Blue Heron Blog

SRK Earth Day Campaign Helps Keep Our River Clean

4/19/2019

This Earth Day through the end of the month, join the effort to keep the Savannah River clean and protected year-round. With great friends of the river like you, we're dedicated every day to reducing the litter in our communities and our waterways, and contributing to policy decisions that will keep us cleaner, longer. We need people who can join us on the front lines to make a difference. Because Earth Day is every day!

By donating to the campaign you're supporting Savannah Riverkeeper's active cleanup program, Watergoat trash traps, tire pickup and recycling, and more. $25 or more is a great start! Give today and tell your friends and family.

DONATE NOW TO SRK EARTH DAY

FUNDRAISE FOR THE CAMPAIGN
We want you to spread the word for our Earth Day campaign by starting your own Facebook Fundraiser! Get your friends involved and GET A SAVANNAH RIVERKEEPER T-SHIRT When You Raise $100. It's easy, here's how:

1. Go to www.facebook.com/fundraisers.
2. Scroll to the bottom under "Get Started with Facebook Fundraisers" and click "Raise money for a nonprofit organization."
3. Select Savannah Riverkeeper.
4. Customize it how you like - tell people why you stand with SRK, add a photo, and set your own goal. That's it!

Start a Facebook Fundraiser by Clicking Here!

SRK AT COMMUNITY EARTH DAY EVENTS
It's a busy time of year for us and we're all hands on deck! Come see Savannah Riverkeeper at any of these community Earth Day events or pitch in with us at a cleanup. Click the events for more info.

April 20 - Savannah Earth Day Festival
April 20 - Aiken Earth Day Festival
April 22 - Earth Day Waterway Cleanup in Augusta
April 22 - Earth Day Springfield Canal Cleanup in Savannah
April 27 - Earth Day Augusta at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park
April 27 - North Augusta Kids Earth Day at Brick Pond Park
April 27 - CityServe Cleanups across Augusta
Every Friday Year-Round - Watergoat Trash Trap Cleanup

You can also sign up to volunteer for any upcoming SRK event of your choice at www.savannahriverkeeper.org/volunteer-opportunities.

Look out on social media for the ad campaign telling you all about our work and how to get involved. Make sure you follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@savriverkeeper), like and share our content to show all your friends!

8 All-Star Viral Animals Harmed by Plastic Pollution

4/14/2019

Our world is starting to see the inescapable effects of a pileup of plastic pollution in our communities and waterways. Often, the first ones to suffer and even die from its effects are the wildlife we love. If there's any silver lining, it's that the striking images of animals harmed by litter can move people to action. Click to see some of the most memorable and heartbreaking cases that went viral.

Share with your friends, and support SRK this Earth Day to help our cleanup efforts keep plastic out of the Savannah River.

Lock & Dam Update: Savannah Riverkeeper releases public comment.

3/4/2019

final_savrk_nsbld_comments.pdf
File Size:	2515 kb
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UPDATE ON LOCK & DAM ISSUES
The Corps of Engineers Savannah District recently staged a drawdown simulation of the effects to the river levels in downtown Augusta and North Augusta as projected by current plans for the fish passage at New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam. SRK patrolled the river daily to record depth readings and visual and photo evidence of the effects. We aired a live feed each day to share the reality of the levels with the public. Check those out on our Facebook page and a few photos by Brian Phillips below.

SRK received feedback from citizens, many of whom were dissatisfied and concerned with effects to riverfront aesthetics, property including docks and retaining walls, and access for recreation. SRK does not support the current proposed option. We are reviewing the draft report and working with people in the community to provide informed comments within the required period. Our goal is to help ensure that the chosen option is adapted to meet the concerns and interest of our communities. Read on to learn more about SRK's position and plan for comment.

COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED TO APRIL 16
The Corps of Engineers has announced an extension of the original 30-day public comment period for the Lock & Dam—the deadline is now April 16 at 4:00pm to submit comments. The Corps will give more serious consideration to comments that are technical and as factually accurate as possible. Submissions can include photos of areas of concern; testimonials about impacts to your property and/or recreation access; and background on your experience/credentials. The public can submit comments two ways:

By mail: Savannah District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Planning Division, ATTN: Ms. Robin Armetta (PM-P), 100 West Oglethorpe Avenue, Savannah, Georgia 31401-3604
By email: CESAS-PD@usace.army.mil

A decision is expected by August 2019; the project must begin work by 2021.

