WCNRC February Meeting Minutes

 Members Present: Allison Cochran, Chair; Mike Henshaw, Vice Chair; Johnna Franks, Treasurer; Kerri Roberts, Secretary; Andy Scott, Andy Baril, Bill Snoddy, Jimmy Madison, Matt Brock, Maggie Johnston, Brad Nail, Zack Brannon

Allison opened the meeting and addressed the nonprofit status of the WCNRC and stated if we pursue 501(c)3 status, we must have bylaws which include a mission statement. She had emailed all members a draft proposal of bylaws to look over. These were taken from the state natural resources council site and tweaked a bit for Winston County.  The floor was opened to thoughts about the bylaws. 

Johnna noted she became a member in 1989 and the council was already going then but she does not have a copy of bylaws. Original members are no longer involved. Maggie noted she thought that the group at one time had bylaws and must have been a nonprofit and noted we could look on the Secretary of State website. Bill asked if we truly wanted to go after nonprofit status when there are other options. Allison noted that there are grant opportunities to nonprofits for large sums of money and working with larger organization/groups and that she thought it would be a good idea. Zack noted that he had spoken with an accountant that reestablished the Haleyville Community Foundation to nonprofit status and an estimate from this individual was $800 then $600 annually to file the 990 form. Allison said she also talked to a CPA from Cullman that works with the Smith Lake Advocacy, but they would not give any estimates until after tax season. Maggie noted Wild Alabama uses one, Kerri Nichols, who could file an E-990 for $100 as long as it was for amounts <$50,000. 

Allison asked for a motion on: 

1)If the council wishes to pursue moving forward with the nonprofit status. 

2) If we wish to hire a professional to file the paperwork needed. 

Andy Baril seconded the motion. Members present agreed. No one opposed. 

Allison did note the officers will continue working on finding any old bylaws or tweaking newly drafted ones to include information on officer duties and terms. This topic will be revisited next meeting. Everyone is encouraged to read over the drafted bylaws and give input. 

Johnna gave the treasurer report. She noted it was the same as last month, which is $8066.52. Of this amount $663.18 is grant funds for the Alabama Forestry Commission held in the account that was a grant by Joel Bartlett. She has spoken with Casey about spending the money or if they want to donate it to the council. It is earmarked for fire fighting equipment. Johnna also noted she will be retiring from the AFC by summer and wishes to retire from being the WCNRC treasurer also. We should be looking for a new treasurer and she recommends someone local to write checks when needed. Johnna gave an AFC update stating they are behind on burning, working on management plans and Casey has been very busy. Supposed to get trees in for giveaway next week. Will giveaway first week of March. 

Brad noted the AFA is a nonprofit so may can assist our group with the process, if needed. He also updated on the Mims Property canoe access project on Hwy 33. They are working on getting documents signed with the county for fixing the parking area, blocking access to the lower portion and possibly an educational pavilion in the future. The AFA children's book, Lucy Meets a Logger is out and he will get the council a copy. There will be a Learn and Burn in Fayette the week of March 22-26 at the crossroads of 13 and 102. There will be a late spring Learn and Burn on the Walker/Winston line. Watch for flyers on those and share with folks. 

Andy Baril noted the Walker County tree giveaway of long leaf pines to school students will be next month. There is a private pesticide applicator workshop coming up. Walker County tree sale will be March 5 at the Farmer's Market. 

Kerri reported she will also be giving away long leaf pine seedlings to 4-H students in Winston County in March. International Forest Co. is donating the 600 seedlings. 4-H is working on AWW events with high school students from Lynn and Meek and our 4-H ambassador may be asked to interview Andy Scott and Allison about the AWW locations in Bankhead for a short video. 

Maggie gave a Wild Alabama update. The weather has hampered some activities, but they did do a crosscut saw and chainsaw training and are working with Winston County school teachers to plan Citizen Science activities including Hemlock research and repopulating hardwoods by collecting acorns. 

Matt updated on CWD. They have still not had it confirmed in Alabama yet. Had good sample numbers statewide but collection at the Bankhead freezer was really low. Very high deer harvest this year with game check reporting 195,000 deer harvested this year in Al. They had a youth trapping workshop and had 25 kids participate. It was a success and he suggests maybe hosting one in Winston County in the future. 

Andy Scott noted the forest service is very busy. They are gearing up for three timber sales. There is a green salamander study ongoing and silviculture work going on. All recreation sites are open. There is an Americorp Vista position open in the Bankhead. This person would organize volunteers and strengthen partnership opportunities. 

The meeting adjourned. Next meeting March 18 via zoom.