FAWN Videos are finished!

 Hello WCNRC. The virtual FAWN series is complete. A huge thanks to everyone involved and for the council's financial support. We believe these resources will continue to be useful in future years as well. 

 Jump drives with resources will go out to 6th grade teachers in January. The Jump drives will contain 5 videos (roughly 20 minutes each). The teachers will also get access codes for Nearpod lessons which contain the videos and also other educational activities and short quizzes. Below are the video links and nearpod codes if you're interested in viewing them. We hope you have a Very Merry Christmas!

Native Americans        https://youtu.be/C4MHCrGLYRE

                                     www.nearpod.com      Login Code PCYFU

Macroinvertebrates    https://youtu.be/gvPF2r2HRes

                                      www.nearpod.com       Login Code IG73B

Wildfire/Prescribed Fire    https://youtu.be/WW5QcNbF06k

                                       www.nearpod.com        Login Code 4DX87

Beekeeping            https://youtu.be/4AvQVQQSjYE

                                        www.nearpod.com      Login Code 6R8MA

 Wildland Habitats        https://youtu.be/YaBOvvbtIBs                     

                                            www.nearpod.com    Login Code ULMYW

NEWS RELEASE FROM THE USDA FOREST SERVICE - NATIONAL FORESTS IN ALABAMA - NEW INTERACTIVE MAP HELPS HUNTERS PLAN AHEAD

 NEWS RELEASE FROM THE USDA FOREST SERVICE - NATIONAL FORESTS IN ALABAMA - NEW INTERACTIVE MAP HELPS HUNTERS PLAN AHEAD

DOUBLE SPRINGS, AL, December 15, 2020 ---- The Bankhead National Forest is one of the most visited national forests in Alabama. During this time of the year, it is a special place full of fond memories for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. To make this hunting season even more enjoyable, the Bankhead Ranger District, has a new, online interactive map available on the National Forests in Alabama’s website www.fs.usda.gov/alabama to inform the public of wildlife openings planted annually by Forest Service district personnel.   The map is located here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/alabama/about-forest/districts/?cid=fsbdev3_002553 under “Helpful Links”.  “With this new map, hunters and other wildlife enthusiasts can easily tell where managed early successional wildlife openings are located and what management was recently completed by Forest Service personnel,” said Andy Scott, district ranger of the Bankhead National Forest.  The map also depicts all wildlife openings specific to the Black Warrior Wildlife Management Area managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in partnership with the Forest Service. These openings are maintained by planting and periodic mowing, and they provide food and cover for game and non-game wildlife species.  Scott also highlighted the interactive map features and explained that features can be turned on and off.  “For example, visitors can change the background of the map from topographical to aerial photography, turn the Legend on and off, and other useful tools,” said Scott.   As you prepare to hunt your national forests, we encourage visitors to use this map and other tools to be well-prepared before you visit and plan to practice safety using these 10 tips.   ·    “Know Before You Drive” – Check to see if a national forest road is open to motor vehicles by picking up a free motor vehicle use map from a local Forest Service office or view online at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/alabama/kbyd. Remember Off-Road Vehicles (ORV) are prohibited unless on designated ORV trails. ·    Avoid hunting and discharging a firearm within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsites, developed recreation sites, occupied areas and trails. ·    Prepare for your hunting trip. Check weather forecasts, always wear hunter orange, dress properly with layered clothing, check equipment before and after each outing, tell someone about trip details, carry a cell phone and avoid hunting alone. ·    Dogs for deer hunting is not allowed on the Bankhead National Forest. ·    Be aware that the national forest boundaries are marked with red paint on trees, or yellow signs with black lettering. ·    No permanent deer stands are allowed in the national forest and the use of baiting or salt blocks is prohibited. ·    Be careful climbing in and out of deer stands. Falling can cause serious injuries. Alabama regulations now require all hunters using tree stands in wildlife management areas to wear a full body harness.  ·    Anyone born on or after August 1, 1977 must complete a hunter-education course before purchasing their first hunting license. Contact the Alabama Department of Conservation. ·    Obtain hunting rules and regulations by contacting the Alabama Department of Conservation at 334-242-3486 or visiting their website at http://www.eregulations.com/alabama/. ·    Contact a USDA Forest Service offices for information about maps, hunter camps and camping permits.   ### USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

 

USDA Forest Service, National Forests in Alabama: National Forests are working forests where you can expect to see controlled burns, tree thinning, tree planting and other management activities throughout the year. The projects are focused on maintaining the health and resilience of national forests while at the same time providing products and services to the public.

