The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 10:00 am, on Friday, January 19, 2007, 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 Mike McShane presided at the meeting. Board members present included Michael Campbell, John Evans, Frank Murray, and Norman Pulliam. Stephen Davis was present by conference call, Mr. John Frampton and staff members of the Department of Natural Resources were present at the meeting, as were various guests.

1. Call to Order
   Chairman McShane called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting.
   
2. Invocation
   Chairman McShane asked Rev. Eric Skidmore to offer the invocation.
   
3. Pledge of Allegiance
   Vice Chairman Campbell led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
   
4. Introduction of Guests
   Emily Cope introduced Joey Holleman, The State newspaper; Scott Whitaker, CCA Executive Director; Mike Able, CCA State Board Member; Tombo Milliken, CCA State Board Member; Tom Milliken, Sr., CCA; Michael Otis, CCA; Claude Sapp, CCA; and Kenneth Barton, USC student who will be interning with DNR through April.
   
5. Constituent Comments
   Scott Whitaker, Tom Milliken, Sr., and Mike Able made comments on behalf of CCA. Scott Whitaker stated that he appreciated the work of the Agency, the Board, and especially Mel Bell on the finfish bill. Each speaker indicated that the only difference of opinion they have with the proposed legislation is the size limit for flounder. CCA believes that 14 inches, rather than 12 inches, is more proactive. Written comments presented by Mr. Able and Mr. Milliken are attached. After much discussion, Mr. Frampton stated that staff will review this request and present a summary at the February Board meeting.
   
6. Approval of Minutes
   Chairman McShane asked if there were any additions, deletions, or corrections to the minutes of the December 15, 2006, meeting. Mr. Frampton noted that he had some grammatical changes but there would be no changes to the content of the minutes. There being no other changes, Mr. Evans made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the December 15, 2006, meeting with the appropriate grammatical changes. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   
7. Presentations/Commendations
   Mr. Frampton commended Shirley Clark and Barbara Hasty for their work as co-chairs for the United Way Campaign. This year's campaign raised $8,000 in payroll deductions and over $500 in pennies and other coins collected in a competition between the divisions that was called the "penny wars." Mr. Frampton presented Dean Thomas, of the Land, Water and Conservation Division with a plaque designating LWC the 2006 winner.
   
   Mr. Frampton presented the Professional Certification plaque to Sherry Brown designating her as an Equal Employment Opportunity Professional. This certification is provided by the SC Human Affairs Commission.
   
   Mr. Frampton commended BeBe Harrison for an award she received from the members of the Aquatic Resources Education Association in recognition of her exceptional support of aquatic resource education.
   
   Chairman McShane commended all staff involved in the recently held legislative reception.
   
   Mr. Frampton thanked all staff involved in the planning of this reception and noted their commitment and dedication. Mr. Frampton then presented Elizabeth Bradley, Robert McCullough, and Sandy Rucker each with a "Thank You" card for their work. Mr. Frampton also presented Mrs. Bradley with an "On the Spot" award for her first year efforts in coordinating food and decorations for the reception.
   
   Chairman McShane presented Mrs. Bradley and the staff of the Wildlife Shop with the Board’s "Making a Difference, Naturally" Award.

8. Advisory Committee Reports
   Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Breck Carmichael reported that the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee met on January 9, in Columbia. The Advisory Committee received a report on recent acquisitions and alligator harvest season. Wade Bales gave the Advisory Committee status reports on the State Lakes Program and the Santee Cooper Striped Bass meetings. Charles Ruth distributed and reviewed the Wild Turkey Brood Survey. The Advisory Committee also received a legislative update.
   
9. Items for Board Action
   1. Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve Management Plan
      Tim Ivey informed the Board that Management Plans are on a revolving schedule for review and update. Mr. Ivey then introduced Brett Moule. Mr. Moule reviewed the proposed Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve Management Plan as mailed to the Board in their meeting package. Mr. Evans made a motion that the Board approve the Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve Management plan as presented. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   2. Cartwheel Bay Heritage Preserve Management Plan
      Chairman McShane informed the Board that the Cartwheel Bay Heritage Preserve Management Plan has been updated to the new format and there are no changes. Mr. Evans made a motion that the Board affirm that the Cartwheel Bay Heritage Preserve Management Plan was changed and it be dated January 19, 2007. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   3. Proposed Regulations
      Mr. Ivey reviewed the Proposed Regulations for Game Zone Changes. South Carolina is moving from 11 game zones to six game zones. Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board approve the proposed Game Zone Regulations as presented. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
      
10. Director’s Briefings
    Mr. Frampton informed the Board that DNR's House Ways and Means Subcommittee Budget Hearing will be held on January 24.
    
11. Legislative Report
    Derrick Meggie reviewed draft 18 of the alligator legislation and noted that staff are currently drafting regulations to go along with this legislation. Mr. Frampton noted that there may be some changes regarding the acreage in this legislation. Mr. Pulliam made a motion to affirm the alligator legislation with the understanding that there may be changes in the acreage. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Meggie then reviewed and answered questions on the following legislation: Use of state managed lands, bear hunting in game zone 1, shack boats, ATVs, elk protection, constitutional right to hunt, and dog hunting.
    
    The Board instructed staff to return with a recommendation regarding dog hunting/road hunting, after presenting it to the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee. This should be on the April Board meeting agenda.
    
12. Deputy Directors' Reports
    
    1. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
       Breck Carmichael reported that Jocassee Gorges has been designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society and Bird Life International.
    2. Law Enforcement
       Col. Alvin Taylor reported that 30 officers will be sworn in on February 12. Seventeen will attend the academy and 13 will attend wildlife basic.
    3. Outreach and Support Services
       Carole Collins reported that she has been making a four-year comparison of expenditures for the Budget Subcommittee meeting.
    4. Marine Resources
       Robert Boyles reported that the commercial shrimp fishery closed on January 15.
    5. Land, Water and Conservation
       Mr. Frampton introduced Steve de Kozlowski and informed the Board that he has been named Assistant Deputy Director for the Land, Water and Conservation Division. Mr. de Kozlowski introduced Sean Taylor, the recently hired archaeologist. Mr. de Kozlowski gave a status report on the boat registration renewal system; as well as a climate update.
       
13. Executive Session
    At this time Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board hold an Executive Session to discuss contractual, legal, and personnel matters. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
14. Return to Regular Session
    Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board return to regular session. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Evans made a motion to direct staff to move forward with a property acquisition in Colleton County. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Pulliam made a motion to approve the nomination of Mr. John Grambling, of Grambling, SC, to the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee as a DNR Board appointment. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
15. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
    The February Board meeting will be held on Friday, February 16, at the NOAA Lab in Charleston.
    
16. Adjournment
    There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.