By assigning each of the Master Plan’s 22 recommendations to the appropriate working group, we are able to evaluate the plan in a comprehensive manner. The formation of the Education group represents our very strong desire to have an “educational” presence throughout the park, to the benefit of both the park and its users. We also address maintenance, park operations, and staffing, since these are all essential underlying elements necessary for successful implementation of improvements to Oak Mountain State Park.

Supported Projects from the Master Plan

Shown below are projects supported by FOM. Some projects we support in a form similar to that described in the Master Plan, but with some modification. Others, we support, but recommend substantial variance from the Master Plan recommendations. Details of our recommendations are shown in later sections of this document. We have omitted estimated costs for these areas of improvement. Per our earlier discussions with DCNR, we look forward to collaborating to develop cost estimates and budgets for the improvements we will endorse. These will be incorporated into our next document.

(* Note that Items 15 and 16 below are pending additional review by FOM prior to a final recommendation)

Master Plan Ranking	Project
1	Forest Management
2	Infrastructure Improvements
3	Trail System Improvements
4	Scenic Touring Trail – Peavine Falls Segment
5	North Entry Arrival Improvements
6	West Entry Arrival Improvements
7	Golf Course Enhancement
9	Double Oak Lake Day Use Area
10	Double Oak Lake Swimming and Marina Area
12	CCC Group Camps 1 & 2 Restoration
14	Fishing Center Day Use Area
15 *	Beaver Lake Day Use Area
16 *	New Tranquility Lake Scenic Cabins
17	North Campground Renovation and Outdoor Center
18	Demonstration Farm and Equestrian Campground
19	CCC Group Camps 3 & 4

Opposed Projects from the Master Plan

Listed below are projects FOM completely opposes. Although several of these projects have been “officially” removed from the Master Plan (e.g. Red Trail paving and Scenic Driving Loop), we request that the DCNR issue a document which “officially” removes them from consideration and directs CDG Engineers to remove them completely from subsequent (and final) versions of the Master Plan.

Master Plan Ranking	Project
8	Golf Course Expansion
11	Scenic Touring Trail - Red Road and Tranquility Lake Segment
13	New West Campground and Park Office
20	New Park Lodge/Conference Center
21	Mountain Top Scenic Cabins
22	Top of the Mountain Center

Executive Summary of Committee Recommendations

Following is an executive summary from each of the FOM committees or Working Groups. Detailed information is in the section immediately following.

Golf

1) Improve Drainage System for entire course and driving range

2) Replace turf on greens and tee boxes

3) Evaluate turf replacement or replenishment elsewhere as needed

4) Improve irrigation system

5) Renovate Golf Clubhouse and Comfort Stations

6) Repave Parking lot

Trail and Day Use

1) Fishing Center Day Use – Lunker and Beaver lake

a. Reconstruct and updates comfort area to ADA standards

b. Install trash container system

c. Construct 3 piers on north side of lake

d. Incorporate interpretive educational elements throughout

e. Rebuild and possibly enlarge picnic pavilion

f. Resurface parking lot

g. Construct low-tech bridge over spillway

2) North Trail Head

a) Resurface parking lot

b) Increase parking by paving dirt area adjacent to parking lot

c) Connect these two parking areas via a wooden bridge to minimize forest impact

d) Construct ADA compliant comfort station 30 yards north of trailhead

3) BMX Area

a) Construct new ADA compliant comfort station

b) Resurface existing gravel parking lot, gravel adjacent open area for additional parking

c) Install signage

d) Consider updating remaining picnic pavilions

4) Group Camp Area

a) Enlarge gravel parking lot and delineate spaces

b) Install trash container system

5) Day Lake Use Area

Entire Day Lake area is in serious need of rehabilitation and will require substantial financial resources

a) Dredge section of the lake used for swimming

b) Scoop, clean and add new sand to beach area to address health and safety concerns

c) Construct new deck to include eating areas

d) Install trash container system

e) Inspect and repair beach pavilions

f) Clean, paint and upgrade bath houses with passively activated flushing/hand washing systems

g) Add enclosed toddler play area adjacent to beach area

h) Construct older children’s playground on location of old tennis courts

i) Improve utilization of all existing facilities at Day Use Area (including former Terrace Restaurant and Park office building)

6) Demonstration Farms and Equestrian Area

a) Clean up area and repair buildings

b) Coordinate with Interpretive Learning initiative throughout the park

c) Cover existing riding arena and add bleachers for events

d) Provide covered hay shed for storing sufficient feed hay

e) Explore opportunities/mechanisms for upgrading the equestrian experience of the Park

7) Peavine Falls Segment and Trailhead

a) Resurface the Peavine Falls road

b) Monitor/regulate traffic load/flow via an automatic gate system

c) Close the road to all 4-wheel traffic at 6:00 P.M.

d) Improve parking and turnaround areas on the road

e) Construct horizontal boardwalk at the overlook of Peavine Falls (similar to one in use at Cheaha)

f) Resurface parking lot and delineate spaces

g) Construct a comfort station with environmentally appropriate treatment of waste

8) Park Entry Arrival Improvements

a) North Entry

i) Improve existing road, add new signage, and a new gatehouse

ii) Do not cut any land mass at the North entry to re-rout/straighten the road

b) West Entry

i) Install automatic arms for controlling traffic flow, construct a new gatehouse to accommodate more visitors. (Gatehouse to include comfort station as well as adequate office space)

ii) Re-landscape entry area

Education

1) Utilize the park naturalist exclusively as a naturalist

2) Form an Education Advisory Board to assist naturalist in development and implementation of an interpretive education program

3) Renovate and utilize the conference facility located next to the Wildlife Rescue Center as a Nature/Interpretive Center to include the following:

a) Laboratory area

b) Restroom for handicapped

c) Classroom(s)

d) Auditorium

e) Office

4) Institute quality educational programs, data collection, informational displays, kiosks and observation areas, using the Interpretive Center as the coordinating focal point and the park as an expanded classroom

5) Repair the Wildlife Rescue Center so that it meets park standards and can serve as the Interpretive Center

Campground

At a high level, we recommend campground enhancements focus on two areas:

A. Renovating existing campground areas

B. Adding capacity to certain existing campground areas.

Specific action items include the following:

1) Include a buffer zone and the development of “constructed wetland” in conjunction with sewer upgrades

2) Upgrade all multi-use sites to have water/sewage/electrical with 50 Amp service.

