Holidays

The Council will not meet in December.  Our next meeting is 1/19/2023 at the Bankhead National Forest office in Double Springs.

US Forest Service Press Release 

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

For more information visit the U.S Capitol Christmas Tree Website, follow on Facebook and Instagram

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As the holiday season approaches, many households are busy setting up the Christmas tree in their homes. Since 1970, the U.S. Forest Service has provided a tree to the U.S. Capitol harvested from a different national forest each year. This tree has become known as “The People’s Tree”, to reflect the nickname of the U.S House of Representatives, “The People’s House.” 

For the third time in history, the National Forests of North Carolina is honored to provide the 2022 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, having previously provided Fraser firs in 1974 and 1998.  The theme for this year’s tree is “From the Mountains to the Sea” to celebrate the diversity of public lands within the state of North Carolina. This year’s tree is a 78-foot red spruce from the Pisgah National Forest affectionately named Ruby in reference to the scientific name of red spruce, Picea rubens.

Red spruce is an iconic tree species for southern Appalachia. As part of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree program, the U.S. Forest Service partnered with the National Forest Foundation to raise funds for a new state-of-the-art nursery to grow red spruce seedlings for reforestation efforts. Among the seedlings to be grown at the nursery, managed by the Southern Highlands Reserve, will be those from Ruby’s seeds to live on in the next generation of red spruce.

The tree was harvested on November 2 and hit the road for a 14-day long tour from the Mountains to the Sea and up to Washington, DC, making 17 stops in communities along the way. At the U.S. Capitol, the tree was decorated with thousands of ornaments hand made by the people of North Carolina. After the official lighting ceremony on November 29, Ruby the Red Spruce will bring holiday cheer and represent the State of North Carolina to those who visit her in Washington, DC. When the holidays are over, wood from Ruby will be returned to western North Carolina and used to make guitars and banjos by local musical instrument makers.

Read more in our news releases below:

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Press Releases 

Pisgah National Forest provides 2022 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to be lit Nov. 29

Catcuce Micco Tiger from Cherokee, N.C. selected as 2022 Youth Tree Lighter

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree harvested on November 2nd

WCNRC Meeting scheduled for 11/17 at 9 AM at Bankhead National Forest office in Double Springs

 The WCNRC will meet on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 9 AM at the Bankhead National Forest office in Double Springs.  The address is 1070 Hwy 33 North.  

There will not be a December meeting.

Marion-Winston Landowner Tour and Northwest Regional Forestry Field Day At Bill and Ann Self Farm

 The Marion County Forestry Planning Committee and Winston County Natural Resources Council held a landowner tour and regional forestry field day at the Bill and Ann Self Farm near Natural Bridge on October 21, 2022.  About 65 people attended, including Alabama landowners, foresters, loggers and natural resources professionals representing many agencies and organizations.  

Participants learned about shortleaf pine restoration, mixed woods silviculture, water quality and forestry best management practices, prescribed burning, wildlife management, and non-native invasive plant control.  Exhibits on FireWise communities, Wild Alabama, Arbor Gen forestry services and Hamilton MotorSports were visited during registration and lunch.  

The field day was made possible by a grant from the Alabama Natural Resources Council and teamwork by members of the Marion County Forestry Planning Committee and the Winston County Natural Resources Council.  Special thanks to Bill and Ann Self for showcasing their farm and shortleaf-hardwood restoration efforts.

 

“Bat Blitz” Conducted in Bankhead National Forest, Alabama by Southeast Bat Diversity Network

 

“Bat Blitz” Conducted in Bankhead National Forest, Alabama by Southeast Bat Diversity Network

Biologists recently banded and radio-tagged bats that are an important part of our night-time wildlife. During the first week of August 2022, the Alabama Bat Working Group hosted the Southeastern Bat Diversity Network’s Bat Blitz (SBDN) on the Bankhead National Forest in Alabama.  A Bat Blitz is a coordinated, intensive survey designed to sample the bat community in an extensive area. These events generally involve a substantial, voluntary contribution of time and materials from bat experts.  Bat biologists from across the southeast, and even from another country this year, descended on Bankhead National Forest to sample bats over roads and streams in the Forest using mist nets and at caves using harp traps.  An educational event was hosted to raise awareness about the value of bats and their role in our environment.  For instance, did you know that bats consume insects that would have caused billions of dollars in agricultural damage in the USA every year? Bats also prey on insects that are vectors of diseases to other animals and humans.

