MINUTES
BOARD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Maritime Center
Charleston, South Carolina
Thursday, February 12, 1998, 2:00 p.m.
The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held
at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 1998, at the Maritime Center, in Charleston, South
Carolina. Notice of the date, time and place of the meeting was posted and mailed to the news
media. Dr. George Graham presided at the meeting. Board Members present included Thomas
Miller, Marion Burnside, Campbell Coxe, Edwin Oxner, Mary Pope Waring and Edward Lee. 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 Graham called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. and welcomed everyone to the
meeting.
II. Meditation
Chairman Graham asked for a moment of silent meditation.
III. Approval of Minutes
Chairman Graham asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes of the
January 16, 1998 meeting. There being no corrections or additions, the minutes were
accepted as mailed.
IV. Presentations/Commendations
A. Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
Dr. Sandifer introduced James Huggins, President and CEO of the Southeastern
Wildlife Exposition.
Mr. Huggins welcomed everyone to Charleston and to the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition.
B. South Carolina Aquarium
Dr. Sandifer introduced Dr. Christopher Andrews, Executive Director of the South
Carolina Aquarium. Dr. Andrews briefed the Board on the status of fund-raising and
construction of the Aquarium and described plans for freshwater and marine
exhibits and educational outreach.
C. American Fisheries Society
Dr. Ted Smith gave a presentation on a project titled "Development of the basic
requirements for a demonstration scale stock enhancement program for red drum
in South Carolina", for which he and the Department have been widely recognized.
Following Dr. Smith's presentation, Gary Isabell, American Fisheries Society
representative, presented a national award to Dr. Ted Smith and his associates at
the Marine Division for the Outstanding Sportfish Restoration Project of 1997.
D. SC Nature Conservancy
Pat Morgan, Executive Director of the South Carolina Chapter of The Nature
Conservancy, presented Dr. Graham and Dr. Sandifer a check in the amount of
$25,874. These funds are a result of donations they received for land acquisition
for the Jocassee Gorges Project.
E. Junior Duck Stamp
Steve Bates gave a brief background on the Junior Duck Stamp Program. Mr.
Bates reported that there were approximately 500 entries from throughout the state.
Mr. Bates showed the Board the first place winners in each category. Mr. Bates
then presented the Best of Show for 1998 to Christian Chamblee of Heathwood Hall
High School in Columbia. Mr. Chamblee's entry will be forwarded to the national
competition.
V. Items for Board Action
A. Ashley River Scenic River Designation
Barry Beasley gave an overview of the Scenic River Designation Program and
described the study of the Ashley River. The purpose of the Scenic River
Designation Program is to protect the unique and outstanding river heritage in
South Carolina.
Mrs. Waring made a motion that the Board endorse the designation of the portion
of the Ashley River from the Sland's Bridge (US Highway 17A) in Dorchester County
to the Drayton Hall Railroad Trestle (operated by CSX Transportation) in Charleston
County, as a Scenic River and seek designation by the General Assembly. Mr. Lee
seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
B. Proposed Regulation Changes at Lakes Thicketty and Cherokee
Mac Watson reviewed the proposed regulation changes at Lakes Thicketty and
Cherokee (proposed regulations attached to the original minutes). Mr. Coxe made
a motion that the Board accept the regulation changes at Lakes Thicketty and
Cherokee, as recommended by staff. Mr. Miller seconded the motion and the
motion carried unanimously.
C. Deletion of Policy 204.02 "Firearms"
Col. Huguley requested that the DNR Board approve the deletion of Policy 204.02
"Firearms" since this information is included in Policy 301.01 "Use of Force". Mr.
Miller made a motion that the Board approve the deletion of Policy 204.02
"Firearms". Mr. Lee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
D. Agricultural Lands Protection Legislation
Hank Stallworth distributed copies of the most recent version of the proposed Farm
and Forest Lands Protection Act and reviewed the latest revisions. After much
discussion, Mrs. Waring made a motion that the Board endorse the proposed
legislation, to be sent to the General Assembly, with the following amendment to
Section 46-53-110(B)(3): "Unless otherwise authorized in accordance with
subsection 46-53-110(B)(5)(a), if the land subject to the agricultural conservation
easement is no longer viable agricultural land, the county, subject to the approval
of the county board and county council and if state funds were used to purchase the
agricultural conservation easement the state board, may sell, convey, extinguish,
lease, encumber or restrict an agricultural conservation easement to the current
owner of record of the farmland subject to the easement after the expiration of 30
years from the date of purchase of the easement for a purchase price equal to the
value at the time of resale determined pursuant to subsection 46-53-110(D) at the
time of conveyance." Mr. Coxe seconded the motion and the motion carried
unanimously.
