Minutes of November Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs on November 21, 2024.  The following members were present:  Jamie Segraves, Jared Carter, Paul Green, Matt Hannah, Amy Melson, John Creed, Chris Horne, Zac Brannon, and Lauranne James.  Jamie opened the meeting and called on reports from members.

Jared gave an update on NATR programs.  Specifically, he told about a Rails to Trails project that is in the early stages of development.  It involves the abandoned rail route from Red Bay to Haleyville and would be over 30 miles of trail.  Trail users would include hikers and bikers, and possibly equestrian.  This would likely be a multiple year project with issues such as funding, right-of-ways, design and construction all being major hurdles.  The project could be a boost for tourism for the three counties that would be involved in the project.  He also mentioned a possible partnership of the three counties, Marion, Franklin, and Winston to form a Regional Trails Association to work on trail projects.

Paul reported that the NRCS 2024 sign up was completed.  They will be working on implementation in 2025 and signing up participants for the 2026 EQIP and CSP programs.

Chris gave the update from the USFS.  He made note of some accidents involving hikers and hunters including a fatality of a hunter on the Bankhead.

We reviewed the FAWN program for 300 Winston County sixth graders held in mid October, November.  Good weather and excellent learning stations made for a banner year.  Additional funding from the Conservation Officers Association is expected soon.

The Forestry Field Day that was postponed due to weather has been rescheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025, with a rain date of Friday, May 2.

A possible field trip to Ravenwood in Lawrence County was scheduled for Thursday, May 15.  Mike will consult with the property owners about the date and time for this field trip, and the date is subject to change.

Zac gave a report on the recent Forestry Careers Day that was held in Moulton at Alexander Park for both Winston and Lawrence County 10th graders.  Over 300 youth attended the program with most being from Winston County.  Zac said preliminary plans for the 2025 Forestry Careers Day are in the works.

Jamie said the treasurer reported a balance of $5,733.33.  John moved that we accept the treasurer's report and Mike seconded.  All agreed.

Jamie asked whether or not we should have a December meeting.  Matt moved that we not have a December and Zac seconded.  All agreed.

Jamie called for any final comments.  Mike moved that meeting be adjourned, Zac seconded.  The meeting was adjourned.

Mike Henshaw

Secretary, WCNRC

November Meeting of the Council

The next meeting will be held at the U. S. Forest Service office in Double Springs on Thursday, November 21, at 9:00 a.m.  We'll review the recent FAWN programs and plan our 2025 activities.

Look forward to seeing you there,

Mike Henshaw, Secretary - WCNRC

FAWN Programs

Council Members,

Looks like the weather forecast is worry-free for FAWN this week.  The Council will meet at 9:00 am on Tuesday, October 15, at the Houston Recreation Area for the walk through.  The FAWN programs Winston County sixth graders will be held on the following days, Wednesday and Thursday.

Thanks for your help,

Mike Henshaw, Secretary

WCNRC

Forestry Field Day Cancelled Due to Hurricane Helene

The council met this morning for the walk through at the Natural Bridge Picnic Area and decided that we needed to cancel the Forestry Field Day scheduled for Friday due to the high winds and rain that is in the forecast.  Safety for participants was the main factor.

Present were Kerry Steedley, Jarret Daniels, Vanessa King, Matt Hannah, Brad Nail, Chris Horne, Casey Hammack, Jamie Segroves and Mike Henshaw. 

We are in the process of notifying the speakers and participants.  We plan to send out a follow up email to participants reviewing the pine beetle situation.  We will reschedule the Field Day for a later date next year at the same location at the Natural Bridge Picnic Area and the Horace Ward property.  

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 15, to conduct the walk through for the FAWN programs to be held on October 16 and 17, at the Houston Recreation Area.

Mike Henshaw, Secretary

WCNRC

Winston County Forestry Field Day

 

Winston County Forestry Field Day on Friday, September 27, 2024.  Registration is free, but must register to attend.  Call the Winston County Extension Office to register, 205-489-5376.

