SCDNR Board Meeting Minutes

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

Rev. Ron Kenyon, SC Law Enforcement Assistance Program, offered the invocation. Chairman Pulliam informed the group that Rev. Kenyon will be retiring soon and thanked him for his service.

Mike Hutchins led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Robert Boyles, Deputy Director for Marine Resources introduced Austin Smallwood, SC Association of Realtors; and Tuffy Edwards.

Shannon Bobertz, Chief Counsel, introduced Mary Lucas, the newly hired attorney that will serve as the Security Officer.

Mr. Boyles reported that there were no requests for constituent comment.

Chairman Pulliam asked if there were any amendments, additions, deletions or corrections to the November 16, 2017 meeting minutes. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the November 16, 2017 meeting as submitted. Mr. Hinson seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Commendations
Director Taylor commended Ross Self and staff for their work in coordinating the Annual Sportfishing Industry Summit at the Webb Center.

Director Taylor commended Shannon Bobertz for her work with the House Legislative Oversight Committee hearings and presented her with a Meritorious Service Award.

1. Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Mrs. Willis is serving as the Board representative for this committee. Mrs. Willis asked Mr. Boyles to give the report. Mr. Boyles reported that the Advisory Committee met November 17 in Charleston. The Advisory Committee received a presentation on the findings of billfish tagging and the deployment on the Charleston Marine Reef. The Advisory Committee approved the tournament schedule for 2018. Steve Mungo was elected as Vice Chairman.
2. Marine

   Mrs. Willis reported that the Marine Advisory Committee met December 1 in Charleston. The Advisory Committee received an update on the SC red drum fishery. The Advisory Committee received and approved staff recommendation to reduce the personal daily limit from three to two; enhance outreach to use proper tackle; and establish a boat limit. Mrs. Willis stated that the Marine Advisory Committee recommends that DNR pursue legislation to establish a boat limit of five and a two per person per day. Mr. Boyles mentioned that after meeting with several members of the General Assembly staff they would like to change the boat limit to six.

   Mrs. Willis made a motion that the Department pursue legislation to reduce the personal limit of red drum from three to two, with a boat limit of six. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

   There was also a discussion of sea trout and fish kills due to the cold weather.

Climate Update
Hope Mizzell, Land, Water and Conservation Division, gave the Board a brief report on the recent snow events. Dr. Mizzell then reported on the drought conditions, rainfall totals, precipitation percentiles, streamflows, lake levels and ground-water monitoring wells around the state.

Director Taylor attended the Joint Bond Review Committee meeting on December 5 at which the Department was given an exemption on dike repairs.

Director Taylor reminded the Board of the House Legislative Oversight Subcommittee meeting scheduled for Monday, February 12 beginning at 2:00 pm in room 108 of the Blatt Building.

Director Taylor shared with the Board the special edition of South Carolina Wildlife magazine which specifically highlights the positive impact on youth.

Director Taylor attended a meeting with Senator Harvey Peeler to discuss Duke Energy property in Cherokee.

Director Taylor reported that the SCDNR Youth Trap Championship 50 Target Event is scheduled for Friday, February 9 and the SCDNR Youth Skeet Championship 50 Target Event is scheduled for Saturday, February 10 at the NWTF headquarters in Edgefield.

Director Taylor reminded the Board that the Natural Resources Legislative Reception is scheduled for Tuesday, February 20 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm in the Moore Building at the SC State Fairgrounds.

Mike Sabaka, Director of Legislative Services, reported that this is the second year of a two year session and noted that the legislative report shows the status of items introduced last year that did not pass. Mr. Sabaka reported on offshore oil drilling and testing; surface water withdrawal; watercraft registration and property tax; red fish blue crab revisions; striped bass; 100 foot wake zone, and Conservation Bank.

Lorianne Riggin, Director of Environmental Programs, reported on the SCDNR General Permit Application; I-73; and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) New Oil and Gas Leasing Program.

1. Division of Administration
   Carole Collins, Deputy Director for Division of Administration, gave the Board a brief update on the Single Audit.
2. Land, Water and Conservation
   Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water and Conservation, gave the Board a brief update on water planning.
3. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, gave the Board a brief update on the impact of the cold weather on shorebirds.
4. Law Enforcement
   COL Chisolm Frampton, Deputy Director for Law Enforcement, gave the Board an update on the inclement weather detail and the upcoming hiring. COL Frampton asked CPT Billy Downer to give the Board an update on the Skeet and Trap Shoot.
5. Marine
   Mr. Boyles informed the Board that there have been 164 reported fish kills due to the cold weather.

Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board go into Executive Session pursuant to SC Code Section 30-4-70(A)(2) to discuss legal advice, and contractual matters related to real property in items (A) and (B), and SC Code Section 30-4-70(a)(1) to discuss appointments to advisory boards related to item (C). Mrs. Willis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

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

Mrs. Willis made a motion that the Board approve Board Policy 206.01 as presented. Mr. Yonce seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Hinson made a motion that the Board approve the trade of 77 acres of SCDNR land for approximately 64 acres of land owned by Mendel Stewart in the Eastatoe Valley Area of Pickens County. Mr. Yonce seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the reappointments to the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee for a term of July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2021, of the following individuals: Cleveland T. Smith, DMD and Q. Stanford Halliday, III. Mr. Yonce seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

The next meeting of the Board will be February 20 in Columbia.

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