MWCD bestowed EODA Tourism Award

When it comes to camping, recreational water activities, fishing, hiking and getting out into nature, few places throughout Ohio can match what the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District provides.

Add to that the efforts being made by MWCD to preserve its reservoirs, waterways and shorelines so wildlife can thrive and people can enjoy them for generations to come, and it’s easy to see why the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance opted to honor MWCD April 25 with the Tourism Award during its awards banquet and meeting at Carlisle Village Inn.

The award recognizes MWCD’s commitment to enhancing tourism in Eastern Ohio through outdoor recreation, conservation and community engagement. From its lakes to its campgrounds, MWCD continues to be a destination for adventure and relaxation.

MWCD covers 18,000 square miles over 18 counties, and in any given year, more than 5 million people visit the conservancy.

J.P. Dutton, Belmont County commissioner, introduced MWCD for the award. He said the MWCD has poured its heart and soul into transforming every aspect of its 18-county territory, noting $7.2 million was invested in 2024 in the facilities including Atwood Lake, Seneca and Tappan Lake projects.

He said in 2025 projects at Clendening Lake, Leesville, Seneca Lake and Tappan Lake are all on tap.

“This is a significant trend, and it’s very noticeable,” Dutton said. “It’s incredible the commitment the organization has to bettering the recreational facilities for Eastern and Southeastern Ohio. We have a lot of great organizations affecting tourism across our region, but because of the sheer size and scope of the conservancy district, I’m not sure anyone is really having the impact on tourism across the entire region like the conservancy district is.”

Adria Bergeron and Kara Musser represented the MWCD in accepting the honor, and Bergeron thanked everyone who supported and voted for them.

“On behalf of the whole team at the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, I want to sincerely thank Eastern Ohio Development Alliance for this incredible honor,” she said. “We are grateful for your leadership in promoting economic growth and quality of life across the region.”

She said it is a privilege for everyone at MWCD to be recognized for their work in tourism and the community impact it is making, but she said it is much more than that.

“It’s a celebration of the people and partnerships that make it possible,” Bergeron said. “From our 125 full-time and nearly 150 seasonal employees to the millions of visitors who return year after year, MWCD is truly powered by people who deeply care about preserving natural spaces and sharing them with others. We are proud to help shine a spotlight on Eastern Ohio.”

MWCD’s capital improvements and conservation efforts are rooted in a commitment to support the local economy and preserve the local natural resources for generations to come.

“This award reflects not only our work, but the strength of collaboration across the communities in which we serve,” Bergeron said. “We are honored and inspired to keep building something special here in the heart of Ohio.”

Visit www.mwcd.org.