Ants Featured in Afterschool Program

Jim Casteel, Program Assistant with the Winston County Extension Office, is conducting a program about ants at afterschool programs in each of the Winston County schools. Each class receives an ant farm with live harvester ants inside. During his visits to the schools, Jim shows the students how the ants build tunnels in their enclosure, gives them some basic facts about ants, and tells them the different parts of an ant. After learning how to care for the ants, the students will be able to observe them for several weeks. This program is funded through a 21st Century grant from the Winston County Board of Education.

WCHS Wins First Place in 2010 FFA Land Judging Contest Held on Sudduth Farm

Students from Winston, Walker, and Fayette Counties recently attended a FFA Land Judging Competition at John and Mary Sudduth's Farm in Double Springs. At the competition, students evaluated four sites, each excavated to a depth of four feet to expose all the soil layers. Students then described the features of the land such as slope, soil texture, and rated the land capability class. Students evaluate the soil for its suitability for production agriculture, building homes, or forestland. They also estimate drainage and erosion potential. Students at the contest are tested on their knowledge of soil types, topography, proper land use practices, and related topics. Scores were based on how closely the students’ evaluations match those of the official judges.

Teams prepared for the contest by learning the information in class, studying material published by the NRCS, and practicing land evaluation. Winston County Soil and Water Conservation District awarded prize money to each team. The Natural Resources Conservation Service provided technical support.

Photos from the event are here.

Fire Use Restriction Expanded to all National Forests Lands in Alabama

Forest Supervisor Miera Crawford Nagy has expanded the fire use restrictions to all lands outside developed recreation areas on the National Forests in Alabama. This prohibition on the use of all fire applies on the Bankhead, Talladega, Conecuh and Tuskegee National Forests. This restriction was prompted by continuing dry conditions and high wildfire dangers. The closure order is effective through December 31, 2010. More information can be found on the National Forests in Alabama's website at www.fs.fed.us/r8/alabama/.

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

Free Rain Barrel Workshop in Florence

This is Heath King with the Northwest AL RC&D Council. We have secured a grant that will allow us to host a FREE Rain Barrel workshop at the Lauderdale County ACES office on December 1, 2010 at 9 a.m.. This will be a joint project with Extension staff involvement as well as other dedicated volunteers.

I have attached a flyer and a pre-registration form. Please distribute these items to your contacts at schools, community centers, and any other individuals that are interested in the positive benefits of recycling precious natural resources through the use of Rain Barrels.

The grant will allow the workshop to be free and each participant will get to construct their own rain barrel and take it with them. Registration will be first come, first serve so make sure any interested parties email, snail mail, or fax the attached pre-registration form back to me in a timely manner. My contact info is listed on the pre-registration form.  See registration form here.

October Council Meeting on 21st

The Winston County Natural Resources Council will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 21st, at the U. S. Forest Service in Double Springs.

Feral Hogs Cause Damage in the Bankhead National Forest

Barry Baird, Manager of the Black Warrior Wildlife Management Area, says that feral hogs are a widespread problem on the wildlife management area. He sent me this map showing areas highlighted in green where feral hogs are present.  Barry said that this map would be updated as more information becomes available.  Plans also include a map of a larger area showing other areas where feral hogs are causing damage.