“This hearing was further progress in making history by establishing Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve. I appreciate the Federal Lands Subcommittee listening to Middle Georgians about this greatly supported effort to preserve the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas for generations to come.” – U.S. Representative Austin Scott
MACON, GA – The wheels keep turning on the legislative process in deeming the Ocmulgee Mounds a National Park. Most recently on Nov. 19, the U.S. House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a legislative hearing where they reviewed the Ocmulgee Mounds Park and Preserve Establishment Act. The bill, H.R. 8182, is co-led by U.S. Representatives Austin Scott and Sanford D. Bishop Jr. If adopted into law, this would establish the Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve and the 64th in the United States.
The bill has backing from the Greater Macon and Georgia Chambers of Commerce and the Intertribal Council of removed Southeastern Tribes, including the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
Rep. Bishop not only champions the bill, he sees the potential in what it could mean for Georgia. For the Mvskokvlke, it means the story of their homelands and forced removal could be amplified through the National Parks system.
“This is another step forward towards realizing a longstanding dream that has broad, bipartisan support – not only in Middle Georgia, but throughout the state,” Rep. Bishop said. “Not only will this historically create Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve, but it will also raise the profile of Ocmulgee Mounds, bolster the economy, and welcome more Georgians and Americans to enjoy its rich cultural and natural beauty.”
On the same day, the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources voted unanimously to approve the Senate companion of the Ocmulgee Mounds Park and Preserve Establishment Act. Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff applauded the bipartisan strides made in the Ocmulgee Mounds’ journey in joining the National Park system.
“This historic and unprecedented progress toward establishing Georgia’s first National Park, but more work remains ahead,” Senator Ossoff said. “I’m grateful to Congressman Scott, Congressman Bishop, and Senator Warnock for their partnership, as well as the extraordinary efforts of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Macon-Bibb County Mayor Pro Tem Seth Clark, and local leaders for their years of hard work, advocacy and leadership.”
MCN Principal Chief David Hill echoed his excitement for the bill and what it means for the Nation. He views this as an opportunity for others to learn about the history of the Mvskoke homelands.
“The impact of this bipartisan and bicameral bill to create Georgia’s first national park and preserve will allow our ancestral Muscogee descendants to help tell the story of our homelands,” Chief Hill said. “We know the importance of the cultural lands and are excited to partner with Middle Georgians to help reconcile our lands and our stories. I am always humbled to be back in the lands of our people and know that we are still here today carrying on our Muscogee ways.”
According to a statement from the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative (ONPPI), supporters in both parties and chambers of congress intend to send the bill to President Biden’s desk before the Dec. 20 adjournment.
