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| From left, Rhonda Riley, John Creed, Allison Cochran, Kerry Clark, Casey Hammack, Jamie Segroves, Zach Brannon, and Mark Finley. Not pictured, Lauranne James, and Mike Henshaw. |
The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on July 17, at the Alabama Forestry Commission Office in Double Springs. Present were: Rhonda Riley, John Creed, Allison Cochran, Kerry Clark, Casey Hammack, Jamie Segroves, Zach Brannon, Mark Finley, Lauranne James, and Mike Henshaw.
The following items were discussed:
- Possible Fall tour of Grayson Sawmill
- Weather and fire conditions
- Needle blight severity has become less severe
- Ice Machine installation
- 2025 RC&D Grant proposal for a Stream Hydrodynamics Trailer
- FAWN Dates set for October 8-9, with the walk-thru on October 7. FAWN meal will be cook out and or BBQ. FAWN t-shirts, stations, and transportation costs. Site will be Houston Recreation Area this year.
- Walker County Logger Training Date - August 13, at Bevill State
- Kerry gave an update on the possible combination of Forest Service and Department of Interior fire fighting resources into one unit.
- Jamie and Kerry gave an update on personnel assigned to wildfire outbreaks in various parts of the US.
- Pine beetle trap counts are down and there are fewer pine beetle spots being located by plane - Kerry and Jamie.
- Casey gave the Treasurer's Report and Annual Report to the Council. The balance in the treasury is $7,853.50. He also reviewed the latest bank statement and the IRS filing for this year. The council inspected the bank statements and the IRS filing as required annually in the by-laws. John stated that he also monitors the bank account balances frequently online. John Creed moved that we accept the Treasurer's report and annual report. Allison seconded and all approved.
- Zac gave a report on the Forestry Career Day for Winston and Lawrence County planned for October 28 at Alexander Park in Moulton.
- Zac gave an update on the new Forestry and Natural Resources REA position.
- Rhonda said Ravenwood would be opening soon, and trail work would start this Fall.
- Lauranne said they will have a quarterly meeting on August 14, and their Annual NWRC&D meeting celebration on October 24 at the AW Todd Building in Russellville. She invited all the council members to both events. Both events are free, but registration is required.
- Mike moved that the meeting adjourn, and John seconded. After adjourning, we all took a look at the new ice machine that Casey and Jamie installed after being purchased with a grant from the NWRC&D Council. Our council thanks Lauranne and her staff for their help in acquiring this much needed machine. Photo below shows the installation at the AFC office.
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| John Creed holds open the door on the newly installed ice machine at the Alabama Forestry Commission Office. |
Submitted by Mike Henshaw
Secretary, WCNRC
