Winston County Natural Resources Council Meetings Resume on January 18, 2024

 The Winston County Natural Resources Council will resume meetings on Thursday, January 18, 2024.  The January meeting will be held at the Bankhead National Forest office in Double Springs.

Bankhead National Forest Liaison Panel Meeting Scheduled for January 30, 2024

 The Bankhead Liaison Panel will meet on January 30, 2024 at 6:00 pm at the Winston Baptist Association Building located at 25461 Alabama Highway 195, Double Springs.  Anyone interested in the management of the Bankhead National Forest is invited to this public meeting.  January 2024 meeting topics include Southern Pine Beetle activity; reptile and amphibian research; Atmospheric Radiation Measurement research facility construction and Liaison Panel membership.

Working with Bats and Forestry Workshop - Cullman - 11/28

 Learn about bats in Alabama forests, how to beneficially manage forests for bats, and state and federal regulations for bats.

Who Should Attend : Wildlife Biologists, Foresters, Procurement Foresters, Timber Buyers, Loggers, Natural Resources Professionals , Landowners and Students with responsibilities for forest land management.

Objectives of Workshop:  Objectives of this workshop are to raise awareness about forest bats while providing management tools to natural resource professionals, specifically

 Bats of Alabama and their benefits.

 Learning about BMPs for Bats (silviculture, timber harvesting and fire)

 Management Implications /Listed Bat Consultation and Management recommendations.

 Assessing habitat suitability for bats.

Class will have an afternoon field session, brief light walking may be required.

PLM and CFE credits for foresters & wildlife biologist will be offered

Registration is required.  Contact Brad Nail for more information - bnail@alaforestry.org

Online registration:  REGISTER

Fire Restrictions on National Forests in Alabama Due to Fire Danger

 NEWS RELEASE -

USDA Forest Service Places Public Fire Restrictions in Alabama’s National Forests

 

Montgomery, Ala. (October 30, 2023) —  The USDA Forest Service is alerting all forest visitors to be aware of specific fire restrictions placed in Alabama’s federal lands – Bankhead, Conecuh, Talladega and Tuskegee National Forests.  Degrading fire hazard conditions have prompted Acting Forest Supervisor Timothy Spivey to sign a forest closure order to restrict the public from using fire or building campfires on the national forests except those within developed recreation areas that are confined to receptacles designed for fires.  Commercially available fuel stoves (camp stoves) and backpacking stoves are excluded from the restriction.  Forest Service officials are also prohibiting possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or pyrotechnic device.  The following public restrictions are effective on Oct. 30, 2023, and will remain in effect until November 30, 2023, or terminated by a Forest Supervisor.

Alabama’s Fire Alert Reinstated to Include All 67 Counties

 News Release from the Alabama Forestry Commission, 10/24/23

Alabama’s Fire Alert Reinstated to Include All 67 Counties

Effective immediately, the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has re-issued a Fire Alert for all 67 counties in the state. In the 32 northern counties (roughly north of Interstate 20), no burn permits will be issued. In the 35 southern counties (south of Interstate 20), certified prescribed burn managers will have the option to obtain a one-day burn permit. There will be no exceptions to this rule. Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.

During the past seven days, AFC wildland firefighters have responded to 111 wildfires that scorched more than 1,881 acres of forestland in Alabama. Drought conditions are expected to worsen as no rain is forecast for the next week, and October is historically the state's driest month. This extremely dry weather creates a greater-than-average potential for outdoor fires to escape easily and spread rapidly, taking longer – and more firefighting resources – to contain and ultimately control.

To report a wildfire, call the Alabama Forestry Commission at (800) 392-5679. For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state or any other forestry-related issues, contact your local AFC office or visit the agency website at www.forestry.alabama.gov/Pages/Fire/Totals.aspx  The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency committed to protecting Alabama’s invaluable forest assets as well as its citizens.

