The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs. The following members were present, from left, standing, Mike Henshaw, Mark Finley, Chris Horne, Paul Green, Casey Hammack, Ron Scalf, Andy Scott, Tyler Sibley, Kathy Terry-Warner via internet, Zac Brannon, Jamie Segroves, Matt Hannah, seated, Heather Tucker, Allison Cochran, and Lauranne James.
The following items were discussed. Jamie reviewed the meetings from the last meeting which was held in September. Casey moved to approve the minutes, Allison seconded, and all approved.
Jamie and Zac gave a report on the FAWN program attendance.
Mike passed around a schedule of the 2026 Military Veteran and Beginning Farmer Series being held in Cullman.
Allison suggested everyone introduce themselves since there were some new members.
Zac gave a report on the 4-H Pig Squeal project where 4-H'ers raise two feeder pigs to market weight. Area 4-H'ers recently received their pigs and will be caring for them in the coming months, and the program will culminate in a hog show and sale.
Jamie and Lauranne gave a progress report on the Stream Hydrology Trailer that has been ordered from Oklahoma State University. The trailer is in process of being built, and they will let us know when it completed. The Winston County Soil and Water Conservation Association is going to assist with the cost of transportation of the trailer to Winston County.
Casey said the Grayson Sawmill Field Trip is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, at 9:00 am at Grayson.
Zac described a grant that he thought the Council might want to apply for involving Emergency Management. The grant must involve natural resources and EMA. Ideas from the council included the drone program at FAWN, search and rescue, and forest fire safety. Since the overall council was positive on apply for the grant, Zac will contact A. J. Brown, EMA director, about applying.
Tyler reported that the Forest Management Hike at Natural Bridge Recreation Area, was well attended with 17 registered, but 27 showing up! Extra food was acquired to accommodate the extra attendees.
Kathy said a Forest Health Workshop will be held in Jasper, on March 24, 2026. It will include Professional Logging Manager CEU's. Register at this link.
Kathy also mentioned a Private Pesticide Applicator Training in Fayette.
Heather said the Arts Council and Wild Alabama will be sponsoring a field day at Looney's Tavern for 7th and 8th grade students about the sciences of Forestry, Fossils and Geology. It will be held on March 18-19, and feature a variety of stations taught by experts in the various subjects. Heather is still looking for volunteers and all council members are welcome to come visit either of the two days.
Zac said the 4-H Program was going to be partnering with Walker County on WHEP (Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program). They will be recruiting and training 4-H'ers in the WHEP skill sets in preparation for Statewide and National competitions. He will be seeking assistance from council members in training the youth.
Zac also announced a Peach Pruning Workshop to be held in Addison at the municipal building and the Kathy Brannon Farm on February 13. Call the Extension office at 205 489-5376 for more info.
Chris gave an update on the plans for prescribed burning on the Bankhead National Forest. He said that about 20,000 acres are planned to be prescribed burned. A link to maps of areas planned to be prescribe burned and that a have been recently burned are available here. Andy said this map is updated on a timely basis, and that hunters and other forest users may find this map useful.
Andy said that two or three timber sales were planned for this year. He also noted that they have some planning projects underway including the Upper Capsey Watershed and a Forest Health Project. It will be some time before any recommended actions will flow from those planning projects. He said that the Forest Service is changing the way he will contact the public and he would no longer be using a local email mailing list. More information is available at this link.
Andy said they are planning to restore the Hurricane Creek Archery Range and are looking for volunteers to help with the work. Ron said he knows some local archers and archery equipment dealers that might help with the project.
Andy said that the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is looking for proposals from organizations that have a Watershed Action Plan. The Bankhead is the only National Forest in Alabama with an Action Plan. The district is planning to submit two proposals, one for the Owl Creek Trail to conduct "heavy" maintenance on problem areas. The other proposal is for Sougahoagdee Falls trail and parking improvements. Zac moved that we support the proposals by sending a support letter from the WCNRC. Paul seconded the motion and all approved.
Andy gave an update about funding for the U. S. Forest Service, which will be before congress soon.
Casey said that the Council now has a new bank account due to the change in tax exempt status; this change was required by BankFirst Bank. His report included the following totals for the 2025 calendar year:
Ending Balance: $9,099.94 Expenses: $4,448.87 Income: $5,225.00
Interest: $3.88 Debit Refund: $8.34
Matt moved that the treasurer's report be accepted and Zac seconded, and all approved.
A Treasurer's report will be written and signed by the officers.
Tyler gave the details on a Invasive Plant Workshop that will be held on February 26 in Carbon Hill.
Paul said that today was the deadline for sign up for EQIP. There is 30 million allocated for EQIP statewide, and 19 million for the CSP. Major changes were made to the CSP this year. EQIP is now more targeted toward cropland and pastureland.
Lauranne confirmed that the check has been sent for the Stream Hydrology Trailer. The NW RC&D Council Quarterly meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn near Winfield on February 19. All Council members are encouraged to register and attend.
Lauranne also any Council member to attend the "All the Hats" Conference at Wallace State in Hanceville on March 26-27. There will two tracks, a non-profits track and a small business track. NW RC&D will cover the registration cost for WCNRC members.
NATR is holding a statewide kickoff meeting on January 29th in Blountsville.
Zac moved that the meeting be adjourned and Matt seconded with all in agreement.
Mike Henshaw, Secretary, WCNRC
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