July Meeting Minutes

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on Thursday, July 19, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs.  Present were Jimmy Madison, Mike Henshaw, John Creed, Tim Malone, and Jeremy McDonald.  Johnna Franks, Treasurer, emailed the balance of the treasury which was $9,058.48.  The following items were discussed:

• Jimmy gave a report on possible severe weather that could impact the area over next couple of days.
• The Winston County 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Team placed first in the State competition and will attend the National competition in Maine later this month.  The council approved up to $500 to support the team as needed.  The team also has support from the State 4-H Foundation and the State 4-H Staff.
• Jeremy gave a report on the Forestry Judging activities both with FFA and 4-H.
• Reviewed a flyer for a Forestry Equipment Operator Training to be held in Double Springs starting in August.
• Tim Malone gave an update on the FSA Elections, the Farm Bill, and the Outreach meeting to be held at 10 a.m. after the council meeting.
• Briefly discussed the upcoming FAWN program to be held this fall.

Mike Henshaw
Vice Chair, WCNRC

Logging Equipment Operator Training in Double Springs

Next class begins August 27 in Double Springs.  For more info visit link below.

https://www.forestryworks.com/training/

July Council Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resources Council will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 19, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs. 

The Winston County 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Team won first place at the state competition and will attend the national competition in Maine.  We’ll discuss possible ways to support the team’s trip to Maine.

At 10:00 a.m. at the same location, the Farm Service Agency will host an informational meeting regarding the 2018 Farm Service Agency County Committee Election process.  Producers, including minority, women and new farmers, are encouraged to attend the meeting and participate in the 2018 FSA committee election.

Bankhead Liaison Panel Meeting in Moulton

The next meeting of the Bankhead Liaison Panel will be held Thursday, July 26th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Moulton Rec Center, Alexander Park, 13550 Court St, Moulton, Alabama.  Meeting topics will include a Southern Pine Beetle update and proposed restoration treatments for off-site, at-risk pine-dominated stands, an update on current treatment activities related to restoration, and other topics to be determined. The meeting will adjourn by 8:30 p.m.  The meeting is open to the public.  Anyone interested in the management of the Bankhead National Forest is invited.  If you have any questions, please call 205-489-5111.

Minutes of June Council Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on June 21, 2018, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs.  Present were:  Lauranne James, Casey Hammack, Tim Malone, Jimmy Madison, John Creed, Andy Scott, Mike Henshaw, Jeff Hendrix, Spenser Bradley, and Andy Baril.  The following topics were discussed:

• Fishing Derby – Mike and John reported that the event was very well staffed and was well attended by families.  57 youth participated in the event.  There were other activities in addition to fishing, such as, archery, casting contest, a fishing game, tick exhibit, firewise exhibit, WildSouth Exhibit, and food provided by the Double Springs Lions Club.
• 4-H STEM Day Camps
• Master Gardener Program being offered in Lawrence County
• $200 for 4-H Forestry Judging expenses for the Winston County team.
• $200 for the 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Team expenses for the Winston County team.
• Casey gave a report on the problems getting the potting soil this year.  While the potting soil donations have been postponed indefinitely, we will still try to pick some up if they decide to donate soil later this year.
• Andy and Spenser gave an overview on the SET1 for Forestry, Wildlife, and Natural Resources.  Spenser will be assisting Winston County later this year, and Andy will transition to another SET.
• Lauranne James said that NW AL RC&D Council is hosting the Lamb Jam at Sweetwater Depot in Florence on July 19.  The event will include live music and chef prepared lamb.  Tickets and tables are available in advance.
• Randy Moody has been on trip to Washington, D. C. this week to represent Alabama farmers.  He spoke to legislators on the benefits of the Farm Bill.
• Grant applications will be due this fall to the NW AL RC&D Council.  Applications are available at https://nwalrcd.org/
• Jimmy gave an update on possible severe weather moving into the area Friday.
• Tim Malone, County Executive Director of the Marion/Winston Farm Service Agency, conducted an outreach meeting about the County Committee Elections.
• Casey Hammack gave a cogongrass report including new sitings and spots that they have treated. 

Mike Henshaw, Vice Chair
WCNRC

4-H Day Camps

June Council Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resources Council will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 21, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs.  We will review the recent Youth Fishing Derby and 4-H Forestry Judging Competition, and discuss the upcoming 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Competition.  Also, we have an update on the Firewise and 4-H River Kids programs. 

At 10:00 a.m. at the same location, the Farm Service Agency will host an informational meeting regarding the 2018 Farm Service Agency County Committee Election process.  Producers, including minority, women and new farmers, are encouraged to attend the meeting and participate in the 2018 FSA committee election.