SCDNR Board Meeting Minutes

Chairman Norman Pulliam called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Rev. Eric Skidmore, SC Law Enforcement Assistance Program, offered the invocation.

Mike Hutchins led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Robert Boyles, Deputy Director for Marine Resources, introduced Scott Whitaker, Executive Director, Coastal Conservation Association; Lewis Bennett, SC Wildlife Rehabilitators Association; Dana Shook, SC Wildlife Rehabilitators Association; Landa Berry, SC Wildlife Rehabilitators Association; Christine Hunt, SC Wildlife Rehabilitators Association; Laura Sterling, SC Wildlife Rehabilitators Association; and Chris Campbell.

Chairman Pulliam asked if there were any additions, deletions or corrections to the November 15, 2018 meeting minutes. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the November 15, 2018 meeting as presented. Mr. Hinson seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Chairman Pulliam commended Director Taylor on his appointment to the Governor’s Floodwater Commission.

Chairman Pulliam commended Director Taylor on his receipt of the National Association of Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Legacy Award.

Director Taylor introduced Kevin Ryan, who will be serving as the agency’s Legislative Director, upon CPT Mike Sabaka’s retirement.

Director Taylor commended Maria Cox Lamm, State Flood Mitigation Program Manager, on her receipt of the SC State Commendation Ribbon by SC EMD Director Kim Stenson for her service and support during Hurricane Florence and the subsequent flood response.

Director Taylor commended Ross Self and staff for their work in coordinating the Annual Sportfishing Industry Summit on December 12.

Mr. Boyles informed the Board that Ms. Sterling has requested to address the Board. Ms. Sterling’s comments were directed toward the proposed addition of Title 50 Chapter 17, Captive Wildlife – Wildlife possession, Rehabilitators, Educators and Researchers.

Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
Mr. Boyles reported that the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board met December 7, in Charleston. The Advisory Board held a discussion on the use of FADs. The Advisory Board was informed of potential projects for memorial reefs. The Advisory Board approved changing the location of the awards reception to Founders Hall at Charles Towne Landing. The Advisory Board discussed moving to an all-release format for Billfish. The Advisory Board was provided an overview of the draft SCGC Advisory Board Policy Document, which will be provided to the SCDNR Board for approval at a later date. The Advisory Board appointed Bobby Garmony as Tournament Committee Chairman. Mr. Boyles noted that Board Member Carlisle Oxner will be serving as the SCDNR Board Representative to the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board.

1. Climate Update
   Melissa Griffin, Land, Water and Conservation Division, distributed and briefly reviewed the 2018 South Carolina Annual Weather Review. Ms. Griffin also distributed and reviewed a news article regarding rainfall amounts in December 2018.
2. Update on Activities at Yawkey Wildlife Center
   Jamie Dozier, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, gave the Board a brief report on current activities at Yawkey Wildlife Center.

Director Taylor informed the Board that since the November meeting staff have been preparing for the General Assembly to return and have been having meetings with members since they have started session.

Director Taylor noted that prefiled bills have been proposed by the General Assembly not the agency.

Director Taylor reported that he has had discussions with Hunters for the Hungry and are working toward meetings to make it a successful program statewide.

Director Taylor reminded the Board of the upcoming Shotgun Sports events.

Kevin Ryan, Director of Legislative Services, gave the Board his background. Mr. Ryan reported that there are 11 prefiled bills that directly affect the agency.

Lorianne Riggin, Director of Environmental Programs, reported on Crab Bank, SCE&G – Dominion merger and the new Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam.

1. Land, Water and Conservation
   Nothing further to report.
2. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Nothing further to report.
3. Law Enforcement
   COL Chisolm Frampton, Deputy Director for Law Enforcement, gave the Board a brief update on the hiring process and noted that 19 new officers will be sworn in today.
4. Marine Resources
   Mr. Boyles gave the Board a brief update on shrimp season.
5. Division of Administration
   Nothing further to report.

1. Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve Management Plan
   Ken Prosser, Assistant Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, briefly reviewed the Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve Management Plan, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve Management Plan as presented. Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Dr. Hartley made a motion that the Board go into Executive Session pursuant to SC Code Section 30-4-70(A)(1) to discuss appointments to advisory boards related to item (B). Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Dr. Hartley made a motion that the Board return to open session, noting that no action was taken during executive session. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

2. Conservation District Commissioner Appointments/Reappointments
   Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the Conservation District Commissioner Appointments/Reappointments with term limits as recommended and approved by the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Committee and presented by staff.
   
   • Appointments:
     Lanneau Siegling of Lexington – 01/17/19 to 01/31/21
     Brian McClam of Williamsburg – 01/17/19 to 09/18/22
   • Reappointments:
     Fred Raines of Abbeville – 01/17/19 to 10/28/22
     Yvonne King of Aiken – 01/17/19 to 07/02/22
     Henry Nicholson of Bamberg – 01/17/19 to 09/01/22
     Alan Ulmer of Beaufort – 01/17/19 to 10/04/22
     Claude McLeod of Beaufort – 01/17/19 to 10/04/22
     William Griggs of Chesterfield – 01/17/19 to 09/13/22
     Douglas Reeves of Dorchester – 01/17/19 to 09/18/22
     Joe Alvin Derrick of Edgefield – 01/17/19 to 07/31/22
     Sabie Cathcart of Fairfield – 01/17/19 to 07/01/22
     Benjamin Hardee of Horry – 01/17/19 to 09/18/22
     F. Michael Seymour of Laurens – 01/17/19 to 11/01/22
     David B. Owens of Marion – 01/17/19 to 11/28/21

Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

The next meeting will be held Friday, March 22, 2019 in Columbia.

Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Mr. Hinson seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.