3) Redesign “B” side camp area with drive thru sites

4) Redesign “A” side camp area to accommodate multi-use sites on most of the existing tent sites while retaining trees and site space to keep “A” side’s aesthetic appeal

5) Add two one-lane/one-way roads to/from existing group camp. Use area encircled by these for tent camping. Use second road from the beach area for small camping cabins similar to those used at the nearby KOA

6) Construct two bathhouses, one on each side of camp area

7) Redesign registration building and parking area at campground entrance to include space for registration, a store and interpretive education components

8) Move R.V. storage to old maintenance area and put parking for day use and campground patrons in the existing R.V. storage lot

Environment and Natural Resources

Purpose of Oak Mountain State Park is to provide the public with a variety of aesthetic and recreational opportunities in an outdoor, nature-oriented environment. The park should be funded from fees for use and services, as well as public money to adequately to serve its purpose. We do not support the harvesting of any resources from within the park as a source of revenue. Recommendations are as follows:

1) We strongly urge the construction of wetland areas to treat sewage in a natural and environmentally

conscious manner to the fullest extent feasible.

2) We are not opposed to the plan currently in place to address the “emergency” sewer situation by connecting to the Shelby County sewer system. We are however, cautious of the possibilities of future expansion and development this enables.

3) The resources within the Park should be managed by “Policy” rather than by a “Plan”.

4) There should be no intent to restore the vegetation to what might have been the primitive, primeval, or pre-human condition.

5) No live tree shall be removed without significant cause.

6) No dead or downed tree shall be removed except as may create a significant inconvenience (lying across a trail or road, etc.).

7) Artificial clearings shall not be routinely restored to their original condition, but be left to regenerate naturally.

8) Roadside vegetation shall be subjected to mowing restricted to a specified distance (six or eight feet) from the pavement edge.

9) We recommend a comprehensive environmental survey (vegetation, soil and animals) of the park, with special attention to the condition of the animals as a function of food supply.

10) Any attempts to control wildlife populations should be preceded by a comprehensive inventory of such wildlife. We do not advocate sport hunting of any kind to manage wildlife populations. Any culling of animal populations should be performed by professionals.

11) Forest fragmentation should be avoided and attention should be given to the Park’s urban interface.

Park Operations and Maintenance

Friends of Oak Mountain strongly recommends that the annual budget for Oak Mountain State Park be drawn up to include increased staffing for operations, education, and maintenance needs of the park, and that only such funds as are received in excess of a realistic annual budget should be released for use elsewhere in the State.

Detailed Recommendations

The following section details the findings/recommendations of each working group

Golf Course

The findings of the Golf Course Committee are consistent with those of the Master Plan-Executive Summary based on discussions with park personnel and users of Oak Mountain State Golf Course both in and outside of the Friends of Oak Mountain.

Oak Mountain State Golf Course is in critical need of three main improvements. These are (1) an improved drainage system, (2) new turf, particularly for tees and greens, and (3) the rehabilitation of current golf cart paths. In conjunction with these main improvements, an improved irrigation system is necessary to maintain the health of the turf grass on tees, fairways, and greens. Although not mentioned in the Master Plan-Executive Summary, the driving range site requires drainage improvements as well.

Building renovation for the Golf Clubhouse which includes the pro shop and comfort station area, requires the following:

Interior updating to attract and keep players returning to this facility
Outside and structural improvements to the extent the budget allows
Much needed curb appeal in the form of a repaved parking area and improved

club house entrance

Secondary structure improvements, such as the driving range ball vending building, are also needed due to wood rot

Attached is the estimate for the Golf Course Enhancement – Task 7. The caveat to this site work project cost could very well be in the estimated costs for the “Surface Drainage Improvements”. Replacement of maintenance equipment should be determined by golf course maintenance department based on the condition, age and amortization of such equipment within its possession. This committee is in full agreement with the Executive Summary’s statement “preserve many of the beautiful tree stands on the course as well as enhance the course’s beauty by planting new trees”, which dovetails with our Natural Resources Working Group policy.

Task 7.
Golf Course Enhancement

Section A. Infrastructure
Item	Description	Quantity	Unit	Unit Price	Total Cost

N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

			Subtotal Section A.		N/A

Section B. Site Work
Item	Description	Quantity	Unit	Unit Price	Total Cost
	Resurfacing of Pro Shop Parking
1.	Mobilization	1	Lump Sum	$ 7,500.00	$ 7,500.00
2.	2" Bit. Conc. Wearing Surface	850	Ton	$ 45.00	$ 38,250.00
3.	6" Solid White Traffic Stripe	2000	Linear Foot	$ 0.75	$ 1,500.00
				Subtotal	$ 47,250.00

