SCDNR Board Meeting Minutes

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

Director Boyles offered the invocation.

Mr. Hutchins led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chairman Pulliam asked that each Board member contact and personally invite each Senator and Representative to the legislative reception on February 1, 2023.

Shannon Bobertz, Chief of Staff, introduced Sara Green, SC Wildlife Federation; Bill Craver, Patriots Point Development Authority; Gary Collins, Seamon Whiteside; Wayne Adams, Patriots Point Development Authority; and Tracy Ray, Bennett Hospitality.

Mrs. Bobertz informed the Board that Mr. Adams has requested to address the Board. Mr. Adams’ comments were related to the Patriots Point Conservation Easement, which is on the agenda for possible action.

Mrs. Bobertz informed the Board that Mr. Collins has requested to address the Board. Mr. Collins’ comments were related to the Patriots Point Conservation Easement, which is on the agenda for possible action.

Chairman Pulliam asked if there were any additions, deletions or corrections to the minutes of the December 8, 2022 Board meeting. Dr. Hartley made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the December 8, 2022 Board meeting as presented. Mr.Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Commendations

1. Director Boyles commended SCDNR General Counsel Susan O. Porter on her selection by the Richland County Bar Association to receive the Matthew J. Perry Civility Award for Judges.
2. Director Boyles commended SCDNR Audits Manager Caleb-Scott Cohoon for coordinating the Office of the Inspector General Fraud Awareness Training on January 9 for the Director, Chief of Staff, Deputy Directors, and Senior Staff and on January 11 for the Customer Service and Business Managers staff with Inspector General Brian Lamkin, Deputy Inspector General Leslie Wiser, Jr. in attendance and the training presented by Bessie Watson of the Office of the Inspector General.
3. Director Boyles commended Law Enforcement staff on their recognition by the grandson of retired Captain Donald Porcher Pinckney who passed away recently. His grandson Chris Yates commended the strong showing of current and retired Law Enforcement staff who were at Captain Pinckney’s funeral in honor and recognition of his grandfather. He was touched and “so proud of my Grandfather and even more proud of the State of South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The respect that was shown to my Grandfather and my Family will never be forgotten.”
4. Director Boyles commended Law Enforcement Lance Corporal Ryan Abernathy who was recognized by Justice John W. Kittredge of Greenville for his “professional and exemplary service.” Justice Kittredge commended him on his assistance with problems with poachers and trespassers on his family property in Laurens County. He stated that “As a property owner, we are so grateful for DNR and its commitment to professionalism.”
5. Director Boyles informed the Board that Shannon Bobertz has been selected to serve on the Executive Committee of the Richland County Bar.
6. Director Boyles informed the Board that Angie Cassella, Deputy Director for Administration Division, will be retiring at the end of March 2023.
7. Director Boyles gave the Board a brief update on Ramsey Grove.
8. Director Boyles mentioned that upon the retirement of Eric Sutton of Florida Fish and Game Commission, he is now serving as Interim President of SEAFWA, as Mr.Sutton was the President. Director Boyles also mentioned that he will be serving as Chairman of the National Fish Habitat Partnership Board.
9. Kevin Ryan, Director of Government Affairs, reported on the House Wildlife Subcommittee and the bills that have advanced to the full committee Electronic Reporting for Deer, Oversight Clean Up and Blue Catfish. Mr. Ryan reviewed the Governor’s Budget.
10. Director Boyles reported that Brock Conrad, former Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries passed away recently.
11. Director Boyles reported that Tim Fulmer, Wildlife Technician in the Union area, passed away recently.
12. Mrs. Cassella reported that as of December the customer service office is up to date.

Law Enforcement

COL Chisolm Frampton, Deputy Director for Law Enforcement, reported that the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee met December 13, 2022 at the Styx Law Enforcement Training Classroom. The Advisory Committee received updates on new hires, deployments and a report on infectious disease control and OSHA.

1. Headquarters Building Update
   Mrs. Cassella reported that as of January 4, 2023, the design plans have been finalized. They will be able to break ground once permits are issued and expect 12-18 months for completion.
2. Climate Update
   Hope Mizzell, Land, Water and Conservation Division, provided statistics on December weather and reported on drought conditions in the state. Dr. Mizzell provided rainfall totals, precipitation percentiles, streamflow, lake levels, groundwater monitoring wells around the state, precipitation forecast and temperature forecast.
3. Take One Make One Program
   LCPL Mark Ferrell gave the Board a brief presentation on the Take One Make One Program. The presentation included requirements to participate in the program, partnerships and showed photos from hunts. LCPL Ferrell showed the Heritage Trailer and mentioned that four smaller trailers have been designed. LCPL Ferrell informed the Board of the number of hunts and youth involved in 2022.

Patriots Point Conservation Easement

Ken Prosser, Assistant Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, reviewed the materials for the Patriots Point Conservation Easement, as included in the meeting packet. Dr. Hartley made a motion that the SCDNR Board, upon the recommendation of SCDNR staff, approve the Amended and Restated Deed of Conservation Easement for Patriots Point in Charleston County. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

The Board’s next scheduled meeting will be held Thursday, February 16, 2023 in Charleston.

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