lower left:  Bill Northenor - supporter,  Jack S.- officer,  John Shoemaker of Riverside Ford - a corporate sponsor

below:  Patti Ellis - Executive Director,  Teresa Thomas  - Administration, and  Superintendent Jim David

  SUPERINTENDENT’S ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

OCMULGEE NATIONAL MONUMENT

FY 03

Ocmulgee National Monument corrected two major health and safety issues and in the process was challenged to keep visitor services operating. Mold and mildew in the Visitor Center was eradicated and a footbridge was built over the railroad tracks on the main trail. Progress was made in correcting sewage problems. The park was again listed on the National Parks Conservation Association’s “ten most endangered parks” list. The Ocmulgee Indian Celebration was very successful. Feral hogs continued to present a problem by rutting on the mounds and other cultural sites. External issues consumed a large part of the superintendent’s time. The Fall Line Freeway, the Ocmulgee Heritage Greenway, and the possibility of lighting I-16 continued as the major external issues. Two local organizations adopted resolutions relating to the Monument and its future.

The Fall Line Freeway

The Macon Chamber of Commerce went on record as opposing putting the Fall Line Freeway through the Ocmulgee Old Fields. They do want to extend the Eisenhower Parkway to I-16, which would impact a small portion of the Traditional Cultural Property. The anticipated EIS from the Georgia Department of Transportation did not come out in 2003. It is now rumored to be scheduled sometime in 2004. The Park Service continued its neutral stance on the route. Again in 2003 the National Park Conservation Association placed Ocmulgee on its “Ten Most Endangered Parks” list due to the Fall Line Freeway and also due to lack of funding. The National Trust for Historic Preservation placed the park on its 11 Most Endangered Places list due to the freeway. Both of these lists drew media attention including a History Channel story on the National Trust listing.

The Ocmulgee Heritage Greenway

The section going north from Spring Street opened and the use of the trail continues to grow. Plans continue to link up with the Monument. The current plan is to bring the trail to the Clinton Street gate; it would then run though Drakes Field to connect with the Monument’s present trail system. Security and preservation concerns continue to lead the discussions. Some type of gate that will only allow people to get out and not in after hours will need to be part of the design.

Lighting along I-16

There was only a little movement on this issue. GADOT held a meeting to discuss the effect of the road and to gain information on animal species and how they might me affected. It was discovered that there was very little material available on the effects of such lighting on animals. The park continues to express its concern on the loss of night sky, and affects on animal populations.

General Administration

FY 03 Budget

ONPS $784,100

VIP 1,000

Cyclic Maintenance

Replace HVAC in VC 550,200

Replace flooring in VC 100,000

Temporary trailers (office and VC) 107,500

Remove infested trees 40,000

Replace flooring in Maintenance Shop 5,000

Replace directional signs 5,656

Fee Demonstration

Pedestrian bridge over railroad 478,099

Traveling Exhibit 5,000

Equipment Replacement

Administration Van 30,000

Copier 4,800

Housing Rehabilitation

Rehab Floors at Dunlap House 9,000

Rehab Cabinets at Dunlap House 13,800

Challenge Cost Share

Assist in funding Indian Celebration 20,000

Personnel

The new Law Enforcement/Natural Resource Management specialist, Don Starkey, transferred in from Cumberland Island. Long term employee Sylvia Flowers retired the end of September. The Chief Ranger position was promoted. The park continued with an excellent diversity profile. The permanent staff was 63% minority and/or female. The seasonal staff was 75% minority and/or female.

Travel and Training

The whole Service was under a mandate to reduce travel costs. Park staff training was limited mainly to courses to maintain certifications and get updates for law enforcement. The only Division to hold a Division chiefs meeting was the Ranger Division.

Property

Property was properly maintained. Inventories were made and all equipment was properly accounted for. Records were updated.

Resource Management

Discussions continued with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation on repatriation of the human remains currently being housed at the Southeast Archeological Center (SEAC). Discussions also continued on the best location within the park for reburial.

The right-of-way/easement rights were completed with the Macon Water Authority, (MWA). MWA completed their maintenance of their lines within the park by clearing off vegetation growing over the lines and all the pipes were relined. This should reduce the chance of sewage overflows.

Further discussions were held with the city of Macon to try and find a solution to the trash flowing into the park via the storm water runoff. The city continued efforts to design a system to catch the trash and the funds to construct it. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division has directed the city to find a solution to the trash problem.

Efforts to control feral hogs continued with 26 hogs, 13 male and 13 female, being destroyed during the year. With funding from Region we were able to begin a multi-year hazardous tree and fuel reduction program. Fuels were removed from approximately 50 acres and nearly 200 dead trees were cut down. An Environmental Assessment was prepared for the Fire Management Plan; the goal is to be able to do prescribed fire on the sides of the mounds for vegetation control.

Maintenance

This was a major year for construction projects. Two major long-standing safety and health issues were corrected. The Visitor Center had a mold and mildew problem that was a threat to the health of both staff and visitors. A new HVAC system was installed to correct the problem. All parts of the old system were removed and were shown to be heavily covered by mold and mildew. The new system is a heat pump system that should reduce energy costs. Fresh conditioned air was also ducted to each room. The carpet in the building was removed due to its infestation with mold. Tile was placed throughout much of the building. To accomplish this work the Visitor Center was closed from April 1 through the end of the fiscal year. Six temporary trailers were placed next to the Visitor Center to serve as both offices and public contact area.

The other major project was the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks. The foundations and piers were constructed during the summer and the area below the bridge was cleared to make room for the cranes that would be used to install the bridge. The bridge was to be completed in late 2003. This was funded from fee demonstration money. This bridge removes the hazard of sending visitors across an active railroad track.

