**APPLICATION FOR INCLUSION OF A PROPERTY**

**IN THE U.S. WORLD HERITAGE TENTATIVE LIST**

**PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT:**

16 U.S.C. 470 a-1 authorizes collection of this information. This
information will be used to help the Assistant Secretary for Fish and
Wildlife and Parks prepare a "Tentative List" of candidate sites for
possible nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Response to this
request is voluntary. No action may be taken against you for refusing to
supply the information requested. A Federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

**ESTIMATED BURDEN STATEMENT:**

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated
to average 64 hours per response (ranging from 40 to 120 hours,
depending on the complexity of the site), including the time for
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing
and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate
or any other aspect of this form to the Office of International Affairs,
National Park Service, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.

### 

### 

### 

**Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge**

### 

### Prerequisites for U.S. World Heritage Nominations

An application for a property that does not meet all of the
prerequisites A through G, or for which answers are uncertain, should
not be completed or submitted. Such a property cannot be legally
considered. If you are in doubt about the answer to all these questions
being anything other than "yes," please contact the World Heritage
Advisor at the address and phone number provided for further guidance.

**Prerequisite 1 - Legal Requirements:**

**A. National Significance:**

Has the property been formally determined to be nationally significant
for its cultural values, natural values, or both (in other words, has it
been formally designated as a National Historic Landmark, a National
Natural Landmark, or as a Federal reserve of national importance, such
as a National Park, National Monument, or National Wildlife Refuge)? If
not, are there on-going processes to achieve any of the above
designations and what is their status? *(Listing in the National
Register of Historic Places is [not]{.underline} equivalent to National
Historic Landmark status.)*

YES: \_\_\_X\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: **The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) (162,635 ha) is
designated a National Wildlife Refuge with 143,251 ha of it designated
as a National Wilderness Area. In 1976, it was also given the status of
a National Natural Landmark.**

**B. Owner Concurrence:**

Are all the property owners aware of this proposal for the inclusion of
the property in the U.S. Tentative List and do all of the property
owners agree that it should be considered? If any agreement is uncertain
or tentative, or if the ownership situation is disputed, otherwise
complicated, or unclear, please explain the issues briefly.

YES: \_\_X\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: **The property proposed for listing is the Okefenokee NWR that
is owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.**

**C. Willingness to Discuss Protective Measures:**

If the property is nominated to the World Heritage List, it will be
necessary for all of the property owners to work with the Department of
the Interior to document fully existing measures to protect the property
and possibly to devise such additional measures as may be necessary to
protect the property in perpetuity. Are all the property owners willing
to enter into such discussions?

YES: \_\_\_X\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: **Since there is only one owner of the land that is proposed
for listing, there are no complications. The refuge has good working
relationships with land managers surrounding the refuge through the
Greater Okefenokee Association of Landowners (GOAL). This organization
can assist in protecting the Okefenokee NWR through proper management of
the buffer zone around the refuge**.

**D. Scheduling:**

If you wish a property to be nominated to the World Heritage List in a
particular year during the period 2009-2019, please indicate the
reason(s) why and the earliest year in which you feel it will be
possible to meet all requirements for nomination*. (Please review this
entire **Questionnaire** before finally answering this question.)*

Preferred Year: \_\_\_**2009**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Reasons: **The staff at Okefenokee NWR believes the requirements for
nomination can be met at the earliest date of 2009**.

**Prerequisite 2 - Specific Requirements for Nomination of Certain Types
of Properties:**

**E. Serial (multi-component) Properties:**

If you are proposing a nomination that includes separate components that
could be submitted separately over several years, do you believe that
the first property proposed would qualify to be placed on the World
Heritage List in its own right?

*Explanation: There will be a very limited number of sites nominated
over the next decade. Owners of similar properties likely will be
encouraged to work together to present joint proposals for serial
nominations. An example would be a proposal to nominate several
properties designed by the same architect. It is critical to note that
the first property presented in a serial nomination must qualify for
listing in its own right.*

YES: \_\_X\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: O**kefenokee NWR would be qualified to be placed on the World
Heritage List in its own right if it is determined that there are
similar properties that would qualify it for a serial nomination.**

**F. Serial (multi-component) Properties:**

Are you proposing this property as an extension of or a new component to
an existing World Heritage Site?

YES: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO \_X\_\_\_\_\_

Name of Existing Site: **The Okefenokee NWR is being nominated as a
single property at this writing.**

**Prerequisite 3 - Other Requirements:**

**G. Support of Stakeholders**

In addition to owners, please list other stakeholders and interested
parties who support the property's proposed inclusion in the Tentative
List. Also note any known to be opposed.

*Explanation: The purpose of the Tentative List is to propose candidate
properties that are likely to be successfully nominated during the next
decade. It is clear that a consensus among stakeholders will be helpful
in nominating a site and later in securing its proper protection. Thus,
only properties that enjoy strong, preferably unanimous, support from
stakeholders will be recommended for inclusion in the U.S. Tentative
List.*

*In addition to owners, stakeholders primarily include:*

*\--Governors, Members of Congress and State legislators who represent
the area where the property is located,*

*\--the highest local elected official, or official body, unless there
is none,*

*\--Native Americans, American Indian tribes, or other groups and
individuals who possess legally recognized claims or privileges in the
area or at the site being proposed (e.g., life tenancy or hunting and
fishing rights),*

*\--organizations established to advocate for protection and appropriate
use of the property proposed for nomination.*

*If definitive information is not available at the time you filled out
this Questionnaire, please so indicate.*

Supporters:

**U.S. House of Representatives Jack Kingston, U.S. Senator Saxby
Chambliss, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson,**

**The Wilderness Society, The Audubon Society, The Conservation Fund,
The Nature Conservancy, Georgia Wildlife Federation,**

**Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Forestry Commission,
Georgia Department of Economic Development,**

**Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission,**

**Greater Okefenokee Association of Landowners, Okefenokee Wildlife
League,**

**Ware, Charlton, and Clinch, Georgia County Commissioners, Okefenokee
Chamber of Commerce, Okefenokee Trail Association,**

**Osceola National Forest, Cumberland Island National Seashore, Timucuan
Ecological and Historic Preserve, and Okefenokee Swamp Park, .**

Opponents:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: **The parties listed above have all supported the refuge in
favor of protecting the natural resources and tourism opportunities of
the area.**

**Information Requested about Applicant Properties**

**(The numbers of the sections and subsections below are in the same
order as and correspond to sections of the World Heritage Committee's
official [Format]{.underline} used for the nomination of World Heritage
Sites. This is to allow easy reference to and comparison of the
material.)**

**1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROPERTY OR PROPERTIES**

**1.a. Country:**

If it is intended that the suggested nomination will include any
properties in countries other than the United States, please note the
countries here.

*Explanation: Please note that the United States can nominate only
property under U.S. jurisdiction. You are not expected to contact other
governments and owners abroad, although you may do so if you wish. Each
national government must nominate its own sites, although the United
States will consider forwarding your suggestion to another government
for that government to consider as a joint nomination with the United
States.*

Names of countries:\_\_\_\_\_**United
States**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**1.b. State, Province or Region:**

In what State(s) and/or Territories is the property located? Also note
the locality and give a street address if one is available.

**Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida -- Headquarters: Rt 2, Box
3330, Folkston, GA 31537 (13 miles southwest of Folkston, Spur 121)**

**1.c. Names of Property:**

What is the preferred or proposed name of the property or properties
proposed for nomination? If the site has multiple names, explain why you
chose the primary choice or choices. (*The name should not exceed 200
characters, including spaces and punctuation.)*

**Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (Official name of protected
portion of Okefenokee Swamp)**

***Popular and Historic names***

What are any popular or historic names by which the property is also
known?

**"Land of the Trembling Earth" (meaning of Okefenokee); "Okefinoke"**

***Naming of serial (multiple component) properties and transboundary
sites*.**

Try to choose brief descriptive names. In the case of serial
nominations, give an overall name to the group (e.g., *Baroque Churches
of the Philippines*). (*Give the names of the individual components in a
table that you insert under **1f.)***

Group or Transboundary Name:\_N/A \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

***Other names or site numbers***

*Explanation: If a site has multiple names, explain why you chose the
primary choice or choices. If the site has no common name or is known
only by a number or set of numbers, please explain.*

\_\_\_\_\_\_N/A\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**1.d.-e. Location, boundaries, and key features of the nominated
property**

Include with this **Application** sketch maps or other small maps,
preferably letter-size, that show:

\- the location of the property

\- the boundaries of any zones of special legal protection

\- the position of major natural features and/or individual buildings
and structures

\- any open spaces (squares, plazas) and other major spatial
relationships (the space between buildings may at times be more
important than the buildings)

Please provide here a list of the maps that you have included.

> **Maps: Location of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
> (okelocation.jpg)**
>
> **Boundary of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and basic
> vegetation**
>
> **types, (genvegtopo.jpg)**
>
> **Wilderness Boundary (canoemap06b.jpg)**
>
> **Ramsar Boundary (Refuge Boundary) and Swamp Boundary**
>
> **(ramsarmap06.jpg)**
>
> **Greater Okefenokee Association of Landowners**
>
> **(GOALmap22x34_april2005.jpg)**

**1.f. Area of nominated property (ha.)**

*Explanation: State the approximate area proposed in hectares (1
hectare=2.471 acres). Give corresponding acre equivalents in
parentheses. Insert just below this question a table for serial
nominations that shows the names and addresses of the component parts,
regions (if different for different components), and areas.*

**\_\_\_\_162,635 ha
(401,880acres)\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**2. DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY OF THE PROPERTY**

**2.a. Description of the Property**

(select the one following category that best fits the property)

###### Cultural property

Briefly describe the property and list its major components. A summary
in a few paragraphs or pages should be all that is required.

*Explanation: This section can describe significant buildings, their
architectural style, date of construction, materials, etc. It can also
describe the setting such as gardens, parks, associated vistas. Other
tangible geographic, cultural, historic, archeological, artistic,
architectural, and/or associative values may also merit inclusion.*

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Which features or aspects of the property do you believe qualify it for
the World Heritage List?

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

What are the important present or proposed uses of the property and how
do they compare with the traditional or historic uses of it?