Forestry Awareness Week Now (FAWN) Outdoor Classroom Reaches Winston County Sixth Graders

About 250 Winston County sixth graders attended the Forestry Awareness Week Now (FAWN) Outdoor Classroom event.  FAWN is an annual event raising youth awareness of Alabama's abundant natural resources and their conservation.  This year it was held at Matt Hannah's Treasure Forest in Arley on October 17 and 18.  All Winston County schools participated, including Lynn, Haleyville, Meek, Addison and Double Springs.  

This year students visited learning stations covering a wide range of natural resources topics.  Stations included wildlife identification, forest management, water quality and watersheds, aquatic life, prescribed burning, wildfire and FIREWISE communities, bee-keeping and pollinators.

FAWN is a program of the Winston County Natural Resources Council.  Numerous agencies, organizations and individuals come together to implement the outdoor classroom event.  

Financial sponsors of FAWN this year include Winston County Commission through the Forest Service Secure Rural Schools program, Grayson Lumber Company, and Winston County Soil and Water Conservation District.  Funds are used for transportation and supplies and made it possible to provide all students with a small backpack, school supplies, reusable water bottle and a t-shirt.  The WCNRC thanks Matt Hannah for hosting the event.  Organizations contributing time and expertise include the WCNRC, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Forestry Commission, US Forest Service, Winston County Beekeepers, Camp McDowell, Winston County EMA, Arley Volunteer Fire Department, and Winston County schools.  A big thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making FAWN successful and informative.

National Forest Products Week - Grant Opportunities for wood innovation grants

 It's National Forest Products Week!  Learn more about the Presidential Proclamation here.

The US Forest Service opened the 2024 application period for three wood innovation grants.  To learn more please visit: Wood Innovations - US Forest Service.

(Photo credit: US Forest Service)

The Wood Innovations Grant has funds to support projects that will substantially expand and accelerate wood products and wood energy markets throughout the United States.  The intent is to stimulate, expand, and support U.S. wood products and wood energy markets to support long-term management of National Forest System and other forest lands while enhancing the economic and environmental health of communities.

The Community Wood Grant Program has funds to install a thermally led community wood energy system or build or expand an innovative wood product facility. This grant program supports forest health and stimulates local economies by expanding renewable wood energy use and innovative wood products manufacturing capacity. 

The Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Program has funds to facilities that purchase and process byproducts from ecosystem restoration projects in areas at risk of unnaturally severe wildfire or insect or disease infestation.  The intent is to substantially decrease the cost of conducting restoration projects involving vegetation removal on federal and Tribal lands and expand industry use.. These ecosystem restoration byproducts could include trees and woody biomass harvested through timber sales, thinning, hazardous fuels reduction treatments, or other restoration management activities.

Eligibility for these grants vary, but some do include for-profit entities.  Visit the website full details.

Black Vulture Depredation Webinar

 Black Vulture Depredation Informational Webinar

Date & Time

Oct 27, 2023 11:00 AM  

Description

Alabama Extension and the Lawrence County Natural Resources Council invites you to join us for a 1-hour informational webinar with Leif Stephens, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, who will speak about the Black Vulture Depredation permitting process in Alabama. This is a free program and there will be a Q&A session at the end of the presentation. Wildlife professionals, livestock producers, and anyone else with interest or concern in this topic is encouraged to attend. The webinar will be recorded and sent out to those who registered in advance upon the conclusion of the event. You can also watch the live presentation on the Lawrence County Extension Facebook page. For questions, you can reach out to Regional Extension Agent, Kerry Steedley at kes0150@aces.edu.

REGISTER HERE: REGISTER

Invasive Plant ID and Management Workshop scheduled for Double Springs - October 11th

Invasive Plant Identification and Management Workshop

Alabama Cooperative Extension System invites the public to a workshop to learn how to identify invasive plants that are common in Alabama and ways to control them. We will go over the various control options, how to calibrate an herbicide sprayer, and in the afternoon, visit areas in the Bankhead National Forest to see invasive plants growing and areas that have been previously treated.

