The majority of Georgians agree: Our leaders must immediately protect the Okefenokee Swamp from risky mining operations.
An Alabama-based company, Twin Pines Minerals, LLC, is proposing a mining operation that threatens the Okefenokee and tourism related jobs in the area. The Okefenokee is the wrong place to mine.
Mining next to the swamp can cause lasting and irreversible negative impacts to the swamp, its wildlife, regional ecotourism and adjacent timberlands. Industrial mining operations near the entrance of a world-renowned wilderness area threatens jobs. The Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge brings an estimated $64.7 million in tourism dollars and local jobs. The cities of Homeland, Kingsland, St Marys, Waycross/Ware County, and Valdosta GA have passed local resolutions asking state officials to do everything possible to protect the Okefenokee. Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, also wrote a letter expressing concerns about mining near the Okefenokee.
GWC supports legislation prohibiting mining the sensitive environments adjacent to and within the Okefenokee Swamp. HB 71 was introduced on January 24, 2023 by Rep. Darlene Taylor and signed by a group of 91 bipartisan legislators (as of March 3, 2023).
The Okefenokee is the wild heart of Georgia. Don’t risk it.
Protect the future of the Okefenokee. Take Action Now.
News
Republican, Democratic lawmakers in GA are trying to protect Okefenokee Swamp - Macon Telegraph, March 2, 2023.
The Fate of the Okefenokee Swamp is in Your Hands - New York Times, Feb. 27, 2023
Georgia GOP lawmaker pushes bill to protect ‘vital and precious’ Okefenokee from new mining proposals - Cobb County Courier, Jan. 27, 2023
Georgia GOP lawmaker pushes bill to protect ‘vital and precious’ Okefenokee from new mining proposals – Georgia Recorder on Jan. 25, 2023
Valdosta on record opposing mining operation – Valdosta Daily Times on Jan. 1, 2023
Restored wetlands protections may not prevent mining near the Okefneokee – The Current GA on Dec. 31, 2022
General Assembly to renew debate over mining near Okefenokee Swamp– Capitol Beat republished by The Albany Herald on Dec. 28, 2022
General Assembly to renew debate over mining near the Okefenokee– The Current Georgia on Dec. 28, 2022
General Assembly to renew debate over mining near Okefneokee Swamp – Capitol Beat News Service republished by Rome News Tribune on Dec. 27, 2022
General Assembly to renew debate over mining near Okefenokee Swamp – Capitol Beat Service republished by Statesboro Herald on Dec. 27, 2022
Water wars on the Okefenokee heighten as EPD ends year with no permit decision – Savannah Morning News on Dec. 17, 2022
The Okefenokee is still in peril– Hatch Magazine on Dec. 16, 2022
Interior secretary: ‘Unacceptable to mine near famed swamp – AP News republished by Statesboro Herald on Dec. 12
Haaland voices opposition to mining near Okefenokee – The Brunswick News on Dec. 9, 2022
Interior Secretary to Georgia: Refect mining near Okefenokee– The Current Georgia on Dec. 8, 2022
Interior secretary opposes mine near famed swamp – Kearney Hub on Dec. 8, 2022
Interior secretary asks state to deny permits for titanium mine near Okefenokee – Capitol Beat News Service. on Dec. 8, 2022
Interior secretary urges Georgia governor to block mining plans near Okefenokee– The Georgia Recorder on Dec. 8, 2022
Okefenokee Mining Plan– The Daily Progress on Dec. 7, 2022
Interior secretary: ‘Unacceptable to mine near famed swamp’– AP News on Dec. 7, 2022
Saga of proposed mine at Okefenokee Swamp’s edge still mired in legal challenges, regulatory reviews – Georgia Recorder on Nov. 21, 2022
U.S. Army Corps sued over proposed titanium mine near Okefenokee Swamp – Douglas County Sentinel, Nov. 16, 2022
Georgia’s Okefenokee mining project to move forward without permits, U.S. agency sued – Fox News, Nov. 16, 2022
U.S. agency sued over hands-off decision on Okefenokee mine – WTOC, Nov. 16, 2022
U.S. Army Corps sued over controversial Okefenokee mining project – Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Nov. 16, 2022.
