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environmental context and cultural and historic context documents were presented for public comment to further inform the SRS in early 2021. "The NPS is now finalizing the proposed study boundary for the SRS and they are evaluating the area for national significance," Floyd said. "If national significance is determined, then the SRS will proceed to evaluate criterion two, suitability." The expansion of the Ocmulgee region means a great deal to the tribe itself. Muskogean ties to the cultural landscape make this area historically and nationally significant to the Muscogee-Creek Nation, according to RaeLynn Butler, manager of the Muscogee-Creek Nation's Historic and Cultural Preservation Department. "The Ocmulgee corridor retains the natural features that have been largely undeveloped and undisturbed, contributing to the historic character and integrity of the study area, making this a prime location for a National Park and Preserve," Butler said. The conservation of significant cultural and natural resources is a top priority to the Muscogee-Creek Nation, added Turner W. Hunt, also from the tribe's Historic and Cultural Preservation Department. "This can be achieved by taking a collaborative multi-agency approach for long-term management of the Ocmulgee River corridor," Hunt said. "We believe a new park unit in the study area will help to preserve known and unknown cultural resources as well as create opportunities for more public education and recreation in the corridor." This will also increase access for tribal members and the public to learn more about the cultural areas that are currently not open to the public, Butler said, adding that they "support recreation, hunting, tourism and public education in areas that will not have adverse impacts to intact cultural and natural resources." The process is thorough and lengthy, but clear: All four criteria of the SRS have to be met and the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to Congress a report that describes the results of the study and any conclusions and recommendations. Clark remains optimistic: "We look forward to seeing the park and preserve become a nationally-protected resource. It's my sincerest hope our neighbors and public officials understand what this means for the soul of our community. This just has to happen." "This would be a huge victory for the Muscogee-Creek Nation and the State of Georgia," Floyd concurred. "We would see the fulfillment of a Congressional promise made in the early 20th century to preserve the untouched regions and natural landscape of the Ocmulgee River Corridor. We would see greater legal protection of a significant cultural and environmental resource for future generations to enjoy. And it would be a historical moment that we share with our ancestors who came before us and those who sacrificed so much for us to be here today. "It would be a victory we share with the community, local governments and the State of Georgia; an achievement first of its kind, grounded in unity." Chief Hill agreed. "The protection and preservation of our cultural resources is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a Nation," he said. "Our cultural resources are irreplaceable and they are part of who we are as Muscogee people." Next in the series: We'll detail what comes next in the Congressional process to change the land's designation from Ocmulgee National Historical Park to the state's first National Park and Preserve. Ocmulgee River Corridor 40 maconmagazine.com | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022

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