 

The goal of the 2022 Alabama Bat Blitz was to conduct a comprehensive survey of the bat community of Bankhead National Forest and surrounding environments to continue learning where bats occur on Bankhead National Forest, their habitat use and about trends in presence.  SBDN held its Bat Blitz at Bankhead in 2008, prior to the advent of White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) in Alabama, a disease that has devastated bat populations in the United States. WNS was first documented at Bankhead in 2014. The 2022 Alabama Bat Blitz replicated the 2008 Blitz and will directly compare the composition of the bat community at Bankhead 6 years before and 8 years after the arrival of WNS.  Importantly, the intensive survey, along with other ancillary data collected in the State, revealed the impact of the fatal WNS bat disease on once prevalent federally listed Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) and Northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis), in a critical forest habitat like the Bankhead NF.  The partners also documented feeding activity and roosting sites of bat species of concern using radio-tracking. Rare bats and species in decline from the WNS were tagged with light-weight (0.25grams) radio transmitter that emits a radio signal to portable radio receivers for radio tracking the bats’ locations night and day.   This information will guide the future management of Bankhead National Forest by the US Forest Service (USFS).

Ten teams of biologists surveyed bats over a three-night period.  The biologists netted or trapped 29 sites across Winston and Lawrence counties, including both upland and riparian sites, pine, hardwood and mixed pine-hardwood forests, and caves.   Bats were captured with a fine-mesh mist net and were then quickly removed by a trained biologist. They were weighed, measured, identified and health status was quickly assessed. Most bats were released within a few minutes where they were captured. The biologists captured 189 bats of five species, including red bat, big brown bat, tricolored bat, evening bat, and seminole bat.  No federally listed bats, Indiana, Gray, or Northern long-eared bats were captured this year. The biologists attached radio transmitters to four rare tricolored bats in attempts to conduct a radio telemetry project to learn more about their  use of the forest.  A small team of biologists attempted to radio-track the four bats from the ground and the air for the life of the radio transmitters, a period of about 12 days.  One radio-tagged tricolored bat was located over eight miles from its initial capture point. 

In comparison, in 2008 before the arrival of white-nose syndrome, at the same sites and with less netting effort, biologists at the Bat Blitz captured 385 bats of seven species including big brown bat, red bat, gray bat, Northern long-eared bat, Indiana bat, evening bat and tricolored bat. The impact of WNS on the northern long-eared bat was especially evident when 101 were captured in 2008, but none were captured in 2022. The declines in other federally-listed bat species that hibernate in northern Alabama caves demonstrates the need to protect these species and their critical habitats.

About 70 individuals including biologists and students from around the southeast and representing multiple federal and state agencies, power companies, consultants, and universities participated in the Bat Blitz.  Camp McDowell graciously served as Bat Blitz headquarters.  Generous donations from sponsors helped defray participant registration, supplies, refreshments and other costs associated with conducting a Bat Blitz.  Sponsors of the event include the US Forest Service, Alabama Bat Working Group, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Alabama Power Company, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, Copperhead Environmental Consulting, TVA, Alabama Chapter of The Wildlife Society, Northwest RC&D Council, Vanasse-Hangren-Brustlin, Inc, CCR Environmental Consulting, and Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officer Association.

October 2022 FAWN Program

 On October 13 and 14, 200 Winston County sixth grade students attended the annual FAWN program.  FAWN, Forestry Awareness Week Now, is an outdoor classroom event held statewide.  Students learn about Alabama's abundant natural resources in the great outdoors.  

This year, students from Meek, Lynn, Addison and Double Springs visited Matt Hannah's Treasure Forest near Arley.  Foresters, biologists and volunteers taught students about forest management, wildlife and wildlife management, prescribed burning and wildfire fighting and bee-keeping.  

FAWN in Winston County is supported and sponsored by numerous organizations, agencies and grants.  Many thanks to the Winston County Schools, Winston County Natural Resources Council Members, Alabama Forestry Commission, Winston County - Alabama Cooperative Extension System, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, US Forest Service, Bankhead National Forest, Winston County Beekeeper's association, Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association, Arley and Central Volunteer Fire Departments, and the Winston County Commission for supporting this FireWise event.

WCNRC Regular September Meeting Cancelled

 The regularly scheduled WCNRC meeting planned for 9/15 is cancelled.

WCNRC members are encouraged to attend the 9/28 site visit and planning meeting at the Bill and Ann Self Farm in preparation for the NW Regional Forestry Landowner Meeting and Field Day.

Bankhead Stewardship Contracting Workshop and Field Tour, September 27

 

Marion-Winston Landowner Tour and Regional Forestry Field Day - October 21

 

WCNRC Meeting Summary - 8/18/22 Meeting

The WCNRC met on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at the Winston County Alabama Forestry Commission Office.  In attendance were Jared Carter, Jamie Segroves, Mark Finley, AJ Brown and Allison Cochran.  

Planning for the Marion-Winston Landowner Tour and Regional Forestry Field Day at the Bill and Ann Self Farm continues.  Zack Brannon prepared a flyer and has opened registration.  The field day is October 21st.

A learn and burn event at Matt Hannah's tree farm is in the planning stages for this winter.  

