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Eastman native to head Ogeechee watchdog group
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Damon Mullis of Eastman is now the executive director of the Ogeechee Riverkeeper.

When Damon Mullis was a young boy, his grandfather introduced him to the rivers and streams of the coastal plain near his home in Eastman.

An avid fisherman, Mullis grew up curious about how freshwater ecosystems worked, fascinated by the fish and other wildlife along the rivers, the forests, swamps and marshes — and how the presence of humans impacts the natural world.

His curiosity led him to Georgia Southern University, where he earned a Master of Science in biology, focusing on freshwater ecology.

As research scientist and research program manager for Phinizy Center for Water Science in Augusta, he gained extensive experience in water quality monitoring and education, including leading projects on the Ogeechee River.

"I genuinely believe that when people have knowledge, they make connections between their lives and the watershed, they respect it more, grow to love it, and start fighting to preserve it,” Mullis said. “The Ogeechee Watershed is truly a special place and I am honored to be given this opportunity to advocate for it. I will work diligently every day to protect it. We will be scheduling events throughout the watershed in 2019 and I look forward to meeting and talking with as many members as possible."

According to a press release from the nonprofit organization, Mullis's extensive research and recreational experience on the Ogeechee River make him uniquely qualified to take on the role of river protector, advocate and community builder. He brings with him an exceptional skill set, as well as a deep love for the Ogeechee and Canoochee Rivers and the creeks and marshes of the coast. 

As riverkeeper/executive director, Mullis is the primary spokesperson for Ogeechee Riverkeeper and will dedicate his time to protecting and advocating for the Ogeechee and Canoochee River Basin and its associated coastal rivers and streams.

He will work to increase environmental awareness through education, outreach, and advocacy by emphasizing the essential role these waterways play in the community, the issues that threaten their health and vitality, and the solutions that must be implemented to protect and preserve them.

Ogeechee Riverkeeper works at every level to restore and protect these waterways and to advance clean water policy. With firsthand knowledge of the waterways and the threats against them, Mullis will work to implement a robust water quality-monitoring program, ready to combat pollution and serve as a guardian for conserving natural resources in the basin.

Learn more about Ogeechee Riverkeeper's mission to preserve, protect and improve the water quality of the Ogeechee River Basin at ogeecheeriverkeeper.org. For more information or to become more involved, contact Mullis at damon@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org

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