September Council Meeting Minutes

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on September 19, 2013, at the U. S. Forest Office in Double Springs.  The following members were present:  Elrand Denson, LaVerne Matheson, John Creed, Mike Henshaw, James Burnett, Chris Wright, and Matt Brock.  Chris Wright, chairman, said the balance in the treasury was $11,574.70. 

The following topics were discussed:

• Hunter Ed Class will be held on the Bankhead on October 7-8, 2013.  Registration is available online at the Alabama Department of Conservation website.
• Elrand Denson announced that he has accepted a position in Washington, D. C.  His new position will be overseeing Special Use Permits in National Forests.  He said that an acting ranger would be assigned to the Bankhead District, and that the position would be filled permanently in approximately 80 days.  The Council wishes Elrand the best in his new position, and we definitely appreciate all the support he has given the council during his time leading the Bankhead District.
• Chris said that the Council was closing it's P. O. Box box due to lack of use and the cost of the rent.  The new mailing address for the Council is 225 Coats Street, Double Springs, AL  35553.
• FAWN dates are October 9, for Meek, Addison, and Double Springs schools, and October 11, for Lynn and Haleyville schools.  Walk through on October 8 at 9:00 a.m. at Houston Recreation Area.
• Discussion of possible new FAWN station
• Pasture Walk in Arley
• Review of new Game Check rules - Matt Brock
• Wildlife Rehab permits will no longer be issued for some wild animals such as skunks, raccoons, opossum, foxes, coyotes, or feral hogs.  Concern over disease spread was a key factor in new policy.
• New game feeding rules.
• Elrand said the Forest Service was conducting end of fiscal year activities.  They are also working on a plan to address the hemlock wooly adelgid, if it should infest this area.
• International Paper plant closure in Courtland.
• LaVerne said that Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy would be conducting a Slough Clean-Up on October 11-12.  The activities will be concentrated in certain areas, check with LaVerne for more information.
• John Berry, former mayor of Double Springs, passed away.

Mike Henshaw, Secretary