FAWN Thank You Cards and Journal Entries

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Winston County Natural Resources Council November Meeting

WCNRC November 2018 Meeting Minutes by secretary Kerri Roberts

Members present: Mike Henshaw, Vice Chair, Kerri Roberts, Secretary, Andy Scott, John Creed, Lauranne James, Casey Hammock, J.D. Snoddy, Andy Baril, Travis McDonald.

• Mike discussed allowing Meek, Addison, and Double Springs Middle Schools to use the bus funds that were allocated for FAWN for another field trip since they did not get to attend FAWN this year due to the rain cancellation. Addison and DSMS had requested the funds be for a trip to the movie theatre as a treat to the students. The council okayed the use of the bus funds for the schools as long as it wasn’t to a sporting event. The amounts allocated were $300 to DSMS and $150 each to Meek and Addison.

• Andy Baril discussed the Kayak 101 course they offered in Walker County for adult beginner kayaking. They used the Winston 4-H kayaks for the program. He worked with the Health Action Partnership to present the program to promote healthy living and being active. It was a hit and he suggested one be offered in Winston County. 

• Mike gave an update on the Scott’s potting soil donation. He and Casey had just gone to get a load for the schools and ARC raised bed gardens the day before our meeting. 

• Travis reported there had been another case of CWD in Mississippi and it was within a 50 mile radius of Fayette County. 

• Andy S. reported there is an upcoming Bankhead Liaison Panel meeting on December 11 at 6:00 pm at the Bernice Hilton Walker Building in Double Springs.  Travis will speak on feral hogs, there will be recreation and ecosystem restoration updates and the year-end review.  

• Mike said there will be an upcoming youth trapping workshop in Red Bay on December 15-16.  Mike Sebring, former employee of DCNR, will conduct the youth trapping workshop.  

• Mike said he is working on two grant proposals to the county commission. One would be for the fishing derby and the other for 4-H projects.

• Kerri brought up the Bankhead Centennial celebration topic that was discussed in September.  Andy S. said he hasn’t been able to follow up or work on it so no decision has been made as to whether or not an event will be held. The council had agreed to pay up to $1000 towards the event if it is held. 

• Mike said Allison wanted to host a Landowner Tour and that there is a short leaf Pine farm in the area that may be willing to host the workshop, but the owner wanted a couple people to come out beforehand to see if it would be a good location.  Mike said he and Allison may go take a look and hopefully there will be a tour in the near future.

• Lauranne reported that the RC&D had recently held their quarterly meeting at Lakeshore. There will be more technical outreach meetings held in Winston County next year. 

The meeting concluded with a photo around the Alabama Forestry Commission truck full of potting soil.  The next meeting will be January 17, 2019.

Bankhead Liaison Panel Meeting Scheduled

The next meeting of the Bankhead Liaison Panel will be held Tuesday, December 11th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Bernice Hilton Walker Building, Traders and Farmers Bank, 64 Main Street, Double Springs, Alabama.  Meeting topics will include an update on the proposed 2019 Southern Pine Beetle Mitigation and Restoration project, feral swine program update, and recreation program updates, including waterfall and river trails and the Houston Recreation Area.   The District Ranger will also review the Bankhead National Forest Fiscal Year 2018 accomplishments and plans for Fiscal Year 2019.  The meeting will adjourn by 8:30 p.m.  The meeting is open to the public.  Anyone interested in the management of the Bankhead National Forest is invited.  If you have any questions, please call 205-489-5111.

November Council Meeting

This month’s council meeting will be held at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 15.  Topics on the agenda include the Scott’s Soil donation, possible landowner tour, and FAWN program evaluation.  We’ll also have the River Kids/Firewise trailer with the newly applied logos for council members to inspect.

Bankhead National Forest Liaison Panel Meeting Scheduled

The Bankhead Liaison Panel will meet on Tuesday, December 11 at 6 p.m. at the Bernice Hilton Walker Building, Traders and Farmers Bank in downtown Double Springs.  Anyone interested in the management of the Bankhead National Forest is invited to attend this public meeting.

For additional information, call the Bankhead Ranger District Office at (205) 489-5111.

Chronic Wasting Disease Found in Pontotoc County, Mississippi, White-tailed Deer

https://www.outdooralabama.com/node/2468

Bankhead Lead Timber Marker Position now open

The Bankhead Ranger District of the National Forests in Alabama is currently seeking highly motivated candidates for one (1) permanent, full time Forestry Technician (timber sales prep) position (GS-0462-06/07) in Double Springs, AL.  The selected candidate will lead a crew of three forestry technicians in primarily timber sale preparation work. As part of a highly integrated unit, he/she will have opportunities to work in all aspects of the district, including fire, silviculture, biology, recreation, and heritage. Please send to those who may be interested.

This is the position announcement, not an outreach. Note: this position requires competitive service and/or other authorities to apply (see announcement for details). It closes 11/01/18.

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/514273400