October 31 , 2024 The Beacon • 3

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District announced the awarding of $ 63,000 to five regional conservation organizations for the development of nonpoint source implementation strategies within the Muskingum River Watershed . These strategies will address environmental impairments and improve water quality across critical areas of the watershed , supporting local conservation efforts that benefit both the environment and the communities within the region .

Awardees include Ashland Soil & Water Conservation District , Holmes Soil & Water Conservation District , Rural Action , Summit County Engineers

Office Surface Water Management District and West Creek Conservancy .

These organizations will use the funds to develop NPS-IS plans , which are essential tools for identifying and addressing environmental issues in specific areas . The plans create a road map for improving the environment while also unlocking state and federal funding opportunities . These plans open the door to more substantial funding through the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency ’ s 319 grant program , enabling further investment in conservation projects ranging from streambank restoration to the implementation of

green infrastructure .

The awarded plans will focus on critical subwatersheds within the Muskingum River Watershed , which spans multiple counties and key tributaries including Killbuck Creek , Black Fork and Clear Fork Mohican River , Stillwater Creek , and the Tuscarawas River . In total these efforts will cover areas of Ashland ,

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Coshocton , Harrison , Holmes , Knox , Marrow , Portage , Richland , Stark and Summit counties , covering 133,548 acres and serving an estimated population of 54,470 residents .

NPS-IS plans address nonpoint source pollution — pollutants that come from sources such as runoff from agricultural fields or urban areas . They identify

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specific environmental issues within a watershed , set goals for improvement and outline conservation strategies . With these strategies in place , communities can secure funding for projects that directly improve water quality and environmental health .

“ We are committed to improving water quality and addressing environmental impairments in

the Muskingum River Watershed ,” said Matt Thomas , MWCD chief of conservation . “ These grants help build the foundation for long-term conservation efforts , and by supporting the creation of these NPS- IS plans , we are helping local communities unlock further funding opportunities and achieve lasting environmental benefits .”

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