July Meeting Minutes

 

From left, Rhonda Riley, John Creed, Allison Cochran, Kerry Clark,
 Casey Hammack, Jamie Segroves, Zach Brannon, and Mark Finley.
  Not pictured, Lauranne James, and Mike Henshaw.

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on July 17, at the Alabama Forestry Commission Office in Double Springs.  Present were:  Rhonda Riley, John Creed, Allison Cochran, Kerry Clark, Casey Hammack, Jamie Segroves, Zach Brannon, Mark Finley, Lauranne James, and Mike Henshaw.

The following items were discussed:

• Possible Fall tour of Grayson Sawmill
• Weather and fire conditions
• Needle blight severity has become less severe
• Ice Machine installation
• 2025 RC&D Grant proposal for a Stream Hydrodynamics Trailer
• FAWN Dates set for October 8-9, with the walk-thru on October 7.  FAWN meal will be cook out and or BBQ. FAWN t-shirts, stations, and transportation costs.  Site will be Houston Recreation Area this year.
• Walker County Logger Training Date - August 13, at Bevill State
• Kerry gave an update on the possible combination of Forest Service and Department of Interior fire fighting resources into one unit.
• Jamie and Kerry gave an update on personnel assigned to wildfire outbreaks in various parts of the US.
• Pine beetle trap counts are down and there are fewer pine beetle spots being located by plane - Kerry and Jamie.
• Casey gave the Treasurer's Report and Annual Report to the Council.  The balance in the treasury is $7,853.50.  He also reviewed the latest bank statement and the IRS filing for this year.  The council inspected the bank statements and the IRS filing as required annually in the by-laws.  John stated that he also monitors the bank account balances frequently online.  John Creed moved that we accept the Treasurer's report and annual report.  Allison seconded and all approved.
• Zac gave a report on the Forestry Career Day for Winston and Lawrence County planned for October 28 at Alexander Park in Moulton.
• Zac gave an update on the new Forestry and Natural Resources REA position.
• Rhonda said Ravenwood would be opening soon, and trail work would start this Fall.
• Lauranne said they will have a quarterly meeting on August 14, and their Annual NWRC&D meeting celebration on October 24 at the AW Todd Building in Russellville.  She invited all the council members to both events.  Both events are free, but registration is required.
• Mike moved that the meeting adjourn, and John seconded.  After adjourning, we all took a look at the new ice machine that Casey and Jamie installed after being purchased with a grant from the NWRC&D Council.  Our council thanks Lauranne and her staff for their help in acquiring this much needed machine.  Photo below shows the installation at the AFC office.

John Creed holds open the door on the newly installed
ice machine at the Alabama Forestry Commission Office.

Submitted by Mike Henshaw

Secretary, WCNRC