Macon Magazine

58 maconmagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021 A s Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park prepares to embrace its change in designation from historical park to National Park and Preserve, it begs the question: What does it mean to be a "preserve," and what does this designation mean for the natural biodiversity of the Ocmulgee River basin? The Southeastern United States, as a whole, is a global hotspot for biodiversity. The term refers to the biological diversity of natural life in a region, such as the plants, animals, fungi and micro-organisms, as well as to the communities they form and the habitats in which they live and thrive. Likewise, a "national park and preserve," as Ocmulgee will soon be titled, refers to the protection of certain resources and the allowance of permitted activities such as hunting, fishing and the extraction of minerals and fuels, provided they do not jeopardize the natural values of the land. Heather Bowman Cutway, professor of biology at Mercer University and board member of the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative (ONPPI) for more than 10 years, has a unique perspective on the designation and its impact on natural biodiversity. "If you want to protect lots of plants and animals, conserving land in the South is the best bang for your buck," she said. "The Ocmulgee watershed is no different." The river's wetlands, grasslands and forests provide significant habitat for migratory birds, wildlife corridors for mammalian species and spawning habitat for fish, including some endemic species found nowhere else on earth, she explained. The effects of industrialization on down-river biodiversity must be considered, because they play a critical role in the biological makeup of the region. "The headwaters of the Ocmulgee River are located around Atlanta and are therefore heavily impacted by industrialization," Cutway said. "However, as the Ocmulgee River passes south of Macon, much of the surrounding land is protected by a series of federal- and state-owned lands." These areas include the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Bond Swamp National Wildlife Area, Oaky Woods State Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Ocmulgee State WMA and Echeconnee Creek WMA. "In spite of the developments farther upstream, the Ocmulgee Watershed is rich with biodiversity," Cutway said. "Iconic species like the bald eagle and black bear provide evidence of the wildness of the land. Rare species like the Swainson's warbler, robust redhorse sucker and Rafinesque's big-eared bat are part of the unique bottomland forest communities that reside here. Blackland prairies, a globally-imperiled rare plant community, can be found within Oaky Woods. "A National Park and Preserve would stitch together these areas into one contiguous wilderness area. Not only would the habitat be protected, but it would also allow us to maintain the diversity of use. Hikers, paddlers, hunters, fishers, birdwatchers, etc., will all continue to enjoy the area and all it has to offer." Although much of the area surrounding the river is forested now, that doesn't mean it isn't threatened. "Urban development, timber operations and agriculture continue to squeeze in on the banks of the Ocmulgee," Cutway said. "All you have to do is look at the land use around the river south of Hawkinsville to see the potential change. Development brings loss of biodiversity and an increase in water and air pollution." Kathleen O'Neal, owner of Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions, a kayak- and canoe-touring company along the Ocmulgee River, sees her role as a private citizen who understands how important saving the wilderness is to our survival on this planet and how important it is to our individual well-being. As such, she is very interested and supportive of protecting the Ocmulgee and the river corridor surrounding it. "From my perspective, paddling the Ocmulgee River offers us the chance to enjoy nature and reflect upon the clouds in the sky and the herons along the shore and the slider turtles sunning on the logs, and realize that floating on this river in a kayak or canoe is a balm to the soul," she said. The importance of wilderness and the biodiversity found in the Ocmulgee River basin also is crucial to our well-being and the well-being of the planet. "When an area is diverse biologically, it brings a richness to the lives of those who visit and study it, and it also protects our health by filtering the water we drink and the air we breathe," O'Neal said. "Studies have shown that spending time outdoors in nature benefits human mental health." Pictured left: Heather Bowman Cutway and students from Mercer University replant endangered Fringe Champions at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park.

• Cover