Valuing Local Concerns About Mining Near the Swamp

Georgia cities and counties have been showing how much they value the Okefenokee Swamp by adopting local resolutions. These resolutions can be found across the state, representing over 330,000 southeast Georgians, and over 1.1 million Georgians statewide. These resolutions differ in content and language to fit the priorities of the individual communities. However, all these resolutions have one thing in common: a respect and appreciation for the Okefenokee Swamp and an interest in protecting it for this and future generations.

Also from October 2023 to January 2024, a petition to support the Okefenokee Swamp was circulated by community members in Ware and Charlton Counties. The petition could be found, in paper form only, in Folkston and Waycross at social gatherings, restaurants, and local businesses. The petition has garnered 539 signatures from people who support the protection of the Okefenokee, and call for EPD to deny the mining permits on Trail Ridge.

The petition language clearly states:

“We the undersigned residents of Southeast Georgia, implore our elected officials and regulators to take every possible measure to ensure the long-term protection of the Okefenokee Swamp. Specifically, we petition:  

• “Members of the GA General Assembly to pass HB 71, the Okefenokee Protection Act (and equivalent Senate Bill) to prohibit future mining along Trail Ridge, and
• “The Director of the GA Environmental Protection Division to deny the mining permits being sought by Twin Pines Minerals, LLC.” 

Protecting the Okefenokee Wildlife & Human Experience

One of the most wonderful parts of the Okefenokee is the peace and serenity that it provides to those who have the privilege of experiencing it. A mining operation so close to the swamp would threaten not only the wildlife that lives there, but the overall human experience. Through eco-tourism and historical preservation, the Okefenokee Swamp attracts 600,000 annual visitors and creates 750 local jobs. Any damage to the swamp would jeopardize the economies of these rural counties that are dependent on the swamp—and its inhabitants’—continued health.

The “specific recommendations” do not adequately provide clarity on how Twin Pines will mitigate light and noise pollution caused by a major mining operation.

Ensuring the Health of the St Marys River

The St. Marys River is home to several federally protected species, including the Shortnose Sturgeon which were recognized as endangered in 2012. Impacts on water flow and water quality of the St. Marys River may negatively affect the sturgeon population, which are sensitive to changes to the river caused by surface water runoff and increased pollution. 

In the surface mining draft permit, EPD calls for only quarterly water quality reporting during the first two years, and then semi-annually thereafter. The sensitive and pristine waters of the Okefenokee Swamp and the St. Marys River require more frequent water quality testing and reporting, especially after the first two years, to ensure minimal impact to the health of the systems and accurate reporting.

Hydrology of the Swamp & Surrounding Areas

The current draft permits and EPD responses to comments show an alarming lack of concern for the water levels and quality in the Southeast Quadrant of the swamp.

Dr. Rhett Jackson’s research shows that Twin Pines’ proposal would triple the frequency and severity of drought in this area of the swamp. There has not been enough done to address the hydrological impacts caused by the consumptive loss of water from the surficial aquifer. A decrease in water levels in the swamp would exacerbate risk of drought and fire. Fire is a part of the natural cycle of the swamp ecosystem, but anthropogenic influence could throw off that delicate cycle. Past fires that originate in the swamp have had significant consequences for the communities surrounding them, including loss of timber and agricultural land, as well as damage to private property.

Local Opposition to Mining the Okefenokee

From October to January, a paper petition to support the Okefenokee Swamp was circulated by community members in Ware and Charlton Counties.

The petition language clearly states:

“We the undersigned residents of Southeast Georgia, implore our elected officials and regulators to take every possible measure to ensure the long-term protection of the Okefenokee Swamp. Specifically, we petition:  

• “Members of the GA General Assembly to pass HB 71, the Okefenokee Protection Act (and equivalent Senate Bill) to prohibit future mining along Trail Ridge, and
• “The Director of the GA Environmental Protection Division to deny the mining permits being sought by Twin Pines Minerals, LLC.” 

Megan Desrosiers

President and Chief Executive Officer

Megan Desrosiers is the founding President/CEO of One Hundred Miles, Georgia’s coastal advocacy organization. In an effort to elevate the Georgia coast as a recognized place of historical, cultural, and biological significance, Megan spends her time working in local communities, on regional collaboration projects, and lobbying in Atlanta.

Megan and her team have accomplished a remarkable amount since the organization’s inception in 2013. One Hundred Miles is responsible for improvements to the Erosion and Sedimentation Act which now requires a 25-foot buffer for all salt marsh, galvanizing statewide opposition to offshore drilling, and preventing the US Army Corps of Engineers from dredging during the summer when Georgia’s sea turtles come home to nest. Under her leadership, One Hundred Miles has built a network of more than 16,000 advocates who stand ready to respond to bad and promote good ideas that will affect our coast. In six short years, the organization has grown from two employees to ten, an annual budget of $250,000 to more than $1 million, and a donor base of six to one of more than 1,100 today.

Before coming to Georgia’s coast, Megan spent 10 years at the Coastal Conservation League (CCL) in South Carolina. She was instrumental in efforts to conserve land in the Ashley River Historic Corridor and on Johns Island. She also worked to establish the organization’s first climate and energy and agriculture program agendas.

Megan has worked through the years to help start up organizations form and become sustainable coastal advocacy partners in Georgia and South Carolina. In addition to forming One Hundred Miles, she worked with a team to start GrowFood Carolina, South Carolina’s first local food hub, and collaborated with a group of diverse leaders to initiate Charleston County’s Greenbelt Program. Megan has also served on the founding boards of the South Carolina Outdoor Education Program (SCOEP) and Charleston Moves, a bicycle/pedestrian advocacy organization.

Stephanie Chewning

Coastal Education Coordinator

Stephanie’s love for the ocean started at a very young age on the beaches of Stone Harbor, New Jersey, searching for and collecting shells with her Nana. This childhood passion never stopped, and she followed her interest in the outdoors by pursuing a degree in Marine Science from American University in Washington, D.C.

After college, Stephanie spent time teaching environmental science in Florida, California, and Georgia. Ultimately settling on the Georgia coast, she worked at Driftwood Education Center on St. Simons Island as the Program Director and later with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources as a Naturalist on Sapelo Island. Stephanie continues to share her love of our coast as a part of the One Hundred Miles education team.

Kristen Clark

12th Grade, South Effingham High School

What Three Words Best Describe You?

Adventurous, Creative, Assiduous

What Is Your Dream Career?

I don’t know exactly what it is I want to pursue later in life, but I know I want it to be something that gives me the freedom to travel and explore the world while still making a difference. I want to do something that allows me to be creative and pursue my passions, something more than just a standard desk job.

What Is Your Claim to Fame?

I’ve participated in South Carolina’s Olympic Development Program for soccer for the past two years.

What Is Your Favorite Place Along Georgia’s Coast? What Do You Like Most About It?

My favorite place probably has to be Saint Simon’s Island. It’s not just about how beautiful and serene it is, though. I like how being there makes me feel. I like that it makes me feel at peace with myself and lets me escape from the world around me.

What Coastal Issue(s) Are You Most Passionate About? Why?

I think that major coastal issues to be concerned about primarily surround plastic pollution and the degradation of beaches and coastal lands. There are so many issues that are important and worthwhile, but I feel that plastic pollution is especially important. It threatens wildlife and chemicals leeched can harmfully impact human health, as well.

What Advice Would You Give to Other Students Who Want to Be Leaders or Make a Difference?

You are never too small to make a difference. Every movement and every change in history has started with one action, one idea, that was built upon to create change. All contributions, big or small, have the power to make a difference.