What Can A National Park Do For You?

O.C.M.U.L.G.E.E.

It’s a word that most of us growing up in Middle Georgia have gotten used to spelling, and pronouncing, rather early. Kind of like ” Pio Nono”- it’s one of those unusual names unique to our area that allow you to peg someone who isn’t from here rather quickly when they try to say it. It is the name of the river that flows through our town and connects us to so many others. For the most part it’s rather friendly, except for a bout in 1994 and even then it really wasn’t the river’s fault- we can blame that on a tropical storm that came from below us.

We know the Indian Mounds that also bear her name are a National Monument, but did you know there is a movement to take that area- and others near the river- and transform it in to a National Park and Preserve?

I have to admit, until recently it never occurred to me how much a region can benefit from having a national park. Or really what the difference was with what we have now- until it became something that could really happen for the Middle Georgia area.

From an email release through the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative:

Securing National Park and Preserve designation will make our area a national and international tourist attraction, which will help our local businesses. The National Park Service and Outdoor Recreation report:

• $23.3 Billion in consumer spending on outdoor activities in GA
• 231,000 direct Georgia jobs from outdoor recreation
• $7 Billion in wages and salaries for Georgians
• $14 Billion in state and local tax revenues
• $5.4 Million added to the local economy by Indian Mound visitors.

National Park based visitor spending added $31 Million to our national economy, a 10:1 return!

Um, shall we say “wow”? Those numbers make the benefits rather simple to see.

Something else important to note is that this initiative is looking for a dual designation within the park system, as both a National Park and Preserve. What’s the difference?

From the powerpoint presentation given to interested parties:

A National Park and Preserve is a dual designation within the National Park System.  The intent to protect natural and cultural resources while specifically safeguarding hunting within the Preserve.  In other words, any place you can hunt now, you could hunt if the National Park and Preserve was established.  It could even play a role in expanding the availability of hunting land to the public.

Something else I learned from the powerpoint presentation is that this could strengthen Warner Robins Air Force base during further BRAC ( Base Closure and Realignment Commission) hearings:

A National Park and Preserve would also greatly increase the recreational opportunities in middle GA for both residents and visitors.

Currently, access to the river is limited.  Hunting land is being lost to development.  There are few trails longer than a mile or two.  The areas we want to include will also serve as a buffer for Robbins Air Force base, which will strengthen its profile in upcoming BRAC decisions. 

I frankly never thought about it like that before.

Basically- there is zero downside to the Middle Georgia area getting this designation. It will expand hunting opportunities, recreational activities, economic growth and help strengthen our case during BRAC- this isn’t just good for Macon but for all of Middle Georgia. It’s time we started thinking of ourselves as a region, not just Macon not just Warner Robins- Middle Georgia as a whole.

Perhaps, though, instead of asking what can a national park do for you- you should ask what can you do for a national park?

Now I do have the answer to that- what you can do is to submit a donation (click here) or by mailing in to ONPPI, 502 Mulberry St, Macon, GA 31201. This is a tax deductible donation, so keep that in mind.

I know I’m always pushing worthy causes here, and truly they are all worthy- I’m a huge believer in the arts and education but I’m not sure I speak enough about the importance of preserving our natural resources. Every cause is important, and you should for sure find one you are most passionate about. But if you are like me, and your passion is seeing our community as a whole to improve, to improve the quality of life for those that are here and to attract new businesses to our area- which will only serve to allow us to keep on improving- then you will take a closer look at the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative.

Love to all y’all,

Molly