Okefenokee Mining Plan – Goshen News, Nov. 15, 2022
U.S. agency sued over hands-off decision on Okefenokee mine – Law.com, Nov. 15, 2022
Lawsuit challenges Army Corps Decision Imperiling Wetlands Near Okefenokee Swamp – Common Dreams, Nov. 15, 2022
U.S. agency sued over hands-off decision on Okefenokee mine – AP News, Nov. 15, 2022.
Corps Must Protect Swamp from Mine, Green Groups Says – Law360, Nov. 15, 2022.
Wildlife Groups sue Army corps over over Okefenokee WOTUS Settlement – Bloomberg Law, Nov. 15, 2022.
U.S. Army Corps sued over proposed titanium mine near Okefenokee Swamp – Capitol Beat, Nov. 15, 2022.
Environmental groups sue Army Corps. ofEngineers over Okefenokee Swamp protections – Savannah Morning News, Nov. 15, 2022.
U.S. Army Corps sued over proposed titanium mine near Okefenokee Swamp – The Washington Post, Nov. 15, 2022.
From appreciation to conservation: Nine families’ first-ever camping trip in the Okefenokee – Saporta Report, Nov. 11, 2022.
Conservation group runs ad opposing titanium mine near Okefenokee – The Albany Herald, Nov. 7, 2022.
Okefenokee fans rally support again as mining plans near final Georgia EPD review – The Griffin Daily News, Nov. 6, 2022.
Okefenokee fans rally support again as mining plan nears final Georgia EPD review – GPB, Nov. 4, 2022
Okefenokee fans rally support again as mining plan nears final Georgia EPD review – The Georgia Recorder, Nov. 3, 2022
Georgia River Network presents documentary on Okefenokee – The Albany Herald, Oct. 29, 2022.
Georgia River Network presents documentary on Okefenokee – KPVI Channel 6, Oct. 29, 2022.
In ‘Fen, Bog & Swamp,’ Annie Proulx pens a history of wetland destruction – NPR, Oct. 11, 2022
Paddle with author helps celebrate Canoeing and Kayaking Georgia guidebook publication, The Ablany Herald, Oct. 8, 2022
The Okefenokee Swamp is in Danger – HC at UGA, Oct. 5, 2022.
State meeting at Okefenokee draws mining project critics – Statesboro Herald, Sept. 30, 2022
State board meeting at Okefenokee Swamp draws mining project critics – Capitol Beat News Service, Sept. 29, 2022
On Okefenokee, DNR board looks for signal from feds – GPB, Sept. 29, 2022
On Okefenokee, DNR board looks for signal from feds – The Current GA, Sept. 28, 2022
Okefenokee mining opponents express concerns as DNR board meets – The Brunswick News, Sept. 28, 2022
Camp Charlie will allow newbies to experience Okefenokee – The Albany Herald, Sept. 24, 2022.
Camp Charlie will allow newbies to experience Okefenokee – KPVI, Sept. 24, 2022.
Secretary of the Interior visits the Okefenokee National Wildlife refuge – Charlton County Herald, Sept. 20, 2022.
Okefenokee: Heavy & Precious – The Bitter Southerner, Sept. 21, 2022.
Dozens of groups urge Interior Department to greenlight Okefenokee World Heritage Bid – Center for Biological Diversity release, Sept. 21, 2022.
Proposed titanium mine near Florida’s Okefenokee wildlife refuge moving forward after Army Corps drops protections – Spot on Floriday, Sept. 19, 2022.
Environmental Groups Fight to Stop Mine Near Okefenokee – The Published Reporter, Sept. 19, 2022.
Interior Secretary visits Okefenokee – The Brunswick News, Sept. 20, 2022.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Fights to Gain World Heritage Listing – Creative Loafing, Sept. 21, 2022.
