The Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative (ONPPI) has secured $340,000 in funding to advance its mission of establishing Georgia's first National Park and Preserve. This capital infusion marks a significant step for the community-based organization, which is dedicated to expanding the current Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park.
ONPPI is comprised of Middle Georgia and Muscogee (Creek) citizens collaborating to transform the Ocmulgee Mounds, Bond Swamp Wildlife Refuge, and the Ocmulgee River into a comprehensive national park. The initiative aims to preserve these areas, which are recognized for their historical, cultural, wildlife, and natural resources. The proposed expansion seeks to create a destination that offers recreational opportunities such as kayaking, fishing, hunting, and bird-watching, alongside historical and cultural appreciation.
The $340,000 in funding will support ONPPI's ongoing efforts to drive local conservation and advocacy. The organization plans to use the funds for growth initiatives, including public outreach, research, and operational development necessary to achieve its ambitious preservation goals. This investment underscores the growing national attention on the necessity of preserving the Ocmulgee River Corridor, one of the last remaining wild areas in the Southeastern United States with a diverse animal and plant population.
Formal preservation of the area between Macon and Hawkinsville along the Ocmulgee River Corridor is expected to provide opportunities for recreation, education, and protection of fragile resources. ONPPI anticipates that the establishment of the National Park and Preserve will serve as an anchor for tourism, increasing revenue for the Macon and Middle Georgia communities and offering unique recreational experiences for future generations.
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