Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Inc.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS in 2011

2011-12-30T15:51:00.000-06:00

April: Slough clean-up from Duncan Bridge /Rock Creek cancelled week-end of tornadoes. No power/Gas.
May: Our public meeting was at Lakeshore Marina and Inn. Alabama Water Watch gave a program, then election of Officers and Directors, one new director, Gloria Drinkard, replacing Larry, who requested replacement.
May: Contacted Corp of Engineers about large slide-in on Rock Creek.
June: Clean-up Duncan Bridge North and we used Bankhead’s Houston Recreational area for the take out of debris plus our picnic Saturday afternoon.
July: I met Casey Ehorn, project mgr. for Corp of Eng. and Pamela McDaniels, P.E for Al. Power , in Arley. Then we inspected the large slide-in on Rock Creek. Corp of Engineers can not help us.
SEPT: 2nd clean-up Duncan Bridge north and we Used Old Yellow Creek Marina site. All loose Styrofoam found north of Duncan Bridge removed.
Sept: Distributed approx. 1400 of Al. Power coloring books, a coloring book for every student from K thru 3rd grade in Winston County Schools.
OCT: class on importance of watersheds and water testing at the fawn program. This was for all 6th grade students in Winston County Schools.
Oct: Gave Civitians $500.00 to assist in Placement of Historical Sign in front of Meek Elementary School.
NOV: 2nd bacteria blitz on the lake. !st bacteria blitz was in April. There were a few test sites with above average bacteria count. 50 plus sites tested each time.
NOV: Signage on all named creeks/sloughs on a lake map of Smith Lake, in Winston County, will have a sign at it’s mouth with it’s name for boaters to see.
DEC: Rock Creek Watershed Management Plan meeting. The grant money allotted for this plan has already been allocated to interested property owners
Living in the Rock Creek Watershed who intend to improve a problem on their property, which will improve the waters of Rock Creek Watershed and Smith Lake.
There were 3 private clean-ups from the head waters of Rock and Crooked Creeks to Duncan Bridge and 1 clean-up on Brushy and Yellow Creeks.
Advocacy had a busy year with 15 sites tested every month, plus everything else we have accomplished this year, there is still much more to do,
but doesn’t the lake just look great.
Board meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10:00 AM in Arley at the Traders and Farmers Bank.Public is always welcome, come tell us what is happening on your little bit of paradise, on Smith Lake.

Rock Creek Watershed Project Meeting on December 6th

2011-12-01T15:57:00.001-06:00

Please join the Rock Creek Stakeholder Group for the upcoming Rock Creek Watershed Management Project meeting on Tuesday, December 6th at 6pm in Addison, Alabama at the Community Center. We will be discussing recent project activities and will also plan activities for 2012.

For more information please contact Mona S. Dominguez by email srs0013@auburn.edu or call (334) 844-9323.

WCSLAI Nov. Board meeting

2011-11-04T12:01:00.001-05:00

Tuesday morning Nov. 8th 10:00 AM @ Traders and Farmers Bank, Arley

MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
November 8th board meeting

Reading of the minutes , Mary Ann
Watertesting , Mary Ann
Report on signage , Burt
Report on Fawn program , ?
Distribution of coloring books , Comments
Progress of Rock Creek Watershed Management Project , LaVerne
Brushy Creek clean-up , Burt
Rock Creek proposed clean-up , LaVerne
Xmasparty , comments
Suggested Project for spring 2012
1-Schedule meeting for John Mark Williams to explain rules and regulations for all boaters
2- Invite Smith Lake Coast Guard Flotilla to attend this meeting explain their importance on the lake.

We have our own projector, equipment I think we need to be using this equipment showing various organizations who we are, what our mission is, what we have accomplished, future projects etc.
Other new business
No meeting in December, just xmas party
Adjourn.

US Forest Service and Alabama Power Company install fish habitat structures in Smith Lake

2011-08-29T16:02:00.003-05:00

Alabama Power Company and Bankhead National Forest partnered again this year to improve fish habitat in Smith Lake and to improve sport fishing opportunities and angler success at Forest Service recreation areas.

Forest Service and Alabama Power Company employees utilize bundles of recycled Christmas trees and/or bamboo bucket structures to construct sunken fish habitat structures. The Alabama Power Company records the locations of the structures and produces a map to aid sport fishers in finding the structures. The structures provide habitat for small fish, which in turn will attract larger sport fish, such as bass and crappie. Twenty-five structures were installed at four sites near the Corinth Recreation Area. Fifty structures were installed at the Clear Creek Recreation Area.

To see the locations where the fish structures were placed, visit the Alabama Power Company's website at www.alabamapower.com/fishdata.

BOARD MEETING

2011-08-22T15:35:00.000-05:00

Tuesday September 13th will be our next board meeting. There will be many things to discuss.Progress on signage being installed on all named tributaries, creeks, sloughs, etc. total 33. Fawn progam in October.
Start-up of the Rock Creek Watershed Management Plan. Discussion of future clean-ups. Coloring books for schools. Report on monthly water testing program on the lake in Winston County. Much more.
Advocacy board meetings are open to the public. If you need to know what we are working on, or if you have information about something on the lake, that we should know about, please come and tell us about it!!!
When: 10:00 AM, Tuesday, September 13th, @ Farmers and Traders Bank in Arley.

FUTURE CLEAN-UPS

2011-07-08T11:32:00.000-05:00

Smith Lake is looking so great,very little white beaded foam any where on the lake.Thanks to the multitude of people who have helped us for so many years at our scheduled cleanups on the lake with Al. Power. Doug Powell has always been here with Al. Power boats for all of the scheduled cleanups.Doug brings t-shirts, bags to put litter in,furnishes about 1500 coloring books for us to distribute to all the kids from kindergarden through 3rd grade in school in Winston County.We've been doing this for 4 years.Since 2006 the Winston County Commissioners have disposed of 172 triple axle dump truck loads of white beaded foam from our clean-ups.THANK YOU COMMISSIONERS There has been over 150 boat houses/swim platforms removed from smith lake.Jim King allowed us to tie these structures up at his place of business (KING BOAT HOUSE BUILDERS) then he would have them removed,styrofoam removed, then balance of strucure burned up.Thank you Jim!!
There have been tons of debris removed,put in dumpsters supplied by TARRIE HYCHE at all of our scheduled clean-ups. Thank you Tarrie!!Bankhead Forest have let us use all 3 of their recreational areas for different clean-ups.Thank you Bankhead Forest!! CARL GODSEY let us use the Old Yellow Creek Marina several times for clean-ups. Thank you Carl!!Without the help of these people, Smith Lake in Winston County would still have all of this debris still floating on the lake.FUTURE CLEAN-UPS ON SMITH LAKE in WINSTON COUNTY will be completed by WCSLAI furnishing our boat/barge, with a captain, and tools. Labor, people picking up debris etc.will come from the area being cleaned up.They must load and unload the boat/barge.We are ready to help you, the owners of homes and property on Smith Lake, to keep this lake clean, clear and pristine.These clean-ups must be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance with 4/5 people ready to work for a day.This is a great place to live,visit,play fish or just go boating.I think I moved to paradise,hopefully everyone will help take care of thIS BEAUTIFUL LAKE from now on!!!

Slough Cleanup on Smith Lake on June 17-18

2011-06-08T09:22:00.001-05:00

Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Inc. (WCSLAI) is sponsoring a Slough Cleanup on Smith Lake on Friday and Saturday, June 17 and 18, 2011. The cleanup area is from Duncan Bridge to the headwaters of the Sipsey Fork. Boat owners and other volunteers are needed. WCSLAI will furnish trash bags and trash collection at three sites-Lakeshore Marina, Old Yellow Creek Marina, and Clear Creek Recreation Area from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Click on the photo above for a full size flyer that gives more information and a map of cleanup locations on the lake.

Rock Creek Watershed Management Project Kick-Off on Tuesday, June 7th

2011-05-31T13:50:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone,

I am excited to announce to you that we will have our official Rock Creek Watershed Management Project Kick-Off Meeting on Tuesday, June 7th in Arley at the Traders and Farmers Bank Building at 6:30 pm. We are anxious to start planning activities for the next few months and we really need your help. The first phase of the project will really focus on getting local folks familiar with the project's goals as well as general watershed and water quality concepts.

We will also be discussing the Bacteria Blitzes we have been doing over the last year. We will look at the progress of hotspot clean ups and also discuss the direction we'd like to go with the Blitzes in the coming year.

Several of our project partners who work with the Gulf of Mexico Alliance Project (which has funded the Bacteria Blitzes around Smith Lake) will be at the meeting, and they would love to meet you. They will share a little bit about the work they are doing on their side of the Gulf.

Please come out and share your ideas with the group. Contact me with any questions. Hope to see you soon!

Mona

WCSLAI Annual Meeting Photos

2011-05-16T08:00:00.005-05:00

Photos from the Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Annual Meeting on May 13th at Lakeshore Restaurant.

Slough Cleanup on Saturday, April 30th, 2011

2011-03-11T21:32:00.001-06:00

Board Meeting

2011-03-06T12:31:00.003-06:00

Tuesday March 8th @ 10:00 A.M. @ Traders & Farmers Bank in Arley we will be holding a board meeting for the "Advocacy". Some of the items to be discussed are as follows
Spring bacteria blitz
April 30th slough cleanup.
report of signage being installed.
discussion of our May 13th public meeting.
Progrss of Rock Creek water shed management program.
These are a few of the items to be discussed. Join us for the meeting. Advocacy meetings are open to the public.

Allison Cochran Interviewed on WAFF about Feral Hogs in the Bankhead National Forest

2011-02-17T11:26:00.000-06:00

Allison Cochran, Wildlife Biologist on the Bankhead National Forest, was recently interviewed on WAFF TV in Huntsville about feral hogs in the Bankhead National Forest.

Board Meeting Feb. 8th @ 10:00 AM Arley

2011-02-04T11:18:00.001-06:00

February 8th board meeting 10:00 AM Traders and Farmers Bank, Arley
Minutes and treasures report
Water testing Mary Ann
Progress for April 30th slough clean-up Laverne 5 sites, fliers, tying them on each boat house, balloons, maintain each location how do we take “ land helpers “ to sloughs? discussion
Acquiring bags from Alabama Power, how many? comments
Date for public meeting at Lakeshore, Friday May 13th Discussion
Remove winch from our boat Bert
One more Styrofoam clean-up on Rock creek in March or April may need some help on our boat. Can anyone help if we need 1or2 people?
Progress of Rock Creek watershed management grant. LaVerne
Letter from Alabama Pals
Alabama river Alliance 13th conference at Camp McDowell March 11-13th
Other new or old business.
Visitors :
Bobby Everett our new County commissioner
Donny Cagle
Alabama Marine Officer

Alabama Power Company and Bankhead National Forest Install Fish Structures at Clear Creek

2011-02-01T08:23:00.002-06:00

Annually, Alabama Power Company and Bankhead National Forest staff place sunken fish structures in sloughs and along banks at one of the Forest Service's three Recreation Areas along Smith Lake. Bundled Christmas trees or bamboo structures are put in Smith Lake to improve fish habitat and fishing opportunities.

On January 31, Alabama Power and Bankhead employees placed about 60 structures in the lake at the Clear Creek Recreation Area. When fishing in the area look for "fish habitat" signs along the bank, which designate areas where structures have been placed. Or, you may visit www.alabamapower.com/lakes/home.asp and find GPS locations of fish habitat structures.

