The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Lakeshore Inn and Restaurant. This meeting was held just prior to the Northwest Alabama RC&D Council at Lakeshore. Present were Paul Green, Jamie Segroves, Andy Scott, Mark Finley, Zach Brannon, Maggie Johnston, Amy Melson, Casey Hammack, and Mike Henshaw. The following items were discussed:
- Farmers Market Flyer - Zach
- Learn and Burn - Jamie. He noted that the event had 20 participants and the weather was favorable for the prescribed burn.
- Paul Green - update on NRCS EQIP Programs
- Update on USFS Prescribed Fire Acreage. Andy noted that due to poor weather for prescribed fire, the District is behind schedule on the planned 20,000 acres to be treated with prescribed fire.
- Andy also gave an update on timber sales, pine beetle activity, wild turkey season, special use permits, and improvements to the Hurricane Creek Archery Range.
- Mark informed the council about the TREASURE Forest seminar to be held at Gulf Shores.
- Zach gave progress reports on the Boy Scouts, FFA, Learn and Burn in Walker Co., the Enviroscape, and Earth Day.
- Andy brought up an event to be held at Joe Wheeler State Park called Feather Fest on April 12.
- Zach said ACES would be holding a Homesteading workshop in Etheridge.
- Maggie said Mark was doing great after his surgery. She also promoted a Nature-based learning event that she will be promoting.
- Amy gave a report of the activities at the Northwest Alabamian.
- The Landowner Field Day to be held on April 25 was discussed. Walk-Thru to be held at the Natural Bridge near Houston on Thursday, April 24 to clean up the site and put up signs. Food will be BBQ, trailer and ice will be on hand, Casey will order portable toilets.
- Ravenwood field trip will be held Thursday, May 15.
- Casey gave a treasurer's report with a balance of $8,642.13. He also gave an update on the IRS forms and the IRS confirmation letter. Mike moved that we approve the Treasurer's Report, Zac seconded. All approved.
- Jamie said a by-laws change is needed concerning the requirement to have a CPA check the accounts each year. He is going to propose the by-law changes at an upcoming meeting. Then, the actual approval of the by-law changes would have to be voted on at a subsequent council meeting. Zach moved we have Jamie draw up the proposed by-law changes and Maggie seconded his motion. All approved.
- Mike moved to adjourn the meeting, Zach seconded and all approved.
Submitted by Mike Henshaw, Secretary
