CDC keeps improving Guernsey County green spaces

Pictured: Chuck Fair, Byesville Rotary President, and Ron Gombeda, Executive Director of the Community Development Corporation (CDC).

Byesville Rotary welcomed Ron Gombeda, Executive Director of the Community Development Corporation (CDC) to their weekly meeting. Gombeda stated that “…the mission of the CDC is to improve quality of life in Guernsey County.” He pointed out that one area of focus for the CDC is to contribute to the improvement of the natural environment. The range of environmental projects the CDC has been involved or is currently involved in includes small projects like helping townships obtain needed items such as stop signs and culverts, building playgrounds as well as supporting large projects such as the Great Guernsey Trail.

The CDC’s future goals include several ambitious projects. The CDC would like to purchase the Whiskey Run Golf Course. The course would be turned into a nature preserve. Gombeda stated the estimated cost for this project is $2.56 million. The organization is also working to extend the Great Guernsey Trail east past Lore City and join the Guernsey Trail with other developed trails. Other plans for the Guernsey Trail include developing a bird sanctuary on the Trail.  

Gombeda went on to describe CDC plans for the old Ramages building in Byesville. The old building, which has been damaged by vandals, will have a second life serving as a “mini COSI”-- a hands-on learning center focusing on the environment and outdoor activities. Gombeda stated that the estimated cost to renovate building and purchase equipment is $175,000.

Gombeda reported the CDC has two continuing effort is to keep Guernsey County green spaces attractive. One effort involves removing log jams from county streams. This effort maintains local water quality and prevents erosion. A second effort is cleaning up illegal dumpsites. In order to fund this effort, the CDC works with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to obtain financing. Gombeda reported that in 2014-15, the CDC was able to clean up 13 illegal sites. As a service to county residents, the CDC will legally dispose of old tires dropped off at the CDC office.

How does the CDC fund all these projects? Gombeda explained that funding involves a lot of grant writing and requires working with various local, state and federal agencies.  Some of the agencies the CDC works with include the Clean Ohio Clean Ohio Trails, National Emergency Grant, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

Gombeda stated the CDC sponsors holds fundraisers. This year the organization will raise funds at the Outdoor Expo and Sportsman’s Bash which is planned for the last Saturday in June at the Byesville Park.

Connect with Byesville Rotary at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com or Instagram Byesville.rotary.ohio@gmail.com , Twitter Byesville_Club, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283. The club meets 7:30 am, Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Walk-ins are welcome at the club’s meeting.