FAWN is being planned for the week of October 10th - 2 days at Matt Hannah's tree farm.

The Council will nominate someone to attend the Alabama Landowner's Conference.

RC&D - North Alabama Trail & Recreation program is looking for funding for trail improvements at Rocky Ravine Park in Haleyville.  Jacksonville State University is offering a Sustainable Trial Certificate, Dr. Ross Martin leads the program.  October 1, 2022 - NATR Expo at Point Mallard Park is scheduled.  Jared and NATR are looking for exhibitors, especially in our area.  Next NATR hub meetings are September 6 in Cullman and September 13 in Tuscumbia. There will be presentations on trails and greenway development.

Natural Bridge Park has been nominated for inclusion in the Forever Wild program.

Treasurer's Report - Balance on 7/31 is $8624.75.  $1,000 of that is donations from NWTF for the Bankhead Youth Fishing Derby.

The Council needs a secretary.

Next meeting is 9/15 at 9 AM at the Alabama Forestry Commission Office on Coats Street in Double Springs.

WCNRC Meeting, Thursday, 8/18 at 9 AM at Alabama Forestry Commission Office

 

The WCNRC will meet tomorrow, 8/18, at 9 AM at the Alabama Forestry Commission Office. The address is 225 Coats Street, Double Springs.

Bat Blitz Educational Event Invites Local Community to Learn About Bats - Monday, August 1, 3-6 PM, Camp McDowell

 

June and July Meeting Summaries

 

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met in June and July of 2022.  Meeting notes are below.

June 16, 2022 - Jamie Segroves, Casey Hammack, Zack Brannon, Matt Hannah, Brad Nail, Lauranne James and Allison Cochran attended the meeting.

The Fall landowner tour and regional forestry field day was discussed and planning began.  The field day is Friday, October 21st at the Bill and Ann Self farm in conjunction with Marion County Forestry Planning Committee.  

The group discussed ideas for a future learn and burn event with AFA in Winston County.

FAWN was discussed. Majority of the members present are in favor of holding FAWN at Matt Hannah's again based on feedback from the teachers.  Plan for fall FAWN in mid-October, possibly Oct 13-14.

Continued discussion on need for 501C3 status.

RC&D has many programs and opportunities right now.  The NATR expo event will be held October 1 at Point Mallard Park.

There was an outreach meeting in Winston County on Cogongrass.  There are pilot programs on Rain barrel and compost bin workshops.

AFA shared that an Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy organization received a NFWF grant to work on Flattened Musk turtle habitat and aquatic passage in Winston County.  

The group discussed ideas for an aquatic passage workshop with Alabama Rivers and Streams Network.

AFA has a new NFWF grant that combines much of their shortleaf pine and aquatics work.

Forest Service, Bankhead has a stewardship contract coming up for bid and will hold a field trip for interested bidders in July.

Alabama Landowner's Conference is planned for October and scholarship opportunities are available.

Treasurer's report - $7962.96.  Check writing included activities related to FAWN and the Youth Fishing Derby, which is still on hold.  WCNRC is holding $1000 donation from National Wild Turkey Federation for the Youth Fishing Derby. New checks are purchased and old checks are destroyed.

The next meeting will by July 21 at the Bankhead National Forest Office in Double Springs.

July 21,2022 - Mark Finley, Mike Henshaw, Casey Hammack, Jamie Segroves, Amy Melson and Allison Cochran met at the Bankhead NF office.

The Fall landowner tour and regional forestry field day was discussed.  A rough draft agenda will be sent out to potential speakers and the Marion County Forestry Planning Committee for further refinement and to discuss logistical needs.  The field day is Friday, October 21st at the Bill and Ann Self farm in conjunction with Marion County Forestry Planning Committee. Plan for 100 people.  Shoot for a six hour program to obtain PLMs for loggers and CFEs for foresters and biologists.  Target audience is landowners.  Need to begin advertising 6-8 weeks out - soon.  

Discussion of need for a secretary for the organization.

NATR annual membership was agreed upon at previous meeting. Allison will follow-up with Jared Carter and Casey Hammack.

501C3 - Matt Hannah provided information and Allison will follow-up later in the year.

AFC is very busy preparing prescribed burn control lines on lands across the County.

Forest Service is on a prescribed burn pause, but herbicide site preparation is on-going.

The Southeastern Bat Diversity Network's Bat Blitz is planned on Bankhead and at Camp McDowell for the first week of August.  On Monday, August 1st there is a free educational event on bats for the public at Camp McDowell from 3-6.  

The Forest Service, Bankhead has a stewardship contract open for bid which includes timber thinning and cultural treatments for restoration. A a field trip for interested bidders is planned for July 27 at 9 AM.

Fishing derby is still postponed until fish can be procured.

