2010 Archaeofest at Brushy Lake

Here's a short video from the 2010 Archaeofest held at Brushy Lake in the Bankhead National Forest.  Despite the threat of rain, many exhibitors and participants showed up to enjoy this event.  Jean Allan, District Archaeologist, the Bankhead National Forest staff, and scores of volunteers pitched in to host a successful family-friendly event.



Photos have been posted here from this year's Archaeofest.

The Winston County Natural Resources Council was one of the sponsors of the event, providing the food and refreshments at no cost to participants.

Four New Cost-Share Practices Announced by Winston County Soil and Water Conservation District

Dianne Godsey, District Administrative Coordinator with the Winston County Soil and Water Conservation District, said that four new cost-share practices have been approved for Winston County landowners.  These new practices are Treatment of Invasive Species such as privet and kudzu, Plastic Culture for Vegetable Crops, Feral Hog Trap, and Treatment of Poultry Litter with Alum.  All of the practices have a 60% cost-share rate, meaning that 60% of the cost of implementing the practice is covered by the Soil and Water Conservation District and 40% is paid by the landowner.  Call Dianne Godsey at (205) 489-5227 for details about these new practices.

Cattle Poisoned by Perilla Mint

I have gotten a number of calls about cattle being poisoned by perilla mint.  Dr. David Tyree, veterinarian and owner of Animal Health Services in Addison, told me that he knows of over 130 head of cattle that have been killed by perilla mint poisoning in this area.  Dr. Tyree said the symptoms of perilla mint poisoning are pneumonia, difficulty breathing, drooling, nasal discharge, and grunting upon exhaling.   He added that treatment is difficult and often unsuccessful.  Perilla mint is poisonous to cattle, goats, sheep, and horses.

The drought that we are experiencing is a major factor in the severity of this problem this year.  The plant is always present on Winston County farms, but the drought has driven the cattle to feed on this plant even though it is unpalatable.  Other poisonous plants may also become a problem if the drought continues.
 
We have a publication about perilla mint that is available free of charge by calling our office at (205) 489-5376 or by visiting our office in the John Nichols Building in Double Springs.

Mr. John Sudduth, a Winston County cattleman, explains how to identify perilla mint in this video that we made in a Winston County pasture.

September Council Meeting

LaVerne Matheson, President of WCSLAI, presents the
Council with a $1,000 check to support the FAWN
program for Winston County sixth graders.

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met at the U. S. Forest Service Building on September 16th.  Present at the meeting were:  Jim Hughes, John Creed, Charlie Meek, Allison Cochran, LaVerne Matheson, Tom Counts, Mike Henshaw, and Stephanie Love.  Chris Wright, Chairman, called the meeting to order.  The following topics were discussed:

• Wildfire conditions in the area are a concern with the recent dry weather.  Chris and Allison reported on two recent wildfires.
• Chris said that Johnna Franks is recouperating well, and hopes to be back to work on light duty soon.
• Treasurer's Report-Current account balance is $9,725.
• T-Shirts for the FAWN program have been ordered.  This will be an increased cost for the FAWN program this year.
• Discussed having a tour of the Old Log Jail for the students from Lynn and Meek this year.  There are several individuals in the community that could be recruited to speak to the students.
• The FAWN program was discussed at length.  Several changes were made to the program, and a tentative program for the October 13-14 dates will be sent to members soon.  The walk-thru for FAWN will be held on October 12, at 9:00 a.m. at Houston Recreation Area.
• The Archaeofest 2010 will be held at Brushy Lake on Saturday, September 25th.  The WCNRC approved $350 for food for the event.  WCNRC members are encouraged to attend and assist with the program.
• Allison said that the Forest Service will be sponsoring a Hunter Education Class on October 18, 19, and 21.  Participants must register online at outdooralabama.com
• There will be a Fire Prevention Day at Houston on October 2nd.
• Tom Counts reported on the Alabama Prescribed Fire Council Meeting in Eufaula.  He noted that there were over 400 applications for the new program to promote prescribed fire. 
• LaVerne reported on the recent Smith Lake Clean-Up that Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Inc. (WCSLAI) conducted.  He said that Smith Lake was free from styrofoam from Duncan Bridge north.  He added that since the clean-ups had begun, over 170 tri-axle dumptruck loads of styrofoam had been removed from the lake, and over 130 abandoned boat houses had been removed.  LaVerne also stated that WCSLAI had made good progress on the signage for the tributaries on Smith Lake.  He said that one of their directors, Tom Grubbs, had been working very hard on that project.  LaVerne added that WCSLAI would also provide coloring books to all Winston County students in K-3rd grade, which would include about 1,400 students.  He gave us an update on the Rock Creek Watershed Grant and the PowerPoint Slide Presentation on Water Quality.
• LaVerne also brought a $1,000 check from WCSLAI to be used for the FAWN program.  
• Charlie gave us an update on the Pulling Together Initiative Grant to control invasive alien plants like privet and kudzu.  He said the final version of the grant would be submitted at the end of the month.  If funded, several sites will be selected for these demonstrations.
• Charlie noted that the Winston County Assign-A-Highway program has been funded for another year.