PUBLIC MEETING INFO
The Corps of Engineers will hold an interactive workshop on Wednesday, March 6 from from 4:00-6:00pm in the Lamar Room of the Augusta Marriott (at the Convention Center), 2 10th Street, Augusta, Georgia. There you can learn more about the report, ask questions of Savannah District officials, and submit verbal comments for the record.

SRK STANCE - SIGN THE PETITION TO SHOW SUPPORT
Our goal is to help ensure that the chosen option meets local concerns. We are formally requesting that the chosen option:

Successfully implements fish passage at the same level or better;
Does not degrade, destroy or damage the potential for improvement at the adjacent Lock & Dam Park;
Includes safe passage for public use of non-motorized boats through or around the structure, as well as fishing access, and;
Leaves water levels significantly higher than the Feb. 2019 test drawdown, lowering the pool no more than 1 foot.

Our recommendations are realistic, taxpayer-friendly, and a compromise for all parties, we believe it's our best chance at a result that will preserve the Savannah River for today and improve it for the generations to come.

Click here to sign on to Savannah Riverkeeper's comments to the Corps

OUR EDITORIAL IN THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE
"A united voice will protect our river." Click here to read your Savannah Riverkeeper’s guest column in the Augusta Chronicle for insight on what’s going on at Lock & Dam and what must be done to restore, protect, and improve our shared resource.

SRK is Hiring! Outreach Coordinator

1/31/2019

Savannah Riverkeeper
Job Posting: Outreach Coordinator

Organization Mission: Savannah Riverkeeper (SRK) serves as the primary guardian of the Savannah River striving to respect, protect, and improve the entire river basin through education, advocacy, and action. The workplace culture is collaborative, dynamic, flexible, and dedicated. The organization protects our most important natural resource and improve people’s lives in the process, making an impact in the watershed, region, and beyond. SRK believes in following a strategic path forward, and in ensuring the mission and our integrity are at the forefront of all that we do.

Job Description: SRK is seeking a highly motivated, organized and creative individual for an exciting opportunity to serve as Outreach Coordinator to promote recreational use and respect for the river, to spread our messaging to underserved areas, increase community involvement and expand our reach of the watershed. This full-time position will be expected to travel often, working half of their time in Savannah, GA, quarter time in Augusta, GA, and quarter time in the Allendale, SC (Middle-Lower Savannah River) area. Personal and reliable transportation is a requirement; mileage is reimbursed.

Primary Duties: Work closely with the Riverkeeper, staff and affiliates to:

Coordinate recreational river outings, paddle trips, and cleanups.
Serve as SRK representative on various working groups and coalitions.
Review and respond to permits and public notices related to the Savannah River Basin, citizen pollution reports, and other advocacy issues as needed.
Manage a network of volunteers for events and initiatives.
Manage citizen water-quality monitoring programs such as Adopt-A-Stream.
Improve partnerships with outfitters and local businesses to promote ecotourism.
Develop strong relationships with officials, business interests and other civic entities to promote ecotourism.
Represent the organization with media relations and at community events throughout the basin.

Qualifications: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or significant experience in an environmental or recreation-related field. Significant on-the-water experience and/or familiarity with the river and tributaries; proficiency in motorized boat operation is a big plus. Basic knowledge of water quality chemistry and river ecology. Ability to develop supportive partnerships with donors, leaders and community members. Physical capability and adeptness for cleanups and river outings. Excellent organizational skills and initiative. Excellent decision-making, problem-solving and communication skills. Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new materials. Proficiency at Microsoft Word, Excel, and experience or ability to learn SalesForce donor database. Ability to work independently.

Job Type: Full-time (40 hours/week); some nights, weekends, and travel are required.
Start Date: ASAP
To Apply: Please submit a single PDF attachment including cover letter, resume, and references. Include your name in the filename, and include “Outreach Coordinator” in the e-mail subject line. Send to: Elena Richards, SRK Communications Director at: elena@savannahriverkeeper.org, or hard copies may be mailed to P.O. Box 60 Augusta, GA 30903. Deadline for application is Friday, February 8, 2019.

