Okefenokee Photography by William Wise. A nature photo journal exploration of Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp, the Land of Trembling Earth, one of the largest blackwater swamps in North America. The alligators, birds, snakes and wildlife of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and Stephen C Foster State Park. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message When the Okefenokee’s time for preservation had finally come, different government departments and environmental groups had varying visions for the swamp. Some wanted a National Park, like Yellowstone or Yosemite, to “preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.” Others wanted a National Wilderness Area where “human activities are restricted to scientific study and non-mechanized recreation.” Still others wanted a waterfowl refuge managed for as licensed hunting grounds. But in the end, the Okefenokee was designated as a National Wildlife Refuge. Executive Order 7593 signed on March 30, 1937 stated the Okefenokee was to be “reserved and set apart… as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.” Literally, the Okefenokee was for the birds! While there are several miles of beautiful waterways that are maintained for ecotourism, the vast majority of the 400,000 is uncrossed by canoe trails, leaving thousands upon thousands of acres solely for the birds and wildlife. Truly, this is their refuge! Source: Constantino G and Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. 2006. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge: Comprehensive Conservation Plan
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