October 11

9:00 - 3:30 

Lunch is provided but registration is required.

5 PLM and 5 Cat-1 CFE Credits will be available.

Address:
Double Springs Municipal Building
23415 AL-195
Double Springs, AL 35553

Contact:
Kerry Steedley
kes0150@aces.edu
(334) 350-0485

Register and Learn more here.

 

FAWN Planned for 10/17 and 10/18

 FAWN - Forestry Awareness Week Now - outdoor classroom for Winston County 6th graders is scheduled for October 17 and 18 at Matt Hannah's Treasure Forest in Arley.  A walk-through is planned for October 16.  Learn more about the FAWN program here:  FAWN

August 2023 Meeting and Field Trip Photos - Johnston's Blackberry Farm and MSU-UTK Research Project on Shortleaf Pine and Mixed Woods on Mined Sites

Maggie and Mark Johnston hosted a field trip on their property in Black Pond.  An on-going research project on shortleaf pine and hardwood regeneration on previously mined site is being conducted by Mississippi State University and University of Tennessee-Knoxville.  Present at the meeting were Dr. Joshua  Grainger, Andrew Shea, Mike Henshaw, Mark Finley, Tyler Fish, Allison Cochran, Mark Johnston, Jason Harrison, Jamie Segroves, Dr. David Buckley, Maggie Johnston, Casey Hammack, and not pictured, Amy Melson, and Jerod Carter.  (photo by Amy Melson)

Discussed at the meeting were the following topics:

• History of Blackberry Farm.
• Balance of the treasury is $5,734.83
• Update on non-profit status.
• Winston FAWN dates and locations are TBD.
• Marion FAWN dates are October 10-11.
• Zack Brannon received the ALFA Excellence in Agriculture Award that includes a new zero turn mower.
• RAC proposals are due by August 31.
• RAC committee will meet in Montgomery to review proposals on September 21.
• Scholarships to the TREASURE forest meeting are available for young and new landowners.
• Jerod Carter announced RC&D grants for $5,000 for trails and recreation projects.
• Natural Bridge Park is in new ownership.
• Trails and Rec Festival will be held in Point Mallard Park in Decatur on September 30.  Admission for adults is $5.00, youth are free.
• National Public Lands Day is September 23.  Wild South will sponsor a litter cleanup on September 23.
• Lowe Mill in Huntsville will sponsor an Art Exhibit featuring Hemlock trees.
• Needle blight disease in loblolly pine.
• Jason gave an update on oak planting research on the Bankhead.
• Tyler gave update on new signage that is being installed at Little Natural Bridge site.
• This is the Year of Alabama Birding Trails, Allison suggested googling "Bird Tails" for more info.
• Overview of open positions and recently filled positions on the Bankhead District.
• Next meeting will be held at the Winston Alabama Forestry Commission Office in Double Springs at 9:00 a.m. on September 21.

Dr. Grainger and Dr. Buckley highlighted research that examines planting various hardwood species with pines on mined sites to determine effects on survivability, growth rate, growth form, and herbivory.  Photos from the August meeting and field trip are here.  

-Submitted by Allison Cochran and Mike Henshaw

Winston County Extension Coordinator Zack Brannon recognized by ALFA

The 2023 Farm and Land Expo Excellence in Agriculture winner is our very own Zack Brannon! Congratulations, Zack!

From ALFA - 

Young Farmers secured wins, prizes and experience advocating for agriculture during contests at the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm & Land Expo Aug. 12 in Mobile. Families from Limestone and Winston counties took home wins for Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) and Excellence in Agriculture competition, respectively, while four Discussion Meet finalists were announced. 

Excellence in Agriculture winner Zack Brannon of Winston County received a zero-turn Grasshopper lawn mower, also sponsored by Corteva Agriscience. This competition allows participants to showcase the role agriculture plays in their lives and present solutions on agricultural issues. 