	Golf Course Improvements
1.	Surface Drainage Improvements *	1	Lump Sum	$ 50,000.00	$ 50,000.00
2.	Construct New Irrigation System *	1	Lump Sum	$ 450,000.00	$ 450,000.00
3.	Install New Pump Station *	1	Lump Sum	$ 100,000.00	$ 100,000.00
4.	Reconstruct Nineteen Greens *	1	Lump Sum	$ 570,000.00	$ 570,000.00
5.	Reconstruct Nineteen Tee Boxes *	1	Lump Sum	$ 100,000.00	$ 100,000.00
6.	Repair & Extend Cart Paths *	1	Lump Sum	$ 100,000.00	$ 100,000.00
7.	Repair / Replace Cart Bridges *	1	Lump Sum	$ 50,000.00	$ 50,000.00
8.	Replace Older Maintenance Equipment *	1	Lump Sum	$ 150,000.00	$ 150,000.00
	* Denotes cost taken from report compiled by Earl Stone & Associates, Inc.			Subtotal	$ 1,570,000.00
	For the Department of Conservation entitled "A Study To Determine The
	Existing Condition Of The Six State Park Golf Courses And Recommendations
	For Improvement"
			Subtotal Section B.		$ 1,617,250.00

Section C. Vertical Construction
Item	Structure		Sq. feet	Cost/sq Foot	Addl. Sq. Ft.	Costs per Addl. Sq. Ft.	Addl. Equip. Prices		Furnishing	Total Cost
1.	8-1 Golf Clubhouse (Reno.)		5,184	$ 85.00	5,184	$ 20.00	$ -		$ 45,000.00	$ 589,320.00
2.	8-2 Range Ball Vending (Re-build)		180	$ 70.00	180	$ 10.00	$ -		$ -	$ 14,400.00
3.	8-65R Comf. Sta./ Pav. (Re-build)		865	$ 175.00	0	$ -	$ -		$ -	$ 151,375.00
4.	8-89R Comf. Sta./ Pav. (Re-build)		865	$ 175.00	0	$ -	$ -		$ -	$ 151,375.00
							Subtotal Section C.			$ 906,470.00

Section D. Landscaping / Signage / Miscellaneous Costs
Item		Description				Quantity	Unit		Unit Price	Total Cost
1.		Clearing & Grubbing - Existing Landscape				1	Lump Sum		$ 3,000.00	$ 3,000.00
2.		New Concrete Sidewalks				1	Lump Sum		$ 3,000.00	$ 3,000.00
3.		Construction Of Planters & Islands In Parking Lot				5	Lump Sum		$ 2,000.00	$ 10,000.00
5.		Topsoil Installed				200	Cubic Yard		$ 20.00	$ 4,000.00
6.		Evergreen Trees - 2 1/2" Caliper				20	Each		$ 400.00	$ 8,000.00
7.		Deciduous Trees - 2 1/2" Caliper				20	Each		$ 400.00	$ 8,000.00
8.		Flowering Trees - 2" Caliper				15	Each		$ 350.00	$ 5,250.00
9.		Evergreen Shrubs - 3 Gallon				250	Each		$ 25.00	$ 6,250.00
10.		Groundcover - 1 Gallon				200	Each		$ 10.00	$ 2,000.00
11.		Perennial Flowers				50	Each		$ 8.00	$ 400.00
12.		Solid Sod				2,500	Square Yard		$ 5.50	$ 13,750.00
							Subtotal Section D.			$ 63,650.00

								Construction Subtotal		$2,587,370.00
								Project Contingences (10.0%)		$ 258,737.00
								Construction Total		$ 2,846,107.00

								Engineering & Architectural Fees		$ 181,154.71
								Construction Management		$ 85,383.21

								Total Task Fees		$ 3,112,644.92

Trail & Day Use (Including Park Entry/Exit)

As the Friends of Oak Mountain Day Use group toured the areas being considered, we tried to use a checklist approach. What we encountered did not allow us to do so. Everywhere we looked, we saw dramatic signs of grossly neglected facilities. We understand the Oak Mountain staff does their best with the resources they are given. The problem seems to lie in the fact that inadequate resources are allocated for ongoing maintenance. The signs were everywhere, rotted wood, leaking faucets and toilets, peeling paint, rutted drives and parking lots, erosion and more. Yet the people continue to come, because they love Oak Mountain. As one of the few profitable parks in the system, surely a consistent and adequate maintenance budget is justified. Ideally, these funds

should come from Park proceeds before they are sent to the State Parks system for redistribution. At any rate, this committee finds that whatever portion of this bond issue necessary should be used to bring the facilities at Oak Mountain back up to acceptable standards before any expansion is implemented. The paragraphs below will attempt to respond to specific items in the “Master Plan Draft” while prioritizing for that which our observation shows the greater need and justification. These recommendations are a preliminary draft and therefore not as detailed as the proposal that will follow.

Trail & Day Use Areas

1. Demonstration Farm

Demonstration farm area needs vast improvement in terms of cleaning up and repair. Animal pens should be redone to allow animals more room and new sod placed in the enclosures for grazing. Coordination on educational programs between farm personnel and the Park Naturalist could attract more families and children. If the land in the area behind the stables cannot be provided proper drainage to facilitate grazing, the possibility of a wetland and/or bog wildflowers should be explored as part of the Park interpretive education program.

2. Fishing Center Day Use Area – Beaver and Lunker Lake

Comfort area should be reconstructed and updated per Americans with Disabilities Act (herein referred to as ADA standards). Aesthetically designed trash container system is needed here, and park wide, to compensate for understaffing. Three pier areas should be constructed on north side of lake. Educational opportunities can be worked in through signage showing types of fish in and wildlife sustained around the lake. The boat ramp access at Beaver Lake requires straightening. Picnic pavilion should be rebuilt and possibly enlarged and updated to promote rental for occasions. We recommend the current Fishing Center be restored and updated. We recommend the “New Fishing Center” be removed from the Master Plan. Parking lot in between fishing store and trail head should be resurfaced, with delineated parking spots. The trailhead here also needs a sign.

