Action Alert: Support the Proposed Expansion of the Okefenokee National Wildlife REfuge

Public comment period extended until December 9, 2024
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Last month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced it is considering a proposed boundary expansion of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in southeast Georgia. The proposed expansion would add approximately 22,000 acres to the existing refuge — including lands currently held by Twin Pines Minerals, LLC. If passed, USFWS says the expansion would allow it to work with willing landowners to explore conservation actions that would protect the swamp’s hydrologic integrity, conserve wetlands and wildlife habitat, and fortify fuel reduction zones that can safeguard the swamp and landowners from wildfires. 

Birds Georgia fully supports this expansion. This is an important step toward increasing long-term protections for the Okefenokee Swamp. 

How to Support the Expansion

Quick action from individual voices is needed by November 18. The more letters of support received, the better. There are two easy ways to take action:

• Send a brief note via email to [email protected]. Include your name, email, city/county, and state. 
• Click and send a form letter through our friends at 100 Miles. You can customize the letter with your own experiences or send the letter as is. 

More details including a FAQ sheet, map and public meeting information can be viewed at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/okefenokee. 

Read the letter that Birds Georgia submitted at the link below. 

BIRDS GEORGIA COMMENT LETTER