Southern Pine Beetles Reach Epidemic Level in Alabama's Forests

 News Release from Alabama Forestry Commission

Southern Pine Beetles Reach Epidemic Level in Alabama's Forests

As of August 22, the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has identified almost 5,000 Southern pine beetle (SPB) spots across the state, with an average mortality of 191 pine trees per spot. For the remainder of the summer, the number of SPB spots, as well as the number of trees affected per spot, are expected to increase.

 

“Alabama’s timber industry is a driver of our economy, and these pine beetles can pose a real threat. Landowners should take care to identify these beetles to protect their own harvest, as well as to help prevent the spread to other timber,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “The Alabama Forestry Commission is working hard to locate the beetle spots and notify landowners of the potential problem.”

 

“Unfortunately, this is the highest number of beetle spots we’ve experienced in the state in the last 23 years. The agency has conducted aerial surveys in 51 counties so far, with more counties anticipated over the next couple weeks,” said State Forester Rick Oates. “Both Mississippi and Georgia are also counting numerous spots. So, it looks as if this is an especially active pine beetle year not just here in Alabama, but across the Southeast.”

 

Counties with significant SPB activity (more than 100 spots) are Bibb, Calhoun, Choctaw, Clay, Colbert, Coosa, Franklin, Lamar, Lawrence, Marion, Perry, Randolph, Talladega, and Winston. The worst infestations are located within and around Bankhead National Forest and the Oakmulgee District of the Talladega National Forest. This data is relevant to landowners because a large number of beetle spots exist on adjacent private lands as well. 

 

The AFC will continue marking beetle spots and at the conclusion of each flight, the data will be synced to the ‘SPB Location Map’. The agency is also conducting ground checks and notifying forest landowners by mail. By locating their property on this map, forest landowners and land managers can begin treating the spots. Both the SPB map and beetle control information can be viewed on the AFC’s website at forestry.alabama.gov. To speak to an AFC representative in your local area, click the ‘Contact Us’ tab on the homepage, then select your county in the drop-down menu.

 

The mission of the Alabama Forestry Commission is to protect and sustain Alabama’s forest resources using professionally applied stewardship principles and education, ensuring that the state’s forests contribute to abundant timber and wildlife, clean air and water, and a healthy economy.

Minutes of August Council Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at the U. S. Forest Service Office.  The following persons were present: Mike Henshaw, Jamie Segroves, Zack Brannon, John Creed, Lauranne James, Casey Hammack.  Not pictured, Matt Hannah, Marsha Welch, and Amy Foss.  Photo by Matt Hannah.  The following topics were discussed:

• Landowner Field Day to be held on Friday, September 27.  Zack had copies of the flyer on hand.  Funding sources were discussed which include the Alabama Forestry Foundation, NW RC&D Council and the WCNRC.  Casey will make the arrangements for the portable toilets.  The walk-thru will serve as the September meeting of the council and which will be held at 9:00 a.m. on September 26, the day before the field day.  Food will be cookout style similar to the last field day.
• FAWN program dates were shared by Zack; it will be held on Wednesday, October 16, and Thursday, October 17, at Houston Recreation Area.  Casey said that would work well with the Marion County dates of October 8-9.  Shirts and water bottles will be provided to all students which is made possible by the Winston County Soil and Water Conservation District and the NW RC&D Council.  In order to reduce cost, Matt Hannah offered to do the grilling for lunch.  This will cost much less than catering. 
• The current pine beetle situation was discussed with two landowners sharing info about infestations on their property.  Jamie said that the AFC is notifying landowners as spots are detected by aerial surveillance. 

Jamie adjourned the meeting.

Mike Henshaw

Secretary, WCNRC 

August Council Meeting

The next meeting will be held at the U. S. Forest Service office in Double Springs on Thursday, August 15, at 9:00 a.m.  The primary topic will be the Forestry Field Day planned for September.

