Friday, March 17, 2023

March Meeting Summary

 The following individuals attended the March 2023 WCNRC meeting: Andy Scott, Casey Hammack, Jamie Segroves, Mike Henshaw, John Creed, Mark Finley, Maggie Johnston, Amy Melson and Allison Cochran.  


The Learn & Burn put together by AFA at Matt Hannah's was a success with about 30 individuals attending and about 50 acres burned.  The tree giveaway was successful.  Renew Our Rivers is planned for April 27 & 28 at Houston and help is needed to clean-up trash in our waterways. 

Discussions were had on the incorporation for our organization.  We will do some more investigating on how to proceed.

Treasurer's Report - $3000 from the Self Field Day from the ANRC was deposited. These were reimbursements for food, tent and portable toilet rental and speaker travel.  The balance is $7940.34.  

AFC is busy burning, as is the Forest Service.  

Mark Finley is attending a Treasure Forest meeting in Montgomery next week and will report back.

Wild Alabama has many upcoming events which are listed on their website, including several events and fund
rasiers around Earth Day and Trails Day.  Wild AL received a donation of land adjacent to Bankhead on the north end.  They are hopeful to build a small educational facility, office and informational kiosk.  

Andy Scott reported on many projects and issues on Bankhead National Forest, including the damage to the bridge at Sipsey Rec Area.  A land exchange has been completed that acquired two tracts on the Sipsey Fork, 11 acres total.  Stewardship sales are not receiving much interest from bidders, so the staff is working on other ideas on how to get the needed projects completed.  A Natural Resources Specialist vice Shane Hoskins, ORA, has been hired.  There is a vacancy open now for timber marker positions.  

Maggie suggested a field trip to her land to see the shortleaf pine project that Mississippi State University is working on.

Mike Henshaw met with Greg Couch of the Alabama Scenic River Trails group at the Mims tract.

Next meeting is April 20, location TBD. 


ForestHER workshop in Decatur scheduled for 4/13 and 4/14

 


Wednesday, March 15, 2023

White Oaks in North Alabama

Are you aware of the importance of and some of the uses of white oaks in north Alabama?  If not, read the links below!

Photo Credit mass.gov
White Oak Initiative





Monday, March 13, 2023

Bankhead Liaison Panel Meeting

 The Bankhead Liaison Panel will meet on Tuesday, 3/14, at 6 PM at the First National Bank in Double Springs.  Anyone interested in the management of the Bankhead National Forest is invited to this public meeting.

Past meeting summaries are found here: 

National Forests in Alabama - Bankhead

March Meeting Planned for 3/16 at 9 AM

 The Winston County Natural Resources Council will meet on Thursday, 3/16 at 9 AM at the Bankhead National Forest office in Double Springs, AL.

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Learn and Burn at Matt Hannah's Forestland

 A Learn and Burn to promote prescribed fire on private forestland was held on Matt Hannah's forestland property near Arley on February 28 .  Below are a few photos from the live fire event.  Thanks to Matt Hannah for hosting the event on his property, and thanks to these sponsors: Alabama Forestry Foundation, Winston County Natural Resources Council, Alabama Forestry Commission, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, NRCS and others. For more photos of the event, please visit this link.