September 2018 Meeting Minutes

WCNRC September 2018 Meeting Minutes

Members Present- Mike Henshaw- Vice Chair, Kerri Roberts- Secretary, Jeremy McDonald, Lauranne James, Andy Baril, Casey Hammock, Carl Godsey, Andy Scott

• -         Mike opened the meeting in Allison Cochran’s absence. He covered FAWN dates of October 15-16 and handed out draft programs. He reported the cost of the shirts for FAWN was $2000 and the proposed bus transportation cost for FAWN is $1200
• -         Mr. Godsey asked if anyone on the council has approached the BOE to see if they would help with the bus cost. Mike said they had not but he would talk to Jeff Hendrix at the bus shop.
• -        Lauranne reported there is a Winston County Outreach Meeting on September 21. It is sponsored by NRCS and Alabama A&M and all are invited to attend.
• -        Andy Baril said he is now back working in Winston County. He swapped regions with Spencer Bradley to stay in the NW part of the state as the Extension Forestry Agent. He reported there is a PLM in Fayette and Lamar counties September 28.  October 4 there is a NW Landowner’s Tour in Greene County. Walker County was the Natural Resources Council of the year winner. October 15 is the NRCS Landowner’s conference in Prattville.
• -        Jeremy reported they site prepped and burned the Payne Outdoor Classroom area. They are contacting area Ag teachers to see about their classes planting shortleaf pine to learn about reforestation practices. Transportation could be an issue and they might ask the council to sponsor this event in the future.
• -        Andy S. said they have written a proposal to the Land & Water Conservation Fund proposing to purchase 40 acres in the Sipsey Wilderness. He asked for letters of support from the council and Extension. The council agreed to support this effort.
• -        Mike, Kerri, and Andy S. brought up the Centennial anniversary of the Bankhead Forest, which officially was January 15, 2018. Andy said that no official events have been planned in celebration. Andy mentioned in order for FS to be in charge of planning something of that magnitude, it would have needed to be started months ago. He did say the FS would support another partner group hosting an event in the forest. Andy B motioned that the WCNRC take the lead as a partner group planning/hosting a centennial event. Carl seconded the motion. None opposed. Mike mentioned the Archeofest which was a hit in years past and wondered if the centennial event could look similar to that event. A list of 12 partner groups that might like to be involved quickly was brought to light including: Lawrence County, Back Country Horsemen, Sipsey Hiking Group, Wild South, Alabama A&M, RC&D, Local Retirees, Bankhead Liaison Panel, AFC, DC&R, Jasper Lumber/Grayson Mill, Al Forestry Assoc.
• -        Mike suggested there be a planning committee and that Kerri take lead. Jeremy offered to help on the committee. Andy said Double Springs Community Unity may want some organizing part too and Kerri said she would reach out to them and see in what way the WCNRC can be part of making this event happen.
• -        Mike closed the meeting. 

Minutes by Kerri Roberts, Secretary WCNRC