Stop the Mining Threat to the Okefenokee Swamp

This action will be delivered to:

Jeff Cown, Director, Georgia Environmental Protection Division

Stop the Mining Threat to the Okefenokee Swamp

Dear Director Cown:

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the draft permits recently issued by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division for mining operations at the Okefenokee Swamp. The mining company, Twin Pines Minerals, LLC, has failed to present compelling evidence that its operation will not irrevocably harm the fragile ecology of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas. I urge you to deny permission for this heavy mineral sand mine to continue moving forward.

Attracting more than 600,000 visitors annually, the Okefenokee Swamp is an economic driver for the surrounding towns and counties and for the state overall. The largest intact freshwater wetland in North America, it provides habitat for numerous threatened species and serves as the headwaters of the St. Marys River and the Suwannee River. Its ecological value is so unique that it has been designated a Wetland of International Importance.

The Okefenokee relies on a complex hydrological system in which the Trail Ridge geological formation on the swamp’s eastern border serves as a natural barrier that is essential to maintaining this sensitive water system. The integrity of this system would be severely threatened by Twin Pines’ proposed mine on Trail Ridge, potentially resulting in irreversible damage to these world-renowned wetlands.

The proposed mine on the edge of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge poses an unacceptable risk to one of Georgia’s and the world’s greatest natural treasures. I urge the Georgia Environmental Protection Division to deny approval for this mine. Thank you.

Director

Jeff

Cown

Georgia Environmental Protection Division

{contact_data~salutation}

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the draft permits recently issued by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division for mining operations at the Okefenokee Swamp. The mining company, Twin Pines Minerals, LLC, has failed to present compelling evidence that its operation will not irrevocably harm the fragile ecology of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas. I urge you to deny permission for this heavy mineral sand mine to continue moving forward.

Attracting more than 600,000 visitors annually, the Okefenokee Swamp is an economic driver for the surrounding towns and counties and for the state overall. The largest intact freshwater wetland in North America, it provides habitat for numerous threatened species and serves as the headwaters of the St. Marys River and the Suwannee River. Its ecological value is so unique that it has been designated a Wetland of International Importance.

The Okefenokee relies on a complex hydrological system in which the Trail Ridge geological formation on the swamp’s eastern border serves as a natural barrier that is essential to maintaining this sensitive water system. The integrity of this system would be severely threatened by Twin Pines’ proposed mine on Trail Ridge, potentially resulting in irreversible damage to these world-renowned wetlands.

The proposed mine on the edge of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge poses an unacceptable risk to one of Georgia’s and the world’s greatest natural treasures. I urge the Georgia Environmental Protection Division to deny approval for this mine. Thank you.

Kind regards,

{user_data~First Name} {user_data~Last Name}

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