We encourage you to learn more about Savannah Riverkeeper. Please visit our website, www.savannahriverkeeper.org, where you can subscribe to our e-newsletter, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Savannah Riverkeeper is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any race, religion, color, sex, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, non-disqualifying disability, veteran status or other basis covered by law. All employment and promotion is guided by qualifications, merit, and need. We believe there is strength in diversity and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.

Harmful Seismic Blasting Allowed in the Atlantic

12/6/2018

By Jacob Oblander, SRK Outreach Coordinator

With little warning last week, the National Marine Fisheries Service released Incidental Harassment Authorizations for five different private companies to conduct Seismic Surveys along the Atlantic Coast, which means they can “incidentally but not intentionally harass marine mammals” while conducting surveys for fossil fuels in the seabed.

This survey process involves seismic blasting, a way of using powerful airguns to blast underwater at 10-second intervals, measuring the echoes off the seafloor to help map offshore oil and natural gas fields. And it's more than just a little noise. Seismic blasting has been shown to drive marine species away from an area, and do damage to those that stay in its path. Serious issues arise when there is repeated blasting, not just by one company but by five different companies. Repeatedly testing the same zones can cause animals to permanently vacate an area, mating and feeding can be disrupted, and there have even been instances of whales beaching themselves to escape the blasts.

You might be thinking that the plight of dolphins, whales, and other sea creatures being bombarded with sound from air guns is sad for them, but it won’t affect you. But, that’s not exactly how marine and coastal biology works. For better or worse, it’s all connected. Our local tourism and commercial fishing industries rely on a functioning ecosystem to thrive. With the possibility of seismic blasting coming closer, we could see major damage to or the loss of coastal fisheries that we all cherish and enjoy as both anglers and consumers. We’ve seen in other areas and through extensive research that this type of testing crashes fisheries by driving away high-level predators and the smaller organisms that start the whole food chain, like shrimp and plankton.

The outcry to stop this kind of damaging practice has been overwhelming, with thousands of local business, commercial fisherman, citizens, and municipalities speaking out to protect our coasts and way of life.

What can you do? Click here to send an email letting your member of Congress know you need them to stand up for the coast and protect marine life. They should be fighting to stop these heinous practices that threaten our daily lives and the food on our plates.

"Watergoat" Trash Traps Helping Curb Litter in Augusta

11/30/2018

November 30, 2018 - Augusta, GA - The City of Augusta has a new method for curbing the amount of litter and plastic waste that reaches the Savannah River. With the help of Savannah Riverkeeper and the Bigwater Rescue Foundation, the city’s Engineering Department has secured and three “Watergoat” trash traps in local waterways notorious for debris from high traffic: Lake Olmstead, Rae’s Creek, and the Sibley Mill outfall of the Augusta Canal. Savannah Riverkeeper has installed two so far, with the last going in early next week. The device is essentially a floating boom and net that attach easily to embankments, stormwater outfalls, canals or creeks, to gather floating trash before it reaches the main waterway, in this case the Savannah River.

“Even with a robust cleanup program, litter has gotten to be such a major problem for our local waterways,” said Savannah Riverkeeper Tonya Bonitatibus. “We will continue our efforts with the city and other partners to curb waste and debris in the community, but the fact is everything that is not disposed of correctly reaches the river. The Watergoats will serve as our last line of defense.”

The specially-designed trash traps are virtually indestructible, easily and safely maintained without getting in the water, and what’s best, they are inexpensive both to purchase and to operate. Watergoats are used in more than 80 locations around the country, each collecting on average more than 125 lbs. of litter every month. But that’s a low estimate- SRK retrieved more than 700 lbs. of trash from the Rae’s Creek location after just two weeks.

“Given the history of these locations, we expect Augusta’s Watergoats will collect large amounts very quickly,” said SRK’s Truck Carlson, who will head up maintenance of the trap. “Especially after rain events, we typically see a rush of in litter in the waterways. So these traps will be hugely beneficial to trapping that.”

Savannah Riverkeeper will maintain the two traps collecting and weighing trash weekly as well as reporting on the type and levels of trash collected, and recommended steps for future litter prevention. They’ll be using volunteers from the organization as well as from the Veterans for Clean Water program, whose focus for the winter months is on cleanups and restoration in the community. In addition, two students from Richmond Academy will be monitoring the trap at Hiers Pond as part of a school project.

“This is something we saw a need for in our community and on the river, and we’re grateful that the city got on board,” said Bonitatibus, however, the nonprofit organization’s trash collection and maintenance of the traps will require support. To help fund efforts to keep the Watergoats operational in Augusta, please consider donating at www.savannahriverkeeper.org.

