Upcoming May WCNRC Meeting Reminder

We hope you can join us for our May meeting this Thursday, May 16, at the U.S. Forest Service Office at 9:00 a.m. We will be discussing highlights of last week's Junior Ranger program, and the upcoming Fishing Derby, which is June 1.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Youth Fishing Derby 2019

Forest Service Hosts Alabama Resource Advisory Committee Meeting

On June 7, 2019, the USDA Forest Service will host a meeting of the federally designated Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committee (RAC). The advisory committee intent is to enhance community collaboration with federal officials who manage the National Forests in Alabama. The meeting will be held at the Forest Service office located at 2946 Chestnut Street, Montgomery, AL 36107 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

 

The 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.  Special projects can maintain infrastructure, improve the health of watersheds and ecosystems, protect communities and strengthen local economies. Alabama’s RAC consists of 15 people selected to serve on the committee by the Secretary of Agriculture.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss mission and operating guidelines, chairman responsibilities, discuss the status of current approved projects, and current Title II funding amounts and processes for project recommendation. RAC information, including the meeting summary/minutes can be found at the following website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/​main/​alabama/​workingtogether/​advisorycommittees.

 

The meeting is open to the public. The agenda will include time for people to make oral statements of three minutes or less. Individuals wishing to make an oral statement should request in writing by May 31, 2019, to be scheduled on the agenda. Anyone who would like to bring related matters to the attention of the committee may file written statements with the committee staff before or after the meeting. Written comments and requests for time to make oral comments must be sent to Lisa Kamnikar, Alabama RAC Coordinator, 2946 Chestnut Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36107; by email to lisa.kamnikar@usda.gov, or via facsimile to 334–241–8113. For more information contact Tammy Freeman Brown, Public Affairs Staff Officer, at 334-241-8144 or email tammy.freemanbrown@usda.gov.

Bankhead Liaison Panel Meeting Announcement

(Double Springs, AL)  May 8, 2019 ---- The next meeting of the Bankhead Liaison Panel will be held Tuesday, May 14th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Moulton Recreation Center, HA Alexander Park, 13550 Court Street, Moulton, Alabama.  Meeting topics will include an update on the proposed 2019 Southern Pine Beetle Mitigation and Restoration project, Recreation and Roads program updates, Eastern Spotted Skunk project and Wildlife Monitoring program updates, and America’s Longleaf Million Acre Challenge.   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.

-FS-

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

FSA Outreach Flyer

WCNRC April Meeting Minutes

Members Present: Mike Henshaw, Vice Chair, Kerri Roberts, Secretary, Jason Harris, Jimmy Madison, John Creed, Johnna Franks, Treasurer, and Guest Danny Cain.

* Mike opened the meeting discussing the possible Land Owner Field Day. He said Wade Hill with NRCS had contacted the council to ask about a joint meeting at Bill Self's farm with the Council's committee and some of his state forestry contacts. It was discussed to do this at the May meeting. However, Bill Self will be out of town that day. Mike wants to table the Land Owner Field Day topic until he and Allison can be able to attend. He will get with Allison to see about a possible date for that to happen.

* Kerri updated the council about what 4-H has been doing. She took a group from Winston County High School to the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center in Andalusia last weekend. They had a great time and learned a ton about forestry. This was a joint trip with teacher Kevin England. The 4-H Shotgun team just competed at state as well as the 4-H Archery team.

* Johnna reported the balance is $12,778.85. She had written one check since last time to purchase the compasses for the FFA forestry competition.

* Andy Baril said the Winston County FFA forestry competition had been Thursday, April 11, at City Lake in Haleyville. He said Jeremy McDonald's daughter Makayla had the highest score.

* Andy also reminded us that the Fishing Derby is June 1.  Lawrence County Natural Resources Council will be coming to do a booth. Johnna said we will need to be thinking about the purchases for the derby as she will be out of town some beforehand. She may leave Allison some checks for purchases.

* Jimmy Madison gave us a report on the possibility of severe weather for this afternoon and evening. He said to remain weather alert.

* Danny Cain, Interim County Extension Coordinator for Winston County, reported about the federal disaster funds that were appropriated for Winston County February floods.

Meeting Adjourned. Next meeting May 16.

WCNRC April Meeting

The next Winston County Natural Resources Council meeting will be Thursday, April 18, 9:00 am at the U.S. Forestry Service Office in Double Springs.