An Ecosystem in Jeopardy
Among the concerns of mining so close to the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi River is that hydrologic and water quality changes will damage the Okefenokee, as well as the St. Marys River that flows from its beautiful, placid waters. The Okefenokee is entirely rain-fed and relies on the structural function of Trail Ridge to maintain water levels. Unfortunately, Twin Pines’ models use minimal data to estimate the impacts and safety of their operations. They also fail to provide adequate information about how water will be managed and the impact withdrawals will have on the Floridan aquifer and the St. Marys River.
We’re working to save the swamp.
After Twin Pines first submitted its application to mine 12,000 acres, more than 20,000 public comments were received on the proposal, and it became apparent that an environmental impact statement (EIS) would be required. Twin Pines then withdrew its first application in January 2020 and in March 2020, resubmitted an application for a “demonstration mining project” (spanning almost 900 acres), in the hopes of avoiding an EIS as required by the National Environmental Policy Act.
One Hundred Miles is one of the 30 organizations from around the Southeast and the country that have come together to form the Okefenokee Protection Alliance (OPA). Together, these groups are determining the best course of action to ensure the swamp is protected.
Member groups of OPA and citizens around the world submitted roughly 60,000 comments to the Corps about their heavy mineral sand mine proposals. While the public comment period has expired, OPA and OHM continue to engage experts in evaluating Twin Pines’ proposal, share information with elected officials, and educate community members on the issue.
You can help.
The public comment period closed in May 2020, and we are awaiting the Corps’ response to the application. OHM stands firm on our recommendation that the permit be denied. If the permit is not denied, the Corps should require Twin Pines complete an EIS for the entire 12,000 acres of land subject to mining, not just the demonstration site area (898 acres).
OHM will share more information and opportunities to make your voice heard as future decisions are made. Until then:
- Write to Governor Brian Kemp and tell him to ask the Corps to deny the permit, or at the least, to request an EIS be conducted; and
- Promote the Gopher Tortoise Conservation Initiative to learn more about the species reliant on an intact Trail Ridge ecosystem.
The largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi
The Okefenokee Swamp covers 440,000 acres. That’s more than three times the total land mass of all Georgia’s barrier islands! It includes 370,000 acres of freshwater wetlands—an area larger than all of Georgia’s tidal salt marshes—and 353,981 acres of wilderness area, more than half the size of the Smoky Mountain National Park.
An Evolving Ecosystem
One million years ago, when sea levels were much higher than today, Trail Ridge was a barrier island. This geological feature allowed for freshwater to accumulate in what is now the Okefenokee Swamp. The swamp as we know it today began forming five to seven thousand years ago when the peat moss first established in the area.
An Ecological—and Economic—Driver for our Region
The Okefenokee Swamp supports more than 750 local jobs in Charlton County and Southeast Georgia. Approximately 600,000 annual visitors come from all 50 states and ~35 countries.
A Wonder of the World
In addition to its status as a National Wildlife Refuge and a Wetland of International Importance, the Okefenokee is on the “tentative list” of United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites.
“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.