Winners will compete and represent Alabama during American Farm Bureau Federation national competition in Salt Lake City, Utah, in January 2024. 

Read the press release here.

Bankhead National Forest White Oak Partnership Project recognized by the USDA Southern Research Station Director

 Partnership Recognition - 

National Forests in Alabama employees were recognized by the USDA Southern Research Station Director for their outstanding collaboration to implement a white oak restoration project in the Bankhead National Forest. Recipients for the “Partnership Award” were Callie Schweitzer, Stacy Clark, Ryan Sisk, Pat Curtin, Jason Harris (AL - District Silviculturist), Andy Scott (AL -Bankhead NF District Ranger), Scott Schlarbaum, Alison Mains, John Johnson, Margaret Johnson, Janice Barrett, Jason Rodrigue, Marcus Warwell, and Eugene Brooks (NFs in Alabama Silviculturist). “Experts from the Southern Region, the Bankhead National Forest, the University of Tennessee, and Wild Alabama developed a long-term science-management partnership to implement a white oak restoration project for the first time in Alabama national forest history and delivered research results to key audiences.  We salute Bankhead District Ranger Andy Scott, District Silviculturist Jason Harris and Forest Silviculturist Eugene Brooks, our Alabama NF teammates, and others for this honor and historical moment.  --Tammy

 

White Oak Restoration Research Project - News Article - National Forests in Alabama - News & Events (usda.gov)

 

 

U.S. Forest Service Works to Upgrade a Mountain in the Bankhead National Forest

Release Date: Mar 17, 2023

Public Affairs Specialist: Dawn Suiter
(224)334-5336
dawn.suiter@usda.gov
www.fs.usda.gov/alabama

Forest Service News Release

(Double Springs, AL) March 17, 2023—An interdisciplinary team of foresters, researchers, and cooperators from the USDA Forest Service, Nature Conservancy, and University of Tennessee - Tree Improvement Program (UTTIP) convened on Balls Mountain in the Bankhead National Forest for an historical event. They planted white oak seedlings for the first time in Alabama's national forests. The collaboration promotes "the desired future condition" of oak in the forest.

According to Bankhead National Forest District Ranger Andy Scott, the project involves planting between 500 and 800 white oak seedlings. "The area was planted in loblolly pine, which we determined was at risk of Southern Pine Beetle infestation, so the district developed a project in which we would remove the pine, but before harvesting it, recognized that we did not have enough advanced regeneration in oaks and hickories," said Scott.

To remedy the lack of hardwoods in the area, the district team reached out to others. "The goal was to ensure we had the necessary well-informed science, groups, and partnerships to make the project whole, said Jason Harris, silviculturist for the Bankhead National Forest. “I contacted Callie Schweitzer and Stacy Clark at the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station and local communities through Wild Alabama. With their assistance, and the help of local schools in the county, we collected several thousand acorns to use for the tree planting project.”

The project involves extensive research, planning, and patience to ensure success. "It is challenging to regenerate white oak back on the landscape. One of the ways we think we can get it back is through planting," said Dr. Clark, research forester at the Forest Service Southern Research Station in Knoxville, TN. "White oak is a species that's extremely important for several reasons. It provides staves for barrels and cooperages that help the distillery industry. It is also a great source for wildlife. The acorns are highly palatable by wildlife and provide them with nutrients and carbohydrates."

The team plans to revisit the one and two-year-old seedlings in a year to gather empirical data on factors affecting performance and development, such as seedling size and age after outplanting. White oak is considered to be an outstanding tree among all trees and is widespread across eastern North America.

We appreciate the collaboration of Wild Alabama, the University of Tennessee - Tree Improvement Program (UTTIP), Forest Service Southern Research Station, students, and volunteers with Citizen Science. For more information on the white oak tree planting project, please contact Andy Scott, District Ranger at the Bankhead National Forest.