Look forward to seeing you there,

Mike Henshaw, Secretary - WCNRC

Minutes of July Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on Thursday, July 18, at the Natural Bridge Picnic Area.  The following members were present Chris Horne, Andy Scott, Matt Hannah, Casey Hammack, John Creed, Mike Henshaw, Brad Nail, Mark Finley, Lauranne James, and Sheriff Caleb Snoddy.  The primary topic was the upcoming landowner field day to be held at the Natural Bridge Picnic Area, and the following was discussed about the field day:

• The date for the landowner filed day is Friday, September 27.  The nearby private forestland property is owned by Horace Ward.  An agenda and the logistics were discussed.  At the Ward Property, the topics will include loblolly pine replacement species, wildlife openings, and the current pine beetle situation, and  NRCS EQIP oak planting practice.  The hardwood area on this property is difficult to access by tour trailers, but it could be an option for some to walk down to the hardwood area on the Ward property.  At the Natural Bridge Picnic Area, the topics would be Native American Heritage, Bluff Shelters - what to do and not do, Oak Savannah Management
• Parking, registration, and welcome will be at the Picnic Area, then move everyone by carpooling or by tour trailers to the Ward Property
• Lunch will be at the Picnic Area followed by the topics to be covered along the trail at picnic area.
• Lunch will be a cook out style similar to the last field day
• Portable toilets will be rented for the Ward Property
• Lauranne said NW Ala RC&D will be glad to assist with Landowner Field Day promotional materials that council members could share on social media.

Other items discussed included:

• Surplus Property for Veteran Owned Businesses and Farms - Mike
• Sheriff Caleb Snoddy dropped in and said they were looking for a lost hiker and was checking the area.
• The Council's Tax Exempt Status and next steps to complete another IRS Form - Casey and Matt
• 2025 Learn and Burns in Winston County Area - Brad
• 50th Anniversary TREASURE Forest Conference, October 2-4, Gulf Shores State Park - Mark
• Linwood Butler was recently named as the next Forest Supervisor for the National Forests in Alabama - Andy
• There will be a large plane-type drone flying over the Bankhead Area soon that will be gathering atmospheric data.  The 22 foot wingspan plane will be flying lower than ordinary small planes and will be louder than normal aircraft.  It will be followed by a manned aircraft flying at higher altitude.  Andy said they are trying to get the word out so that the public will not be alarmed by the unusual drone plane.
• The USFS is on high alert nation-wide concerning fire fighting needs due to conditions in the western US - Andy
• Cogongrass workshop being held today in Colbert County, and Lauranne said that RC&D would be interested in having one in this area at a later date, possibly in the Spring.
• Matt related his experiences on this trip out west concerning firewood restrictions which were very strict as he entered California.  Andy said NASCAR and College Football tailgating activities were a big factor in forest pests moving long distances via firewood.

Matt moved that the meeting be adjourned, and John seconded.  All approved and the meeting was adjourned.

Mike Henshaw - Secretary, WCNRC

July 18th Meeting of the WCNRC

The next meeting will be held at the Natural Bridge Picnic Area on Thursday, July 18, at 9:30 a.m.  This site is on County Road 63 near Houston, and is not the same as the Natural Bridge Park near the town of Natural Bridge.  See this link for a map to the site:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/alabama/recarea/?recid=30089

The primary purpose for our meeting will be to plan the next landowner field day that will tentatively be held at the Natural Bridge Picnic Area and on a nearby private landowner's property.

The minutes of our last meeting are here.

Look forward to seeing you there, 

Mike Henshaw, Secretary - WCNRC

Minutes of June 20 Council Meeting

 

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs.  The following members were present: Jamie Segroves, Casey Hammack, Mark Finley, Allison Cochran, Zack Brannon, Amberia Spiller, Lauranne James, Paul Green, Maggie Johnston (seated), and John Creed.  Not pictured are Mike Henshaw, Andy Scott, Heather Tucker, and Amy Melson.