Contracts were issued to rehab the floors and replace the kitchen cabinets in the Dunlap house. The work to be completed in late 2003. The tile floor was replaced at the maintenance building. Funds were received to replace and upgrade directional signing throughout the park.

John Shoemaker and Riverside Ford provided the funding to irrigate and sod the island in front of the Visitor Center. That area, which is used as the dance area for the Indian Celebration, was unsightly with very little grass growing. Since it was the area that visitors saw as the came to the Center, it did not give a good impression. Without irrigation the sandy soil would not grow much grass. Now with the sodding, irrigation and landscaping, the area looks very good.

We had an eight-person crew, six workers and two supervisors, from SCA working on trails. The major part of their work was resurfacing the Batram and Funeral Mound Loop trails. Their campsite was set up on the forest edge next to the Civil War Earthworks.

Public Use

Visitation for FY 03 was 160,664. This was a 44% increase from FY 02. There was a good rebound as a whole in many areas from the affects of 9/11. The 2003 Indian Celebration was one of the best ever. A new traffic counter was installed since the old one did not work properly. Our public satisfaction rate was a fantastic 99%. We issued a news release on that accomplishment and received an award from the local Fox 24 network as recognition of the accomplishment.

Interpretation

The Division was challenged on how to provide a good interpretive experience with the Visitor Center closed. They successfully transferred many of the exhibits to the trailers and were able to provide good interpretation from that location.

Funds were received to replace the traveling exhibit. Those funds were combined with funds from the Ocmulgee National Monument Foundation and a grant from the Georgia Department of Industry Trade and Travel to produce several traveling exhibits and other promotional material on both the park and the Indian Celebration.

With the combination of the extra promotional material, and a story in Southern Living Magazine the Ocmulgee Indian Celebration had one of its best visitation. There were approximately 26,000 people for the three days. Several new demonstrators and vendors were added with approximately 280 Native People participating. Once again the event was chosen as one of the “Top Twenty Events of the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society. Again working with John Shoemaker and Ocmulgee National Monument Foundation we were able to hold another concert by two of the top Native American performers, R. Carlos Nakai and Joanne Shenandoah. The concert was at the Grand Opera House. Comments from those in attendance were very positive. Once again the park received a Challenge Cost Share grant from the NPS that helped cover the cost of bringing the dance groups and other demonstrators to the event. Bruno’s corporation, through the local Food Max stores, again furnished the food for the participants and volunteers.

Along with several other NPS sites and state historic sites we were successful in getting a “Teaching American History” grant. This three-year program will result in teachers’ guides for elementary, middle and high school students. In the summer of 2003 the guide for middle schools was produced. Through this funding we will also hold teacher-training programs similar to “Ocmulgee University”.

Participation in the Lantern Light tours was good. There were 794 people on the tours, a 12% increase over last year. Coverage and publicity of the event in the material prepared the Cherry Blossom Commission was good.

The Earth Day celebration was lightly attended. The “official” Earth Day event by the Keep Macon/Bibb County Beautiful Commission was tied to the new Tour de Georgia bike race. Therefore, the park was completely on its own this year. However, once again we were able to get trees donated by the Georgia Forestry Division so we were able to provide every visitor who wanted one, a tree to take home.

Law Enforcement

Both law enforcement positions were filled for the whole year. There were five Part I Offenses and 29 Part II Offenses. One of the major Part 1 offences was a knife assault involving two contractors working in the Visitor Center. We brought in extra law enforcement rangers for two events, the Indian Celebration and a gathering of Nuwabians. The Nuwabians, who claim to be descendants of the mound builders, had requested a special use permit to hold a ceremony on top of the Great Temple Mound, and had been told that such an event would not be permitted. They had indicated they were going to hold the ceremony anyway. When they did arrive we were informed they had decided they were going to keep the ceremony to the permitted area in front of the Visitor Center. Therefore, no incidents were related to the event. There were no major incidents at the Indian Celebration. There were several missing children reports, with most being located in a very short period of time. The rangers also assisted with parking cars and other traffic control.

A board of review was convened to review an incident where a ranger was injured by a bullet that ricocheted off the fence around a hog trap while dispatching a wild hog. Fortunately the injury was very minor and the ranger was found to be operating within guidelines. A change to using only long guns for that activity was made to avoid the chance of this occurring again.

Community Relations

Community relations remained positive. The Indian Celebration is the single most popular program that brings large numbers of people to the park and city. The Superintendent continued to represent the park on numerous organizations including serving on the Board of Directors for the Keep Macon-Bibb County Beautiful Commission, the Macon-Bibb County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, the Tourism Advisory Council, and the Kiwanis Club of Macon. Other organizations include the Macon Arts Alliance, the Ocmulgee Heritage Greenway Committee, and the Chamber of Commerce.

Cooperating Association

The Ocmulgee National Monument Association had $73,542 in revenue in FY 03. This was almost a 20% increase over FY 02. While sales were not that heavy there were several large donations to the Association for the Indian Celebration and other promotions. As usual, the Association continued with its excellent support of the park programs with $33,582 being donated for park programs and other assistance. The Monument is fortunate to have such good support from the Association. Many programs such as the Indian Celebration could not be held without their assistance. Patty Ellis continues as the business manager and is a very strong supporter of park activities.

