November Council Meeting

The November meeting of the WCNRC was held at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs.  Present were Elrand Denson, Mike Henshaw, Chris Wright, Johnna Franks, Wade Hill, John Creed, James Burnett, Andy Baril, and Tripp Gaskins.  The council discussed the following topics:

• The meteorite that fell near Addison caused a loud boom that alarmed residents over a large portion of North Alabama.  James said the EMA had received calls about the boom.  Elrand said that NASA was searching an area in the forest for fragments.  Anyone searching for fragments would have to have a special use permit.  There are also safety concerns with the beginning of gun deer season set to start on November 17.
• Johnna stated that the treasury balance was $3,360.45.
• Blaze II bloodhound.  WCNRC made a $500 donation toward the purchase and training of the dog.
• The $1,000 award from the Natural Resource Council of the Year designation should arrive soon.
• Hendrix Longleaf Pine meeting with Tim Albritton is set for Tuesday, November 20.
• Tree Recovery Campaign for Haleyville set for Tuesday, February 19, 2013, at the Neighborhood Facilities Building, from 9 a.m to 12 Noon.  The purpose of this tree give-away is to help areas affected by the tornadoes re-establish trees damaged by the storms.  All council member are encouraged to attend to assist with the distribution of the trees. 
• Cogongrass locations in Winston County.
• Feral hog brochure available from the Bankhead National Forest
• Elrand gave an update on the Thinning and Harvesting Monitoring Committee's field visits.  He also stated that improvements to parking areas for two trailheads are underway.
• FAWN program evaluation and discussion.
• Winston County Commission Grants are pending.  

There will not be a council meeting scheduled for December, so the next meeting will be Thursday, January 17, 2013.

Mike Henshaw,
WCNRC Secretary