December Meeting of WCNRC

WCNRC Hog Trapping Demonstration

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on December 15th, at the Bankhead National Forest Office in Double Springs.  Members present were, Jeremy McDonald, Lorenzo Walton, James Burnett, Allison Cochran, Mike Henshaw, John Creed, Tom Counts, and Travis McDonald.

The following topics were discussed:

• Invasive plant control-various sprayers used
• Brown's Ferry Nuclear Power Plant Ingestion Pathway Exercise-James Burnett
• "More Kids in the Woods" Grant Proposal-Allison Cochran
• Auburn University School of Forestry Advisory Council Report-Tom Counts, AU Advisory Council Member
• Future Outings Planned for Council-(Tentative Dates Below)
• Center for Advanced Woodworking Technology in Haleyville-January 19, 2012
• Cane Creek Preserve in Colbert County-April 19, 2012
• Burnett Quail Farm near Addison-June 21, 2012
• FAWN Program Article by Allison Cochran in Smith Lake Living magazine

After the general discussion, the group visited a variety of internet web pages such as Facebook sites, blogs focusing on feral hogs, and maps of hog activity in the region.  After discussing various possibilities, the group decided that more thought would be needed on how to create a good informational site related to feral hogs in this area.  Additional team members are needed that are knowledgeable about Facebook, and more help will be needed from the Black Warrior Wildlife Management Area.  Since new personnel are being hired at this time on the Black Warrior WMA, we'll wait to involve the new WMA manager in any future "hogblog" type effort.  For now, there will be additional links on hogs added to the WCNRC blog.

December WCNRC Meeting

The December meeting of the Winston County Natural Resources Council will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2011, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs.  At the last meeting, there was some interest in looking into a "hogblog" or a similar effort to help educate the public about feral swine in the Bankhead area.  Such topics as control measures, hunting opportunities, damage maps, and other information about hogs would be available online for those interested in feral hogs.  At this meeting, the council will look at some possibilities to help get the word out about feral swine in this area.

FAWN Program Featured in Smith Lake Living Magazine

The Winston County FAWN (Forestry Awareness Week Now) program was highlighted in the latest copy of Smith Lake Living magazine.  The article was written by Allison Cochran, and also features photos by the magazine's editor, Eddie Hand.  The FAWN program is featured prominently on the magazine's cover photo, on right.  We'll have a copy of the magazine on hand at the next council meeting.

Alabama Forestry Association Meetings

Mary Ellen Edwards asked me to help get the word out about these Alabama Forestry Association Meetings in our area.  Here is the information that she sent me:

December 6, Tuesday, Tuscumbia, AL

6:00 pm

Cost Share Program and Legislative Update

Meal provided

$5.00 for AFA members and $10.00 for non members

Bevill Center for Environmental Technology

1011 George Wallace Boulevard

Tuscumbia, AL

December 8, Thursday, Decatur, AL

6:00 pm

Cost Share Program and Legislative Update

Meal provided

$5.00 for AFA members and $10.00 for non members

McCollum’s Catfish and Seafood Restaurant

2101 Gordon Terry Parkway

Decatur, AL

Please confirm reservation with Lisa Martin 334 481-2120 or contact her with any questions.

Rock Creek Watershed Project Meeting on December 6th

Please join the Rock Creek Stakeholder Group for the upcoming Rock Creek Watershed Management Project meeting on Tuesday, December 6th at 6pm in Addison, Alabama at the Community Center. We will be discussing recent project activities and will also plan activities for 2012.

For more information please contact Mona S. Dominguez by email srs0013@auburn.edu or call (334) 844-9323.