Historic Land Deal Protects 8,000 Acres Near Okefenokee Swamp
New land acquisition ends the threat of a proposed mining site nearby.
Conservation Win
America’s Okefenokee Swamp is a world-renowned treasure and now, thanks to the efforts of The Conservation Fund, conservation partners and supporters like you, it will stay that way.
In June 2025, The Conversation Fund finalized a deal to purchase approximately 8,000 acres near the southeastern boundary of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. This land includes the Trail Ridge property owned by Twin Pines LLC, the company that proposed dragline mining for titanium dioxide just a couple of miles outside the boundaries of the refuge.
“The Okefenokee Swamp is one of Georgia’s most iconic natural resources,” said Monica Thornton, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy in Georgia. “The Nature Conservancy has proudly supported the Okefenokee since the 1970s, when we facilitated adding nearly 15,000 acres to the wildlife refuge. The Okefenokee belongs to all of us, and I am grateful to not just The Conservation Fund for protecting it, but also the hundreds of thousands of people who raised their voices in support of the Okefenokee and helped make this outcome possible.”
Protecting water and wildlife
There was wide agreement among experts that mining in that location posed significant risks, threatening the water levels of the swamp and the two rivers it feeds, and increasing the potential for wildfires, harm to fish and wildlife and the release of toxic contaminants.
Green Treefrog: Green tree frog at Okefenokee Swamp Park © Annie Esbenshade/TNC Photo Contest 2019
Great egret: The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge provides valuable habitat for a variety of wildlife species. © David Wilson/Creative Commons
American alligator: An alligator rests within a swamp at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. © Tim Parkinson/Creative Commons
Six-Spotted Fishing Spider: Six-Spotted Fishing Spider © Alan Cressler
Worldwide support for conservation
In January 2025, the U.S. government nominated the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its status as a natural site of universal importance. If designated, it would become the first world heritage site in Georgia and only the 27th in the country. This designation would not only support conservation efforts but also create hundreds of new jobs and attract millions of dollars of new investment to the surrounding communities.
What's next for the Okefenokee Swamp?
While the Twin Pines property is now safely in the hands of conservationists and will likely be added to the refuge, the swamp remains vulnerable to inappropriate development around its borders. As we celebrate this victory, we will continue to be vigilant for any other threats that could permanently damage the swamp and put at risk the wildlife and people that rely upon it.
Quote: Monica Thornton
The Okefenokee belongs to all of us, and I am grateful to not just The Conservation Fund for protecting it, but also the hundreds of thousands of people who raised their voices in support of the Okefenokee and helped make this outcome possible.
We Can’t Save Nature Without You
Sign up to receive monthly conservation news and updates from Georgia. Get a preview of Georgia’s Nature News email.
Further Reading
Clean Energy for People and Wildlife
The Nature Conservancy is working across the country to help private and public partners deliver clean, wildlife-friendly renewable power to customers faster and cheaper.
Siting Wind Right for Wildlife
How can we balance renewable energy development with the need to safeguard wildlife and their habitats? Site Renewables Right, a new analysis by The Nature Conservancy has some answers.
Climate Mitigation
Reducing the carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change is the key to protecting the lands and lives we cherish.