Board Meeting Rescheduled

2011-01-13T09:48:00.001-06:00

Notice
Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Inc. board meeting was cancelled Tuesday Jan. 11th . Rescheduled for Tuesday Jan.18th.at 10:00 A.M. Traders and Farmers Bank, Arley. Meeting open to the public

Boating Class

2011-01-06T16:24:00.001-06:00

 for- Alabama vessel operators license.
 WHERE- DODGE CITY TRAVEL CENTER
(dodge house restaurant)
426 al hwy 69 south
Hanceville, al 35077
Exit 299 just off i-65
 Date & time- Saturday Jan. 29, 2011
9 a.m.
Please devote 6 hrs for class
(lunch break 12-1 p.m.)
 who?-anyone 12 years of age or older.
 Class- is put on by the Alabama marine police.
Please contact the marine police
To register because seating is limited.
1-800-499-1667
Instructor- officer John Williams

Board meeting

2011-01-05T06:39:00.002-06:00

Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Inc. board/directors January meeting is Tuesday morning the 11th, at 10 A.M., Traders and Farmers Bank in Arley. Our meetings are open to the public.
This is the 1st meeting in 2011 and many subjects to discuss. Progress of Rock Creek Water Shed management plan,status of signage being erected, e-coli problem, plan our spring public meeting, discuss 2011 clean-ups and many more items to discuss.Are you interested in learning more about the lake and how you can help us with projects on and around the lake? COME TO THE MEETING ON THE 11TH

Rock creek Watershed Management Plan

2010-12-22T17:19:00.000-06:00

There were several meetings in 2010 discussing a Rock Creek watershed management plan. There was a plan that was finally agreed upon by the local property owners and the Alabama Water Watch team who will be the ones acquiring a grant and then following up with a manager/overseer along with assistance from both the Winston County and Cullman County Extension Offices and The District Soil and Water Offices. The Rock Creek Water Shed includes White Oak and Crooked Creeks, 200 # sq. miles of Water Shed.. The grant was written and submitted in June to ADEM, it was reviewed by ADEM sent back to AWW., with questions, asking for more detailed answers, this was completed, resubmitted in August. There was a verbal approval in november , we are expecting the written approval as to total amount of the grant in January. This watershed plan is for 3 years and it could take 5 years. Rock Creek and Crooked Creek both have a 303D listed at EPA, this means there is some type of contamination on each creek. This we want removed plus when the watershed plan has been completed the water entering the lake from the 3 creeks should be clear, clean and pristine. We not only must have cooperation from farmers, cattlemen, poultry producers, forestry managers/owners but also home owners on the lake. One homeowner has the capabilities of contaminating the lake worse than someone who owns several hundred acres in the watershed. We have a lot of educating to do, but with cooperation from everyone involved in this watershed plan, we can have a pristine lake to enjoy by many for decades in the future.

2011 cleanups

2010-12-22T17:13:00.002-06:00

We had 3 cleanups this year with Al power boats, plus 2 or 3 private cleanups with our boat/barge.The last cleanup was in Sept.when that was completed we had removed all white styrofoam,we could find on the lake north of Duncan bridge. We still have 1 or 2 loads of white styrofoam from the mouth of Rock Creek north. This will be removed before spring by having a cleanup with wcslai boat/barge and local people helping.
Our 1st cleanup in 2011 will be Saturday April 30th. We will be cleaning up sloughs on Rock Creek,White Oak, Crooked and Little crooked Creeks.hopefully we can clean the sloughs all the way to Duncan Bridge.
The next cleanup will be Friday and Saturday June 17th and 18th. We are in hopes of cleaning all the sloughs from Duncan Bridge north on Smith Lake. We will have dumpsters placed in different locations for easy boat unloading and will furnish all the bags for these cleanups. Start planning now, when you pick up your bags let us know where you are going to cleanup. Just come and help if you don't have a boat. Do you property owners, home owners and fishermen want to see Smith Lake really cleaned up, plan to help us those 3 days in 2011. More info on location of dumpsters and where to pick up bags later.My # 256-747-4422

LaVerne Matheson Selected as the Arley Women's Club Person of the Year

2010-12-19T20:32:00.002-06:00

LaVerne has been selected as the Arley Women's Club Person of the Year! The following is a message from Linda Atkinson about the news :

Our President and founding father of Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy was selected last week as the Arley Women’s Club Person of the Year! We are so proud of him, and hope that you will extend congratulations his way! Below is the nomination detailing his accomplishments.

Merry Christmas to you and yours from your Board members, and Happy New (cleaner Lake) Year!

Regards,

Linda Atkinson, Secretary Treasurer

WCSLAI

When the Arley Person of the Year moved from Florida to Alabama, he immediately recognized a need to become involved with local conservation and community groups. He noticed that some parts of Lewis Smith Lake were having clean-up events but none within Winston County. He also found that, even though some landowners were concerned about water quality there was no organized group doing anything about it. He then organized and led the effort to establish Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy in 2006. Since that time, the group has grown to 80 members. The Advocacy Group’s mission is to preserve and protect the environmental quality of Lewis Smith Lake and its tributaries through education of the public and promotion and implementation of sound environmental practices.

This person is the backbone of the group and is responsible for a number of achievements. To educate Winston County residents and leaders about the importance of watershed health and highlight our unique and clean water resources, this person has provided presentations and slide shows to County Commissioners and others at community events and public meetings. He represents the group on the Winston County Natural Resources Council and the Bankhead National Forest’s Liaison Panel.

This person and the Advocacy Group have hosted several Alabama Water Watch training courses for volunteer water quality testers. The Advocacy Group volunteers (including this person and some 30 others) test Smith Lake’s water at 18 sites in Winston County. The Group provides testing equipment and reports results to Alabama Water Watch. The Alabama Water Watch recognized this person with their Fresh Face Award for outstanding performance and contributions of a group that quickly organized monitoring efforts in 2007.

Perhaps the greatest local achievement of this person and the Advocacy Group is their work with Alabama Power Company’s Renew Our Rivers program. This is a waterways clean-up program to remove Styrofoam, litter and abandoned boat houses from Smith Lake. This person has single-handedly organized two clean-ups on Rock Creek and coordinated with the Bankhead National Forest to have two clean-ups on Clear Creek and Sipsey Fork. Hundreds of landowners, the Winston County Commission and local businesses have worked together on this project. This person understood the need for local involvement and garnered support from the Winston County Commission and other community leaders and businesses. He has also secured free disposal sites for homeowners to discard old boat house Styrofoam in a responsible manner. To date many river miles in Winston County have been cleaned-up resulting in an estimated 700 tons of debris removed from our waters. Over 130 structures were included in that number.

Not only has he led the effort to get the waterways cleaned up; he has also worked to educate the next generation about the issues of water quality. Partnering with Alabama Power Company, he and the Advocacy Group have distributed Message In A Bottle coloring books to all Winston County elementary school children for the last three years. These educational coloring books teach students about littering and pollution of our waterways. They have also participated in the FAWN field days by having an educational lesson on Water Quality for all 5^th graders in Winston County Schools.

This person spent many hours working with Alabama Water Watch and many other organizations to develop a project plan that would help rescue parts of the Rock Creek Watershed from the 303D endangered streams list. He has worked diligently with Advocacy and a local company to obtain a grant and to execute it to erect signs at the entrance to 33 creeks on Smith Lake in Winston County.

In 2009, this person received the prestigious W. Kelly Mosley Environmental Award for 2008, an award administered by Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences to recognize individual achievements in promoting the wiser use of renewable natural resources.

This person is a dedicated volunteer. He is interested and actively engaged in the conservation of water resources in his new home community on Smith Lake and Winston County.

Sounds like a person with a lot of energy… and he and his lovely bride bought a Wave Runner for the first time and have been enjoying it immensely, and they recently decided that they wanted to realize another lifelong dream…they bought a 1994 Jaguar convertible and have been cruising the highways and byways.. he’ll be 82 years young this month, so wish a very happy birthday to the 2010 Arley Women’s Club Person of the Year, the amazing LaVerne Matheson!!

2010-12-07T13:25:00.002-06:00

Just a little news:
During Thanksgiving week Cordy asked me about cutting and removing Some 15 to 20 small pine trees on the slope of our yard going down to the lake. I went and looked and sure enough all the trees from the water to the lower deck in an area about 30 feet wide were gone. Nothing left but a few pine seedlings. Who removed them BEAVERS, where did they take these 4 to 6 foot pine trees we don’t know. I talked with my neighbor David and he has been seeing beaver at dusk come close to his boat house when he is fishing. I was talking with Paul, he lives on Crooked Creek and the beavers cut about 20 trees down and removed them from their property plus climbing on the pontoons of their boat and sometimes making a mess. I assume some of you are having the same problems. What can we do to help alleviate this problem? There is open season on beaver in Al., you can shoot them, trap them or hire someone to remove/reduce the size of the beaver family. David was keeping crappe in his fish basket, until he had several to clean, but the otter cut a hole in the basket, took his fish. I was with Judy and Warren last week they live on White Oak, they were telling me about a Bobcat being in their yard just squalling away. Warren turned on the outdoor lights, went outside and scared the bobcat off. Most all of us hear coyotes at night. We are so lucky to be living in area where we have both a beautiful lake to enjoy as well as nature with all of it’s magnificent surprises and yes, problems to. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years

Rain Barrel Workshop

2010-11-30T14:36:00.002-06:00

Alabama Environmental Council
Rain Barrel Workshop
December 4, 2010 at Camp McDowell

Contact Adam Johnston at Camp McDowell at johnsaw.adam@gmail.com or 205-300-0555 for more information or to register.

Rainbow Trout Released Below Smith Lake Dam

2010-11-24T22:15:00.000-06:00

Here's an article from the Birmingham News about rainbow trout being released below the Smith Lake Dam. The link is here: http://photos.al.com/birmingham-news/2010/11/rainbow_trout_release_6.html

Hunters Encouraged to Take Feral Swine on Bankhead National Forest

2010-11-23T10:49:00.001-06:00

Hunters are encouraged to take feral swine when hunting on Bankhead National Forest and Black Warrior Wildlife Management Area when a legal opportunity arises. To learn more about the feral swine hunting regulations and the problems associated with this non-native, nuisance animal see the News Release here - http://www.aces.edu/~henshmd/temp/Feral%20Hogs%20News%20Release%20BankheadNFFinal2Approved.pdf

Free Rain Barrel Workshop in Florence

2010-10-21T08:42:00.000-05:00

This is Heath King with the Northwest AL RC&D Council. We have secured a grant that will allow us to host a FREE Rain Barrel workshop at the Lauderdale County ACES office on December 1, 2010 at 9 a.m.. This will be a joint project with Extension staff involvement as well as other dedicated volunteers.

I have attached a flyer and a pre-registration form. Please distribute these items to your contacts at schools, community centers, and any other individuals that are interested in the positive benefits of recycling precious natural resources through the use of Rain Barrels.

The grant will allow the workshop to be free and each participant will get to construct their own rain barrel and take it with them. Registration will be first come, first serve so make sure any interested parties email, snail mail, or fax the attached pre-registration form back to me in a timely manner. My contact info is listed on the pre-registration form. See registration form here.

2010-10-19T11:03:00.003-05:00

Hi, Lake lovers! Our Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy lake signage project that has been funded by the Northwest Alabama Resource Conservation and Development Council is coming to life! See the attached photo of the first sign to be erected of 33. These 33 signs will identify to boaters all 33 creeks and feeders along the Smith Lake shores in Winston County. Our great friends at Winston Steel are working with us to put up the signs.