The Trails & Day Use Committee also recommends the construction of a bridge over the spillway. The bridge construction should be low tech so as not to significantly alter the character of the area. This will ease traffic congestion from the west end of the Park, particularly with respect to camping travel trailers and keep water in the spillway free from oil contamination as cars pass. The open area near the spillway should be improved to have another vehicle turnaround area and an aesthetically landscaped picnic area with tables.

3. North Trail Head

Resurface current parking lot and delineate parking spots. Increase parking area by similarly improving the dirt area adjacent to the current parking lot which now accommodates overflow on crowded days. These two areas could be connected by the construction of a wooded bridge with minimal disruption to vegetation. Across from the parking lot, and about thirty yards north of the trailhead, a comfort station should be constructed to ADA specifications. If not connected to the main sewer system, a “wetland” option should be considered for this site.

4. BMX Area

Construct a new comfort station on current site to ADA specifications. Recommendation is to improve current gravel parking lot area with delineated parking spaces. Signage is necessary for trails surrounding this area. Depending upon budget, consider updating/improving picnic pavilions.

5. Group Camp Road

This area attracts more users than realized. A larger, more obvious graveled parking area with sufficient trash container system is needed for this area. Replacement of the experimental latrine with a facility that is environmentally compatible and maintainable is necessary. Group meeting building is also in need of significant improvement to enhance it’s appeal as a “rental” facility.

6. Day Lake Use Area

It has been determined by the Trails and Day Use Committee that this area is in serious need of rehabilitation and will require much in the way of budgetary resources. The section of the lake roped off for swimming requires dredging for safety reasons. The beach area needs to be scooped, cleaned, and fresh sand added for both aesthetic, and health and safety reasons (sand is full of glass and trash). A newly designed deck area should be constructed to include eating areas. This area needs trash container system. Beach area pavilions and other structures need to be inspected and repaired due to weathering deterioration. Bathrooms need greatly improving – such as pressure washing, painting, and upgrading to ADA standards. Given the kind of use the bathrooms endure during the warmer months, we recommend passively activated toilet and basin fixtures for both heath and maintenance cost considerations. We recommend an enclosed toddler playground area adjacent to the beach area. Its purpose is three-fold: 1) Provide parents with toddlers a safe area to occupy the attention of their smaller children 2) Aid in diaper failure prevention on the beach, and 3) Spread out the impact of a dense crowd in the summer months. Another benefit of the toddler playground is that it will also lessen the possibility of toddler drowning. In place of the dilapidated tennis court area, we recommend the construction of a large playground for older children. This playground should be safely enclosed by the combination of a split rail fence lined on the inside with unobtrusive green mesh. To extent possible in the Tennis Court and former BMX area, add picnic tables to attract families. Again, given the budget, primary emphasis is on refurbishing existing structures.

7. Peavine Falls Segment and Trailhead

With the discovery that the Peavine Fall Road will be paved or graveled in such a manner to allow increased vehicular traffic, we recommend the following improvements be made:

A. Automated monitoring and regulation of number vehicles in and out of this area via a gate system. Birmingham downtown library has this.

B. Turnarounds on the road to accommodate increased visitation. There exist a couple of areas approaching the top which are considered “eyesores” but nonetheless have value in that they could be smoothed out for turnarounds.

C. Improved and delineated parking and trash containers at the trailhead/falls area.

D. Horizontal boardwalk at the overlook similar to the boardwalk at Cheaha State Park for managing the impact of foot traffic and allowing access to disabled visitors.

E. Environmentally friendly, ADA compliant comfort station that is economically reasonable. Consideration should be given to septic, wetland and cistern technologies.

Note: Erosion studies should be performed and erosion control plans implemented prior to any and all road, turnaround and parking construction.

Equestrian Area

Visitors to Oak Mountain State Park have enjoyed the traditional sport of horseback riding for over thirty years. It has also provided a continuing source of Park revenue through gate fees and special events. Since little was done to maintain the facility, by either the Park or the past concessionaire, it fell into disrepair. The current concessionaire stepped in at a time when no one else would and, under his guidance, created a sustainable place for horses. A number of repairs and improvements have been made, in some cases using his private funds, and money has been placed into a capital improvement fund with the state.

The Equestrian Center can be more than a place to stable horses and take a ride; it can be a unique area attraction. The greater Birmingham area lacks a facility large enough to host many functions and events for 4-H groups, the American Quarter Horse Association, and saddle clubs. The entrance fees for these shows and competitions will generate money for needed repairs and improvements as well as providing profit. If competitions are held at the Park, a saddle club can be established for Oak Mountain. Such a nonprofit organization would then become involved with future fund raising for the stables and a source of volunteer labor. First, however, the facility must be brought up to acceptable equestrian standards. The following facility improvements will aid in creating a

Improving the Equestrian Center will permit larger group participation. For example, Birdsong Trail Rides, a private facility in Tennessee offers only two organized rides a year that completely fund its stable. The facility has two bathhouses and a dining hall. Participants pay $350 dollars for a weekend or $700 for five days in the park. This type of fund raising could completely fund Oak Mountain stables. It will only happen, however, if further improvements and additions are made to the Equestrian Center first. Once this is achieved, fund raising rides will be held at the Park with the proceeds being shared between the charity, the stables and the Park.

Park Entry Arrival Improvements

1. North Entry Arrival

Friends of Oak Mountain are opposed to any cutting of land mass and hence any straightening (rerouting) of the road accessing the Park via the North Entry. Land is at a premium in the vicinity with residences already at the Park boundary. It would be a waste of funds, which can be allocated for more pressing needs. It would also sacrifice the natural ambience of the existing road. We are in favor of improvements of the existing road and the gate approach turn. We are also in favor of new signage, a new gatehouse to include automatic arms, which facilitate entrance and interaction between Park employees and visitors, and possibly, a turnabout (roundabout), which can be constructed on a flat area located near the existing gatehouse.