SUPERINTENDENT’S ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

OCMULGEE NATIONAL MONUMENT

FY 02

Ocmulgee National Monument improved its award winning Discovery Lab in FY 02. Plans were made for two major renovations were worked on and the park received awards and recognition for its accomplishments. The Ocmulgee Indian Celebration continued its success and added a new aspect. There were some personnel changes and many of the issues from last year continued to challenge the staff.

The park played host to a group of young people from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation who camped out in the park for two weeks and assisted with restoration projects. Through some additional funding the park was able to work on some natural resource problems. We were able to assist with the nationwide “Homeland Security” efforts. Progress was also made on trash and sewage problems. Feral hogs continued to present a problem by rutting on the mounds and other cultural sites. The park was listed on the National Parks Conservation Association’s “ten most endangered parks” list.

External issues continued to consume a large part of the superintendent’s time. The Fall Line Freeway, the Ocmulgee Heritage Greenway, the possibility of lighting I-16, and the redesign of the I-16 - I-75 interchange starting within the park, continued as the major external issues.

The Fall Line Freeway

The Georgia Department of Transportation contacted the park for clarification of some of our comments on the draft EIS. A meeting was held in Atlanta to discuss issues, look at alternative routes and further explain our comments of last year. Over the year discussions were held with several groups on possible compromise routes. The next version of the EIS from Georgia DOT is due out in early 2003. The National Parks Conservation Association placed Ocmulgee on its “Ten Most Endangered Parks” list in March due to the threat posed by the Freeway. This action resulted in numerous media contacts with the park from not only the Macon outlets but also the Atlanta area media. The park was contacted by the GADOT for clearance to do archeological study on one of the alternative routes (route F). This route runs through the “Drakes Field” portion of the Monument. Since the study was only going to consist of some shallow posthole testing, it was decided not to issue the permit since it was unlikely any new information would be gained. A more in depth study would be required if that route did become the preferred route.

The Ocmulgee Heritage Greenway

The first trail section was opened between MLK and Spring Street. This trail quickly became a very popular walking path. Work on the next section, north of the original was planned, with opening of that section scheduled for 2003. The next sections to follow after that one is completed involve going to Central City Park and also to the Monument. The current plan is to bring the trail to the Clinton Street gate; it would then run though Drakes Field to connect with the Monument’s present trail system. Security and preservation concerns continue to lead the discussions. Some type of gate that will only allow people to get out and not in after hours will need to be part of the design.

Lighting along I-16

There was only a little movement on this issue. GADOT produced a study on the effects of the lighting on cultural resources. Since the Interstate is built on berm no adverse effect was found. The park continues to express its concern on the loss of night sky, affects on animal populations and the true need of the project.

I-16 - I-75 Intersection reconstruction

Numerous groups have expressed concerns on the design of the I-16 - I 75 interchange. The plans still show the work inside the Monument being within the present footprint of the interstate. The planned widening will take place using the current median. There were no public hearings on the issue in 2002 nor were there any meetings of the advisory council. There have been discussions related to the combining the Fall Line Freeway with the redesign of the intersection that would result in the removal of I-16 from within the boundary of the monument.

General Administration

FY 02 Budget

ONPS $660,900

VIP 1,000

Cyclic

Repair walkways 7,898

A&E and misc. for new HVAC 22,946

Small Park NRPP

Fire/Safety Remove Hazardous Trees 10,000

Control Exotic Flora and Fauna 15,000

Fee Demonstration

Renovate Discovery Lab 25,000

Hazmat Funding

Replace storage/recycling units 5,000

Equipment Replacement

No funds received this year.

Challenge Cost Share

Assist in funding Indian Celebration 20,000

Feral Hog Program

Miscellaneous Equipment 700

Personnel

The Law Enforcement/Natural Resource Management specialist, Cindy Heyd resigned from the Service in early FY 2002. Various methods of filling that position were pursued. The selection was made for a directed transfer of an employee who did not enter on duty until FY 2003. A new Interpretive Ranger was hired, Stephen Rudolph started in January. Administrative Officer position was promoted. Three seasonal positions were re-described from park ranger/guide to information receptionist series. The park continued with an excellent diversity profile. The permanent staff was 70% minority and/or female. The seasonal staff was 60% minority and/or female.

Travel and Training

Park staff attended training courses to maintain certifications and get updates for law enforcement. Division chiefs, or their representative, and the superintendent attended their respective division chief's superintendents’ conferences.

Property

Property was properly maintained. Inventories were made and all equipment was properly accounted for. Records were updated. Were able to acquire several pieces of surplus office furniture from the Navy.

Resource Management

A final Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) agreement was sent to the tribes for their signature. We hope to get a most of those signed in 2003.

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has requested the repatriation of the human remains currently being housed at the Southeast Archeological Center (SEAC). We are working with both the tribe and SEAC to get that accomplished. Discussions have been held on the best location within the park for reburial.

Through a partnership with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation we hosted seven of their youth to camp in the park and assist with various maintenance and restoration projects. This was set up by the Creeks in an attempt to help the students reconnect with their homeland. They assisted with restoring the old path to the top of the Great Temple Mound. We hope to make this an annual event.

We continued to work with the Macon Water Authority, (MWA) on insuring that another spill does not occur within the park. The right-of-way/easement rights were rewritten and submitted for NPS and MWA signatures. NPS had signed and we were awaiting MWA signatures by the end of the FY. This should be accomplished by early 2003. MWA has committed to relining all the old sewer lines within the park. Also as part of the agreement they will take over maintenance on all the six inch and larger lines inside the park.

Further discussions were held with the city of Macon to try and find a solution to the trash flowing into the park via the storm water runoff. The city continued efforts to design a system to catch the trash and the funds to construct it. Gates were placed at two places in the fence to give access by the Macon Housing Authority who has agreed to assist in cleaning out the catch systems.

