Winston County FFA Forestry Judging

The Winston County FFA Forestry Judging was held recently by the Winston County AgriScience Departments.  Jeremy McDonald, USFS, helped set up and conduct the forestry judging contest.  AgriScience instructors Mr. Caleb Beason, Mr. Byron Tuggle, and Mr. Frank Graham coached their students for the competition.  Segments of the competition include forest measurements and tree identification.  The WCNRC provided $130 in awards to the winners of the competition.  Winston County High School won first place, Haleyville High won 2nd, and Addison High placed 3rd.

Minutes of April Council Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on April 20, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs.  In attendance were Mike Henshaw, Jeremy McDonald, John Creed, James Burnett, J. D. Snoddy, Johnna Franks, and Andy Baril.  The following topics were discussed:

• Payne Creek Demo event will be held on May 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Several educational stations will be set up and there will be a hike into the canyon.  The Natural Resources Council previously set aside up to $150 dollars to help with expenses for transportation or portable toilets.  Firewise information for the adults and children will be covered at one of the stations.
• A banner for the Winston County Natural Resources Council and a banner for Firewise has been ordered from the Sign Shop in Moulton at a cost of $90 each.  The group approved the cost of these banners.
• Photos of the Winston County 4-H Shooting Sports Team was shared with the group.  The Council provided $200 to help cover the sponsored groups trip to the State Shotgun Competition.
• The FFA Forestry program requested $130 for the Forestry Judging Award winners, and this amount was approved by the Council.  Jeremy gave a report on the event, which he helped set up and conduct.
• J. D. Snoddy gave a report on the Northwest Alabama RC and D Council's Eco-cold storage unit that is being used by area vegetable and fruit growers and Main Street Ministries.  The unit provides low-cost temporary cold storage for farmers and others needing short term cooling for perishable items.
• The 4-H Round Up will be held on May 9, at the Double Springs Municipal Building.  Several council members will be assisting with this event for Winston County 4-H'ers.
• Discussed Resource Allocation Committee funds available from U. S. Forest Service.  The Winston County Commission will be submitting a proposal to use the $71,000 of funds allocated to Winston County.
• Andy invited all to the Walker County Landowner tour near Eldridge, on May 6.  Click here for a printable flyer.
• Johnna said that AFC was working on fire breaks for landowners.  She also said they had a new State Forester, Rick Oates.
• Andy, John, and Johnna reported on the pine beetle situation in the state at the present.  There are major concerns about weak markets for pine if serious beetle problems were to occur.

Winston County 4-H Shotgun Team Attends State Competition in Childersburg

The Winston County Natural Resources Council helped support the Winston County 4-H Shooting Sports Club trip to the State 4-H Shotgun Championship in Childersburg.  Here the team poses for a group photo with towels made in memory of Will Gunnin, former member of the team.

Renew Our Rivers Scheduled for April 26 and 27, Corinth Recreation Area

RENEW OUR RIVERS Smith Lake Cleanup

Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy, Inc., Bankhead National Forest and Alabama Power Company need your help for a RENEW OUR RIVERS Lake Cleanup on Smith Lake April 26 & 27, 2017 ( Wed. &; Thurs.) 8:30 sign-in; Cleanup begins at 9:00.
The Renew Our Rivers cleanup will be held at the Corinth Recreation Area Boat Ramp, Bankhead National Forest.

Volunteers with boats are needed to remove loose trash from Smith Lake sloughs and shoreline! Other volunteers not using their own boats may crew on the Alabama Power Company Renew Our Rivers boats and the Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy boat. These boats depart at 9 am.

Trash bags will be provided at the Corinth Recreation Area boat ramp at 9 am on 4/26. Styrofoam, other large trash such as boat house parts, and household garbage will NOT be accepted. This cleanup is only for small debris and loose trash that will fit into the collection bags.

Lunch will be provided. Bring drinking water, life jacket, gloves, sunscreen, insect repellent and a chair for lunch. Contact Jim Eason 256-590-2388 or Allison Cochran 205-489-5111 for more information. To learn more about Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy, email wcslainc@gmail.com

Directions to Corinth – From Double Springs, travel 8 miles east on Hwy 278; turn right at Corinth Rec Area sign on Co Rd 57. From Addison, travel 11 miles west on Hwy 278; turn left at Co Rd 57/Corinth Rec Area sign. Inside the Rec Area, follow the signs to the boat ramp.