2. West Entry Arrival

The construction of a new gatehouse is long overdue. This structure must be able to accommodate additional Park employees working during peak hours and assist them in efficient and quick visitor entrance transactions on both sides of the structure. Building should include comfort station and sufficient office space for business use. Automatic arms are a must for controlling traffic entering and leaving the Park. New landscaping will be necessary to complement the new structure, but should be designed such that it addresses safety considerations for both Park employee and visitor. For example, the hedge in front of the current building is so high that it blocks the extended visibility of the attendant inside. This creates a security hazard for Park employees working at night.

Education

Proposal for an Interpretive Center for Oak Mountain State Park

Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest state park. Within the Park’s boundaries, close to 9,000 acres of rolling, wooded hills represent an important green space for the State’s largest metropolitan area. With the rapid spread of urbanization in Central Alabama that has occurred in the last half century, the need for such a natural area has become critical to the entire metropolitan region. Equally critical is the need for a strong Park Interpretive Program to create understanding and appreciation for the Park as a natural ecosystem. In planning for the long-term preservation of the Park, educating Park visitors to understand and appreciate the value of the Park as a natural area must rank among the highest priorities. Equally important is the opportunity to instill in future generations of urbanized Alabamians a realization of the joy and wonder to be found in the natural world.

The Concept of an Interpretive Center

The purpose of an Interpretive Center is to provide a place where people can learn about the natural features of the Park, so as to be able to understand, enjoy, and protect them. Information should be available to people of all ages, from beginner to expert; it should also be available in many forms, from guided field activities to self-guiding displays on roads and picnic areas, videos, and reference material such as pressed plants and study skins. The Interpretive Center’s activities should be visible throughout the Park in the form of informational displays and specially designated nature observation areas, yet it must also have a place for classrooms, displays of flora and fauna, wet labs, and other types of organized learning. Information kiosks and signs should refer visitors to the Center for additional information and study. In addition to its function in teaching people about the Park’s natural features, the Interpretive Center should also be involved in long-term studies of the native flora and fauna in order to monitor the health of the Park. Such studies give opportunities for citizen science programs making use of volunteers to collect research data. Subjects to be studied, and taught, include ornithology, biology, botany, herpetology, geology, biology, mammalogy, astronomy, and the other branches of the natural sciences. Equally important, the Interpretive Center should teach the skills necessary to enjoy the natural world. Skills such as map reading and orienteering, hiking, camping, and outdoor survival, should all be part of the regular offerings of the Interpretive Center. Many of these programs could be offered by groups such as Birmingham Audubon Society, the Wildflower Society, Vulcan Trail Association, etc., as well as by qualified Park volunteers.

Location

The Park has an existing facility that is ideal for an Interpretive Center. This is the former Conference Center, located on a wooded knoll adjacent to the Wildlife Center. The two buildings share a large parking lot, and were originally built to function as a single venue. Although the building is centrally located in relation to the area of heavy traffic attracted by the Marina, Swimming Beach, and Picnic Pavilions, it has the advantage of being situated atop a ridge, surrounded by woodlands, and well-insulated from the noise and disturbance of the rest of the day-use area along Terrace Drive. Undisturbed woodlands roll from the proposed site into a pristine valley and then up to the main Oak Mountain ridge, offering acres of secluded woodlands for nature study and observation, undisturbed by other Park activities. In the other direction, a .3-mile hiking trail connects directly to The Wildlife Center’s 750 foot elevated boardwalk, which features six species of native birds of prey, known as the Treetop Nature Trail.

The Building

The proposed building has been little used over its life span, and a leaky roof has caused ceiling tile to disintegrate, making the building currently unusable without repairs. However, the studies carried out in conjunction with the Master Plan indicate that the structure is fundamentally sound. Creating an Interpretive Center in this building will have the added benefit of rescuing an existing park structure that will otherwise continue to be wasted. (This building was not included in the Executive Summary.) The cost of renovation and repair should be exactly the kind of purpose for which the bond issue was initially sought. Although not large, the building has ample space for wet and dry labs, a Naturalist’s Office, an auditorium/classroom, and interpretive displays of native plants and animals. A large, circular paved area is located at the top of the hill next to the building. This would be an ideal location for an outdoor classroom similar to the one at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, which consists of an open, roofed structure with picnic-style tables and benches.

Staffing

Staffing would necessarily begin with the current Park Naturalist, Keener Morrow. At Oak Mountain, the Park Naturalist has many other work assignments not related to education. However, there are two state parks, De Soto and Guntersville, where the Park Naturalist is assigned to work full time on interpretive programs for the public. Thus there is a precedent within the Alabama State Parks system for a full-time Naturalist. As the largest state park serving the largest population, Oak Mountain is clearly in need of a full-time Naturalist. We are fortunate that Keener Morrow has a degree in Botany from Jacksonville State University, and is also highly regarded for his educational skills and his knowledge of the Park. He will be a tremendous asset to the Interpretive Center. He will need a great deal of assistance, especially during peak seasons. There is a precedent at Oak Mountain for hiring college students as seasonal interns to assist the Park Naturalist. Lodging is available in the Park for the Interns, who also receive a small stipend. The Naturalist would also need the assistance of qualified volunteers from the constituent members of FOM, such as the Wildflower Society, Birmingham Audubon Society, Vulcan Trails Association, etc.