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**Cultural landscapes (*combined works of nature and humans*)**

Briefly describe the property and list its major components. A summary
in a few paragraphs or pages is all that is required.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Which features or aspects of the property do you believe qualify it for
the World Heritage List ?

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

What are the important present or proposed uses of the property and how
do they compare with the traditional or historic uses of it?

Consider how both natural and cultural processes have contributed to
creating the cultural

Landscape and give special attention to the interaction of humans and
nature. All major aspects of the history of human activity in the area
need to be considered.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

###### Natural property

Briefly describe the property and list its major components. A summary
in a few paragraphs or pages is all that is required.

*Explanation: This section can describe* *the property's important
physical features and scientific values, including geography, geology,
topography, habitats, species and population sizes (including an
indication of any that are threatened), and other significant ecological
features and processes.*

**Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) protects the unique
qualities of the large, freshwater Okefenokee Swamp system for future
generations to enjoy. The Okefenokee Swamp is a complex of acidic,
blackwater wetlands and forested uplands covering approximately 177,252
ha (438,000 acres) of the lower Atlantic Coastal Plain. Ninety-two
percent of this area (162 635 ha or 401,880 acres) is administered by
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as the Okefenokee NWR. This property
has also been designated as a National Wilderness Area, a National
Natural Landmark, and a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar
1971). Its expanse of wetlands blends 17 classified wetland vegetation
communities from open water to shrub to old growth stands of cypress.
The associated forested uplands on the refuge are being restored to
native longleaf pine communities that were widespread in the south but
now only remain on 3% of the original range.**

**Okefenokee NWR is a reservoir of biological resources that supports
and supplies surrounding lands. With its diversity of habitats,
Okefenokee NWR is home to over 620 plant, 39 fish, 37 amphibian, 64
reptile, 234 bird and 50 mammal species, and an undetermined number of
invertebrates. The executive order establishing the refuge stated its
purpose as "a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other
wildlife." Habitats provide for threatened and endangered species, such
as red-cockaded woodpeckers (*Picoides borealis*), wood storks
(*Mycteria americana*), indigo snakes (*Drymarchon corais couperi*), and
a wide variety of other wildlife species. It is world renowned for its
amphibian populations that are bio-indicators of global health.**

**The Okefenokee NWR is known for its recreational opportunities and
attracts local, regional, national, as well as international visitors
for wildlife observation, photography, hunting, fishing, environmental
education and interpretation. Total visitation to the refuge is near
350,000 visitors per year. The East Entrance to the refuge attracts
about 200,000 visitors per year. The West Entrance to the refuge
attracts about 100,000 visitors per year. The North Entrance to the
refuge attracts about 50,000 visitors per year. Visitation patterns are
somewhat variable depending on rain and water levels within the swamp.**

**Combining Okefenokee NWR with Osceola National Forest, private
timberlands, and state-owned forests, more than 1 million contiguous
acres provide wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.**

**Physical Features**

**Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge preserves the Okefenokee Swamp, a
vast peat bog filling an area of sandy depressions. Its elevation ranges
from 128 ft above mean sea level on the northeast side to 105 ft on the
southwest side.**

**The swamp is the headwaters of the Suwannee River, which flows to the
Gulf of Mexico, and the St Marys River, which flows to the Atlantic
Ocean. Several arc-shaped sand ridges extrude through the surface of the
bog to form the many sandy ridges and islands in the swamp. Although the
high points of the major islands are 3-6 ft above the bog surface, there
are many ridges that lie below the water surface that form a terracing
effect and contribute to the formation of five major water basins. Along
the swamp's eastern edge is a large sand ridge known as Trail Ridge. It
rises to an elevation of 150 ft. and then slopes into the St Marys
drainage.**

**The Okefenokee Swamp is a natural, elevated depression formed by water
and soil movement on an ancient ocean shoreline. The swamp formed within
this depression only about 5,000 years ago. Located on the Wicomico
Terrace, it is underlain by the 200 ft thick impenetrable calcareous
clay layer called the Hawthorn Formation. The Hawthorn Formation
overlays the carbonate formation forming the Floridan Aquifer.**

**Climate --The watershed is located in the humid subtropical climatic
zone. All four seasons are apparent. May through September is hot and
wet followed by a warm, dry fall (October-November), a cool, moist
winter (December-February), and a warm moist spring (March-April).**

**Rainfall varies considerably from year to year, but averages 52.63
inches (134 cm) annually at the refuge's east entrance. The wettest
months are generally July and August, with November and December being
the driest.**

**Hydrology- The Okefenokee Swamp is considered a deep water swamp
containing peat soils. Although most of the area has no perceptible
surface flow, the water is not stagnant and flows across the swamp
through a series of depressions stair-stepping towards the outlets of
the swamp. The swamp receives water via precipitation (70%) and surface
runoff (30%) (Rykiel 1977). Groundwater contributions are assumed to be
insignificant but may have been in the past. Rykiel (1977) determined
that in general 80% of the water output from the swamp left through
evapotranspiration and 20% left via river and stream flow. The principal
drainages are the Suwannee River (85% of the surface water outflow), the
St Marys River (11%), and Cypress Creek (4%).**

**Average water level on the east side is 120.0 ft and 115.2 ft on the
west side. The swamp has experienced extreme highs and lows throughout
history. Often large fires have accompanied droughts. In 1960, a low
earthen levee approximately 4.8 miles long was constructed partially
across the swamp's outflow to the Suwannee River to prevent drainage
during periods of drought. However, Loftin (1998) found the area of
influence from the Sill to be only 1% of the swamp during drought
conditions. Following the preferred action within an Environmental
Assessment addressing the future management of the Suwannee River Sill,
the two water control structures within the levee were opened in 2001.
When funding becomes available, four additional breaches will be
constructed, increasing the connection between the Suwannee River and
the Okefenokee Swamp.**

**Soils-The *Dasher* soil series comprises most of the swamp. This is a
very poorly drained, deep organic soil. The organic material extends to
a depth greater than 51 inches. This soil is generally continuously
flooded. Permeability is moderately rapid, and available water capacity
is high. As elevation increases, soils tend to go from *Dasher* to
*Croatan*, to *Surrency*, to *Sapelo*, and then to *Leon* or
*Mandarin*.**

**Water Quality-The slow moving waters of the Okefenokee Swamp are
tea-colored due to the tannic acid released from decaying vegetation.
Researchers have found pH values between 3.1 and 4.86. Certain plants
influence the acidic levels within the swamp and cause local variation
in acidity. With such low pH levels, Rykiel (1977) expressed the
importance of rainfall and atmospheric deposition over the Okefenokee in
the mineral cycling and nutrient availability within the system.**

**Mercury is a natural occurring element of peat systems; however,
Winger (1997) found elevated levels in the water, sediment and biotic
communities within the swamp. Mercury concentrations in rainfall were
sufficiently high to account for these elevated levels.**

**Air Quality *-* The Okefenokee Wilderness is one of the 21 Class I
areas administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that receive
the most stringent degree of air quality protection through the Clean
Air Act's Prevention of Significant Deterioration program. The Service
has the responsibility to protect the air quality and air quality
related values of the area from man made air pollution. Air quality
related values include vegetation, wildlife, soils, water quality,
visibility, odor, and cultural and archaeological resources. The Service
monitors air quality in the refuge in partnership with three national
programs. Atmospheric pollutants in rain are analyzed as part of the
National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP - the "acid rain"
program). Mercury in rain is analyzed as part of the nationwide Mercury
Deposition Network (MDN). And, fine particles responsible for visibility
impairment are measured as part of the Interagency Monitoring of
Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) program. Number range CHAPTER**

Biological Environment

**Okefenokee NWR is a reservoir of biological resources that supports
and supplies surrounding lands. It is a stronghold for the Florida black
bear (*Ursus americanus floridianus).* Wading birds abound. Songbirds
find refuge during their migration through the area. The site is world
renown for the diversity of amphibians and reptiles that are found here.
Old growth cypress still exists along with three species of pitcher
plants and other carnivorous plants. On the associated uplands, longleaf
pine communities are successfully being restored with visions focused on
200-300 years into the future. These native communities are highly
diverse in fauna and flora, including many species of woodpeckers, fox
squirrels, gopher tortoise (*Gopherus polyphemus)*, indigo snakes,
gopher frogs (*Rana areolata aescpus*), striped newts (*Notophthalamus
perstriatus*), and the bachman's sparrow (*Aimophila aestivalis)*. With
its diversity of habitats, Okefenokee NWR is home to over 620 plant, 39
fish, 37 amphibian, 64 reptile, 234 bird and 50 mammal species, and an
undetermined number of invertebrates. The executive order establishing
the refuge stated its purpose as "a refuge and breeding ground for
migratory birds and other wildlife."**

**Even prior to the swamp becoming a refuge, it drew the attention of
herpetologists. It quickly became world renown for its amphibian and
reptile populations. Besides the expanse of wetland habitats inhabited
by the American alligator (*Alligator mississippiensis)* and many
species of frogs and turtles, the refuge uplands contain many ephemeral
ponds. Management of these ponds is important for the flatwoods
salamander (*Ambystoma cingulatum)*, the striped newt, the gopher frog,
and other species.**

**Flora**

**The Okefenokee NWR is a dynamic, mosaic of freshwater wetlands and
forested uplands that is governed by water levels and fire. The 17
classified wetland vegetation communities include: open water, aquatic
grasses, sedges-ferns-water lily; water lily; bay-shrub; briar-shrub;
Ogeechee-cypress; gum-maple-bays; gum-bay-cypress-shrub; mixed wet pine;
cypress-gum-shrub; loblolly bay; shrub; mixed upland/wetland shrub;
pine-cypress-hardwoods; sparse pine; and dense pine. There are two known
sites within the swamp that have old growth cypress. These escaped
logging in the early 1900's with some trees aged at 400-500 years old.
Another area that escaped logging was Number One Island where there is
an old growth slash pine stand that is approximately 250 years old.**

