Georgia advocates rally for Okefenokee Swamp at Georgia State Capitol

Supporters of House Bill 71, the Okefenokee Protection Act, rally in the south wing of the Georgia Capitol on Monday, Jan. 30, 2024. Republican Rep. Darlene Taylor, the bill's sponsor, stands at the podium. (Marisa Mecke/WABE)

On Monday, two mascot alligators, a collection of pitcher plants and several advocates for a bill to protect the Okefenokee Swamp from development lined the stairs of the Georgia Capitol’s south wing.

A coastal Georgia environmental advocacy group, 100 Miles, brought together the advocates for the nation’s largest blackwater swamp – some from the locales around the Okefenokee – to rally in favor of House Bill 71, the Okefenokee Protection Act.

“The majority of Georgians want us to pass this law,” said Republican Representative Darlene Taylor, the bill’s sponsor.