Many thanks to Tom Grubbs and Burt Jones of WCSLAI, and all those who have been instrumental in making our lake even better than ever!

Linda Atkinson
For your Board of Directors

Rock Creek (Water Shed) Clean-up

2010-10-19T10:32:00.004-05:00

We are planning a 2 day clean-up with our boat/barge Tuesday Oct. 26th & Wenseday 27th., to remove the rest of the white styrofoam still floatingor laying on the shoreline.We need 6 people working on the barge each day.Do you live on Rock,White Oak,Crooked Creeks or Little Crooked Creek.These are the areas we will be picking up styrofoam in. Can you help us for a day,give me a call 256-747-4422 I'll tell you where to meet us each morning. WHEN THIS CLEAN-UP IS COMPLETED,HOPEFULLY WE WILL NOT SEE ANYMORE WHITE STYROFOAM!!

Winston County FAWN Programs Held at Houston Recreation Area

2010-10-18T20:28:00.018-05:00

The 2010 Winston County FAWN Program was held on October 13 and 14, at the Houston Recreation Area in the Bankhead National Forest. 335 sixth graders attended the outdoor field days that included eight learning stations on a variety of natural resource and safety topics. Photos for the FAWN for the Addison, Double Springs, and Lynn Schools are available here. The photos for the FAWN program for the Haleyville and Meek Schools are available here. Thanks to all the partners that work together to provide the FAWN program for all Winston County sixth graders. Here's a partial list of the sponsors:

AL Cooperative Extension System/Winston County Office
AL Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources
Alabama Forestry Commission
Cradle of Forestry
Forest Stewardship Education Committee
Gateway Foods, Double Springs
Haleyville Board of Education
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Northwest Alabama RC&D Council
Regional Paramedical Services
Soil & Water Conservation District/Winston County Office
U. S. Forest Service, Bankhead National Forest
Winston County Assign-A-Highway
Winston County Board of Education
Winston County Commission
Winston County Emergency Management
Winston County Farmers Federation
Winston County Natural Resources Council
Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Inc.

Fire Restrictions

2010-10-02T08:47:00.000-05:00

U. S. Forest Service Restricts Fire Use in Bankhead National Forest
Posted: 01 Oct 2010 01:52 PM PDT
Montgomery, AL (September 28, 2010) ---- Because of the extreme dry conditions that can possibly lead to wildfires, the U.S. Forest Service is alerting all forest users to be aware of specific public fire use restrictions in Alabama’s national forests. Forest Supervisor Miera C. Nagy recently signed an order that prohibits the use of fire in wilderness areas in the Bankhead and Talladega National Forests.
To protect the public and natural resources from the threat of wildfires, the following public restrictions are effective September 24, 2010 and will remain in effect until October 31, 2010:
Bankhead National Forest – Sipsey Wilderness; Talladega National Forest (Talladega and Shoal Creek Districts) - Dugger Wilderness and Cheaha Wilderness
 Building, maintaining, attending, using a fire or campfire (wood or charcoal) at any wilderness area located on the Bankhead, Shoal Creek, and Talladega Ranger Districts of the National Forests in Alabama; except, the use of gas generated fire in a Coleman-type or backpacking stove will be allowed throughout the Sipsey, Dugger, and Cheaha Wilderness Areas on the Bankhead, Shoal Creek, and Talladega Ranger Districts. 36 CFR 261.52(a).
 Violating any state law concerning burning or fires which are implemented for the purpose of preventing or restricting the spread of fires. 36 CFR 261.52(k)
 Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (e), the following persons are exempt from the order: Any federal, state, local officer or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting team or those holding a permit specifically authorizing the use of fire.
Anyone found violating any of these prohibitions might face a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization or imprisonment for not more than six months or both.
Forest Service officials advise that if you are planning to spend a few days in the national forest, you should look for changes in restrictions, which could change according to fire weather conditions. Human-caused fires can be reduced during these very dry conditions when everyone work together to prevent wildfires.
For information concerning any public restrictions and closure orders, please contact a U.S. Forest Service district office before visiting: Bankhead District (205) 489-5111, Conecuh District (334) 222-2555, Shoal Creek District (256) 463-2272; Talladega District (256) 362-2909; Oakmulgee District (205) 926-9765; and the Tuskegee District (334) 727-2652.

Advocacy Board Meeting

2010-09-28T06:38:00.002-05:00

Tuesday Oct.5th at 10:00 A.M., there will be a board meeting at the Traders and Farmers Bank in Arley.There are many items to discuss, October bacteria blitz,installing signage on the lake, fawn program,purchasing new equipment to show watershed power point program to schools,change of equipment on the Advocacy boat,additional information to give the schools when we deliver the coloring books,John Ledbetter will explain some new changes on the lake, Oct. clean-up on Rock Creek. Will we have a slough clean-up this year, depends upon how many people come forward to offer to help with a clean-up.We can supply the bags.Maybe you want to just clean-up your own slough, do you need bags, call us, let us know where you are going to clean-up.Do you have something that you would like to see done on the lake, come tell us about your idea. Board meetings open to the public, hope to see you on the 5th.

September 14th clean-up

2010-09-20T14:43:00.004-05:00

Tuesday the 14th we used the Old Yellow Creek Marina,for our clean-up location. We had our boat-barge there and Al.Power brought one of their boats. Donny Cagle (works for Al. Power) had been observing where there was still white styrofoam to be picked up.Al. power boat went south from the marina and Donny Cagle told them where there was styrofoam to be picked up. The Advocacy went north with their boat-barge with Dennis Quinn riding his wave runner, going in every cove/slough checking for styrofoam.We went as far north as there were homes, turned back south after coming to Bankhead Forests property. We went up the east bank of Sipsy and came down the west bank of Sipsy.There were 3 pieces of styrofoam we could not get, to much mud.We left at 8:30 arrived back at the Marina about 3:30.We had a good load of styrofoam,3 or 4 tires and some other debris. Al.Power boat had 1 full load and a half of another load. They had already gone home.We consider the lake clean of white styrofoam from Duncan bridge north. Sometime in October hopefully we can have a 1 day clean-up on Rock Creek, then the lake in Winston County will be pretty much clean of the white styrofoam floating on the lake. Thanks to Carl Godsey for letting us use Yellow Creek Marina and The help from "our county Commissioners",the clean-up was very successful. TO FINISH CLEANING UP THE LAKE IN WINSTON COUNTY WE NEED A SLOUGH CLEAN-UP.THIS TAKES A LOT OF PEOPLE AND BOATS.SUGGESTIONS!! WE WILL FURNISH THE BAGS AND ARRANGE FOR DUMPSTERS. CALL US WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU TAKE CARE OF THIS BEAUTIFUL LAKE.

WCSLAI Supports the FAWN Program

2010-09-16T13:50:00.000-05:00

LaVerne Matheson, President of WCSLAI, presents the
Council with a $1,000 check to support the FAWN
program for Winston County sixth graders.

Special thanks to Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Inc. for supporting the FAWN (Forestry Awareness Week Now) program. This program is conducted by the Winston County Natural Resources Council and it provides an outdoor field day for Winston County sixth graders at the Houston Recreation Area. Eight learning stations will focus on a wide range of topics related to natural resources. Learning stations directly related to Smith Lake include Water Quality, Water Safety, and Forest Soils. Many WCSLAI members have assisted with the past FAWN programs including LaVerne Matheson, Tom Grubbs, Allison Cochran, Judy Lambert, Mary Ann Crunk, and Melissa Yates.

board meeting sept 7th

2010-09-11T16:22:00.003-05:00

We had a very good board meeting.Mary Ann had some questions about the last bacteria blitz done on the lake. Suggested she call AWW for answers,she has,has recieved answers to part of her Questions.Tom is working on ways to put up the signs, if you live on one of the named sloughs on the lake map,in Winston County, please call us, we need your help in maintaining and care of these signs after there erected in your slough.
)n Sept. 14th and 15th we are having another clean-up, hopefully remove all existing white styrofoam still floating on the lake from Duncan Bridge north.We will be using the old yellow creek marina.Go to Houston,turn on Co.Rd. 61 go to the end of the road, you will find us working there.
Beasley Poker Run presented us with another monatary gift. Al. Power also presented us with a monatary gift.We thank both parties for their generous gift and will use these monies for the benifit of Smith Lake. We also voted to give Winston County Natural resources council a 1,000.00 to assist with having the Fawn Program this fall for all 6th graders,(400 +) in Winston County Schools. This is a great program, if you are not familiar with it ,check it out!!!
Linda has the coloring books from Al.Power(bottle in the Water). These are great coloring books teaching kids how to take care of water in rivers and lakes.We will be giving a coloring book to all elementary schools for there kids from kindergarden through 3rd grade.Approximately 1400 coloring books!!
The Grant money for the Rock Creek water Management plan still has not been approved,expect approval momentarily.

coloring books

2010-08-23T08:48:00.002-05:00

Kitty Chance met Doug Powell at his office, and picked up 1600 Alabama Power coloring books,teacher guides and a disk, for each teacher.allowing her to show the coloring books to anyone and also make copies of the coloring book. We will once again be giving a coloring book to all kids from kindergarden thru 3rd grade in all 5 elementary schools in Winston County. These books will be delivered to each school in September. These books hopefully will help these youngsters, learn how to take care of water, in creeks,rivers and lakes.

board meeting

2010-08-16T10:01:00.003-05:00

september 7th @ 10:00 AM @ Traders and Farmers Bank, Arley

We will be discussing many subjects/projects. The immediate
project is the 3 day lake clean-up, September 14th,15th, 16th.
We will be discussing location for this clean-up.The clean-up
will be at kings Boat Docks, on Rock Creek 1 day, the other 2 day
location will be decided, by where the greatest amount of styrofoam
to pick up, is presently located. With Al. Powers Boat assisting
we are planning to remove all white styrofoam, floating or laying
on the shoreline, on Smith Lake, in Winston County.Once again we
will not be accepting any boathouses or platforms. We need your
help or you and your boat.Check this blog on September 8th for more
info about the 2 day location.
Our meetings are open to the public. Help us take care of the lake!!

