Thursday, October 21, 2010

October Council Meeting Minutes

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met at the U. S. Forest Service Office at 9:00 a.m. on October 21st. Present were Elrand Denson, James Burnett, Tom Counts, John Creed, Laverne Matheson, Mike Henshaw, and Jim Hughes. The following topics were discussed:
  • Laverne Matheson spoke to the Haleyville Rotary Club and mentioned FAWN as part of his program about Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Inc.
  • Reviewed the FAWN Program at Houston Recreation Area for Winston County sixth grade students.
  • Bankhead Liaison Panel Meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on October 21st at the Traders and Farmers Bank in Double Springs. Elrand gave a review of the agenda for the upcoming meeting, which includes an overview of the mission of the panel, recent thinning operations, feral hog issues on the district, and horse trails.
  • The Winston County FFA Soil Judging competition is being held today.
  • A Bacteria Blitz will be held on October 22 and 23. Laverne reported that the Alabama Water Watch team will be up from Auburn to assist with the Blitz and give a "State of the Lake Address" at Dodge City.
  • An updated Emergency Fire and Fireworks Closure on USFS land is now in effect until December 31st.
  • A Lake Clean Up is being organized by WCSLAI for October 26-27 on Rock Creek.
  • Laverne noted that some of the tributary signs are now up on Smith Lake.
  • Tom said that a coal strip mine near Pebble is being sued by the Tennessee River Keepers for alleged violations.
  • The Pulling Together Initiative Grant has been submitted by the NW Alabama RC & D Council.
  • Status of Hazard Mitigation Program through Alabama Forestry Commission.
  • James said the State Troopers will be holding an Open House for the new State Trooper helicopter that will be located in a new hanger at the Cullman Airport. The helicopter may be available for search and rescue in the Bankhead National Forest.
  • Elrand noted that Alabama Power is undergoing Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing for the operation of Smith Lake.
  • Laverne stated that there is currently a ban on installing rip rap on Smith Lake pending an evaluation of its effects on wildlife.
Mike Henshaw,
Secretary

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