Emily Floore
Executive Director & St. Marys Riverkeeper at St Marys Riverkeeper
Website Address: www.stmarysriverkeeper.org
Each week on “On a Mission” we talk to community leaders who are out to make a positive impact in the area. Today, our host Dr. Wendy Norfleet talks with Emily Floore from St. Marys Riverkeeper.
To learn more, check out https://www.stmarysriverkeeper.org.
Short company description:
Founded in 2016, St. Marys Riverkeeper is an independent voice for the St. Marys River dedicated to improving water quality in areas that are designated as swimmable and/or fishable; ensuring the river thrives for future generations with our work on resiliency projects and community partnerships; promoting low impact development in a fast-growing area; and advocating against industrial threats in our underserved communities. As a border river, The St. Marys River watershed is comprised of four counties – two in Georgia and two in Florida with roughly 60,000 residents who depend on the health of the river for tourism, recreation, commercial fishing, and safe drinking water. Arising from the Okefenokee Swamp, the St. Marys River flows 130 miles to the Atlantic Ocean at Cumberland Island National Seashore. The watershed has more than 3,000 miles of streams and tributaries, is comprised of 40% wetlands, and is home to many endangered and threatened species such as the Atlantic Sturgeon.
How do you define success?
Riverkeeper’s success is reflected in the health of our St. Marys River as well as the engagement of the watershed community. If the river is healthy and people are working towards improving their environmental stewardship, then we as an organization are fulfilling our mission. Our impact is measured by the value of our water quality program on improving community health and public awareness of their waterways, increasing the number and ways people can experience the St. Marys River, and being seen as a trusted voice for the river during times of environmental concern. The St. Marys River begins in a National Wildlife Refuge and ends at a National Seashore, but very few experience or learn about the river in between. St. Marys Riverkeeper serves to be a catalyst to ensure the river is not only protected but also enjoyed by all.
What are your biggest goals in the next 12 Months for your business?
Strategic Planning, Community engagement opportunities for experiencing the St. Marys River, increasing public awareness of our water quality program, being the trusted voice for the St. Marys River through our advocacy efforts.
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