Bankhead National Forest

Pine beetle epidemic hits county

An aerial view of Southern pine beetle infestations scattered through the forest near Rock Creek Baptist Church, about three miles north of Double Springs, on Tuesday, Aug. 20. (Photo by Mike Henshaw, Winston County Natural Resources Council)

An aerial view of Southern pine beetle infestations scattered through the forest near Rock Creek Baptist Church, about three miles north of Double Springs, on Tuesday, Aug. 20. (Photo by Mike Henshaw, Winston County Natural Resources Council)

WINSTON COUNTY - The Alabama Forestry Commission announced last week that Southern pine beetle infestations have reached "epidemic" levels in the state and identified Winston County and the Bankhead National Forest among the worst hit areas.
The August 22, AFC press release said the organization had identified nearly 5,000 SPB spots, "with an average mortality of 191 pine trees per spot," across Alabama as of that date, but on Tuesday, Aug. 27, Acting Bankhead District Ranger Tyler Fish said there are over 1,000 individual spots in the Bankhead alone.

Unusual looking, low-flying vehicle scheduled to begin flights over Bankhead today

The area highlighted in red on the map above is the flight area where the ARM ArcticShark UAS will be flying today through August 7, to collect meteorological data above the Bankhead National Forest, including areas in Winston County. (Courtesy photo)

The area highlighted in red on the map above is the flight area where the ARM ArcticShark UAS will be flying today through August 7, to collect meteorological data above the Bankhead National Forest, including areas in Winston County. (Courtesy photo)
BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST - From today through Wednesday, August 7, residents may hear and see what appears to be a strange-looking small plane flying low and slow over the Bankhead National Forest.

Residents angry over conditions of roads in Bankhead

Black Pond Fire Chief Terry Tidwell says it’s a rough situation for firefighters responding to calls on County Road 315 due to its deteriorating condition.

Black Pond Fire Chief Terry Tidwell says it’s a rough situation for firefighters responding to calls on County Road 315 due to its deteriorating condition.
DOUBLE SPRINGS - A group of residents who live along County Road 315 in the Black Pond community informed the Winston County Commission they have traveled a rough road trying to get road improvements made, urging commissioners to help them with funding and resources.

Prescribed burns planned

The Southern Region Prescribed Burn Accomplishment Tracker shows planned prescribed burns and their status. (Courtesy photo)

The Southern Region Prescribed Burn Accomplishment Tracker shows planned prescribed burns and their status. (Courtesy photo)
BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST - The USDA Forest Service began its annual season of prescribed burns in the Bankhead National Forest this month.

Flint Creek Trail system in Bankhead closed until December 22

BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST - The USDA Forest Service has announced that the Flint Creek Trail system on the Bankhead National Forest will be closed from November 9 - December 22 due to a logging operation taking place in the area.

For more information or to learn more about other trailheads and trail systems on the Bankhead, call the Bankhead Ranger District at (205) 489-5111.

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