Agency approves expanding Okefenokee wildlife refuge, setting up possible buyout of mining project

SAVANNAH, Ga. — A federal agency said Friday that it has approved a plan to expand the Okefenokee Swamp’s vast wildlife refuge, setting up a potential buyout offer for land intended for a private company’s mining project that conservationists have fought for years. The proposal comes as Twin Pines awaits final approval from Georgia environmental regulators of its mining project less than 3 miles from the refuge’s current boundary. Josh Marks, an Atlanta environmental attorney who opposes the Twin Pines project, called the refuge expansion plan “a critical development in the drive to protect the Okefenokee Swamp from mining.” He called on Georgia officials to deny permits for the mine in hopes that Twin Pines would “donate or sell its property for conservation.” Steve Ingle, Twin Pines’ president, had no comment on the federal agency’s announcement Friday, spokesman Chip Stewart said. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division issued draft permits for the project in February, after state regulators said their own analysis “concluded that water level in the swamp will be minimally impacted.” Final permits are still pending that would authorize Twin Pines to mine on 773 acres.