Welcome to the Hocking Conservancy District

The Hocking Conservancy District is a political subdivision of the State of Ohio and has the role of being the local cooperating agency for flood reduction projects and to operate and maintain these projects as required.

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Hocking Conservancy District

Discovering the history of HCD, funding details and the ALPP initiatives for flood reduction

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Margaret Creek Subdistrict

Explore the history of Margaret Creek Subdistrict, detailing it’s inception and the community supporters involved in it’s establishment.

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Learn About Our History

History of Hocking Conservancy District

Notable studies of the Hocking River occurred in August 1948, August 1950, and June of 1956 to determine what improvements for flood control, water conservation, domestic water use and allied purposes at and in the vicinity of Athens, Ohio were advisable at that time. There was also a study of the Coolville area for the possibility of commercial navigation to the mouth of the Hocking River in 1889. Dating back to 1888 the Hocking Valley Watershed has had numerous reports, studies and mapping of the Hocking River and its tributaries conducted to review the need for navigation, dams and reservoirs, along with any channel improvements that would reduce flooding.

History of Hocking Conservancy District

Historic storms and major damaging floods occurred throughout the 20th  century and notable during the 60’s with floods in 1963, 1964, and 1968.  The highest flood of record for the Hocking River occurred on March 13, 1907. In Athens the 1907 flood reached a crest stage of 26.7 feet. As a result of the loss of life, the millions of dollars in damages, and the impacts of flooding an organization was formed to promote the formation of a Conservancy District which would lead the way for flood reduction projects. This organization prayed for the organization of a Conservancy District to promote public safety, health, convenience, and welfare within the District. Pursuant to this hearing, the Court ordered the creation and incorporation of the Hocking Conservancy District on December 13, 1963.

History of Hocking Conservancy District

The Official Plan for the Hocking Conservancy District was adopted in June of 1965, and included only those projects that were justified at the time. One of the projects was The Athens Local Protection Project (ALPP) and was completed in 1972. The ALPP was constructed in cooperation with the United States Army Corps of Engineers at a cost of  $10 million of federal, state and local funds. The Corps of Engineers annually track the value of flood damages prevented by the Athens Local Protection Project since it was constructed. The cumulative value from 1972-2021 exceed $186 million dollars in damages prevented. These dollar figures are updated to reflect the property values in 2008.

Assessments

A maintenance assessment is a legal way to fund a conservancy district, as described in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC). These funds are necessary to run, maintain, improve, and preserve the district, and to cover its expenses. The Auditor of State audits these funds to ensure they are used properly and according to the law. As allowed by the ORC, the assessments may be adjusted once every six years to ensure that the district’s costs are distributed fairly and equitably. MCCD is responsible for ensuring that the projects function as designed. The assessments enable the district to provide for the safety and integrity of these structures.

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