Minutes of June Meeting

 

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the U. S. Forest Service Office.  Present were Jamie Segroves, Mike Henshaw, Zac Brannon, Ron Scalf, Allison Cochran, Andy Scott, Casey Hammack, John Creed, Chris Horne, Lauranne James, Mark Finley, Tyler Sibley, and not pictured Matt Hannah.  Photo by Amy Foss.

Jamie called the meeting to order and introduced the topic of the Forestry Field Day.  The Rylie Jacobs forestland will be the site of the field day on Thursday, October 29, 2026.  Zac provided a draft agenda which the council discussed.  Sponsorship of the field day was discussed with support offered by the Alabama Forestry Foundation and NW RC&D Council.  The field day is expected to be at no charge for participants.  Winston County Extension will handle registration.  Transportation will be on the tour trailers.  Jamie gave an update on the Stream Hydrology Trailer, which is almost complete and should be ready for transport to Alabama by the end of June.  

The FAWN program stations were discussed and there were some ideas for new stations.  Chris suggested a portable sawmill station, and another member suggested one by a local logging operator.  Zac will look into some possibilities for the new stations.  Other traditional stations such as Prescribed Fire, Drones, Stream Hydrology, Forest Management, and Beekeeping are still proposed.  The dates for FAWN are October 14-15, 2026.

Jamie announced that Matt Hannah has been selected for the Helene Mosley Memorial Treasure Forest Award.  Matt was nominated by Jamie and they will both attend an award ceremony later this year.  Congratulations to them both for this significant honor!

Tyler gave a brief overview of the "Carbon Programs" which includes the Family Forest Carbon Program and the Fields and Forests Program.  Tyler will have a station on the upcoming Forestry Field Day in Winston County.  These programs offer forestland owners an annual income for managing their forests to sequester carbon.

The council then reviewed the draft proposal to the NW RC&D Council for a trailer, supplies, and a fire fighting sprayer for a UTV.  The grant proposal totals about $16,000.  Lauranne gave us an update on the grant process and stated that she expects that they will receive about 200 proposals this year, which is inline with previous years.

Andy said that the Forest Service is working on hazardous fuel removal, timber sales, and the usual summer work activities.  Allison gave a report on the Alabama Forests 250 Celebration at Alabama A&M University.  She also mentioned a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the cooperative efforts of the Forest Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Department of Conservation, and the Alabama Forestry Commission.

Mark gave a report on activities of the State TREASURE Forest Committee.  He participated in a tour of large plantations in Florida and Georgia featuring coastal longleaf forests, and a laminated timber plant near Dothan.  Later the TREASURE Forest Board met at the late Pat Dye's property near Auburn.

Casey said that Grayson Lumber Mill is scheduled to restart full operation next week after having to shutdown due to damage from a fire.

Casey stated the balance in the treasury was $8,299.79.  Mike moved that the treasurer's report be accepted, Ron seconded, and all agreed.

Ron moved that the meeting be adjourned, Zac seconded, and all agreed.

Submitted by Mike Henshaw, Secretary

June Council Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resources Council will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, at the     U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs.  

Some of the likely items that will be on the agenda are the RC&D Council grant proposal from our council, the FAWN program, the Landowner Field Day agenda, and other member topics.

Minutes from the May Meeting are posted at this link.

Hope to see you there,

Mike Henshaw

Secretary, WCNRC

May Meeting Minutes

 

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on May 21, 2026, at the U. S. Forest Service in Double Springs.  Present were the following: Jamie Segroves, Aidan Flanagan, Ron Scalf, Matt Hannah, Lauranne James, John Creed, Chris Horne, Andy Scott, Casey Hammack, kneeling, Zack Brannon, Lauren Wright, and Mike Henshaw. Not pictured, Allison Cochran.

Jamie called the meeting to order and reviewed the April meeting minutes.  John moved the minutes be approved and Matt seconded.  Jamie asked everyone to introduce themselves and we had two people new to the council.  Lauren Wright is a wildlife biologist on a temporary assignment on the Bankhead District.  Aidan Flanagan is a Auburn student in Biosystems Engineering interning in the Winston County Extension Office.

Casey reviewed the 2025 Annual Financial Report, and a copy was distributed to the council.  Ron moved that the council accept the report, Matt seconded, and was unanimously passed.

Casey gave the treasurer's report, with a balance of $9,089.94.  Matt moved to accept, Ron seconded. All approved.

Jamie said there are no updates on the stream trailer.

RC&D Proposal ideas were discussed.  A skid mounted fire fighting pump/sprayer for use on a UTV that will serve a variety of uses was a favored idea.  A trailer mounted restroom and handwashing station is another possibility, but cost may be too high.  Allison suggested educational items for fire fighting that might be added to the proposal.  Casey will continue to work on the proposal, which is due by June 30.  

Lauranne gave a report on the recent RC&D Quarterly meeting at Lakeshore in Double Springs.  The highlight was a presentation by the Alabama Department of Ag and Industries on sustainability.  She also discussed the 2026 RC&D Grant season.

Zack asked the council to consider dates for FAWN and the Landowner Field Day.  The tentative dates for FAWN are October 14 and 15.  The Landowner Field Day is tentatively set for October 29.  Topics for the field day were also discussed.  Zac and Jamie will work on the agenda and location for the field day.  Matt volunteered his forestland for the field day, and Ron said he would be willing to host a field day in 2027.

