Local News
Habitat takes hit
By David LazenbyLow water levels at Smith Lake have not only impacted the lifestyles of people who find recreation on its waters, but have affected the wildlife which rely on the lake for shelter and sustenance.
Monica McCravy of the Alabama Forestry Commission in Cullman County said trees around the lake are suffering from this summer’s minimal rainfall as much as trees in other areas of the county.
“You’d think right there by the lake they’d be okay,” she said. “But a lot of them are not...The lake bed is pretty solid so a lot of [water] doesn’t seep out.”
McCravy said she has received numerous calls from area residents concerned about trees that have changed colors and are losing leaves.
“That’s a tree survival thing because [trees] have to feed those leaves,” she said. “If they let them go they don’t have to feed them...I’m not looking for a pretty fall at all.”
McCravy said although she expects many trees will not survive the drought, she is recommending that trees suspected to be dead be left alone for now since they may recover this spring, depending on how much rain the area receives throughout the winter.
Wildlife in and around Smith Lake is also suffering from this year’s drought and spring freeze. The extreme conditions have caused a lack of vegetation which many animals need for food.
“The drought in and of itself has hurt a lot of forage,” said Ron Eakes, a wildlife biologist for District 1 of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. “A lot of early fall foods are limited.”
Eakes said animals with a small home range have been particularly impacted.
“They’re going to have a tougher year to get through,” he said. “Depending on what the prey numbers are doing, then the predator numbers kind of follow along behind.”
Phil Edema, a fisheries biologist for the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, said the drought has had almost no affect on fish at Smith Lake because of their adaptability.
“Mother Nature has played into their hands pretty well,” he said. “As long as they have adequate water they’re going to be fine.”
- Local News
-
-
Scheduled power outage Sunday
Six city intersections will be without power due to electrical maintenance Sunday, so city police are urging local drivers to be cautious.
-
Fugitive alleged child molester found
A Cullman County man who has been on the run since he was accused of molesting a child in 2006, was found in Mississippi Tuesday.
-
Man arrested for impersonating deputy
A local man who allegedly impersonated a Cullman County Sheriff’s deputy was arrested by a real one Thursday.
-
Possible homicide in Fairview
Cullman County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a possible homicide, which occurred in Fairview Friday.
-
Residents tour local farm, industries
The Cullman County Farm-City committee held their annual tour Thursday and toured Birmingham Fastener, Tinney Farms and the Cullman Stockyard.
-
Veterans Day celebration starts Saturday morning
A city and county-wide Veteran’s Day celebration will be Saturday morning at 8 a.m. with Civil War re-enactors a Depot Park. Events will continue throughout the day at the Festhalle Market Platz.
-
Hanceville police recover active meth lab, stolen property in home
Two Hanceville men are behind bars after police allegedly recovered a working meth lab and about $20,000 worth of stolen property Wednesday from a local residence.
-
City: Water meets all standards
As far as Cullman city officials are concerned, they provide some of the highest-quality water in the area.
-
Sumiton fugitive returned to Cullman to face charges
A Sumiton man who eluded about 50 area law enforcement officers during an April manhunt, only to be arrested in Walker County in July, was recently returned to Cullman County to face charges.
-
Cleaning up
Nearly half a dozen workers have spent time at Cullman Memory Gardens this week, mowing and trimming a cemetery that has largely been neglected the past year.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Scheduled power outage Sunday