Chemistry Water Monitoring Training Workshop Conducted on Smith Lake

2010-07-29T10:02:00.000-05:00

Alabama Water Watch Staff and volunteer instructors conducted a Chemistry Water Monitoring Training Workshop at the Smith Lake Civic Association Building and Duncan Bridge Marina. Special thanks to volunteer instructors Larry Barkey with Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Inc. and John Kulbitskas with the Smith Lake Civic Association. Nine volunteers were certified and seven additional volunteers were re-certified. Certified Chemistry Water Monitoring volunteers can submit water testing data to the Alabama Water Watch database so that water quality trends can be tracked over time. Volunteers were trained to test water pH, total hardness, total alkalinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and temperature. Thanks to everyone that took part to make the training a success.

board meeting

2010-07-07T12:04:00.003-05:00

next meeting is Tuesday July 13th, 6:30 P.M. Traders nd Farmers Bank in Arley.
Our meetings are open to the public. Agenda has not been published. June cleanup removed over 15 tons of styrofoam plus debris in dumpster.Attaching a letter about some activities in July.
Dear Rock Creek Stakeholders,
I hope that all of you are having great summers and are gearing up for a fun 4th of July weekend! I would like to give you a quick update on the progress of the Rock Creek Watershed Management Plan project, and also tell you about some upcoming events including our Summer Bacteria Blitz.
We officially submitted the final Rock Creek Watershed Management Plan (RCWMP) last week and are now finishing the application to ADEM for funding to implement the Plan. Thanks to all of your valuable input and assistance, the planning process was great and the finished product, the Plan, is something that we can all be proud of. Thank you so much for taking the time to be a part of the process. We can’t wait to start working with you to put the Plan into action. You are making a difference in your watershed and beyond! Your grandchildren and great grandchildren will thank you for keeping the Rock Creek Watershed clean and beautiful. A million thanks!
We have several activities programmed for the days of July 22-24, that we would love for you to join in on.
On Thursday July 22, at 7 pm, we will have a brief meeting at the Traders and Farmers Bank in Addison to present the final Rock Creek Watershed Management Plan to interested stakeholders (copies will be available). This will also be a time for you to ask questions about the plan and the implementation process.
On Friday July 23, from 12:30 pm until 6:30 pm, Alabama Water Watch (AWW) will be holding a free Chemistry Water Monitoring Workshop at the home of Deb Berry [Smith Lake Environmental Preservation Committee, (SLEPC)], which is in Cullman County on the Simpson Branch of Ryan Creek.
On Saturday July 24, from 12:30 pm until 6:30 pm, AWW will be holding another free Chemistry Water Monitoring Workshop in Arley at the Traders and Farmers Bank Building.
If you have been certified by AWW, but need recertification, you will have an opportunity to be recertified at both workshops from 3:30 pm until 6:30 pm.
Please go to https://fp.auburn.edu/icaae/WorkShopRegC.aspx to register for your workshop.
Also, we will be attending the SLEPC meeting which begins at 9 am on Saturday July 24th, at the Dodge House Restaurant in Dodge City. We will briefly discuss the Winter Bacteria Blitz results and other AWW news. Please join us!
The Summer Bacteria Blitz will be ongoing throughout the three days. You can pick up testing materials at the RCWMP meeting on Thursday night or at the workshop on Friday. If you are not going to incubate your own samples, we can get your samples at either the Friday or Saturday workshops (depending on the day you test), or at the SLEPC meeting at the Dodge House Restaurant. We can coordinate other meeting times if these do not work for you. Because its summer and the temperatures are up (which makes bacteria like E. coli happy), we hope to monitor more sites than ever during this Blitz. We really need your help!
I’m sorry for the information overload, but am very excited for all of these activities! Feel free to contact me with any questions. We look forward to seeing you!
Thanks,
Mona

--
Mona Scruggs
Alabama Water Watch
250 Upchurch Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849-
Cel: 251-282-9998
Office: 1-888.844.4785 or 334.844.4785
email: srs0013@auburn.edu
website: www.alabamawaterwatch.org

June Clean-up A Success

2010-06-22T16:48:00.003-05:00

Special thanks go out to all of the volunteers, organizations and businesses that continue to support the Renew Our Rivers effort to keep Smith Lake clean and beautiful! Over 51 individuals, including volunteers, Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy members, Alabama Power Company staff, and Bankhead National Forest staff removed styrofoam during the June 17 - 19 clean-up in Winston County.

Thanks to volunteer Mike Henshaw for capturing some of the hot, dirty and heavy work on film.

Board meeting

2010-06-04T09:03:00.003-05:00

Tuesday June 8th 6:30 p.M. Traders and Farmers Bank
Arley

Proposed Agenda
Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy, Inc.
June 8, 2010

Minutes/Treasurers report Linda

Report on Water Testing Mary Ann

report on signage project Tom

Bag Program for boaters ALL

Rock Creek Water Management Plan Laverne

June Clean-up and Picnic All

Other new business

Open to the public

Alabama Smart Yards Program

2010-05-21T11:32:00.002-05:00

There's a new publication available to lakefront property owners titled Alabama Smart Yards. This publication was a team effort between the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, the Alabama Nursery and Landscape Association, the Alabama Master Gardeners Association, and the Auburn University Department of Horticulture. Quoting the publication "Conservation and efficient, responsible use of our natural resources is the overriding concept and the educational goal of the Alabama Smart Yards (ASY) program. Participating in this process will save you time, energy, and money while preserving our natural heritage." This 100-page publication details subjects such as landscape design, planting, watering, mulching, wildlife, pests, stormwater, and protecting waterfronts. The publication was recently mentioned at one of our of our Rock Creek Watershed meetings and thought some WCSLAI members might like a copy. We've ordered a 100 copies of the publication. If you would like one give me a call at 489-5376, and I'll send it to you when they come in.

Next Clean-up - June 17 - 19 - Houston Rec Area

2010-05-17T08:01:00.002-05:00

Please join us for the summer Renew Our Rivers clean-up on Smith Lake in Winston County. The target of the June 17 - 19 clean-up is loose styrofoam and litter which will be accepted at the Bankhead National Forest's Houston Recreation Area boat ramp. More details about the clean-up can be found on the flyer at the following link: http://www.aces.edu/~henshmd/temp/ROR_flyer2010_.pdf

Board meeting

2010-05-15T08:35:00.005-05:00

Our board meeting May 10th was very productive, with discussions about our public meeting in April, signage, April clean-up, progress of the Rock Creek Watershed Management Plan, status of the Power Point Watershed program ,decision on location where to have the June 17th,18th and 19th clean-up,discussion of localized clean-ups, possibilities of having a bag for boaters to take with them, to put their trash in, and bring back to shore for disposal. Meeting was adjouned. Next board meeting Tuesday night, June 8th @ 6:30 P.M., Traders & Farmers Bank, Arley. Our Board Meetings open to the public.Do you have something you would like to bring to our attention,or just learn more about WCSLAI ,come be with us on June 8th.

2010 Board of Directors
Linda Atkinson
Larry Barkey
Bob Beatty
Sammy Boggan
David Brown
Kitty Chance
Mary Ann Crunk
Paul Gillette
Tom Grubbs
Burt Jones
Judy Lambert
LaVerne Matheson>

2 day clean-up

2010-05-03T10:09:00.002-05:00

How did 33 adult and 4 youngster volunteers bring in 8.4 tons of Styrofoam and trash? Just take a look at some of the enclosed pictures and you'll understand!! Many of the volunteers came for both days and gave blood (yes, some cuts and bruises), sweat (even though the weather was perfect), and hopefully, only internal tears (because we hate to see our beautiful lake trashed by uncaring people).

That's 8.4 more tons of trash removed from Smith Lake in Winston County, thanks to the Renew Our Rivers initiative and a partnership with Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy, Inc.

TONS of thanks to our hard-working volunteers, and to our incredible friends, Jim and Shirley King and Sammy Boggan, who provided the site and the two forklifts, with Jim and Sammy doing the driving. Tarrie Hyche the dumpsters. You're all the greatest!!

Linda Atkinson, on behalf of
Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy, Inc.

next board meeting

2010-05-03T10:00:00.003-05:00

Arley, Trader and Farmers Bank Monday May 10th @ 10:A.M.

Remember, odd date for meeting, is Monday May 10.
Agenda below. Minutes from previous meeting under separate email to follow.
See you at Arley Day!
Linda

Proposed Agenda
Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy, Inc.
May 10, 2010

1-Minutes of last meeting Judy
2- Treasurers report
3- Discussion of public meeting All
4-Progress of signage project Tom
5-Update on Rock Creek Watershed Management plans Mona &LaVerne
6-Discuss results of April clean-up All (37 volunteers, 8.4 tons, 1 dumpster full)
7-Planning 2-1/2 day clean-up June 17, 18, 19:
location, picnic, flyers, publication All
Status of sponsorships/t-shirts Allison
8-Bags for trash, distributed by WCSLAI Paul
9-Watershed yearly scholarship LaVerne
10-Report on success of watershed program @Winston County Natural Resources Field Day Mona & LaVerne
11-report on clean-up by local homeowners Burt

New business
Adjourn, schedule next meeting (1st Mondays?) All

open to public

Smith Lake Residents Embrace Watershed Management

2010-04-23T14:42:00.013-05:00

By: Eric Reutebuch
The seeds of watershed planning have been sown over the past several years in the Smith Lake Watershed at the annual ‘State of the Lake Address’ sponsored by Smith Lake Environmental Preservation Committee, or SLEPC. Alabama Water Watch (AWW) staff annually evaluate volunteer monitor data collected by the five active monitoring groups in the Smith Lake Watershed and look at long-term trends in the data to see if the water quality in sections of the lake is getting better or worse. The five water monitoring groups include SLEPC (on Ryan Creek), Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Inc., or WCSLAI (on Crooked, Rock, Brushy and Sipsey Fork), Camp McDowell (on Clear Creek), Smith Lake Civic Association, or SLCA (on the lower lake), and Cullman County Soil and Water Conservation District, or CULCO (on streams throughout Cullman County).

AWW has trained and certified 64 citizen monitors in Water Chemistry and/or Bacteriological Monitoring in the Smith Lake Watershed. They monitor over 60 sites on the lake and its tributary streams, and have contributed over 1,700 water quality records to AWWs statewide database (for more information, see http://blog.auburn.edu/aww/?p=67).

Along with evaluation of lake conditions, AWW encourages citizen monitors to put their data to work. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management, or ADEM, provides funding through their Nonpoint Source 319 Grant program to implement on-the-ground improvements, primarily targeting impaired streams. Citizen monitors of the Rock Creek Watershed became interested in going beyond monitoring, and partnered with AWW in pursuing an ADEM grant to develop a watershed management plan for the Rock Creek Watershed. The Rock Creek Watershed is one of several around the state that has stream sections that have been deemed impaired (polluted) by ADEM, and is therefore a prime candidate for a 319 grant to improve the landscape and clean up the creek.

AWW personnel began meeting with various stakeholder groups in Winston and Cullman counties in the summer of 2009. Several meetings with key stakeholders (municipal leaders, resource managers, county officials, local residents, to name a few) were arranged by the president of WCSLAI, LaVerne Matheson. LaVerne was keenly interested in educating children in the local schools about environmental issues and the value of protecting our natural resources. Many others residents have become involved with the watershed management planning process through meetings and expanding water monitoring efforts.

Watershed-level bacteria monitoring was initiated earlier this year on a brisk February day. This type of monitoring is being initiated in other watersheds around Alabama, such as Lake Wedowee (see http://blog.auburn.edu/aww/?p=54), and the Saugahatchee Watershed (see http://sites.google.com/site/saveoursaugahatchee/ and click Activities).

In the Rock Creek Watershed and greater Smith Lake Watershed, the bacteriological training and monitoring supplies are provided by an EPA-funded project, the Global Water Watch-Gulf of Mexico Alliance, or GWW-GOMA. This ‘blitz’ sampling gives a valuable snapshot of water quality of the whole watershed. The February Blitz of Rock Creek Watershed was accomplished through the assistance of 24 certified volunteer monitors who monitored 43 sample sites on Smith Lake and its tributaries. Results indicated unsafe levels of E. coli bacteria at four sampling locations (see map for details). To date, this is the most comprehensive snapshot of the watershed health, relative to bacterial contamination, of the Smith Lake Watershed!