Treasurer's Report - $8,624.38

Next meeting will be on August 18 at the Alabama Forestry Commission office, 225 Coats Street, Double Springs.

News Release from Alabama Forestry Commission - Brown Spot Needle Blight Affecting Pine Trees

 Brown Spot Needle Blight Affecting Pine Trees

    

Since early spring, the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has been receiving phone calls from landowners and the public regarding pine needles suddenly turning brown. Many of these calls have been coming from counties in the northwest and northeast regions of the state. The culprit of the needle discoloration is believed to be the fungal disease known as brown spot needle blight. To date the disease has been confirmed in 36 of 67 counties in Alabama.

 

Historically, this disease has only infected longleaf pines (Pinus palustris). Brown spot needle blight can be killed using prescribed burns. However, this method is only effective for longleaf pine seedlings. In the last few years, the disease has also begun to infect loblolly pines (Pinus taeda) in young and mature stands. The cause for this change in behavior of the disease has yet to be determined, but it can be speculated that it may be a new sub-species that has evolved from the original fungal pest.

           

The first sign of infection is discoloration of the needles. Infected needles will contain circular lesions with a brown spot surrounded by a yellow halo. Over time, the infected area will turn brown with a dark red or dark green border. The discoloration begins in the lower portion of the crown and moves up as the disease spreads by rain and wind events. An easy way to identify the disease is if the pine needles look as if they have been scorched by fire, even though there has been no burn. This disease can reoccur over a couple of years and cause mortality to infected pines.

           

If you believe your pines are infected with brown spot needle blight and want needles tested, please contact your local Alabama Forestry Commission office. Laboratory tests can confirm the presence of the disease. Symptomatic needles are collected and brought to the Forest Health Dynamics Laboratory at Auburn University for confirmation.

 

The mission of the Alabama Forestry Commission is to protect and sustain Alabama’s forest resources using professionally applied stewardship principles and education, ensuring that the state’s forests contribute to abundant timber and wildlife, clean air and water, and a healthy economy.

June Council Meeting - Thursday, June 16th at 9 AM at Houston Recreation Area Day Use

 The Winston County Natural Resources Council will meet on Thursday, June 16th at 9 AM at the Houston Recreation Area Day Use Area.

Forestry Awareness Week Now (FAWN) Program held for Winston County Sixth Grade Students in Arley

 About 130 sixth grade students from Lynn, Addison and Meek schools attended FAWN at Matt Hannah's Tree Farm in Arley on May 5, 2022.  Students learned about bee-keeping, Leave No Trace, forestry, wildlife, aquatic macroinvertebrates, prescribed burning and Firewise communities.  

The Winston County Natural Resources Council extends our thanks to Mr. Hannah for hosting, the schools, teachers and students for participating, and the wonderful volunteers who made the event possible!

FAWN this week!

 Forestry Awareness Week Now, a firewise program, will kick off in Winston County this week!  The walk-through and preparation is planned for 9 AM on Wednesday, May 4th.  FAWN with Winston County 6th graders will be held in Arley at Matt Hannah's Tree Farm on Thursday, May 5th and Friday, May 6th.

April 2022 Meeting Summary

 

Meeting Summary, April 21, 2022 Meeting

On April 21, 2022, the Winston County Natural Resources Council met with members of the Marion County Forestry Planning Committee at the Ann and Bill Self Farm near Natural Bridge to begin planning a fall Landowner Field Day.

Bill Self, Brenda Real, Tomeesa Shedd, Wade Hill, Robert Clements, Joel Bartlett, Mike Henshaw, Matt Hannah, Amy Melson and three friendly dogs met at the Self Farm and visited several sites, including a shortleaf pine/hardwood planting that’s about five years old.

The members present agreed to work together to host a Landowner Field Day during the week of October 17^th in 2022.  Potential meeting topics/learning stations include Shortleaf Pine – Mixed Shortleaf/Hardwood Management; Prescribed Burning; NNIS – Cogongrass and/or Wild Pigs; Aquatics & Water Quality/Erosion Control; Drones for forestry; CWD/Avian Influenza; Programs – Private lands programs – NRCS, QF, WFF, etc.  We strive to host a free field day and serve lunch.  Members will check on availability of trailers to transport participants to the shortleaf pine stand.  Part of the tour could be a walking tour with learning stations set up in the pasture.  Members will also check on availability of caterers, portable toilets and hand washing stations, speakers and organizations or businesses that can fund the event.  Allison will send out a poll to check preferred dates during the week of October 17^th.  Zack Brannon and Winston County Extension were volunteered to handle the registration for the event.