 

NEW RELEASE - Fall Prescribed Burning in the National Forests in Alabama - Utilizing prescribed fire can protect communities and other values, improve habitat, and restore ecological balance to landscapes by reducing vegetation buildup on the landscape.

 News Release from the USDA Forest Service. Contact: Public Affairs Office, Tammy Brown / 334-315-4926, Sheila Holifield/334-235-5494, Email:pa_alabama@usda.gov

Fall Prescribed Burning in the National Forests in Alabama

MONTGOMERY, AL, November 23, 2020 ---- This fall season, fire management experts with the USDA Forest Service are conducting controlled prescribed burns on the National Forests in Alabama.  These burns are conducted for the purpose of reducing potential for large wildfires, decreasing unwanted vegetation and to improve the overall health of your national forests in Alabama.  Fire managers expect a limited window of suitable weather to conduct prescribed burns. They are asking the public to check the National Forests in Alabama’s Facebook page for the latest updates regarding any planned burns. 

 

Prescribed burning is only conducted when factors such as resource availability, air quality, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, and fuel moisture levels are ideal. All burns are done under carefully planned prescriptions and protocols to eliminate the risk of an escaped fire and smoke exposure to communities.

 "Our prescribed burning program is a targeted approach to reducing flammable vegetation on the landscape known as 'fuels' that build up on the forest floor and can feed large wildfires. Reducing these fuels can also reduce future smoke impacts in our communities," said Joe Smith, forest fire management officer with the National Forests in Alabama. "This year's historic wildfire season in the Northwest and Mountain Region of the United States has highlighted the importance of proper forest management and the use of fire on a prescribed basis is an important part of that management.”

Prescribed burning is one method of reducing hazardous fuels and helps reduce wildfire risk to communities, enhances wildlife habitats, recycles nutrients that increase soil productivity and overall increases resiliency of treated forests to endure wildfire effects. Since prescribed burn operations are planned in advance, they have critical safety components in place and are carefully designed to occur within a combination of natural and constructed control lines. In 2020, we have increased coordination measures regarding COVID-19 mitigation.

 

During a prescribed burn, some smoke may be visible around the burn areas. When smoke is present, motorists should reduce speeds and turn on headlights. Exact dates will depend on weather and moisture conditions that best allow the appropriate level of burn intensity, and smoke management to meet objectives.

WCNRC November Meeting Minutes

 

11/19/20 Members met at the Houston Recreation Pavilion. Members present were Chairman, Allison Cochran, Mike Henshaw- Vice Chair, Kerri Roberts- Secretary, Matt Brock, Brad Nail and PJ Gossett

Allison opened up the meeting stating what the Forest Service has been up to. Most everyone is back to work even though they are not in the office.  The office is still closed but people can call for assistance.  Almost all available have been sent out west to fight fires or south for hurricane duty. In the Bankhead, they have been working on longleaf planting and restoration, quail habitat and an Eastern Spotted Skunk survey.  Many nice big bucks are being harvested out of the Bankhead. They have also trapped over 150 wild hogs this year. 

Kerri updated on virtual FAWN.  Jeremy has ordered t-shirts.  Jimmy Madison is helping Zack edit and finalize the videos. Kerri is helping Zack add Nearpod interactive educational activities along with the videos.  The presentations should be finished early December to distribute to 6^th grade teachers.

Matt gave an update on fish and wildlife.  Northwest Alabama has been saturated with CWD testing locations. There is 1 at the Forest Service Office in Winston County.  He is making a “Trailing wounded Wildlife” video and also one on “Aging Deer on Hoof”. He reminded everyone that a new regulation is that a certificate of transfer is required when moving harvested deer around to increase participation in game check.

Brad updated on the grant for culverts in Winston County.  339 Browns Creek area they are going to span it instead of using culverts. It is a known black water dog habitat. Those grant projects are moving along nicely and they possibly have other funds to more work in Winston County.  There is still money available for a landowner workshop. Alabama Project Learning Tree is releasing a new book, Lucy Meets a Logger.

Mike noted we keep talking about all these things we want to do but Covid keeps messing things up. However, he wants to suggest a WCNRC tour of Albertville Mulch Company on Winston County Road 2. He thinks it could be a good outdoor tour/meeting maybe for the spring. He would have to reach out to the owner to set it up. All present agreed it would be a good idea.

