Okefenokee Protection Alliance Named 2024 Wildlife Refuge Awards - Refuge Advocate of the Year; Celebrated in Washington D.C. on September 18th

WASHINGTON, D.C. – JUNE 13TH, 2024 – The Okefenokee Protection Alliance (OPA) has been named the 2024 Refuge Advocate of the Year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association. This award recognizes OPA's extraordinary accomplishments in protecting the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia from the threat of mining operations and their unwavering commitment to conservation.

The Refuge Advocate of the Year Award honors individuals or groups that have made significant contributions to the National Wildlife Refuge System and acknowledges impactful advocacy efforts protecting refuges from external forces. The 2024 Wildlife Refuge Awards celebration and ceremony will be held on Wednesday, September 18th at 5:30 pm at the prestigious Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. Media coverage of this event is highly encouraged.

“Since its inception, the Okefenokee Protection Alliance has been at the forefront of efforts to safeguard the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge from the devastating impacts of proposed mining operations,” said Geoffrey L. Haskett, President of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. “Their relentless advocacy, innovative public engagement strategies, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders have been instrumental in raising awareness and significantly challenging the mining threat.”

The Okefenokee Protection Alliance was formed in response to a proposed titanium dioxide mining operation by Twin Pines Minerals, which posed a significant threat to the refuge's hydrology and wildlife habitats. OPA's accomplishments include:

Advocacy & Public Support: OPA has spearheaded efforts to rally public support against the mining threat, resulting in over a quarter of a million public comments to the Corps of Engineers and Georgia Environmental Protection Division over the past five years. This unprecedented level of public engagement has raised significant awareness about the mining threat.
Innovative Public Engagement: OPA produced the documentary "Sacred Waters: The Okefenokee in Peril," which has been shown across Georgia and the Southeast, educating the public about the potential impacts of the proposed mining. The documentary has also been featured in national and international film festivals, further amplifying the message.
Collaborative Efforts: OPA has successfully united over 40 conservation organizations, creating a powerful coalition that collectively advocates for the protection of the Okefenokee. Their collaborative efforts have resulted in securing resolutions of support from 14 cities and counties in Georgia, representing over 1.1 million residents.
Local Communities: OPA has worked diligently to engage the Okefenokee's gateway communities and support efforts to boost the local economies through increased levels of eco-tourism.

The National Wildlife Refuge Association is a founding member of OPA and has been instrumental to its success. The Refuge Association remains committed to working with its OPA partners to eliminate the current and any future mining threats to ensure the refuge's conservation.

The Okefenokee Protection Alliance exemplifies the power of grassroots advocacy and collaboration. Their dedication to protecting the Okefenokee is an inspiration to conservationists everywhere, and their success demonstrates what can be achieved through persistent and united efforts.

Join us in celebrating the outstanding achievements of the Okefenokee Protection Alliance at the 2024 Wildlife Refuge Awards.

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The National Wildlife Refuge Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting, promoting, and enhancing the 850-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, the world’s largest network of lands and waters set aside for wildlife conservation.

For all media inquiries and questions, please contact Eden Taylor, Director of Communications & Marketing at etaylor@refugeassociation.org.