WCNRC July Meeting Minutes

 

The Winston County Natural Resources Council held a brief meeting Thursday, July 15, 2021, at the Houston Recreation Area. Those in attendance were Treasurer P.J. Gossett, Mark and Terri Finley with Alabama Treasured Forests, Lauranne James with the Northwest Alabama RC&D Council, and Heather Eddy from the Bankhead National Forest with the Youth Conservation Corps, consisting of Roc Carey, Kendan Garrison, and Wyatt McDonald.

P.J. gave the current ending balance in the checking account as $8,064.81.

Heather mentioned Wild Alabama has been giving Wild Wednesdays, offering family-oriented hikes to easy places, which will show what the area has to offer. Led by Janice Barrett, outreach and education coordinator of Wild Alabama, the hikes are appropriate for all ages and abilities. However, the trails can be rough and rocky. The outings are free, though donations will be accepted.

Mark had spoken with Zack Brannon, who confirmed FAWN this year will be in person. Zack’s feral swine workshop has a tentative date set for September 14, with September 24, set as a weather date. Funding has been secured from Rick Pate, the Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries. A site has been selected for the workshop, and speakers have been lined up.

Mark also mentioned an Alabama Treasured Forest workshop. The amount of money designated for this varies depending on each county’s population of members. Some funds might be available for a program or event for the workshop, to be held at a later date.

Lauranne said RC&D is just beginning to open up from the pandemic. She mentioned there is money available from the organization for outreach meetings, workshops, expos, etc. The money can be used for a wide variety of these meetings from agriculture and farming to the forest. It is available to landowners and giving people knowledge and educated about what is available in Northwest Alabama.

The next WCNRC meeting has been set at the scheduled time for Thursday, August 19, at 9 a.m. at the pavilion at the Houston Recreation Area.