Feral hogs continued to be a major problem. Their rutting damaged several cultural sites. Additional funds were acquired from the Regional office to control both exotic fauna and flora. Additional traps were constructed and baited. There were 58 hogs destroyed during the year. Those funds were also used to hire an additional seasonal ranger who assisted in various control measures on the exotic vegetation. This was the first time in several years we were able to do major work on exotic vegetation. This resulted in spraying 100% of the known kudzu, treatment of 100% of the exotics on the cultural features in the main unit, and spot treatment of mature exotics in the rest of the park. Funds were also acquired to remove numerous hazardous trees and to reduce the fuel level in the forest. Approximately 100 trees were removed.

SEAC was called in to complete the mitigation activities for the footing on the pedestrian bridge to be built over the railroad tracks. Construction of that bridge should be accomplished in 2003.

Maintenance

The painting of the Visitor Center and the Dunlap House were completed. The Visitor Center was painted using special sealant paint in hopes to reduce water intrusion through cracks. Further work was done in reviewing plans for both the VC HVAC and the pedestrian bridge projects. Carpet was replaced in both quarters. Grass was sodded in at the Dunlap House. The carpet in the visitor use area of the Earthlodge was replaced. The steps to the Lesser Temple mound were rebuilt. A new bridge was constructed on the redesigned Bartram trail.

Public Use

Visitation for FY 02 was 111,444. This was almost a 13% decrease from FY 01. The tourist industry as a whole has experienced decreases since 9/11. In addition many of the local schools have cut back on their field trips. Our public satisfaction rate continued high at 97%.

Interpretation

After many years and attempts at various funding sources the Discovery Lab was refurbished and updated. We received funds through the Fee Demonstration Project to purchase the needed supplies and equipment. The lab was divided up into subject areas and activity kits were developed for each section. This was the first major upgrade of that facility since its creation in the mid 1980’s.

The Ocmulgee Indian Celebration was another very successful program. There were over 200 Native People participating. We received good publicity and the event was chosen as one of the “Top Twenty Events of the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society. Working with John Shoemaker and Riverside Ford we were able to add a new activity for the celebration, a concert by one of the top Native American performers, Robert Mirabal. The concert was held at the Grand Opera House. The event was close to a sell out and the comments were very positive. The funds raised at the concert went to the newly formed Ocmulgee National Monument Foundation. That foundation was established by John Shoemaker to raise funds for the Celebration and other park activities. For the second year the park received a Challenge Cost Share grant from the NPS that helped cover the cost of bringing the dance groups and other demonstrators to the event. Bruno’s corporation, through the local Food Max stores again furnished the food for the participants and volunteers.

Participation in the Lantern Light tours was good. There were 704 people on the tours despite a couple of days with poor weather. Coverage and publicity of the event in the material prepared the Cherry Blossom Commission was good.

The Earth Day celebration was lightly attended. However a new idea was tried that was very popular. Trees were acquired from the Georgia Forestry Department as a free give-away item. We were able to provide every visitor who wanted one a tree to take home. We did have participation by a group from the Atlanta Community partners group that the superintendent has been involved with for several years.

Through the National Park Foundation the park received a donaation from Kodak of a digital camera, film, paper to print photographs on color printers, and media for digital photograph storage. This will enable us to digtally record photographs of events and projects.

Law Enforcement

Once again we were not fully staffed for law enforcement for most of the year. That left the Chief Ranger as the only law enforcement officer. The law enforcement/natural resources ranger resigned her position in December and the position was vacant the remainder of the year. A new ranger was to start in October. There were six Part I Offenses and 27 Part II Offenses. The major part I offences were a series of car break-ins that occurred during the Earth Day celebration. With one less officer there was less patrolling of the parking area.

The Chief Ranger was called our on a “Homeland Security” detail to Boston National Historic Park for three weeks. He also continued to serve as firearms instructor for all the parks in middle Georgia.

Community Relations

Community relations remained positive. The Keep Macon-Bibb County Beautiful Commission awarded the Monument for its work in keeping the park in good condition. The Macon Heritage Foundation gave the Monument an award for the work we have done on the Visitor Center restoration. The Indian Celebration is the single most popular program that brings large numbers of people to the park and city. The Superintendent continued to represent the park on numerous organizations including serving on the Board of Directors for the Keep Macon-Bibb County Beautiful Commission, the Macon-Bibb County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Chairman of the Tourism Advisory Council, and the Kiwanis Club of Macon (President). Other organizations include the Macon Arts Alliance, the Ocmulgee Heritage Greenway Committee, and the Chamber of Commerce.

Cooperating Association

The Ocmulgee National Monument Association had $61,345 in revenue in FY 02. This was a 4% decrease over FY 01. Once again, this decrease is thought to be related to a decrease in school group visitation. The schools are reducing field trips due to budget problems. The Association continued with its excellent support of the park programs with $20,082 being donated to the park. Even though the revenue was down over last fiscal year, the amount donated was up. The Association continues to be a major asset to the park. Many programs such as the Indian Celebration could not be held without their assistance. Patty Ellis continues as the business manager and is a very strong supporter of park activities. 

SUPERINTENDENT’S ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

OCMULGEE NATIONAL MONUMENT

FY 01

Ocmulgee National Monument saw several improvements in its facilities in FY 01. The steps leading to the top of the Great Temple Mound were replaced and relocated. The Visitor Center and the Dunlap house were painted and sidewalks were replaced. There were some personnel changes and many of the issues from last year continued to challenge the staff.