**Although there is only one known native plant species (hairy
rattleweed) on the federal endangered plant list, several plants on the
Georgia list of plants of concern are located in the Okefenokee area.
Large hooded pitcher plants (*Sarracenia minor*) are a significant
component of Durdin Prairie. The trumpet pitcher plant (*S. flava*) is
also found in this area of the swamp. In addition, the parrot pitcher
plant (*S. psittacina*) is found in the swamp. There are no known
invasive plants currently on the refuge.**

**The major emphasis on the uplands is the restoration of the native
longleaf pine community. The diversity of plant species within the
groundcover is characteristic of this habitat and promotes frequent
low-intensity fires. Grasses such as wiregrass (*Aristida beyrichiana*)
and dropseed (*Sporobolis curtissii*) are desirable.**

**Number range CHAPTER**

**Fauna**

**Because of the refuge's size, it is valuable for species such as the
black bear that have large home ranges. A healthy population of the
Florida black bear numbering about 800 individuals exists today, moving
on and off the refuge depending on the resources available. The Florida
panther (*Felis concolor coryi*) once roamed the area as well; however,
there have been no recent confirmed sightings.**

**Wading birds are a prominent feature of the wetlands. The major
species are the great egret (*Ardea alba*), great-blue heron (*Ardea
herodias*), little blue heron (*Egretta caerulea*), white ibis
(*Eudocimus albus*), wood stork, and green-backed heron (*Butorides
striatus*). All but the wood stork nest regularly on the refuge.**

**The Florida sandhill cranes (*Grus canadensis pratensis*) are
non-migratory and are considered to be isolated from other populations
in the southeast. During the winter, large numbers (up to 1,000) of
greater sandhill cranes (*G. canadensis*) migrate to the swamp and
overwinter.**

**The American alligator, considered a sentinel of the swamp, is one of
the prime landscape architects of the swamp. The Okefenokee Swamp is
criss-crossed with alligator trails and small alligator pools that have
been excavated from the peat. This forms a network of travel corridors
used by many other species inhabiting the swamp. The population of
alligators is estimated at around 10,000 to 12,000 individuals depending
on water level fluctuations.**

**Number range CHAPTERInvertebrates occupy many niches in each of the
wetland and upland habitats. Visitors as well as researchers have been
fascinated by the diversity of the invertebrate life.**

**Chironomids, water mites, and ceratopogonids are the most dominant
taxa. As the base for the food chain, healthy populations of
invertebrates and fish are critical in the support of the other fauna.
Ensuring that the levels of environmental contaminants are monitored and
evaluated for potential risks within this group of fauna is a key factor
to avoid degradation of the Okefenokee Ecosystem.**

**Woodpeckers abound on the refuge. The ivory-billed woodpecker
(*Campephilus principalis*) was part of the Okefenokee Ecosystem in the
past. The majority of active management is focused on the habitats used
by the endangered Red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW). The upland pine forests
surrounding the swamp currently support 38 active clusters.
Fragmentation of suitable habitat is the primary threat to this species
on the refuge. Agreements with adjacent landowners and/or purchase of
additional uplands are necessary for stabilizing the RCW population on
this site. The management to enhance RCW habitat also enhances the
native habitat of the gopher tortoise, indigo snake, and the Bachman's
sparrow. The maintenance of the ephemeral pools associated with the
longleaf pine communities is critical for species such as the striped
newt and other amphibians.**

**(*Full references can be found in the Literature Cited of the enclosed
Refuge's Comprehensive Conservation Plan.)***

Which features or aspects of the property do you believe qualify it for
the World Heritage List?

1)  **This property is a natural ecological driven freshwater ecosystem
    where natural processes govern the landscape. It has been under
    protection for the past 71 years. The accumulation of peat has been
    undisturbed over the past 5,000 years, giving a record of past
    environmental conditions.**

2)  **Its mosaic of habitats provides for a diversity of fauna and
    flora. It is world renown for its diverse amphibian and reptile
    populations that are indicators of environmental health.**

3)  **As representive of a coal formation environment, it provides
    insight into the ongoing geological process of coal seam
    development.**

What are the important present or proposed uses of the property and how
do they compare with the traditional or historic uses of it (e.g., to
what extent and by what methods are natural resources being exploited)?

**Although the Okefenokee NWR is primarily managed for native fauna and
flora, public use is an important aspect of the refuge. The east
entrance has a visitor center, hiking trails, wildlife drive, boardwalk,
observation tower, and a restored homestead in addition to concession
services. The north entrance via Okefenokee Swamp Park is a private,
non-profit attraction operating under a lease agreement with the refuge
and Georgia Forestry Commission. Interpretive displays, a boardwalk,
boat tours, animal habitats, and lectures are available to visitors. The
west entrance via the 82-acre Stephen C. Foster State Park operates
under a lease agreement with the Service. Its facilities include a
museum, guided boat tours, boat, motor and canoe rentals, a campground,
and furnished cabins. The two secondary entrances, Kingfisher Landing
and the Suwannee River Sill, have public boat ramps and parking lots
available to the public.**

**Okefenokee NWR provides opportunities related to hunting, fishing,
wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education
and interpretation. The majority of visitors come to the refuge to view
and photograph wildlife and birds (86 percent). Hunting opportunities
are offered for white-tailed deer, feral hogs, turkey, and small game.
Sport fishing is a year-round activity primarily done from boats.
Interpretation of the resources is accomplished through the visitor
centers, special presentations, guided tours, brochures, and
informational signs. The refuge also provides an outdoor classroom for
environmental education ranging from pre-school to college level
courses.**

**In addition, the refuge gives the visitor the opportunity to
experience the solitude of wilderness while expanding the opportunities
for wildlife observation, fishing, and photography by permitting
overnight camping within the wilderness. Seven overnight campsites are
scattered over the refuge's 120 miles of boat trail. Wilderness canoe
groups consisting of one to twenty people make advanced reservations and
secure permits, which allow them to spend from two to five days in the
swamp (one to four nights). Travel on these trips is entirely
non-motorized and averages between eight and twelve miles of paddling
per day. Only one party per site reduces contact with other parties and
promotes the feeling of solitude.**

**The Okefenokee Swamp has shaped the culture of southeast Georgia. From
Native Americans to canal diggers in the swamp, and from timber
harvesters to fire fighters, most residents of Charlton, Ware, and
Clinch Counties have ancestors who once lived, worked, or relied on the
swamp for their very existence. To them, the swamp is a part of their
family heritage. In addition to its cultural link, the refuge exerts a
strong financial incentive to the local three-county area. The cities of
Waycross and Homerville to the north of the swamp and Folkston,
Kingsland, and St. Marys to the east are experiencing significant
growth. To the south of the swamp, the cities of Jacksonville and Lake
City are growing rapidly. This growth directly translates to the use of
land for homes, shopping centers, roads, etc. The economic impact of the
refuge is predicted to continue to increase along with the refuge's
continuing rise in popularity locally, regionally, and statewide,
nationwide, and worldwide.**

**The refuge is currently surrounded by high value commercial
forestland, most of it in slash or loblolly pine plantations. Scattered
throughout the commercial forests are small parcels of private lands
with a mixture of modern and \"old swamper\" home sites. Each land
manager, including the Service, assumes some liability for the impacts
of management activities on adjacent properties. A spirit of cooperation
between landowners is necessary to maintain a productive relationship.
Working relations with these public, corporate, and private landowners
have been excellent. Cooperation between fire management personnel and
the adjacent agency, industrial, and private landowners is facilitated
through the Greater Okefenokee Association of Landowners (GOAL)
organization. Activities of GOAL include setting of priorities,
acquisition of local resources, technology transfer, and general problem
solving.**

**Mixed property (one that meets at least one natural criterion and one
cultural criterion---see Section 3a just below for criteria)**

Briefly describe the property and list its major components. A summary
in a few paragraphs or pages is all that is required.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Which features or aspects of the property do you believe qualify it for
the World Heritage List?

What are the important present or proposed uses of the property and how
do they compare with the traditional or historic uses of it?

**2.b. History and Development of the Property**

*( select the one following category that best fits the property)*

**Cultural property**

When was the site built or first occupied and how did it arrive at its
present form and condition? If it has undergone significant changes in
use or physical alterations, include an explanation.

*Explanation: If the property was built in stages or if there have been
major changes, demolitions, abandonment and reoccupation, or rebuilding
since completion, briefly summarize these events. For archeological
sites, the names of archeologists and dates of their work should also be
noted, especially if the site is regarded as important in the history of
archeology as well as for its intrinsic merits.*

*\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_*

**Cultural landscape**

What have been the major aspects of the history of human activity in the
area and their impact on the landscape?

***\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_***

**Natural property**

What are the most significant events in history or prehistory that have
affected the property? How have humans used or affected it?

*Explanation: This discussion can include changes in the use of the
property and its natural resources for hunting, fishing or agriculture,
or changes brought about by climatic change, floods, earthquake or other
natural causes.*

**Okefenokee\'s natural beauty was first threatened in the 1890s, when
attempts were made to drain the swamp to facilitate logging operations.
The Suwannee Canal was dug 11.5 miles into the swamp from Camp Cornelia.
After the failure of this project, known as \"Jackson\'s Folly,\" other
interests acquired the swamp and began removing timber in 1909, using a
network of tram roads extending deep into the major timbered areas. When
logging operations were halted in 1927, more than 423 million board feet
of timber, mostly cypress, had been removed from the swamp.**

**The establishment of Okefenokee Refuge in 1936 marked the culmination
of a movement that had been initiated at least 25 years earlier by a
group of scientists from Cornell University (New York) that recognized
the education, scientific, and recreational values of this unique area.
The Okefenokee Society formed in 1918 promoted nationwide interest in
the swamp. With the support of state and local interests and numerous
conservation and scientific organizations, the Federal Government
acquired most of the swamp for refuge purposes in 1936. The executive
order establishing Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in 1937 stated
the purpose of the refuge as "a refuge and breeding ground for migratory
birds and other wildlife"**

**Extensive logging at the turn of the century altered the forested
vegetation communities. It created large areas suitable for shrub
growth. These areas burned frequently during the early 20^th^ century,
possibly due to the accumulation of logging debris (Loftin 1998). Fires
over the past 150 years have not been severe enough to change large
areas of forests or shrub to prairies (marshes) or lakes. However, there
have been shorter intervals when changes in species and structure have
occurred and influenced the system.**

