Conservation Advisory Board Approves Changes to Hunting Regulations

Article in Alabama Outdoor News about hunting regulation changes in Alabama.

http://www.aonmag.com/article.php?id=3832&cid=84

Thanks to Norm Haley, Regional Extension Agent, Forestry, Wildlife, and Natural Resources for bringing attention to this article.  Norm says changes include "Deer season now ends STATEWIDE on Feb. 10th, and mandatory game check will be required for next year."

Alabama Invasive Plant Council 14th Annual Conference

Click here for registration information for the annual conference.

Minutes March WCNRC Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on March 17, 2016, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs.  The following persons were present:  William Green-TREASURE Forest Association, Rick Oates-TREASURE Forest Association, Allison Cochran, Bill Snoddy, Carl Godsey, John Creed, James Burnett, and Mike Henshaw.  The following issues were discussed:

• William Green and Rick Oates brought us information about the new TREASURE Forest license plate promotion.  The goal is to have over 1,000 tags pre-ordered of the new design, which is pictured above.  The TREASURE Forest Association will rebate $25 from the sale of each tag back to an organization that helped promote the sale of that tag.  For instance the WCNRC will receive $25 for each tag it helps sell.  The application is available at this link.
  
• Rick also gave an overview of the TREASURE Forest Association.  In 2013 the TREASURE Forest Association merged with ALFA.  He brought copies of the TREASURE Forest Association newsletter.  The association will reimburse groups that hold Classroom in the Forest or FAWN programs up to $250 for expenses.  He mentioned the annual meeting that will be held in Atmore this year.  He also reviewed the application and certification process to obtain TREASURE Forest status.
• Johnna emailed that the balance in the treasury is $2,908.70.
• Upcoming Shortleaf Pine Field Day at Desoto State Park on Friday, April 8.
• Horses and Youth in the Forest on Saturday, April 9.  Horses and Youth in the Forest Flyer
  
• Water Watch Water Resources Poster
• Mosquitoes and Zika virus
• W. Kelly Mosley Award
• 4-H Centennial Youth Initiative 
• Allison reported that the prescribed fire acreage for 2016 is 11,000 acres out of a goal of 20,000 acres.  Poor weather has hampered prescribed burning this year.  
• Turkey season begins April 1
• Allison gave a report on the Houston Longleaf pine restoration efforts.
• The White nose Syndrome is expanding statewide, and caves are still closed on the Bankhead District, noted Allison.
• Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Inc. Public meeting to be held April 8, at Arley Traders and Farmers Bank.  WildSouth will be the guest speaker at this meeting.
• WCSLAI will sponsor a lake cleanup on April 27-28, at Clear Creek.  Recent heavy rains have brought trash from higher elevations into the lake.
• John Creed said landowners should be on the lookout for Southern Pine Beetle activity this spring and summer.

Mike Henshaw, Secretary

WCNRC

Alabama Water Water Watch Poster

March Council Meeting to be Held on March 17

The March Council meeting will be held on Thursday, March 17, at 9:00 a.m., at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs. 

Mr. Gene Renfroe, board member of the Alabama TREASURE Forest Association, will be our guest.  He wants to update us on the TREASURE Forest Association and tell us about an upcoming promotion.

Minutes February Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs on February 18, 2016.  Andy Baril, Mike Henshaw, and James Burnett were present.  The following items were discussed:

• W. Kelly Mosley Environmental Achievement Award Presentation for John and Mary Sudduth at the Alabama Natural Resources Council Awards Banquet.
• Possible future nominees for Helene Mosley TREASURE Forest Award and W. Kelly Mosley Environmental Achievement Award.
• Disaster Education Program for Winston County Youth.  Will be partnership between 4-H program, Winston County Emergency Management Agency, and the Winston County Commission.
• Update on 4-H Centennial Youth Initiative (CYI) status.  Winston County Extension Office has successfully completed the application process and should receive CYI status soon, which should include additional staffing for the Winston County Extension Office.
• Mission Statement for the Winston County Natural Resources Council.
• Andy gave an update on the Pickens County tornado.  He assisted with the clean up for several days.
• Andy said that he would be participating in the Walker County Arbor Week activities by handing out trees at a school in Parrish.

Mike Henshaw, Secretary
WCNRC

February Council Meeting

The February meeting of the Winston County Natural Resources Council will be held at 9:00 a.m., on Thursday, February 18, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs.