News Summary
The Ogeechee Riverkeeper has been awarded the Smith W. Bagley Advocacy Award by the Sapelo Foundation for its dedicated environmental advocacy in Georgia. This recognition came during a reception in Savannah, highlighting ORK’s efforts to protect the Ogeechee watershed amid industrial developments. The organization aims to promote sustainable water management and address environmental challenges through active community engagement.
Savannah, Georgia – The Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) has been honored as the recipient of the 2025 Smith W. Bagley Advocacy Award, presented by the Sapelo Foundation for its commitment to environmental advocacy in Georgia. The annual award recognizes outstanding nonprofit organizations or networks that embody the vision of Smith W. Bagley, the late President and Trustee of the Sapelo Foundation, who championed social justice and environmental responsibility.
This prestigious acknowledgment was awarded on August 28, 2025, at a reception held in Savannah. ORK was celebrated for its tireless efforts to protect the Ogeechee watershed, particularly during a pivotal year involving development and industrial activities in Bryan County. The foundation noted ORK’s capability to tackle significant challenges faced in the pursuit of environmental justice.
Bill Broker, a Trustee of the Sapelo Foundation, highlighted ORK as the ‘quintessential David taking on Goliath’ in its environmental advocacy efforts. This recognition underlines ORK’s dedication to preserving natural resources and standing up against large-scale industrial projects that may threaten local ecosystems.
Damon Mullis, ORK’s Executive Director, expressed appreciation for the award, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to safeguarding Georgia’s water resources. ORK’s advocacy is underscored by its recent legal activities, particularly concerning groundwater withdrawal permits crucial for local development projects.
Smith W. Bagley served as a leader for over 30 years at The Sapelo Foundation, advocating for civil and human rights, particularly for marginalized communities in Georgia. His daughter, Nicole Bagley, emphasized his belief in the capacity of individuals to effect change, reflecting on his admiration for organizations that confront challenges with boldness.
The recognition of ORK follows recent developments in environmental negotiations related to groundwater use in southeast Georgia. ORK recently agreed to dismiss its legal challenge against groundwater withdrawal permits granted to Bryan and Bulloch counties after reaching a settlement with the Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority (Savannah JDA). This collaborative decision was made just before an administrative hearing that was set for January.
The contested permits permit the extraction of significant amounts of groundwater—up to 3.5 million gallons per day on a monthly average and 3.125 million gallons per day on an annual average—primarily intended for the $7.6 billion Hyundai Metaplant USA, which is expected to create approximately 8,500 jobs upon full operation.
Initially, ORK expressed concerns regarding potential water supply neglect by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the permit approval process. However, under the terms of the newly agreed settlement, the Savannah JDA has committed to shortening the timeframe for identifying alternative water supply solutions from 25 years to 15 years, demonstrating a responsive approach to environmental concerns while accommodating industrial needs.
Moreover, the agreement includes provisions for additional water quality assessments from the permitted groundwater wells, although other specific terms of the settlement have not been publicly disclosed. This settlement reflects an ongoing effort to harmonize industrial progress with essential environmental protections in the region.
Looking ahead, ORK aims to continue engaging with local stakeholders to promote responsible and sustainable long-term water management strategies that benefit both the community and the environment. The selection of ORK as the 2025 recipient of the Smith W. Bagley Advocacy Award underscores the critical role of advocacy in facing ecological challenges while highlighting the need for balanced development practices in Georgia.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Ogeechee Riverkeeper Honored With Smith W. Bagley Advocacy Award
- Savannah Now: Ogeechee Riverkeeper Offers First Master Naturalist Program
- Bryan County News: Settlement Reached Between Ogeechee Riverkeeper and Savannah Joint Development Authority
- MSN: Water Probes Stolen Out of the Ogeechee River
- Savannah Now: Ogeechee Riverkeeper Dismisses Challenge to Hyundai Groundwater Permits
- Wikipedia: Environmental Advocacy
