MWCD Awards $63,000 to Improve Water Quality

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) is pleased to announce the awarding of $63,000 to five regional conservation organizations for the development of nonpoint source implementation strategies (NPS-IS) within the Muskingum River Watershed. These strategies will address environmental impairments and improve water quality across critical areas of the watershed, supporting local conservation efforts that benefit both the environment and the communities within the region.

Awardees include:

• Ashland Soil & Water Conservation District
• Holmes Soil & Water Conservation District
• Rural Action
• Summit County Engineers Office – Surface Water Management District
• West Creek Conservancy

These organizations will use the funds to develop NPS-IS plans, which are essential tools for identifying and addressing environmental issues in specific areas. By grounding these strategies in sound science, the plans create a roadmap for improving the environment while also unlocking state and federal funding opportunities. These plans open the door to more substantial funding through the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s 319 grant program, enabling further investment in conservation projects ranging from streambank restoration to the implementation of green infrastructure.

The awarded plans will focus on critical subwatersheds within the Muskingum River Watershed, which spans multiple counties and key tributaries, including Killbuck Creek, Black Fork and Clear Fork Mohican River, Stillwater Creek, and the Tuscarawas River. In total, these efforts will cover areas of Ashland, Coshocton, Harrison, Holmes, Knox, Marrow, Portage, Richland, Stark, and Summit counties, consuming 133,548 acres, and serving an estimated population of 54,470 residents.

NPS-IS plans are vital for addressing nonpoint source pollution—pollutants that come from diffuse sources such as runoff from agricultural fields or urban areas. They identify specific environmental issues within a watershed, set goals for improvement, and outline practical, scientifically based conservation strategies. With these strategies in place, communities can secure funding for projects that directly improve water quality and environmental health.

“We are committed to improving water quality and addressing environmental impairments in the Muskingum River Watershed,” said Matt Thomas, MWCD Chief of Conservation. “These grants help build the foundation for long-term conservation efforts, and by supporting the creation of these NPS-IS plans, we are helping local communities unlock further funding opportunities and achieve lasting environmental benefits.”

The MWCD continues to support regional conservation organizations in their efforts to protect and improve the watershed’s natural resources, ensuring a healthy environment for generations to come.