A portion of the Self Farm was harvested, and his goal was to reforest the area in a mixed shortleaf pine-hardwood stand.  Site preparation burning occurred prior to planting shortleaf pine.  The pines were released with herbicide.  Fire lanes are maintained, and prescribed fire will be introduced at sometime into the shortleaf stand.  There are other areas of mature hardwoods and loblolly pine on the property, in addition to pasture and mine ponds.  The committees are excited to showcase this property on a Landowner Field Day and greatly appreciate Ann and Bill welcoming us!

Allison Cochran shared updates from the Bankhead National Forest –

District Ranger Andy Scott sends his thanks and best wishes, as he embarks on a new job in Mississippi.  The Bankhead Liaison Panel will have a public meeting at First National Bank in Double Springs on May 3 at 6 pm.  The Kids Fishing Derby is planned for June 11^th, Alabama Free Fishing Day, at the Black Warrior Work Center on Hwy 33 in Lawrence County. Children ages 5-12, accompanied by an adult, are invited for free fishing and lunch.  Alabama Power and Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy are holding a Renew Our Rivers Lake Clean-Up on April 28 and 29 at the Houston Recreation Area.  Volunteers needed.  The Bankhead is proposing a new longleaf woodland restoration project and a scoping letter was sent to the public.  Associated with that project, the Bankhead will be offering two stewardship timber sale contracts this year.  These will include pine thinning and stewardship service work like treating non-native invasive plants with herbicide and pre-commercial thinning of longleaf and shortleaf pine with handtools.  A field trip for interested bidders and contractors is coming up this spring.  Prescribed burning is on-going on the Bankhead National Forest with 15,245 acres burned to date.  The staff is burning today.

Group Photo - Winston and Marion County Committee Members with Mr. Bill Self.  Photo Credit: Amy Melson, Northwest Alabamian

News Release from USDA Forest Service - Secure Rural Schools Program Reauthorization

 

President Biden, USDA Forest Service Announce more than $238 Million to Support Rural Schools, Roads, Other Services

Secure Rural Schools will provide critical funding for 742 U.S. counties in 41 states and Puerto Rico from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Release & Contact Info

Press Release

Release No. 0083.22

Contact: USDA Press
Email: press@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2022 – President Biden and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service today announced investment of more than $238 million to support public schools, roads, and other municipal services through the Secure Rural Schools Program, which will deliver payments to 742 eligible counties in 41 states and Puerto Rico. The program was reauthorized for fiscal years 2021 through 2023 by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The announcement is one of several being made as the Biden-Harris Administration is in the midst of its building a better America rural infrastructure tour which is highlighting the ways in which President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will positively impact rural communities.

“These crucial investments by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will strengthen these rural communities that are historically, culturally and financially connected to the national forests in their communities,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “It is just another demonstration of the President’s commitment to Building A Better America by making sure the people, communities and resources of rural America are supported, protected and uplifted.”

“The Secure Rural Schools program is one of many ways USDA supports rural communities and provides a consistent source of funding in areas near national forests,” Forest Service Chief Randy Moore said. “In addition to funding for schools and counties, the program also reimburses counties for emergency services on national forests and is instrumental in the development of community wildfire protection plans.”

The Forest Service retains a portion of Secure Rural Schools program funds to support projects that improve forest conditions and support jobs in rural communities. Resource advisory committees, made up of residents representing varied interests and areas of expertise, review and recommend projects that meet their local needs.

Since 1908, 25% of Forest Service revenues from timber sales, mineral leases, livestock grazing, recreation fees, and other funding sources are shared with states and counties that have national forests. By the 1990s, Forest Service payments from these sources began to decline, largely because of long-term diminished volume in timber sales. The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 authorized enhanced payments to help states and counties fund local services otherwise at risk because of this decline in revenue.

Over the past 10 years, the Forest Service has distributed $2.6 billion through the Secure Rural Schools program. This year, states will receive $238 million for distribution to counties. Each state’s payment amount is determined by various factors set in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including the number of counties electing to share in a state's payment.

The FY2021 payments to states are as follows:

• Alabama: $1,670,594
• Alaska: $10,837,773
• Arizona: $10,256,983
• Arkansas: $6,531,375
• California: $29,942,287
• Colorado: $12,607,415
• Florida: $2,448,362
• Georgia: $1,345,896
• Idaho: $23,429,141
• Illinois: $216,886
• Indiana: $239,561
• Kentucky: $1,374,760
• Louisiana: $1,663,020
• Maine: $65,287
• Michigan: $3,148,787
• Minnesota: $2,182,610
• Mississippi: $4,788,035
• Missouri: $3,207,927
• Montana: $14,382,681
• Nebraska: $170,796
• Nevada: $3,495,275
• New Hampshire: $433,007
• New Mexico: $9,800,134
• New York: $18,450
• North Carolina: $1,583,135
• North Dakota: $389
• Ohio: $226,258
• Oklahoma: $950,528
• Oregon: $47,971,375
• Pennsylvania: $2,885,493
• Puerto Rico: $190,294
• South Carolina: $1,549,601
• South Dakota: $1,373,536
• Tennessee: $1,071,967
• Texas: $2,141,942
• Utah: $8,206,677
• Vermont: $285,596
• Virginia: $1,484,018
• Washington: $16,020,514
• West Virginia: $1,615,891
• Wisconsin: $1,506,980
• Wyoming: $5,012,315

