Overview
Title
To establish the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve in the State of Georgia, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
The bill wants to make the Ocmulgee Mounds in Georgia a special place called a National Park and Preserve, where people can learn about the land and its history, and the local Muscogee (Creek) Nation can help take care of it. It's like turning a special playground into an even more special park, where everyone works together to keep it nice and learn from it.
Summary AI
S. 4216 aims to establish the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve in Georgia. It redesigns the existing Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park as a National Park and creates a new National Preserve, allowing land acquisition only from willing sellers. The bill also establishes an Advisory Council to assist in management planning, with a focus on consultation and collaboration with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation for cultural preservation and co-management. Additionally, the bill allows traditional Tribal uses, like ceremonies, and includes regulations for hunting and fishing within the preserve.
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AnalysisAI
Bill Summary
The proposed legislation, titled the "Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act," aims to redesignate and expand the Ocmulgee Mounds area in Georgia. The bill seeks to transition it from a National Historical Park to a National Park and establish an adjoining National Preserve. The purpose is to protect and promote the area's cultural significance, particularly regarding the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. The bill empowers the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land for the park and preserve, stipulating that land acquisitions are to be made from willing sellers only. Furthermore, the bill sets up an Advisory Council to assist in management planning and ensures the inclusion of the Tribe in co-management of the park and preserve.
Significant Issues
Several issues arise from the bill's provisions. One key concern is the lack of specific financial constraints. The bill allows for land acquisitions without establishing a clear funding mechanism or spending limit, potentially leading to unchecked or excessive spending. Moreover, the bill authorizes appropriations using vague language, such as "such sums as are necessary," without providing clear limits, which could result in financial inefficiencies or misuse of public funds.
Another issue is the ambiguity surrounding the criteria for establishing the National Preserve. Terms like "sufficient land" and "manageable unit" are not clearly defined, which could lead to operational inefficiencies or legal challenges. Additionally, while the bill outlines the formation of an Advisory Council, details concerning the council's roles and responsibilities are vague, potentially affecting effective management and decision-making.
Impact on the Public
The bill's passage could significantly impact the public, particularly those living in and around the Ocmulgee Mounds area. By expanding the park and preserve, the bill aims to enhance the conservation of cultural and natural resources. This could attract more visitors, promoting tourism and local economic growth. However, the lack of defined spending limits raises concerns about the potential financial burden on taxpayers.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation stands to benefit from this bill, as it emphasizes cultural resource preservation and grants the Tribe a role in park management, including hiring preferences for Tribe members. However, the potential for broad discretionary powers in hunting and fishing restrictions, as well as military activities, could lead to conflicts with preservation goals and local interests.
Local residents may have mixed reactions. While the park and preserve could increase tourism and stimulate the economy, there might be concerns about land acquisition processes and the effects of increased tourist traffic on local communities. Additionally, environmental groups might be concerned about military overflights and other activities potentially affecting the area's natural environment.
The bill's establishment of land in trust for the Tribe could lead to positive recognition of their historical connection to the land, although the process's specifics require clarification to ensure smooth implementation without infringing on existing agreements or current land use.
Overall, the bill presents opportunities for cultural preservation and economic development, but careful consideration and clarification of its financial and operational elements are necessary to ensure fair and beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders.
Issues
The bill allows for land acquisitions without specifying a funding mechanism or cap on expenditures (Sections 3 and 7). This lack of financial constraints could lead to unchecked or excessive spending, impacting taxpayers and budget allocations.
The definition of the term 'Advisory Council' lacks detail on its specific roles and responsibilities, leading to potential ambiguity in its necessity and impact (Section 2). This could affect the management and decision-making process for the park and preserve.
The bill's language regarding the establishment of the Ocmulgee Mounds National Preserve under vague criteria such as 'sufficient land' for a 'manageable unit' is ambiguous (Section 3). This could result in differing interpretations, legal challenges, and operational inefficiencies.