Forest Service Photo: pictured from left to right is Dr. Callie Schweitzer, John Johnson, and Jason Harris

WCNRC August Meeting - Thursday, 8/17 at 9 AM at Johnston Farm

 The Winston County Natural Resources Council will hold our regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Thursday, August 17 at 9 am. We will meet at Mark and Maggie Johnston's farm south of Double Springs.  A Mississippi State University professor who is conducting shortleaf pine research on the Johnston farm will share a presentation and host a field tour.  Water, sunscreen and walking shoes are required.  Contact Allison at jera.cochran at usda.gov if you need directions to the farm.

Southern Pine Beetle in Alabama - Winston County

 

From Alabama Forest Owners Association Newsletter....

Southern Pine Beetle in Alabama

Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) in Alabama: "We are detecting more beetle spots this year than last year. Aerial surveys have been completed for most of the western counties," reported Dana Stone, Forest Management Division Director, Alabama Forestry Commission, 7/26/23. After opening the Commission's map, zoom in to see exactly where beetle spots are located. You can select "Imagery Hybrid" in the "Basemap Gallery" (located under the words "Insect and Disease Map") to see names of map features such as towns and highway names on a photo-like image. There are lots of spots near the Bankhead National Forest (Lawrence & Winston counties), and in Pickens, Hale, Choctaw, Washington, Clarke, Monroe, and Conecuh counties.

Minutes of the July Meeting

 

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs on July 20, 2023.   The following persons were present: Mike Henshaw, Lauren Wright, John Creed, Maggie Johnston, Allison Cochran, Jared Carter, Casey Hammack, Jamie Segroves, and not pictured Tyler Fish, Nathan Hatch, and Amy Melson.  (photo by Amy)  

The following topics were discussed:

• Allison introduced Lauren, an Auburn University wildlife biology student that is interning on the Bankhead District this summer.
• The non-profit status of the council has been delayed for an approximately two month period.  Additional information has been sent to the IRS and is in process.
• Casey's treasurer's report stated the council has a balance of $5,970.59.  This is after most of the Youth Fishing Derby expenses.
• 
  The Youth Fishing Derby was considered a big success this year after a three-year break in the annual tradition due to COVID and the difficulty finding catfish fingerlings.  Attendance was good, but down slightly from the last derby.
  
• Jared gave us a report on the NATR program sponsored by the Alabama's Mountains, Rivers and Valleys RC&D Council.  They are currently looking at an App that will highlight various recreational assets in the North Alabama region.  Hiking trails, canoe and kayak trails, rock climbing and archery are just some of the activities that will be featured.  They partner with mayors, park and rec departments, county commissions, and other organizations that promote outdoor recreation.  They are looking to have a meet and greet in Double Springs in the near future to highlight recreational opportunities near the Bankhead National Forest.  More information about NATR can be found at this website.
• Interpretived signage is planned for the Natural Bridge site near Houston.  The signage will highlight some key species found on the site as well as other cultural and historical information.
• National Public Lands Day is September 23.  A litter pickup is planned by Wild Alabama, and interested persons should Kim Waites at Wild Alabama.
• Council discussed developments at the Mims Site.
• Maggie gave the council an update on the trail work in the Sipsey Wilderness and a possible RAC grant application for funds from the U. S. Forest Service.  The RAC deadline for proposals in August 31, 2023.
• There was discussion about the Natural Bridge Park being considered for purchase by Forever Wild.
• Allison gave an update on the Stewardship program on the Bankhead District.  A partnership with the Wild Turkey Foundation is being considered to move several forest and wildlife management projects forward.
• Maggie mentioned the audio segment about the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid done by Alabama Public Radio.  This blog post has a link to the segment.  She also mentioned that there will be an art show featuring the hemlock at Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment in Huntsville from October 4 to December 4, 2023.  
• Allison said that the Bat Working Group would get an award for its work on the recent Bat Blitz that the council helped support.
• Maggie mentioned that Wild Alabama recently received an award from Alabama Water Watch at their recent annual meeting at Guntersville State Park.

