Minutes of July Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on Thursday, July 18, at the Natural Bridge Picnic Area.  The following members were present Chris Horne, Andy Scott, Matt Hannah, Casey Hammack, John Creed, Mike Henshaw, Brad Nail, Mark Finley, Lauranne James, and Sheriff Caleb Snoddy.  The primary topic was the upcoming landowner field day to be held at the Natural Bridge Picnic Area, and the following was discussed about the field day:

• The date for the landowner filed day is Friday, September 27.  The nearby private forestland property is owned by Horace Ward.  An agenda and the logistics were discussed.  At the Ward Property, the topics will include loblolly pine replacement species, wildlife openings, and the current pine beetle situation, and  NRCS EQIP oak planting practice.  The hardwood area on this property is difficult to access by tour trailers, but it could be an option for some to walk down to the hardwood area on the Ward property.  At the Natural Bridge Picnic Area, the topics would be Native American Heritage, Bluff Shelters - what to do and not do, Oak Savannah Management
• Parking, registration, and welcome will be at the Picnic Area, then move everyone by carpooling or by tour trailers to the Ward Property
• Lunch will be at the Picnic Area followed by the topics to be covered along the trail at picnic area.
• Lunch will be a cook out style similar to the last field day
• Portable toilets will be rented for the Ward Property
• Lauranne said NW Ala RC&D will be glad to assist with Landowner Field Day promotional materials that council members could share on social media.

Other items discussed included:

• Surplus Property for Veteran Owned Businesses and Farms - Mike
• Sheriff Caleb Snoddy dropped in and said they were looking for a lost hiker and was checking the area.
• The Council's Tax Exempt Status and next steps to complete another IRS Form - Casey and Matt
• 2025 Learn and Burns in Winston County Area - Brad
• 50th Anniversary TREASURE Forest Conference, October 2-4, Gulf Shores State Park - Mark
• Linwood Butler was recently named as the next Forest Supervisor for the National Forests in Alabama - Andy
• There will be a large plane-type drone flying over the Bankhead Area soon that will be gathering atmospheric data.  The 22 foot wingspan plane will be flying lower than ordinary small planes and will be louder than normal aircraft.  It will be followed by a manned aircraft flying at higher altitude.  Andy said they are trying to get the word out so that the public will not be alarmed by the unusual drone plane.
• The USFS is on high alert nation-wide concerning fire fighting needs due to conditions in the western US - Andy
• Cogongrass workshop being held today in Colbert County, and Lauranne said that RC&D would be interested in having one in this area at a later date, possibly in the Spring.
• Matt related his experiences on this trip out west concerning firewood restrictions which were very strict as he entered California.  Andy said NASCAR and College Football tailgating activities were a big factor in forest pests moving long distances via firewood.

Matt moved that the meeting be adjourned, and John seconded.  All approved and the meeting was adjourned.

Mike Henshaw - Secretary, WCNRC