By Hannah E. Jones
The Okefenokee Swamp — North America’s largest blackwater swamp — was listed today as one of the most threatened waterways in America. Home to the headwaters to the Suwannee and St. Marys rivers, the southeastern swamp was ranked due to concerns over a proposed mining site next to the swamp’s edge. The Okefenokee was also named on the 2020 list.
In this just-published list, American Rivers ranked the Okefenokee as America’s tenth-most-endangered river in 2023. Every year since 1984, American Rivers has partnered with grassroots river conservationists to compile America’s Most Endangered Rivers list. Founded 50 years ago, the organization is leading a national effort to protect and restore all rivers and help provide people and wildlife with clean, abundant water.
The Okefenokee, which covers 438,000 acres along the Georgia-Florida line, is home to about 424 animal species and 620 types of plants. In addition to its rich ecosystem, the swamp attracts over 600,000 visitors a year, generating more than $64.7 million in the four surrounding counties.
“Some places are simply too special and should be off-limits to pollution and harmful development,” Ben Emanuel, American Rivers southeast conservation director, wrote in a new release. “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.”
Alabama mining company Twin Pines submitted its initial plans in 2019. Since then, environmental experts and advocates have continually called on Georgia lawmakers to turn down the application.
Per the plan, Twin Pines seeks to mine titanium and zirconium just three miles from the swamp’s edge. If approved, the mining would begin at a one-square-mile section of Trail Ridge, a natural divide between the swamp and St. Marys River in Charlton County.
However, titanium is the ninth most abundant element on Earth — something that Georgia River Network Executive Director Rena Ann Peck feels should be taken into account.
“The Okefenokee is an irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind wilderness; it should not be risked to obtain common minerals that can be more safely secured elsewhere,” Peck wrote.
The swamp lost federal protections under the Trump Administration and the decision-making process was left to the state, where it’s been in limbo ever since. When the federal government tried stepping in following the replacement of Trump’s rule, Twin Pines filed a lawsuit and the Army Corps of Engineers later settled by relinquishing oversight on the project.
As part of the permitting process, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) held two public meetings last month for residents to give their input on Twin Pines’ plans. Attendees overwhelmingly opposed the plans, and during the combined five hours of meetings, only one person — a representative of the Georgia Mining Association — spoke in favor of Twin Pines.
With the release of the 2023 list, American Rivers urges the Georgia EPD to deny the mining permits. The organization also calls on the federal government to return as the authority over this permitting process. Ultimately, the environmental leaders want to see permanent protections for the Okefenokee Swamp and Trail Ridge.
Click here to learn more about the other waterways listed as America’s Most Endangered Rivers in 2023.
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