The park’s major event, the Ocmulgee Indian Celebration, continued to grow with the ongoing assistance of John Shoemaker and Riverside Ford. This year’s Celebration was challenged by its timing, coming just three days after the September 11 terrorist attacks. There was damage caused by a flood in the Visitor Center and by vandalism at the maintenance compound. Feral hogs continued to present a problem by rutting on the mounds and other cultural sites.

External issues continued to consume a large part of the superintendent’s time. The Fall Line Freeway, the Ocmulgee Heritage Greenway, the possibility of lighting I-16, and the redesign of the I-16 - I-17 interchange starting within the park, continued as the major external issues.

The Fall Line Freeway

The Georgia Department of Transportation issued a draft EIS for the Eisenhower Parkway Extension that went out only to the federal cooperating agencies. There was some confusion as to whether the Eisenhower Extension is part of the Fall Line Freeway or not. The park reviewed the EIS and found numerous inaccuracies and provided over 60 pages of comments on the document. Georgia DOT has not come out with any revisions so the status of that document is not known this time. A local group developed a new alternative route. The park and representatives of the Muscogee (Creek) people were invited to look at this alternative. It was the general consensus that it did have some very strong points and might develop into a workable alternative. However, the supporters of the route through the Traditional Cultural Property were not willing to consider that alternative.

The Ocmulgee Heritage Greenway

The first site related to the Greenway opened, the Riverside Park at the corner of Riverside and MLK. It was dedicated and named the Charles Jones Park in recognition of the substantial donation he made for the Greenway. Due to continued problems with the railroad and the placement of the trail on the west side of the river, it was decided to build trail on the park’s side of the river. Trail work between MLK and Spring Street was slated to begin in early 2002. The move to this side of the river should make it easier to connect into the park’s trail system. Plans to run the trail along the river on the park's boundary were discussed. This would then connect up with, and involve the reconstruction of, the river trail.

Lighting along I-16

A public hearing on the lighting issue was held in March. Park supporters passed out information sheets on the issue. NPCA continues to list Light Pollution as one of the threats to the National Park experience. The GADOT did change the need for the lights from one of safety to one of connectivity. When asked what that means they were not able to provide much of an answer. Other solutions to the perceived safety issue were presented, such as call boxes and a “highway heroes” program. While the GADOT said that there were plans for the heroes program they were still going forward with the lighting plans. Additional studies were to be made with findings presented in 2002.

I-16 - I-75 Intersection reconstruction

Discussions and planning for the major reworking of the I-16 - I 75 interchange continued. The changes will begin within the park boundary. The plans still show the work inside the Monument being within the present footprint of the interstate. The planned widening will take place using the current median. New Town Macon developed a plan, which was less intrusive on the site and also involved the relocation of the railroad to this side of the river to run along side of the interstate. The future of that concept is not known at this time.

General Administration

FY 00 Budget

ONPS $657,000

ONPS No Year 1,000

VIP 1,000

Cyclic

Repaint exterior Dunlap house 10,200

Rehab Hazardous Storage 9,000

Repaint exterior of Visitor Center/Repair Sidewalks 130,100

A&E and Air quality Study for new HVAC 50,300

Rehab Fire and Security 40,000

Equipment Replacement

Hustler Excel Mower 27,939

Computers 14,940

Challenge Cost Share

Assist in funding Indian Celebration 20,000

Public Land Corps

SCA Trail Crew and Materials 20,000

Feral Hog Program

Miscellaneous Equipment 700

Personnel

There was one transfer among the permanent employees. Pam Darty, Park Ranger Interpretation, transferred to the Fish and Wildlife Service. The STEP program was used to hire two seasonal employees for maintenance. There were three seasonal rangers who had their appointments converted for another period. Two employees, the Administrative Support Assistant and the Park Ranger LE, received promotions. The park continued with an excellent diversity profile. The permanent staff was 80% minority and/or female. The seasonal staff was 50% minority and/or female.

Travel and Training

Park staff attended training courses to maintain certifications and get updates for law enforcement, and fixed assets. Division chiefs, or their representative, and the superintendent attended their respective division chief's superintendents’ conferences. The Park Ranger LE also attended ARPA training.

Property

Property was properly maintained. Inventories were made and all equipment was properly accounted for. Records were updated. A large backlog of items were surveyed and sold.

Resource Management

A draft of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) agreement with the associated tribes was prepared. It was sent to them for comment. The comments are being addressed on and we hope to have signed agreements in 2002.

The Speaker of the National Council of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation visited the park. We worked with him on issues related to NAGPRA and preservation of the park’s resources. Meetings were also arranged with between the Speaker local political leaders in hopes of reaching compromise on issues such as the Fall Line Freeway, and to open communications between those leaders and the Muscogee Nation.

We continued to work with the Macon Water Authority, (MWA) on insuring that another spill does not occur within the park. Their right-of-way/easement rights had expired and we are in the process of getting those reinstated. MWA has agreed to re-sleeve the lines in the park to reduce the chance of spills. They also need to get access to cut trees etc. whose roots may be interfering with the lines. Meetings were held with MWA, EPD, and the city of Macon, NPS regional public health and resource management staff, and private citizens to discuss the sewage and trash problems. This resulted in additional water testing being done in the park. In addition the park installed warning signs along the trails where they come close to the streams, to caution visitors from coming in contact with the water do to its source as urban runoff.

The problem with trash from the neighborhood flowing into the park during rain events continues. The Superintendent met with the city engineer and the director of the Housing Authority in hopes of finding a solution. The city engineer is working on a design to catch the trash before it gets into the heavily visited areas. The director of the Housing Authority agreed to have his maintenance crew clean the traps and the park agreed to install gates to make access by the maintenance crew easier.

