Thursday, January 24, 2019

Chronic Wasting Disease Publication

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System has published a new publication titled Chronic Wasting Disease.  It is available for download at this link.

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

WCNRC Meeting Minutes
January 2019
Members Present: Mike Henshaw, Vice Chair, Kerri Roberts, Secretary, Peter Gossett, Laurann James, John Creed, Casey Hammock, Andy Baril and guest Robert with AFC.

·      *    Mike gave an update on CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) test sites in NW Alabama.
·      *    Andy Baril also gave info on CWD. He said there are freezers in Lamar, Marion, Fayette, Franklin, Lauderdale, and Colbert counties for hunters to drop off deer brain specimens to be tested. It was discussed if Winston County needs one. The council thought perhaps next hunting season we could approach Matt Brock about the need for one.
·        Andy added that Matt Brock will be hosting a CWD workshop in Florence on February 12. It will be at the North Alabama Medical Center Meeting room at 6 pm.
·        Mike reported that Lawrence County is forming a natural resources council. They had their first meeting already. The next one is February 19 in Moulton. Mike suggested the WCNRC support and mentor them.  He suggested we offer to purchase food for a program. Members agreed.
·       *   Laurann suggested that AMR (Alabama Mountain and Rivers) would be a good member for the Lawrence County Council.
·        *  Kerri updated the council about the bus transportation for 6th graders from Double Springs, Addison and Meek schools. It was decided at the November meeting to provide bus funds equal to that which would have been spent for FAWN since they did not get to attend FAWN this year. Double Springs and Addison have both already used their funds to go on field trips. Addison went to the Princess Theater.
·       *   Mike informed us of an upcoming mushroom growing workshop in February at Camp McDowell.
·        *  Mike also gave an update on the possible Land Owner clinic at Bill Self’s property. He is waiting on Allison to be able to go scope out the location before scheduling the clinic.
·        *  Mike announced the Winston County Commission has approved FireWise funds, of which $5000 is allocated for the Fishing Derby and FAWN. He is also staying on the Alabama RAC (Resource Allocation Committee) after retiring and hopes to secure some more of those funds for Winston County.
·       *   Robert reported there will be a BMP Landowner Clinic February 12 in Hamilton.

·       *     Meeting Adjourned. Next meeting February 21.

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

January Council Meeting

The January meeting of the Winston County Natural Resources Council will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 17, at the Alabama Forestry Commission Office in Double Springs.  The office is located at 225 Coats Street.  Note: this is a change from our regular meeting location due to the partial shutdown of the federal government, which has closed the U. S. Forest Service Office.