Andy gave a Bankhead District update including 

• Prescribed burn acreage - 21,000 acres, meeting target
• Timber harvest - mill shutdown
• Roadside hazardous fuel mitigation of beetle killed pines
• Pine beetle prevention
• Hardwood management activities in selected areas
• Houston Rec Area now open
• Archery Range open
• Update on Atmospheric Radiation Management ARM Facility at Black Warrior Work Center and other sites.

Lauren gave an update on the bird survey.  She also mentioned the Youth Fishing Derby which she is looking into possibilities for hosting the event this year.  The council will look into holding funds for future Fishing Derbys to provide more flexibility in funding them.  Matt moved that we explore this avenue, and Mike seconded.  All agreed.

Zac said two Regional Extension Agent positions were posted on the Alabama Extension website.  

Jamie said they are focused on cogongrass now since it is the season cogongrass seedheads make identification easier.  The Alabama Forestry Commission can control spots on private property at no cost to the landowner.  A map of cogongrass spots on AFC website.

Matt moved that the meeting be adjourned and Zack seconded.  All agreed.

Submitted by Mike Henshaw, Secretary, WCNRC

April Meeting Minutes

 

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the U. S. Forest Service office in Double Springs.  Present were Zack Brannon, Ron Scalf, Paul Green, Vanessa King, Kerry Clark, Chris Horne, and Mike Henshaw.  Matt Hannah was out of town, and Kathy Terry-Warner, Forestry, Wildlife, and Natural Resources Regional Extension Agent, sent her regrets that she could not attend because she had accepted a new position.  

The following items were discussed:

• Paul said that CSP Enhancements program has been reduced, and there will no longer be automatic renewals.
• Zack gave a report on the Arts Council and Wild Alabama program at Looney's modeled after the FAWN program.  Extension had a station on soils.
• The Stream Hydrology Trailer has been paid for, but there is no date for completion or delivery.  Zack stated it would be beneficial if it was ready before FAWN.
• Zack mentioned the vacant Forestry, Wildlife, and Natural Resources Regional Extension Agent position.  He encourage everyone that knows of qualified applicants to let them know.  He also said that he believed the position would be housed in the Winston County Extension Office.
• Zack gave a update on the financial report. Vanessa suggested we table the treasurer's report.  Ron moved that we table the report and Paul seconded, all agreed.
• Zack said that bill for FAWN bus transportation probably going to be covered by the BOE.  Vanessa said that if it was not, there was a possibility that the NW RC&D would be able to help.
• Discussed possible fall landowner tour.  Possible topics include feral hogs, food plots, hunting safety, turkey habitat, forest management after beetles/harvest.  This will be an outreach event which will make it qualified for NW RCD funding.
• Certified Burn Manager Training is moving to an online format, possibly by July, 2026.
• Pond Management Workshop is scheduled for May 1 at Bill and Jeanie Snoddy's property in Double Springs.
• Archery Range at Hurricane Creek - Ron.
• Paul gave an update on the changes to NRCS programs.  The EQIP and CSP programs have shifted priorities, and there have been some reductions.  Staffing changes statewide.
• Kerry gave an update on the reorganization of the U. S. Forest Service.  Salt Lake City will be the new national headquarters of the Forest Service.  Fire fighting duties are being changed at both the Department of the Interior and U. S. Forest Service.  He also said that the prescribed fire season is nearly complete for this year on the Bankhead.  Road work will be the focus in coming months.
• Vanessa said the Quarterly Outreach Meeting of the NW RC&D will be held at Lakeshore Restaurant on Thursday, May 14, at 9:30 am.  Grant application season is open now and closes on June 30, 2026.  WCNRC members are invited to attend.  Register here.
• Ron moved to adjourn and Paul seconded with all in agreement.

Submitted by Mike Henshaw, Secretary, WCNRC

Grayson Lumber Mill Tour

 https://photos.app.goo.gl/X1vhpx2HBW24YEwS7

February Council Minutes

 The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on  February 19, 2026.  Present were members John Creed, Matt Hannah, Andy Scott, Mike Henshaw, Chris Horne, and Ron Scalf.

The following items were discussed:

• Hurricane Creek Archery Range -Ron and Andy
• Smith Lake Fishing Report - John 
• National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Grant Proposal - Mike and Andy
• Treasurer's Report Problems and IRS Form 990, Matt and John
• New Bank Login is inaccessible to John
• Matt gave a report on the Addison Fruit Tree Pruning Class with over 30 people present
• Andy and Chris gave a report on the prescribed burning acreage on the District.
• Andy gave an update on a timber sale on Hog House and another area.
• Corinth and Clear Creek Recreation Areas will be open on March 13 - Andy
• Andy gave an update on the mailing list:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/alabama/projects
• Chris asked about new state laws concerning prescribed fire, no one had new information
• A question was asked about the Grayson Tour, but no information was available.
• Matt commented positively on Rock Creek Stone.  
• John motioned that the meeting be adjourned, Matt seconded, all agreed.

Mike Henshaw, Secretary

WCNRC

January Council Minutes

 

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