Feral hogs continued to be a major problem. They damaged portions of the Great Temple Mound and other cultural sites with their rutting. The Southeast Archeological Center (SEAC) was called in to examine a couple of the heaviest damaged sites. Funding from SERO was acquired to assist in the building of traps etc. to initiate steps to control the number of hogs. There was some success but the effort will go on for several years.

SEAC was also called in to assist with examination of the holes for the footings for the new steps to the top of the Great Temple Mound, and the footings for the pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks.

Maintenance

The steps to the Great Temple Mound were replaced. The old steps were rickety and in need of replacing. We consulted with several Native American Groups as to the best solution. We came to the consensus that putting the steps on the backside of the mound would be less visibly intrusive. The new steps give a very nice view of the clayhole pond. Work was also started on repainting the Visitor Center, and the Dunlap house. In addition, a contract was issued to replace sections of broken sidewalk and to construct new sidewalk from the Earthlodge to the planned new pedestrian bridge. A combination of a broken shutoff valve and clogged drains caused a major flood of the mechanics room at the Visitor Center. The water was over two feet deep causing damage to the HVAC system and to the file storage area adjacent to the mechanics room. There was damage to the maintenance building and numerous pieces of equipment by an individual who broke into the maintenance compound started a truck and rammed it into the shop and other equipment.

A Student Conservation Association trail crew was hired using Public Land Corps funding. The crew was able to make improvements to much of the trail system and to build new trail to avoid the second crossing of the railroad tracks.

Public Use

Visitation for FY 01 was 127,705. This was an 8% increase over FY 00. There was a large increase in the fall and smaller increases in the summer. September, despite a very good Indian Celebration, saw a sizeable, 19%, drop. This was due to the terrorist attacks and the general drop nation wide in travel. Our public satisfaction rate made a great leap, from 85% in 2000 to 98% in 2001. Much of this is believed to be the improvements made to the Visitor Center. The interior had been receiving numerous negative comments. The repainting, replastering and new ceilings greatly improved the appearance of the building.

Interpretation

The long-term project of preparing the teachers guide, “Georgia’s Heartland Heritage Activity Guide” was completed. This guide gives teachers an excellent set of activities for the students to do, to help learn about the cultural and natural resources of the park and the surrounding area.

The Ocmulgee Indian Celebration was held just three days following the terrorist attacks. It was decided on the day of the attacks not to call off the event. We felt that if we called it off the terrorist would win and that an event celebrating the culture of the Native People was even more important at that time. The visitation was excellent, with numerous comments from visitors that they appreciated that we did not cancel. The visitors appreciated a reason to get out and away from the continued news coverage of the tragedy. There were over 150 Native Peoples brought in to interact with and teach the visiting public about the cultures of the Native Peoples of the southeast. The Creek Elder Council also visited us, approximately 45 people, who besides visiting the celebration also helped with storytelling and crafts. Again this year the continued support by John Shoemaker and Riverside Ford made the event successful. The excellent publicity they provided and the other financial support enabled us to bring in more dance groups and other demonstrators. Food Max, due to Shoemaker’s contacts, again provided the food and drinks for the participants. Their sponsorship the last three years has added greatly to the ease of the event and to its enjoyment by the staff and participants.

Participation in the Lantern Light tours was down greatly due to weather and poor publicity. After the event we met with Cherry Blossom people and stated we needed better listing for next year. The Earth Day celebration was the best ever. The KMBB offered composting bins at a greatly reduced rate and those proved to be extremely popular, with people lining up at 6:30 a.m. to get their bins.

Law Enforcement

The park did have two commissioned officers for the full year. This was the first full year with two commissions since 1996. There were 149 incidents reported including 4 Part I and 41 Part II Offenses. The major part I offence was the break in and destruction of park property at the maintenance compound. Due to the mental capacity of the person involved neither the state or federal prosecutors wanted to pursue any charges. Other part I offences involved theft from the park’s gift shop.

All law enforcement personnel and all maintenance personnel were inoculated against hepatitis B. The park provided law enforcement assistance to JICA, CHAT and KEMO and assisted with the grand opening of Bond Swamp National Refuge.

Funds were secured to improve the park’s fire and security systems. Outside lighting was developed for the Visitor Center, surveillance cameras were added, repairs were made to the security fencing and outdated detection systems were updated. These corrected deficiencies identified after the Oklahoma City bombings and made more important following September 11.

Community Relations

Community relations remained mainly positive. The Indian Celebration is the single most popular program that brings large numbers of people to the park and city. Discussions were started to develop a support foundation to aid in raising funds for park needs. It is hoped to have that group functioning in 2002. Ocmulgee along with the Atlanta area parks continued with a community partners group to work toward bringing more under-served communities to the parks. The Superintendent continued to represent the park on numerous organizations including serving on the Board of Directors for the Keep Macon-Bibb County Beautiful Commission, the Macon-Bibb County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Chairman of the Tourism Advisory Council, and the Kiwanis Club of Macon (President Elect). Other organizations include the Macon Arts Alliance, the Ocmulgee Heritage Greenway Committee, and the Chamber of Commerce.

Cooperating Association

The Ocmulgee National Monument Association had $63,863 in revenue in FY 01. This was an 8% decrease over FY 00. This decrease is thought to be related to a decrease in school group visitation. The schools are being limited to the number off trips they can take and the park has to compete more with the newer local attractions. The Association continued with its excellent support of the park programs with $17,361 being donated to the park. The Association continues to be a major asset to the park. Many programs such as the Indian Celebration could not be held without their assistance. Patty Ellis continues as the business manager and is a very strong supporter of park activities.

