U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public input on a proposal for minor expansion of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge boundary.
The proposal is designed to enable voluntary actions to protect hydrological integrity, conserve wetlands and key wildlife habitats, and create a fuel reduction zone to help protect neighboring properties.
The Southeast Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering a proposal that would expand the boundary of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, adding approximately 22,000 acres adjacent to the existing refuge. The service is seeking public input on the proposal.
The USFWS will hold a public meeting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 12 at the Charlton County Annex Auditorium, 68 Kingsland Drive in Folkston.
The public also may submit input by November 18 via email to [email protected].
For more on the possible expansion, including frequently asked questions, a map, and efforts to gather public interest, visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/okefenokee.
If adopted, the proposed minor boundary expansion would enable the Service to work with willing landowners to explore voluntary conservation actions, including potential acquisition, that would further protect the refuge’s globally significant freshwater wetland system and wildlife habitat.
The proposed expansion includes lands currently held by Twin Pines Minerals, LLC as well as a one-mile fuel reduction zone adjacent to the refuge.
