Minutes of January Council Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on January 16, 2025, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs.  The following members where present:  Andy Scott, John Creed, Allison Cochran, Chris Horne, Casey Hammack, Matt Hannah, Mark Finley, Mike Henshaw, Heather Tucker, Amy Melson, Amberia Spiller, Paul Green, Jamie Segroves, and Lauranne James.  

Mike called the meeting to order.  The following items were discussed:

• Heather gave an update on Mark Johnston, who had open heart surgery at UAB.  His wife Maggie Johnston has reported that he is recovering well, but is expect to be in the hospital for a few days.
• Mike said he'd spoken with Donna Shanklin, the Lawrence County Extension Coordinator, about the May 15 Council meeting planned at Ravenwood near Wren.  The Lawrence County Planning Committee with partner with us on that meeting.
• Heather gave an update on the Wild Alabama Office moving from Moulton to Double Springs.  The temporary office will be at the former doctors office between First National Bank and the Listerhill Credit Union.  Eventually, they will move to property they own near Wren.
• Lawrence County Planning Committee is planning a fishing derby on May 2-3 in conjunction with the Strawberry Festival.  Andy noted that we would want to avoid any confusion with the Bankhead Fishing Derby that is tentatively planned for Saturday, June 7, at the Black Warrior Work Center.
• Casey gave a Treasurer's Report and stated that the balance was $8,311.60.  John moved we accept this report which was seconded by Allison.  All were in favor.
• Casey said he is working on the annual IRS report for the council and would need to make a few changes at the bank and get a debit card.  Matt moved that we approve these changes and John seconded.  All were in favor.
• Mike said that the Fayette County Forestry Planning Committee has requested info on how to set a tax exempt status.  Matt and Casey said they would share any info that would help them get started.
• Casey reviewed the progress he's made on the RC&D Council grant.  The trailer and benches have been ordered, but delivery will take about 30 days.  The ice machine will be ordered soon and Lauranne will help us expedite that process.  There is a need for some additional funds to install the ice machine at the Forestry Commission Office.  Matt moved that the council approve up to $1,000 for materials to install the ice machine.  Allison seconded the motion and all were in favor.
• Casey said he needed to pick up a $1,000 check from the Conservation Officers Association for FAWN.  Thanks to all the Conservation Officers and especially Ernie Stephens for their support.
• Mark said that the transportation cost for the FAWN program had been covered by the Winston County Board of Education.  Thanks to Mark for making that possible!
• Details for the Forestry Field Day scheduled for April 25 were discussed.
• Casey said we deposited $2,500 from the NW RC&D Council for the FAWN program costs.  Thanks to Lauranne for RC&D support.

Mike moved that we adjorn, Matt seconded the motion and all were in favor.

Mike Henshaw, Secretary

WCNRC

January Meeting of the WCNRC

The next meeting will be held at the U. S. Forest Service office in Double Springs on Thursday, January 16, at 9:00 a.m.  We'll look at some of the upcoming activities planned for the new year.

Look forward to seeing you there,

Mike Henshaw, Secretary - WCNRC

2024 FAWN at Houston Recreation Area

The Winston County Natural Resources Council annual FAWN program was held on October 16-17, at the Houston Recreation Area in the Bankhead National Forest. 300 Winston County sixth graders were in attendance over the two-day event. There were seven learning stations including:

• Beekeeping and Forest Pollinators
• Skins and Skulls
• Drone use during emergencies
• Forest Soils
• Forest Management
• Wildlife Management and Invasive Species
• Prescribed Fire  

Major sponsors of FAWN included the U. S. Forest Service, Winston County Natural Resources Council, Winston County Emergency Management,  Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association, Winston County Extension Office, Alabama Forestry Commission, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Winston County Board of Education, and Free State Beekeepers Association.

Other photos from the event are at this link:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/VMCq66gYUmDhDJHt7

Mike Henshaw, Secretary

Winston County Natural Resources Council

Minutes of November Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs on November 21, 2024.  The following members were present:  Jamie Segraves, Jared Carter, Paul Green, Matt Hannah, Amy Melson, John Creed, Chris Horne, Zac Brannon, and Lauranne James.  Jamie opened the meeting and called on reports from members.

Jared gave an update on NATR programs.  Specifically, he told about a Rails to Trails project that is in the early stages of development.  It involves the abandoned rail route from Red Bay to Haleyville and would be over 30 miles of trail.  Trail users would include hikers and bikers, and possibly equestrian.  This would likely be a multiple year project with issues such as funding, right-of-ways, design and construction all being major hurdles.  The project could be a boost for tourism for the three counties that would be involved in the project.  He also mentioned a possible partnership of the three counties, Marion, Franklin, and Winston to form a Regional Trails Association to work on trail projects.

Paul reported that the NRCS 2024 sign up was completed.  They will be working on implementation in 2025 and signing up participants for the 2026 EQIP and CSP programs.

Chris gave the update from the USFS.  He made note of some accidents involving hikers and hunters including a fatality of a hunter on the Bankhead.

We reviewed the FAWN program for 300 Winston County sixth graders held in mid October, November.  Good weather and excellent learning stations made for a banner year.  Additional funding from the Conservation Officers Association is expected soon.

The Forestry Field Day that was postponed due to weather has been rescheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025, with a rain date of Friday, May 2.

A possible field trip to Ravenwood in Lawrence County was scheduled for Thursday, May 15.  Mike will consult with the property owners about the date and time for this field trip, and the date is subject to change.

Zac gave a report on the recent Forestry Careers Day that was held in Moulton at Alexander Park for both Winston and Lawrence County 10th graders.  Over 300 youth attended the program with most being from Winston County.  Zac said preliminary plans for the 2025 Forestry Careers Day are in the works.

Jamie said the treasurer reported a balance of $5,733.33.  John moved that we accept the treasurer's report and Mike seconded.  All agreed.

Jamie asked whether or not we should have a December meeting.  Matt moved that we not have a December and Zac seconded.  All agreed.

Jamie called for any final comments.  Mike moved that meeting be adjourned, Zac seconded.  The meeting was adjourned.

Mike Henshaw

Secretary, WCNRC

November Meeting of the Council

The next meeting will be held at the U. S. Forest Service office in Double Springs on Thursday, November 21, at 9:00 a.m.  We'll review the recent FAWN programs and plan our 2025 activities.

Look forward to seeing you there,

Mike Henshaw, Secretary - WCNRC

FAWN Programs

Council Members,

Looks like the weather forecast is worry-free for FAWN this week.  The Council will meet at 9:00 am on Tuesday, October 15, at the Houston Recreation Area for the walk through.  The FAWN programs Winston County sixth graders will be held on the following days, Wednesday and Thursday.

Thanks for your help,

Mike Henshaw, Secretary

WCNRC

Forestry Field Day Cancelled Due to Hurricane Helene

The council met this morning for the walk through at the Natural Bridge Picnic Area and decided that we needed to cancel the Forestry Field Day scheduled for Friday due to the high winds and rain that is in the forecast.  Safety for participants was the main factor.

Present were Kerry Steedley, Jarret Daniels, Vanessa King, Matt Hannah, Brad Nail, Chris Horne, Casey Hammack, Jamie Segroves and Mike Henshaw. 

We are in the process of notifying the speakers and participants.  We plan to send out a follow up email to participants reviewing the pine beetle situation.  We will reschedule the Field Day for a later date next year at the same location at the Natural Bridge Picnic Area and the Horace Ward property.  

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 15, to conduct the walk through for the FAWN programs to be held on October 16 and 17, at the Houston Recreation Area.

Mike Henshaw, Secretary

WCNRC