ATLANTA — On Friday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reasserted jurisdiction over the permitting of a proposed mine on Trail Ridge, the natural barrier on the eastern side of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
In response, Nancy Daves, Executive Committee member of the Sierra Club Georgia Chapter and chair of its Okefenokee Committee, issued the following statement:
“The Okefenokee Swamp is one of the most unique and ecologically diverse natural places in Georgia, and it is our responsibility to protect it for future generations. We applaud the decision to restore federal protections to these wetlands as well as the decision to restart the permit application process in order to make sure indigenous voices play a key role in decision making.
“We also want to thank our two Senators from Georgia, particularly Senator Ossoff, their tireless work to protect one of Georgia’s natural wonders and the thousands of people from around the world who together sent more than 100,000 public comments to agencies at all levels of government urging them to protect the Okefenokee.”
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About the Sierra Club Georgia Chapter
The Sierra Club Georgia Chapter is the largest grassroots environmental organization in the state, with more than 75,000 members and supporters. The Chapter supports a robust outings program and has active committees working on forest and coastal protection, transit expansion, and clean energy. For more information, visit sierraclub.org/georgia.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit sierraclub.org.
**Media Contact**
Ricky Leroux, Communications Coordinator, Sierra Club Georgia Chapter
404-607-1262 ext. 234 | ricky.leroux@sierraclub.org