Okefenokee Swamp
Some places are simply too special and should be off-limits to pollution and harmful development. The Okefenokee Swamp is one of those places. The state of Georgia must do the right thing and stop the mine that would devastate the clean water and wildlife habitat of this national treasure.
Ben Emanuel, Southeast Conservation Director, American Rivers
Most endangered rivers
Threat: Mining
The Okefenokee Swamp — a unique wetland nearly half a million acres in size — is threatened by a proposed titanium mine, which government agencies predict would result in permanent and unacceptable damage to this special place. In 2022, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers abdicated its responsibility for oversight of the proposed mine. The Corps’ decision leaves permitting to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, which must deny the permit applications for this ill-advised project. The Corps should make it clear that a federal Clean Water Act permit is required for the proposed mine. Perhaps no clearer case exists for why meaningful wetland protections at the federal level under the Clean Water Act are so important.
American Rivers appreciates the collaboration and efforts of our partners:
- Georgia River Network
Protect the Okefenokee Swamp
Tell Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to oppose allocation of mining permits and to support legislation that can protect the Okefenokee for generations to come.