WCNRC September Meeting Minutes

WCNRC September Meeting Minutes

Members Present: Mike Henshaw, Vice Chair, Zack Brannon, Mark Finley, Terri Finley, PJ Gossett, John Creed, Jimmy Madison

 

Mike opened the meeting and presented a letter from Maggie Johnston.  She has retired from Camp McDowell and is now over Wild South Alabama. The letter to the WCNRC asked for us to manage funds on behalf of Wild South until they get their 501 (c)(3) status.  Mike thought this would promote collaboration between both groups for projects concerning natural resources.  John Creed said we need to make sure our tax-exempt status is still up to date.  No one present remembered if it had been updated in the past 3 years.  Zack motioned to accept the handling of Wild South funds through the WCNRC treasury. John Creed seconded. None opposed. Motion passed. 

Zack gave an update on virtual FAWN.  Funds were received from Soil & Water in the amount of $1,000. Ernie Stevens is checking on the progress of the proposal to Conservation Officers for funding for this project as well.  Zack had purchased a Go Pro Camera and accessories for filming video clips.  An SD card was also purchased.  Jimmy Madison has extensive video editing experience and he is going to assist with video editing. He has recommended a video editing software to purchase and it should be bought before October.  Mr. Clements with Marion Forestry Commission had communicated with Zack that their group is also doing videos and wants to partner to collaborate. Zack said they plan to do 4 videos and Winston will do 4 videos but we want everyone that wanted to do a video to get to do it. So far we are looking at videos on Water Stream, Macroinvertebrates, Firewise, Bee Keeping.

Zack gave an update for Kerri in her absence.  4-H in the schools will look different this year due to Covid-19.  She will be making educational project kits for students.  One lesson that was requested by teachers was Ag-venture Pine Tree Farming. This is a video a 4-H Agent in Alabama made previously.  Along with the video lesson, Kerri would like to distribute pine trees to 4-Hers. Zack asked if the WCNRC would provide guidance on where and what type of trees and financial assistance if they were above budget.  Mike and John motioned to approve spending up to $200 for this project.  None opposed.

Mark Finley gave an update on the treasure forest.  At this time they are looking at doing the annual conference virtually, but a date has not been set.

Mike brought up a private landowner problem.  Where Curtis Mill Creek runs through private land atvs and rtvs are riding through and damaging the creek and private property. He asked for suggestions from the council.

Here is a Link for Nearpod Sample FAWN lesson. Give us some feedback on this example!

 Logon to: http://www.nearpod.comand enter the code PCSRX to try your hand at the self-paced student lesson on macroinvertebrates.

 

Pictured: Mike Henshaw, John Creed, Zack Brannon, Mark and Terri Finley