How a Wild Swamp Defeated a Mine | Saving the Okefenokee

Chris speaks with Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Drew Kann about Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp and its new status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

They explore the swamp’s blackwater wetlands, remarkable wildlife, and delicate balance of fire and water. Drew explains how a proposed titanium mine raised concerns about water loss, severe fires, and damage to nearby rivers—until public opposition and a conservation land purchase stopped the project. They also discuss the power of local journalism and why continued protection remains essential.

Timeline

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

03:24 What Makes Okefenokee Wild

06:46 Ecology Fire Water Wildlife

09:23 Mining Threat Origins Trail Ridge

13:35 Pushback Science and Local Stakes

17:11 Politics and Public Opinion

20:15 How Journalists Tell Complex Science

22:50 Accountability Reporting and Impact

27:24 Buyout and UNESCO Journey