May Meeting Minutes

 

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on May 21, 2026, at the U. S. Forest Service in Double Springs.  Present were the following: Jamie Segroves, Aidan Flanagan, Ron Scalf, Matt Hannah, Lauranne James, John Creed, Chris Horne, Andy Scott, Casey Hammack, kneeling, Zack Brannon, Lauren Wright, and Mike Henshaw. Not pictured, Allison Cochran.

Jamie called the meeting to order and reviewed the April meeting minutes.  John moved the minutes be approved and Matt seconded.  Jamie asked everyone to introduce themselves and we had two people new to the council.  Lauren Wright is a wildlife biologist on a temporary assignment on the Bankhead District.  Aidan Flanagan is a Auburn student in Biosystems Engineering interning in the Winston County Extension Office.

Casey reviewed the 2025 Annual Financial Report, and a copy was distributed to the council.  Ron moved that the council accept the report, Matt seconded, and was unanimously passed.

Casey gave the treasurer's report, with a balance of $9,089.94.  Matt moved to accept, Ron seconded. All approved.

Jamie said there are no updates on the stream trailer.

RC&D Proposal ideas were discussed.  A skid mounted fire fighting pump/sprayer for use on a UTV that will serve a variety of uses was a favored idea.  A trailer mounted restroom and handwashing station is another possibility, but cost may be too high.  Allison suggested educational items for fire fighting that might be added to the proposal.  Casey will continue to work on the proposal, which is due by June 30.  

Lauranne gave a report on the recent RC&D Quarterly meeting at Lakeshore in Double Springs.  The highlight was a presentation by the Alabama Department of Ag and Industries on sustainability.  She also discussed the 2026 RC&D Grant season.

Zack asked the council to consider dates for FAWN and the Landowner Field Day.  The tentative dates for FAWN are October 14 and 15.  The Landowner Field Day is tentatively set for October 29.  Topics for the field day were also discussed.  Zac and Jamie will work on the agenda and location for the field day.  Matt volunteered his forestland for the field day, and Ron said he would be willing to host a field day in 2027.

Andy gave a Bankhead District update including 

• Prescribed burn acreage - 21,000 acres, meeting target
• Timber harvest - mill shutdown
• Roadside hazardous fuel mitigation of beetle killed pines
• Pine beetle prevention
• Hardwood management activities in selected areas
• Houston Rec Area now open
• Archery Range open
• Update on Atmospheric Radiation Management ARM Facility at Black Warrior Work Center and other sites.

Lauren gave an update on the bird survey.  She also mentioned the Youth Fishing Derby which she is looking into possibilities for hosting the event this year.  The council will look into holding funds for future Fishing Derbys to provide more flexibility in funding them.  Matt moved that we explore this avenue, and Mike seconded.  All agreed.

Zac said two Regional Extension Agent positions were posted on the Alabama Extension website.  

Jamie said they are focused on cogongrass now since it is the season cogongrass seedheads make identification easier.  The Alabama Forestry Commission can control spots on private property at no cost to the landowner.  A map of cogongrass spots on AFC website.

Matt moved that the meeting be adjourned and Zack seconded.  All agreed.

Submitted by Mike Henshaw, Secretary, WCNRC