Proposed titanium mine near Florida’s Okefenokee wildlife refuge moving forward after Army Corps of Engineers drops protections – Orlando Weekly, Sept. 19, 2022.
Georgians want to protection for the Okefenokee – Valdosta Today, Sept. 19.
Clear Majority of Georgians Oppose Mine – The Brunswick News. Sept. 19, 2022.
GA Groups Fight to Stop Mine Near Okefenokee – Valdosta Today, Sept. 16, 2022.
Secretary Haaland Highlights Conservation Efforts, Wildfire Prevention Investments, During Visit to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge – U.S. Dep. of Interior, Sept. 16.
Visit from Interior Secretary Shines a Light on Okefenokee Supporters, The Current, Sept. 16, 2022.
September 15, 2022. Albany Herald. “Majority of Georgians say governor should protect Okefenokee”
September 15, 2022. McDuffie Progress. “Majority of Georgians say governor should protect Okefenokee”
September 15, 2022. KPVI. “Majority of Georgians say governor should protect Okefenokee”
Sept. 7, 2022. Florida News Leader. “State Resumes Consideration of Okefenokee Mine Permits”
Sept. 1, 2022. Only in Your State. “This Unique Georgia State Park is One of the Best Spots for Stargazing in the State”
Sept. 1, 2022. The Brunswick News. “Study Raises Concerns About Mining Near the Okefenokee”
August 24, 2022. The Brunswick News. “State to determine mining near the Okefenokee”
August 23, 2022. E&E News. “Ga. mine advances as fabled swamp loses federal protections”
August 23, 2022. Georgia Recorder. “Fate of mine at Okefenokee Swamp’s edge could soon be cemented by Georgia EPD“
August 23, 2022. Capitol Beat. “Feds Reopen State Review of Proposed Titanium Mine Near Okefenokee Swamp”
August 23, 2022. Savannah Morning News. “Okefenokee Swamp Mine is Back on as Army Corps of Engineers Settles Lawsuit”
August 23, 2022. Charlton County Hearld. “Twin Pines Minerals and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Settle Lawsuit”
August 22, 2022. AJC (by AP) “Company: Legal Settlement Puts Okefenokee Mine Back on Track”
August 10, 2022. MVSKOKE Media. “Okefenokee Refuge Remains Protectd from Development”
July 28, 2022. Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “5 Things to Know About the Okefenokee Swamp”
July 28, 2022. Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Okefenokee Swamp Lures You In With It’s Peaceful, Haunting Beauty”
July 21, 2022. NPR. “Muscogee Nation gets a say in management of Georgia’s Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge”
July 18, 2022. GPB. “Chief of the Lower Muscogee Creek Tribe wants to stop a proposed titanium mine near the Okefenokee Swamp”
July 14, 2022. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services. “Muscogee Nation Visits ‘Most Blissful Spot of the Earth'”
July 1, 2022. Savannah Morning News. “Okefenokee mining: Twin Pines Minerals sues US Army Corps over wetland protections”
June 30, 2022. Savannah Morning News. “Okefenokee Swamp Park to seek UNESCO World Heritage Site Status for conservation, economy”
June 28, 2022. AJC. “Mining company sues over Army Corps’ ruling on Okefenokee mine”
June 27, 2022. The Current. “Mining company sues Army Corps over project near Okefenokee”
June 24, 2022. The Brunswick News. “Okefenokee seeking World Heritage Site designation”.
June 15, 2022. Georgia Recorder. “Will confirmation of suspected tribal burial grounds end Okefenokee mine for good?”