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Savannah Riverkeeper serves as the primary guardian of the Savannah River, striving to respect, protect, and improve the entire river basin through education, advocacy, and action. We are a 501 c(3) non-profit organization funded by individuals and foundations that share our commitment to creating a clean and healthy river that sustains life and is cherished by its people. For more information please visit: www.savannahriverkeeper.org

Veterans for Clean Water Update

11/7/2018

By guest blogger Truck Carlson, VCW Program Coordinator

Having launched the Veterans for Clean Water program officially just 5 months ago, we have certainly come a long way. Our Veteran Volunteers collected well over 300 water samples throughout the watershed, testing for bacteria levels. We created and maintained data on the Swim Guide app and website on a weekly basis, which allowed the public to access information about the water quality at their favorite swimming and boating spots in the watershed. We worked directly with Ironman staff to ensure the water quality was safe for swimmers for the event. On regular cleanups and outings, we collected more than 300 tires and many hundreds of pounds of trash. While ending our water sampling portion of the program in late September, we are now moving on to restoration.

There are two major projects that SRK's Veteran Volunteers are spearheading. One is the restoration of Butler Creek in South Augusta. The goal is to remove the debris along the creek from Deans Bridge Road all the way to the outflow into the Savannah at Lock and Dam. The end result will be to return Butler Creek to a usable recreational waterway. This will be a daunting project and will require a great amount of effort from the volunteers as well as collaborating with the City of Augusta.

The second project we are taking on is the deployment of three trash-catch systems at critical points in the watershed, thanks to WaterGoat. We expect to receive them in early November and deploy them shortly after. Once deployed, our Veteran Volunteers will maintain them and remove trash on a weekly basis, or as needed after a rain event.

On November 14, SRK is hosting a dinner cruise aboard the Patriot Riverboat highlighting our program. This will be a fundraising event focused on the growing work that Veterans For Clean Water is involved in. We would like anyone who is interested in supporting this program, or even those who want to learn more about getting involved, to join us. For more information, please see the event on Facebook and RSVP to attend.

I am truly thankful for everyone who has supported this program from its inception and
continue to support the program as we move forward. This program is proving to have a huge, positive impact for OUR river, OUR community, and OUR Veteran Volunteers!

And don't forget to like us on Facebook, catch my weekly live feed videos, and share with your friends and colleagues!

-Truck

SRK is Hiring: Executive Assistant

11/1/2018

Savannah Riverkeeper seeks a full-time Executive Assistant to become a key member of our dedicated team working to protect, restore, and improve the Savannah River.

Date Posted: November 1, 2018

Who We Are: Savannah Riverkeeper serves as the primary guardian of the Savannah River striving to respect, protect, and improve the entire river basin through education, advocacy, and action. The workplace culture is collaborative, dynamic, flexible, and dedicated. Savannah Riverkeeper makes an impact in the watershed, region, and beyond. We protect our most important natural resource and we improve people’s lives in the process. The organization believes in following a strategic path forward, and in ensuring the mission and our integrity are foremost in all that we do.

Who We’re Looking For: Savannah Riverkeeper’s mission requires well-functioning processes to stay abreast of multiple issues and campaigns. That’s where we need your help! To thrive in this fast-paced field, we need someone who is productive, organized, and professional, but also adaptable, quick-thinking, and a problem-solver. This person should have the ability to execute initiatives set by the Executive Director/Riverkeeper with minimal oversight. This is not a traditional work environment. One morning for example might be spent navigating waterways to respond to a pollution complaint, then attending a meeting with legislators that afternoon, all with TV interviews in between. It’s hard work, but exciting, and very rewarding. Do you have what it takes to be the Riverkeeper’s sidekick?

The Job We Need: (Major duties will include but are not limited to those below.) Administrative and Executive Support: The Executive Assistant will join the core team to support the efforts and responsibilities of the Executive Director/Riverkeeper. You will direct calls and calendars and provide assistance in managing a varied and busy schedule of engagements. You will help build and maintain relationships with sponsors, supporters, board members, community leaders, and more. You will collaborate with the rest of the staff (finance, communications, and advocacy) to ensure programs and initiatives are carried out efficiently.

