On December 12, 2023, the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) announced the appointment of Peter Novotny to be the new Chief of Recreation. He will lead all recreation-related strategies and efforts for the District’s 5 million annual visitors to its parks, lakes, and marinas.

Enjoying the Outdoors is brought to you in partnership with Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. 

The Experienced State Wildlife Official Will Bring New Energy and Ideas to Parks, Lakes, and Outdoor Programs

Novotny is an experienced natural resources leader with a strong background in recruiting and building effective teams and managing wildlife and public engagement efforts. He currently serves as the Assistant Chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. Novotny is a recognized national advocate for the use of public lands as the chair of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Hunting and Shooting Sports Participation Committee.

“We’re excited to have Peter join us because of his passion for getting Ohioans outdoors and engaged in all that our state’s natural resources have to offer. He is a capable administrator and financial manager who is committed to public service. His abilities and interests align with the MWCD mission very well and I am confident he will bring valuable energy and ideas as we enter a new phase of expanding the District’s recreational programming for our visitors,” said MWCD Executive Director Craig Butler.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to work alongside fellow professionals as we reimagine recreation to connect people to the wild places and spaces of Ohio,” said Novotny.

In this pivotal role, Novotny will oversee parks, marinas, and docking, and work collaboratively across the MWCD to enhance and expand recreational offerings. The MWCD’s lakes and parks have long been recognized as some of the best managed natural resources in the region and new upgrades approved by the MWCD Board as part of its new strategic plan will only build on this tradition of commitment to quality outdoor programming.

Looking Ahead