Forest Service seeking public comments
BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST - The U.S. Forest service is seeking public comment on three Forest Orders that pertain to the Bankhead National Forest.
Bankhead National Forest
Alabama Scenic River Trail wants to expand to Winston County
Winston County Extension Agent Zack Brannon shows where the old canoe trail has broken off and fallen several feet. The trail itself is overgrown with weeds and forest growth.
BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST - A proposal has been made to the Winston County Commission that a canoe or kayak rental business on the Sipsey River would provide an economic boom for Winston County as well as showcase the natural beauty of the Bankhead National Forest.
Bat Blitz returns to the Bankhead
A big brown bat caught during the 2022 Bat Blitz. While bigger than other area cave bats, it is tiny at less than two inches long.
CAMP MCDOWELL - Last week, the bats of the Bankhead National Forest had their moment in the sun—or rather, the moonlight.
Nearly a hundred bat experts and others from at least ten states, plus Norway, converged at Camp McDowell for the 2022 Bat Blitz, an intensive survey of the bat population. Bat Blitzes are organized every year by the Southeastern Bat Diversity Network (SBDN) and a state group, in this case, the Alabama Bat Working Group (ABWG).
Free Bat Blitz educational event for the public
The Alabama Bat Working Group’s Education Committee will hold a Bat Blitz educational event for the public on Monday, August 1, 3-6 p.m., at Randall Commons in Camp McDowell. Attendees will learn more about bats and their importance to the ecosystem, have the chance to see live bats up close and be able to participate in hands-on activities. Children are especially encouraged to attend. There is no entrance fee and no need to register in advance. The public is invited to drop in at any time during the event.
Scott back as district ranger
Andy Scott (Courtesy photo)
BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST - The Bankhead National Forest is once again under the leadership of District Ranger Andy Scott, who departed the Bankhead to become the deputy forest supervisor for the national forests in Mississippi on May 8.
Tomorrow's Bankhead Youth Fishing Derby postponed
The Bankhead National Forest Youth Fishing Derby scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, June 11, has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. The new date has yet to be determined but will be posted here once it is decided. The U.S. Forest Service, host of the derby, apologizes for the inconvenience and the short notice.
Bankhead Youth Fishing Derby is next week
The U.S. Forest Service will host a free Youth Fishing Derby from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, at the Black Warrior Work Center, 3730 Hwy. 33, Moulton, Ala. All children aged 5-12 may participate as long as they are accompanied by an adult. There is no need to register in advance. For more information, contact the Forest Service at (205) 489-5011. June 11 is National Get Outdoors Day as well as Alabama’s Free Fishing Day, and it also falls during National Fishing and Boating Week.
Bankhead District Ranger leaving
Andy Scott (Courtesy photo)
BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST - Bankhead District Ranger Andy Scott is leaving for more—if not greener—forest next month; he’s being promoted to the position of deputy forest supervisor for the national forests in Mississippi, which stretch across 1.2 million acres in seven ranger districts.
Name of deceased hiker released
Officials converge at the Sipsey Wilderness area Thursday afternoon.
BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST - The hiker who died while in the Sipsey Wilderness area Thursday, March 10, has been identified as Brandy Shipman, 42, of Jasper...
Walker Area Foundation presents Wild Alabama $35,000 grant
From left, Walker Area Community Foundation President Paul Kennedy, Kim Waites, Wild Alabama Wilderness Stewardship Coordinator; Lindsay Madison, stewardship assistant; Brittany Seaborg, stewardship coordinator - Talladega National Forest, Maggie Johnston, Wild Alabama Executive Director and Janice Barrett, outreach and education coordinator. (Courtesy photo)
WINSTON COUNTY - The recent Wild Alabama volunteer picnic was made even sweeter by a visit from the Walker Area Community Foundation.