On that note, Allison commented on how and where to have winter council meetings. She was not opposed to bundling up to meet but thought some might be. Members present agreed to not meet in December and look into possibly having zoom meetings for some of the upcoming months. We all want things to return to normal but know Covid safety guidelines must be followed. Meeting adjourned. Next meeting (probably via zoom) January 21, 2021.

November WCNRC Meeting

The next meeting of the WCNRC will be Thursday, November 19, 9:00 at the Houston Rec. Pavilion. We will be discussing strides that have been made in presenting virtual FAWN. Winston County Covid cases are on the rise so we will be social distancing and wearing masks. Please do not attend if you are experiencing any Covid symptoms or are generally not feeling well. We understand if you want to skip this meeting. Stay safe. 

October WCNRC Meeting Postponed

Hello WCNRC  members. Progress is being made on video footage for FAWN virtually. At this time, there is not much new to report and some officers will be unavailable for our scheduled meeting this Thursday. We will postpone this month's meeting until November 19. We are working on getting FAWN t-shirts finalized and video packages done. If you have any questions or comments on FAWN,  you can reach out to WCNRC officers or to Zack. Thank you. Stay safe. 

WCNRC September Meeting Minutes

WCNRC September Meeting Minutes

Members Present: Mike Henshaw, Vice Chair, Zack Brannon, Mark Finley, Terri Finley, PJ Gossett, John Creed, Jimmy Madison

 

Mike opened the meeting and presented a letter from Maggie Johnston.  She has retired from Camp McDowell and is now over Wild South Alabama. The letter to the WCNRC asked for us to manage funds on behalf of Wild South until they get their 501 (c)(3) status.  Mike thought this would promote collaboration between both groups for projects concerning natural resources.  John Creed said we need to make sure our tax-exempt status is still up to date.  No one present remembered if it had been updated in the past 3 years.  Zack motioned to accept the handling of Wild South funds through the WCNRC treasury. John Creed seconded. None opposed. Motion passed. 

Zack gave an update on virtual FAWN.  Funds were received from Soil & Water in the amount of $1,000. Ernie Stevens is checking on the progress of the proposal to Conservation Officers for funding for this project as well.  Zack had purchased a Go Pro Camera and accessories for filming video clips.  An SD card was also purchased.  Jimmy Madison has extensive video editing experience and he is going to assist with video editing. He has recommended a video editing software to purchase and it should be bought before October.  Mr. Clements with Marion Forestry Commission had communicated with Zack that their group is also doing videos and wants to partner to collaborate. Zack said they plan to do 4 videos and Winston will do 4 videos but we want everyone that wanted to do a video to get to do it. So far we are looking at videos on Water Stream, Macroinvertebrates, Firewise, Bee Keeping.

Zack gave an update for Kerri in her absence.  4-H in the schools will look different this year due to Covid-19.  She will be making educational project kits for students.  One lesson that was requested by teachers was Ag-venture Pine Tree Farming. This is a video a 4-H Agent in Alabama made previously.  Along with the video lesson, Kerri would like to distribute pine trees to 4-Hers. Zack asked if the WCNRC would provide guidance on where and what type of trees and financial assistance if they were above budget.  Mike and John motioned to approve spending up to $200 for this project.  None opposed.

Mark Finley gave an update on the treasure forest.  At this time they are looking at doing the annual conference virtually, but a date has not been set.

Mike brought up a private landowner problem.  Where Curtis Mill Creek runs through private land atvs and rtvs are riding through and damaging the creek and private property. He asked for suggestions from the council.

Here is a Link for Nearpod Sample FAWN lesson. Give us some feedback on this example!

 Logon to: http://www.nearpod.comand enter the code PCSRX to try your hand at the self-paced student lesson on macroinvertebrates.

 

Pictured: Mike Henshaw, John Creed, Zack Brannon, Mark and Terri Finley

September Meeting Reminder

WCNRC will meet Thursday, September 17, 9:00 am at the Houston Rec. Pavilion. It is forecast to rain, but we should be ok under the shelter. We will work more towards finalizing FAWN for a virtual platform. Please attend if your schedule allows. Please plan to wear masks and social distance. 

