Press Release
By St. Mary’s Riverkeeper
02-12-24
Thank you to everyone who completed our strategic planning survey!
If you would like to contribute more to our future or didn’t get a chance to complete the survey, St. Marys Riverkeeper will also be hosting 2 listening sessions to hear more from you. Please attend at least one of the following (virtual) sessions. Your input is critical to our success.
Tuesday February 13 12:00p-1:00p REGISTER HERE
Thursday February 22 5:30p-6:30p REGISTER HERE
Please feel free to share this with your river loving friends and neighbors. We need the watershed’s engagement to determine our future priorities.
DRAFT permits have been issued for Twin Pines Minerals for air, water, and surface mining!
The St. Marys River and Okefenokee Swamp need you, now more than ever. GA EPD has opened draft permits for a proposed demonstration mine along Trail Ridge. Let your voice be heard!
On February 9, 2024, Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD) issued DRAFT air, water and surface mining permits to Twin Pines Minerals, LLC to operate an 820-acre mine within three miles of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and five miles to the St. Marys River. Citizens concerned about the future of our St. Marys River and Okefenokee Swamp have until APRIL 9* to voice their belief that this mine will harm our blackwater systems and that these permits should not be issued. EPD is also hosting a virtual public hearing on March 5 at 6:00p.
Written public comments can be submitted to [email protected].
The permits can be reviewed HERE.
*UPDATE from EPD 2/12/2024 “After receiving multiple requests to extend the comment period, EPD has decided to extend the public comment period to 60 days.”
St. Marys Riverkeeper will work diligently over the next 60 days to review the permits and respond with scientific accuracy and determination to ensure our watershed is protected. Visit our WEBSITE to learn more.
If you need some inspiration on how to get started writing your own public comment, please watch Episodes 1-5 of our For Our River webinar series. Our guest experts provide great information to get you going.
Support our advocacy work by DONATING today!
| Legislative Update |
| St. Marys Riverkeeper will now be updating all legislative priorities on our website to ensure our priorities and action alerts are communicated clearly. Please visit our BLOG to learn more. Please know that this page is a work in progress. |
Upcoming Events
Capital Conservation Day (Georgia)
February 27
Register for Capitol Conservation Day! This annual Georgia Water Coalition event will take place on February 27 at 8:00 AM. Come to the Capitol to receive training on our priority issues and meet with your legislators.
You can learn more and register by clicking here.
Water Quality Training
March 5
Learn how to become a certified water quality volunteer for Georgia Adopt-A-Stream. This workshop is free for all participants, but registration is required.
For more information, please contact Katie at [email protected]
Oke to Ocean Tour – Boat Tour St. Marys River
March 14-15
SAVE THE DATE! Registration and more information coming soon.
You can learn more by clicking here.
St. Marys River Cleanup
April 27
Join us for the 26th Annual St. Marys River Cleanup on April 27 from 9:00a-11:00a. This is a watershed wide cleanup with participation in all four counties. Come to do your part to make a lasting impact on the St. Marys River.
You can learn more by clicking here.
| We will be adding new events throughout the year. Check our website frequently for new adventures! |
| Support our efforts. Donate TODAY! |