SUPERINTENDENT'S ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT

OCMULGEE NATIONAL MONUMENT

FY 1999

The park hosted a two-day Management Analysis in March. The Management Analysis team was chaired by Mark Corey a former superintendent of Ocmulgee. The park staff outlined a long list of issues. The park received some very good input on those issues and has been working at implementing the recommendations.

The park major event, the Ocmulgee Indian Celebration, was in danger of being canceled for the year due to lack of funds. The Ocmulgee National Monument Association had an off sales year and the visitation to the pervious years celebration was off due to poor weather and major completion with an air show at Robins Airforce Base. The owner of Riverside Ford stepped forward to assist the park in fund raising to keep the celebration going.

External issues continued to consume a large part of the superintendent's time. The Fall Line Freeway and the Ocmulgee Heritage Greenway continued as the major issues. The possibility of lighting along I16 was a new issue that appeared this year.

The Fall Line Freeway

The Fall Line Freeway issue continued with several meetings of the Federal Cooperating Agencies taking place. Numerous discussions were held on the routes and their relationship to the purpose and needs statement for the road. The Keeper of the National Register made an initial ruling on the east and west boundaries of the Traditional Cultural Property. This ruling was appealed by both the DOT and the tribes. The Keeper planned to make a site visit in early 2000 to assist in her final decision. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the independent tribal towns managed to get concurrence and support from numerous other tribes in their delineation of the TCP. It is anticipated the draft EIS and 4(f) studies will be out for review in early 2000.

The Ocmulgee Heritage Greenway

The initial ground breaking for the first stage of the Greenway took place in late 99. Discussions continued on the link between Central City Park and the Monument. The superintendent is sitting on the Technical Advisory Committee for the Greenway. The superintendent passed on information on the bridge at Harpers Ferry that crossed the river there by attaching to the railroad bridge. Such a connection at Ocmulgee would be a very appealing link.

Lighting along I-16

The superintendent noticed an article in the paper referring to plans to light I16 from exit 4 to exit 5. That includes the section that runs through the park and close to the Lamar mounds area. State Senator Brown was pursuing the issue. A meeting was held with Senator Brown, the Georgia DOT and Federal Highways Administration. The parks concerns about light pollution were discussed. It was decided to look at various options. A consulting firm was hired by DOT and meeting was held with them at the park. At this time no alternatives have been brought forward by DOT.

FY 99 Budget

ONPS $610,100

ONPS No Year 19,000

VIP 1,000

Cyclic

Rewire Quarters 2 25,000

YCC Program 8,800

VC terrace 264,000

Equipment Replacement

Carry-all Club Car 5,000

Club Car 4,900

Fee Enhancement

Construct bridge over railroad 350,000

GIS Baseline Data

Computer and software 9,800

NAGPRA Consultations 19,000

Parks as Classrooms Grant 19,500

All accounts were within budget. The park received a $70,000 base increase this year, the first such increase in over 15 years. The increase was based on improving our interpretation of Native American cultures. It allowed us to hire a full time interpreter. The park also received funding from WASO for the replacement of the Voice Mail system. The previous system was not Year 2000 compliant and had been acquired surplus from Andersonville. Other special Y2K funding through region replaced two of our non-compliant computers. Due to a push from the Washington and Regional offices we used the majority of the park's no-year funds. Those funds plus regular ONPS funds that were available due to not filling the interpretive position for several months, enabled us to purchase a PA system and tables for the Indian Celebration and other events.

Construct bridge over railroad 350,000

The $350,000 fee demo project will enable us to correct a safety hazard that has existed since the park was first established. The current trail crosses an active railroad track and visitors, including school kids, have been observed climbing over and around parked trains. This bridge will go over those tracks and avoid that safety issue. In addition it will improve the trail for wheelchair use and for maintenance access.

Personnel

With the budget increase we were able to hire the first full time interpreter for the park in over 5 years. This position will be the major person to oversee our interpretive/educational programs. Throughout the year, three seasonal rangers and three seasonal maintenance workers were hired. Two of the seasonal maintenance workers resigned after a week due to the heat. There were two seasonals and one term employee who had their appointments converted for another period. The park participated in the YCC program again; five students were hired for the eight-week program. One of the seasonal rangers was hired using the STEP program. The park continued with an excellent diversity profile. The permanent staff is 73% minority and/or female.

Travel and Training

Park staff attended training courses to maintain certifications and get updates for law enforcement, PMIS GPRA and fixed assets. Division chiefs and the superintendent attended their respective division chief's conferences and various superintendents' conferences.

Property

Property was properly maintained. Inventories were made and all equipment was properly accounted for. Records were updated. A large backlog of items were surveyed and sold.

Resource Management

The park worked with Regional Ethnographer in initiating NAGPRA consultations with the various affiliated tribes. The park received funding to accomplish these consultations. This year a contract was issued for an individual to handle all the detail of setting up the consultations that will consists of tribal representatives traveling to the site and also park staff traveling to meet with the tribes.

The superintendent traveled to Oklahoma to meet with representatives of the Creek Nation and the Independent Tribal towns to discuss the replacement of the steps on the Great Temple Mound. A representative from the regional office and the engineering firm that designed the options also attended the meeting. The options were to replace the steps in the current location, to go up the original ramp area or to move to the backside of the mound. It was determined that the preferred alternative was to relocate the steps to the back side to give a cleaner view of the mound from both the visitor center and the funeral mound. The tribal representatives also express the view that placing wood steps would be preferred over steel in order to keep a more natural feel to the area.

