DeKalb County Commissioners Express Support for Okefenokee Swamp

Protecting the Okefenokee Swamp and its impact yesterday, today, and for the future generations of tomorrow

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution today expressing support for the Okefenokee Swamp in the face of a threat posed by a proposed titanium strip mine.  

By a 7-0 vote, the commissioners noted the ecological and economic significance of the swamp, expressed solidarity with south Georgia government entities that have spoken out against Twin Pines Minerals’ proposed titanium mine along the swamp’s hydrologic boundary, and also stated their support for state legislative action to protect the Okefenokee.  

“The Okefenokee Swamp is Georgia’s greatest natural treasure and is beloved by DeKalb County citizens,” said Commissioner Ted Terry, who introduced the resolution.  “Mining along the swamp’s boundary is simply incompatible with this priceless ecosystem. DeKalb County joins numerous south Georgia local governments in urging the state to deny the permits for the Twin Pines project and urges the state legislature to pass the Okefenokee Protection Act that would permanently prohibit mining along the swamp’s boundary.”

DeKalb’s action follows similar resolutions passed by Ware, Clinch and Echols counties and the cities of Valdosta, Waycross, Homeland and St. Mary’s that have expressed opposition to the mining proposal. Those resolutions in turn followed over 100,000 comments submitted by Georgia citizens to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division earlier this year in opposition to the project’s permit applications.

The Okefenokee Protection Act has been introduced in the Georgia House of Representatives the last two years.  The 2023 version has attracted 96 bipartisan cosponsors, including many from Dekalb County, and would prohibit mining on along the entirety of the swamp’s hydrologic boundary.  

In 2020, Commissioner Terry was elected to serve as the Super District 6 Commissioner of DeKalb County. His district includes half of the County with portions of South, Central, and North DeKalb, totaling approximately 350,000 residents. Known for his pragmatic approach and commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents, Ted has dedicated his political career to fostering a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable DeKalb County.

Before being elected as Commissioner, Ted served as the Mayor of Clarkston, Georgia from 2013 to 2020, earning the nickname “The Millennial Mayor” due to his youthful energy and innovative ideas. During his tenure, Clarkston became a national leader in progressive policy, including raising the minimum wage for city employees, decriminalizing marijuana, and welcoming refugees worldwide. His leadership led to him being featured in season 2 of the Netflix series “Queer Eye.”

As DeKalb County Commissioner, Ted continues to push for progressive changes. He is deeply involved in advancing environmental sustainability, improving public infrastructure, advocating for affordable housing, and promoting economic development in the county. Ted is also a passionate advocate for social justice, working tirelessly to ensure equal opportunities for all residents, regardless of their race, religion, or socio-economic status.

His policy focuses include affordable housing, transit equity, DeKalb Green New Deal, DeKalb voting rights, and criminal justice reform. He currently chairs the Employee Relations and Public Safety Committee (ERPS) and serves on the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee (PWI). Commissioner Terry also serves on the National Association of County Officials (NACo) as a member of the Resilience Advisory Board and Environment, Energy & Land Use Steering Committee.

To learn more about Commissioner Terry, his platforms and how to stay up to date on the latest from his office, visit www.commissionertedterry.com.