MWCD recognized by 3 organizations

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District announced it recently received awards from three different organizations recognizing achievements in its core missions of flood prevention and reduction, recreation, and conservation.

Flood prevention and reduction

Established 90 years ago to prevent and reduce flooding in Eastern Ohio in the Muskingum River Watershed, MWCD’s work to build and manage its dams has always been central to its work. Recently, the Ohio Dam Safety Organization gave MWCD the annual award for the Best Maintained Dam. The award was for MWCD’s work on the eight dams in its Chippewa District.

Recreation

MWCD’s achievements in continuing to expand and upgrade its recreation efforts were recognized by the Buckeye Trail Association when it awarded MWCD the Merrill Gilfillan Award for Visionary Agency Partners. The Buckeye Trail is a 1,400-mile network of trails across the state, a portion of which goes through MWCD lands. Named for the founder of the Buckeye Trail Association, the award is for organizations that make extraordinary efforts to partner with the association to support and maintain the trail.

Conservation

In recognition of MWCD’s efforts to support other organizations across Appalachia dedicated to protecting and improving wild spaces, the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio awarded MWCD the Chaddock Philanthropist of the Year Award. The award celebrates people and organizations that have made an outsized difference in Appalachia through gifts of philanthropy.

“Serving Eastern Ohio is a mission to which the people of MWCD are deeply committed. They don’t do it for recognition, but when we are recognized for doing the right thing and doing it well, it is something we appreciate,” said Craig Butler, executive director at MWCD. “MWCD is a unique resource for our state and region, and we have some of the best professionals in dam management, recreation and conservation anywhere in the country. We are honored to receive these awards, which reflect our organization's dedication to excellence. It is a testament to the hard work, passion and collaboration of our team in maintaining the highest standards in dam safety, supporting recreational trails and contributing to the betterment of the Appalachian community.”