Partnership with The Wildlife Center

For the past fifteen years, the Alabama Wildlife Rescue Service has been operating the larger building next door under a long-term agreement with Alabama State Parks to create a wildlife rehabilitation and education center. Under the agreement, State Parks contributes the building, most of the costs of utilities and major maintenance, and The Wildlife Center covers all operating expenses as well as costs of capital improvements. The Wildlife Center’s dual mission is to rehabilitate injured and orphaned native wildlife so as to return them to the wild, and to educate the people of Alabama to create greater appreciation and concern for native wildlife and the problems they face because of the rapid spread of human development. So far, The Wildlife Center has spent just under $500,000 on developing facilities that allow the animals to be rehabilitated in enclosures that can be viewed by the public through one-way glass windows. These facilities have only recently been completed, making it possible for the first time to offer stimulating educational tours for schools, scouts, and Park visitors. Further efforts are currently under way to enhance the self-guided educational tours through the use of audio-tours and closed circuit video of some of the more interesting activities. Currently, The Wildlife Center is operating on a budget of approximately $300,000, although donated goods and services from state parks and the community allow operational totals valued at closer to $750,000. A partnership with the Park Interpretive program would significantly benefit The Wildlife Center as well as the Park and its visitors. The close proximity of the two institutions would undoubtedly create a synergy to the benefit of both. The Park Interpretive Program would have full access to The Wildlife Center as an educational resource, both for tours of the Center and The Treetop Nature Trail, and also as a source of study skins, birds’ nests, and other natural materials, as well as the observational opportunities involving living wild creatures in every stage of development, from newborn to adult. For a project that is necessarily going to have to be carried out on a limited budget, the opportunity to partner with a facility of the scope and caliber of The Wildlife Center is a major asset that should greatly assist in attracting support for the Park Interpretive Program.

Funding

By using an existing building and an existing Park employee, the proposal to develop an Interpretive Center is both simple and practical. Other than the stipends for summer interns, no additional funds for salaries will be requested from Alabama State Parks. These funds should be allocated from the $15 million already set aside for Oak Mountain to repair and improve the old Conference Center and install some of the facilities and displays needed to offer interpretive programs. State Parks should also seek additional funds from federal and state programs such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund and Legacy to install the full range of educational resources and displays that would make the facility dynamic and interesting to visitors. Studies need to be undertaken to determine the amount of increased revenue that can be generated for the Park through the offering of interpretive programs to schools, scouts, and Park visitors. With the massive development that has occurred in areas adjacent to the Park, there are currently a considerable number of local school systems that would be likely to make use of such a facility on a regular basis. Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Oak Mountain, Pelham, Alabaster, Indian Springs and Briarwood currently engage students in such programs.

Leadership

Realistically, Alabama State Parks cannot be expected to produce all of the resources needed to make the Interpretive Center a first-class educational facility. Over the last twenty years, several attempts have been made by state parks to provide an Interpretive Center for Oak Mountain. In each case, the lack of resources, lack of publicity, and lack of greater involvement of the community led to failure. Displays usually consisted of a few mounted animal specimens and displays about woodcrafts. The projects were abandoned after a year or two. For the Interpretive Center to have a fair prospect of lasting success, direction of the Interpretive Center will have to be vested in an Advisory Board that would work with the Park. The purpose of an Advisory Board is to widen the base of knowledge and resources available so as to enhance the Interpretive Center as an educational institution. Thus, an Advisory Board should have a substantial role in planning the design of the Interpretive Center and developing its educational resources and displays. Such boards have worked well in the past with state and local governments as well as with parks. For example: Bob Reid of Bradley, Arant, Rose, & White has worked with Birmingham Audubon Society and other environmental groups. He has recommended that that such a group will need to have guidelines and a definite composition of those people to be included on the board. The guidelines would include overseeing programs, aiding the Park naturalist in developing such programs, as well as developing and planning the Interpretive Center. Members would include groups from the region such as Birmingham Audubon Society, Friends of Oak Mountain, and others. It would also include educators from the larger region surrounding the Park, Birmingham, Montevallo, Columbiana, etc. Finally, the members must include leading educators and scientists in the fields of education, botany, ornithology, geology, biology, herpetology, and other subjects related to the study of Oak Mountain as a natural ecosystem. It is anticipated that many of the programs offered could be done with the assistance of qualified volunteers from the groups represented on an Advisory Board.

A Role Model for the Interpretive Center

In considering this proposal, it is inspiring to see what has been accomplished elsewhere. The Rock Creek Nature Center in Rock Creek Park, near Washington, D.C., describes itself as follows:

“The Rock Creek Nature Center is the major information center and focal point for activities related to the Park’s natural and cultural history. Exhibits tell about the Park’s wildlife and forest, and a library, open to all, has many books on natural history. A Discovery Room will encourage hands-on activities. An observation beehive is located on the back wall of the exhibit room. Guided nature walks and curriculum-based environmental education programs take place daily. The Center hopes to instill an affection for wild places, the ability to find a sense of wonder in them, and discover the joys of the outdoors. Programs attempt to teach the concepts of ecology, to identify the local floral and fauna, and to understand man’s interrelationship with nature.”

Conclusion

The proposed project involves the largest state park in Alabama, serving the largest metropolitan area in the state. Oak Mountain State Park has the funds to support this project, if they are not drained off to support other, less popular parks. Friends of Oak Mountain needs to place the highest priority on this much-needed facility, both for the educational needs of the people of Alabama and for the long-term preservation of the Park as a natural area.

Campground

Through researching the different aspects of the Master Plan that would impact the campground renovation/development, we provide the following findings and recommendations.

Findings

* The master plan expresses concern that the existing KOA campground may not survive, due to pressures of land development in the area. Our investigation found this to be true, noting that KOA will likely relocate in 12 to 36 months.

