SCDNR Board Meeting Minutes

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

Rev. Steve Shugart, SC Law Enforcement Assistance Program, offered the invocation.

Mike Hutchins led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Robert Boyles, Deputy Director for Marine Resources introduced Tuffy Edwards.

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 January 25, 2018 meeting minutes. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the January 25, 2018 meeting as submitted. Mr. Hinson seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Director Taylor commended CPT Billy Downer and staff for designing the Heritage Trailer.

Director Taylor commended Law Enforcement staff for their efforts in the Heidi Todd case.

Director Taylor commended all staff for their work on the House Legislative Oversight Committee study.

Governor's Cup Billfishing Series
Mr. Boyles reported that the Governor's Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board met February 9 in Charleston. The Advisory Board received recommendations from the Tournament Committee which reflected no changes for the 2018 Series. The Advisory Board reviewed the revenue and expenditures. The Advisory Board approved the 2018 budget, the 2017 Annual Report and the nominations for the two upcoming vacancies.

Climate Update
Hope Mizzell, Land, Water and Conservation Division, gave the Board a brief report on the recent cold temperatures. 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 and staff have been working with and meeting with the House Legislative Oversight Committee and staff.

Director Taylor attended the Senate Finance Natural Resources and Economic Development Subcommittee meeting for the DNR Budget Hearing.

Director Taylor reminded Board members that their Statement of Economic Interests reports are due by March 30, 2018.

Director Taylor attended the Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee for Mr. Pulliam’s confirmation hearing as Chairman.

Director Taylor informed the Board that the SC DNR Youth Shooting Clay Open is scheduled for Saturday, March 3 at NWTF headquarters in Edgefield.

Director Taylor noted that SC LEAP Chaplain Ron Kenyon’s retirement drop-in is scheduled for March 5.

Director Taylor informed the Board that the 2018 Bassmasters Classic is scheduled for March 16-18 at Lake Hartwell.

Director Taylor reminded the Board that the Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic will be held March 23-25.

Mike Sabaka, Director of Legislative Services, reported on red drum; youth hunting day and exemption for tags and license; turkey sunset dates; Conservation Bank reauthorization; and removal of DNR’s authority to regulate genetically modified shellfish.

Lorianne Riggin, Director of Environmental Programs, reported on the Carolina Water Service, I-20 Waste Water Treatment Plant and the Long Savannah Land Company, Charleston County projects.

1. Marine Resources
   Mr. Boyles reported on the donation of two trailers from the Coastal Conservation Association for use in the shell recycling program.
2. Outreach and Support Services
   Carole Collins, Deputy Director for Division of Administration, reported that she is continuing to build her team.
3. Land, Water and Conservation
   Nothing further to report.
4. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, gave the Board a brief report on the public meeting on the Lower Saluda River Trout Fisheries and Upper Coastal Waterfowl Renovations.
5. Law Enforcement
   COL Chisolm Frampton, Deputy Director for Law Enforcement, commended the officers who worked on the Heidi Todd case. COL Frampton advised the Board that the new class of officers are in the academy except the four that are already certified and they are in the field. COL Frampton reported that 10,000+people visited the Heritage Trailer at SEWE. CPT Downer informed the Board that over $100,000 has been raised for scholarships for the shotgun program.

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

Mr. Hinson made a motion that the Board approve the reappointments to the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee for a term of July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2021, of the following individuals: Nickey B. Maxey of Bluffton and Dwight W. Frierson of Orangeburg. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the Extension of the Lease on NOAA Lab as presented. Mr. Hinson seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Hinson made a motion that the Board grant preliminary approval to investigate a potential land acquisition across from SC DNR’s Wateree River Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area in Richland County. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board grant final approval to accept a property donation of approximately 11 acres adjoining the Wateree Shooting Range in Richland County. Mr. Hinson seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Hinson made a motion that the Board grant final approval to purchase approximately 158 acres in Lancaster County as part of the adjoining Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board grant preliminary approval to investigate a potential land acquisition adjoining SC DNR’s Pickens Rifle Range and Dove Field in Pickens County. Mr. Hinson seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

The next meeting of the Board will be March 23 in Columbia.

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