A second bacteriological monitoring blitz was conducted in April 2010, and 22 monitors from four water watch groups sampled at most of the February Blitz sites. Surprisingly, even though the weather and water temperatures were significantly higher than those of blitz #1 (no sleet/snow this time around), unsafe levels of E. coli were found at only one sampling location. Repeated watershed-level sampling will be extremely valuable in evaluating the watershed and prioritizing resources for implementing best management practices – a major goal of the watershed management plan.

The GWW-GOMA project will fund seasonal bacteriological blitz sampling for two years. The data and information collected from this sampling will be of great value in focusing stakeholder watershed protection activities where they are most needed to reduce pollutants flushing into the lake.

Volunteer monitoring has provided a solid foundation for citizen involvement in the watershed management planning process. Citizens who become trained in water monitoring also become knowledgeable in watershed processes and water issues. As Winston County Extension Agent, Mike Henshaw put it, it has been a “learning by doing” experience. They also become empowered and encouraged to be a part of watershed management in their local watershed. Participation from residents, members of citizen groups, municipal government officials, county government officials, resource management agencies (Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, National Forest Service) in the development of the Rock Creek Watershed Management Plan over the past several months is laying the foundation for long-term, sustainable resource management in the watershed. Good job, Rock Creek Stakeholders!

Rock Creek Project and Spring Bacteria Blitz Updates

2010-04-22T15:38:00.004-05:00

First of all we would like to say that we enjoyed being a part of the WCSLAI Annual meeting. It was great to hear about all of the wonderful things that are going on with the organization. Thanks for having us! Here are a couple of updates of interest.

The Rock Creek Watershed Management Plan meeting on April 8th was very successful. Several community members (including WCSLAI members) and representatives of local government and agencies came out to give feedback about the plan. The plan is being completed, but there will be one more opportunity for you to check it out and provide input on April 29th, at 7pm in Addison at the Traders and Farmers Bank. We encourage you to come and participate in the ongoing planning process!

The Spring Bacteria Blitz was also a success! There were around 30 sites tested throughout the Smith Lake Watershed. About 1/3 showed signs of E.coli bacteria. If you would like to hear more, come out to the meeting in Addison on April 29th, where we will briefly discuss the results.

Hope to see you soon!

Spring Clean-Up

2010-04-17T09:50:00.000-05:00

Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy, Inc.

Join us for the Annual Winston County Smith Lake
Spring Clean-Up

April 21 and 22
Volunteer help is needed to keep Smith Lake clean & beautiful!

Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy, Inc. and the Renew Our Rivers team need your help for one or two days to remove Styrofoam and litter from Smith Lake in Winston County. Volunteers are needed to work on our boats on April 21 and 22. Volunteers with boats may bring Styrofoam and litter to the collection site. Land-loving volunteers are needed each day to assist in unloading. The clean-up will begin at 8 AM each of the 2 days.

Focus areas this year include:
Rock Creek, Crooked and Little Crooked Creeks and White Oak

The collection site will be Jim Kings Boat Dock yard
Directions: Co. Rd. 22 to Co. Rd. 4006 to Co. Rd. 222 “go to dead end”
We will be working out on the point

Boathouses and swim platforms will be accepted at another site but you must call for instructions and directions prior to pulling in structures. The number to call is 205-387-9999.
Contact
Linda (205) 387-9999 for information on the clean-up, for Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Group, Inc. membership information, and to
sign-up for the clean-up

Please Join Us!

2010-04-06T18:09:00.004-05:00

Please remember the Rock Creek Watershed Management Project Meeting that will be on Thursday April 8th at 7pm in Addison at the Traders and Farmers Bank Building.

We will be presenting a draft of the Rock Creek
Watershed Management Plan, and would really appreciate your help with putting on the finishing touches!

We are also having a Spring Bacteria which will take place on Friday and Saturday, April 9-10th.

If you are interested, and haven't already done so, please reply to this email or call me at (251) 282-9998 to coordinate the materials pick up and plate turn-in. Hope we can count on you!

There will be no training workshops during this trip, but we hope to plan another one soon.

Thanks and hope to see you soon!

Mona

Advocacy's accomplishments and projects

2010-04-01T11:23:00.001-05:00

Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization which was formed in 2006. Our very active board of directors consists of a President, Vice-President, a Secretary/Treasurer and 9 additional directors.

Since WCSLAI was formed volunteers have removed 150 truckloads of Styrofoam from the lake and along the shores of Smith Lake in Winston County. In addition, over 130 boat docks, boathouses and other platforms that had been abandoned (and in some cases, found floating on the Lake) were removed. Other debris, filling many dumpsters, has been removed.

WCSLAI is currently working on a project to fabricate and install signage on creeks and branches on Smith Lake in Winston County. 33 sites have been identified and each location will have 2 signs, each at a different approach to the slough/creek. Funding is being provided by Northwest Alabama Resource Conservation and Development Council. WCSLAI is most grateful to RC&D and to the Winston County Commission for all their efforts in support of the signage project. Labor to install the signs will be provided by Board members and interested volunteers. Once the signs are in place and various creeks and branches are more identifiable, navigation of the lake in Winston County should be safer and easier for boaters.

We are working with Alabama Water Watch on a watershed improvement program for the Rock Creek Watershed which includes Crooked Creek and White Oak Creek. Our group is assisting with the part of watershed that is in Winston County. This is a very complex project requiring the cooperation of many people from various organizations. We already have involvement of the Winston County Commissioners, ADEM, Mike Henshaw-County Extension agent, Wade Hill-Alabama Soil and Water conservation, Mayors from Arley and Addison and others. We have visited with many of the cattlemen and farmers in the area, who appear to be in favor of this project. The goal is to have the specified area removed from the EPA’s 303D list which designates contamination. The ultimate goal would be to put a program into place that would allow Smith Lake to continue to be known as one of the cleanest lakes in the US.

WCSLAI members are developing a PowerPoint program about the Warrior Watershed, with all pictures having been taken in Winston County. We are seeking funding for a projector and screen to use when presenting this program to the biology, science and FFA classes in all the high schools in Winston County. This program will also be made available for other civic organizations to view. We feel the need for our youngsters and other residents of Winston County to be aware of, and to promote, the importance of the watershed and how its “health” contributes to the economic future of Smith Lake and surrounding areas.

We have sponsored several water testing classes taught by members of Alabama Water Watch from Auburn University and we now have 18 qualified water testers and 15 active water testing sites on Smith Lake in Winston County.

We have participated in the FAWN (Forestry Awareness Now) program for the last 2 years, with 2 of our qualified water testers demonstrating to area youngsters the importance of and the method used in testing the water each month. One question the testers ask is how much water one gallon of used oil could contaminate in Smith Lake. There are all kinds of guesses, but when the answer of 1 million gallons is revealed, the students are quite shocked.

One WCSLAI director is presenting a class on” water” to elementary students. We stress to everyone we meet the value and importance of taking care of the water that we are all so blessed to have in North Alabama.

WCSLAI now has a 24 foot pontoon boat and a 26 foot barge that we can attach and push (both thanks to generous donors), which allows us to promote clean-ups by homeowners in their own immediate areas. They furnish the manpower and we furnish the boat/barge and equipment. 2 locations on the lake allow us to unload Styrofoam anytime and the county will dispose of the Styrofoam for us.

Our mission continues to be securing even more cooperation from additional county, state and government agencies and to educate more residents of the care needed to preserve our own Smith Lake in a pristine condition. Future generations will then be able to enjoy this beautiful lake as we have.

Mission Statement: The mission of Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy is to preserve and protect the environmental quality

of Lewis Smith Lake and its tributaries through education of the public and the promotion and implementation of sound environmental practices.

For further information on how you can do your part, call us. 205-387-9999

wonders of water

2010-03-23T10:12:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,
Happy World Water Day to you! Today is a good opportunity for us to be thankful for the water resources we are blessed with in Alabama and also to remember how important it is to protect and conserve those resources.
I am thankful for people like you who are taking action to protect and conserve our important water resources, and I am thankful for the opportunity to work with you on the Rock Creek Watershed Project. Thanks for all of your hard work!
Here is the link to a short youtube video about water that I thought was interesting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW5eBfZhE4M

This is slide show about water bottles passed to me by Laverne Matheson that really made me think about bottle water differently!:
http://lee.ifas.ufl.edu/AgNatRes/Sustainability/water-disaster.pdf

Also, for World Water Day, National Geographic has dedicated this month's issue to water and made it available for free online. Here is the link:
http://www.natgeofreshwater.com/?of=500204105&bd=1
Have a great day!
Mona

Rock Creek Watershed Management Project Meeting and Bacteria Blitz

2010-03-16T11:10:00.009-05:00

Here are a few upcoming activities that I hope will interest you.

•On April 8th, at 7pm at the Traders and Farmers Bank Building in Addison we will have a Rock Creek Watershed Management Project Meeting. We will be presenting a draft of the Rock Creek Watershed Management Plan, and would really appreciate your help with putting on the finishing touches!

•On April 9th, we will be giving a short presentation of the results of the Bacteria Blitz (over 40 sites sampled on February 5-6th) during the WCSLAI Public Meeting

•In addition, on April 10th, at 9am at the Dodge City Restaurant in Cullman, we will be giving a similar presentation about the results of the February Bacteria Blitz during the Smith Lake Environmental Preservation Committee (SLEPC) Spring Meeting.

•We will have our Spring Bacteria Blitz Friday and Saturday, April 9-10th. Testing materials will be provided by the Global Water Watch (GWW) EPA funded Gulf of Mexico Alliance Project.

•We would like to offer Bacteriological and Water Chemistry Monitoring workshops for certification with Alabama Water Watch on Friday April 9th. We need at least 8-10 participants for the each workshop.

If you need more information or are interested in participating in the monitoring workshops or Bacteria Blitz, please contact Mona Scruggs at (251)282-9998.

Thanks and hope to see you soon!

Rock Creek Watershed Meeting and Bacteria Blitz

2010-03-05T19:41:00.010-06:00

(Mona Scruggs has written the following post about the last watershed meeting and bacteria testing training. Since WCSLAI helped sponsor this program, I am posting her report here.)

The February 4th, Rock Creek Watershed Management Project meeting was very productive. Quite a few stakeholders participated, despite the terrible weather conditions. During the meeting we reviewed the project goals and also discussed the current progress of the project. Stakeholders provided us with very important information regarding pollution in the Rock Creek Watershed. In addition, we were able to discuss different outreach strategies for getting the greater community involved in the project. All of this valuable information is being processed and we plan on having a draft plan ready within the next month or so.

The Smith Lake Bacteria Blitz and Bacteriological Water Testing Training sessions led by Alabama Water Watch were also successful. Twenty-six volunteers throughout the Smith Lake Watershed were certified as Bacteriological Water Monitors, and about 40 sites were tested for E. coli during the Bacteria Blitz! AWW personnel will report on Blitz results at the upcoming April 9th WCSLAI meeting, and at the April 10th SLEPC meeting.

Thanks to all who helped to organize and participated in these activities!

We are planning another Rock Creek Watershed Meeting as well as Bacteria Blitz for the first part of April. We will keep you posted on dates and times, and hope to see you there!

