Fenn Church says he found his old-growth oaks gone. More than 200 yards of them, according to Church, who told WVTM 13 on November 5, 2026, that Alabama Power crews had entered and cleared the trees without his knowledge. The allegation has not been confirmed by a court or independent investigation.
What is confirmed is that the underlying legal fight was very much alive when Church says the chainsaws arrived. His property covers approximately 416 acres near Calera, in Shelby County, and includes waterways, wildlife habitat, and the home he is building for retirement.
How the Law Got Alabama Power Onto That Property
Three court actions in roughly two months set the conditions for the dispute: an injunction, an appeal, and a Supreme Court stay.
On September 22, 2026, Shelby County Circuit Judge Jonathan A. Spann temporarily barred Alabama Power from entering Church’s property. The court found that entry and clearing could cause immediate and irreparable harm while the condemnation case continued…