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Regular Session, 2014 ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 136
BY SENATORS THOMPSON AND PEACOCK
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON
To express the public policy of the state of Louisiana to provide for the protection of the
mounds, ridges, and other features associated with the Monumental Earthworks of
Poverty Point; to protect the agricultural setting, which enhances the education,
inspiration, and enrichment of all who visit the Poverty Point Historic Site; and to
reactivate the Ancient Mounds Heritage Area and Trails Advisory Commission to
provide a framework for this protection.
WHEREAS, the Poverty Point earthworks, located in Epps, Louisiana, were
constructed approximately 3,400 years ago by a complex society of Native Americans; and
WHEREAS, the Poverty Point earthworks have significantly shaped understanding
of Native American cultural development and heritage in North America; and
WHEREAS, the Poverty Point earthworks include mounds, concentric C-shaped
ridges, and a massive plaza that contained circles of large wooden posts; and
WHEREAS, Poverty Point, which is owned by the state of Louisiana and is managed
by the Louisiana Office of State Parks as a state historic site, is currently listed as a National
Historic Landmark and a National Monument; and
WHEREAS, Poverty Point State Historic Site has been nominated to the UNESCO
World Heritage List as a unique and exceptional testimony to a past cultural tradition; and
WHEREAS, the designation as a World Heritage Site will attract domestic and
international tourists to the Poverty Point State Historic Site and to the region, and will
distinguish Louisiana both nationally and internationally; and
WHEREAS, the largely open natural and agricultural landscape surrounding Poverty SCR NO. 136 ENROLLED
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Point State Historic Site contributes to the understanding of the site; and
WHEREAS, the setting of Poverty Point State Historic Site is treated by the
Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office as an area of special consideration when
advising federal agencies; and
WHEREAS, the Ancient Mounds Trail initiative, led by the Ancient Mounds
Heritage Area and Trails Advisory Commission, successfully worked with private
landowners to mark and interpret thirty-nine mound sites in northeast and central Louisiana;
and
WHEREAS, the Heritage Management Plan for Poverty Point State Historic Site,
National Monument & National Historic Landmark lists as a key management objective to
nurture working relationships with other agencies, organizations, interested stakeholders,
descendent groups, and neighbors to enhance site protection, management, presentation, and
promotion; and
WHEREAS, the Ancient Mounds Heritage Area and Trails Advisory Commission
was established in 1997 as a private-public initiative to help preserve Louisiana's prehistoric
patrimony and to better understand the state's heritage.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
reactivate the Ancient Mounds Heritage Area and Trails Advisory Commission, which shall
be composed of four members appointed by the lieutenant governor who are domiciled in
northeast or central Louisiana (at least two of which are domiciled in West Carroll or East
Carroll parishes); four members from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor/Louisiana
Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism; the Poverty Point Station Archaeologist;
and two members representing federally recognized Indian tribes.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that members of the Ancient Mounds Heritage Area
and Trails Advisory Commission shall receive no compensation for their service on the
commission.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Ancient Heritage Area and Trails Advisory
Commission will establish diverse strategies for maintaining protection of the setting
surrounding Poverty Point State Historic Site; will facilitate communication among
stakeholders; will encourage archaeological study of the area; and will provide for cultural SCR NO. 136 ENROLLED
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enhancement, educational opportunities, and tourism development. The commission shall
advise the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism about preservation and
safety measures regarding Poverty Point State Historic Site and its setting.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES