The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 18, 2010, in Room 335 of the Rembert C. Dennis Building, Columbia, SC. Notice of the date, time and place of the meeting was posted and mailed to the news media. Chairman Mike McShane presided at the meeting. Board members present included Michael Campbell, Stephen Davis, Frank Murray, Norman Pulliam and Caroline Rhodes. Board member John Evans’ absence was excused. Director John Frampton and staff members of the Department of Natural Resources were present at the meeting.

1. Call to Order
   Chairman Mike McShane called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. Invocation
   Chairman McShane asked Col. Alvin Taylor, Deputy Director for Law Enforcement, to offer the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
   Vice Chairman Campbell led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Introduction of Guests
   Don Winslow, Chief of Staff, introduced Cary Chamblee, SC Wildlife Federation; and Douglas Ford, Research Director, Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee.
5. Approval of Minutes
   Chairman McShane asked if there were any amendments, additions, deletions or corrections to the February 12, 2010, meeting minutes. Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the February 12, 2010, meeting, as submitted. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
6. Presentations
   Chairman McShane commended John Frampton on receipt of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s highest award, the 2010 Mosby Award, which recognizes an outstanding biologist who has contributed to wild turkey management through his career.
   
   Mr. Frampton commended DNR Board Chairman Mike McShane on receipt of the Pee Dee Land Trust’s highest award, the William H. Chandler Stewardship Award, for his dedication to preserving ecologically and historically important lands in the Pee Dee Region during his tenure as Chairman.
   
   Mr. Frampton commended the late Dr. Vic Burrell, David Whitaker, Elizabeth Wenner and Larry DeLancey of the Marine Division and Diane Kennedy of the Graphics Section on the publication History of the South Carolina Blue Crab Fishery which was selected to receive one of ten of the State Library’s 2009 Notable State Document Awards.
   
   Mr. Frampton commended Emily Cope and staff involved in hosting and coordinating the DNR/NWTF Belfast Fundraiser event on March 9 in Columbia.
   
   Mr. Frampton commended Richard Lacy on his quick thinking and use of basic first aid training received at DNR to render aid to a co-worker who had a seizure. Richard was able to assist the employee until paramedics arrived.
   
