Protecting the Okefenokee

The ‘Land of the Trembling Earth’ is at risk—thanks to an ill-conceived mining proposal.

Okefenokee is the largest blackwater swamp in North America, comprised of about 440,000 acres, and is one of the largest intact freshwater ecosystems in the world. Made up of peat beds, island prairies, open lakes, creek channels, and cypress forests, the swamp creates an ideal home for wildlife. Wading birds, songbirds, amphibians, turtles, and black bears all make their home in Okefenokee, along with a healthy population of American alligators.

Today, an ill-conceived mining proposal threatens this irreplaceable resource. Twin Pines Minerals, LLC, is attempting to secure permission to extract titanium through heavy mineral sand mining along the eastern boundary of the swamp known as Trail Ridge. Trail Ridge is an ancient coastline running parallel to our coast and serves as the natural barrier that keeps water in the swamp. Without the ridge intact, the integrity of the swamp and the habitats dependent on it would deteriorate.

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.

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, scientists worry that mining in this area of Trail Ridge will impact water quality and water levels in the swamp, increase fire in the swamp and surrounding farms and forests, destroy habitat, and impact tourism to the National Refuge. Twin Pines has failed to provide adequate models and information for how waste 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 wild heart of Georgia.

Twin Pines’ mining proposal has changed many times since the operation was first presented in 2018. The company has recently applied for permits for the first phase of what will eventually be an 8,000-acre mine to extract titanium and other heavy minerals from the sandy soil of Trail Ridge.

In June 2022, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that the agency was rescinding a previous determination that the mine site did not have wetlands protected by federal law. This announcement requires the company to reapply for federal permission to operate a sand mine. Twin Pines responded to this determination with a lawsuit claiming that tribal considerations are not relevant to this case and that the Corps was unfairly singling out the company.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) will still play a role in the permitting, but they have suspended processing Twin Pines’ applications until the federal role is clarified.

Additionally, local concerns are growing. In addition to the more than 100,000 comments submitted to agencies responsible for permitting the Twin Pines mine, the cities of Valdosta, St. Marys, Kingsland, Homeland, and Waycross/Ware County passed resolutions asking for protection for the Okefenokee Swamp and the citizens they represent. Faith leaders have also expressed concern for the impact of Twin Pines’ mine and encouraged Charlton County Commissioners to not allow the swamp to be desecrated by the project.

You Can Help

OHM stands firm on our recommendation that any permits for mining activities along Trail Ridge near the Okefenokee be denied.

Regardless of what comes of the Twin Pines lawsuit, we will continue to pursue greater state and local protections right here in Georgia. We support the designation of the Okefenokee Refuge as a World Heritage Site. At the State Capitol, we are urging our elected representatives to pass legislation establishing long-term protections for Trail Ridge. We are also working with local partners to identify and pursue sustainable economic development opportunities across our region. This two-pronged strategy will ensure that Georgians will have used our power to protect the swamp from future threats, while also providing opportunities to surrounding rural communities.

Today, we are urging all Georgians to contact Governor Brian Kemp asking that he support legislation and do all in his power to protect the Okefenokee Swamp.

Watch Sacred Waters Documentary

World Heritage Site Bid

Okefenokee Protection Alliance

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.