TOTAL: $238,333,552

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender

Bankhead Liaison Panel Meeting - May 3rd in Double Springs

 PUBLIC MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT - Bankhead Liaison Panel

The next meeting of the Bankhead Liaison Panel will be held Tuesday, May 3rd, at 6:00 p.m. at the First National Bank, 15305 Highway 278, Double Springs, Alabama.  Meeting topics will include an update on the proposed Pinetucky Longleaf Woodland Project, the Bankhead Woodlands Stewardship Proposal and upcoming contract offerings, Black Warrior Wildlife Management Area Hunts, and Wild Alabama Recreation Monitoring projects.  The meeting will adjourn by 8:00 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.

April Council Meeting - Self Property

 The Winston County Natural Resources Council will meet at the Bill and Ann Self property on April 21st.  We will depart the Bankhead National Forest office at 9:00 AM and meet at the Self property at 9:45 AM.  We will plan a landowner field day with Marion County Forestry Planning Committee. Contact Mike Henshaw or Allison Cochran for meeting site directions, if you choose not to caravan from the Bankhead National Forest office.

Congratulations to Bankhead District Ranger Andy Scott on his Move to Mississippi - News Release

 News Release from the USDA Forest Service - Andy Scott named Deputy Forest Supervisor of the National Forests in Mississippi

Andy Scott, a natural resources professional with 20 years of Forest Service experience, has been selected as the Deputy Forest Supervisor for the National Forests in Mississippi which consists of 1.2 million acres of forest land on the Bienville, Chickasawhay, Delta, De Soto, Holly Springs, Homochitto, and Tombigbee Ranger Districts.

 

“Andy has worked for the National Forests in Mississippi twice on temporary assignments as Deputy Forest Supervisor. We’re excited to have him join the team in a permanent role,” said Forest Supervisor Shannon Kelardy. “Andy has a great deal of leadership experience as a district ranger as well as an outstanding background in forest research.”

 

Scott currently serves on the National Forests in Alabama as the Bankhead District Ranger, a position he’s held since 2017. He is expected to begin in his new role in the next two to three months.

 

“I am very excited to return to the National Forests in Mississippi. It’s an outstanding forest with great employees and conservation partners. I look forward to being part of this team,” said Scott. “I’m eager to work with our employees and partners to conserve, protect, and restore diverse forest habitats while providing for the public good in myriad ways.”

 

Scott began his Forest Service career in 2002 as a Research Soil Scientist with the Southern Research Station in Pineville, LA. In 2010, he continued his research on campus at Alabama A&M University, where he served as a research liaison to the school’s Center of Excellence in Forestry. His research interests were primarily related to the long-term productivity of managed forestlands for timber or biomass production.

 

Scott has a B.S.F. in Forest Management from Purdue University, a M.S. in Forestry from Texas A&M University, and a Ph.D. in Forestry from Virginia Tech. Scott and his wife, Debbie, have three children. In his spare time, he enjoys exercise, fishing, golf, and puttering in his workshop.

Winston County's Rush Darter is in the news

Click the link below to read about partnership work to learn more about the endangered Rush Darter on Bankhead National Forest.  

Alabama News Center 

March Council Meeting Summary

The March 2022 Winston County Natural Resources Council meeting was held at Mat Hannah's Tree Farm in Arley. The Council will hold Forestry Awareness Week Now - FAWN for Winston County 6th graders at the Arley Tree Farm on May 5-6. The majority of the March meeting was spent planning FAWN logistics. The Winston County Soil and Water District contirbuted $1000 to the Natural Resources Council in support of FAWN. The Council also brainstormed ideas to hold a future landowner workshop at the Arley Tree Farm. The primarily loblolly pine forest is about 50 acres and is being managed for wildlife and aesthetics. Active management includes thinned pine plantations which are under prescribed burn rotation, a pond managed for bass and bream, orchard, wildlife openings, beaver habitat, streams and riparian areas, road and trail improvements and active privet control. 

 The April 2022 meeting will be on April 21st at the Bill Self farm in Marion County to plan a Fall 2022 Landowner workshop in conjunction with the Marion County Natural Resources Council. 

 Casey Hammack volunteered to serve as Treasurer and all approved. Casey will transition these duties with Peter Gossett. The Council thanks PJ for his service as treasurer and welcomes Casey into this new role! 

 The Bankhead National Forest will hold the Kids Fishing Derby in June this year at the Black Warrior Work Center. The Council will support this event, as we have in the past. More information will be shared soon. 

