Who is FLMR?
Friends of Lower Muskingum River (FLMR) is a 501(c)3, non-profit watershed based organization founded in 2001. We are a partnership of organizations and individuals whose mission is to "restore, protect, and maintain the physical, chemical and biological integrity of the Lower Muskingum River and to protect and promote its natural, cultural, historical, recreational and socioeconomic resources". The Lower Muskingum Watershed that FLMR serves contains a drainage area of over 600 square miles of land with its Northern boundary being the South side of Zanesville and its Southern boundary ending at Marietta.
Since the organization's founding, FLMR has pursued this mission through not only Land Trust efforts but also through the dedicated efforts of Watershed Coordinators and AmeriCorps VISTA members. As a Land Trust, FLMR has acquired and manages, through conservation practices, over 250 acres of land mainly within the Lower Muskingum drainage basin. We also hold donated conservation easements protecting 671 acres of forest, farmland and river front properties.
In pursuing endeavors to meet the goals of FLMR's mission, our Watershed Coordinators and AmeriCorps teams have also been hard at work throughout the years. Through partnerships with Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA), Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Duke Energy, American Electric Power (AEP), Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD), Soil & Water Conservation Districts and many other supporters, FLMR's Watershed Team has been able to hit the ground running in efforts to better the watershed we all know and love since we became an established organization.
Some of FLMR's Watershed Team's greatest achievements include:
Developing a Watershed Action Plan that thoroughly studied the causes and sources of impairment in the Meigs Creek region and offers prioritized stream restoration projects.
Received Ohio EPA 319 grant funding to analyze nitrate impacts to groundwater within the Southern portion of the watershed and developed Source Water Protection Plans with four Public Water Supplies in the region.
Brought back the fun and excitement of the former Marietta Jaycee's Raft Regatta by hosting the "Annual Mighty Muskingum River Raft Race" the past three years!
Highlighted the Lower Muskingum River basin through educational programs to schools and through public demonstrations (e.g. fish population electro-shocking sampling demonstrations conducted by Ohio EPA).
Currently the Watershed Team has received a four year, ODNR Watershed Coordinator grant to develop a Watershed Action Plan for the Southern Subwatershed of the Lower Muskingum River. This is an area of land starting at Marietta, extending North between Lowell and Beverly. Upon state endorsement the plan will be added to the overall Management Plan and will serve as a guide for stream restoration in the area. I am currently soliciting input from local residents and users of the river to be included in this plan. Feel free to contact me if you have information about wildlife, past land uses or future conditions that you feel should be included in the plan.
Friends of Lower Muskingum River, as both a Land Trust and Watershed Team, are committed to accomplishing the goals laid out in our mission. With continued support from both new and old partners as well as interested citizens, we are confident that we will succeed in achieving our mission of preserving this area of land for our future generations to enjoy for years to come.
For more information about FLMR or to become a member call (740) 374-4170 or check out our website at www.muskingumriver.org
Jesse Daubert is coordinator of the Friends of the Lower Muskingujm River Waterford.
