Boris Slogar is retiring from MWCD after 16 years of service; replacement sought
NEW PHILADELPHIA — The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) has announced the retirement of Chief Engineer Boris Slogar after 16 years of service.
Slogar served more than 30 years as an Ohio public servant with significant roles at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Ohio Department of Taxation.
“It has truly been an honor to serve MWCD as the chief engineer for the past 16 years,” said Slogar. “It has been a privilege to work along-side a staff of responsible stewards so dedicated to the mission of MWCD.”
He has developed a program to work together with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to ensure the 14 dams and reservoirs within the MWCD are safe and meet the organization's mission of providing flood mitigation for the region. Slogar has also been instrumental in overseeing a 150MM master plan for renovation and construction of parks, marinas and facilities. He has also led an effort to provide direct grant funding to communities within the MWCD to lessen flood risk.
“Boris has helped MWCD reach significant milestones, including overseeing substantial upgrades to MWCD’s 14 dams and reservoirs, as well as the creation and administration of MWCD’s Partner’s in Watershed Management Program,” said Executive Director Craig Butler. “I am thankful for his service to MWCD and wish him the very best in retirement.”
Dave Lautenschleger will be stepping into the role of interim chief engineer while a search is conducted to fill the role. Lautenschleger is the deputy chief of surveying and GIS for the district and has provided leadership and service for more than 14 years.
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District was organized in 1933 to develop and implement a plan to reduce flooding and conserve water for beneficial public uses in the Muskingum River Watershed, the largest wholly contained watershed in Ohio.
Since their construction, the 16 reservoirs and dams in the MWCD region have been credited for saving more than $10 billion worth of potential property damage from flooding, according to the federal government, as well as providing popular recreational opportunities that bolster the region’s economy garnering more than 5 million visitors annually. A significant portion of the reservoirs are managed by the MWCD and the dams are managed for flood-risk management by the federal U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
Information and photo provided by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District.
This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District's chief engineer retiring