The following topics were discussed:

• Introductions of everyone present.  Heather Tucker is beginning her new role as the Executive Director of the Wild Alabama, a role formerly filled by Maggie Johnston.  Many council members have worked with Heather in her position as and educator and principal with the Winston County Board of Education and we look forward to working with her in this new role.
• Review of Youth Fishing Derby activities, costs, income, partners, sponsors.  65 children attended and all caught fish.  Approximately 150 people attended, counting adults.  Top prize was a lifetime fishing license.  Allison said she would like to see more educational exhibits or booths, the archery activity was missing this year due scheduling conflicts.  More promotion of the derby in balance with the capacity of the site will be considered next year.  Networking ideas included Fresh Air Families, and Black Kids Adventure.
• We also reviewed the recent Landowner Field Day at Riley Jacobs' Property.  Everyone agreed that the topics were timely and all the attendees and the landowner enjoyed the visit.
• An extended discussion about the current pine beetle situation was lead by Andy and Jamie.  Lots of pine beetle activity is being observed on both private and public pine forests.  Drone video was shown of some pine beetle activity in a young pine plantation.
• Zack announced that the annual Tomato Sandwich Day would be held on July 12, behind the Bankfirst Building in downtown Double Springs from 10:00 am till supplies run out.
• Lauranne said the NW RC&D Council's Grant Applications are online now and they will be accepting application until June 30.  Casey is working on an grant proposal from the WCNRC.
• NATR will be hosting an EXPO September 28.  
• Matt Hannah sent word that he would miss this meeting because he was RV'ing in Arizona.
• Mark said the TREASURE Forest program was celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year.
• Paul brought up a possible site for a landowner tour on private land near the Natural Bridge Recreation Site near Houston.  Funding is available until October, and the council would like to pursue this opportunity.  A tentative date of Friday, September 28, was set for the tour.  The next council meeting will be held at the Natural Bridge Recreation Site on July 18.
• Zack said FAWN will be held in early October at the Houston Recreation Area.  Exact dates TBD.
• Andy said Forest Service items included beetle update, Bear Creek Trail restoration, Flint Creek temporary closure, Western wildfires, and new Alabama Forest Supervisor will be announced soon.
• Allison gave an update on the discovery of a four-toed salamander in the Black Pond area.  This a rare species rarely seen in Alabama.
• Maggie gave an update on Wild Alabama activities and on her retirement and the hiring of Heather Tucker.
• Casey said the balance in the treasury was $5,531.99.

The next meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the Natural Bridge Recreation Area on County Road 63 near Houston, on Thursday, July 18.

Mike Henshaw

Secretary, WCNRC

Council Meeting on June 20

The Winston County Natural Resource Council meets on the third Thursday monthly.  In June, our meeting is planned for Thursday, June 20th, at the Bankhead National Forest office in Double Springs.  The meeting begins at 9:00 am.  Topics will include recent Forestry Field Day and Youth Fishing Derby.

Forestry Field Day and Youth Fishing Derby

The Winston County Natural Resources Council recently helped conduct two successful outdoor events, the Forestry Field Day and the Youth Fishing Derby.  Here are links to two photo albums from the events:

Forestry Field Day

Youth Fishing Derby

Mark your calendars for our next meeting on Thursday, June 20, at the U. S. Forest Office in Double Springs.

Thanks to all the sponsors of both events!

