Monday, November 30, 2020

WCNRC November Meeting Minutes

 

11/19/20 Members met at the Houston Recreation Pavilion. Members present were Chairman, Allison Cochran, Mike Henshaw- Vice Chair, Kerri Roberts- Secretary, Matt Brock, Brad Nail and PJ Gossett

Allison opened up the meeting stating what the Forest Service has been up to. Most everyone is back to work even though they are not in the office.  The office is still closed but people can call for assistance.  Almost all available have been sent out west to fight fires or south for hurricane duty. In the Bankhead, they have been working on longleaf planting and restoration, quail habitat and an Eastern Spotted Skunk survey.  Many nice big bucks are being harvested out of the Bankhead. They have also trapped over 150 wild hogs this year. 

Kerri updated on virtual FAWN.  Jeremy has ordered t-shirts.  Jimmy Madison is helping Zack edit and finalize the videos. Kerri is helping Zack add Nearpod interactive educational activities along with the videos.  The presentations should be finished early December to distribute to 6th grade teachers.

Matt gave an update on fish and wildlife.  Northwest Alabama has been saturated with CWD testing locations. There is 1 at the Forest Service Office in Winston County.  He is making a “Trailing wounded Wildlife” video and also one on “Aging Deer on Hoof”. He reminded everyone that a new regulation is that a certificate of transfer is required when moving harvested deer around to increase participation in game check.

Brad updated on the grant for culverts in Winston County.  339 Browns Creek area they are going to span it instead of using culverts. It is a known black water dog habitat. Those grant projects are moving along nicely and they possibly have other funds to more work in Winston County.  There is still money available for a landowner workshop. Alabama Project Learning Tree is releasing a new book, Lucy Meets a Logger.

Mike noted we keep talking about all these things we want to do but Covid keeps messing things up. However, he wants to suggest a WCNRC tour of Albertville Mulch Company on Winston County Road 2. He thinks it could be a good outdoor tour/meeting maybe for the spring. He would have to reach out to the owner to set it up. All present agreed it would be a good idea.

On that note, Allison commented on how and where to have winter council meetings. She was not opposed to bundling up to meet but thought some might be. Members present agreed to not meet in December and look into possibly having zoom meetings for some of the upcoming months. We all want things to return to normal but know Covid safety guidelines must be followed. Meeting adjourned. Next meeting (probably via zoom) January 21, 2021.

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