 The Council agreed to join the NATR group for this year. 

 The Council will plan a future meeting at the Johnston property to learn about the Mississippi State University shortleaf pine research project and tour the forest.

In attendance at the March meeting were Mat Hannah, Zack Brannon, John Creed, Maggie Johnston, Jamie Seagroves, Casey Hammack and Allison Cochran.

 

March Meeting - Meeting Location CHANGE

The Winston County Natural Resources Council will meet at 9:00 AM on Thursday, March 17th in Arley. We will have our regular meeting and conduct a site visit to plan the FAWN program at 629 Sipsey Pine Road, Arley, AL 35541.

WCNRC February 17, 2022 Meeting Summary

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on February 17, 2022 at the Houston Recreation Area. Amy Melson, Zack Brannon, John Creed, Dylan Gilbert, Mike Henshaw, Laurannne James, Jamie Seagroves and Casey Hammack attended. Winston County FAWN program planning for Winston County 6th graders. Tentative dates are April 18 and 19 or April 27 and 28. Tentative location is Matt Hannah’s property in Arley. Grants are secured/in process for funding for FAWN. Members will reach out to others for availability to fill stations, guides, EMS, etc. The WCNRC will work towards hosting a fall landowner field day, possibly at the Bill Self property in Marion County. A chainsaw safety workshop is scheduled for March 9 in Double Springs and March 10 in Fayette. Contact Winston County Extension office to register. There is a 4H livestock judging event on March 3 in Double Springs and volunteers are needed who are knowledgeable about cows, pigs, goats and sheep. Logging training with the Forestry Works program is planned for Double Springs. Please share with high schools. Posted to the WCNRC blog. AAMU Extension will offer non-profit organization training on 5/10 and 5/11 at Bevill State in Jasper. Allison, Zack and Lauranne will attend. Winston County Alabama Forestry Commission will host a tree giveaway in March, location and date TBD. Several wildfires and prescribed burns in the area this week. The next meeting is on March 17th. Tentative meeting location is Matt Hannah property to scout for FAWN in April.

Winston County Natural Resources Council Meeting - February 17 at 9 am at Houston Recreation Area

The regular monthly meeting of the Winston County Natural Resources Council is planned for February 17, 2022 at 9 am at the Houston Recreation Area, Day Use Pavilion.

Logging Equipment Operator Training Planned for Double Springs

The Forest Workforce Training Institute's Logging Equipment Operator Training School is a four-week program designed to equip students with little or no experience to become a logging equipment operator with all necessary safety certifications as well as Professional Logging Manager (PLM) status. This course will consist of classroom instruction in forestry concepts, logging safety, and basic business concepts specific to logging. Afternoon field sessions will reinforce classroom training and provide actual equipment operation at an active logging site. The class will operate Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. This program will be limited to 8 participants, so apply now before spaces fill up! Logging Equipment Operator Training School is planned for Double Springs, Alabama: March 28th - April 22nd, 2022. To learn more and apply, visit; https://www.forestryworks.com/training?fbclid=IwAR2iV7kSpovLd2gw4bFNEUpV9r2Io3ZRHmZqDOl5aG-FX2azutrpJD50ow8

Learn and Burn Field Day Scheduled for Jefferson County

Alabama Tree Farm System is hosting a "Learn and Burn" Field Day at the Turkey Creek Nature Presere in Jefferson County. The hands on, interactive live fire learn and burn event is planned for the week of March 7-11 on the first available burn day. This is a free event, but registration is required. Visit Alabama Forestry Association (https://www.alaforestry.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1604286&group=) Visit

