The Okefenokee Swamp is one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia.” This 438,000 acre blackwater swamp located in the state’s southeast region is the largest blackwater swamp in the country. Essential to the well-being of several interconnected waterways, endangered species that call the swamp home, and local Georgians alike, the Okefenokee Swamp plays an irreplaceable role within local ecosystems, economies, and Georgian culture. However, the Okefenokee is at risk. A pilot mine, proposed by out-of-state corporation Twin Pines Minerals, LLC, is currently pending approval by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, and could destabilize 6,000 year old hydrological and ecological processes of the Okefenokee. This mine threatens the swamp, its inhabitants, and the people who rely on the swamp and its downstream waterways for their livelihoods. In an effort to save this critical resource from going extinct, a rallying cry resounds from concerned citizens across the globe during the current open comment period before it closes on April 9th, 2024. We spoke with Christopher Watt — concerned South Georgian, environmental policy graduate student, and member of the Okefenokee UNESCO World Heritage Site advisory committee — to understand what’s at stake and why outdoorsmen across the Southeast should take action.
Conservation
• Thu, Mar 7, 2024
Catch and release is not just a technique; it's an ethical approach to fishing that prioritizes the well-being of fish and their habitats. By respecting size limits, handling fish with care, and using appropriate gear, anglers can ensure that released fish survive and thrive. In this guide, we'll delve into best practices for catch and release, sharing insights into the refinement and standardization of these practices.
Conservation
• Thu, Jun 1, 2023
Immeasurable progress has been made since the late 19th century — when groups of passionate outdoorsmen in the U.S. first popularized the idea of conserving and sustainably managing our fishing and hunting resources. Folks such as President Theodore Roosevelt, Gifford Pinchot, and John Muir, among others, recognized that prescribed standards for land management, recreation, and commercial resource usage are crucial for maintaining healthy and sustainable natural ecosystems. As outdoor enthusiasts, it's part of our responsibility to ensure that future generations can also enjoy the bountiful opportunities that nature has to offer. Here at AnyCreek, we believe wholeheartedly in this forward-thinking outlook and implicit responsibility to keep our country wild. As we continue to raise the bar as leaders in outdoor experiences, we strive for sustainability and a proactive approach to safeguarding our woods and waters. In 2023, we're proud to offer the "Conserve on 7" conservation match program to simultaneously support the preservation of our natural heritage and our amazing community of professional outdoor guides.
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