Visit National Timber Tax Website

Visit the National Timber Tax Website http://www.timbertax.org/ where Tax Tips for Forest Landowners for Tax Year 2010 will be posted soon.

This website offers information for timberland owners on the tax treatment of timber related activities.

2010 Archaeofest to be held at Brushy Lake on September 25th

Youth search for artifacts at an archaeological site
near Brushy Lake.

The USDA Forest Service, along with several national, state and local partners, is hosting an archaeology festival called “Archaeofest” in the Bankhead National Forest. The theme for Archaeofest 2010 is “Celebrating Our Heritage.” The free, public event is focused on people of the past and the things they left behind. “Living history” demonstrations will include civil war soldiers and civilians, Southeastern Indians, pioneer skills and even a bagpiper musician. Activities and exhibits are family oriented and will include a small working archaeological excavation, pottery and arrowhead making. Their will be learning stations on “What Can We Learn From Bones,” rock art and cave archaeology, as well as information about local history and Cherokee genealogy. Kids will enjoy Smokey Bear and Indiana Jones, and a free hot dog lunch will be provided. Please bring your lawn chair or blanket. The Archaeofest will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 25, 2010. Rainout date will be Saturday, October 9, at the same time. The Archaeofest will be held at Brushy Lake Campground Day Use Area. (Directions: From Alabama Highway 33, take paved Lawrence County Road 70 to Brushy Lake Campground.)  For more information, call Jean Allan at (205) 489-5111.

Minutes of August Council Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resources Council Meeting was held at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 19th at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs.  Present were Chris Wright-Chairman, Jim Hughes-Vice Chairman, Mike Henshaw-Secretary, James Burnett, John Creed, Carl Godsey, LaVerne Matheson, Allison Cochran, Stephanie Love, and Elrand Denson.

Johnna Franks, the WCNRC Treasurer, is recuperating well at home.  The Council wishes her a speedy recovery.

The following items were discussed:

• 2009 FAWN programs were reviewed and tentative plans were made for the 2010 FAWN programs.  According to James Burnett, funding should be available from the Winston County Commission for bus transportation.  LaVerne Matheson, reported that WCSLAI is planning to give $500 to $1,000 for FAWN, pending board approval.  There will be an increased cost associated with the T-shirts for the students this year.  If possible, the duration of the learning stations will be increased slightly. 
• Allison Cochran distributed a color brochure about White-Nose Syndrome on bats.  She said the poorly-understood disease is having a major impact on bats.  To help prevent the spread of the disease to this area, all caves in the Bankhead National Forest are closed.  For more information on White-Nose Syndrome, visit http://www.fws.gov/WhiteNoseSyndrome/  
• LaVerne Matheson reviewed the status of the Rock Creek Watershed Grant.  Alabama Water Watch is making revisions to the draft proposal, and it will be resubmitted to ADEM in the next few days.



Pulling Together Initiative Committee

• Charlie Meek, Northwest Alabama RC & D Council, is working with a group of
  council members on an invasive plant control demonstration grant called Pulling Together Initiative (PTI).  The pre-proposal was successful, so the group is now working on the full proposal.
• LaVerne gave an update on the landslide that has occurred on Smith Lake.  He is working with various agencies to mitigate the hazards and environmental damage resulting from the slide.
• The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is asking the public to take part in their Future Talk Survey that will help formulate a five year plan.  Survey is available until August 31st at www.aces.edu
• Hunter Education will be available at the U. S. Forest Service Office.  Allison said they will offer both the field day portion and the general hunter education course.  Call (205) 489-5111 for dates and other information.
• Tentative date for the 2010 Archeofest is Saturday, September 25th.  
• Alabama A & M is seeking approval for an air quality research tower on the Bankhead National Forest.
• Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Incorporated is sponsoring a three-day Smith Lake Clean-Up on September 14-16th.

Submitted by Mike Henshaw, WCNRC Secretary