Update 2024-12-14: WWALS comment on Okefenokee NWR Expansion 2024-12-13.

According to a press release from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS):

A virtual meeting has been scheduled for Dec. 9, from 6-8 p.m., for the public to learn more about the minor proposed expansion of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Registration for the virtual meeting is required.
https://empsi.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sJwkU7wZRKW_WkU0QlELZg

Virtual public meeting, minor proposed expansion, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, 2024-12-09, 6-8 PM

In addition, the public comment period has been extended to Dec. 13. Input may now be submitted until Dec. 13, 2024 via email to Okefenokee@fws.gov.

Additionally, a public meeting was held Nov. 12, 2024, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the Charlton County Annex Auditorium, 68 Kingsland Drive, Folkston, Georgia.

Here are some pictures from that November 12 meeting.
https://wwals.net/2024/11/13/pictures-public-meeting-about-okefenokee-nwr-expansion-2024-11-12/

Remember, nobody has to sell their land or get a conservation easement. Expansion of the acquisition boundary merely makes it easier for USFWS to acquire such land if somebody wants to sell.

See a previous post for some notes on who owns properties in the pink areas.

Public Meeting in Folkston 2024-11-12

There is more information on the website for the Refuge, including a FAQ and a map:
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/okefenokee

The black line on the USFWS map is the already-approved Acquisition Boundary.

The pink areas are the proposed expansion, including the lands currently owned by the Alabama miners proposing to strip mine for titanium dioxide within three miles of the Okefenokee Swamp.

Scoping map for minor expansion proposal of okefenokee NWR
PDF

Around 85% of the Okefenokee Swamp is in the Suwannee River Basin. In addition to directly into the Suwannee River, much of it drains south or west down creeks into the River.

Map: South Okefenokee Swamp in the WWALS map of all public landings in the Suwannee River Basin.

FAQ

Here is the FAQ in PDF, and images are below.
https://www.fws.gov/question-answer/frequently-asked-questions-okefenokee-proposed-minor-expansion-plan

Page 1: Frequently asked questions for minor expansion proposal of Okefenokee NWR

Page 2: Frequently asked questions for minor expansion proposal of Okefenokee NWR

Shady gators on log, Minnie’s Lake, Suwannee River, Okefenokee Swamp, 2023-11-05, 11:28:03, 30.8616551, -82.3231197

 -jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

You can help with clean, swimmable, fishable, drinkable, water in the 10,000-square-mile Suwannee River Basin in Florida and Georgia by becoming a WWALS member today!
https://wwals.net/donations/

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