Starting in 2020, a lengthy debate as to which government agencies have jurisdiction over permits affecting the Okefenokee Swamp greatly delayed the approval process for Twin Pines’ permit. The process involved the US Army Corps of Engineers and GA Environmental Protection Division, as well as a lawsuit from Twin Pines. Ultimately, the decision landed in the EPD’s lap. View all past documents from this process through November 2022, including water, air, and land management plans from Twin Pines, on the EPD’s website.
‘Land of the Trembling Earth’
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.
The eastern boundary of the swamp is known as Trail Ridge. Trail Ridge is an ancient coastline and serves as a key natural barrier for the swamp’s hydrologic systems. Without the ridge intact, the integrity of the swamp and the habitats dependent upon it would deterioriate.
Every year, 600,000 visitors flock to the Okefenokee Swamp, which was designated as a National Wildlife Refuge in 1937 and a Wetland of International Importance. Support the swamp’s UNESCO nomination by June 28!
An Ecosystem in Jeopardy
In 2018, Twin Pines Minerals, LLC submitted a mining proposal to extract titanium dioxide and other heavy minerals from the sandy soils of Trail Ridge. Since then, their proposal has taken many forms, the most recent as a permit for the first phase of what will eventually be an 8,000-acre mine.
Explore the timeline below to understand the serious environmental flaws of Twin Pines’ plan for a mine of any size, as well as the actions community members, state leaders, and organizations are taking to protect the Okefenokee.
The fight is not over
As we wait for the EPD to sift through the thousands of public comments received, we encourage you to continue educating yourself and others about the threats to our Okefenokee Swamp.
We are now focused on passing local resolutions in support of House Bill 71 before the 2024 legislative session. If you would like to help your community consider a resolution, please email Alice.
Explore the links below to learn more about the swamp and follow us on social media for updates, action alerts, and educational programs!
“The Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is an irreplaceable piece of Georgia’s history and a world-renowned ecosystem. Join us in speaking out to protect it.”
Contact Alice for more information about our efforts to protect the Okefenokee.