June 13, 2022. The Georgia Sun. “Georgia suspends applications for titanium mine near Okefenokee Swamp”
June 9, 2022. Saporta Report. “Federal government gets involved with mining proposals near Okefenokee Swamp, making approval less likely”
June 9, 2022. Capitol Beat. “State suspending permit applications for titanium mine near Okfenokee Swamp”
June 7, 2022. Valdosta Today. “Army Corps blocks strip mine near Okefenokee”
June 7, 2022. Hatch Magazine. “Okefenokee mine permit revoked by Army Corps”
June 7, 2022. Savannah Morning News. “Twin Pines Minerals Set to Reapply for Mining Permit Near Okefenokee Swamp”
June 6, 2022. Fox 31. “Protection for the Okefenokee Swamp has been restored”
June 6, 2022. WABE. “Why the Muscogee (Creek) Nation gets a say on the Okefenokee mine proposal”
June 6, 2022. GPB. “Feds Dealt Major Setback to Proposed Mine Near Okefenokee”
June 6, 2022. GPB. “U.S. Army Corps Revokes Approval of Mining Near Okefenokee”
June 6, 2022. Capitol Beat. “U.S. Army Corps Throws Roadblock at Proposed Titanium Mine Near Okefenokee Swamp”
June 6, 2022. E&E News. “Army Corps deals blow to Ga. titanium mine, reverses Trump move”
June 6, 2022. The Wild Hunt. “Feds Restore Jurisdiction Over Okefenokee Mining Proposal”
June 5, 2022. The Washington Post. “Agency Ruling Delivers Big Setback to Okefenokee Mining Plan”
June 4, 2022. AP. “Agency Ruling Delivers Big Setback to Okefenokee Mining Plan”
June 4, 2022. The Current Georgia. “U.S. Army Corps Revokes Approval of Mining Near Okefenokee”
June 4, 2022. Georgia Recorder. “Feds Intervene iin Proposed Mining Project Near Okefenokee Swamp, Citing Lack of Input from Tribal Community”
June 4, 2022. “Ossoff Hails ‘Restored Protection’ of Okefenokee After Feds Resume Oversight of Mining Plan”
June 4, 2022. Savannah Morning News. “Army Corps Blocks Mine Near Okefenokee, Cites Failure to Consult Muscogee Creek Nation”
June 4, 2022. Florida Times-Union. “Army Corps blocks mine near Okefenokee, cites failure to consult Muscogee Creek Nation”
June 3, 2022. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Okefenokee Mine Project Dealt Major Blow by Army Corps of Engineers”
May 31, 2022. Thomasville Times Enterprise. “Taylor Honored for Evironmental Legislative Leadership”
May 30, 2022. Saporta Report. “The Okefenokee Experience: A tri-county effort to boost ecotourism around the swamp”
May 25, 2022. Fox31. “Senator Jon Ossoff is advocating for the protection of the Okefenokee swamp”
May 6, 2022. Valdosta Today. “‘Okefenokee Destiny’ Highlights Swamps Ecology, Future”
April 19, 2022. Charlton County Herald. “House Resolution adopted to protect the Okefenokee Swamp”
April 13, 2022. The Rome News-Tribune. “Georgia House resolution takes stand on mining project near Okefenokee Swamp”
April 12, 2022. The Augusta Press. “Georgia House resolution takes stand on mining project near Okefenokee Swamp”
April 12, 2022. The Brunswick News. “House Senes Message About Mining Proposal”
April 12, 2022. Savannah Morning News. “Georgia House resolution takes stand on mining project near Okefenokee Swamp”
April 12, 2022. Gwinnett Daily Post. “Georgia House resolution takes stand on mining project near Okefenokee Swamp”
April 11, 2022. The McDuffie Progress. “Georgia House: Okefenokee is Worthy of Protection”
April 11, 2022. The Griffin Daily News. “Georgia House: Okefenokee is Worthy of Protection”
April 11, 2022. KPVI. “Georgia House: Okefenokee is Worthy of Protection”
March 31, 2022. Saporta Report. “Georgia House urges protection of Okefenokee Swamp”
March 18, 2022. The Currnet Georgia. “Okefenokee Bill Died but Efforts to Prevent Mining Continue”
