Thu., April 19, 2012 4:03pm (EDT)

Expansion Study For Ocmulgee Mounds

By Josephine Bennett

Updated: 1 year ago

MACON, Ga.  —   The National Park Service may expand the Ocmulgee National Monument in Macon from 700 to 2,000 acres. The study will look at what properties to include. Public meetings are now underway.

The boundary study will also determine if additional lands need protection, and what the impact will be on the community. It includes 300 acres the Archeological Conservancy wishes to donate.

Park Supervisor Jim David says there’s also a strong community push to increase Ocmulgee’s chances of becoming a National Park.

“Even at 2,000 acres we would be very small to be a National Park. But, if the people in Macon get the legislators to change the title then the title is changed, and if it passes Congress and is signed off on by the President.”

The study is scheduled for completion in March of 2013. Any boundary changes require Congressional approval.