January 16 Meeting Minutes

In attendance: Mark Finley, Mike Henshaw, Allison Cochran, Zack Brannon, Maggie Johnston, Andrew Shea, and Johnna Franks

• The February WCNRC meeting will be a site visit to Bill and Ann Self farm to determine potential for a Landowner Field Day.
• The March meeting will be held at Camp McDowell on March 19.
• Treasurer’s Report: Checks purchased in October for $38.33. Balance in checking is $8,629.33 
• Camp McDowell working with Arley Schools and Women’s Club on a recycling program.
• Camp McDowell working with Dr. Steve Jones on land use history and ownership of Camp McDowell and documenting old tree species on the property. Interest in borrowing an increment borer from someone and also finding historical aerial photos. Also working with Miss State on a study of the Johnston property as a reclaimed mine that’s been established to pine and hardwoods, including chestnut.
• AFC is working primarily on prescribed burning this year, weather dependent.
• Updates from the Alabama Rovers and Streams Network conference in Cullman last week. Highlight included a report by AFC on compliance with forestry BMPs. Very few complaints or issues reported from Winston County.
• Mark Finley will attend the Treasure Forest board of directors meeting in February.
• Byler Rd hike led by Joel Mize this Sunday, January 19, at 1:30 p.m. at the Beulah Church near Mt. Hope.
• AFA interested in working with us to host a Landowner Field day to include shortleaf pine and/or at risk aquatic species. Some members will visit Bill and Ann Self property and work on a field day.
• Council agrees to support the Winston Co Envirothon Team, if needed, up to $500. We may also have resource specialists that could assist with team practice, if requested.
• Mr. Heck’s FFA Forestry judging team also needs help for team practice.
• Forest Service is actively prescribed burning, weather dependent, and has a few new seasonal employees to assist with burning and recreation. Timber Sales are on-going. Bald eagle survey on Smith Lake netted no eagles or nests. Representatives from the Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative will visit in February to look at quail emphasis areas on the Bankhead.
• Council reviewed ideas for Winston County Commission’s RAC proposal that Zack Brannon is working on. Many ideas were discussed.
• There was discussion on mountain biking opportunities and potential development on the National Forest.

-Allison Cochran
Chair