Minutes

Board of the Department of Natural Resources

Rembert C. Dennis Building, Room 335

Columbia, SC

Friday, October 18, 2002

9:30 a.m.

The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 9:30 am, on Friday, October 18, 2002, at the Rembert C. Dennis Building, Columbia, South Carolina. Notice of the date, time and place of the meeting was posted and mailed to the news media. Chairman Dr. Joab M. Lesesne presided at the meeting. Board members present included Dr. Julius Leary, Danny Ford, Ben Gregg, M. Russell Holliday, Jr., Malloy McEachin and Dr. Douglas Rucker. Dr. Paul A. Sandifer and staff members of the Department of Natural Resources were present at the meeting, as were various guests.

I. Call to Order

        Chairman Lesesne called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting.

II. Meditation

        Chairman Lesesne asked for a moment of silent meditation.

III. Introduction of Guests

        Cary Chamblee introduced Jim Newman, Florence Morning News and Patten Watson, SC Wildlife Federation.

IV. Approval of Minutes

Chairman Lesesne asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes of the September 13, 2002, meeting. There being no corrections or additions the minutes of the September 13, 2002, were approved as submitted.

V. Presentations/Commendations

Dr. Sandifer presented the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Mark J. Reeff Memorial Award to BeBe Harrison.

Dr. Sandifer congratulated Freddy Vang for his positive front-page write-up in The State newspaper on September 22.

Dr. Sandifer congratulated staff on the National Preservation Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation received for DNR’s work on the Hunley submarine.

Dr. Sandifer congratulated David Cupka on his selection as Chairman of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council.

Dr. Sandifer congratulated Kathy Hensley, LWC Division, who served as General Conference Chair for the Southeastern Conference of Public Administrators.

VI. Advisory Committee Reports

1. Conservation Education and Communications

Mr. Ford reported that the Conservation Education and Communications Advisory Committee met at DNR’s Styx facility. Mr. Ford stated that Carole Collins reviewed staff reassignments for the division. Ms. Collins also reported that traffic has picked up in the wildlife Shop due to its relocation. Mr. Ford noted that each section chief reported on their top five achievements. Jim Goller presented the marketing initiative.
 

2. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries

Ms. Holliday reported that the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee met on October 3, in Columbia. Ms. Holliday announced that Randy Brewer has been appointed by Governor Hodges to the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee. Ms. Holliday noted that the advisory committee received an update on the furbearer enclosure recommendation and heard additional comments from pen owners, trappers and staff. Ms. Holliday there has been a letter writing campaign to Governor Hodges regarding furbearer enclosures. The Advisory Committee reviewed draft 9 and have established a sub-committee. Ms. Holliday stated that the Advisory Committee received a report on hydrilla. The Advisory Committee also held a discussion on WMA properties. The next meeting of the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee will be held in Columbia on November 12.

VII. Items for Board Information

1. Drought Status/Climate Update

Hope Mizzell reported that the last time the drought committee met, September 24, they downgraded most of the state to the severe drought level. Ms. Mizzell stated that over the period of two months the state has received significant and beneficial rainfall. Some areas have received enough rain to raise the level to normal and some even above normal. Ms. Mizzell noted that even though two months of rainfall has been received, the drought is not over. Ms. Mizzell then reported on the recent situation with the Pee Dee River and the Savannah River. Ms. Mizzell also reviewed water table data. Ms. Mizzell then discussed the upcoming weather predictions.

2. Southeast Regional Climate Center Website Demonstration

Michael Janis reported that the Southeast Regional Climate Center has recently updated all the pages on the website. Mr. Janis demonstrated the use of the website and reviewed some of the information and resources contained on these pages and the types of users of the pages.

VIII. Item for Board Action

IX. Director’s Briefing

X. Items for Board Action

1. Heritage Preserve Wildfire Plans – Victoria Bluff and Lewis Ocean Bay

Jamie Dozier and Johnny Stowe reviewed the wildfire plans and the reasoning for their development. The SC Forestry Commission has reviewed these plans. Mr. McEachin made a motion that the Board approve the Victoria Bluff and Lewis Ocean Bay Wildfire Plans as proposed. Dr. Rucker seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
 

2. Childsbury Heritage Preserve Management Plan

Chris Judge reviewed the Childsbury Heritage Preserve Management Plan and answered question posed by Board Members. Mr. McEachin made a motion that the Board approve the Childsbury Heritage Preserve Management Plan as proposed. Dr. Rucker seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Heritage Trust Property Acquisition

This item will be discussed in executive session.

XI. Deputy Directors’ Reports

No further report.
 

No further report.
 

Col. Wright reviewed several cases that were made during the month of September.
 

Carole Collins informed the Board that the Duck Stamp judging will be held on November 7. Ms. Collins reported that CEC is gearing up for the holiday season and the catalog will be ready by the end of October.

John Miglarese informed the Board that a Shellfish Restoration Project demonstration will be held on October 30. Dr. Miglarese also reminded the Board that the NERR dedication will be a noon on November 14.

XII. Executive Session

XIII. Return to Regular Session

The Board returned to regular session and invited staff and guests to join the meeting.

XVI. Time and Location of the Next Meeting

XVII. Adjournment