Minutes of January Meeting of the WCNRC

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on January 17, 2013 at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs.  Present were: John Creed, LaVerne Matheson, Wade Hill, Tim Malone, Mike Henshaw, Allison Cochran, Elrand Denson, Jeremy McDonald, John Sudduth, Chris Wright, Johnna Franks, and Andy Baril.

Johnna reported that the balance in the treasury was $16,680.90. Grants totalling over $12,000 were recently received from the Winston County Commission.  These grants cover the Youth Fishing Derby, FAWN, Landowner Field Days, 4-H activities, and FFA activities. 

Other items discussed included:

• Tree Recovery Campaign will be held at the Neighborhood Facilities Building in Haleyville on February 19, from 9 a.m. to noon.  Council member will be the primary volunteer group, but the Haleyville Streets and Sanitation department and Alabama Power Service Organization will also assist.  Johnna reported on the species list that will be available.
• Since we will meet for the Tree Recovery Campaign, there will not be another Council meeting in February.
• On March 21st, the Council will meet at the newly completed Forestry Commission Office in Double Springs.  
• A Private Applicator Pesticide Permit Training Program will be held on February 19th at 6:00 p.m. at the Trader's and Farmers Bernice Hilton Walker Building in Double Springs.
• Awards Program to be held in Auburn on February 8th.  The WCNRC will receive the north region award at this meeting.  At this time, Andy Baril and Mike Henshaw are planning to attend.
• Farm Bill update from Tim and Wade.  Farm Bill has been extended, but many programs have not been funded and are in limbo.  Wade said that there was a 60% cut in EQIP for this year, and no WHIP funding.  Elrand said the U. S. Forest Service does not see major changes coming up this year.
• Contacts for the management of Clear Creek and Corinth Recreation Areas have been completed.  Houston and Brushy Lake will be managed by the Bankhead National Forest.
• Southern Leadership Tour visited the Bankhead National Forest to see restoration efforts and hear from Bankhead Liaison Panel members.
• LaVerne reported on his meeting with Senator Orr about high bacteria counts and failing septic systems.  He is also seeking recent photos of soil erosion in Winston County.  He noted that there had 2,200 citation against coal mines in Alabama, but not a single fine.
• There will be a pond management meeting in Decatur and another in Cullman.  Andy also noted that there will be a Feral Hog workshop in Tuscaloosa on March 2nd.  Call Andy Baril at (205) 388-6893 for more information.
• Allison gave an update on feral hog control on the Bankhead.  Trapping efforts have been productive though time consuming.  The hog population is still a problem, and trapping is still needed.
• Master Gardener Class will begin in February in Jasper.  Winston County residents are welcome to attend.  Call Mike Henshaw at (205) 489-5376 for more information.

Mike Henshaw, Secretary
WCNRC