The tools are already in place to protect the Suwannee River and its springs. We need decisive action by the state of Florida to enforce these protections before it’s too late.
Haley Moody, director of the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute
Threat: Excessive groundwater withdrawals; agricultural and sewage pollution
The Suwannee River is famous for its springs, which ensure a consistent flow of clear, clean water. The river’s flow nurtures fish and wildlife and provides world-class recreation opportunities. But pollution and excessive water withdrawals are contaminating the river and causing vital springs to dry up. The Florida legislature and the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) must allocate funds to protect the springs and enforce pollution limits.
American Rivers appreciates the collaboration and efforts of our partners:
- Florida Springs Institute
- Florida Springs Council
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 placeA federal Clean Water Act permit was required for the proposed mine, however, the supreme court’s decision in the case of Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency rolled back federal wetlands protections. Now the only way protections can be strengthened in Georgia will be through the Georgia legislature and state-level rule making. Urge Georgia Environmental Protection Division to deny the permit application, and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to oppose Twin Pines Minerals’ mining permit application.
American Rivers appreciates the collaboration and efforts of our partners:
- Georgia River Network