Ogeechee Riverkeeper

January 2025


ORK and Savannah Joint Development Authority Reach Settlement Agreement

 

On Friday, December 27, 2024, the Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) agreed to dismiss its challenge to the groundwater withdrawal permits issued to Bryan and Bulloch counties on October 7, 2024, after reaching a settlement agreement with the Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority (Savannah JDA).


Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the Savannah JDA agreed to facilitate a reduction in a long-term surface water or alternative water solution for the Bryan County Industrial Megasite and associated developments from 25 years to 15 years and to provide for additional water quality sampling from the permitted groundwater wells.

Read the full statement
 

ORK turns 20 this year

ORK officially became a nonprofit organization in 2005 and we're getting ready to celebrate the anniversary. But we also want to hear from you! What are some of your memories on the river or in the watershed? Do you have old photos or stories to share? Send them in to  info@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org.

 

Legal Advocacy

As part of Ogeechee Riverkeeper’s mission to protect, preserve, and improve the water quality in our basin, ORK makes official comments and joins sign-on letters. Review the latest.


24.12.20 – Raydient Bryan County PUD DRI

24.10.14 – JH Industrial Site Wetlands Permit

24.09.30 – Hinely Tract PUD DRI

New year, new crew

ORK is welcoming two new members of staff. 


Hesper Linger has been hired as the  Development and Events Manager. Hesper grew up in West Virginia, where she developed a love of water thanks to the abundance of lakes, streams, and secret swimming spots. After graduating college with a degree in sociology and political science, she moved to Ohio and took her first (albeit short-lived) fundraising job with Sierra Club. When she relocated to North Carolina she worked in project management before spending 15 years in various development roles at Duke University. Most recently, she was the development director for DukeEngage, the university’s civic engagement program that pairs undergraduates with global community partners. 

Cimaya McCreary joins us as a Water Policy Intern, helping the organization research permits, municipal planning documents, and more to promote responsible regional growth. Cimaya grew up between the D.C. area and Savannah, cultivating a deep curiosity and commitment to excellence. She earned a B.S. in Psychology from Oglethorpe University and currently pursues a M.S. in International Policy at Kennesaw State University.

And ORK is hiring!

Ogeechee Riverkeeper has three open positions:

  • Environmental Scientist
  • Education and Outreach Coordinator
  • Upper Watershed Representative

Check out the job descriptions and apply, or forward to someone you think would love to work with ORK.

Upcoming volunteer events

Jump into the creek with KSBB and Ogeechee Riverkeeper by participating in our monthly creek cleanup near the Willie McTell Trail in Statesboro. Assist us in cleaning out the litter booms as well as conducting trash analysis on February 26.

 

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 31416-2906
(866) 942-6222
info@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org
www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org
EIN 58-2636669​​​​​​​

DONORVIEW