SCDNR Board Meeting Minutes

Vice Chairman Mike Hutchins called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the meeting. Vice Chairman Hutchins informed the group that the arrival of Chairman Pulliam and several staff will be delayed due to traffic.

Chaplain Kevin Thompson, SC Law Enforcement Assistance Program (SC LEAP), offered the invocation.

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

Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, introduced Coyet Greene, Budget/Research Analyst, Executive Budget Office, SC Department of Administration; Wayne Adams, Vice Chair, Patriots Point Development Authority; Rorie Cartier, Executive Director, Patriots Point Development Authority; and Bill Craver, General Counsel, Patriots Point Development Authority; Donny Gillett, Donnie Buhrmaster, Jr.; Donnie Buhrmaster III; Thomas Wynne; and Paul McKee

Mrs. Cope reported that Mr. Gillett, Mr. Buhrmaster III, and Mr. Wynne have all requested to make comments.

Mr. Gillett, Mr. Buhrmaster, Jr., Mr. Buhrmaster III, and Mr. Wynne all commented on problems they are having with hunters that use dogs to hunt deer.

Vice Chairman Hutchins asked if there were any additions, deletions or corrections to the minutes of the January 20, 2022 meeting. Mr. Rasor made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the January 20, 2022 meeting as presented. Mr. Lee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Director Boyles and Chairman Pulliam presented the Meritorious Service Award to Felicia Sanders, Coastal Bird Conservation Bird Project Supervisor, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.

Director Boyles commended David Lucas of the Office of Media and Outreach of the Division of Administration upon his retirement from DNR where he started in the radio room and ended as the agency spokesman and for his hard work and commitment to the agency.

Director Boyles commended PFC Jason Dozier of Law Enforcement Region 4 for his excellent work and his diligence and follow-through on a vandalism case from Cedar Island WMA, Murphy Island WMA, and Samworth WMA which resulted in guilty pleas and restitution of $7,112.10 for repairs to equipment and paid in full.

Director Boyles commended General Counsel Shannon Bobertz of the Executive Office on her election as the newest member of the Executive Committee of the Richland County Bar Association.

Director Boyles commended Alicia Farrell of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries for gathering the Region 4 coastal waterfowl staff together for a meeting to discuss installation and construction of rice trunks on DNR waterfowl impoundments. With the challenges staff faces today including the life span of a trunk decreasing by over half (30 years down to 10-15 years), the challenge in obtaining quality materials as well as the cost of trunk construction/installation tripling in cost (currently $70,000-$80,000 per trunk) it is imperative to share new and innovative ideas with each other. Staff shared what works, what does not work, possible improvements, new tools to make installation safer and more efficient as well as discussions on how to tackle future challenges.

Director Boyles commended staff responsible for planning and executing the South Carolina Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Southern Division AFS annual meeting in Charleston.

Director Boyles commended Blaik Keppler on her appointment as Deputy Director of Marine Resources and for her service during the transition as Acting Deputy Director.

Patriot’s Point Easement

Mr. Craver made a brief presentation to the Board on the conservation easement at Patriots Point. Patriots Point is asking that the Board delay deciding about extending the conservation easement so that Department staff and Patriots Point representatives can meet and discuss the extension of the easement.

Ken Prosser, Assistant Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, explained that based on prior communication with Patriots Point the findings for staff’s recommendation to extend the easement.

Chairman Pulliam wanted to go on record that he has a close friend on the Patriots Point Development Authority Board.

1. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Mr. Hutchins reported that the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee met on February 3, 2022 in Columbia. The Advisory Committee received an overview of the newly created State Waterfowl Biologist position. The Advisory Committee received the results of the 2021 public field results. The Advisory Committee received background information on the history and structure of the current suburban/urban deer management program, as well as feedback on the potential outcomes associated with changing the current deer season dates. The Advisory Committee made a motion to accept staff recommendations to keep the suburban/urban deer management program, as well as the deer season dates, in their current form. The Advisory Committee received a legislative update
2. Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
   Blaik Keppler, Deputy Director for Marine Resources, reported that the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board met February 3, 2022 in Charleston. Ms. Keppler stated that Bohicket Marina Invitational Billfish Tournament announced the cancellation of the tournament due to ongoing construction at the marina. The Advisory Board received an update on the fundraising efforts for the SC Memorial Reef Project. The Advisory Committee approved the 2021 final expenditures and the 2022 proposed expenditures. Ms. Keppler stated that there were no changes to the tournament guidelines and contracts are being finalized. The 2021 annual report will be submitted, for approval, at a later date.
3. Heritage Trust
   Mr. Rasor reported that the Heritage Trust Advisory Board met, virtually, on February 10, 2022. The Advisory Board approved certain Heritage Preserve tracts to be committed to the Corpus of the Heritage Trust; tracts to be Dedicated as Heritage Preserves and committed to the Corpus of the Heritage Trust and several potential property acquisitions, capital improvement project, and property acquisitions.

1. Crab Bank
   Ms. Sanders gave the Board a brief presentation on Crab Bank and the recently completed renourishment project. Ms. Sanders reviewed the history and importance of Crab Bank, provided seabird nesting numbers, outlined the opportunity for renourishment and fundraising efforts.
2. Recent Earthquake Activity in Southwestern Kershaw County
   Scott Howard, Land, Water and Conservation Division, reported on the recent earthquake activity in Southwestern Kershaw County. Dr. Howard showed the various locations and reviewed the magnitude and depth of the various events. Dr. Howard showed the area on a geologic map and showed the nearby Camden Fault.
3. Climate Update
   Hope Mizzell, Land, Water and Conservation Division, reported on the recent snow event. Dr. Mizzell reviewed drought status, provided rainfall totals, precipitation percentiles, streamflow, lake levels, groundwater monitoring wells around the state, precipitation forecast and temperature forecast.

Director Boyles reminded the Board that their Statement of Economic Interest forms need to be filed with the State Ethics Commission by March 30.

Director Boyles also reminded the Board that the legislative reception will be held February 23.

Director Boyles informed the Board that he will be participating, with COL Frampton and Scott Speares, in a meeting with Department of Administration to finalize recommendations for law enforcement pay.

Kevin Ryan, Director of Government Affairs, reported on S. 980 – Red Snapper Bag and Size Limits in State Waters, H. 4177 – Waterfowl Program Manager/Waterfowl Advisory Committee/Waterfowl Permit Fees, H. 4504 – Casual Excise Tax Cap for Outboard Motors, H. 4614 – Sunday Hunting – Wildlife Management Areas and H. 4538 – Removal of Dog Collars.

Elizabeth Miller, Office of Environmental Programs, gave the Board a brief update on the Coneross Hydroelectric Project and the Abbeville Hydroelectric Project.

1. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, informed the Board that the Bassmaster Classic will be held March 4-6, 2022 at Lake Hartwell.
2. Law Enforcement
   LTC Jamie Landrum gave the Board a brief hiring update.
3. Marine Resources
   Ms. Keppler gave the Board a brief update on the Flounder Stock Enhancement Program.
4. Administration
   Angie Cassella, Deputy Director for Administration, reported to the Board that the Brandt system is set to go live on March 1, 2022.
5. Land, Water and Conservation
   No further report.