January 2022 Meeting Summary

January 20, 2022 Winston County Natural Resources Council Meeting Summary WCNRC members in attendance included John Creed, Maggie Johnston, Zack Brannon, Dylan Gilbert, Jamie Seagraves, Casey Hammack, Lauranne James, Andy Scott and Allison Cochran. The guest speaker was Jared Carter with Alabama Mountains, Rivers, Valleys RC&D. Over 20 people attended the meeting including media, representatives from Smith Lake associations, Backcountry Horsemen of America, NARCOG, US Forest Service, City of Double Springs and Winston County, Wild Alabama, and hikers and other trail enthusiasts. Jared Carter shared a presentation about the new North Alabama Trails and Recreation Program. The NATR covers 18 counties from Marion to Cherokee and includes Calhoun and Cleburne. Smith Lake and the Bankhead National Forest are included in the program area. The goal is to increase outdoor recreation opportunities and infrastructure and spread the wealth from sites that may be overused and impacted. There are many large initiatives such as Alabama Scenic River Trail, Singing River Trail, TN River Line Initiative, but we could use more. Many popular areas like Sipsey and Monte Sano could benefit from spreading use to other areas, as well. The NATR will bring expertise, awareness, funds and labor to maintain and grow sites. NATR has quarterly networking meetings in their hubs of Muscle Shoals, Cullman, Gadsden and Huntsville. Jared encourages us to let NATR know about our needs and skill sets. NATR is planning an Expo on October 1, 2022 at Ingalls Harbor in Decatur. Exhibitors will have booths and classes to highlight what North Alabama has to offer in the way of recreation and trails. They are looking for exhibitors, and there will be a fee for booth space. They are also looking for ways to promote the event. NATR funding is another component of the program. Looking for funds and labor and a way to connect people and organizations. They hope to have lists of resources and grant sources. NATR CREW is also in development. This would allow organizations to have access to volunteers, a volunteer pool of sorts and provide opportunities for collaboration. A partnership with Jacksonville State University will offer a series of workshops in this regard. To join NATR, go to the website natrails.org and the cost is $100. This is a wonderful opportunity to get your projects in the public eye and to collaborate and network with other organizations. Any trail and recreation opportunity is welcomed, like hiking, biking, paddling, equestrians, etc. NATR does not include traditional parks and recreation things like golf, sporting events, nor hunting and fishing. An upcoming workshop is planned for April 12-14 with University of Alabama’s Center for Economic Development that will explore North Alabama recreation needs based on SCORP data and prioritization of what the state is looking at investing in. Visit NATR website for information on this webinar. Other WCNRC business covered – Alabama Cooperative Extension hired a new 4H program coordinator in Winston County. We welcome Dylan Gilbert. Winston County Commission joined the NATR. Alabama Forestry Commission will have some trees to give away in celebration of Arbor day this year in Winston County. More information will be available at our February meeting. Bankhead National Forest is kicking off a new project on south Bankhead, Pinetucky Project, focusing on longleaf pine and Northern bobwhite habitat restoration. An associated collaborative stewardship project is in development, as well. Prescribed burning has kicked off and will be ramping up in the coming month. The Bankhead Liaison Panel holds quarterly public meetings and all are encouraged to attend to learn more about the management of the National Forest. Wild Alabama is partnering with Bankhead National Forest on two successful citizen science projects. One is a white oak collection and restoration project in the Balls Mountain Area with numerous school groups, Boy Scouts and other organizations involved. The second is a hemlock wooly adelgid monitoring project. The next meeting will be February 17th at Houston Rec. The WCNRC meets on the third Thursday of the month.

Chronic Wasting Disease Detected in Lauderdale County, Alabama

 

https://www.outdooralabama.com/articles/chronic-wasting-disease-detected-lauderdale-county-alabama

January Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resources Council will hold our regular monthly meeting on Thursday, January 20 at the Houston Recreation Area Day Use Pavilion. 

We have a special guest speaker, so we are extending an invitation to partners and interested people in the surrounding area to join us.

Jared Carter from the Alabama Mountains, Rivers and Valleys RC&D Council will speak about the new North Alabama Trails and Recreation Program.  We are very excited to learn about partnership opportunities with NATR in our communities and hope you will join us for this meeting.

 

The North Alabama Trails & Recreation program (NATR) is a new program of AMRV RC&D's dedicated to improving North Alabama's recreational opportunities and infrastructure across 18 counties in order to make North Alabama a recreation destination. NATR accomplishes this by providing access to expertise, awareness, funds, and labor. NATR currently has four pillars: 1) NATR Group, a network of outdoor recreation professionals, stakeholders, and enthusiasts dedicated to building and improving recreational opportunities and infrastructure. NATR Group meets quarterly for Lunch & Learn sessions at regional hubs including the Shoals, Huntsville, Cullman, and Gadsden. 2) NATR Expo, a tradeshow event to bring awareness to outdoor recreation organizations, businesses, clubs, retailers, and more. This expo is to be held October 1st in Decatur. 3) NATR Fund, a special designated fund for local and collaborative trail and recreation projects in North Alabama, and 4) NATR Crew, a volunteer program to accomplish trail and recreation project creation and maintenance."  The website is natrails.org.

 

The meeting is OUTDOORS at the Houston Recreation Area Day Use Pavilion.  So, please dress warmly for an outdoor meeting in January!  The Houston Day Use entrance fee is waived for guests attending the meeting.

The meeting starts at 9 AM on January 20^th, 2022.

 Houston Recreation Area is located at Latitude : 34.1253309908  Longitude : -87.2946592269

From the north, take Co Rd 63 south from Hwy 278.  Veer right at the y in downtown Houston (past the fire station/post office) onto Co Rd 61 and then take a right onto Co Rd 3124 to the Campground. Follow the signs to the day use/boat ramp.  The pavilion will be on your right before the boat ramp. 

 

Thank you,

Allison

on behalf of the Winston County Natural Resources Council