 

WCNRC August Meeting Minutes

Members Present: Mike Henshaw, Vice Chair, Kerri Roberts, Secretary, Johnna Franks, Treasurer, Zack Brannon, Jimmy Madison, John Creed, Andy Scott, Casey Hammock, Brad Nail.

Guests present: Lisa Murphy, Robert Clement

 

Zack opened the meeting with discussion of FAWN (Firewise Awareness Week Now) delivered in an alternate format this year since schools cannot do field trips due to COVID-19.  We could replicate usual stations in a video/virtual format and deliver to the kids for the teachers to use. Kerri said Nearpod online learning platform is what Extension is using and it can incorporate video, quizzes and games. 

Zack said Alabama A&M have agreed to make a stream trailer video for FAWN use.  He will reach out to all past presenters to see if they are interested. Zack will set up the videoing and he and Kerri can assist with editing.  Andy S. said the forest service can help out and he can get crews in California to get some wildfire footage for the Firewise station. 

Mike asked if there could still be physical activity involved for the kids to be active and outdoors in a virtual FAWN program. Flag a Tree station was mentioned as a possibility for that.

Johnna gave the treasurer report: $8,635.85.

Zack said he would still like to give the kids a t-shirt and he could ask the Soil and Water District and the Conservation Officers for $1000/each donations to cover t-shirts and video editing software as they usually donate to FAWN annually. 

John Creed motioned to use the $2000 requested funds to continue doing FAWN in a different format this year. Mike seconded. None opposed. FAWN will move forward.

Andy reported the forest service is still working via telework for the most part and he is working on a virtual liaison panel meeting.  Bankhead recreation sites are all open except Houston Day Use. 6 employees are on fire detail in California right now.

Brad Nail reported on the WCNRC hosting a landowner workshop for 2021.  He said if it has an aquatic tie in he can pay for all of it. The council agreed to brainstorm ideas but let’s get through FAWN first.

Brad also reported on the culvert project. Thirteen sites of impaired culvert crossings in Winston County are being improved with over $500,000 in a NFWF (National Fish and Wildlife Foundation) grant and in kind donations.

Mike updated the council on the RAC committee. There were 2 applications submitted- one from Lawrence and one from Winston. Both were approved. The RAC committee really liked the Winston proposal due to the recreational tie in.

Meeting adjourned. Next meeting September 17, 9:00 at the Houston Rec Pavillion

Meeting August 27

 Reminder: Meeting August 27, 9:00 at the Houston Rec Pavilion. 

Rescheduled: Winston County Natural Resources Council Meeting - August 27th - 9 AM - Houston Recreation Area

This meeting has been rescheduled to Thursday, August 27th at 9 AM at the Houston Recreation Area Pavilion. 

The Winston County Natural Resources Council will hold our monthly meeting on August 27th.  We will hold an outdoor meeting at the Houston Recreation Area Day Use Pavilion.  We will meet outdoors to ensure social distancing.  We will meet a 9:00 AM at Houston.

 

Meetings Postponed

The Winston County Natural Resources Council will not meet in May. 

WCNRC March Meeting Cancelled

The Winston County Natural Resources Council will not meet this Thursday, March 19th.  We will work with Camp McDowell to reschedule a meeting date at Camp McDowell in the future.

Field Trip to Bill and Ann Self's Property

From left, John Creed, Brad Nail, Allison Cochran, and landowner Bill Self
at a young shortleaf pine stand on the Self property.

Five members of the council, John Creed, Brad Nail, Allison Cochran, Andy Baril, and Mike Henshaw, visited the Self property as a possible site for a landowner tour.  Unfortunately, the weather was very wet and we were limited on how much of the property we could visit.  We discussed possible agenda items for the tour and will need to visit the property again, but it is obvious that it will be a very good site for a landowner tour.  Please be thinking of timely agenda topics and speakers that could address them.  We are considering topics such as shortleaf pine, privet control, timber markets, and BMP's related to water quality.  Thanks to Bill Self for braving the poor weather to show us part of the property.

NEWS RELEASE from USDA Forest Service - Alabama Resource Advisory Committee Announces Title II Funding Available

Alabama Resource Advisory Committee Announces Title II Funding Available

MONTGOMERY, AL, February 19, 2020 ---- The Alabama Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is accepting project proposals for review and consideration to benefit natural resources on the Bankhead and Talladega National Forests in Winston, Lawrence and Clay counties. Alabama counties, communities, fish, wildlife and watershed interest groups, partners, stakeholders and the USDA Forest Service have until June 5, 2020 to submit proposals. Project submission forms are available on the Forest Service website at www.fs.usda.gov/alabama. Applicants can download RAC Project Application (electronic version) or RAC Project Application (hardcopy) – mail to USDA Forest Service, Attn: RAC, 2946 Chestnut Street, Montgomery, AL 36107.