The railroad cut vista was cleared. All the trees were removed and grass planted. This should make it easier to keep that vista open in the future. Treatment of exotics such as kudzu and fire ants continued. Additional clearing of vegetation at Lamar was accomplished.

The park received funding to initiate a GIS database. This year the funds were used to purchase a computer and software to run GIS. A contract was issued to acquire some basic information to be entered into the system.

There was one small, approximately 3 acre, fire in the Drakes field area of the park. The fire started on the boundary and moved through the tall grass into the park. It was discovered at closing time. The park was assisted by Macon fire department.

Maintenance

Planing for the roof replacement continued in FY99. Difficulties in getting approved material and finding a certified applier were encountered. Actual installation was delayed until the fall of 99. A contract was issued to replace the terrace. Combined with the roof project it is hoped that we will end up with a watertight building.

The YCC program continued this year. The five-person crew was able to work on clearing more of the boundary fence and work on several smaller projects to improve the condition of the park.

The maintenance crew operated short handed for much of the summer due to an injury to one the permanent staff and resignation of two seasonal employees due to the heat and difficulty of the work. Finding people willing to do the physically demanding work of clearing the mounds is getting harder each year. We continue to explore options on ways to get the mounds cleared.

Public Use

Visitation for FY 99 was 117,830. This was a small decrease from FY 98. This seemed to be due to the extremely hot weather over the summer and to reduced visitation at the Earth Day celebration. The visitor use survey showed we had a 93% satisfaction rating. The only negatives noted were the poor condition of the restrooms and museum due to the water damage. In FY00 the interior of the visitor center will have the plaster repaired, ceiling tiles replaced and will be painted. That should greatly improve the appearance of the facility and improve the overall satisfaction rating.

Interpretation

The interpretive program at the park made a step forward with the hiring this year of a full time interpreter. We were able to find a Native American interpreter to fill the position. The base increase that allowed us to do this was based on improving our interpretation of Native American cultures. Pam Darty entered on duty in July. Opportunities for the park to offer new programming have been expanded.

The park received a 19,500 Parks as Classrooms grant. This will result in a Georgia Heartland Heritage Book, Georgia Heartland Heritage Activity Guide and a Georgia's Heartland Heritage Teachers' Workshop Video. The grant also permitted us to bring "ambassadors" from the Creek and Seminole nations to go into the schools and give programs on their culture.

The park film that debuted last year was converted to DVD format this year. This improved the presentation and also allowed for us to close caption the film. Further improvements to the AV area will be completed with fee demo money in FY00.

The Indian Celebration this year was an unqualified success. When the local owner of Riverside Ford found that the Celebration was in danger of being canceled due to lack of funds he stepped forward to assist with fundraising. He made a substantial donation himself and succeeded in raising all the funds needed for the program. He also worked to insure we had excellent publicity for the event with well done posters and ads on the local TV and radio stations. The results were fantastic. We had an estimated 5,500-school kid out on Friday and an excellent crowd on Saturday. Sunday there were over 3,000 people out despite it raining all day. He has expressed his desire to work with us for the 2000 celebration.

Lantern Light tours continued as a popular program. Earth Day visitation was down due to weather and poor publicity. Over 3,000 students used the Discovery Lab. We continue to seek funding to upgrade that facility.

The park also received a donation from the owner of Riverside Ford to print a "slim jim" for placement in various information centers and other tourist areas. It was designed by the staff and provides an excellent piece to direct people to the park. This will enable the park to keep the official brochure for use at the park.

The park updated its web site. The previous site only had the basic initial points as outlined by the "webmaster". The new site gives visitors an opportunity to take a virtual tour of the park and find out a great deal of information about the history of the park and its people. Various management documents have been posted on the site, as well as GPRA related items. There are links to other related sites and local attractions. Response has been very positive.

Law Enforcement

The park was unable to gets its new law enforcement ranger into the necessary training in the FY99. Therefore with only one commissioned person patrols were fairly limited. There were no major enforcement actions. The Chief Ranger became certified and a firearms instructor. He provided numerous courses for other parks in our cluster.

Community Relations

Community relations continued to improve. The response to the need on the Indian Celebration was excellent. We made initial contact with the Macon Boys and Girls clubs to partner on a variety of programs. The Fall Line Freeway issue continued to be a divisive issue, fortunately the Greenway continues to bring many divergent groups together. Superintendent David presented programs about the park to numerous civic and other organizations. He also continued to represent the park on numerous organizations including serving on the Board of Directors for the Keep Macon-Bibb County Beautiful Commission, the Macon-Bibb County Convention and Visitor's Bureau and the Kiwanis Club of Macon. Other organizations include the Tourism Development Committee, Macon Arts Alliance, the Ocmulgee Heritage Greenway Committee, and the Chamber of Commerce.

The park staff worked on their own time with other individuals and civic groups to build a Habitat for Humanities house for the park's custodial worker, Martha Chapman. The house was built at Central City Park during the State Fair. The house was later moved to its permanent location and most of the staff attended the house blessing ceremony.

Cooperating Association

The Ocmulgee National Monument Association had $77,154 in revenue in FY 99. This was a 58% increase over FY 98. This increase was helped by an improved school group visitation. Also an improved Indian Celebration and a good Lantern Light Tour added to the increase. The Association continued with its excellent support of the park programs with $20,148 being donated to the park. The Association continues to be a major asset to the park. Many programs such as the Indian Celebration could not be held without their assistance. Patty Ellis continues as the business manager and is a very strong supporter of park activities.