**Proportions of wet forest, shrub, and upland forest associations are
approaching pre-logged conditions, although there have been changes in
the species composition within these communities. Species composition
may affect evapotranspiration and flow rates, wildlife use, and fire
occurrence and behavior. Both logging and fire have a role in shaping
the vegetation composition, distribution, and structure within the
swamp. Fire suppression and fragmentation of the land by settlers may
have caused greater changes within the wetlands and uplands with fewer
fires moving between the swamp and uplands.**

**Role of Fire in Wetlands**

**Fire has played an important part in the formation of the Okefenokee
Swamp. The entire floor of the swamp is covered by a bed of peat varying
from a few inches thick at the swamp's edge to 3 to 15 feet thick in the
swamp's interior (Cohen 1984). During construction of logging trams in
the swamp, some holes over 20 feet deep were discovered (Hopkins 1947).
Approximately 12,645 ha (31,246 acres) of the swamp (8 percent) are open
marshes or \"prairies\" varying in size up to several thousand acres.
Most of these prairies are believed to be the result of very severe
fires, which killed the woody plants and burned away part of the upper
peat bed. Most of the prairie lakes and ponds are the result of pockets
being burned in the peat. Alligators may create small open water areas
or help to maintain existing "holes".**

**According to Cypert, a fire in 1844 was the last fire to be severe
enough to have caused prairies. Since then, there have been fires severe
enough to kill timber but not severe enough to permanently kill the
woody vegetation and remove significant layers of peat. In a report on a
13-year study of "Plant Succession on Burned Areas in the Okefenokee
Swamp following the fires of 1954 and 1955," Eugene Cypert (1972)
concludes the following:**

**\"It is difficult to appraise the importance of extreme droughts and
the accompanying fires to Okefenokee Swamp. The aesthetic damage is
incalculable. Doubtless the droughts and fires are damaging to most
forms of swamp wildlife at the time of their occurrence. However, the
prairies and the prairie lakes and ponds are a unique part of the swamp.
It is obvious that they are now slowly but steadily reverting to swamp
forest. If this trend should continue until the whole swamp is forested,
most of the more important and interesting species of wildlife would be
adversely affected. The sandhill crane, bitterns, rails, gallinules and
the roundtail muskrat would disappear entirely from the swamp. There
would be little use of the swamp by waterfowl. Alligators would probably
survive but their required habitat would be drastically reduced. Herons,
ibises, ospreys and probably other important kinds of wildlife would
become rare or disappear from the swamp. Serious consideration must be
given as to what control measures should and should not be taken to
prevent or to permit fires in Okefenokee Swamp during periods of extreme
drought.\"**

**Fire also plays an important role in maintaining the numerous isolated
wetlands that are interspersed throughout the uplands. Keeping fire out
of these areas has promoted the growth of the woody understory and
diminished their function. Restoring these wetlands by allowing fire to
pass through them contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem by
re-establishing the natural hydrology. As a result, conditions for the
reproduction of amphibians are enhanced.**

**Role of Fire in Uplands**

**Fire determines the overstory and ground cover species dominating the
uplands within the refuge, and indirectly, its wildlife species. The
Okefenokee Ecosystem is part of the vast southeastern coastal plain
where the uplands were once dominated by a major fire-dependent plant
association, the longleaf pine (*Pinus palustris*) community. The
southeast once supported 60- to 92-million acres of this association
with only 3% of it present today.**

**Ecologists have identified more than 30 longleaf pine associations
supporting a wide array of native wildlife species. The most traditional
community association is longleaf pine/wiregrass. Longleaf pine and
wiregrass (*Aristida beyrichiana*), along with many of its associated
wildlife species, including the red-cockaded woodpecker (*Melanerpes
erythrocephalus*), gopher tortoise (*Gopherus polyphemus*), and indigo
snake (*Drymarchon corais couperi*) are all long-lived but
reproductively unprolific species. As long as the area remained
undisturbed, the community prospered. The fine, resinous, wiregrass
understory promoted the spread of frequent, low-intensity wildfires over
vast areas, killing seedlings of competing pine species as they
attempted to invade the uplands from the edges of swamps, ponds, and
river bottoms. The fire resistant longleaf pine seedlings and mature
pines survived, thus perpetuating the open park-like longleaf pine
community. Growing season fires, during the normal lightning season,
stimulated the seeding of new clones of wire grass and other community
plants, while setting back growth of tall shrub species. The understory
components and structure of longleaf pine communities provided a diverse
habitat suitable for all other native species of wildlife common to the
southeastern coastal plain.**

**Upland fire, in addition to perpetuating longleaf community species,
created additional habitat diversity by acting with other natural
disturbances to create openings in the mature forest overstory. Over
many hundreds of years, the regular occurrence of new openings resulted
in the traditional, multi-aged longleaf pine forest. As the new openings
seeded in to create new age classes, fire, in turn, destroyed less fire
resistant seedlings, maintaining the pure longleaf stand.**

**During pre-settlement times, fire in the longleaf pine association was
quite common. Lightning season fires were frequent and widespread.
Analysis of the flammability of longleaf community understory species,
the frequency of lightning strikes, and the presence and location of
natural barriers have shown the average fire frequency on the uplands
surrounding the Okefenokee Swamp to have been one to three years (Frost
1998).**

**Fire ignited during all seasons by natives and early settlers for
cultural reasons added to the effects of lightning caused fire. Fire was
used by native Americans to stimulate berry growth, to improve hunting,
and to clear land. Later settlers continued to set fires for similar
reasons, as well as to improve cattle grazing (Wahlenberg 1946).**

**Mixed property**

Consider the questions raised just above for both natural and cultural
properties.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**2.c. Boundary Selection**

Propose a boundary for the property and explain why you chose it. Is the
boundary reasonable on logical grounds, such as if it conforms to
topography or landforms or (for natural areas) to the range of wildlife
or (for cultural properties) to any historical boundary or defining
structures (such as walls)?

**The boundary of the Okefenokee National Wildlife is the property for
nomination. At 162,635 ha (401,880 acres), the refuge protects the
majority of the Okefenokee Swamp which is 177,252 ha (438,000 acres).
This land has been protected for the past 71 years under the
administration of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The remaining
wetlands and an upland zone around the refuge are within the acquisition
boundary to enhance the refuge's ability to use wildland fire for the
habitat's benefit.**

**Currently, surrounding landowners are members of the Greater
Okefenokee Association of Landowners (GOAL) that work cooperatively with
the refuge to minimize impacts to their land while maximizing the
refuge's use of natural processes. The GOAL area of influence totals
629,349 ha (1,555,156 acres).**

Are all the elements and features that are related to the site's
significance included inside the proposed boundaries?

*Explanation: Careful analysis should be undertaken to insure that the
proposal embraces the internationally significant resources and excludes
most, if not all, unrelated buildings, structures and features.*

YES: \_\_**X**\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

If no, please explain:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Are there any enclaves or inholdings within the property and, if so, do
they contain uses or potential uses contrary to the conservation or
preservation of the site as a whole?

YES: \_\_**X**\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

If yes, please explain: **There are two wetland blocks totaling 397 ha
(980 acres) that are inholdings within the Okefenokee National Wildlife
Refuge**. **They are currently not used due to limited access. Their
potential use would be for mitigation purposes or low impact
recreational use.**

**3. JUSTIFICATION FOR INSCRIPTION IN THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST**

**3.a. Criteria under which inscription is proposed**

From the World Heritage criteria listed below, identify each criterion
that you believe applies to your property and briefly state why you
believe each criterion you have selected is applicable.

*Explanation: You may find the discussion under this heading in
"Appendix A" to the **Guide to the U.S. World Heritage Program** to be
helpful in completing this section. Please refer to a paper copy or
follow the hyperlink.*

*To be included on the World Heritage List, a site must be of
outstanding universal value and meet at least one of these ten selection
criteria in a global context:*

i.  *represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;*

> \_\_\_\_ This criterion applies to the property I am proposing
>
> Reason:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

ii. *exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of
    time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in
    architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or
    landscape design;*

> \_\_\_\_ This criterion applies to the property I am proposing
>
> Reason:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

iii. *bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural
     tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has
     disappeared;*

> \_\_\_\_ This criterion applies to the property I am proposing
>
> Reason:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

iv. *be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or
    technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a)
    significant stage(s) in human history;*

> \_\_\_\_ This criterion applies to the property I am proposing
>
> Reason:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

v.  *be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement,
    land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or
    cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when
    it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;*

> \_\_\_\_ This criterion applies to the property I am proposing
>
> Reason:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

vi. *be directly or tangibly associated with events or living
    traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary
    works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee
    considers that this criterion should preferably be used in
    conjunction with other criteria);*

> \_\_\_\_ This criterion applies to the property I am proposing
>
> Reason:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

vii. *contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional
     natural beauty and aesthetic importance;*

> \_\_\_\_ This criterion applies to the property I am proposing
>
> Reason:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

viii. *be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth\'s
      history, including the record of life, significant on-going
      geological processes in the development of landforms, or
      significant geomorphic or physiographic features;*

> \_\_X\_\_ This criterion applies to the property I am proposing
>
> Reason: **The Okefenokee Swamp is considered young in its geological
> development (5,000 years) however it is significant in understanding
> the ongoing geological process of coal seam development throughout the
> world. The formation of the elevated clay basin that holds the
> Okefenokee Swamp occurred during the Miocene Period through the
> Pleistocene Period when clay was deposited on the coastal plain; delta
> bars formed by ancient rivers; formation of a series of step-like
> terraces and barrier islands by fluctuating ocean levels; diversion of
> drainages and capturing of rivers by geologic uplifts. The basin was
> left on the Wicomico Terrace at an elevation of 100 to 120 feet above
> sea level. The swamp's eastern margin, Trail Ridge, is an ancient
> beach ridge created by wave/wind action at the cresting edge of an
> eroding, encroaching sea during the Pliocene or Pleistocene.**
>
> **With the basin in place, the climate became warmer, glaciers began
> to recede, the environment became more humid, rainfall increased and
> ocean levels and the groundwater table began to rise. The Okefeneokee
> Swamp began to form with swamp forests spreading away from stream
> courses and small lakes as peat accumulated. The swamp grew vertically
> and laterally until it eventually formed the swamp as we know today.
> This expanse of land has undisturbed peat deposits that range from 3
> to 15 ft deep. This is a precursor to coal seam formation. The
> "back-barrier" depositional setting of the swamp is similar to how
> some coal seams developed through the Paleozoic and Tertiary periods.
> In addition, the current vegetation is of the type in coals formed
> during the Tertiary period making it analogous to ancient coal seam
> formation. For these reasons the Okefenokee Swamp has been compared to
> other peat-forming environments in the world.**

ix. *be outstanding examples representing significant on-going
    ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development
    of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and
    communities of plants and animals;*