According to Designated Federal Official Tammy Freeman Brown, approximately $133,000 is available for projects through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act.  The June 5, 2020 deadline will give communities sufficient time to meet and discuss ideas for proposals.  Approved projects will benefit forest lands, such as road, trail and infrastructure maintenance, forest restoration, water quality, maintenance and improvement of wildlife and fish habitat.  Projects can be completed through open-bid contracting with individuals and corporations, Forest Service personnel or through partnership agreements.

A Secure Rural Schools RAC provides advice and recommendations to the Forest Service on the development and implementation of special projects as authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, Public Law 110-343.  For additional information contact Sheila Holifield, Alabama RAC Coordinator at 334-241-8173 or Tammy Freeman Brown, Designated Federal Officer at 334-832-8144.                                                                          

 

-USDA-

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

USDA Forest Service, National Forests in Alabama:  National Forests are working forests where you can expect to see controlled burns, tree thinning, tree planting and other management activities throughout the year. The projects are focused on maintaining the health and resilience of national forests while at the same time providing products and services to the public. www.fs.usda.gov/alabama.

February Council Meeting

Council members,

Our February meeting of the Winston County Natural Resources Council will be a site visit for a possible field day later this year.  We will depart the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs promptly at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, February 20, and arrive at Bill and Ann Self's property near Natural Bridge at 9:30 a.m.  Email me privately if you need directions to the property.Weather permitting, we'll see the shortleaf pine stand that they have established and consider a potential field day on the property. 

Thanks,

Mike Henshaw

Fayette County Learn 'n Burn

Click this link for printable flyer.

January 16 Meeting Minutes

In attendance: Mark Finley, Mike Henshaw, Allison Cochran, Zack Brannon, Maggie Johnston, Andrew Shea, and Johnna Franks

• The February WCNRC meeting will be a site visit to Bill and Ann Self farm to determine potential for a Landowner Field Day.
• The March meeting will be held at Camp McDowell on March 19.
• Treasurer’s Report: Checks purchased in October for $38.33. Balance in checking is $8,629.33 
• Camp McDowell working with Arley Schools and Women’s Club on a recycling program.
• Camp McDowell working with Dr. Steve Jones on land use history and ownership of Camp McDowell and documenting old tree species on the property. Interest in borrowing an increment borer from someone and also finding historical aerial photos. Also working with Miss State on a study of the Johnston property as a reclaimed mine that’s been established to pine and hardwoods, including chestnut.
• AFC is working primarily on prescribed burning this year, weather dependent.
• Updates from the Alabama Rovers and Streams Network conference in Cullman last week. Highlight included a report by AFC on compliance with forestry BMPs. Very few complaints or issues reported from Winston County.
• Mark Finley will attend the Treasure Forest board of directors meeting in February.
• Byler Rd hike led by Joel Mize this Sunday, January 19, at 1:30 p.m. at the Beulah Church near Mt. Hope.
• AFA interested in working with us to host a Landowner Field day to include shortleaf pine and/or at risk aquatic species. Some members will visit Bill and Ann Self property and work on a field day.
• Council agrees to support the Winston Co Envirothon Team, if needed, up to $500. We may also have resource specialists that could assist with team practice, if requested.
• Mr. Heck’s FFA Forestry judging team also needs help for team practice.
• Forest Service is actively prescribed burning, weather dependent, and has a few new seasonal employees to assist with burning and recreation. Timber Sales are on-going. Bald eagle survey on Smith Lake netted no eagles or nests. Representatives from the Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative will visit in February to look at quail emphasis areas on the Bankhead.
• Council reviewed ideas for Winston County Commission’s RAC proposal that Zack Brannon is working on. Many ideas were discussed.
• There was discussion on mountain biking opportunities and potential development on the National Forest.

-Allison Cochran
Chair

Hike of Historic Byler Road on Jan. 19

Photo of article in the NorthWest Alabamian newspaper.

January Meeting

Hello Council,

The next meeting will be Thursday, January 16, at the Forest Service Office in Double Springs at 9:00 am. We hope you can attend.