The next meeting is planned for Thursday, August 17, 2023, at Maggie and Mark Johnston's cabin.  Directions to the cabin will sent before the next meeting.  

submitted by Mike Henshaw, Vice Chair

July Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resource Council meets on the Third Thursday monthly.  In July, our meeting is planned for Thursday, July 20 at the Bankhead National Forest office in Double Springs.  The meeting begins at 9:00 am.

Alabama’s hemlocks face threat from a deadly insect

 

A regional news story covers threats to and monitoring of Bankhead's hemlocks.  Learn about the partnership with the US Forest Service, Wild Alabama and other volunteers to monitor for the non-native invasive and destructive hemlock woolly adelgid.  Listen to the story and read more here - WBHM

Learn more about the adelgid identification and control here - 

HWA ID and Control

HWA Species Profile

From the Alabama Cooperative Extension - Summer Fawns

 

Lost, Abandoned, or Orphaned Deer Fawns Every summer in Alabama, usually around July and August, white-tailed deer give birth to fawns. Occasionally, these fawns are discovered by humans outside working on their property, hiking, camping, sightseeing, or bird watching. Most people are ex-cited to find a fawn, and it is an amazing sight. Many times, the fawn’s mother (called a doe) is not in the immediate area, and people assume that the fawn is abandoned, orphaned, or lost. Frequently, their good intentions lead them to pick up the fawn and carry it home. However, this is not the right thing to do. Fawns and Does Unlike humans, white-tailed deer mothers don’t spend much time with their fawns for the first few weeks after giving birth. In fact, a doe will only visit her fawn about four to six times a day and for only about 15 to 30 minutes per visit to nurse the fawn. It’s more common for the doe not to be with the fawn during this period. This is normal, natural white-tailed deer behavior that increases the chance of the fawn’s survival. Why don’t does spend more time with their fawns? They don’t spend much time with their newborn fawns because they want to reduce the chance that a predator may find the fawn. Deer fawns are nearly scentless at birth; however, the doe is not scentless. She smells like a deer. The more time she spends around the fawn, the more scent she leaves in the area, and the greater chance a predator may key in on her scent to find the fawn. Additionally, her behavior when around the fawn may cue predators that a fawn is in the area. Although the fawn is capable of walking soon after it’s born (similar to horses), it is still relatively weak and can’t outrun most predators. It’s in the fawn’s best interest to hide and remain still until it is developed enough to outrun predators. What should I do if I find a fawn? Leave it alone. Do not disturb, distract, or touch the fawn. Walk away from the fawn quietly and slowly. Do not call a conservation officer. Officers know that fawns are being born. Do not take the fawn to an animal shelter or veterinary clinic. What if my neighbor picked up a fawn and brought it home? Possession of live wild animals is illegal. A conservation officer won’t grant you a permit to keep the fawn. He or she will write you a ticket for illegal possession and confiscate the fawn. Immediately return the fawn to the exact place where it was found. The doe will be looking for it. Fawns Raised By Humans Aside from it being illegal to possess wild white-tailed deer fawns, there are many challenges to raising a wild fawn at home. The chances of success are slim. The fawn has a far better chance of surviving if it is raised by its mother in the wild. Additionally, fawns that are raised in captivity and then released into the wild have relatively low survival rates because they become accustomed to living around humans and lose some of their natural instincts. Keeping buck (male) fawns can present additional problems as they become sexually mature. Mature bucks that are raised in captivity often become aggressive during the breeding season. This aggression may be turned towards their human caregivers, frequently resulting in serious bodily injuries. Although it may seem like you have to do something to help a fawn, it is far better for the fawn if you do nothing and leave it where you found it. Remember, it is illegal to possess wild white-tailed deer fawns. Myths About Deer Fawns Myth: I didn’t see its mother. It must be orphaned or abandoned. Fact: The doe is likely somewhere close. As mentioned earlier, white-tailed deer mothers spend relatively little time with their fawns during the first few weeks after they are born. The mother knows exactly where she left her fawn. Research with radio-collared does and fawns has shown that doe survival is very high during the summer months, and does rarely abandon their fawns. Myth: If a human touches a fawn, its mother won’t accept it. Fact: If a fawn has been handled by a human and has human scent on it, the doe will still accept the fawn. She just spent 7 months carrying this fawn. A little human scent won’t make her give it up. Myth: It is okay to touch the fawn, you just have to leave it where it is. Fact: It’s not a good idea to touch fawns or to disturb the area where you find one. The more time a person spends around a fawn, the more human scent is left in the area. A clever coyote or domestic dog may follow your human scent trail and find the fawn at the end of it. It is best to slowly leave the area and not return. For more information, contact Mark Smith, Extension Specialist.