> \_X\_\_\_ This criterion applies to the property I am proposing
>
> Reason: **The Okefenokee Swamp is one of the world's largest natural
> ecologically driven freshwater ecosystems covering approximately
> 177,252 ha (438,000 acres) on the lower Atlantic Coastal Plain. The
> Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge protects 90% of this expansive
> acidic, blackwater system. The majority of the Swamp (142,854 ha) is
> designated a National Wilderness area, preserving its wild, beautiful,
> and primitive characteristics. Natural fluctuations of water levels
> and fire are the driving forces of this system. Management of this
> land recognizes the importance of these processes and promotes their
> use through partnerships with neighboring landowners.**
>
> **The Okefenokee Swamp is considered a deepwater swamp containing peat
> soils. It receives water via precipitation (70%) and surface runoff
> (30 %) making it the headwaters of two rivers -- the Suwannee River
> leading to the Gulf of Mexico and the St Marys River flowing to the
> Atlantic Ocean. Water flows slowly across the swamp through a series
> of depressions stair-stepping towards the outlets of the swamp. Long
> term records of environmental conditions are held within the peat
> layers that have accumulated over the past 5,000 years. Fire history
> has been compiled through coring of the peat. Amounts of atmospheric
> deposition of contaminants can be tracked through the peat layers
> along with many other factors.**
>
> **The biological and ecological processes of the Okefenokee NWR have
> been of interest to scientists over the past 100 years. Although
> Okefeneokee NWR was influenced by man in the early 1900's, its now
> considered pristine as natural processes have been allowed to govern
> the landscape. Both terrestrial and wetland environments work in
> harmony and are maintained to continue the successional processes.
> Processes related to bacteria, humic substances, organics, mercury,
> flora, contaminants within the food web, decomposition of plant
> matter, methane production, weather patterns, atmospheric deposition,
> fire emissions, and fire-adapted vegetation are just a few of the
> topics that have been examined in the past 10 years. In addition,
> water from the Suwannee River as it leaves the Swamp is used as a
> standard reference by scientists throughout the world.**

x.  *contain the most important and significant natural habitats for
    in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those
    containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from
    the point of view of science or conservation.*

> \_\_X\_\_ This criterion applies to the property I am proposing
>
> Reason: **The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge can be considered an
> ecosystem in itself but also contributes significantly to the systems
> surrounding it. It is a complex of freshwater wetlands and forested
> uplands which supports a wide variety of fauna. The wetlands blend 17
> classified wetland vegetation communities from open water to old
> growth cypress stands. The associated forested uplands on the refuge
> are being restored to native longleaf pine communities that were
> widespread in the southeastern United States but now only remain on 3%
> of the original range.**
>
> **Okefenokee NWR is home to 48 species of mammals, 200 birds, 33 fish,
> 101 reptiles and amphibians and an undetermined number of
> invertebrates (some of which have not been classified yet). Even prior
> to the land becoming a refuge, the Okefenokee was world renown for its
> amphibian and reptile populations. It is critical habitat for large
> populations of wading birds that are considered to be indicators of
> wetland health. Because of the size of the protected area, the refuge
> is valuable for species that have large home ranges such as the black
> bear (*Ursus americanus floridianus*) and Florida panther (*Felis
> concolor coryi*). The scrub-shrub habitat found throughout the
> property has been identified as very important cover for migratory
> passerine birds that pass through the area. At the base of the food
> chain, healthy populations of invertebrates and fish are critical in
> the support of the other fauna. As a reproduction ground for many
> species, the Okefenokee NWR supports the wildlife populations using
> the surrounding landscape.**
>
> **Federally listed threatened and endangered species that make their
> home in the refuge include the red-cockaded woodpecker (*Picoides
> borealis*), indigo snake (*Drymarchon corais couperi*), and wood stork
> (*Mycteria Americana*). Historically, ivory-billed woodpeckers
> (*Campephilus principalis*), and the Florida panthers were present in
> the landscape. Several other species that are of special concern on
> the refuge include: the gopher tortoise (*Gopherus polyphemus*);
> Sherman's fox squirrel (*Sciurus niger niger*); round-tailed muskrat
> (*Neofiber alleni exoristus);* Bachman's sparrow (*Aimophila
> aestivalis*); Florida sandhill crane (*Grus Canadensis pratensis);*
> neotropical migratory birds; black-banded sunfish (*Enneacanthus
> chaetodon)*; mud sunfish (*Acantharchus pomotis)*; and banded
> topminnow (*Fundulus cingulatus)*.**

**3.b. Proposed statement of outstanding universal value**

Based on the criteria you have selected just above, provide a brief
**Proposed Statement of Outstanding Universal Value** summarizing and
making clear why you think the property merits inscription on the World
Heritage List. If adopted by the World Heritage Committee, the statement
"will be the key reference for the future effective protection and
management of the property."

*Explanation: This statement should clearly explain the
**internationally** significant values embodied by the property, **not**
its **national** prominence.*

*"**Outstanding Universal Value**" **is formally defined as "...
cultural and/or natural significance which is so exceptional as to
transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present
and future generations of all humanity. As such, the permanent
protection of this heritage is of the highest importance to the
international community as a whole."***

**Cultural property**

*For example, a cultural World Heritage Site may be a unique survival of
a particular building form or settlement or an exceptional example of a
designed town or the best work by a great internationally recognized
architect. It may be a particularly fine or early or rich survival and
it may bear witness to a vanished culture or way of life, or ecosystem.
Elements to consider for inclusion in the statement may be such cardinal
facts about the site as:*

> *- Historic Context*
>
> *- Period of International Significance*
>
> *- Internationally Significant Dates*
>
> *- Internationally Significant Groups, Persons, Events*
>
> *- Cultural Affiliation*

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**Cultural landscapes**

*Such landscapes illustrate the evolution of human society and
settlement over time under the influence of the physical constraints
and/or opportunities presented by the natural environment and of
successive social, economic, and cultural forces, both external and
internal**.***

**Natural property**

*For example, a natural World Heritage Site may be a unique existence of
a type of habitat or ecosystem. It may comprise assemblages of
threatened endemic species, exceptional ecosystems, outstanding natural
landscapes or other natural phenomena.*

**Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge protects the Okefenokee Swamp, one
of the largest freshwater systems governed primarily by natural
processes remaining today, for future generations. Its formation and
current plant composition follows the pattern of ancient coal seams that
are being exploited today. Its undisturbed peat beds store valuable
information on environmental conditions over the past 5,000 years. The
natural interactions between the highly diverse group of fauna and the
habitats provide countless opportunities to examine natural processes
and cause/ effect situations at the bacterial level to the megafauna
level. In addition, it is home to the endangered red-cockaded
woodpecker, wood stork, and indigo snake and is world renown for its
amphibian and reptile populations. The refuge has been managed as an
integral component of the greater Okefenokee Ecosystem by restoring and
maintaining native fauna and flora and the mosaic of habitats through
associated natural processes. It is a relatively intact system with few
direct influences from outside sources making it an environmental
indicator and a comparison site for highly manipulated sites.**

**Mixed property**

*A mixed property must be justified under at least one cultural
criterion (i-vi) under 3a above and one natural criterion (vii-x) under
3a above.*

***\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_***

**3.c. Comparison of proposed property to similar or related properties
(including state of preservation of similar properties)**

Please provide a statement explaining how the property being proposed
compares with all other similar or related properties anywhere in the
world, whether already on the World Heritage List or not..

*Explanation:* *Examples of questions that may be useful to consider
include whether the proposed property is part of a series or sequence of
similar sites belonging to the same cultural grouping and/or the same
period of history. Also, are there features that distinguish it from
other sites and suggest that it should be regarded as **more**,
**equally** or **jointly** worthy than they are? What is it that makes
this property intrinsically better than others and qualifies it for the
World Heritage List? For example, does it have more features, species or
habitats than a similar site? Is the property larger or better preserved
or more complete or less changed by later developments?*

*It will be especially helpful if specific reference can be made to a
study placing the property in a global context. The absence of
comparative information may indicate that the property is either truly
exceptional (a difficult case to prove) or that it lacks international
importance. If the results of the comparative review reveal that
multiple sites possess roughly comparable merit and may possess
international significance as a group, you may wish to recommend that
more than one site be proposed, as a serial nomination or as a joint
nomination by the United States and another country.*

*Also please make note of any major works that evaluate the property in
comparison to similar properties anywhere else in the world.*

**The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is one of the world's largest
intact freshwater ecosystems (Ramsar 1971). The refuge sits in the
temperate zone, southeastern rivers and streams ecoregion. The
Okefenokee Swamp is a freshwater deepwater swamp. Similar peat wetlands
have been exploited for their timber and available water elsewhere in
the world. Compared to the Everglades and other wetlands of the United
States, the Okefenokee Swamp has been manipulated less. The Okefenokee
Swamp has been protected since 1936 as a federal wildlife refuge and has
had additional protection through the designations as a National
Wilderness, National Natural Landmark, and Wetland of International
Importance under the Ramsar Convention of 1971. The National Register of
Historic and Natural Landmarks provided additional national status for
the protection of the swamp in 1976.** **It has been compared with other
wetlands throughout the world and its management explored by numerous
visiting land managers from the South America's Patanal, Chinese
alligator habitat scientists, and wetland managers from India, Russia,
and Australia.**

