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Ogeechee Riverkeeper

April 2025

EPA and the U.S. Army Corps have announced they plan to limit the definition of “waters of the United States” to further narrow federal clean water protections.

This includes the wetlands that support clean waterways and rivers. The proposed rules would remove protections and make it easier for wetlands to be filled and destroyed. Wetlands are part of a healthy ecosystem but they are already disappearing at an alarming rate from our watershed. 

Wetlands provide pollution filtration, wildlife habitat, and flood control - all needed for healthy communities. Weakening wetlands protection weakens all of us.

Write to express your concerns about this proposal and your support for protected wetlands.

Include Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2025-0093 in the subject line of the message.

Or Mail:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center, Water Docket, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460

On The Water Campaign

The ongoing costs associated with being on the water include maintaining boats, kayaks, and trailers, and renting storage facilities. ORK can’t do the important work of protecting our watershed without the right equipment, and right now our boat needs a new motor. 

Protect funding for river gages

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is facing significant funding cuts. Created by an act of Congress in 1879, USGS makes a range of scientific data and mapping tools available to the public.

The USGS operates a number of streamflow gages in our watershed, publishing irreplaceable data used by local governments, nonprofits, and citizens to make informed decisions about flooding potential and to issue warnings. For example, this data was used to help warn residents during the local flooding events for tropical storms and hurricanes like Debby and Helene. 

These threats to reduce budget, staffing, offices, and other resources at USGS are dangerous. ORK urges you to contact your representatives and make sure this funding remains in place.

A 2014 ORK paddle through Skidaway Narrows

Have fond memories of fishing with a loved one? Get stuck in the mud when a storm blew in? Find a peaceful moment when you needed it most? Help ORK celebrate twenty years of protecting clean water for all by sharing your photos and memories with us.

Send them to  info@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org.

Flood pulses

The winter and spring are the best seasons to notice the phenomenon of flood pulse occurring. The flooding allows for saturation of the water in the floodplain and surrounding lands. This helps plants receive a cue that spring is coming and soon it will be time to bloom and grow once again.

Corporate sponsorships offer perks all year long. Depending on the level of sponsorship, benefits can include tickets to the Oyster Roast.

Contact staff today to find out how ORK can help you reach more people in the watershed.

Volunteering highlight

Three cheers for the guys from Sigma Chi. They did cleanups at Evans County landings for their Frank Hook Day of Service.

Contact our education and outreach coordinator to find out more about volunteer opportunities.

Events in the community

We will be out and about this spring and would love to see you. 

April 19 - Guyton Earth Day

April 19 - Canoochee Paddle Race

April 25 - Savannah Earth Day

May 6 - Millen Produce Market

May 10 - Statesboro Farmers Market

Please be sure to come say hello!

Legal advocacy

As part of Ogeechee Riverkeeper's mission to protect, preserve, and improve the water quality in our basin, ORK will make official comments in response to proposals and permit applications. These comments become part of the public record and are available for viewing here.

25.03.27 - 7-Eleven Truck Stop DRI

25.03.14 - Riverside PD DRI

There are many ways you can help the Ogeechee Riverkeeper protect, preserve, and improve the waterways within our basin.

Ogeechee Riverkeeper, Inc.
PO Box 16206
Savannah, Georgia 31416
(866) 942-6222
info@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org
www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org
EIN 58-2636669​​​​​​​

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