Winston County Natural Resources Council: Minutes of March Meeting

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met on March 21, 2024, at the U. S. Forest Service Office in Double Springs.  The following members were present: Matt Hannah, John Creed, Andy Scott, Lauranne James, Tina Burnett, Mark Finley, Mike Henshaw, Chris Horne, Amy Melson, Casey Hammack, Jamie Segroves, and Zack Brannon.

The first item was the officers for the council.  Matt nominated Jamie Segroves for Chair, Zach Brannon for Vice Chair, Mike Henshaw for Secretary, and Casey Hammack for Treasurer.  John Creed seconded the motion, and all agreed.

The following topics were also discussed:

• Recreational Pond Management program tentatively scheduled for Friday, April 12, at Bill and Jeanie Snoddy’s TREASURE Forest near Double Springs.  The program will focus on the managing fish populations for sport fishing and control of common pond weeds.  The council will assist with the setup and assist with program as needed.
• FAWN program location and funding was discussed.  Mark said he would check with the Winston County Board of Education Superintendent about help with the bus transportation costs.  Andy said Houston Recreation Area would be available to host FAWN.  Matt said his property would be available at short notice if needed.  Tina said the past FAWN was her first one, but looks forward to the Winston County Soil and Water Conservation District participating in the next one.  The SWCD is a sponsor of the FAWN program.
• Lauranne said Winston/Marion NRCS had a new district conservationist, Paul Green.  She also said that the Northwest RC&D Council would be hosting a Weather Radio GiveAway and that it would be coordinated with Winston County Emergency Management.  Watch for details on this event on their Facebook Page.
• Andy said the Bankhead was focused on prescribed burns this spring, and with approximately 10,000 acres treated with prescribed fire so far this season.  The District is also working on a number of timber sales and as well as a stewardship contract.
• Jamie said the Forestry Commission was busy with prescribed burns for private landowners in Winston County this spring.
• Zach and Jamie outlined plans for a forest landowner tour in the Moreland area on the topic of Southern Pine Beetles, which have been a significant issue this year.  Zach said he had submitted a grant application to the Alabama Forestry Foundation to cover some of the expenses of the tour.  The tour is tentatively planned for the May/June timeframe.
• Casey said the balance of the treasury is $5,571.69.  Casey said that he and Matt will complete the annual non-profit tax return well before the deadline.

Mike Henshaw

Secretary