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