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At their core, the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) exists to provide flood control, recreation, and conservation. There are few other places in the country where oil and gas leasing is working hand in hand with conservation efforts. The MWCD, which covers more than 8,000 square miles and drains into the Muskingum River watershed, covers about 20 percent of the state. The MWCD is dedicated to providing the benefits of flood reduction, water conservation and recreational opportunities in the Muskingum River Watershed.
According to Energy in Depth, MWCD and producers have worked together for over 80 years to provide the most conservation-friendly leases. Their leases include non-development provisions that prevent any rigs, lease roads, pipelines or compressor stations to be placed on MWCD-owned land.
A critical piece of the work the MWCD does is mineral operations. The hundreds of wells operating within the MWCD provide income to help operate the conservancy district and serve as valuable sources of energy for homes and businesses in the region. In 2021, Mineral Rights and Royalties brought in $11,829,151, according to the MWCD Annual Report.
The MWCD supports a diverse range of programs and activities for the community such as youth camps, trail, lake, marina and campground maintenance, as well as all of the work they do to preserve and protect the watershed area. In 2021, over 4 million people visited the area!
Our community is lucky to have such a thoughtful partnership that provides the best outcomes for all. The revenue MWCD receives from oil and gas leases, over $195 million dollars, has gone directly to the Capital Improvement Fund to upgrade our areas parks and campgrounds for the enjoyment of our entire community.
Furthermore, MWCD's executive director Craig Butler who was formally in charge of the OhioEPA none better to lead an organization with conservancy and environmentally minded at its core values. Also, to lead the negotiations for all the Oil & Gas leases for their territory. Craig and the board of directors with a wide diverse background would never endanger our local environment they are entrusted to protect.
The improvements that have taken place at the MWCD Lakes and Campgrounds because of the Oil & Gas industry are top notch and will help to continue to bring revenue to our region.
In addition, attract businesses looking to locate in an emerging area. MWCD has also taken the lead because of the Oil and Gas industry in Economic Development which is welcomed by all in our region. It takes a large team effort to build a robust economy for the future. I for one appreciate their efforts to grow our region while improving our environment.
Nicholas A. Homrighausen
Community Improvment Corp. of Harrison County
Michelor ishion Hiskian
Executive Director of HCCIC