into distinct ridges on the contour. In most cases a double plow would be used that contoured the ground into ridges and built a double layer of topsoil. The next time you walk MWCD lands, especially in a pine forest, you will still see these ridges that were created over 70 years ago. Once the ridge was formed, a dozer would come back through pulling a mechanical tree planter. The tree planter was custom built just for MWCD and could self-level which was important as plantings occurred on steep hills. The planter would open a hole in the ground allowing a single person riding the planter to physically place a pine seedling into the soil. The machine would then close the hole behind the tree once planted.

Winter and spring are the perfect time to look back and see the efforts of previous generations and the hard work they put into managing the lands. The primary tree of choice to plant were evergreens, including white pine, pitch pine, shortleaf pine, red pine, and Norway spruce. These evergreens really stand out in the winter and spring against the surrounding hardwoods. Early MWCD foresters considered planting hardwoods but had difficulties getting them to survive in the conditions of the landscape. In every location that you see pine on MWCD lands, those were once farm fields that 12-inch-tall seedlings were planted. Today, those seedlings are now upwards of 120-foot-tall pine trees.

Pine trees have significantly improved the poor soil conditions that existed long ago when the intent of foresters was to manage the forests for the best results in the future. However, many of those initial pine plantings are now overcrowded and becoming increasingly over-mature. One of the greatest principles of forest management is to limit the number of forests that contain one species. The susceptibility of mono-cultured forests to insects, diseases, and other forest pathogens is incredibly high. Wildlife diversity also thrives with more non-homogeneous forests. Adding a multitude of tree species that can provide much needed nutrition at different times of the year is crucial for wildlife diversity.

Today, MWCD foresters manage these pine plantations to help diversify the landscape. The intention is not to remove every pine from the land, but to manage the pine, primarily where there are no effects to the overall aesthetics of the lakes, campgrounds, or other significant viewsheds. Certain species of trees and wildlife depend on the habitat that is created through the management of these pine forests. In fact, an abundance of oak, hickory, and other keystone tree species take the place of the pines as they are properly managed. Wildlife diversity flourishes by creating much needed habitat in the form of young forests. Grouse, woodcock, deer, bobcats, and many species of non-game birds thrive in these young forests.

MWCD recently purchased 144 acres of land in the Tappan Lake region. This land, much like the land of the 1930’s, had been highly grazed by livestock leaving the soil compacted and highly acidic. MWCD will plant over 22,000 trees to repurpose this ground. Additionally, the trees will create great thermal cover for wildlife and aid in enhancing the water quality. It is our hope that the trees will survive into the future and improve the soil just as previous generations knew they would.

 

This article was written by Clayton Rico, Forest Operations Coordinator and was featured in the MWCD newsletter, LakeViews. 

MWCD Announces Law Enforcement Scholarship Program to Support Future Leaders in Public Safety

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD), a leading advocate for community safety and law enforcement excellence, is thrilled to announce its inaugural Law Enforcement Scholarship Program offered through Buckeye Career Center. This program is designed to recognize and support individuals pursuing a career in law enforcement, fostering the development of the next generation of public safety leaders.

The Law Enforcement Scholarship Program aims to address the critical need for well-qualified and dedicated professionals in law enforcement by providing financial assistance to deserving students. Through this initiative, MWCD seeks to contribute to the advancement of public safety practices and ensure that communities continue to be protected by highly skilled and compassionate law enforcement officers.

Scholarship Details:

The MWCD is partnering with the Buckeye Career Center Friends of Adult Education Foundation to financially assist adult students in Buckeye Career Center’s Ohio Peace Office Training Academy (OPOTA). Eligible candidates must meet the following criteria:

  1. Application to Buckeye Career Center’s Full-Time OPOTA program and enrollment requirements;
  2. Register with Buckeye Career Center’s Student Services;
  3. Scholarship funds shall be used for tuition and/or fees for the OPOTA at Buckeye Career Center, up to and including the full cost of the program;
  4. Recipient(s) must exhaust other sources of scholarships or grants before being eligible to receive funds from the MWCD Law Enforcement Scholarship.

Applications for the scholarship must be submitted by August 30, 2023.

“We are delighted to launch the Law Enforcement Scholarship Program, as it aligns perfectly with our mission to promote excellence in law enforcement and foster stronger community ties,” said Craig Butler, MWCD executive director. “By investing in the education of promising students, we hope to encourage their pursuit of a rewarding career in law enforcement and contribute to a safer and more secure society for all.”

Once students complete their required OPOTA training, they are eligible to pursue a career in law enforcement, which includes the possibility of becoming a MWCD Ranger. MWCD Rangers are vital in ensuring the safety of over 5 million visitors who choose MWCD’s parks, marinas, lakes, and campgrounds as their recreation destination each year. Rangers also oversee the safety of MWCD’s 1204 cottage sites.

For more information about the MWCD Law Enforcement Scholarship Program and how to apply, please visit mwcd.org/LEScholarship or contact Megan Zimmerman at Buckeye Career center at (330) 308-5720 or [email protected].

UPDATE: Route 574 Detour Near Seneca Lake Begins Tuesday, July 25, 2023

UPDATE: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced that the partial closure of Seneca Dam Road has been delayed. A portion of Seneca Dam Road (OH-574) will now be closed from 6:00 a.m. July 25th through 7:00 p.m. July 28th approximately one-half mile south of the Lashley Road (OH-313) intersection.

Motorists are advised to use the following alternate route to access Seneca Lake Park:

   Use Alternate Route 313 East/West to Route 285 South to Route 566 East to Route 574 North.

The closure is happening to allow maintenance to be completed on Senecaville Lake equipment. A second round of closures is expected to begin in August.

For more information, contact the USACE Public Affairs Office at 304-399-5353.

MWCD Celebrates Park and Recreation Month

Since 1985, July has been celebrated as the nation’s official Park and Recreation Month. Created by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Park and Recreation Month specifically highlights the essential and powerful role local park and recreation professionals — such as our staff at Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) — play in building stronger, more vibrant and more resilient communities all 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 the perfect time to share how our park and recreation professionals contribute to the overall health, well-being and growth of our community,” said Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director. “We serve a vital function to provide outdoor recreation opportunities to more than five million guests who come to our lakes every summer. It is so important that park systems thrive to enrich the communities, and lives of the guests that we serve. We encourage everyone in to come celebrate the power of parks and recreation with us this July.”

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 encourages everyone who supports parks and recreation to share how it has impacted their lives with the hashtag #WhereCommunityGrows. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org/July. 

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

Click to view a message from MWCD Executive Director, Craig Butler

 

Subscribe

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name
I'm interested in information about: