Protect the Okefenokee Swamp from mining!

The Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge has significant economic, ecological, and cultural value for all Americans. Twin Pines Minerals' proposal to mine along Trail Ridge could lower water levels in the swamp, setting off a series of impacts ranging from reduced recreational use of the refuge’s boating trails to more frequent and intense wildfires. In fact, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, and other respected scientists have all expressed concern that mining along Trail Ridge could permanently damage the Swamp.

Take action today to save the Okefenokee! Email Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to ask that he:

(1) Oppose allocation of mining permits from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to Twin Pines Minerals, and

(2) Support legislation that can protect the Okefenokee for generations to come.

**Please note this Action Alert is only available to Georgia residents

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Dear Governor Kemp:

I write today to urge you to oppose the proposed Twin Pines Minerals LLC mine and protect the Okefenokee Swamp.

Despite the serious concerns of experts and overwhelming opposition from Swamp users near and far, Twin Pines Minerals LLC continues their pursuit to mine more than 7,000 acres along Trail Ridge at the doorstep of the Okefenokee Swamp. Twin Pines' mining permit application to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) describes mining operations that put the Okefenokee Swamp, National Wildlife Refuge, and wilderness area at significant risk.

The mining operations could devastate the swamp's ecological integrity by increasing the frequency of drought. As you know, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and respected scientists have repeatedly warned that the mine will likely affect the hydrology of the swamp, causing irreversible damage and increasing the likelihood of severe drought. Additionally, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior has warned of the unacceptable risk posed by the mining plan.

The first phase of this harmful mine will eliminate over 300 acres of valuable wetlands, withdraw millions of gallons of groundwater, and release air, noise, and light pollution into the refuge, which is designated as an International Dark Sky Park. The operation is also likely to discharge wastewater into the St. Marys River basin.

According to a poll released in September 2022, 72% of Georgians oppose the proposal to mine next to the Okefenokee due to the Swamp's cultural and natural significance. The threat to the Okefenokee Swamp has led American Rivers to include it on the list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers® in 2020 and again this year, in 2023.

Georgia's agencies and legislators must collaborate to secure the future of Okefenokee — a rare and treasured public resource. Please support legislation that can protect the Okefenokee for generations to come, and please oppose allocation of mining permits from Georgia EPD to Twin Pines Minerals. Thank you for your time and consideration of these comments.

Sincerely,

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