4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Team Places Second at State Competition

The Winston County 4-H recently competed at the State 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program.  The contest was held at the College of Forestry and Wildlife Science at Auburn University.  This was a two day event where the youth were tested on wildlife identification, wildlife foods, aerial photos, management practices, and management plans.  The team placed second in the junior division.  Pictured from left to right: Samuel Gomora, Will Gunnin, Sam Brannon.  Sarah Gomora is holding the trophy.  Not pictured is the team coach, Donna Gunnin.  

The Winston County team was sponsored in part by the Winston County Natural Resources Council.

Beavers, BMPS and Forest Products

July Minutes of the WCNRC Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on July 17, 2014, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs.  Present were: Dave Casey, LaVerne Matheson, James Burnett, John Creed, Mike Henshaw, and Allison Cochran.  The following topics were discussed:

• The council approved $200 to support the Winston County 4-H Habitat Evaluation Team that attended the state competition in Auburn in June.  The junior team, consisting of four youth, placed second in the competition.
• Dave Casey, District Ranger, made a presentation about the Resource Allocation Committe (RAC) that is forming to allow counties in Alabama to take advantage of Title II funds from the Forest Service.  Winston County is one of three counties that have requested title II funds, and the state must have a RAC to allocate those funds.  The council discussed several individuals that might be recruited to serve on the RAC to represent Winston County.
• John Creed gave a history of funds that have come from the Forest Service to counties in the past. 
• Allison said that the FAWN program could still be held at the Houston Recreation Area this year.  The restrooms and other facilities are in working order.
• The next liaison panel meeting will probably be held in October.  A date for the meeting is still pending.
• LaVerne said that the next Alabama Water Management Meeting would be held in August.  He also reported on efforts to monitor water quality on Smith Lake.

Mike Henshaw, Secretary
WCNRC

Bankhead National Forest Houston Day Use Area Open for July Fourth

The U.S. Forest Service announced that the Houston Day Use Area on the Bankhead National Forest will be open in time for the July 4th holiday.  Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the swimming and picnic areas as well as the boat ramp beginning this holiday weekend.  According to Bankhead District Ranger Dave Casey, Bankhead National Forest employees and local contractors have been working to restore water, repair buildings and clean grounds for the upcoming holiday.  The swimming and picnic areas will be open through Labor Day weekend.  The boat ramp will remain open as long as water depths allow safe boat launching.

Camping loops at Houston Recreation Area remain closed, but campers will find recreation opportunities at numerous other sites including Clear Creek and Corinth Recreation Areas that will remain fully operational for the upcoming July 4th weekend.

The National Forests in Alabama encourage visitors to check its web site at www.fs.usda.gov/alabama in advance of visits or contact the Bankhead District Office at 205-489-5111.