Youth Fishing Derby

 

Minutes of May Council Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on Thursday, May 16, on the Riley Jacobs Property in the Moreland Community.  The following members were present: John Creed, Jamie Segroves, Chris Horne, Paul Green, not pictured are Zac Brannon and Mike Henshaw.  The following topics were discussed:

• Brown Spot Needle Blight on loblolly pines.  Jamie related the latest pathology concerning the fungal disease and how it could stress loblolly pines and set them up for future pine beetle infestations.
• Chris said that Greg Bushey will be working to set up the 2024 Fishing Derby at the Black Warrior Work Center on Saturday, June 8.  Zac said that he would seek funds from the Winston County Commission to support the derby.  Mike moved to approve up to $1,500 if needed for the prizes and food for the derby.  John seconded, and all approved.
• Jamie gave an update on the Council's tax exempt status.  Casey and Matt Hannah have been working on additional IRS forms that will require approximately $200 to complete.  Zac moved to approve up to $300 for said forms, John seconded and all approved.
• The six stations of the Forestry Field Day and their locations were finalized:
• Update on the Pine Beetle Outbreak
• Water Quality
• Hunter Safety/Wildlife Openings
• Wildlife Management in Pines
• Prescribed Burns
• Feral Swine Control and USDA incentive programs
• A discussion of logistical issues including food, signage, shelters, passenger trailers, portable toilets, and emergency services.
• Jamie said the Alabama Forestry Commission celebrated its 100th Anniversary in Millbrook this week, and over 250 Forestry Commission employees were in attendance.
• Chris said the Forest Service still had a few prescribed burns scheduled for this year dependent on weather conditions.

The Field Day Walk-thru will be on Wednesday, May 29, at 9:30 am, at the Riley Jacobs Property.

Mike Henshaw, Secretary

Winston County Forestry Field Day

 

May 16 Council Meeting at Riley Jacobs Property

 

The next meeting of the Council will be at the Riley Jacobs Property, which will be the site of the May 30th Forestry Field Day.  We will meet at the property at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 16.  The property is located in the Moreland Community at the waypoint on this Google Maps link:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/4LxyaQthmNgKJpLa8

Update: the above link does not work for some.  The coordinates of the property are:

34.201390, -87.291530

The property is located at the end of County Road 3156.  From the intersection CR 76 and CR 63 (near Moreland Volunteer Fire Dept), travel about 5 miles south on CR 63, turn left on CR 3155, bear left at the next fork on to CR 3156 and go to the end of the road.  From US 278 near Houston, go about 2.9 miles north on CR 63, turn right on to CR 3155, bear left at the next fork on to CR 3156 and go to end of the road.

Casey says there is cell coverage at the site, but you may still want to double check the map before heading out.  If you need assistance or directions, call Jamie Segroves at (334) 468-9385.  The primary purpose of this meeting will be to prepare for the upcoming field day.

Thanks,

Mike Henshaw, Secretary

Minutes of April Meeting

 

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on April 18 at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs.  The following members were present:  Casey Hammack, Tina Burnett, Matt Hannah, Maggie Johnston, John Creed, Mike Henshaw, Chris Horne, Andrew Shae, Lauranne James, and Jamie Segroves attended by phone. The following topics were discussed:

• Mike and Casey gave an overview of the Recreational Pond Workshop held at Bill and Jeanie Snoddy's Loblolly Farm.  Rusty Wright, Extension Fisheries Specialist, conducted the program with approximately 25 local pond owners.  He also demonstrated electro-shocking the pond as a means to assess the fish population in the pond.
• Jamie and Casey gave an update on the Landowner Field Day planned for Friday, May 31, at the Riley Jacobs property in the Moreland community.  It was suggested that the May council meeting be held at the Jacobs property on May 16.  This will be confirmed with the landowner and directions to the property will be sent out with that meeting notice.  A number of speakers have been engaged, but a few more are needed.  Andrew offered to conduct a tour stop related to Water Quality.
• The Bio-blitz held at the Natural Bridge Park was featured in an article in the North West Alabamian, and Maggie gave us a update on how successful that effort was.  The article noted that there were 1,833 observations of 573 species from 110 observers.
• Also featured in the NWA was the 4-H Litter Cleanup.
• Lauranne discussed the NW RC&D Council Grant process and how the WCNRC could benefit.  Casey will be leading the efforts to work with the RC&D to secure funding for our landowner field day and future projects in FY25.
• Andrew told us about the upcoming Alabama Water Watch training that will be held at Camp McDowell.
• Tina gave an update on the 1st Annual Poster Contest with the theme "May the Forest be with you Always".  61 entries came in this year, which was excellent for the first year.
• The Soil and Water Conservation District also plans a hands-on exhibit at City Fest called "Farmer for a Day".  They also plan to take part in Farm Safety Day at the Moody-Hill Farm.
• Chris mentioned Forest Service activities including the up coming Lake Clean up on Smith Lake by Renew Our Rivers, and prescribed burns planned.
• Casey and Jamie will be working on controlled burns and tree farm audits.
• Casey said the balance of the treasury was $6,771.97