For more information on this project please contact Mona Scruggs at (251) 282-9998

Public Meeting

2010-03-03T16:35:00.000-06:00

Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy, Inc.
April 9, 2010 Public Meeting
6:30 PM, Traders and Farmers Bank meeting room
Double Springs, AL
Agenda

Welcome guests and dignitaries
Nomination of officers and directors for 2010
Review of clean-ups for 2009
Location and date of upcoming April clean-up
Report on the FAWN program
Report on lake water testing blitz done in February
Report on Signs to be placed on creeks
Report on white beaded styrofoam removal

Guests from Alabama Water Watch and Alabama Power Company
Refreshments will be served

board meeting

2010-02-12T15:31:00.002-06:00

Tuesday February 9th.Topics discussed:
Tom Grubbs reported that the grant for purchasing the signs has been approved, Tom will deliver list of names of creeks on Smith lake in Winston County to be made."32"
We have permission from Al. Power to erect signs on their property.We have a document prepared for other property owners to sign giving us permission to erect these signs on their property.These signs will be great for boaters on the lake,we need everyones corporation and help.If you have questions call Tom Grubbs @205-489-3422.
Mary Ann reported that the bacteria blitz was a huge success,waiting for Al.water watch to give us the results of all the tests.Judy is going to be teaching a class on taking care of our water, to each 3rd grade class at Meek School this spring.
LaVerne reported that last weeks Rock Creek watershed meeting on Thursday was poorly attended, bad weather.Had a great many ideas presented, watershed program moving forward, very positive.
Election of Officers and Directors. Up date on wcslai. projects,Rock Creek watershed,and Al.Power will update us on styrofoam removal. Plan to attend this meeting,meet the Officers and Directors of wcslai. and learn what we have done in the past, and are planning for this year, and the future. This is the members assoc. and their/your lake to help us to protect the environment,too keep the water clean forever in the lake

board meeting

2010-02-03T10:44:00.002-06:00

Proposed Agenda
Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy, Inc.
February 9, 2010

Minutes/Treasurers report
Status of Audit Linda

Report on water testing Mary Ann

Signage project grant status Tom

Scholarship introduction Linda/Judy

Public meeting with election of officers for 2010 ALL

Report on Watershed meeting and PP program LaVerne

Update on Watershed class Judy

Location for April Cleanup ALL

Discussion from each director about his/her area
of lake regarding problems/Styrofoam/state of lake ALL

Introduction of assistant John Ledbetter

Potential additional use of our boat LaVerne//All

Other future projects?? ALL

10:00 A.M. Traders and Farmers Bank
Arley

Watershed meeting

2010-01-24T12:46:00.001-06:00

Rock Creek Watershed Meeting
Thursday February 4th
Traders & Farmers Bank
Addison
7:00 P.M.

Sponsored By: Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Inc.
& Al. Water Watch, from Auburn University
For Information, Mona Scruggs 251-282-9998 “Al. Water Watch”
Or LaVerne Matheson 256-747-4422 President “WCSLAI.”
We are looking for people who are interested in seeing Rock Creek Watershed improved to it’s original status like a blue diamond, crystal clean water again. There will be committees meeting at 6:PM.These committees are the Technical or Evaluation/Outreach committees.
We need more people to serve on these committees.
WE NEED YOUR HELP

Local Styrofoam Clean-ups

2010-01-19T09:43:00.003-06:00

The "Advocacy" now has another location, where we can unload our barge, when a group of local homeowners/property owners want to remove the white styrofoam, floating or sitting on the shore, making their area of the lake, look bad.For the folks living on Brushy,Hog House,Rock House Yellow Creek, Upper Sipsey, have at least 4 people to work on the barge helping to pick up and unload styrofoam, give any of our directors a call, and we will arrange for someone to bring our barge, for your group to use. Our pontoon boat is 24 ft long, the barge we push is 26 ft long. Figure one load per day. Believe me that will be a lot of styrofoam.We also have the tools to use picking up the styrofoam.

Styrofoam

2010-01-19T09:36:00.002-06:00

We have had people asking ,where can I take the White Styrofoam for disposal. The Advocacy considers the lake in Winston County and Crooked Creek, which is part of the Rock Creek Watershed, as our responsibility to help keep clean. Should you own property in any of this area,and still have styrofoam to remove from your boathouse,need a place to dispose of the Styrofoam CALL JIM KING 256-747-6445]
You must call for instruction on where to deliver the Strofoam but also when to deliver it!!!
WHITE STROFOAM ONLY!!!!

Eagles

2010-01-17T12:05:00.001-06:00

The morning of January 6th I was putting feed in one of our bird feeders and I looked toward our Boat house and there were 2 bald eagles , not over 150 feet from me, gliding/flying not over 20 feet above our boat house. What beautiful birds with their white heads and tails. My neighbor David saw one of these eagles the day before. That eagle landed in a tree overlooking the lake. He grabbed his camera and was able to get pictures of that eagle.
I was talking with my friend Warren who lives on White Oak and was telling him about the 2 eagles. Then Warren said” Laverne remember when I told you about seeing otter almost every day when I was fishing, their gone”. He went on to tell me that about a year ago there were some limb-liners fishing in that area. The otter were stealing fish off of their lines, they were cussing these otter for stealing fish. The otter are now gone, we’ll never know where they went.
We are living in paradise, where else can look out of your windows and see and enjoy so much of nature. This lake is such a treasure, for both you and I, but lets share it with natures friends and enjoy the beauty and amusement they give us each year.
These eagles were near the north end of Bailey Bridge on Rock Creek.

Advocacy Board Meeting

2010-01-16T10:57:00.007-06:00

We had a board meeting January 12th the first meeting of 2010.We are planning to have a public meeting in April at Double Springs. There will be an election of officers and directors at the public meeting. We are having the meeting in Double Springs allowing our members living in that area, other homeowners, property owners to attend our public meeting. This will allow people to meet us, find out what our mission is and help us take care of Smith Lake.
Mary Ann reported on the current water testing. There will be a blitz bacteria testing on the lake in Winston County on February 6th.All testing equipment will be furnished by Alabama Water Watch, and reading of test results will be completed by AWW. There will be a bacteria testing class available on Friday the 5th. We need your help!!!
Judy and Mary Ann reported on how the kids at the Fawn program in October liked there program
Tom reported that the funding for installing signage on Smith Lake supposedly has been approved. Tom has a current list of all creeks, branches, total count 32. When we start installing these signs we will need some help. Give me a call if you want to help us with the installation of these signs.
We have a 2 day clean-up in April and a 3 day clean-up in June.
Mona is working on the Power Point Watershed Program. There will be more meetings this spring concerning the Rock Creek Watershed Management plans.
There have been 3 localized clean-ups, Rock Creek, White Oak and Crooked Creek. These clean-ups were completed by local homeowners using The “Advocacy boat and Barge”. They pick up only Styrofoam. We have arranged for a place on Rock Creek to unload the Styrofoam, the county hauls it off. We are in the process of finding other places on the lake where we can unload Styrofoam and the county will haul it off. Hopefully when another unloading place is found, there will be homeowners that want to clean up there part of the lake. The “Advocacy boat and Barge is usually available”, it belongs to the Advocacy membership!!
There were many other items discussed. The next board meeting is Feb.9th, 10:00 AM in Arley. The meeting is open to the public.

Rock Creek Watershed Meeting in Addison, Alabama

2009-12-18T11:55:00.015-06:00

Members of the Alabama Water Watch Program recently hosted a meeting about the Rock Creek Watershed. A coalition of groups including the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy, Inc., the Winston County Natural Resources Council, the Winston County Commission, private landowners, ADEM, the Cullman Soil and Water Conservation District, and Smith Lake residents, are working together to prepare a grant that could help protect and improve the Rock Creek watershed. In order to get more involvement by local residents, this meeting in Addison was held at the Cullman Electric Cooperative building. An overview of the watershed area, which includes land in both Winston and Cullman counties, was given by the Alabama Water Watch staff. Alabama Water Watch is drafting a proposal that will result in a grant application being submitted to ADEM in April. If funded, the grant will help implement a variety of practices to protect and improve water quality in Rock Creek.

The next day, a group toured various stops in the Rock Creek Watershed. More photos from the meeting and tour are here.

Flood Insurance Information

2009-11-23T12:12:00.004-06:00

The Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) process

When your lender sends you a 45-day letter requiring you to purchase flood insurance, don’t panic. Here is what you should do.

First, get flood insurance before the 45 days expires. If you don’t, the lender will force place it. The premium will be very expensive. Ask for a “Preferred Risk Policy” or a “B,C,X rated policy”.

You will get ALL of your insurance premiums back if you are successful with the LOMA process.

Next,
You will need the following:
1. An Elevation Certificate. Call a surveyor or engineer to do this for you. Get someone who has survey experience around the lake. The surveyor or engineer should use the “Comments” section to explain how and from where he got the Base Flood Elevation used on the Elevation Certificate. For Alabama Power Company lakes, there have been no FEMA studies. However, there is “Best Available Data” that the community has sanctioned for these purposes.

2. A FIRMette which is a miniature version of the flood map panel on which your property and structure lies. The surveyor should be able to do this for you or you can do it yourself. If you want to do it yourself, use the following link to access FEMA’s Map Service Center web page. Follow the instructions and try the tutorial to “Create a FIRMette”. www.msc.fema.gov.

3. A copy of a properly recorded and registered deed or plat.

4. The Form 1 of the MT-1 Application package.

5. Send all four documents to FEMA at the address listed on the MT-1 Application instructions. The LOMA is free.

6. Wait 60 days for a response.

If FEMA agrees with your information that you are out of the special flood hazard area, you will receive a declaration document indicating that your structure is “REMOVED” from the floodplain.

DO NOT CANCEL YOUR FLOOD INSURANCE JUST YET!

Call your lender and inform him of these developments. Ask if he agrees/concurs. If he does agree, call your insurance agent and cancel your policy and request a refund of your premiums.

If the lender does not agree, you can call your insurance agent and request the “Preferred Risk Policy” which will be less than $300 per year. Escrow the premium. Remember, by Federal statute, the lender has the final say concerning the purchase of flood insurance. FEMA has no authority beyond the flood map review. And, if you have no mortgage, insurance is not required.

Download forms from FEMA:
Elevation Certificate
MT-1 Application Forms

SHOULD YOU HAVE PROBLEMS OR QUESTIONS CALL

James K. Meredith, CFM

NFIP State Coordinator
State of Alabama

401 Adams Avenue
P.O. Drawer 5690
Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5690
Office: (334) 353-0853
Fax: (334) 242-0776
BlackBerry: (334) 590-4756

A trip down Rock Creek

2009-11-19T20:58:00.009-06:00

Last Saturday (11-14-2009) members of Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy and Alabama Water Watch took a kayak and canoe trip down the upper portions of Rock Creek.

This excursion was part of the Rock Creek Watershed Management Plan project, an effort to raise awareness and provide people with tools for keeping this watershed safe and clean.

In the coming months, the AWW will pursue a good, solid plan for keeping the Rock Creek Watershed safe and sound and it welcomes citizen participation in the project.

The Rock Creek Watershed covers nearly 200-square miles and is a significant source of water for Smith Lake. Keeping this watershed safe and clean goes a long ways towards keeping Smith Lake itself safe and clean.

There were 10 people involved and using kayaks and canoes the participants paddled down about 4 1/4^th miles of the upper Rock Creek. They put in where Winston County Road 39 crosses Blevens Creek, followed the Blevens to where it joined Rock Creek and then down to an abandoned bridge where Winston County Road 66 crossed Rock Creek.

