FAWN Dates for 2013

The FAWN dates for this year are Wednesday, October 9, and Friday, October 11.  Please mark your calendars for these dates.  We are also planning the FAWN walk-through on Tuesday, October 8, to put up signs and do other preparation.  Elrand told us that a good bit of maintenance has been done at Houston Recreation Area and that it should be in good shape for the students this year.  We are working on draft programs for these events and will send those out as soon as possible.  Thanks in advance for your support of the FAWN program this year.

September Council Meeting September 19

The September meeting of the Winston County Natural Resources Council will be held at 9:00 a.m., on Thursday, September 19, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs. 

International Paper Plant in Courtland Closing

Article on al.com about International Paper Plant in Courtland closing:

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2013/09/international_paper_largest_em.html

News Release Regarding Batching Dates for NRCS Programs

 Contact: Fay Garner, Public Affairs Specialist, 334-887-4506

or John Curtis, Resource Conservationist, 334-887-4539

Signup Batching Periods Announced for Conservation Programs

Auburn, Ala., September 10, 2013 – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Dr. William Puckett announced that October 18, 2013, is the signup batching date for producers for 2014 funding for the following conservation programs:

·                     Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

·                     Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) which includes the Agricultural

           Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), organic farming, and high tunnels

·                     Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), including Longleaf Pine and

           Gopher Tortoise Initiative

·                     Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) 

·                     Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)

There will also be a second batching on February 28, 2014, for the following conservation programs:

·                     Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) 

·                     Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis; however, selecting applications for funding is completed periodically through batching periods with specific cutoff dates.

In the CSP, EQIP and WHIP programs, eligible producers may receive a payment based on the statewide average cost of the installation of the conservation practice. 

Socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers are eligible for a higher payment based on the statewide average cost of the installation of the conservation practice. In addition, socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers can receive up to 30 percent advanced payment for purchasing materials or contracting. 

GRP and WRP are conservation easement programs where landowners receive payments for developing and protecting wetlands and grazing lands.

Interested producers should visit their nearest USDA Service Center to determine eligibility. NRCS field offices are listed in the telephone directory under U.S. Department of Agriculture or on-line at http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov. General program information is available on the Alabama NRCS website at www.al.nrcs.usda.gov. Individuals are not eligible until they have completed the Farm Bill eligibility requirements. 

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to:  USDA Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay).

Lovebugs Causing Complaints from Homeowners Across the County

Lovebug adult.  Photo by Johnny N. Dell, Bugwood.org

The Winston County Extension Office has been getting numerous calls about lovebugs from annoyed homeowners.  The flies are related to gnats; they are about a quarter of inch long and are black, except for some orange on the midsection of body.  The insects develop in decaying vegetation, and there is little that can be done to reduce their population.  The best strategy to avoiding problems inside the home is to make sure doors and windows seal tightly.  The abundant rainfall may be a factor in the high populations this year.  These periods of high activity related to the mating season may last four weeks.  See this publication from the University of Florida about lovebugs.

Feral Swine Workshop

Click on this link for a printable flyer.

Recreational Fish Pond Workshop

For a printable flyer, click here.