**The property 1) illustrates a "back-barrier" setting similar to many
ancient coal seams; 2) exemplifies certain universal principles of peat
formation; and 3) offers a place to compare and contrast with
characteristics of peat-forming environments in other parts of the world
(Cohen, 1991). Although there are many similar peat wetlands in the
world, the Okefenokee Swamp holds an expanse of peat that has been
accumulating for the past 5,000 years, relatively undisturbed, creating
an area of authenticity for geological processes.**

**The property is not characteristic of other cypress swamps in that it
is a mosaic of many wetland types. Ecological processes are extremely
dynamic spatially and temporally. With the many different types of
habitat, species diversity is high. It has been long recognized for its
diverse amphibian populations. It has a constant flow of scientists,
land managers, journalists, and cinematographers from across the United
States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, France, England, China, India,
Japan, and Brazil visit and compare the swamp with other world renowned
wetlands. Numerous filming permits issued each year produce programs
that keep the refuge name and issues in front of the general public. In
addition, dissolved organic matter is periodically collected from the
Suwannee River to replenish the supply of standard aquatic humic
substances that is shipped worldwide by Georgia Tech, Atlanta, Georgia
for research purposes.**

**Based on its integrity, scientific interest, geologic representation,
and promotion of natural processes, the Okefenokee National Wildlife
Refuge is a prime candidate for nomination onto the World Heritage
List.**

**3.d. Integrity and/or Authenticity**

*Explanation: As with a site's international significance, the clear
intent of this requirement is that a World Heritage Site's authenticity
or integrity must rise to a superlative level. Thus, for example, it is
quite important to understand that reconstructions of historic
structures or sites or largely restored ecosystems will usually be
disqualified from inscription in the World Heritage List.*

**Cultural property**

[Authenticity]{.underline}: Does the property retain its original
design, materials, workmanship and setting?

YES: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

[Integrity]{.underline}: Do the authentic material and spatial evidence
inside the proposed boundaries remain in sufficient quantity to convey
the full significance of the site? To tell the full story of why the
site is outstanding? Is the integrity weakened by the intrusion of
discordant and/or abundant elements or buildings that are unrelated to
the significance and detract from the visual unity of the place?

YES: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Note that that there can be authenticity without integrity, as in a
highly eroded archaeological ruin. There can also be authenticity with
full integrity of materials, but seriously undermined by the
overwhelming presence of newer or inappropriate elements.

How do authenticity and integrity compare for this property?

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

[Repairs:]{.underline} If repairs have been made, were they carried out
using traditional materials and methods? If yes, please discuss. If not,
please explain the methods used and why.

YES: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**Cultural landscapes:**

Authenticity: Does the property retain its distinctive character and
components?

YES: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**Natural property**

Are there intrusions by non-native animals or plants and are there any
human activities that could compromise the property's condition?

YES: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_X\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: **There are no known invasive plant species present on the
refuge at this time. There have been non-native insects at isolated
locations on the refuge that are believed to be transported by visitors.
Other threats to the property would result from human activities
surrounding the refuge which is discussed below.**

If efforts are being made to conserve or restore a site or ecosystem,
what is their nature and are scientifically directed measures being
used? If the site comprises a unique ecosystem or habitat values, is the
area proposed of sufficient size and configuration to contain as
complete a representation of an ecosystem or habitat as is practicable
or reasonable?

Nature of conservation or restoration measures: **Okefenokee National
Wildlife Refuge protects primarily the wetlands of the Okefenokee Swamp.
These wetlands are governed by fluctuating water levels and fire.
Interspersed within the wetlands are upland islands. The refuge also
manages fragments of uplands outside the boundary of the swamp. These
uplands are only 8% of the refuge. They are being restored to native
longleaf pine communities through the use of fire and selective thinning
to promote the desirable species. The refuge has held remnants of this
community over time while it has almost all disappeared from the
surrounding lands. The current age of the longleaf pine on the refuge is
80 -- 100 years old. This community supports several endangered species
and species of concern.**

Proposed area is sufficient:

YES: \_\_X\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: **The uplands being restored on the refuge totaling 13,355 ha
is a small portion of the actual refuge. However, it does support
endangered red-cockaded woodpecker populations. In the refuge's attempts
to enhance the habitat for this species, it has entered into Memorandums
of Understandings with adjacent landowners to provide longer rotation of
their timber. Also, promoting the planting of fire-tolerant longleaf
pine on lands surrounding the refuge provides a buffer for the use of
wildland fire within the swamp.**

**Mixed property**

Does the property's authenticity or integrity rise to a superlative
level?

YES: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**4. STATE OF PRESERVATION AND FACTORS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY**

**4.a. Present state of preservation of the property**

**Cultural property**

What is the present state of preservation of the property (including its
physical condition and preservation measures in place)?

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Are there any recent or forthcoming planned major repair projects? Are
there any major repairs needed to buildings or structures that have not
been planned or financed?

## 

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**Cultural landscapes:**

What is the present state of preservation of the property (including its
physical condition and preservation measures in place)?

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Are there any recent or forthcoming planned major repair projects? Are
there any major repairs needed to buildings or structures that have not
been planned or financed?

YES: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

## 

## Natural property

What is the present state of conservation of the property (including its
physical condition and conservation measures in place)?

**The Okefenokee NWR has been protected as a National Wildlife Refuge
for the past 71 years. In 1974, it was also given further protection
through the Wilderness Act when the majority of its acreage was
designated as the Okefenokee Wilderness Area. It was given National
Natural Landmark status in 1976 and designated a Wetland of
International Importance in 1986. These designations have helped to
preserve its wild character and prevent construction of additional
waterways and other facilities within the wetland area. Management
focuses on enhancing the habitats for native flora and fauna using
natural processes and simulating some fire occurrences. There is no
manipulation of water levels and therefore, natural fluctuations
governed by rainfall are the driving force behind the dynamic natural
processes that exist within the swamp. Restoration of the upland habitat
is taking place promoting desirable tree species and favorable
understory structure. The commitment to protecting the Okefenokee NWR is
shown in the Comprehensive Conservation Plan that was completed in 2006
and covers the management of this property over the next 15 years.**

Are there data on species trends or the integrity of ecosystems and are
there any on-going or planned interventions to restore natural
conditions (e.g., to restore altered topography or manage invasive
species and/or restore native ones)?

YES: \_\_X\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: **There are many surveys conducted by refuge staff and research
projects conducted by outside entities that have occurred on the refuge
providing information on species and processes. This property continues
to be of interest to the scientific community.**

**Restoration of the wetlands from the logging that occurred prior to
1936 has been left to natural successional processes. Prescribed fire
has been used on interior islands to manage the understory structure and
protect endangered species habitat. On the uplands surrounding the
refuge, prescribed burning to simulate natural fire frequency and
selective thinning of timberlands are used to restore historic longleaf
pine stands for the benefit of native fauna. The refuge is restoring
habitat that was cut prior to it becoming a refuge where remnant trees
existed. Since it is a long-lived species, the refuge is managing this
habitat on a 300-400 year cycle. This habitat covered the southeastern
United States before it was replaced by faster growing species in the
mid 1900's. The only remaining habitat was on the refuge and small
patches scattered around the landscape outside the refuge.**

**Mixed property**

What is the present state of preservation of the property (including its
physical condition and preservation measures in place)?

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Are there any recent or forthcoming planned major repair projects? Are
there any major repairs needed to buildings or structures that have not
been planned or financed? Are there data on species trends or the
integrity of ecosystems and are there any on-going or planned
interventions to restore natural conditions (e.g., to restore altered
topography or manage invasive species and/or restore native ones)?

YES: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**4b. Factors affecting the property**

If there are known factors likely to affect or threaten the outstanding
universal values of the property or there any difficulties that may be
encountered in addressing such problems through measures taken, or
proposed to be taken, please use the following is a checklist to help in
identifying factors.

***(i) Development Pressures (e.g., encroachment, modification,
agriculture, mining)***

Are there development pressures affecting the property? Or major changes
in traditional land use? Or demographic shifts, especially in sites
still in the hands of the descendants of their creators, or, for
example, traditional ethnic communities.

YES: \_\_X\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment:

**Urbanization**

**Charlton, Ware, and Clinch Counties in Georgia, and Baker County in
Florida, all touch portions of the refuge. Homes and subdivision
developments have shown a marked increase in numbers over the past 10
years. These homes are encroaching on and further fragment the habitats
around the refuge. In addition, this development requires the withdrawal
of ground water for water systems and increases pollution of air, water,
light, and noise. These developments also create significant problems in
protecting structures and fighting wildfires in the area.**

**Timber Management**

**Short rotation silviculture with heavy mechanical site preparation,
including the application of herbicides, is eliminating the habitat
suitable for at-risk animals on adjoining industrial forestlands. The
refuge has begun to enter into memorandums of understanding with
agreeable landowners to grow forest products on a longer rotation.
Approximately 16 percent of adjoining lands are covered by memorandums
of understanding at the present time. Land purchase and/or timber
management by the USFWS of critical uplands are the long-term
solutions.**

**Industrial and Commercial Development**

**Demands for ground water are increasing in the coastal plain. With
paper mills and other industrial interests along the coast, the area
from which they draw ground water (i.e., cone of depression) increases
and may eventually affect the Okefenokee Swamp. Where once the ground
water was replenishing the swamp, the swamp may now be replenishing the
aquifer. This would be detrimental to the health of the swamp by
creating drier conditions and the loss of wetlands, concentrating
contaminants and degrading the system.**

**Mining/Oil/Gas**

**Strip mining for titanium has been proposed on 22,000 acres directly
adjacent to the southeastern boundary of the swamp. The Service has many
concerns regarding strip mining and its proximity to this globally
unique resource - The Okefenokee Swamp. Potential impacts include:**

-   **Alternations to water table elevation in the swamp as a result of
    changes to surface and ground water quantities and flows of the
    Trail Ridge;**

-   **Destruction of endangered and rare species and their habitats;**

-   **Destruction of wetlands;**

-   **Reduction of air and water quality through the release of
    contaminants; and**

-   **Degradation of the wilderness experience for refuge visitors.**

**This same threat was recently eliminated from 16,000 acres adjacent to
the northeastern boundary of the refuge when E.I. DuPont De Nemours and
Company, Inc., donated it to The Conservation Fund.**

***(ii) Environmental pressures (e.g., pollution, climate change,
desertification)***

Are there major sources of environmental deterioration currently
affecting the property?