This section of creeks features some rapids but not severe ones, wildlife (participants saw birds and a beaver) and the beauty of nature.

meeting @ 7:00 P.M. November 12th

2009-11-07T09:36:00.004-06:00

There will be a meeting in Addison at the new Cullman Electric Bldg on 278 @ 7:00 P.M.on Thursday November 12th. to explain about the 1st small grant acquired to proceed with the watershed study of the Rock Creek Watershed. Dr.William Deutsch, Eric Reutebuch and Mona Scruggs , from Auburn will explain why the Rock Creek watershed is being studied . The Rock Creek Watershed includes Crooked Creek and White Oak Creek as well as Rock Creek.

We had a local clean-up of White Strofoam Friday morning November 6th. The west side of White Oak and about 1/2 way down on the east side is clean. We would like to complete the clean-up of White Oak and Crooked Creek on some warm morning. These were local home owners helping to clean up their own area. We need 3 0r 4 volunteers for the next clean-up.
The "Advocacy" has the boat, equipment and operator. Will you help us keep your backyard on the lake clean? give me a call LaVerne Matheson 256-747-4422 (Winston County only, includes Crooked Creek)

2009 FAWN Program at Houston Recreation Area

2009-10-30T15:04:00.015-05:00

The annual FAWN (Forestry Awareness Week Now) programs were held on October 16th and 20th, at Houston Recreation Area in the Bankhead National Forest. This event is sponsored by the Winston County Natural Resources Council, and has been held every year for at least the last 14 years. In fact, this year a teacher told me that she had attended the FAWN program as a sixth grader herself. The first day of FAWN was rained out and had to be rescheduled, but everyone pulled together to make the adjustments necessary to have a successful event. Over 300 sixth graders attended the two days of FAWN. Each FAWN program featured eight learning stations about natural resources in Winston County. New learning stations this year included Boating Safety and Hunter Safety. FAWN would not be possible without all the people that volunteer to be presenters, guides, and facilitators. Here's a link to some photos of the event. Special thanks to Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Inc. for making possible presentations on Water Quality by Judy Lambert and Mary Ann Crunk, and Boating Safety by Curtiss Cantrell of the U. S. Coast Guard.

October 24th slough clean-up

2009-10-26T11:02:00.002-05:00

We had about everything possible to ruin the clean-up,high water in the lake,rain Saturday morning and cold weather that morning. We had dumpsters at Lakeshore Marina and Inn, old yellow creek marina.Duncan Bridge Marina and Jim Kings (boathouse bulder)Alabama power sent us 1,000 bags for the clean-up. Thanks to Bill Boyd,Carl Godsey,Ray Kelly and Jim King for allowing The Advocacy to use their facilities and then to Tarrie Hyche for furnishing all four dumpsters. Please thank these people for their interest in helping you and I clean-up this Beautiful lake.

Advocacy update

2009-10-26T10:33:00.002-05:00

We had a board meeting Oct. 6th the following was discussed
1-Hopefully the monies for purchasing and putting signs on all tributaries on Smith Lake in Winston County will be approved soon.
2- We will be particapting in the Fawn program Oct. 15th&16th
3-Mona Scruggs told us that the grant for studing the Rock Creek watershed has been approved. Mona hopes to have a power point watershed program complete before 2010.
4-The 2010 cleanup dates have been approved by Doug Powell Al. renew our rivers program.
5-Discussed slough clean-up on the 24th.
6- discussed burning abandoned platforms laying on shorelines around the lake. John Lebetter will have one of there people go with us, to approve abandoned platforms.
7- water tested looks good.
8- xmas party for the board in December.
Next Board Meeting January 2010

natural resource coucil meeting

2009-09-19T08:48:00.002-05:00

September Meeting Minutes
Posted: 18 Sep 2009 01:24 PM PDT
The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on Thursday, September 17, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs. The following members were present: Allison Cochran (serving as the Chairperson and Secretary), LaVerne Matheson, James Burnett, John Creed, and Jim Hughes.The following topics were discussed:-FAWN program - No changes needed.-FAWN transportation - $1000 to be provided by the County Commission-FAWN walk-thru on Wednesday, Oct 14 @ 9AM-Alabama Natural Resource Council of the Year Award - $1200 to be presented to the WCNRC at the Cullman County Field Day.-Suggestion by members present that Mike collect names of our folks attending the Field Day & call and register for us.-National Public Lands Day - Bankhead - Saturday, Sept 26. Council approved donating $100 for food if it is needed - Wait & see.-October 24 - Winston Co. Smith Lake Advocacy is having a Slough Clean-up. Private boats are needed to clean-up all Winston Co. sloughs. Bags & dumpsters will be at 4 locations TBD.-Alabama Water Watch/AU submitted the 319 planning grant for Rock & Crooked Creeks.-Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Inc. is installing signs on the lake at each tributary with the trib/creek name on it.Note: Thanks to Allison for chairing this meeting during the officers' absence.

September Meeting Minutes
Posted: 18 Sep 2009 01:24 PM PDT
The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on Thursday, September 17, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs. The following members were present: Allison Cochran (serving as the Chairperson and Secretary), LaVerne Matheson, James Burnett, John Creed, and Jim Hughes.The following topics were discussed:-FAWN program - No changes needed.-FAWN transportation - $1000 to be provided by the County Commission-FAWN walk-thru on Wednesday, Oct 14 @ 9AM-Alabama Natural Resource Council of the Year Award - $1200 to be presented to the WCNRC at the Cullman County Field Day.-Suggestion by members present that Mike collect names of our folks attending the Field Day & call and register for us.-National Public Lands Day - Bankhead - Saturday, Sept 26. Council approved donating $100 for food if it is needed - Wait & see.-October 24 - Winston Co. Smith Lake Advocacy is having a Slough Clean-up. Private boats are needed to clean-up all Winston Co. sloughs. Bags & dumpsters will be at 4 locations TBD.-Alabama Water Watch/AU submitted the 319 planning grant for Rock & Crooked Creeks.-Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Inc. is installing signs on the lake at each tributary with the trib/creek name on it.Note: Thanks to Allison for chairing this meeting during the officers' absence.

water testing class

2009-09-16T09:41:00.001-05:00

Training in Arley yields four new trainers for Alabama Water Watch
by Eric Reutebuch, AWW Publications Coordinator

Dr. Bill Deutsch and Sergio Ruiz-Cordova traveled to Arley, Alabama to train a group of Alabama Water Watch-certified volunteer monitors to become AWW trainers Saturday, September 12th. The AWW Training of Trainers Workshop was held at the Meek High School in Arley. The AWW Program has been training citizens throughout the state to test the water quality of their local streams, rivers, lakes, bays and bayous since 1993. Bill quickly realized that the exponential growth in volunteer monitors could not be sustained with just a couple of AWW trainers, and developed the Training of Trainer Workshop in 1995. Currently, the AWW Program has about 40 trainers statewide, and AWW-certified volunteer trainers conducted about 2/3rds of trainings within the past year. Since 1993, over 5,000 Alabamian have been certified as AWW water monitors.

The ranks of AWW trainers gained four new recruits at the Arley training, and two veteran trainers went through the Trainer Refresher Workshop. The workshop participants came from the Black Warrior, Coosa and Tennessee River basins, and represented five AWW monitor groups (listed below). New trainees included:

9 John Kulbitkas representing Smith Lake Civic Association

9 Larry Barkey representing Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy, Inc.

9 James Mason representing Huntsville Senior Environment Corps

9 Loretta Weninegar representing Columbia High School in Huntsville, AL

Trainers that got refreshed included:

9 Ray O'Donnell representing RSVP/Marshall County

9 Isabella Trussell representing Logan Martin Lake Protection Association

Bill opened the workshop with an overview of AWW Program trends. He then reviewed the Executive Summary of the 2008 AWW Annual Report, and lead a discussion "Thinking about AWW in the Big Picture", touching on comparative advantages of AWW monitoring, maintaining quality citizen water data, interpretation of the citizen data, better use of the data, and AWW success stories and local initiatives.

Other topics of discussion included volunteer monitor group dynamics, levels of AWW certification, role of the Alabama Water Watch Association, what is involved in becoming a trainer, planning an AWW workshop, preparing for a workshop, conducting a workshop, and following up after a workshop.

Special thanks to Ms. Susette Rohde, the Meek High School science teacher who assisted with training logistics and provided delicious home-made treats for the participants! To locate an AWW trainer near you and request a training workshop, go to the AWW website at www.alabamawaterwatch.org and click on the Monitor Resources menu, or call the AWW toll-free number at (888) 844-4785. And the next time that you’re out cruising on a beautiful lake, paddling down a picturesque stream, or fishing in a productive bayou, remember to shout out a big “Thank You!” to the selfless volunteer trainers – like John, Larry, James Loretta, Ray and Isabella, and the volunteer monitors who give hundreds of hours of their time to watch over and protect the rich aquatic resources of our State.

Advocacy Board Meeting Sept. 9th

2009-09-13T11:19:00.002-05:00

we had a very productive meeting and today I will comment only on a few Items discussed and voted on.
1- Alabama Water Watch would like to have more e-coli testing on Smith Lake.
2-Advocacy will particapate at Fawn this year, explaining how and why water is tested on Smith Lake. Last year there were approximately, 300, 5th grade students, during 2 days of workshops.
3-We are planning to put up signs on all the different tributaries on Smith Lake in Winston County. This will allow you to tell a friend where you live and he can come to your house. This will allow strangers to boat on Smith Lake, know where they are on the lake and not get lost.
4-There will be a slough cleanup in Winston County on Saturday October 24th. Alabama power is furnishing all bags for this cleanup. There will be dumpsters at several locations "undecided yet". There will be a notice later telling where the dumsters will be and where to pick up the bags. Boy Scouts can recieve badges for helping with Smith Lake Cleanups. We need your boat, if you don't have a boat, we still need your help. For more information 256-747-4422

jellyfish

2009-08-26T10:51:00.001-05:00

Freshwater Jellyfish in Smith Lake
Posted: 24 Aug 2009 06:12 AM PDT
Kathy Potocsnak called me recently about a mystery organism that she'd found near her boat dock on Smith Lake. Since I couldn't recognize it from a verbal description, she brought one to the office. I made some photos and sent them to Rusty Wright, Extension Fisheries Specialist. Here's his response:"Yep that is a freshwater jellyfish. I usually get 1-2 calls a year confirming the presence of these critters in our lakes and ponds. I think many times I'm settling a bet! "Freshwater jellyfish, Craspedacusta sowerbyi, is a non-native species originally from Asia. It is now common virtually globally. They eat small zooplankton but there is no evidence that they do any damage to our ecosystems. People see them most often from clear lakes, pools, and reservoirs: however they are also in more cloudy turbid water as well it is just that we can't see them as well in those systems. "It is an interesting critter!"Here's a link to the U. S. Geological Survey's web page about these jellyfish.This jellyfish was actively swimming around in the jar. It swim throught the water for a few seconds, then it would pause and just float. After I made these photos, Kathy took the jellyfish back to the lake.Thanks to Rusty for the identification of the photos, and to Kathy for bringing the freshwater jellyfish to our office.

