Okefenokee Destiny

Okefenokee Destiny is a love letter from locals to a deeply mysterious and largely unknown swamp as it comes under pressure from a mining company that could destroy it before it gains its rightful protected place in the world.

The Okefenokee Swamp, “The Trembling Earth,” is a place unlike any other. It’s the largest intact blackwater wetland in North America, the source of the St. Marys and Suwannee Rivers, a designated Wetland of International Importance and a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite its protections, international importance and economic value to local communities, the swamp is far from secure.

Like other mining companies before them, Twin Pines Minerals, LLC, is pursuing permits to operate a heavy mineral sand mine adjacent to the Okefenokee Swamp on Trail Ridge, a geological barrier that runs along the eastern border of the swamp and helps maintain the water levels and health of the swamp.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, and respected scientists have warned that mining along Trail Ridge will cause irreparable damage to the swamp. Okefenokee Destiny explores how the swamp can be conserved for future generations – and what lessons can we learn to keep from repeating our past mistakes.

Viewers can learn more and take action to protect the Okefenokee Swamp here. Through this link, citizens can ask Georgia legislators to support the bipartisan Okefenokee Protection Act as well as submit official comments to the EPD opposing Twin Pines’ mining plan before the comment period closes on March 20.