YES: \_\_X\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment:

**Wetland Management**

**Numerous threats to the quantity and quality of the water resources of
the area may affect wetland management and its health.**

-   **Water quality is being degraded as a result of increased use of
    fertilizers and herbicides on surrounding timberland, contaminant
    deposition from the atmosphere, and increased water withdrawals from
    the aquifer along the coast. This degradation influences the
    survival of certain species by limiting food sources, restricting
    reproduction, and decreasing the health of the entire ecosystem.**

-   **Surface hydrology has been altered through silvacultural practices
    surrounding the refuge. Ditching shortens the hydroperiod by
    increasing drainage rates. It also connects isolated wetlands and
    exposes amphibians to threats from fish invasions.**

**Air Pollution**

**The amount of substances dispersed in the atmosphere and deposited by
precipitation, aerosols, and gasses is of great concern and is expected
to continue to increase throughout North America. Okefenokee Refuge
serves as a regional base for air quality by participating in two air
quality programs - The National Atmospheric Deposition Program
(measuring substances introduced into precipitation falling on the
refuge) and the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments
(measuring the substances filtered from the air). The primary purpose is
to protect the visibility in this Class 1 air shed and to characterize
the regional haze. Trends related to hydrogen, major and trace elements
from sodium to lead, nitrates, chloride, organic and elemental carbon,
and PM 10 size particles are examined. Continued monitoring and
implementation of industrial limits are required to protect this air
shed.**

***(iii) Natural disasters and risk preparedness (earthquakes, floods,
fires, etc.)***

Are natural disasters likely to present a foreseeable threat to the
property? If so, are there available background data (e.g., for a
property in a seismic zone, give details of past seismic activity, or
the precise location of the property in relation to the seismic zone,
etc.)

YES: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_X\_\_\_\_

Comment:

**Floods/Droughts/Natural Disasters/Climate Change**

**Wildland fire is a natural, frequent, and desirable occurrence in the
Okefenokee habitat. However, adjacent private industrial forestland,
refuge facilities, and the growing urban interface areas create
challenges to managing natural fire. Prescribed burning is a resource
and fire prevention tool used to restore habitats and reduce the
intensity of wildland fire. The landowner organization was formed to
address the management of wildfires in a more effective manner. The
organization's combined efforts are helping to protect both refuge and
private resources. The refuge must maintain the ability to work with
adjoining landowners and support the state forestry organizations
through grants, agreements, and fuels reduction burning.**

Are there contingency plans for dealing with disasters, whether by
physical protection measures or staff training?

YES: \_\_\_X\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: **The refuge has a Fire Management Plan, Hurricane Action Plan,
and a Safety Plan to deal with emergency situations on and around the
refuge.**

***(iv) Visitor/tourism pressures***

If the property is open to visitors, is there an established or
estimated \"carrying capacity\" of the property? Can it absorb or
mitigate the current or an increased number of visitors without
significant adverse effects?

YES: \_\_\_X\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment:

**Authorized Public Use Activities**

**There is an estimated "carrying capacity" identified for the refuge
through a study of public use. With the designation of Wilderness, there
are established guidelines for the use of the Wilderness Area. Overnight
use is currently limited by the number of shelters available. Future
expansions of visitor use areas will primarily be on the edge of the
Okefenokee Swamp, minimizing the impacts to the resources.**

***(v) Other***

Are there any other risks or threats that could jeopardize the
property's Outstanding Universal Values?

YES: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_X\_\_\_

Comment:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**5. PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT**

**5.a. Ownership**

Provide the name(s) and addresses of all owners:

**Director**

**U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service**

**1849 C Street NW**

**MailStop 3238 MIB**

**Washington, D.C.**

If any of these owners are corporations or other nongovernmental
entities, identify which are public and which private. Identify any
traditional or customary owners.

Public organization
owners:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Private organization
owners:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Traditional or customary
owners:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

If there are any other authorities with legal responsibility for
managing the property, provide their names and addresses:

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

For properties having multiple owners, is there any representative body
or agent which speaks for all owners? If so, does that representative
body or agent have authority to act on behalf of all the owners? If so,
provide the name and address of that representative body or agent:

\_\_N/A\_\_\_

Are there any restrictions on public access to the property?

*Explanation: Public access is not required for inclusion in the World
Heritage List. Policies in effect should be explained, however. )*

YES: \_\_X\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: **There are regular refuge hours and open areas for day-time
use by the public. Overnight use is controlled by a reservation system
governing the use of seven camping sites. Use within the wetland is
restricted to established waterways.**

**5.b. Protective designations**

What are the principal existing (and pending) legal measures of
protection that apply to the property?

*Explanation: List, [but do not attach]{.underline} copies of, all
relevant known or proposed legal, regulatory, contractual, planning,
institutional and/or traditional measures that affect the status of the
property: e.g., national park, wildlife refuge, historic monument,
zoning, easements, covenants, deed restrictions, State and local
historic preservation ordinances and regulations, and the like.*

List of measures:

Give the title and date of legal instruments and briefly summarize their
main provisions. Provide the year of designation and the legislative
act(s) under which the status is provided.

Titles, dates, and brief summaries of legal instruments:

**Enabling Legislation**

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge was established by Executive Order
7593 in 1937 in order to preserve the 438,000 acre Okefenokee Swamp.

**Wilderness Act**

**Public Law 93-429** dated October 1, 1974 designated certain lands in
the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge as wilderness. This Act added
353,981 acres to the National Wilderness System.

The Wilderness Act sets aside areas of \"undeveloped Federal land,
retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent
improvements or human habitation, which is protected and managed so as
to preserve its natural conditions\--\". Lands placed under protection
of the wilderness act are administered by the host agency. The act does
not alter the objectives for which the unit was established; however,
management activities generally must be conducted with minimum tools and
without the aid of motorized equipment. The act provides that the area
shall be managed \"so as to preserve its natural conditions and which
\-- generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of
nature, with the imprint of man\'s work substantially unnoticeable\"
(Public Law 88-577; 88th Congress, S.4; September 3, 1964). This implies
that management is permitted; however, management actions must appear to
have been accomplished by natural forces.

**Convention on Wetlands of International Importance**

Okefenokee NWR was selected in 1986 as a Wetland of International
Importance under the Ramsar Convention. It is one of 22 Ramsar sites
currently designated in the United States. It was "selected because it
represents an outstanding example of a large regional wetland complex,
with a significant diversity of habitats. Long noted for its great array
of plant and animal species, the area affords excellent opportunities
for public education and scientific research." (Profiles of the United
States' Ramsar sites, brochure)

**National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997**

Public Law 105-57, amended the National Wildlife Refuge System Act of
1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-ee). and provided guidance for management and
public use of the Refuge System. The Act mandates that the Refuge System
be consistently directed and managed as a national system of lands and
waters devoted to wildlife conservation and management. The Act
establishes priorities for recreational uses of the refuge system. Six
wildlife-dependent uses are specifically named in the Act: hunting,
fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental
education and interpretation. These activities are to be promoted on the
refuge system, while all non-wildlife-dependent uses are subject to
compatibility determinations. A compatible use is one which, in the
sound professional judgement of the Refuge Manager, will not materially
interfere with, or detract from, fulfillment of the National Wildlife
Refuge System Mission or refuge purpose(s). As stated in the Act, "The
mission of the system is to administer a national network of lands and
waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate,
restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their
habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future
generations of Americans.\" The Act also requires development of a
Comprehensive Conservation Plan for each refuge and that management be
consistent with the plan. When writing a plan for expanded or new
refuges, and when making management decisions, the Act requires
effective coordination with other federal agencies, state fish and
wildlife or conservation agencies, and refuge neighbors. A refuge must
also provide opportunities for public involvement when making a
compatibility determination.

**Other policies and mandates governing the management of the Okefenokee
NWR can be found in Appendix 1 of the attached Comprehensive
Conservation Plan.**

Are the protections in perpetuity or are there potential gaps in the
protection?

YES: \_\_X (in perpetuity)\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Are there any traditional ways in which custom safeguards the property?

YES: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_X\_\_\_\_

Comment:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**5.c. Means of implementing protective measures**

Will the owner(s) be responsible for ensuring that the nominated
property will be protected in perpetuity, whether by traditional and/or
statutory agencies? If no, identify who will be responsible.

YES: \_\_\_X\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Responsible entity other than the owner:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

What is the adequacy of resources available for this purpose? Please
briefly explain your reasoning.

**The above mentioned protective designations are incorporated into a
recently completed (2006) Comprehensive Conservation Plan that will
direct the management of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge over the
next 15 years. The plan focuses on Integrated Landscape Management. This
is the most comprehensive and balanced alternative, incorporating the
responsibilities associated with the original purpose of the refuge, the
Endangered Species Act, the Wilderness Act, and other laws and
directives. By viewing the refuge as a portion of a larger ecosystem,
the refuge staff will strive to protect the resources to the best of its
ability using the current knowledge base.**

**Implementing the selected alternative will result in the maintenance,
protection, and enhancement of the native habitats of the refuge, while
meeting the refuge's primary purpose of providing "a refuge and breeding
ground for migratory birds and other wildlife." It incorporates an
understanding of the refuge's place locally, regionally, nationally, and
internationally and recognizes the potential benefits of networking,
partnerships, and data sharing. Landscape management will strive to
imitate historic conditions. The use of prescribed and natural fire is
promoted for the maintenance and restoration of native habitats.
Endangered species and other wildlife will benefit from improved or
maintained habitat conditions. Monitoring is essential in evaluating the
effects of management, natural processes, and human activity within the
"zones of influence." This focus acknowledges the refuge's
responsibilities in the preservation of wilderness characteristics and
emphasizes solitude. All activities within the wilderness will be
evaluated through the Minimum Requirements Decision Guide. In addition,
wildlife-dependent public uses (e.g., hunting, fishing, wildlife
observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and
interpretation) are incorporated into the plan. These activities will be
allowed if they are appropriate and compatible with wildlife and habitat
conservation.**