Fundraising and Grants: You will aid the Executive Director/Riverkeeper in successful fundraising efforts to meet our annual budget and strategic growth goals. Coordinating communication with current donors and grantmakers, researching new prospects, drafting proposals and letters of intent, and meeting grant and report deadlines are all crucial.

Event Coordination: You will play a major role in planning, organizing, and delegating for our various fundraisers and outreach events throughout the year. You should be able to maintain relationships with the community and sponsors, have and work with Volunteer Coordinator to oversee an effective event team. Experience serving on directing a committee is valuable.

What Qualifies You: Bachelor’s degree or higher, or equivalent military service. Two or more years of administrative and/or nonprofit experience. Expertise, traits and skills matching the job responsibilities, proficiencies, and attributes listed above. Professionalism and excellent interpersonal skills. Proven event planning experience. Computer skills, including the ability to operate donor/membership databases and social media. Campaign strategy experience is a plus. Progressive mindset and passion for clean water and a healthy environment. Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle and ability/willingness to travel extensively using your own transportation.* Ability/willingness to regularly work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Job Type: Full-time (40+ hours/week); some nights, weekends, and travel are required.
Start date: To train ASAP; official start January 2, 2019
Compensation: $22k-$32k commensurate with experience. This is a full-time position that includes 401k, a generous vacation package, modest healthcare stipend, an encouraging and flexible work environment, training, and career growth opportunities. *Travel expenses are reimbursed.

To Apply: Send an email to elena@savannahriverkeeper.org with the subject line EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT. The email should include a single PDF attachment that contains a cover letter, resume, and list of references.
Application deadline: November 15, 2018

Savannah Riverkeeper is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any race, religion, color, sex, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, non-disqualifying disability, veteran status or other basis covered by law. All employment and promotion is guided by qualifications, merit, and need. We believe there is strength in diversity and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.

SRK Hurricane Florence Update

9/13/2018

HURRICANE FLORENCE NEWS:
The NHC has confirmed that Hurricane Florence is now likely to make landfall near Myrtle Beach, SC by this weekend as a Category 2.

Hurricane Florence is approaching the Southeast U.S. coast as an extremely dangerous, major hurricane. The latest forecast brings the center of the storm near the coastal Carolinas on Friday, then Florence could stall or drift slowly southwest to west over the weekend. Regardless of the exact path, impacts will extend well away from the center and into both central South Carolina and eastern Georgia this weekend with the worst conditions expected Friday night into at least Sunday, although impacts could linger longer depending on the uncertain evolution and track.

The main threatening impact in the region may be a prolonged heavy rainfall event with associated flooding through early next week. Storm surges as high as 9 feet and rainfall of as much as 40 inches in some spots are predicted if conditions fall into place. This rainfall would produce catastrophic flash flooding and prolonged significant river flooding. Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may overflow. An extended period of tropical storm force winds is also possible.

Coastal evacuations should be well under way and emergency plans should be in place by now. Watch the video from your Savannah Riverkeeper for tips on how to stay safe.
FORECAST AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT UPDATES:
This is a rapidly changing and potentially life-threatening situation. Please stay up to date by following these pages:

NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center
US National Weather Service Columbia South Carolina
South Carolina Emergency Management Division
Georgia Emergency Management Agency
US National Weather Service Southeast River Forecast Center
Local Government Pages such as Chatham Emergency Management Agency

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information from the state of South Carolina see scemd.org
- For information from the state of Georgia see gema.ga.gov
CLICK HERE to see a map of USGS rain gauges throughout the basin.

If you get good photos of flooding, damage, or high water around the watershed, click here to drop them in this folder, with your name and the location in the filename.

SRK Launches One River Campaign

8/29/2018

Savannah Riverkeeper has launched our One River campaign! From now through September we are reaching out to all corners of the watershed to help people understand their connection to the Savannah River, and spread the word about our efforts to protect this vital resource.

Our goal for this special drive is to gain 500 new members and $10,000 to support Savannah Riverkeeper's good work, from community and waterway cleanups to pollution patrol, legislative efforts, citizen advocacy, and more.

Are you a SRK member yet? What are you waiting for? The Savannah River needs friends like you. Visit www.savannahriverkeeper.org/one-river to join today!

Keep an eye on your social media, inbox, and mailbox for One River promotions and don't forget to share with your colleagues, friends, and family members. If you're not already receiving our e-newsletter, click here to subscribe!