Homewood council authorizes potential right-of-way work for vernal-pool restoration

The Homewood City Council on July 13 approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to grant permission for right-of-way work in the Homewood Forest Preserve should Dr. Megan Gibbons of UAB receive grant funding to recreate vernal pools.

Mayor Andrews recapped a recent site visit and a report from vernal-pool specialist Tom Big Bendhausen, noting partners include the Friends of Shades Creek, Sanford, UAB and the Freshwater Land Trust. "We heard from Dr. Megan Gibbons from UAB... she is looking for permission to work in the right of way, should she get that grant," Mayor Andrews said, describing the request as preemptive so the city can accommodate fieldwork if funding comes through.

A council member asked whether the work would affect salamander pools and what the impact would be. The council discussed that the proposed approach aims to create or restore vernal pools within the preserve to reduce the need for salamanders to cross the road to reach habitat on adjacent property.

The council approved the authorization by unanimous vote (Resolution 26-70). Mayor Andrews said the work is contingent on receiving grant funds and that Dr. Gibbons had already applied because her grant deadline came sooner than expected. The Friends of Shades Creek and UAB will coordinate field work and funding applications; any physical work will be subject to the city manager’s approval and standard permitting requirements.

The council’s action is an authorization to allow staff to coordinate with the project team if external funding is secured; it is not a commitment of city funds for the restoration work.