Clean Water Act

2009-08-18T11:25:00.003-05:00

The government is currently planning/discussing making a major change to this ACT. This change has already been passed forward from the "committee" and is now in the hands of congress. This major change is to designate the Corp Of Engineers and E.P.A. to oversee the waters in all the watersheds in the United States. This I think would be a disaster!!! Currently the Corp Of Engineers oversee all navigable waters in the United States. They currently do not have money enough to maintain/dredge the waterways they are now responsible for. E.P.A. is also short of money and manpower, way behind on issuing permits, which can be extremely expensive.We need both the EPA and the Corp of Engineers to continue there present responsibilities but we do not need more government regulations and control of our everyday life and land. Should anyone want me to explain how this would be a disaster I will be happy to do so._________________
Should you not want this change to the Clean Water Act call your Senators and Congressman and tell them I do not want the Corp Of Engineers and EPA overseeing all watersheds in the U.S. Leave it like it was.
President of Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Inc.
Member of Bankhead National Forest liaison panel
Member of Winston County Natural Resource Council.

flood insurance

2009-08-15T12:10:00.001-05:00

Summary of a conversation between LaVerne Matheson, President, Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy, Inc., and Janice Mitchell, FEMA
Re: Flood Insurance
770-220-5441/Atlanta Georgia
The following is information as I understood it in my conversation with Janice Mitchell on Thursday, August 13, 2009:
1) There probably has never been a 100 year flood plain map completed on Lewis Smith Lake. When the lake was built in the early sixties there was no National Flood Insurance; thus, no map was required.
2) Where no 100 year flood plain map has ever existed, all “dark shaded” areas on the new flood zone maps are considered to be in class A (the most expensive flood insurance class). This would require all lenders to request flood insurance prior to the acquisition of any federally backed mortgage (and probably bank mortgages on a home or building, as well) regardless of the elevation of the property. In order to contest the requirement for flood insurance on the property, the property owner must obtain a new elevation survey, plus supply additional data, then request a reevaluation of FEMA’S data on the property. When the evaluation is completed, the owner will be notified of the findings, and whether flood insurance will be required. Even if FEMA rules that you do not need flood insurance for your mortgage, the lender can review the flood map, note that your property is in the “dark shaded” area and then the LENDER can require flood insurance before a closing. FEMA can do nothing about the lender’s request for flood insurance, but because your property is now in class X, your insurance should be less costly.
3-The expense of making any change to the flood insurance for Smith Lake would have to borne by Winston County, and would very costly for a hydrology engineer. FEMA might accept the new elevation maps from the engineer, but would it change the flood insurance requirement or the cost of flood insurance?
4-From my conversation with Janice Mitchell the best solution is to have your lot, development or property resurveyed, ascertain the correct elevation on your property and then ask for a reevaluation.
Janice Mitchell will discuss your problem with you and explain what might be best for you and what is required for a reevaluation of your property. JUST GIVE JANICE A CALL!!!!

membership form

2009-08-11T15:22:00.001-05:00

WINSTON COUNTY SMITH LAKE ADVOCACY, INC.
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM

Mission Statement: The mission of Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy is to preserve and protect the environmental quality of Lewis Smith Lake and its tributaries through education of the public and the promotion and implementation of sound environmental practices.

Name____________________________________________ (Please print)

Mailing Address_____________________________________
______________________________________
Phone______________________________________

Email address_______________________________ (all notices and information will be sent to your email address unless you specify phone or US mail)
Dues enclosed_________ ($10 per household or business per year; $100 lifetime) Make check payable to “WCSLAI”
Mail check and form to: Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy, Inc. P. O. Box 435 Arley, AL 35541
2009 Board of Directors

Linda Atkinson
Larry Barkey
Bob Beatty
Kitty Chance
Mary Ann Crunk
Paul Gillette
Tom Grubbs
Barry Johnson
Burt Jones
Judy Lambert
LaVerne Matheson
Dennis Quinn

Watershed progress

2009-07-28T08:06:00.002-05:00

Mona Scruggs a graduate student at Auburn is going to assist us in completing a watershed power point program that we will be showing to high school students who are in science,biology or FFA classes. This power point program will explain to these students the importance of taking care of the watershed by showing pictures of improper use and care of the watershed but also a better or correct way to manage property in the watershed. The pictures for this power point program will all be taken in Winston County. We want all associations,civic clubs etc. to know that we will be delighted to show this program to your group. This program will be completed this year.
We are trying to make everyone aware that if we do not take care of the watershed, that supplies all the water for Smith Lake, that Smith Lake will become polluted in future years
There is currently an application for a small grant being prepared and sent to EPA and Adem. This grant will allow us to complete the Power Point program and also study the watershed for Rock Creek only.
Rock Creek was put on the 303D list in 1996 which means it has some pollution. When the study of Rock Creek is completed, should we decide to go fotward, there would be public meetings, a very detailed plan of how we would correct the problems that have or are contributing to the pollution problems on Rock Creek, and then a large grant would be applied for.
I have been assured that this will be a local project and there will be no new regulations of any kind applied to any property existing in this watershed, from acquiring a government grant.
Should you have any quetions about these plans please call me 256 -747- 4422 or Mike Henshaw your county extension agent 205-489-5376

Advocacy News

2009-07-13T10:48:00.002-05:00

We had a board meeting on July 8th at 10 A.M. at Traders and Farmers Bank in Arley.
Some of the Items discussed:
The June Clean-up on Clear Creek , removed 11 truck loads of styrofoam plus a dumpster of trash.
There are 18 test sites on the lake in Winston Co. currently, 16 active sites are being tested every month.
We will have Al. Powers coloring books"1500" ready for all students, kindergarden through 3rd grade in Winston Co. this summer.
We will have 2 directors explaining why and how we test water, at the Fawn program in October.
Saturday October 24th we are going to have a 1 day clean-up of all sloughs in Smith Lake in Winston County
We now have a Graduate student from Auburn who will assist us developing a watershed power point program for us to present at High Schools and other local organization. We are also considering a watershed program for the Rock Creek Watershed.
We have a committee studing putting signage up on Smith Lake in Winston County at the mouth of all tributatries,helping visiting boaters and local boaters to know where they are on the lake.
These are a few of the projects that "The Advocacy" is currently working on. Do you want to see Smith Lake continue to be clean and beautiful. Join "The Advocacy" and help us keep Smith Lake as it is now, forever!!!!

Smith Lake Watershed Meeting

2009-06-25T18:38:00.001-05:00

A meeting was held on June 17th by Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Inc. (WCSLAI) about possible efforts to improve the Smith Lake watershed. Of particular concern is Rock Creek, which is on the state's 303d list as an impaired stream. At the meeting opening comments were made by LaVerne Matheson of WCSLAI. Dr. Bill Deutsch, Director of the Alabama Water Watch, and Auburn graduate student, Mona Scruggs, presented information about the lake. They also mentioned the possibility of securing grant funds to improve the Rock Creek watershed. To receive these funds a Watershed Plan would need to be developed. Dr. Sam Fowler, Director of the Alabama Water Resources Research Institute at Auburn University, also spoke to the group about the benefits of a watershed plan. He highlighted the resources at Auburn University that could be used to help implement a plan.

2009-06-03T10:23:00.002-05:00

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/alabama/documents/mosley_newsrelease.pdf

Matheson Honored with Mosley Environmental Award

Winston County resident LaVerne Matheson has been selected as the recipient of the W. Kelly Mosley Environmental Award. The prestigious award, administered by Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, recognizes individual achievements in promoting the wiser use of renewable natural resources. Matheson was nominated for his outstanding efforts to conserve the water resources of Winston County and Smith Lake while educating residents and local leaders about our unique natural resources.

Matheson led the effort to establish Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy, Inc in 2006 and has served as President of the group since that time. The Advocacy group’s mission is to preserve and protect the environmental quality of Lewis Smith Lake and its tributaries through education of the public and promotion and implementation of sound environmental practices. “Laverne Matheson is the backbone of the group and is responsible for a number of achievements.” states Linda Atkinson, secretary/treasurer of Smith Lake Advocacy. Bankhead National Forest’s Wildlife Biologist Tom Counts commented that “Laverne is one of those unique individuals who saw a need and acted on it. He has put in many, many hours of personal time to organize the Advocacy group. By effectively enlisting the support of many hard working people the group has achieved much success.” Some of the group’s achievements include testing Smith Lake’s water at 18 sites in Winston County as a part of the Alabama Water Watch effort and working with Alabama Power Company’s Renew Our Rivers program. Through the Renew Our Rivers waterways clean-up program over 45 river miles have been cleaned-up resulting in an estimated 550 tons of debris removed from our waters. “Not only does LaVerne do the work of conserving our natural resources, he is committed to teaching others about their importance” states Winston County Extension Coordinator Mike Henshaw.

Matheson will be honored during the June Renew Our Rivers clean-up on Smith Lake. The clean-up will be held at the Clear Creek Recreation Area on Bankhead National Forest June 11-13. Volunteers, sponsors, and friends of the Lake are invited to Saturday’s picnic at the Bayleaf Pavilion at Clear Creek, where Matheson will receive the Mosley Environmental Award. The Award includes a certificate of recognition, a cash award, and a framed, limited-edition reproduction of a forestry-wildlife painting.

Rock Creek Clean-ups

2009-05-26T17:37:00.002-05:00

The "Advocacy" decided to designate 5 separate areas this year on Rock Creek and it's tributaries. There is no scheduled clean-up for Rock Creek this year, but when homeowners/property owners have 6/8 people who will work for 1 day, during the week, we will bring our boat, 50 feet long, with life jackets and tools and assist them in picking up the styrofoam in their area. They will have to load and unload the white styrofoam.
5 AREAS ARE:
1-Crooked Creek and White Oak
2-Rock Creek from triple creek marina to "head" of Rock Creek
3-Bailey Bridge south including Little Crooked Creek
4-Rock creek from Little Crooked Creek to the Sipsey including Bear Branch
5- From the Sipsey to Duncan Bridge including Dismal and Little Dismal.
For information Call LaVerne Matheson 256-747-4422

Winston County Assign-A-Highway Program Volunteer Inspectors

2009-05-21T21:18:00.003-05:00

The Assign-A-Highway program is looking for some volunteers to help with the roadside inspections that take place twice a month. This would simply mean that you would drive through an assigned section of highway to make sure that the garbage is being picked up. If the filled bags are still on site, we would like you to make sure they are being placed in the proper location and that the bag tags are being attached. If you think you might be interested in being a Volunteer Inspector please give Crystal a call at 205-489-8887 for more information. She currently has workers in the following areas and would like volunteers to monitor their work cleaning the roadsides:

Addison: County Road 41 North, County Road 39 North and County Road 99
Arley: County Road 41 near Duncan Bridge
Double Springs: 3 sections of Hwy 195 (from Scenic Drive to the Walker Co line)
County Road 327 and County Road 28
Haleyville: County Road 11
Grayson area: County Road 63 and County Road 3171

Thanks for your support of the Winston County Assign-A-Highway Program.

Thanks to WCSLAI for FAWN Contribution

2009-04-06T11:36:00.005-05:00

Just wanted to say thank you to the Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Inc. for the $1,000 donation to the FAWN Program. The Winston County Natural Resources Council sponsors the annual outdoor field day for all of Winston County's sixth graders free-of-charge. As you can imagine, bus transportation costs have risen sharply during the past two years. This donation will allow the Council to continue the tradition of providing this educational experience at no charge to our youth. This blog post reports on last year's FAWN program. We also appreciate the leadership of WCSLAI members Laverne Matheson, Tom Grubbs, Mary Ann Crunk, Judy Lambert, Allison Cochran, and others at the FAWN program. Pictured here at the WCSLAI Public Meeting on April 3rd, 2009, are Mike Henshaw-Alabama Cooperative Extension System, John Sudduth-Winston County Natural Resources Council, Laverne Matheson-President of WCSLAI, and Frank Tidwell-Business Manager for Alabama Power's Haleyville and Hamilton Offices.