NEW RELEASE - Fall Prescribed Burning in the National Forests in Alabama - Utilizing prescribed fire can protect communities and other values, improve habitat, and restore ecological balance to landscapes by reducing vegetation buildup on the landscape.

 News Release from the USDA Forest Service. Contact: Public Affairs Office, Tammy Brown / 334-315-4926, Sheila Holifield/334-235-5494, Email:pa_alabama@usda.gov

Fall Prescribed Burning in the National Forests in Alabama

MONTGOMERY, AL, November 23, 2020 ---- This fall season, fire management experts with the USDA Forest Service are conducting controlled prescribed burns on the National Forests in Alabama.  These burns are conducted for the purpose of reducing potential for large wildfires, decreasing unwanted vegetation and to improve the overall health of your national forests in Alabama.  Fire managers expect a limited window of suitable weather to conduct prescribed burns. They are asking the public to check the National Forests in Alabama’s Facebook page for the latest updates regarding any planned burns. 

 

Prescribed burning is only conducted when factors such as resource availability, air quality, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, and fuel moisture levels are ideal. All burns are done under carefully planned prescriptions and protocols to eliminate the risk of an escaped fire and smoke exposure to communities.

 "Our prescribed burning program is a targeted approach to reducing flammable vegetation on the landscape known as 'fuels' that build up on the forest floor and can feed large wildfires. Reducing these fuels can also reduce future smoke impacts in our communities," said Joe Smith, forest fire management officer with the National Forests in Alabama. "This year's historic wildfire season in the Northwest and Mountain Region of the United States has highlighted the importance of proper forest management and the use of fire on a prescribed basis is an important part of that management.”

Prescribed burning is one method of reducing hazardous fuels and helps reduce wildfire risk to communities, enhances wildlife habitats, recycles nutrients that increase soil productivity and overall increases resiliency of treated forests to endure wildfire effects. Since prescribed burn operations are planned in advance, they have critical safety components in place and are carefully designed to occur within a combination of natural and constructed control lines. In 2020, we have increased coordination measures regarding COVID-19 mitigation.

 

During a prescribed burn, some smoke may be visible around the burn areas. When smoke is present, motorists should reduce speeds and turn on headlights. Exact dates will depend on weather and moisture conditions that best allow the appropriate level of burn intensity, and smoke management to meet objectives.

WCNRC November Meeting Minutes

 

11/19/20 Members met at the Houston Recreation Pavilion. Members present were Chairman, Allison Cochran, Mike Henshaw- Vice Chair, Kerri Roberts- Secretary, Matt Brock, Brad Nail and PJ Gossett

Allison opened up the meeting stating what the Forest Service has been up to. Most everyone is back to work even though they are not in the office.  The office is still closed but people can call for assistance.  Almost all available have been sent out west to fight fires or south for hurricane duty. In the Bankhead, they have been working on longleaf planting and restoration, quail habitat and an Eastern Spotted Skunk survey.  Many nice big bucks are being harvested out of the Bankhead. They have also trapped over 150 wild hogs this year. 

Kerri updated on virtual FAWN.  Jeremy has ordered t-shirts.  Jimmy Madison is helping Zack edit and finalize the videos. Kerri is helping Zack add Nearpod interactive educational activities along with the videos.  The presentations should be finished early December to distribute to 6^th grade teachers.

Matt gave an update on fish and wildlife.  Northwest Alabama has been saturated with CWD testing locations. There is 1 at the Forest Service Office in Winston County.  He is making a “Trailing wounded Wildlife” video and also one on “Aging Deer on Hoof”. He reminded everyone that a new regulation is that a certificate of transfer is required when moving harvested deer around to increase participation in game check.

Brad updated on the grant for culverts in Winston County.  339 Browns Creek area they are going to span it instead of using culverts. It is a known black water dog habitat. Those grant projects are moving along nicely and they possibly have other funds to more work in Winston County.  There is still money available for a landowner workshop. Alabama Project Learning Tree is releasing a new book, Lucy Meets a Logger.

Mike noted we keep talking about all these things we want to do but Covid keeps messing things up. However, he wants to suggest a WCNRC tour of Albertville Mulch Company on Winston County Road 2. He thinks it could be a good outdoor tour/meeting maybe for the spring. He would have to reach out to the owner to set it up. All present agreed it would be a good idea.

On that note, Allison commented on how and where to have winter council meetings. She was not opposed to bundling up to meet but thought some might be. Members present agreed to not meet in December and look into possibly having zoom meetings for some of the upcoming months. We all want things to return to normal but know Covid safety guidelines must be followed. Meeting adjourned. Next meeting (probably via zoom) January 21, 2021.

November WCNRC Meeting

The next meeting of the WCNRC will be Thursday, November 19, 9:00 at the Houston Rec. Pavilion. We will be discussing strides that have been made in presenting virtual FAWN. Winston County Covid cases are on the rise so we will be social distancing and wearing masks. Please do not attend if you are experiencing any Covid symptoms or are generally not feeling well. We understand if you want to skip this meeting. Stay safe.