Flood protection as recreation

The Muskingum River Watershed, which covers more than 8,000 square miles and drains into the Muskingum River, is the largest wholly contained watershed in the state of Ohio, covering about 20 percent of the state. The Muskingum River, which is formed by the confluence of the Tuscarawas and Walhonding rivers at Coshocton, OH, empties into the Ohio River at Marietta. The system of reservoirs and dams in the watershed offers flood reduction and water conservation benefits to the region’s property owners and residents.

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD), a political subdivision of the State of Ohio, was responsible for the development of the reservoirs and dams. Today, the MWCD is dedicated to providing the benefits of flood reduction, water conservation and recreational opportunities in the Muskingum River Watershed.  The District is comprised of nine parks based around the flood reduction lakes that provide thousands of acres dedicated to a wide variety of upland and water recreational opportunities.

The big idea

The project focuses on a master plan for nine of the District’s parks and two marinas as well as five additional vendor operated marina facilities. The master plan is an extensive look at current conditions and recommendations for improvements. It also introduces new amenities to improve visitation of the system parks. Future implementation projects will follow the guidance of the planning efforts, and these future projects fulfill a budget of over $165 million in improvements to this vast park system.

In addition to the planning efforts, the project expanded to include the development of operation standards, business plan improvements, staff training opportunities, incentive improvements program, and code compliancy documentation. These standards have become the foundation for operations throughout the District. Our team members helped to create the guiding plans for the next 40 years at MWCD.

Read more about the history and progress of renovations at the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District in our Marina Dock Age Magazine article from March, 2023.