What Miami Conservancy District Staff Do in the Winter

When winter weather limits field work across the Great Miami River Watershed, the Miami Conservancy District does not slow down. Instead, our field staff shift focus—using this season to tackle critical facility improvements, equipment repairs, inspections, and housekeeping tasks that are difficult to complete during the busy spring, summer, and fall months.

While dams may look quiet and levees peaceful, winter is an essential time to strengthen the systems, tools, and facilities that keep our communities safe from flooding.

According to Ben Casper, MCD's Operations and Maintenance Manager, "Winter gives our crews the time to fix, improve, and prepare—so we’re ready when conditions change."

Facility Improvements Across the System

When weather keeps crews out of the field, winter becomes prime time for hands-on work inside MCD facilities throughout the watershed. Current winter projects include:

• Replacing outdated incandescent light fixtures with energy-efficient LED lighting to improve visibility, safety, and efficiency.
• Repairing damaged drywall and fixing water leaks inside facilities
• Cleaning, organizing, and improving storage and workspaces

These upgrades improve safety, reduce energy use, extend the life of facilities, and create safer, more functional work environments for staff.

Installing new LED lighting at Lockington Dam.

Equipment Repairs and Custom Improvements

Winter is also when staff can dedicate time to repairing and improving essential equipment.

• One of MCD’s older dump trucks is currently being rehabilitated with new metal installed on the truck bed, extending its service life and reliability.
• The project crew is building a custom frame for one of the heavy equipment trailers, allowing crews to haul equipment more safely and efficiently.

These in-house repairs and custom builds help control costs while ensuring equipment is ready for emergency response and routine maintenance when the season changes.

Rehabbing an older dump truck to extend its service life.

Did You Know? Many equipment upgrades and repairs are completed in-house by MCD staff, saving money and keeping critical tools ready for flood response.

Taking Care of What the Growing Season Doesn’t Allow

During the year, crews focus on mowing, inspections, and responding to high water. Winter allows staff to address the long list of tasks that are hard to fit in during peak seasons, including:

• Trimming branches and removing brush that interferes with maintenance access
• Grinding stumps and clearing obstacles around facilities
• Repairing broken or worn equipment
• Performing deep cleaning and general housekeeping at maintenance sites
• Organizing tools, parts, and materials for faster, safer access

These efforts may not always be visible to the public, but they directly support efficiency, safety, and readiness.

Surveying activities might occur year round if needed. 

Safety, Inspections, and Readiness

Winter is also a key time for inspections that support safe operations year-round.

• Inspect all floodgates to ensure they are functioning properly
• Conduct garage safety and inventory inspections at every maintenance facility
• Verify that crews have the tools, materials, and safety equipment they need
• Ensure materials are stored correctly and facilities meet safety standards

These inspections help prevent accidents, reduce downtime, and ensure crews can respond quickly and safely during high water events.

Readiness isn’t just about dams and

levees—it’s about people, equipment, and safe workplaces.

Quiet on the Surface, Busy Behind the Scenes

Winter may look calm along the river, but inside Miami Conservancy District facilities and garages, crews are hard at work repairing, upgrading, organizing, and preparing.

The work completed during these colder months—facility improvements, equipment rehab, inspections, and housekeeping—ensures that when spring rains arrive, Miami Conservancy District staff and infrastructure are ready to perform.

Winter is not downtime. It’s preparation time.

 MCD parking lots are kept clear from snow so staff and visitors stay safe.