April Meeting Minutes

 

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the U. S. Forest Service office in Double Springs.  Present were Zack Brannon, Ron Scalf, Paul Green, Vanessa King, Kerry Clark, Chris Horne, and Mike Henshaw.  Matt Hannah was out of town, and Kathy Terry-Warner, Forestry, Wildlife, and Natural Resources Regional Extension Agent, sent her regrets that she could not attend because she had accepted a new position.  

The following items were discussed:

• Paul said that CSP Enhancements program has been reduced, and there will no longer be automatic renewals.
• Zack gave a report on the Arts Council and Wild Alabama program at Looney's modeled after the FAWN program.  Extension had a station on soils.
• The Stream Hydrology Trailer has been paid for, but there is no date for completion or delivery.  Zack stated it would be beneficial if it was ready before FAWN.
• Zack mentioned the vacant Forestry, Wildlife, and Natural Resources Regional Extension Agent position.  He encourage everyone that knows of qualified applicants to let them know.  He also said that he believed the position would be housed in the Winston County Extension Office.
• Zack gave a update on the financial report. Vanessa suggested we table the treasurer's report.  Ron moved that we table the report and Paul seconded, all agreed.
• Zack said that bill for FAWN bus transportation probably going to be covered by the BOE.  Vanessa said that if it was not, there was a possibility that the NW RC&D would be able to help.
• Discussed possible fall landowner tour.  Possible topics include feral hogs, food plots, hunting safety, turkey habitat, forest management after beetles/harvest.  This will be an outreach event which will make it qualified for NW RCD funding.
• Certified Burn Manager Training is moving to an online format, possibly by July, 2026.
• Pond Management Workshop is scheduled for May 1 at Bill and Jeanie Snoddy's property in Double Springs.
• Archery Range at Hurricane Creek - Ron.
• Paul gave an update on the changes to NRCS programs.  The EQIP and CSP programs have shifted priorities, and there have been some reductions.  Staffing changes statewide.
• Kerry gave an update on the reorganization of the U. S. Forest Service.  Salt Lake City will be the new national headquarters of the Forest Service.  Fire fighting duties are being changed at both the Department of the Interior and U. S. Forest Service.  He also said that the prescribed fire season is nearly complete for this year on the Bankhead.  Road work will be the focus in coming months.
• Vanessa said the Quarterly Outreach Meeting of the NW RC&D will be held at Lakeshore Restaurant on Thursday, May 14, at 9:30 am.  Grant application season is open now and closes on June 30, 2026.  WCNRC members are invited to attend.  Register here.
• Ron moved to adjourn and Paul seconded with all in agreement.

Submitted by Mike Henshaw, Secretary, WCNRC