John moved that the meeting be adjourned, Matt seconded the motion, and all agreed.

Mike Henshaw

Secretary

April Council Meeting on April 18

The Winston County Natural Resource Council meets on the third Thursday monthly.  In April, our meeting is planned for Thursday, April 18 at the Bankhead National Forest office in Double Springs.  The meeting begins at 9:00 am.  Topics will include recent Recreational Pond Workshop and upcoming Forestry Field Day.

Recreational Pond Management Workshop to be held in Winston County

 

Friday, April 12, 2024, Pond workshop registration link:

https://secure.touchnet.net/C20021_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6134&SINGLESTORE=true

Minutes of March Meeting

From left: Tina Burnett, Mark Finley, Matt Hannah, Jamie Segroves, John Creed, Zach Brannon, Andy Scott, Mike Henshaw, Chris Horne, Casey Hammack, Lauranne James.  (Photo by Amy Melson, NWA)

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on March 21, 2024, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs.  The following members were present: Matt Hannah, John Creed, Andy Scott, Lauranne James, Tina Burnett, Mark Finley, Mike Henshaw, Chris Horne, Amy Melson, Casey Hammack, Jamie Segroves, and Zack Brannon.

The first item was the officers for the council.  Matt nominated Jamie Segroves for Chair, Zach Brannon for Vice Chair, Mike Henshaw for Secretary, and Casey Hammack for Treasurer.  John Creed seconded the motion, and all agreed.

The following topics were also discussed:

• Recreational Pond Management program tentatively scheduled for Friday, April 12, at Bill and Jeanie Snoddy's TREASURE Forest near Double Springs.  The program will focus on the managing fish populations for sport fishing and control of common pond weeds.  The council will assist with the setup and assist with program as needed.
• FAWN program location and funding was discussed.  Mark said he would check with the Winston County Board of Education Superintendent about help with the bus transportation costs.  Andy said Houston Recreation Area would be available to host FAWN.  Matt said his property would be available at short notice if needed.  Tina said the past FAWN was her first one, but looks forward to the Winston County Soil and Water Conservation District participating in the next one.  The SWCD is a sponsor of the FAWN program.
• Lauranne said Winston/Marion NRCS had a new district conservationist, Paul Green.  She also said that the Northwest RC&D Council would be hosting a Weather Radio GiveAway and that it would be coordinated with Winston County Emergency Management.  Watch for details on this event on their Facebook Page.
• Andy said the Bankhead was focused on prescribed burns this spring, and with approximately 10,000 acres treated with prescribed fire so far this season.  The District is also working on a number of timber sales and as well as a stewardship contract.
• Jamie said the Forestry Commission was busy with prescribed burns for private landowners in Winston County this spring.
• Zach and Jamie outlined plans for a forest landowner tour in the Moreland area on the topic of Southern Pine Beetles, which have been a significant issue this year.  Zach said he had submitted a grant application to the Alabama Forestry Foundation to cover some of the expenses of the tour.  The tour is tentatively planned for the May/June timeframe.
• Casey said the balance of the treasury is $5,571.69.  Casey said that he and Matt will complete the annual non-profit tax return well before the deadline.