**The plan includes the goals, objectives, and strategies that will be
used to achieve the following refuge vision:**

Refuge Vision

**The vision for the refuge is as follows:**

***The Okefenokee is like no other place on earth;***

***where natural beauty and wilderness character prevail.***

***The vision for Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge***

***is to protect and enhance wildlife and its habitat,***

***ensure integrity of the ecological system,***

***and embrace the grandeur, mystery, and cultural heritage***

***that lead visitors to an enrichment of the human spirit.***

**5.d. Existing plans related to municipality and region in which the
proposed property is located (e.g., regional or local plan, conservation
plan, tourism development plan)**

*Explanation: List, [but do not attach]{.underline}, plans of which you
are aware that have been officially adopted or are currently under
development by governmental or other agencies that you believe directly
influence the way the property is developed, conserved, used or visited.
Include the dates and agencies responsible for their preparation and
describe their general nature, including whether they have the force of
law. It is recognized that this information may be difficult to compile
and that it may be difficult to decide what to include, but the
information will be very useful in determining how well the property is
protected.*

> ***[Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP):]{.underline}* This
> approved U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service plan provides guidance in
> decision making in conjunction with surrounding municipalities and
> county planning agencies in land use planning for eco-tourism
> development, endangered and threatened species, invasive species, and
> prescribed and natural fire within and surrounding the Okefenokee
> Ecosystem for the next fifteen years.**
>
> ***[State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP):]{.underline}*
> Refuge staff provided input into the development of this 10 year plan
> (to be implemented in 2010) which identifies existing and planned
> outdoor recreation assets and opportunities statewide. Each major
> manned entrance to the Refuge supplied general as well as specific
> information into this planning process. This plan is revised every ten
> years by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Parks and
> Historic Sites Division.**
>
> ***[Coastal Development Plan:]{.underline}* The Georgia Department of
> Community Affairs in response to Governor Sonny Perdue's statewide
> planning initiative has held scoping meetings locally to identify
> county assets and opportunities that may be affected by rapid economic
> development. Refuge staff and local conservation partners provided
> refuge input into the development of this plan due to be released in
> 2010.**
>
> **[*Okefenokee Trail Association*:]{.underline} Refuge staff consulted
> with and assisted in the development of a local/regional ecotourism
> initiative involving entities from the surrounding counties of
> Charlton, Camden, Lanier, Lowndes, and Ware. These efforts have
> resulted in a multi-county brochure listing ecotourism assets and
> support services for the three major manned entrances of the Refuge.
> In addition, this working group has been able to secure a Georgia
> Legislative designation and Georgia Department of Transportation
> highway signing for a 250 +mile "Okefenokee Trail" that surrounds the
> Refuge and links visitors traveling from Kingsland, Georgia near I-95
> with visitors traveling from Valdosta, Georgia near I-75 with easy
> access to all three major manned entrances of the Refuge. Future plans
> for this working group include securing Georgia Scenic Highway status
> for this state designated trial.**

**5.e. Property management plan or other management system**

Is there a formal management plan or other management system for the
property? If yes, when was it last updated? If not, is one in
preparation and when will it be completed? (*It is not necessary to
provide copies, but a summary can be included if one is available.)*

YES: \_\_X\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment:\_**Completed in 2006**\_

Is this management plan or other management system being effectively
implemented?

YES: \_\_X\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment:

**A Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Okefenokee National Wildlife
Refuge was completed in 2006. This document serves as a guideline for
refuge management over the next 15 years. The accomplishments will
depend on funding received. Below is a summary of the plan. Both a hard
copy and CD are attached.**

Summary of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge's

Comprehensive Conservation Plan

**Threats to the refuge are becoming more prominent as development
activities increase in northeast Florida and southeast Georgia. Although
the refuge is a large system in itself, the swamp may be greatly
compromised by activities a great distance away from its boundary. This
plan recognizes the impact these activities may have on the integrity of
the swamp and the importance of looking beyond the refuge boundary.
These "zones of influence" vary depending on the natural resources
involved. The refuge staff will continue open communication and
partnerships with adjacent landowners and interest groups downstream
from the Okefenokee Swamp to protect the natural resources, especially
during emergency fire/weather situations. In addition, partnerships
beyond the refuge's immediate neighbors will be developed to address
issues associated with the aquifer, air shed, and biota exchange
pathways. Extensive resource sharing and networking with other refuges,
state agencies, organizations, specialists, researchers, and private
citizens would expand the knowledge base and develop cooperation between
interest groups.**

**Upland management will emphasize the maintenance and restoration of
longleaf pine communities to historic conditions. The refuge will
continue to seek partnerships with adjacent landowners to enhance the
refuge's habitat for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and
associated species by providing corridors between refuge upland
management compartments or expanding foraging and nesting areas.
Restoration of natural systems, native communities, and healthy
environments will be emphasized thus promoting a high quality of life
regionally. Within the refuge, natural processes and the wilderness
philosophy will be strongly considered in all decisions. Management
within the wilderness will be evaluated through the Minimum Requirement
Decision Guide. Monitoring environmental parameters, flora, and fauna
will be incorporated into an integrated study to gain knowledge on the
health of the Okefenokee Ecosystem. The biggest challenge is having a
comprehensive monitoring network capable of identifying small changes in
the system. The refuge staff and partners must be proactive and forward
thinking to anticipate the potential of any apparently insignificant
action that may cause a significant change to the overall system.**

**The future of Okefenokee Refuge is dependent upon a constituency that
is knowledgeable of refuge resources, mandates, and environmental
issues, and willing to work toward common goals. To build and maintain
this constituency, this plan not only provides actions to protect,
restore, and conserve wildlife habitat, but also provides expanded
educational and appropriate, compatible, wildlife-dependent recreational
opportunities. The refuge and surrounding area will be promoted, linking
recreational and educational avenues. Developing partnerships among our
constituencies is the common theme to implement these actions and
opportunities.**

**Staffing will be expanded when possible to meet the increased
communication commitment, accommodate data and resource sharing, and
manage the refuge with a greater consciousness for the wilderness
resource.**

Goals, Objectives, and Strategies

**The presented goals, objectives, and strategies reflect the Service's
commitment to achieve the mandates of the National Wildlife Refuge
System Improvement Act of 1997, the mission of the Refuge System, the
Endangered Species Act, the Wilderness Act, and the purpose and vision
for Okefenokee NWR. Depending upon the availability of funds and staff,
the Service intends to accomplish these goals, objectives, and
strategies during the next 15 years to protect the natural resources of
Okefenokee NWR.**

**6. MONITORING**

*Because monitoring the condition of a property is not essential to a
decision as to whether a property meets the basic qualifications for
nomination to the World Heritage List, no information about the
property's monitoring program is being requested at this time. If the
property is subsequently added to the U.S. Tentative List, a set of key
indicators for assessing the property's condition, the arrangements for
monitoring it, and information on the results of past monitoring
exercises will be required to complete the l nomination of the property
for inscription on the World Heritage List,.*

**7. DOCUMENTATION**

**7.a Photographs, slides, and other audiovisual materials**

If recent images (prints, slides and/or, where possible, electronically
formatted images, videos and aerial photographs) are available that give
a good general picture of the property, please provide a few photographs
and/or slides. If available, film/video, or electronic images may also
be provided. They should give a good general picture of the property and
illustrate the qualities/features that you believe justify the
nomination of the property to the World Heritage List. (Ten views or so
should be adequate for all but the most complicated properties.)

Please label the images you supply and provide a separate list of them
here, including the photographer's name. Please do not include any
copyrighted images or other images to which you do not possess the
rights or do not have permission.

Images being supplied and names of their authors:

**Aerial.tif (unknown)**

**BJackWFlank.jpg (H. McCullough)**

**Llpforest.tif (H. McCullough)**

**Lilytrail.jpg (unknown)**

**Minniesrun.jpg (unknown)**

**Sunset_sgentry.jpg (S. Gentry)**

**Sandhillcranes_sgentry.jpg (S. Gentry)**

**Woodstork_sgentry.jpg (S. Gentry)**

**Alligator_softshell_sgentry.jpg (S. Gentry)**

**8. CONTACT INFORMATION**

**8a. Preparer/Responsible Party for Contact:**

**Name: \_\_\_\_Sara
Aicher\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Title: \_\_\_\_Wildlife
Biologist\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Address:\_\_\_Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Rt 2, Box
3330\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**City, State/Territory, Zip Code: \_\_\_Folkston, Georgia
31537\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Telephone:\_\_\_\_912-496-7366 ext
236\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Cellular phone:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Preferred Days/Hours for Contact: \_ Monday -- Friday /
7:00-3:30\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Fax:
\_\_\_912-496-3332\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**E-mail and/or website:
\_\_\_\_\_sara_aicher@fws.gov\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**8.b. Responsible Official or Local Institution/Agency**

If different from the preparer above, provide the same information for
the agency, museum, institution, community or manager locally
responsible for the management of the property. In the case of public
property, identify both the responsible official and the agency. If the
normal reporting institution is a national agency, please also provide
that contact information.

**Name: \_\_George
Constantino\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Title: \_\_\_Project
Leader\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Address:\_\_\_Okefenokee NWR, Rt 2, Box
3330\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**City, State/Territory, Zip Code: \_\_\_Folkston, Georgia
31537\_\_\_\_\_**

**Telephone:\_\_\_912-496-7366\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Cellular phone:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Fax:
\_\_\_\_912-496-3332\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**E-mail and/or website:
\_\_\_george_constantino@fws.gov\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**9. Signatures of All Owners of Private Properties or Authorizing
Officials for Public Properties:**

**Explanation: No property will be included in the U.S. World Heritage
Tentative List without the written concurrence of all its property
owners. This is because U.S. law expressly forbids nomination of such
sites. In addition, at the time of nomination, property owners must
pledge to the legal protection or the development of legal protection of
the property in perpetuity.**

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Signature

[Sam D. Hamilton]{.underline} \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Typed or Printed Name

[Regional Director, Southeast Regional
Director]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Title

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Date

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Signature

[H. Dale Hall]{.underline} \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Typed or Printed Name

[Director,
USFWS]{.underline}**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

Title

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Date

(*Please attach as many additional signature pages as may be
necessary*.)