ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Georgia environmental groups sent a message to Gov. Brian Kemp Thursday that they want to see long term protections of the Okefenokee Swamp, even though the immediate push for mining in the area is over.

Groups like Environment Georgia said although the years long battle between environmental groups and Alabama-based Twin Pines over a proposed mine near the swamp is over, they don’t want to continue having that fight with different companies for years to come.

“Bottom line: it’s time to end the threats to the Okefenokee once and for all,” said Jennette Gayer of Environment Georgia.

The groups walked through the Georgia State Capitol Thursday afternoon to deliver 24,000 petition signatures and 300 drawings from kids depicting the Okefenokee Swamp to the governor’s office.

Gayer said while they relish the fact that the Alabama-based company will not get to mine titanium dioxide from the area, they know more groups will try.

“We know that interest in mining trail ridge persists, even though the Okefenokee Swamp is too precious to risk for an abundant mineral that is used to make paint, toothpaste, Oreo filling, and more, white,” she said.

The groups are calling on Kemp to support House Bill 561, better known as the Okefenokee Protection Act. It would essentially prohibit any company from being able to mine the area.

“Even though there was great news this summer when the direct threat of mining was eliminated, there are still thousands of acres left unprotected of Trail Ridge,” said Emma Alligood with the Georgia Water Coalition.

The groups said roughly 35,000 acres are still theoretically up for grabs and they’re calling for a long-term protections.

“There’s a piece of faith wisdom that says we don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we steward it for the next generation and I think this work that we’ve done as a community is a great testament to that,” said Marqus Cole with Georgia Interfaith Power and Light.

In the past, Charlton County Commissioner Drew Jones said he supported the mining project to give the area he represents the economic boost he says they desperately need.

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