Okefenokee is the largest blackwater swamp (about 440,000 acres) in North America and one of the largest intact freshwater ecosystems in the world. Its peat beds, island prairies, open lakes, creek channels, and cypress forests create an ideal sanctuary for wildlife. Wading birds, songbirds, amphibians, turtles, and black bears all make their home in Okefenokee, along with a healthy population of American alligators. Every year, 600,000 visitors flock to the Okefenokee Swamp, which was designated as a 
USWFS defends the Okefenokee’s water, habitat, and inhabitants
In October 2024, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced a proposed boundary expansion of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, adding approximately 22,000 acres (about a 5% increase in size) to the existing refuge. This acreage includes the site of a proposed mine along Trail Ridge, on lands currently held by Twin Pines Minerals, LLC.
If passed, USFWS says the expansion would allow it to work with willing landowners to explore voluntary management actions that would protect the swamp’s hydrologic integrity, conserve wetlands and wildlife habitat, and fortify fuel reduction zones that can safeguard the swamp and landowners from wildfires.
While this would not single-handedly stop the mining threat, it is still an important step toward increasing long-term protections for the Swamp.
Join OHM in saying YES to USFWS’ proposed border expansion! Comment by December 9 here.
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