The authorization of appropriations uses the vague terminology 'such sums as are necessary' without clear limits or accountability measures (Section 7). This might lead to financial inefficiencies or misuse of public funds.
The lack of a specific deadline for filing maps and legal descriptions with congressional committees (Section 3) could allow for indefinite delay, affecting project timelines and transparency.
The lack of clarity on how hiring preference for the Tribe will be implemented beyond referencing existing policy could lead to potential disputes over equal employment opportunities (Section 4).
The military activities allowed over the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve without required environmental impact assessments could conflict with preservation purposes and raise environmental concerns (Section 4).
The section on the Advisory Council could lead to potential conflicts of interest and lacks details on member compensation, appointment processes, and fair representation of interests (Section 5).
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of this bill states its official title, "Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act."
2. Definitions Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section defines several terms used in the Act: "Advisory Council" refers to the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Advisory Council; "Map" is the map showing the proposed boundary of this park; "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior; "State" refers to Georgia; and "Tribe" means the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
3. Redesignation of Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and establishment of Ocmulgee Mounds National Preserve Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section of the bill redesignates the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park as the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and allows for the acquisition of additional lands for it, while also establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds National Preserve once enough land is acquired to form a manageable unit. Both the Park and the Preserve will have their boundaries updated with newly acquired lands, and any references to the old park name will now apply to the newly named park. The use of eminent domain to acquire land for either area is prohibited.
4. Administration of Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve will be managed as a single unit by the National Park System, with a co-management agreement to be established with the Tribe. The rules allow for hunting, fishing, and tribal ceremonies, while also permitting military activities that do not interfere with park management, and prioritizing hiring Tribe members for jobs at the park.
5. Advisory council Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Secretary will create an advisory council called the "Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Advisory Council," with nine appointed members from various local and national bodies. This council will advise on the park's management plan, include tribal representatives, act under federal laws, and terminate when the plan is finished. Members will not receive pay, and decisions require a quorum with tribal representation.
6. Land to be held in trust Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section details that approximately 126 acres of land in the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve, currently owned by the Tribe, are to be held in trust by the United States for the Tribe's benefit. This land is recognized as part of Indian country and will be managed according to laws governing trust lands for Indian Tribes.
7. Authorization of appropriations Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section allows for the appropriation of funds necessary to implement the provisions of the Act.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of the bill states that it may be referred to as the "Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act."
2. Definitions Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section defines several terms used in the Act: "Advisory Council" refers to the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Advisory Council; "Map" is a specific map related to the park's proposed boundary; "Secretary" stands for the Secretary of the Interior; "State" refers to the State of Georgia; and "Tribe" means the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
3. Redesignation of Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and establishment of Ocmulgee Mounds National Preserve Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section of the bill redesignates the "Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park" as the "Ocmulgee Mounds National Park" and allows the Secretary to acquire land for the park from willing sellers, donations, or exchanges, without using eminent domain. It also establishes the "Ocmulgee Mounds National Preserve" once enough land has been acquired to manage it as a unit, with the same land acquisition rules applying. The bill permits the Secretary to make technical corrections to the map, which will be available for public inspection.
4. Administration of Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve will be managed as a single unit by the National Park System. The Secretary will develop a management plan focused on cultural preservation and tribal consultation while allowing regulated hunting and fishing. Hiring preferences will be given to tribal members, and sacred sites will be protected, maintaining coordination with military activities and existing wildlife refuge management.
5. Advisory council Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Secretary is required to create an advisory council called the “Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Advisory Council” to help develop management plans and consider Tribal interests. The council will have seven members with representatives from the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, the Tribe, and others, and will meet twice a year, with members serving without pay.
6. Land to be held in trust Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The United States is transferring its ownership of about 126 acres of land to the Tribe, placing it in trust for the Tribe's benefit. This land will be considered part of the Tribe's Indian country and will be managed under the same rules that apply to lands held in trust for Native American tribes.
7. Authorization of appropriations Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section authorizes the use of necessary funds to implement the actions outlined in the Act.