Efforts to enhance conservation of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge have advanced, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announcing plans to expand the refuge’s acquisition boundary.
The expansion, which adds 22,000 acres to the boundary, enables FWS to collaborate with landowners on voluntary conservation measures, including partnerships, easements, and land acquisitions. The goal is to protect the swamp’s water systems, support wildlife recovery, and allow for activities like hunting, fishing, and wildlife education. A one-mile buffer will also reduce wildfire risks for nearby communities.
The Okefenokee Swamp, the largest blackwater swamp in North America, is a vital ecosystem supporting diverse wildlife and drawing over 600,000 visitors annually. It holds cultural significance for Native American tribes, including the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
In recent months, federal and local stakeholders have increased efforts to strengthen protections, oppose nearby mining projects, and nominate the swamp as a UNESCO World Heritage Site to preserve its ecological and cultural importance.