The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on August 20, 2026, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs. Members are pictured here with the new Stream Hydrology Trailer. Present were: John Creed, Zach Brannon, Lauranne James, Matt Hannah, Emma Wilson, Mark Finley, Dorinda Moody, Riley Jacobs, Tina Burnett, Allyson Taylor, Taylor McHan, Mike Henshaw, Jamie Segroves, and Paul Green. Photo by Porter James.
Jamie called the meeting to order. It was noted that Casey and Allison were out of state on work details. Allison sent word that there was no new information on the Flattened Musk turtle poaching arrest. Jamie reviewed the minutes of the previous meeting. Due to conflicts with hunting season, the council voted to reschedule the landowner field day to Thursday, February 18, 2027, at the Riley Jacob's property. Matt moved to change the date, which was seconded by John, and the motion carried.
The council moved outdoors to see the new Stream Hydrology Trailer that is pictured above. Signage will be added to it soon, to recognize sponsorship from the NorthWest Alabama RC&D Council and the Winston County Soil and Water Conservation District.
The FAWN program was discussed at length, with most all of the details sorted and in place. The walk thru will beheld on Wednesday, October 13, at 9:00 am, at Houston Recreation Area. Thursday and Friday, October 14-15, will be FAWN. Stations will include Prescribed Fire - USFS, Forest Soils - NRCS, Drone technology - EMA, Stream Hydrology - TBA, Forest Pollinators - Free State Beekeepers, Portable Sawmill - A&M, Forest Management - AFC, Skins and Skulls - Spare Station. Zach is handling the t-shirts and BBQ. Matt moved to provide funds to purchase new signs, Mark seconded, and all approved.
Emma Wilson, Private Lands Biologist, Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy, gave an overview of her work and connection to the NRCS. Her office is in the Bessemer Office of the Jefferson County NRCS. Her focus is to restore and protect habitat for the Black Warrior Waterdog and the Flattened Musk Turtle, primarily in the Sipsey Fork and Mulberry Fork watersheds. She partners with the NRCS to implement soil health practices that are included under the EQIP programs. She can also assist landowners with a variety of other topics and partners with several other organizations to bring services to the table.
Paul gave an update on the announced reorganization of the NRCS. The Hamilton Office of the NRCS will soon serve Marion, Fayette, and Lamar Counties. The Lawrence County Office will serve Lawrence and Winston. Blake Garner is the District Conservationist of the Lawrence Office. Paul also noted that the Marion/Winston Counties had $720,000 in projects this year with the majority of that being EQIP. Soil and Water Projects and CSP making up a smaller portion of that.
Mark gave an update on the TREASURE Forest program.
Taylor gave an update on North Alabama Agriplex Programs, as well as the new building that now houses both the Agriplex and Cullman County Extension.
Tina highlighted some Winston County Soil and Water Conservation District programs including Agriculture Learning Labs in school libraries, Career Day Events, and Education in Schools programs.
Zach noted a Homesteading Event would be held in Fayette on September 25, focusing on Farmers Markets, Cottage Foods, and Soil Health. Registration will be open soon on the Extension website. He also highlighted a Practical Ranch Management program at the Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center on October 27. The registration fee for this program is $35.
Jamie noted that AFC is working on end of year programs. Southern Pine Beetle surveillance flights have revealed little damage in Winston County, but Eastern Alabama counties are seeing heavy damage.
Allyson gave an update on forming 4-H WHIP (Wildlife Habitat Education Program) Clubs in Winston County.
Matt moved the meeting be adjourned, John seconded, and the motion carried.
Submitted by
Mike Henshaw, Secretary