Alabama Resource Advisory Committee seeking proposals for Bankhead National Forest

 (Montgomery, Ala.) February 9, 2023—The Alabama Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is accepting project proposals to review and recommend to the USDA Forest Service beginning February 9, until August 31, 2023. Proposals will benefit natural resources on Bankhead and Talladega National Forests in Winston, Lawrence and Clay counties or other national forests throughout Alabama. The project application and instructions may be found on the Forest Service website at: 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/alabama/workingtogether/advisorycommittees

Applicants should download the electronic  RAC Project Application form (fillable word doc.) and consult a local Forest Service district ranger prior to proposal submission. According to Designated Federal Official Tammy Freeman Brown, approximately $224,201 of Title II funding is available for projects through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act. Approved projects will benefit forest lands, such as road, trail and infrastructure maintenance, forest restoration, water quality, maintenance and improvement of wildlife and fish habitat. Federal agencies, state and local governments, private entities, nonprofit entities and landowners can apply.  

A Secure Rural Schools RAC provides advice and recommendations to the Forest Service on the development and implementation of special projects as authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act,  Public Law 110-343. Contact Dawn Suiter, Alabama RAC Coordinator, or Tammy Freeman Brown, Designated Federal Officer, for additional information at 334-832-4470, tammy.freemanbrown@usda.gov, dawn.suiter@usda.gov. -FS- USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. 

Bankhead Youth Fishing Derby Gets Kids Hooked on Fishing

On Saturday, June 3, about 50 children and their families enjoyed a day of fishing and fun at the Bankhead Annual Youth Fishing Derby.  The event, now in its 28^th year, is much anticipated in the local communities surrounding Bankhead National Forest.  The Forest Service pond was stocked with about 500 pounds of catfish for the derby.  Additional fun activities included archery, air soft shooting, casting contests, and interactive educational booths focused on natural resources conservation. 

According to the Bankhead District Ranger Andy Scott, partnerships and community support in local events is important to the success of fishing derbies around the state.  “Getting young people interested in outdoor activities, like fishing and hunting, is critical to conservation.”  The event was held in celebration of National Fishing and Boating Week, National Trails Day and National Get Outdoors Day.  Most every child caught a fish or two, and every child received a t-shirt, water bottle, goodie bag, and door prize thanks to generous donations.  Three children won lifetime freshwater fishing licenses thanks to the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association.

Sponsors and partners make the event possible.  This year’s hosts, sponsors and partners included the US Forest Service, the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officer’s Association, the Winston County Commission, the Winston County Natural Resources Council, Double Springs Lions Club, Lawrence County Rescue Squad, Alabama Forestry Commission, Alabama Cooperative Extension System and 4H, Wild Alabama and the Department of Energy.

Winners of this year’s casting contest were; Bridger Moore of Haleyville, Kolter Couch of Double Springs and Brooks Kachleman of Florence.  Trophies and prizes for biggest fish were awarded.  The biggest fish overall, measuring at 21 ¼”, was caught by Sophia Garcia of Double Springs.  Winners in the 5-6 year old group included 2^nd place Rylee Young of Town Creek and 1^st place Weston Johnston of Jasper.  In the 7-9 year old group, Brantley Moody took 2^nd place and Ella Moody took first place, both of Double Springs.  In the 10-12 year old group, Fisher Steele of Danville won 2^nd place and Austin Flannagin of Double Springs took 1^st place.