* Any capacity increases to the campgrounds will require an increase in the wastewater processing capacity of the Park. There exists a possibility to link the Park with the Shelby County system; however, time is of the essence. For this to remain a viable solution, timely discussions should be started with the county officials, which include specific details of the Park’s sewage requirements, including flow volumes, etc.

* The strong possibility exists that the Shelby county system may soon be sold. Should this happen, the new owner might not honor verbal commitments made by Shelby County to Oak Mountain State Park. The Shelby County sewer connection is likely the only option, since Pelham has indicated that it is operating at full capacity and has no connection potential east of Interstate 65.

We have conducted much research, and solicited input from various users as well as from the local Park personnel. Based upon this, the Campsite/Campground Committee of the Friends of Oak Mountain feels strongly that the best course of action is to focus upon two areas:

¨ Renovate existing campground areas

¨ Add capacity to certain existing campground areas

Recommendations

1. In conjunction with sewer upgrades, include a buffer zone and the development of “constructed wetlands”.

2. Upgrade all multi-use sites to have water/sewage/electrical with 50-amp service.

3. Redesign “B” side traffic flow to all pull thru sites so they would better serve traffic from interstate 65.

4. Redesign “A” side to accommodate multi-use sites on most of the existing tent sites while retaining trees and site space to keep its integrity and appeal.

5. Add two one-lane/one-way roads to/from existing group camp (pioneer site following contour lines down to the third bathhouse. The encircled area to be designated tent area. Second road from the beach area following contour of lake around the next northern point back into the cul de sac (site 27-28). This road designated for small camping cabins similar to those used at the nearby KOA.

6. Design bathhouses similar to the ones now in use at Windcreek State Park. One on the “B” side and 2 on the “A” side.

7. Redesign registration booth and parking at campground entrance to include space for registration, a store and interpretive education components

8. Locate parking for day use and campground patrons in the existing R.V. storage lot and Move R.V. storage to old maintenance area.

Environment and Natural Resources

Definitions

The Forest, for purposes of this document, includes all lands within the Park, vegetation, water, and wildlife thereon, not developed for specific concentrated uses, such as, but not limited to, campground, cabin areas, stables, demonstration gardens, the golf course, trails, etc. By definition, lakes and ponds are not included as Forest but lesser streams and wetlands are.

Infrastructure, for purposes of this document, includes the sewer and water supply systems, power lines and roads. It should be noted, however, vegetated areas within the rights-of-way of such facilities are included within the area of Forest, as defined above. Hiking, biking, and equestrian trails are Facilities, but the vegetation through which such trails pass is Forest. Our recommendations are based on the following premises:

1 The primary function of Oak Mountain State Park is to provide the public with a variety of aesthetic and recreational opportunities in an outdoor, nature-oriented environment, and should be funded from fees and services, and public sources, adequately to serve that purpose. The possibility of deriving income from harvested products should be considered at most an opportunistic source. Our proposal assumes that no income will be derived from harvested products.

2. We do believe, and assert, however, that any income from the Park, whether from fees, services, or other source, should be returned to the Park Service, in full, for the sole purpose of constructing,

maintaining, and enhancing the facilities and services of the state parks.

Sewer

We recommend that serious consideration be given to constructed wetlands for sewage treatment, as an alternative to replacing the existing system with a piped system to connect with the Pelham city system, and these wetlands could probably be constructed at less cost than the proposed pipe system.

The cost efficiency and environmental efficacy of constructed wetlands for sewage treatment are well documented, and are not in doubt (references available). However, it is understood that an emergency situation exists with regard to the existing system, to the extent that a major overhaul or total replacement is imminent. It is further understood that for this reason it is not presently feasible to consider the alternative of constructed wetlands to replace this system in its entirety.

We suggest, however, that small constructed wetlands be considered as an option for isolated and disjunctive facilities, such as the Wildlife Center, Peavine Falls parking area, etc. Also, waste from the Petting Zoo is now settled in a lagoon, which is less efficacious (and environmentally less desirable) than a wetland. This lagoon probably could be converted easily into a wetland, which incidentally might (depending upon accessibility) also accept waste from the horse stable. We strongly urge a study of the possibilities suggested by these comments.

Beyond this recommendation, we propose that advice and consent for infrastructure renovation and maintenance, including the proposed renovation or replacement of the existing sewer and water systems, shall be the responsibility of appropriate authority, i.e., the State Parks Commission, the utility companies, etc., and that such work shall be done in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by those authorities and by local, state, and federal regulating agencies. This applies also to construction of new facilities, when such facilities are deemed appropriate to the proper uses of the Park, as determined on the basis of the required public input. However, as stated above, vegetation within the rights-of-way for such facilities shall fall within the purview of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee within the constraints imposed by said regulations.

Environment and Natural Resources

Vegetation and wildlife populations are dynamic, rather than static entities, and thus will change constantly over time. The state or condition of these resources will inevitably and unavoidably influence the quality of the aesthetic and recreational experiences of the Park user. It is therefore important to note, that Park resources should be managed by policy rather than plan.

In determining what such policy should be at any given place in the Park at any given time, there should be no intent to restore the vegetation to what might have been the primitive, primeval, or pre-human condition. Rather, the present vegetation shall be taken as the environment with which to work.

The guiding principle must be focused exclusively on maximizing the aesthetic and recreational experience of the Park user, within the limits imposed by regulations on rights-of-way and other facilities, as discussed above. This would apply not only to vegetation but also to wildlife, considering that the presence of wildlife has an aesthetic value, and that its presence will be determined to a considerable extent by the condition of the vegetation.

