Macon Times

The U.S. National Park Service's released a Special Resource Study for the Ocmulgee River Corridor, initiated by legislative efforts led by Representatives Austin Scott and Sanford Bishop. This bipartisan effort aims to designate a national park in the area and improve the economy in middle Georgia.

The report was launched following significant support from local politicians. According to a press release by Representative Austin Scott's office, Scott stated: "Designating the Ocmulgee Mounds as a National Park and Preserve will help protect our state's history and have a lasting, positive economic and cultural impact in Middle Georgia. I look forward to examining the findings of the Department of the Interior study with Rep. Bishop and our colleagues in the Senate so we can better preserve these cultural and environmental areas of our state for future generations."

This is not the first time this initiative has been introduced. According to a press release by Representative Austin Scott's office, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Boundary Revision Act, initially introduced in 2014, underwent multiple reintroductions in subsequent Congresses. It received approval from the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016, 2017, and again in 2019, ultimately becoming law and enacted as P.L. 116-9 that same year. This law prompted the release of the study by the U.S. National Park Service.

Let us delve into some historical background about this project. According to a press release by Representative Austin Scott's office, the Ocmulgee National Monument in Macon, Georgia, was established in 1934 to preserve sections of the 'Old Ocmulgee Fields,' housing significant Indian mounds. Originally planned as a 2,000-acre park, it opened in 1936 with only 678 acres acquired, later expanding to 702 acres by 2014. In 2014, Representatives Scott and Bishop, alongside former Senators Chambliss and Isakson, authored the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Boundary Revision Act, leading to the initiation of the special resources study.

Finally, we will see what conclusion was reached after this long process. According to a letter released by the National Park Service, Shannon A. Estenoz, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, said that the study evaluated the suitability and significance of the area for potential inclusion in the National Park System, recognizing its cultural and ecological importance. Despite not fully meeting certain criteria for direct inclusion, the report recommends exploring partnership-based conservation and other designations to sustainably manage and protect the area's valuable resources, inviting collaboration among stakeholders for comprehensive conservation efforts.