Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act
The bill stipulates that the Secretary of the Interior may acquire additional land for the park and preserve by purchase, gift, or exchange but specifically prohibits the use of eminent domain for these acquisitions. The establishment of the park and preserve aims to safeguard cultural heritage sites, provide educational opportunities, and manage natural resources effectively. By providing supervision and administrative operations under the National Park System, it reaffirms commitments to preserving indigenous history and culture while allowing regulated traditional uses of the land by the Tribe, including hunting and fishing.
House Bill 8182, titled the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act, aims to establish the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve in Georgia. This bill redesignates the previously existing Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park as a national park and simultaneously creates a new unit known as the Ocmulgee Mounds National Preserve. This designation is intended to offer federal protection to significant archaeological and cultural resources associated with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and enhance public access to these lands.
There may be notable points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding the balance of land acquisition with existing private interests and resource management. While the bill aims to enhance cultural preservation efforts, concerns may arise about potential restrictions on local activities and use of land near the new park boundaries. The formation of an advisory council composed of various stakeholders, including tribal representatives, has been established to address governance and management issues collaboratively, ensuring that the interests of the Muscogee Creek Nation are at the forefront of decision-making.
Additionally, the bill provides for a framework of co-management between the National Park Service and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, which can lead to a more integrated approach to preserving and interpreting cultural resources. This cooperation could set a precedent for future interactions between federal land management and tribal governance, leading to more effective conservation strategies that respect indigenous knowledge and cultural practices.