Mike Henshaw

Secretary

March 21 Council Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resource Council meets on the third Thursday monthly.  In March, our meeting is planned for Thursday, March 21 at the Bankhead National Forest office in Double Springs.  The meeting begins at 9:00 am.

Winston County Tree Give Away

 

February Meeting Minutes

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on February 15, 2024, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs.  The following persons were present: Matt Hannah, Andy Scott, Chris Horn, and Mike Henshaw.  Casey Hammack, Treasurer, had sent word that the balance of the treasury was $6,671.52, with a $1,100.10 bill for the FAWN transportation that will be paid in just a few days.  The following topics were discussed:

• Matt Hannah said that the Council would need to submit a simple online tax return, and the deadline for that was May 15.
• Andy said that Chris Horn would be the regular representative from the Forest Service on the Council.
• Short discussion was held about the officers for the Council in the coming year.  Mike offered to take the Secretary position, and other vacancies will be considered at a later Council meeting.
• Andy and Mike gave a short review of the most recent Bankhead Liaison Panel meeting on January 30.  The main topics were about Southern Pine Beetle Activity, Atmospheric Radiation Measurement research facility construction, Snake Fungal Disease, and panel membership.
• Andy said an official announcement about the Secure Rural Schools funding would be coming soon.
• Mike said that Camp McDowell was conducting a small prescribed fire which will be one of the first on that property in many years.
• Pine beetle activity on private property.
• Feral Swine control on the Bankhead National Forest.
• Winston County Tree Give Away will be held on Tuesday, March 5, at 9:00 a.m., at B & B Motors on US 278 in Double Springs.
• Walker County Tree Give Away will be held on Friday, March 1, at 8:00 a.m., at the Farmers Market in Jasper on Airport Road.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, March 21, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs.

Mike Henshaw, V. Chair

Fight Cogongrass at No Cost to Landowners

 Alabama Forestry Commission News Release; 1 Feb 2024; Contact elishia.ballentine@forestry.alabama.gov

Fight Cogongrass at No Cost to Landowners

For the third year, financial relief will be available soon to assist Alabama landowners adversely affected by the non-native, invasive noxious weed, cogongrass. The application period for the Cogongrass Mitigation Program will launch on February 20, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. Central Time, and the portal will remain open until March 29 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time or until the threshold of 150 applications is reached. Eligibility for the funding requires that applicants be private, non-industrial landowners. Property with cogongrass infestations must be located in any of the 67 counties of Alabama, although the landowner is not required to reside on the property or within the state. There is no minimum or maximum acreage ownership requirement to enroll. It is a cost-free program.

 Administered by the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC), the Cogongrass Mitigation Program is made possible through a grant from the USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection & Quarantine (PPQ). The goals of this program are to reduce the number of infested acres, eliminate the damaging effects of cogongrass on existing ecosystems, and improve the productivity of sites impacted by the weed. Additional objectives include slowing the spread of current establishments of cogongrass and preventing introductions into new areas of the state.

To apply for this funding or for further information regarding additional eligibility requirements, please visit the Cogongrass Mitigation Program section of the Alabama Forestry Commission’s website at forestry.alabama.gov/Pages/Management/Cogongrass.aspx. You may also email the AFC Cogongrass Coordinator at owen.andrews@forestry.alabama.gov or contact your local AFC office.

The mission of the Alabama Forestry Commission is to protect and sustain Alabama’s forest resources using professionally applied stewardship principles and education, ensuring that the state’s forests contribute to abundant timber and wildlife, clean air and water, and a healthy economy. For more information about the Alabama Forestry Commission, visit the AFC website at forestry.alabama.gov

                                            Photo Credit - invasive.org; Nancy Loewenstein

Cullman County Learn & Burn - Registration Required

Alabama Forestry Foundation is hosting a Cullman County Learn & Burn event for landowners to learn about prescribed burning. The event will be weather dependent in late February to early March.  Learn more here.  Registration is required.