Environment

Pond Owner Mentoring Kids Program comes to Troy

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Friday, March 16th, 2012, 11:48am

Pond Owner Mentoring Kids Program comes to Troy

On Friday March 23, 2012, the Boys and Girls Club of Pike County will take part in a Pond Owner Mentoring Kids Program fishing event at Camp Butter and Egg, an outdoor adventure facility owned by Susan and Ron Pierce located in Troy, Ala. The Pond Owner Mentoring Kids Program is a partnership between various pond owners across the state and the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) that provides children and families access to fishing opportunities they may not otherwise have.

The event will begin with a casting and fishing clinic taught by WFF staff. Fishing rods and bait will be provided by the WFF. Local media is invited to attend. For additional information, contact WFF Biologist Aide and program coordinator Brenda Morrison at 205-477-6301. The pond is located at 2127 Butter and Egg Road, Troy, Ala. 36081.

USDA speciality crop block grant program applications being accepted for the state of Alabama

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Thursday, March 15th, 2012, 12:59pm

USDA speciality crop block grant program applications being accepted for the state of Alabama

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is accepting grant applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops in foreign and domestic markets. The application deadline for these specialty crop block grants through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is May 4, 2012, 5:00 P.M. Central Standard Time (CST).

Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture (including maple syrup and honey) and nursery crops (including floriculture).

Commodity groups, agricultural organizations, colleges and universities, producers, municipalities, state agencies and agricultural nonprofits are all eligible for this grant program, provided their proposals meet all the specifications. The USDA has final approval for projects submitted. The ADAI and a review committee of industry representatives will evaluate and review the applications.

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Alabama Bass Trail to draw anglers to Alabama

Submitted by JoBeth Davis, Community Web Producer

Thursday, March 8th, 2012, 1:14pm

Alabama Bass Trail to draw anglers to Alabama

Guntersville, AL – Governor Robert Bentley today announced the launch of the Alabama Bass Trail, a new statewide tourism, conservation, and education initiative. The Alabama Bass Trail, which features 11 premier bass-fishing lakes, is a cooperative effort between the governor’s office, the Alabama Tourism Department, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association.

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USDA speciality crop block grant program applications being accepted for the state of Alabama

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012, 1:59pm

Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture (including maple syrup and honey) and nursery crops (including floriculture).

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Forestry Outreach Symposium and Awards Banquet coming up

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012, 2:09pm

Forestry Outreach Symposium and Awards Banquet coming up

An outreach symposium and awards banquet pointing forestland owners toward the future while celebrating the strides many of them already have made in enhancing profitability and sustainable forestry management practices throughout the state is scheduled for Feb. 10 at Auburn University.

Sponsored by the Alabama Natural Resources Council, the Outreach Symposium will begin at 2 p.m. in Conference Hall 1101 at the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, located at 602 Duncan Drive on the Auburn University campus. The Awards Banquet will follow at 5:30 p.m. beginning with a Cocktail reception at the Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center at 241 South College Street in downtown Auburn. Dinner will follow at 6 p.m. in Ballroom B.

The event is essentially two-fold, says Dr. Ken McNabb, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System forester and W.

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Next week is Earthquake Awareness Week

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Friday, February 3rd, 2012, 1:36pm

Governor Robert Bentley has proclaimed next week "Earthquake Awareness Week" as part of the Great Central U.S. Shake Out. This is a regional earthquake drill in which participants will simultaneously practice the recommended action during an earthquake which is DROP to the ground, Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and HOLD-ON to it until the shaking stops.

Beginning on Monday, February 6th, each day of Earthquake Awareness Week will have a different theme:

Monday: Historic Alabama Earthquakes.
Tuesday: Great Central U.S. ShakeOut, 10:15 a.m. What would you do?
Wednesday: Know how to protect your home.
Thursday: Protect your family by having a communication plan and a family emergency kit.
Friday: Know how to protect your business and your employees

There is still time to sign up to be involved in the ShakeOut.

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Most Alabama Public Fishing Lakes Reopen Wednesday

Submitted by JoBeth Davis, Community Web Producer

Monday, January 30th, 2012, 11:33am

Most Alabama Public Fishing Lakes Reopen Wednesday

February 1 marks the return of the fishing season schedule for 18 of Alabama's 23 state-owned public fishing lakes. Commonly known as state lakes or county lakes, these waters are noted for their quality fishing for bream, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and crappie (in some lakes). Because these smaller lakes warm more quickly than larger waters, early spring fishing can be excellent. Anglers may fish from the pier, bank, rental boat or personal boat.

Three additional lakes are scheduled to reopen later this year: Barbour County Lake, Bibb County Lake, and Dale County Lake (Ed Lisenby Lake). Lower Geneva County Lake and Lee County Lake will remain closed.

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