Stimulus Money Arrives in Alabama to Combat Cogongrass

See the news article in the New York Times about Alabama's cogongrass control efforts getting financial support through the economic stimulus package. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/21/us/21land.html?_r=1

September Meeting Minutes

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on Thursday, September 17, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs. The following members were present: Allison Cochran (serving as the Chairperson and Secretary), LaVerne Matheson, James Burnett, John Creed, and Jim Hughes.

The following topics were discussed:

-FAWN program - No changes needed.
-FAWN transportation - $1000 to be provided by the County Commission
-FAWN walk-thru on Wednesday, Oct 14 @ 9AM
-Alabama Natural Resource Council of the Year Award - $1200 to be presented to the WCNRC at the Cullman County Field Day.
-Suggestion by members present that Mike collect names of our folks attending the Field Day & call and register for us.
-National Public Lands Day - Bankhead - Saturday, Sept 26. Council approved donating $100 for food if it is needed - Wait & see.
-October 24 - Winston Co. Smith Lake Advocacy is having a Slough Clean-up. Private boats are needed to clean-up all Winston Co. sloughs. Bags & dumpsters will be at 4 locations TBD.
-Alabama Water Watch/AU submitted the 319 planning grant for Rock & Crooked Creeks.
-Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Inc. is installing signs on the lake at each tributary with the trib/creek name on it.

Note: Thanks to Allison for chairing this meeting during the officers' absence.

2009 Outstanding Natural Resources Council Named

The Winston County Natural Resources Council has been named the 2009 Outstanding County Natural Resources Council in Alabama! The Alabama Natural Resources Council will be presenting the award to the Winston County Natural Resources Council members at the 2009 Regional Forestry Event and Field Day, on October 8, 2009 in Cullman County.

The Winston County Natural Resources Council will be presented with one plaque and a certificate for each council member. The Council will also be awarded $1,250.00 to be utilized for any project as determined by our council.

September WCNRC Meeting on Thursday, September 17th

The next meeting of the WCNRC will be on Thursday, September 17th at 9:00 a.m. It will be at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs. Chris Wright and Johnna Franks will be at a regional forestry meeting, however, I will relay an exciting announcement from them at the Thursday meeting.

We will discuss the upcoming FAWN Program schedules. The dates for the FAWN Programs are Thursday, October 15th, and Friday, October 16th. There's several changes from last year's programs, but the schedule is shaping up very well. Everyone has been very supportive of the FAWN Program by volunteering time out of their schedules to assist.

Look forward to seeing you on the 17th.

National Public Lands Day in the Bankhead National Forest

National Public Lands Day is Saturday, September 26, 2009. Rita Patterson, Forestry Technician, with the U. S. Forest Service, called to tell me about this year's project, which is to make improvements on the Hurricane Shooting Range and re-open the nearby Archery Range. Volunteers are needed to help make the improvements. Click on the image for a larger version of the flyer. For more information about the event, call Rita at (205) 489-5111.

FAWN Dates for 2009

Johnna Franks has contacted the schools about the FAWN dates. Arley, Addison, and Double Springs are on Thursday, October 15th, and Haleyville and Lynn will be on Friday, October 16th. Please mark your calendars.

I'll be sending out FAWN program guides for these two dates very soon. Thanks to Johnna for making these arrangements.