CULLMAN, Ala. – Plans are currently being made to remove several large trees at Sportsman Lake Park near Cullman Veterans Memorial Park. The Veterans Memorial Park Board requested the removal of the trees so the park could accommodate a new drone monument. Details about the project remain tentative. The matter has already gained local attention due to its potential environmental impact and park accessibility limits. It has been confirmed that the monument’s placement is the reason for the tree removal, with room left for possible future expansions.
Although the exact number of trees slated for removal is not yet known, the project must first get through regulatory reviews, including those related to wildlife preservation, before removal can begin. The park is protected under the Land and Water Conservation Fund program, requiring approval from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) before any trees can be cut down.
There is no definitive timeline for when tree removal might begin. Disruptions to park access are expected to be minimal; however, sections of the park directly surrounding the construction site may be temporarily closed during the construction period. Any closures are expected to be limited and short term.
The long-term landscaping plans for the area around the drone monument remain undetermined. The initiative is a partnership between the Cullman County Commission and the Veterans Memorial Park Board, but design decisions are primarily made by the board. It is anticipated that the area will be developed in a manner consistent with the existing style of Veterans Memorial Park.
Public discussion regarding the project has already occurred during Cullman County Commission meetings. At its last meeting, the commission voted to move forward with the request to remove the trees, although further steps depend on obtaining the required environmental permits. Any future updates will be communicated to the public via the County’s official social media outlets and Everbridge alerts once the project timeline becomes clearer.