May Council Meeting Minutes

 

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met at 9:00 am on May 18, 2023, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs.  The following members were present:  Mark Finley, Mike Henshaw, Matt Hannah, Lauranne James, John Creed, Jamie Segroves, Casey Hammack, Allison Cochran, Andy Scott, and Tyler Fish.  Not pictured was Amy Melson, NW Alabamian.

Allison opened the meeting by introducing the newest team member of the Bankhead Ranger District, Tyler Fish, Natural Resource Specialist.  He is transferring from Alaska to Alabama, and he's originally from Minnesota.  As a Natural Resource Specialist he will be responsible for Recreation, Sipsey Wilderness and Wild and Scenic River Areas, the Heritage Program, Roads and Trails, and Special Uses Permits.  The Council looks forward to working with Tyler in his new position.

Allison gave a brief summary of the TREASURE Forest program in Alabama and the role of the Alabama Natural Resources Council and Winston County Natural Resources Council.

Other items for discussion included:

• Fishing Derby to be held on June 3 at Black Warrior Work Center. It's for youth aged 5-12 and the event be held from 8:30 am to 12:30. Fun and educational activities will be available and there will be free food.
• Andy gave an update on the Bankhead Ranger District.  Filling the numerous vacant positions on the district is a high priority.  There is one active timber sale and others are planned.  The stewardship sales have not been successfully bid thus far, but the district is working with the National Wild Turkey Foundation to facilitate the transactions so that the prescribed management activities can be implemented.
• Andy said 18,000 acres on the Bankhead Ranger District had prescribed burns so far this season.
• Andy gave an update on the situation with the bridges at the Sipsey Picnic Area and Thompson Creek.  Engineers have determined that the bridge at the picnic area is damaged beyond repair and is permanently closed.  What will be done to remove the bridge and provide access to picnic area is unknown at this time.  The bridge at Thompson Creek is damaged, and is open to foot traffic only.
• Andy gave an update on storm damage.  Using high resolution imagery, they were able to determine the extent of storm damage on roads and trails.  He said the imagery also allowed the Weather Service to determine that two tornadoes had impacted the area.
• Andy answered a question about a fire in the Sipsey Wilderness Area.  He said the fire was a wildfire and it was contained using natural landscape features to minimize impacts to the wilderness area.
• Rollins Jolly has transferred to a National Forest in Georgia.
• Allison said the District is working on some new signage for the Natural Bridge recreation site near Houston.
• Lauranne said they will be hosting a Rain Barrel Workshop at the Legion Hall in Double Springs on Thursday, May 25, from 5-7 pm.  Registration is required because there will be a meal served.  
• Lauranne said the NWA RC&D Council is accepting grant applications until June 30 for FY'24.  There is a $5,000 minimum.  
• Mark said the Alabama Landowners Conference will be held at the 4-H Center in Columbiana, October 2-4.
• Mike gave an update on the Alabama Resource Advisory Committee proposal process.  He said that he'd met with Zach Brannon, Winston CEC, and Maggie Johnston, Wild Alabama, about possible RAC proposals.  
• Casey Hammack, Treasurer, stated that the Council had a balance of $7,303.53 on hand.
• Matt led a discussion about the 501c non-profit status.  The current officers signed the documents that will be filed with the State of Alabama to secure non-profit status.

Allison adjourned the meeting, which was followed with a group photo and photos of the document signing.

Mike Henshaw, Vice Chair

Well Owner Workshop Scheduled for May 16th in Moulton

 A well owner workshop is planned for May 16 at 6 PM in Moulton at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.  Register at REGISTER or visit the Winston County or Lawrence County Extension Office.