Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Representatives Austin Scott (R-GA), and Sanford Bishop (D-GA) have introduced legislation to establish Georgia's first national park and preserve. The bill, known as the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act, would federally protect the area in Macon, Georgia.
According to Sen. Ossoff, the lands are a part of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation's ancestral homelands with 12,000 years of history tied to the region. With the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources giving this bill the green light a few months ago, the Georgia senator believes this bill is on the right track.
“We made unprecedented progress last Congress toward creating Georgia’s first ever National Park,” Sen. Ossoff said. “I look forward to working alongside Congressman Scott, Senator Reverend Warnock, Congressman Bishop, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and local leaders to successfully establish Georgia’s first national park.”
Moreover, Sen. Rev. Warnock mentioned that the Peach State's history is "intertwined" with the Ocmulgee Mounds.
“Ocmulgee Mounds is a living testament to our intertwined histories and a robust source of economic and cultural vitality, so I’m proud to continue supporting the bipartisan, bicameral efforts to establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.“I want to thank Congressmen Scott and Bishop for their yearslong efforts on this in the U.S. House, as well as Senator Ossoff for his leadership. Local leaders and everyday Georgians have been waiting for Congress to act and now is the time. Working together, we can prove what is possible when we put politics aside to serve the people of Georgia.”
Furthermore, Rep. Austin Scott shared that the Ocmulgee Mounds are "invaluable" to Georgia's landscape, culture, and economy.
“Establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve remains a top bipartisan initiative for all lawmakers and stakeholders involved,” said Rep. Scott. “The Ocmulgee Mounds are of invaluable cultural, communal, and economic significance to our state, and I am committed to keeping this initiative moving forward.”
Finally, Rep. Bishop said that designating this area as a National Park would boost the economy and preserve history.
“I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan bill. By establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve, we are highlighting over 17,000 years of history and culture as well as welcoming people from across the country to enjoy Georgia’s natural beauty,” said Rep. Bishop. “Elevating the status of and expanding this site to a national park and preserve will raise awareness about it, increase public hunting and fishing grounds, encourage more visitors to our area, and boost the local economy.”
The House bill is cosponsored by 11 other members of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation: Representatives Buddy Carter (R-GA), Brian Jack (R-GA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Nikema Williams (D-GA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Rich McCormick (R-GA), Mike Collins (R-GA), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Rick Allen (R-GA), David Scott (R-GA), and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).
