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. 

Patrick Brockmeier has been named Chief Ranger for Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) to lead the ranger department.  He will oversee 34 Rangers whose duties range 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.

Brockmeier has been employed by MWCD as a variable Ranger at Seneca Park since 2019 while also working as a full-time probation officer for Marietta Municipal Court. He has prior Chief experience as the Matamoris Police Department Chief of Police and the Beverly Police Department Chief of Police. He also serves as part-time faculty at both Washington State Community College and Hocking College as an OPOTA Instructor, Ohio Correctional Officer Instructor, and Natural Resources Instructor.

“I am excited about this new opportunity at the MWCD,” said Brockmeier. “I consider the opportunity to serve the MWCD to be a great privilege and responsibility, one that I will approach with professionalism, and a commitment to work in partnership with our entire community.”

Patrick earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies, with a concentration in Political Science through Marietta College, his Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice through Washington State Community College, and an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies through Marietta College. He earned his Ohio Peace Officer Training Certification through Hocking College

“We are pleased to welcome Patrick to MWCD as our new Chief Ranger,’’ said Executive Director, Craig Butler. “His education and background in law enforcement, as well the experience he has from working as a ranger for us since 2019, brings an insight to our organization and will make him an effective leader. He has a desire to implement new ideas to further enhance our community policing style of law enforcement and make him the perfect fit for our organization.”

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.

Attendees at the Atwood Fall Festival will notice a new addition at the park grounds this weekend. Through a partnership between the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) and Rural Action, the festival will receive a waste assessment during the event. The assessment will outline how much waste is generated at the festival, along with how much could potentially be diverted through reduction, recycling, and composting options.

“Conducting a waste assessment is an important step towards our organization’s goals of sustainability and conservation” shared Matt Thomas, Chief of Conservation with MWCD. “Good decisions are based on good data, and we need to better understand where our parks and events are, in terms of generating waste.”

The waste sorting belt at a past zero waste event

Rural Action will be providing assessment services through their social enterprise, Zero Waste Event Productions. Selections of waste will be sampled from throughout the event grounds and at different times in order to get a complete picture of what attendees are disposing of. At the completion of the event, the information will be compiled into a report detailing the estimated weights of compostable and recyclable material, as well as “true trash,” and recommendations for how to fully adopt “zero waste” practices at future Atwood Fall Festivals.

Attendees will be able to watch the sorting process during the event, with a sorting belt located near the central recycling station. Staff will be on-site and ready to explain both zero waste principles, and about general waste management and recycling considerations.

Zero Waste Event Productions has been successful in diverting up to 90% of waste in similarly sized events. Through the partnership with MWCD, Rural Action is also conducting an assessment of waste at the park grounds during the normal summer season.

The Atwood Fall Festival will be held September 30th-October 2nd at Atwood Lake Park. Festival information can be found at www.atwoodfallfest.org. 

Rural Action is a regional community development organization with a 32-county footprint working with members and community leaders on a range of quality of life, environmental, and economic projects across rural Appalachian Ohio. Its mission is to build a more just economy by developing the region’s assets in environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable ways. Learn more about Rural Action at www.ruralaction.org

Race Brimstone and the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) are partnering to bring races of various distances to MWCD parks in 2023. The races, which will include distances for beginners and advanced runners, range in length from 5k to 200 miles.

“We not only love challenging ourselves but enjoy helping and encouraging others on their journey to accomplish their personal goals,” said Jeremy Followay, co-director of the Canal Fulton based organization. “Our goal at Race Brimstone is to create top-quality races with a unique flair. Every runner from the experienced veteran to the first-time newbie will feel valued, supported, and inspired: before, during, and after the race.”

Followay shares race director role with Eric Whittington. The two host a variety of races throughout the region annually, but the circuit with MWCD will be a first. “We are always looking for areas to run to keep the routes new and interesting for our runners,” said Whittington. “We are so excited to partner with MWCD to bring this new series to our runners.  While scouting the routes, we have seen some of the most beautiful areas of the state. Our runners are going to love exploring this part of Ohio.”

“I have been an avid runner for years, and have been on trails throughout the entire country,” said Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director. “The trails located within the MWCD are some of my favorites.  We are very blessed to have portions of the Buckeye Trail, a 1,440-mile loop trail, on MWCD property in addition to trails at our parks. When you run here, it is easy sometimes to feel like you are the only person in the world, the scenery is absolutely stunning, and the trails are very well maintained.” 

Races will be held in April through August. To register, visit www.MWCD.org/Brimstone. Register prior October 1 to receive 10% off race registration using code IAMIN.

“We know that our guests are interested in trails to enjoy everything from hiking, biking, walking, running, and horseback riding so we have prioritized expanding and increasing the number of trail miles in our parks and will continue these projects for years to come,” said Butler. “Providing safe spaces for people to enjoy nature is our mission and we encourage everyone to visit our facilities. Whatever your ability, come out and utilize the trails and beautiful outdoor spaces that are maintained for public use and exercise.”

2023 Races

April 22, 2023 – Clendening Half Marathon (Freeport, OH)

June 17, 2023 – Atwood Half Marathon, 10 mile, and 5k (Mineral City, OH)

July 8, 2023 – Tappan Trail Marathon, 5k (Deersville, OH)

August 5 – 9, 2023 – 5 Lake Ultra Race 200 and 100 mile, and 100k and 50k race including Atwood, Leesville, Tappan, Clendening, Piedmont lakes