West Rock Mountain Preserve
West Rock Mountain Preserve is a planned public park and nature preserve in Hueytown.
The city of Hueytown, led by Mayor Steve Ware acquired 840 acres from the University of Alabama for $3.8 million in 2023, following a public backlash against announced plans to clear cut the property. The land was part of a 400,000-acre grant from the United States in 1880 as partial reparations for $250,000 in damages to the campus at the hands of Croxton's auxiliary during the Civil War. The University retained mineral and groundwater rights as part of the 2023 sale.
The mountain sides were slated for protection as a 380-acre nature preserve, while the remaining 460 acres may be developed for residential, commercial or municipal purposes.
The city plans to open the preserve to hiking in fall 2024, with mountain bike trails and pavilions added later.
References
- Thrailkill, Laurel (August 12, 2023) "What's in store for Hueytown's recently acquired 840 acres of land." Birmingham Business Journal
- Byington, Pat (August 24, 2023) "New 400-acre nature preserve coming to Hueytown." Bham Now
- Thrailkill, Laurel (October 13, 2023) "400-acre nature preserve opening in fall 2024." Birmingham Business Journal