Friend,

In 2020, the Trump administration failed to protect the 438,000-acre Okefenokee Swamp -- home to the largest wildlife refuge in the eastern United States.

And now, a dangerous plan to develop a mine nearby is moving full speed ahead, threatening the health of the wetlands and the wildlife that call the swamp home.[1]

The decision to save these wetlands now rests in the hands of the Georgia state government.[2] But this issue is bigger than Georgia: The Okefenokee provides critical habitat for some of our nation's rarest species, and in the midst of an extinction crisis, we must take action to protect this wild place and the wildlife that depend on it.

Join us in telling Gov. Brian Kemp: It's time to protect one of our nation's most vital wildlife refuges.
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The Okefenokee Swamp spans hundreds of thousands of acres across southern Georgia, and it's as vast as it is vital. The unique wetland habitat provides a home for more than 620 plant species, as well as hundreds of reptile, bird and mammal species.[3]

It even protects threatened and endangered species -- including wood storks, gopher tortoises and indigo snakes.

But now, the whole swamp is in jeopardy. All because the federal government didn't stop careless plans to develop a 12,000-acre titanium mine just 400 feet from the edge of the wetlands in some areas.[4] A mine that would endanger the plentiful plant and wildlife that need the Okefenokee Swamp to survive.

It's vast, vital and full of life -- but above all, it needs our protection. Take action for the Okefenokee Swamp today.
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Experts warn that building the mine could lower the water levels and even drain the Okefenokee Swamp, worsening pollution and the risk of wildfires, while the fragile wildlife in the wetlands are left to suffer.[5]

But it's bigger than just this titanium mine. Experts are worried that this plan would open the door to even more mines in the area, which means even more devastation for these precious wetlands.[6]

The Trump administration's decision aligned with the interests of powerful mining lobbyists, leaving these precious wetlands vulnerable in the wake of its careless decision.[7] Now, it's up to us to stand up for the Okefenokee Swamp before it's too late.

Friend, use your voice to protect this precious place.
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Thank you,

Hannah Collazo
State Director

1. Steven Mufson and Desmond Butler, "Trump rule eases effort to strip-mine near Okefenokee Swamp," The Washington Post, November 25, 2020.
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2.Gordon Jackson, "Okefenokee mining permit up to state officials." The Brunswick News, December 2, 2020.
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3.Kelly Simmons, "UGA researchers work with alligators in Okefenokee," WGAU, September 1, 2020.
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4. Steven Mufson and Desmond Butler, "Trump rule eases effort to strip-mine near Okefenokee Swamp," The Washington Post, November 25, 2020.
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5. Gordon Jackson, "Okefenokee mining permit up to state officials." The Brunswick News, December 2, 2020.
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6. Molly Samuel, "Proposed Mine Near Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp Gets A Major Hurdle Removed," WABE, October 20, 2020.
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7. Steven Mufson and Desmond Butler, "Trump rule eases effort to strip-mine near Okefenokee Swamp," The Washington Post, November 25, 2020.
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