In 2023, we earned the "Best Maintained Dam Local Public Category" from the Water Management Association Organization of Ohio.
Your Money | What's NEW?
In 2025, we focused on keeping our waterways and flood control systems in good working condition to protect the community and maintain reliable drainage.
Our team continued clearing downed trees from channels and maintenance berms to prevent blockages and ensure safe access for inspections and mowing. We also restored one mile of maintenance berm, which is now part of our regular yearly mowing program.
We maintained all eight flood control dams throughout the year, mowing them four times to support healthy vegetation and make inspections easier. Thanks to consistent upkeep and routine monitoring, all dams meet Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) safety standards.ODNR staff also completed their scheduled five year inspection, confirming the dams remain in compliance.
In 2023, we earned the 2023 ODSO Dam Safety Award for Best Maintained Dam in the state of Ohio. The award is given in recognition of establishing a consistent pattern of inspection, maintenance both within the dam structure and surrounding areas.
During a routine review of the River Styx Channel, we identified an area of bank erosion. To protect the channel, we removed a downed tree and installed large stones (riprap) to stabilize the bank and prevent further damage.
Our team also inspected and maintained about 600 drainage structures across the system. One major improvement included replacing an aging metal tile outlet on the Little Chippewa Creek with a long lasting PVC structure. This upgrade supports a landowner’s field drainage project and helps protect the nearby maintenance berm.
"Are maintenance or flowage easements on my property?" is a frequently asked question. To help you see where the easements are situated, we have developed the Chippewa Subdistrict Dynamic Map. Click the link to see your property. Similar in operation to a Google map, zoom in for more detail, use the mouse cursor to drag your viewpoint side to side or up and down.
As we enter 2026, we remain committed to maintaining our channels, drainage structures, and dams to ensure they continue functioning safely and effectively for the public.
Channel Maintenance
Vegetation management is key to preserving channel capacity for flow, and for providing access for maintenance activities along the 33 miles of channel that we are responsible for.
Dam Maintenance
Dam inspections, regular servicing and consistent mowings are key to maintaining dam's ability to function as intended. Chippewa subdistrict manages 8 dams.
Special Projects
An example of a special project this year was on the Chippewa Creek. A failing tile outlet was identified along Little Chippewa Creek Reach LC01. The outlet’s deterioration was affecting the creek bank and disrupted drainage from the fields.
Hubbard Valley Dam Laser Scanning Project
We initiated our first laser scan and 3D basemap of a Principal Spillway structure in 2019 and have continued to leverage that data. At Hubbard Valley Dam, (Dam 3-A), the spillway consists of a 25 foot tall concrete riser, 42-inch diameter by 236 foot long outlet pipe and impact basin. GPD Group – Akron was the contractor. The initial report and drawings provided a very detailed basemap of the spillway. Comparisons of the initial basemap and subsequent scans, will indicate any possible compromises of the structure or the pipe. This level of detail will supplement more basic visual inspections.
StormLink® Instrumentation at Dam 5-D
We installed our third Automated Rainfall and Stage Level Monitoring System with a StormLink® Satellite Monitoring Station in 2019 and utilized that data in 2020. The StormLink® is installed on Dam 5-D, off Steiner Road near Creston, Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) staff installed conduit, concrete supports, and the solar-powered station. We are continuing to monitor the site remotely for rainfall and flood pool stage, which is especially important during large storm events.