   Mr. Frampton informed the Board of the recent passing of Sam Hamilton, Director, US Fish and Wildlife Service. Mr. Frampton noted that Mr. Hamilton was a true leader and a friend to SCDNR.
7. Advisory Committee Reports
   1. Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
      Robert Boyles, Deputy Director for Marine Resources, reported that the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Committee met February 18 in Charleston. The Advisory Committee reviewed and approved the 2010 budget, discussed and voted on how to utilize the Fin Page family contribution. The Advisory Committee recommended that the Carolina’s Shootout be held in Morehead City, NC, in conjunction with the Big Rock Tournament in June 2010. The Advisory Committee directed staff to purchase anew scale that will hold up to 1,500 pounds; the current scale can only hold 1,000 pounds. The minimum size limit for a landed Blue Marlin was finalized and reduced to 105 inches. The Advisory Committee agreed on a “Camera Policy” that will require all participating vessels to take digital photos of billfish at the time of release. The term “Wanton waste” was better defined in order to clarify processing of landed fish in a timely manner.
   2. Migratory Waterfowl
      Bryan Kyzer, Outreach and Support Services, reported that the Migratory Waterfowl Advisory Committee met March 2, in Columbia. Mr. Kyzer noted that the balance for 2010 is $47,298.50. The Advisory Committee received and approved a proposal for the Ontario Waterfowl Habitat Landscape Initiative in Southern Ontario. Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board adopt the recommendation of the Migratory Waterfowl Advisory Board contingent upon the receipt of the necessary reports and audit information from Ducks Unlimited. Mrs. Rhodes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   3. Marine
      Mr. Boyles reported that the Marine Advisory Committee met March 12, in Charleston. The Advisory Committee received an update on the State of the Resource Project. The Advisory Committee received a summary of the SC Estuarine and Coastal Assessment Program; the SC Seafood Alliance Summit; and the budget.
   4. Heritage Trust
      Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water and Conservation, reported that the Heritage Trust Advisory Committee held a called meeting, via teleconference, March 15. The purpose of this called meeting was to approve in increase the request for Heritage Trust Funds for Belfast Phase II by $689,786 from $2,602,000 to $3,291,786. At this time, Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board approve the amended budget for the Belfast Phase II acquisition and the utilization of $3,291,786 of Heritage Trust funds. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
8. Items for Board Information
   1. Climate Update
      Hope Mizzell, State Climatologist, reviewed rainfall totals, precipitation percentiles, streamflows, lake levels and ground-water monitoring wells around the state.
   2. Comprehensive Deer Management Strategy Update
      Breck Carmichael, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, reviewed three options for surveys: 1) telephone survey – conducted by Responsive Management, 2) mail survey – conducted by Responsive Management or in house, and 3) internet survey. Mr. Carmichael stated that staff would not want to use an internet survey alone, but in conjunction with another form of survey. After much discussion of the various surveys, the Board requested staff to bring a recommendation to the April 2010 meeting.
9. Items for Board Action
   1. Capers Island Heritage Preserve Management Plan
      Mrs. Rhodes made a motion that the Board approve the Capers Island Heritage Preserve Management Plan as included in the Board meeting package. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   2. St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve Management Plan
      Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board approve the St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve Management Plan as included in the Board meeting package. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   3. Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve Management Plan
      Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board approve the Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve Management Plan as included in the Board meeting package. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   4. Fisheries Bill Part One Buford Mabry, Chief Counsel, informed the Board that the proposed fisheries bill has been divided into two parts. Part one deals with definitions, licenses and local laws. Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board approve the proposed bill for preparation for submission to the legislature. Mrs. Rhodes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
10. Director’s Briefings
    Mr. Frampton briefed the Board on the Senate Finance Subcommittee budget hearing on March 11 and noted that the House worked overnight.
    
    Mr. Frampton reminded the Board that their Statement of Economic Interest forms are due by April 15.
11. Legislative Report
    Derrick Meggie, Director of Legislative Services, gave the Board an update on the status of current legislation.
12. Environmental Report
    Bob Perry, Director of Environmental Programs updated the Board on nuclear projects; mitigation banking, Woodruff Roebuck Water District, I-73, Burroughs Road/International Drive, North Myrtle Beach Canal Dredging Project and Gypsy moths.
13. Deputy Directors’ Reports
    1. Outreach and Support Services
       Carole Collins, Deputy Director for Outreach and Support Services, informed the Board that a price increase for the magazine is anticipated for July 1. The one year subscription will raise from $12 to $18, the two year subscription will raise from $20 to $30 and there will be no three year subscription. Ms. Collins also noted that some staff are changing and vacating office space, which will save approximately $90,000 per year.
    2. Marine Resources
       Nothing further to report.
    3. Land, Water and Conservation
       Mr. Rentiers informed the Board that the Aquatic Plant Management Plan will be on the April 2010 Board agenda for action.
    4. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
       Nothing further to report.
    5. Law Enforcement
       Nothing further to report.
    Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board acknowledges receipt of the Legislative Audit Council’s Review of the Use of State Aircraft affirms that the recommended changes are in place. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
14. Executive Session
    At this time, Mr. Davis made a motion for the Board to hold an Executive Session to discuss legal, contractual and personnel matters. Mrs. Rhodes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
15. Return to Regular Session
    Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board return to regular session and noted that no actions were taken in Executive Session. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Davis made a motion to acquire 20 acres adjoining the Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Campbell made a motion to approve the allocation of $145,154.45 from the Reedy River Mitigation Trust Fund to Laurens County for the acquisition of 30 acres on the McCoy Tract on Boyd Mill Pond and closing costs on the McCoy tract and Dixon Tract not to exceed $8,154.45. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
16. Time and Location of the Next Meetings
    The April Board meeting will be held Friday, April 16, 2010, in Columbia.
    
    The May Board meeting will be held Wednesday, May 12, 2010, in Charleston.
    
17. Adjournment
    There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.