March 8, 2022. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Bill to ban mine permits near the Okefenokee is unlikely to pass”
March 8, 2022. Charlton County Herald. “Bill to ban mining near the Okefenokee Swamp hits dead end”
March 8, 2022. The Brunswick News. “Legislation banning mining in Okefenokee swamp not moving forward”
March 7, 2022. WABE. “Bill to protect Okefenokee Swamp from mining dead in General Assembly”
March 4, 2022. GPB. “Georgia Today: State’s beloved Okefenokee Swamp at the Heart of Plan for New Titanium Dioxide Mine”
March 4, 2022. The Capitol Beat. “Bill to protect Okefenokee Swamp from mining dead in General Assembly”
March 3, 2022. Bryan County News. “State Lawmakers Seek to Protect Okefenokee Swamp”
March 2, 2022. Bloomberg Law. “GOP-led Okefenokee Swamp protection bill dies in Georgia”
Feb. 22, 2022. The Newnan Times-Herald. “The Okefenokee Protection Act Will Be Historic”
Feb. 20, 2022. Creative Loafing. “Plan to mine Okefenokee Swamp could be thwarted”
Feb. 18, 2022. Axios. “A bipartisan plan to protect the Okefenokee Swamp”
Feb. 16, 2022. Charlton County Herald. “House bill to ban mining permits near the Swamp”
Feb. 11, 2022. Bloomberg Law. “Republicans Try to Protect Famed Swamp Amid Wetlands Fight”
Feb. 11, 2022. Document Journal. “Federal refusal to protect the Florida-Georgia marshlands highlights the importance–and limitations–of public interest”
Feb. 10, 2022. Fox 31. “Major titanium mining company commits to protecting the Okefenokee Swamp”
Feb. 10, 2022. The Brunswick News.“Proposed legislation to stop proposed mining near Okefenokee.”
Feb. 9, 2022. Clayton Daily News. “Georgia House bill would ban mining near Okefenokee swamp”
Feb. 9, 2022. The Georgia Sun. “Should Mining Be Allowed Near the Okefenokee Swamp”
Feb. 9, 2022. The Georgia Recorder. “Bipartisan group of Georgia lawmakers push bill to prevent Okefenokee mining”
Feb. 9, 2022. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Bipartisan bill would ban mine permits near Okefenokee Swamp”
Feb. 9, 2022. WABE. “Georgia lawmakers move to block mine near Okefenokee Swamp”
Feb. 8, 2022. Savannah Business Journal. “Okefenokee Swamp Day to be proclaimed at Capital”
Feb. 8, 2022. The Current Georgia. “New bill aims to protect Okefenokee Swamp from mining”
Feb. 8, 2022. Now Habersham. “Bipartisan Group of Georgia Lawmakers Push Bill to Prevent Okefenokee Mining”
Feb. 7, 2022. Coastal Courier. “Okefenokee Swamp Day To Be Proclaimed at Georgia Capitol”
Feb. 7, 2022. Environment America. “Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge receives welcome news on mining damage threat”
Feb. 5, 2022. Savannah Morning News. “Company with DuPont ties vows not to mine titanium near Okefenokee Swamp”
Feb. 5, 2022. The Brunswick News. “Industry leader won’t buy titanium from Okefenokee”
Feb. 4, 2022. The Current Georgia. “Chemours Pledges to Avoid Mining Near Okefenokee”
Feb. 4, 2022. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Titanium giant deals blow to controversial mine near Okefenokee”
Feb. 3, 2022. Capitol Beat. “Chemical company commits to protect Okefenokee from mining”
January 24, 2022. Bloomberg Law. “Army Corps’ Credibility Seen at Stake in Swamp, Mine Legal Fight”
January 14, 2022. AP News. “Tightened Federal Water Protections Won’t Slow Some Projects”
January 7, 2022. Savannah Now. “Sen. Ossoff calls on EPA, Army Corps to halt titanium mine near Okefenokee Swamp”
January 7, 2022. Brunswick News. “Supreme Courts opens door to new challenge to mining near the Okefenokee”
January 3, 2022. Saporta Report. “Okefenokee Swamp mining proposal could be affected by Supreme Court ruling”