S.1131 - Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1131, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act, seeks to redesignate the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park as the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and establish the Ocmulgee Mounds National Preserve in Georgia. The bill allows the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land for both the park and preserve through purchase, donation, or exchange, explicitly prohibiting the use of eminent domain. It also mandates the creation of an advisory council and a management plan for the park and preserve.
Expected Effects
The Act will lead to the expansion and enhanced protection of the Ocmulgee Mounds area, including its cultural and natural resources. It will also promote collaboration between the National Park Service, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and other stakeholders in the management of the area. The establishment of the advisory council ensures tribal interests are considered.
Potential Benefits
- Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Protects and interprets significant cultural resources, including burial grounds and sacred sites.
- Economic Boost: Could increase tourism and related economic activity in the region.
- Tribal Collaboration: Formalizes consultation and collaboration with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
- Recreational Opportunities: Provides for hunting and fishing within the preserve, subject to regulations.
- Land Conservation: Expands protected areas, contributing to biodiversity and environmental conservation.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Land Acquisition Costs: Acquiring land for the preserve could be expensive, depending on market values and willingness of sellers.
- Management Complexity: Managing the park and preserve as a single unit may present administrative challenges.
- Restriction on Land Use: Private landowners near the park and preserve may face restrictions or regulations.
- Impact of Military Overflights: Allowance of military overflights could negatively impact the visitor experience and potentially damage resources.
- Potential for Conflict: Balancing the interests of various stakeholders (federal, state, tribal, private landowners) could lead to conflicts.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to manage and dispose of federal lands. The establishment and administration of national parks and preserves fall under this authority. Additionally, the bill's provisions for tribal consultation and protection of sacred sites are consistent with the federal government's trust responsibility to Native American tribes.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).