Minutes of January Council Meeting

Photo by Allison Cochran

The Winston County met on January 19, at the U. S. Forest Service Office.  Present were Kerri Roberts, Jeremy McDonald, John Creed, Mike Henshaw, Travis McDonald, Andy Baril, Matt Brock, and Allison Cochran.  The following topics were discussed:

• Kerri mentioned the 4-H Round up in May, and possibility of having a Firewise segment for the parents and volunteers present.
• Jeremy brought up the Payne Demo area and the Junior Ranger program and a Firewise program for that event.
• After the passage of a constitutional amendment, State Lands property in Winston County will be transferred to the Winston County Board of  Education.  Andy, Mike, and Kerri have a meeting scheduled to learn about the board's plans for the property, and to offer any assistance that may be beneficial.
• Andy gave an update on the Outreach Symposium and Awards Banquet in Tuscaloosa on February 17.  Several members are planning on attending including Andy, Mike, Mr. Godsey, Allison, Jeremy, and Jason Harris (the newly hired F. S. Silviculturist).
• Jessica Blackwell is finishing up a stint as Acting Ranger on the Bankhead, and Andy Scott will be the next Acting Ranger.
• Reviewed 2016 rainfall data, which showed only approximately 44 inches vs a normal total of about 55 inches.
• Jeremy reported on current fire conditions.
• Matt said that he would soon be receiving a new $7,000 hog trap that would demonstrate a wireless camera that can monitor the trap via a cell signal.  He can also remotely activate the trap at the moment when the entire sounder can be captured.  The trap can be used to assist private landowners with feral hog damage.
• Matt added that NRCS funds are only available to adjacent landowners that agree to work together to control hogs.  
• A Shortleaf Pine Workshop will be held on January 27, at Monte Sano, from 9-12.  More info at this link.
• There was tornado damage to timber in several areas in Winston County due to the November 29 storms.  Several landowners are working to salvage damaged timber stands.
• Pine beetle activity seems to be on the increase in Winston County.  Jeremy reported on some higher beetle trap counts.

Mike Henshaw, Secretary
WCNRC