The Tuskegee National Forest is planning to burn 433 acres tomorrow, May 17th, on Forest Service roads 900, 905, 906 and Hwy 186.  During today’s burn, the public will notice Forest Service fire crews and equipment.  Smoke may also be visible on Highway 29 and Highway 186 south of the burn area. If encountering smoke on roadways, please slow down, turn on your low-beam headlights and use caution.

The wind is expected to be out of the northeast and carry the smoke to the southwest towards the interior of the forest.  As the temperatures cool later today, the smoke may begin to settle down in Choctafaula Creek Bottom along highway 186.

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

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

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

The Tuskegee National Forest is planning to burn 433 acres today, April 11th. Forest Service roads 900, 905, 906 and Hwy 186 form portions of this burn boundary and should be traveled with caution.  During today’s burn, the public will notice Forest Service fire crews and equipment. Smoke may also be visible on Highway 29and Highway 186 south of this burn area.

The wind is expected to be out of the north and carry the smoke to the south towards the interior of the forest.  As the temperatures cool later today, the smoke may begin to settle down in Choctafaula Creek Bottom along highway 186. Some settling may also occur around the general area of the burn.