ACROSS GEORGIA (WALB) - The state of Georgia has plans to purchase land in the Okefenokee Swamp and turn it into a new wildlife management area.

This plan comes after a deal in 2025 to pause a bid to begin a mining project near the Okefenokee. The new wildlife area doesn’t have a name yet and won’t be open until 2027.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GDNR) says the land covers nearly 4,000 acres with the goal of providing high-quality habitat for wildlife.

The wildlife management area will provide the public with hunting and fishing opportunities.

The funding was recommended by GDNR back in January and was given final approval by the state House and Senate.

The property is known to have several protected Georgia species like the gopher tortoise, eastern indigo snake and more.

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