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
