Dear Editor,
In both the April 18 and May 16 Eatonton Messenger editions, Dick Yarbrough wrote about the proposed mining of Okefenokee Swamp, which is home to 400 animal species, draws over 600,000 annual visitors from around the world, and is under consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone Park.
However, Mr. Yarbrough said it is now in danger of being mined for a substance that will produce better tooth whitener and chewing gum.
Okefenokee is not in Putnam County, but Rock Eagle and Rock Hawk are. What if Twin Pines discovered a way to mine the quartzite from these sites to produce better nail polish? Sounds far-fetched, I know, but if it can happen at Okefenokee, it can happen here.
According to the website of Rep. Lynn Smith, chair of the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee, “champions sound environmental policies that also protect Georgia’s economy.”
I believe it is more environmentally and economically sound to protect our natural resources for the benefit of our residents, our wildlife, and our economy, which benefits from tourism, than to let it be mined for better toothpaste and chewing gum. And, who knows? Someday, maybe even for nail polish.
I urge everyone who agrees to e-mail Rep. Smith at lynn.smith@house.ga.gov and let her know your thoughts.
Sincerely, Susan Larson Eatonton (and Lover of Nature in and beyond the Briar Patch)