VI. Advisory Committee Reports
A. Land, Water and Conservation
Freddy Vang requested approval to proceed with the public hearing process,
through ETV and other media, with regard to the State Water Plan. Ninety-nine
percent of the comments have been addressed. There were no objections to this
request.
Mr. Vang extended his appreciation and the appreciation of the Land Resources
and Water Resources Advisory Committees to the Board for their participation in the
Conservation Districts Annual Meeting.
B. Law Enforcement
Mr. Miller reported that the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee met February 11,
at the National Wild Turkey Federation office in Edgefield.
The Law Enforcement Advisory Committee recommends to the DNR Board that a
subcommittee of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee Members
and Law Enforcement Advisory Committee Members be formed to study the
problem relating to hunting deer with dogs in the Francis Marion National Forest.
The committee will be asked to recommend action to the DNR Board to improve this
problem situation.
The Law Enforcement Advisory Committee made a motion to work with Wildlife and
Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee to study the feasibility of a possible fee
for turkey tags.
Mr. Miller informed the Board that Cpt. Smith, District 2, gave a report from his
District including their need for additional office space.
Mr. Miller also reported that a report was made regarding dress uniforms for officers. Mr. Miller stated that this was passed by the Board approximately two years ago, and was postponed due to lack of funds.
C. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
Mr. Coxe reported that the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee
met earlier this morning, February 12.
Mr. Coxe informed the Board that the Committee received constituency comments
regarding the Santee Lakes and concerns with the aquatic weed program and
perceived reduction in the bass fishing success rate.
Mr. Coxe reported that the Committee discussed the Francis Marion Hunt Unit and
the problems related to hunting deer with dogs. They have set up a joint committee
with the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee to study this issue.
D. Heritage Trust
Mr. Lee reported to the Board that the Heritage Trust Advisory Committee met
February 5.
Mr. Lee informed the Board that they discussed the development of a system for
setting natural area priorities, such as was done on the cultural and archeological
sites throughout the state. This is a step forward in prioritizing the tracts they would
like to purchase and determining where gaps may exist. Mr. Lee requested that
someone from Tom Kohlsaat's area be given time on the March agenda to make
a presentation on how this system is working.
Mr. Lee reported that the Heritage Trust Advisory Committee voted to spend
$100,000 for an acre of land on Hilton Head. Mr. Lee went on record, as well as
others, as voting for this with grave reservation, but it is part of the very significant
Green Shell Ring which is one of a kind in the country.
Mr. Lee informed the Board that the Congaree Creek canoe take-outs and parking
areas are under consideration for funding. The Advisory Committee is discussing
possible use of the Lexington County Water Recreation Fund for this construction.
Mr. Lee reported that there was an earlier question about having to purchase a right
of way to access the property at the Fort Frederick site near Beaufort, the Navy has
agreed to allow the continued use of their hospital grounds as an access point.
VII. Director's Briefings
A. Executive Office
1. Director
Dr. Sandifer announced that Col. Mark Huguley has resigned effective March
1, to take a position with SLED. Dr. Sandifer expressed his appreciation to
Col. Huguley for his service with the Department.
Dr. Sandifer reported that he and staff have appeared before the House Ways
and Means Subcommittee and answered questions about our budget request.
The subcommittee is supporting the approval of the budget request.
Dr. Sandifer expressed appreciation to Freddy Vang and the staff who made
the arrangements for the Conservation Districts annual meeting and the Board
meeting.
Dr. Sandifer commended staff, principally John Lucas and Glenn Gardner, for
the Jocassee, Sandy Island and Congaree video that was shown at the
Governor's State of the State Address.
Dr. Sandifer reported that he, the executive management staff and the deputy
directors have completed the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
leadership training.
Dr. Sandifer recognized the following staff who received awards from the
South Carolina Wildlife Federation: Skip Still - Communication Award; Dave
Baumann - Wildlife Award; Mel Bell - Wildlife Award; Mike Creel - Harry
Hampton Woods and Water Journalism Award. Dr. Sandifer also reported
that David Cline received the Land Award; Duke Energy Corporation received
the Conservationist of the Year for the Jocassee Project; and Bob Rogers, a
volunteer with Law Enforcement Hunter and Boating Education, also received
an award.
