Watershed district updates commissioners on Atwood improvements

Carroll County commissioners heard updates from the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District during their March 26 meeting, including recreation improvements at Atwood Lake, long-term financial planning and other projects across the region.

Executive Director Craig Butler and Ethan Zucal, public affairs and safety manager for the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, told commissioners the district exceeded its 2025 revenue expectations by about $2 million despite a slow start to the recreation season caused by cold, wet spring weather.

Butler said the district’s annual operating budget is about $25.5 million, with most of that funding coming from recreation activities, while oil and gas revenue is being used for capital improvements and to build a long-term financial cushion.

“We met our expectations, but it was a very odd year,” Butler said. “We were prepared to make adjustments early, but things turned around as the weather improved.”

Butler said the district recently created a private endowment to help ensure long-term financial stability and avoid relying on oil and gas revenue for operations.

“One of our biggest objectives is to make sure we are financially sustainable for the next 100 years,” Butler said.

The pair also outlined several projects tied to Atwood Lake and Carroll County. Among them is a new treehouse-style lodging project near the amphitheater on the Carroll County side of the lake. Butler said the first phase will include five elevated lodging units ranging from 600 to 800 square feet with lake views.

“It’s a new avenue for us,” Butler said. “When you’re up there, it’ll feel like you’re in the trees, but they’re built on solid structures.”

The district is also moving forward with the Pines cottage lot project, which will create 18 new lease lots at Atwood. Butler said the first public auction for those lots is expected in July. In addition, water and sewer infrastructure is being coordinated for both the Pines and Peninsula development areas.

Other work at Atwood includes beach improvements, a redesigned snack shop and changing area, new pickleball courts and a splash pad-style water feature. Zucal also said a new kayak launch will be installed near Dellroy, giving paddlers access to the lake through the back bay.

Commissioners asked about plans for a walking trail extending from Cemetery Bay toward Dellroy. Butler said the district’s long-term goal remains a trail around the entire lake, though construction will be done in phases.

“We have the design in place to connect all the way around the lake,” Butler said. “It’s just going to be incremental.”

In another matter, Butler said the district has had preliminary discussions with developers interested in possible data center projects in the region. He said one major concern is whether the district could realistically provide the large daily water supply such a facility would require over a 40-year period.

“Our primary mission is recreation,” Butler said. “We do not want to impact the recreational mission through water sales.”

Butler also said storm damage from recent high winds has delayed some work, with significant cleanup needed at several district properties, including Pleasant Hill and Charles Mill.

“We took some direct hits,” Butler said. “We’re doing a lot of tree removal and cleanup right now.”

In other business, commissioners:

—SET bid opening for the county’s 2026 resurfacing project, known as H-1-2026, for 9 a.m. April 20 at the Carroll County Engineer’s Office, 200 Kensington Road NE, Carrollton.

—ADOPTED Resolution 2026-17 authorizing the board president to apply for and enter into a cooperative agreement with the Ohio Water Development Authority for design of a lift station replacement and upgrade project tied to wastewater issues in Malvern.

—HEARD Clerk Eva Johnson report that the Senior Friendship Center is seeking volunteers to help senior citizens with spring yard cleanup in April.

—HEARD Commissioner Donald Leggett II report that Job and Family Services will complete its move into the annex building this weekend, with the office closed Monday and reopening Tuesday in the new location.

—APPROVED a $1-per-hour pay increase for Dog Warden Merle Long following completion of his six-month probationary period, bringing his hourly rate to $20.

—APPROVED a $1-per-hour pay increase for Economic Development and Regional Planning Director Lynda Wickline following completion of her six-month probationary period.