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Contact: Chris Alford, 740-774-1126
CHILLICOTHE, OHIO – Hopewell Culture National Historical Park will implement two projects this year with $150,000 from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This project is part of a nationwide effort to restore natural habitats and address climate change impacts. In fiscal year 2023, President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act will provide $52 million to the National Park Service to fund projects throughout the country related to ecosystem resilience, restoration, and environmental planning needs.
The first project will restore 33 acres of forest at Mound City Group and Seip Earthworks. Focusing on the removal of invasive honeysuckle along Hopewell earthworks, restoration will improve the forest understory and open views along the Scioto River. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience natural forests on a landscape that is predominantly used for agriculture.
The second project will restore 80 acres of grasslands near Seip Earthworks. This project will plant a mix of warm season grasses and forbs on non-forested lands. These grasses will provide diverse habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. Visitors will be able to walk along scenic nature trails, view the earthworks, and enjoy wildlife. Restoring grasslands protects important cultural resources from erosion.
“Removing invasive species and planting native plants is key to restoring a balance in the ecosystem” said Superintendent Chris Alford. “Through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments, restoration of these lands will provide new opportunities for visitors to connect with a landscape rich in cultural and natural history.”
The projects announced today infuse much-needed funding to put people to work addressing critical ecosystem needs to restore healthy and resilient park lands while benefiting communities surrounding parks. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, the National Park Service is working to address the impacts of the climate crisis, including intensifying drought, wildfires, flooding and legacy pollution in national parks and other public lands. Resources are making significant strategic investments to repair critical facilities and infrastructure and enhance conservation through ecosystem restoration and recreation opportunities.
The full lists of fiscal year 2023 projects are available online: IRA Restoration and Resilience projects and BIL Ecosystem Resilience projects.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 425 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Last updated: August 8, 2023