Dr. Sandifer informed the Board that the next two tentative dates for the public
input and information in the Jocassee Gorges Management Plan will be March
19, in the Jocassee area, and March 26 in Columbia.
2. Legal
Nothing to report.
3. Legislative
Dr. Sandifer reported that the Jocassee Gorges Trust Fund legislation is
expected to pass the Senate next week and then go to the House for
consideration.
The Law Enforcement Division's legislation to delete a superfluous code
section on reporting hunting accidents has passed the Senate. Dr. Sandifer
also reported that a bill not proposed by the Board, but which will be of
assistance to Law Enforcement, H 3590 prohibiting the use of artificial lights
for observing or harassing wildlife in game zone 6 has passed the House and
Senate and is awaiting the Governor's signature.
4. Human Resources
Nothing to report.
5. Environmental
Ed Duncan reviewed the permitting activities of the past year.
B. Deputy Directors
1. Conservation Education and Communications
Mike Willis reported on the results of the South Carolina Broadcasters'
Association's NCSA report. According to this report, since July 1997, radio
stations have run over 6,000 DNR spots at a value over $157,000.
2. Marine Resources
John Miglarese reported that no formal response to the Board's letter has
been received from the Secretary of Commerce regarding the longlining issue.
Dr. Miglarese also updated the Board on the shrimp growing industry. They
have been working with the shrimp growers very diligently since January trying
to come up with agreements on dealing with permits as well as getting an in-state hatchery.
Dr. Miglarese informed the Board that the Marine Division will be holding the
annual Fishing Fair on May 1-3. Friday, May 1, will be a student day and May
2-3 will be the open house. Dr. Miglarese extended an invitation to the Board.
3. Land, Water and Conservation
Mr. Vang reported that the Savannah District of the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers will conduct a Reconnaissance Study of the Savannah Basin over
the next two years. This study will address upper and lower basin issues to
include water supply allocations, flood control, hydropower, water quality (with
regard to flows), habitat and aquatic plant control.
Mr. Vang announced the following recognitions: the Internet site, relative to
climate and education, was noted as being in the top 5% of science education
sites, by the National Science Teacher's Association. Also, the GIS group
was noted as the best group agency project in the state, by the State Mapping
Advisory Committee.
4. Administrative Services
Benny Reeves reported that the Migratory Waterfowl Committee will be
conducting the Duck Stamp Judging at 9:00 a.m., and the drop-in will be at
6:00 p.m., on February 13.
5. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
Brock Conrad reported that the 1997-98 waterfowl season on Waterfowl
Management areas was slightly better than last season. One thousand five
hundred forty-one hunters were accommodated who harvested 2,622 ducks.
6. Law Enforcement
Col. Huguley reported that after the last Board meeting, he was requested to
investigate other options pursuant to federal fisheries enforcement and
application for contract funds from the National Marine Fisheries Service. Col.
Huguley believes there has been some progress and asked Maj. Alvin Taylor
to give a report.
Maj. Taylor gave a detailed report on the purposes and outcome of the
expanded contract.
Maj. Taylor also thanked Mike Willis for all the work he has done for the Law
Enforcement Division.
Col. Huguley played a video tape on the Law Enforcement Chaplaincy
Program. A national teleconference was conducted recently with SC ETV.
Over 115 sites participated nationwide.
VIII. Executive Session
At this time, Mr. Miller made a motion that the Board hold an Executive Session to discuss
legal, contractual and personnel matters. Mrs. Waring seconded the motion. Motion
carried unanimously.
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RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION
Following the Executive Session, the regular meeting was resumed and participants were invited
into the meeting.
Chairman Graham called the meeting back to order.
Following the Executive Session, Mrs. Waring made a motion that Dr. Madeline Fletcher be named
the DNR Board appointee for the Marine Advisory Committee. Mr. Burnside seconded the motion
and the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Miller made a motion that the Board accept staff recommendations for conservation district
commissioner appointments and reappointments (recommendations attached to the original
minutes). Mr. Burnside seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
IX. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
Chairman Graham stated that the next meeting of the DNR Board will be held on Friday,
March 27, 1998, at 10:00 a.m., in room 335 of the Rembert C. Dennis Building, in
Columbia.
X. Adjournment
There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.