1. Extension of Conservation Easement in Charleston County
   This item has been deferred to executive session so the Board can receive legal advice.
2. Approval of Expenditure from SHEP Mitigation Trust Fund Savannah River Sturgeon Monitoring
   Ross Self, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, reviewed the request for expenditure from SHEP Mitigation Trust Fund for Savannah River Sturgeon Monitoring, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the DNR Board approve the expenditure of $860,000 from the Savannah Harbor Mitigation – Sturgeon mitigation account to support sturgeon monitoring and research on the lower Savannah River. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
3. Approval of Expenditure from Haile Gold Mine Mitigation Trust Fund – Management of Wateree River Heritage Preserve and Rainbow Ranch Properties
   Billy Dukes, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, reviewed the request for expenditure from Haile Gold Mine Mitigation Trust Fund for the Management of Wateree River Heritage Preserve and Rainbow Ranch Properties, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Rasor made a motion that the DNR Board approve the expenditure of $650,000 from the Mitigation Trust Fund of South Carolina, Haile Gold Mine Mitigation Maintenance and Management Endowment for management and archeological surveys of the Rainbow Ranch, Cook’s Mountain, and Goodwill Plantation Tracts, as recommended by staff. Mr. Lee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously
4. Approval of Expenditure from Lake Richard B. Russell Mitigation Trust Fund – Management of Palachucola WMA
   Mr. Dukes, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, reviewed the request for expenditure from Lake Richard B. Russell Mitigation Trust Fund for the management of Palachucola WMA, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Swygert made a motion that the DNR Board approve the expenditure of $750,000 from the Mitigation Trust Fund of South Carolina for management of Palachucola WMA and the renovation of the historic Mistletoe Grove house on Palachucola WMA, as recommended by staff. Mr. Oxner seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
5. Approval of Expenditure from Lake Richard B. Russell Mitigation Trust Fund – Management of Donnelley WMA
   Mr. Dukes, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, reviewed the request for expenditure from Lake Richard B. Russell Mitigation Trust Fund for the management of Donnelley WMA, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Oxner made a motion that the DNR Board approve the expenditure of $450,000 from the Mitigation Trust Fund of South Carolina, Donnelley Management Account for management of Donnelley WMA, as recommended by staff. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously
6. Crab Bank Heritage Preserve Commitment to Corpus of Heritage Trust
   Mr. Prosser reviewed the request to commit Crab Bank Heritage Preserve to the Corpus of the Heritage Trust, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Rasor made a motion that the DNR Board accept the recommendation as approved by the Heritage Trust Advisory Board and commit Crab Bank Heritage Preserve to the corpus of the SC Heritage Trust. Mr. Lee seconded the motion and motion carried unanimously.
7. Clear Creek Heritage Preserve Dedication and Commitment to the Corpus of Heritage Trust
   Mr. Prosser reviewed the request to dedicate Clear Creek Heritage Preserve and to commit it to the Corpus of the Heritage Trust, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Rasor made a motion that the DNR Board accept the recommendation as approved by the Heritage Trust Advisory Board and dedicate Clear Creek Heritage Preserve as a Heritage Preserve and commit it to the corpus of the SC Heritage Trust. Mr. Oxner seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Lee made a motion that the DNR Board go into executive session pursuant to SC Code Section 30-4-70(A)(2) to discuss contractual matters and legal advice related to Item(s) for Board Action A, H, I, J and K. Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

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

1. Extension of Conservation Easement in Charleston County
   Mr. Hutchins made a motion that SCDNR staff engage in further discussions with Patriots Point Development Authority concerning the renewal and extension of the conservation easement held by the SCDNR at Patriots Point and provide a final staff recommendation at a future Board meeting. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
2. Property Purchase in Lexington County
   Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the DNR Board accept the recommendation as approved by the Heritage Trust Advisory Board and, subject to standard due diligence, grant final approval of the acquisition of approximately 127 acres in Lexington County that will be dedicated as a Heritage Preserve and placed into the corpus of the SC Heritage Trust and the expenditure of $2,500,000 in Heritage Trust Funds for the purchase. Mr. Lee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously
3. Final Approval to Purchase Approximately 86.22 acres in Edgefield County
   Mr. Rasor made a motion that the DNR Board accept the recommendation from the Heritage Trust Advisory Board, subject to standard due diligence, and grant final approval of the acquisition of approximately 86.22 acres in Edgefield County to be dedicated as a Heritage Preserve and placed into the corpus of the SC Heritage Trust and the expenditure of $400,000 in Heritage Trust Funds for the purchase. Mr. Oxner seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
4. Potential Property Acquisition in Greenville County
   Mr. Oxner made a motion that the DNR Board accept the recommendation as approved by the Heritage Trust Advisory Board and grant preliminary approval to evaluate the potential purchase of approximately 29 acres southeast of Bunched Arrowhead Heritage Preserve in Greenville County, that would be dedicated as a Heritage Preserve and placed into the corpus of the SC Heritage Trust, and the expenditure of up to $20,000 in Heritage Trust funds to conduct due diligence activities. Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
5. Potential Property Acquisition in Greenville County
   Mr. Swygert made a motion that the DNR Board, upon the recommendation of SCDNR staff, grant preliminary approval to investigate a potential property acquisition of approximately 12 acres southwest of Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve/WMA in Greenville County. Mr. Lee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

The Board’s next meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 25, 2022 at the Dennis Building.

Mr. Lee made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Mr. Oxner seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.