In order to establish appropriate policy the vegetation within the Park may be considered to comprise the following three basic landscape types: forest (woods), semi-open, and open. Further, where forest is present, it may comprise three distinguishable, though not always distinct, layers: the canopy (upper story), the mid-story (mid-layer), and the ground cover (under-story). Thus we identify six components of vegetation structure (not to be confused with species/floristics), which may occur in various combinations on any given site. Underlying all of these, of course, are topography and geology, which influence the vegetation, and are themselves essential natural resources and environments.

Within these six components, policy with regard to any one will be determined according to the adjacent or traversing facility, which we define as Environment. Note that it is the quality of the environment of the facility, and not the facility itself, that is of concern to the Environment and Natural Resource Group. The quality of the facility will fall within the purview of other working groups.

Environments, as defined above, will include, but will not necessarily be limited to, the following:

a) Infrastructure environment (pole and pipelines, road rights-of-way, park operations and maintenance facilities, etc.)

b) Campground environment (trees, wildflowers)

c) Trail environment (the quality of the trail experience is determined to a large extent by the character of the environment through which the trail passes, whether by hiking, biking, horse backing, or simply accessing, as to Peavine Falls)

d) Wildlife environment (browse, forage, and mast; bedding or nesting sites; shelter sites, etc.)

e) Water and wetlands environments (lake margins, streams, bogs, etc.)

f) Plant environments (including special plant communities, such as Oak Leaf Hydrangea, White Buckeye, sandstone outcrops, bottomland hardwood groves, old-growth pine groves and mast trees)

g) Topographic, edaphic, and geologic environments (These environments are especially vulnerable to disturbance during construction and maintenance of facilities, and should remain undisturbed/preserved)

Note: These defined environments are not necessarily mutually exclusive, and in fact, in some cases, overlap significantly. Specific policies for the management, preservation, or enhancement of these environments are not promulgated at this time, except as to the following, which should be immediately adopted, until further policy is determined [Note here the emphasis on tentative intention, or moratorium]

1) No live tree should be removed without significant cause. Profit is NOT a significant cause.

2) No dead or downed trees shall be removed except as may create a significant inconvenience (lying across a trail, etc.), create a significant eyesore, or may present a clear and imminent hazard (fire etc.), or for salvage in the case of mass destruction (as by storm or insect epidemic, etc.). While it may be argued by the purists, that insects, diseases, and catastrophe are part of the Natural cycle, and should be allowed to run their course, failure to control an insect epidemic, to salvage timber killed by them, or downed by catastrophe, is inconsistent with current concepts of good stewardship and incompatible with the aesthetic function of the Park.

3) Artificial clearings, made by whatever cause or for whatever reason, shall not routinely be restored to the original vegetation, but shall be left to regenerate naturally, or maintained as an opening, if it has value as such. Such openings provide browse for deer, and preferred feeding and nesting sites for a variety of small mammals and especially birds.

4) Mowing of roadside vegetation, should be restricted to a specified distance from the pavement edge (six or eight feet, or to the ditch). Such "edge effect" vegetation may be thinned or not, according to its nature at any given location, until further policy is promulgated. In any case, broadcast application of herbicides should be entirely withheld, and herbicides, if applied at all, should apply only to individual plants or to specifically delimited locales. We note that roadsides are inherently ideal sites for natural, self-sustaining wildflower displays when mowed or otherwise managed in ways appropriate for the species involved. These relationships merit careful study.

5) No measures of any kind should currently be undertaken to control wildlife populations, pending an inventory of population densities in relation to the adequacy of the environment to support the needs of such populations. Hunting to control wildlife populations should not, now or in future, be used for the purpose of controlling wildlife populations (it is both illegal in the parks and hazardous to the public).

6) Any further fragmentation of contiguous wooded areas should be avoided.

7) Attention should be given to the urban interface with the Park to avoid species incursion and risk of fire. The Park naturalist could conduct workshops to educate surrounding landowners on the value of and methods for encouraging buffer zones adjacent to the park boundary.

Immediate Needs Essential and Preliminary to Promulgating Policy

1. There is an immediate and urgent need for a comprehensive inventory of the environment and natural resources within the Park. This should include plants, larger animals (deer, turkeys) and soil. It should be done by or under direct supervision of, professionals well versed in these disciplines. It should include user interviews, by either academicians or by consultants. With no disparagement on any Park employee, we recommend professional consultants skilled in each of these areas be contracted for this task.

2. For plants, this inventory is not intended to include a complete floristic survey, but a site quality and community survey. The purpose will be to determine where certain plant communities worthy of special preservation or enhancement efforts may exist. These are often a consequence of certain combinations of topographic, geologic, and edaphic environments.

3. For animals, the inventory should include population densities, with special attention to quality of the animals as a function of food supply, shelter, and other habitat requirements. This inventory should include not only deer, but also, other species such as turkeys, woodpeckers, and others of especial interest.

Park Operations and Maintenance

FOM recognizes that adequate funding of Park Operations is a critical element in our ongoing discussion with DCNR. Funds for adequate staffing and maintenance have not been allocated for the annual operations of Oak Mountain State Park, but instead have been used to fund other parks with inadequate revenue streams. Friends of Oak Mountain strongly recommends that the annual budget for Oak Mountain State Park be drawn up to include increased staffing for operations, education, and maintenance needs of the Park, and that only such funds as are received in excess of a realistic annual budget should be released for use elsewhere in the State Parks system.

Schedule of Remaining Deliverables

Our remaining deliverables to the DCNR include the detailed plan to support this summary. Such plan will incorporate more specific recommendations. Working in conjunction with members of the DCNR, we will also include proposed budgets for these specific recommendations. Completion of this phase is anticipated in July 2003.

Project

Double Oak Lake Swimming and Marina Area

Beaver Lake Day Use Area