The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2008, at 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, John Evans, Frank Murray, and Norman Pulliam. Board member Caroline Rhodes’ absence was excused. Mr. John Frampton and staff members of the Department of Natural Resources were present at the meeting, as were various guests.

1. Call to Order
   Chairman McShane called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. Invocation
   Chairman McShane asked Rev. Ron Kenyon to offer the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
   Michael Campbell led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Introduction of Guests
   Hank Stallworth noted that there were neither guests nor requests for constituent comment.
5. Approval of Minutes
   Chairman McShane asked if there were any additions, deletions, or corrections to the minutes of the February 15, 2008, meeting. Mr. Pulliam offered the following amendment to the minutes of the February 15, 2008, meeting.
   8. Advisory Committee Reports
      1. Governor's Cup Billfishing Series
         Norman Pulliam reported that the Governor's Cup met on February 14, 2008, in Charleston. Mr. Pulliam stated the Advisory Board is pleased to have Wally Jenkins and Amy Dukes working with them. Mr. Pulliam noted that the Executive Order creating the Advisory Board has not been signed by the Governor since 1985, so staff would like to draft an Executive Order and send it to the Governor for reaffirmation. Mr. Pulliam made a motion to this effect. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Pulliam stated the Advisory Board discussed the budget and the awards ceremony will be September 14, 2008, at the Governor’s Mansion. Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board approve the appointment of Dr. John Caegle Cagle and the reappointments of Jim Johnson and Frank Gibson. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   There being no further amendments, Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the February 15, 2008, meeting as amended. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
6. Presentations/Commendations
   Mr. Frampton commended Lt. Chisolm Frampton on his selection as Chair of the SAFMC’s Law Enforcement Advisory Panel.
   
   Mr. Frampton commended 1st Sgt. Todd Campbell on his selection as the 2008 National Wild Turkey Federation Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
   
7. Advisory Committee Reports
   1. Law Enforcement
      Mr. Campbell reported that the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee received updates on the boating safety program, pending legislation, proposed alligator season, and the Santee Cooper Striped Bass Stakeholders Group.
   2. Marine
      John Evans reported that the Marine Advisory Committee met March 14 in Charleston. The committee received updates and reports on Cobia, Flounder Gigging Survey, Striped Bass Issues, DNR Marketing, and the Federal Recreational Fishing Registry.
      
      A large portion of the meeting focused on the Coastal Conservation Association’s presentation/comments during the Public Comments portion of the meeting. CCA’s Scott Whitaker, Mike Able and Charles Farmer asked to be heard concerning legislation that has passed the Senate but remains in the House that would make Cobia a gamefish. They requested three things from the advisory committee: 1. To support the Senate legislation by making a formal recommendation by committee vote to the DNR Board to endorse the bill to make Cobia a gamefish. 2. To support their amendment to this bill in the House of a three fish per boat per day limit under a three year sunset clause. 3. To send a letter to Director Frampton requesting information related to marine recreational fisheries management (copy attached to original minutes). The MAC did not support this bill by formal recommendation. The committee passed a motion tasking the DNR staff to examine several different aspects of this issue by their next meeting which is scheduled for June 5, 2008.
      
   3. Migratory Waterfowl
      Chairman McShane reported that the Migratory Waterfowl Advisory Board met March 12 in Columbia. The Advisory Board reviewed and discussed the progress of current commitment with duck stamp prints. The balance for 2008 is approximately $29,000. The Advisory Board received and approved a proposal for a new project in Canada. Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board adopt the recommendation of the Migratory Waterfowl Advisory Board with the caveat that the Board will review the reports annually and funding will be considered by the Board annually. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
      
8. Items for Board Information
   1. Drought Update
      Hope Mizzell reported that all counties except Beaufort and Jasper remain at drought level 3 (severe). Ms. Mizzell reviewed streamflows, lake levels, and groundwater monitoring wells around the State. The Drought Response Committee will meet in April. Steve de Kozlowski commended Ms. Mizzell and her staff on the recent article in the January 2008 Bulletin of the American Meterological Society on the Regional Scale Drought Monitoring Tool for the Carolinas.
   2. Cooperative Research Program
      Jason Powers gave the Board a brief overview of the Cooperative Research Program outlining its benefits, projects funded, how it differs from other Federal CFR programs, and its cost savings.
      
9. Items for Board Action
   1. Stevens Creek Mitigation Trust Fund Proposal
      Ross Self reviewed the Stevens Creek Mitigation Trust Fund Proposal as included in the Board meeting package. Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board approve the Stevens Creek Mitigation Trust Fund Proposal as presented. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   2. Wildcat Creek Fish Kill Report
      Mr. Self reviewed the Wildcat Creek Fish Kill Report as included in the Board meeting package. Mr. Self noted that SC DHEC will not pursue any fines for the City of Rock Hill. Mr. Murray made a motion that the Board accept the Wildcat Creek Fish Kill Report. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The Board asked staff to draft a letter encouraging SC DHEC to pursue the fines.
   3. Proposed Changes for Saltwater Licenses
      David Whitaker distributed and reviewed staff recommendations for the Shore Based Angler Bill. Robert Boyles reviewed advice he received from Senator Campsen and staff comments on this bill. Mr. Boyles noted Federal guidance is not expected until May.
      
      Scott Speares reviewed the draft legislation for the Saltwater Lifetime License or add on to the combination license. Mr. Evans made a motion that the Board approve the draft legislation as presented. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   4. Emergency Turkey Regulations
      Breck Carmichael reviewed the emergency turkey regulations as included in the Board meeting package. Mr. Evans made a motion that the Board approve the emergency turkey regulations as presented with the caveat that legal staff will look further into the “use of two crutches.” Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   5. Proposed Transfer of Funds – Heritage Trust
      Barry Beasley reported that the request is to transfer $5 million from the Bond Account to the Heritage Trust Operations Account. Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board approve this transfer. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
      
10. Director’s Briefing
    Mr. Frampton gave the Board an update on the budget and DNR’s budget hearing before the Senate Finance Subcommittee on March 19.
    
    Mr. Frampton reminded the Board that their Statement of Economic Interests forms are due by April 15.
    
    Mr. Frampton mentioned the Children and Nature 2008 – A Report on the Movement to Reconnect Children to the Natural World publication.
    
    Mr. Frampton informed the Board that he received a courtesy visit from the new State Forester, Gene Kodama.
    
    Chairman McShane, Hank Stallworth, and Mr. Frampton participated in a luncheon meeting with Bob Scott and Roy Belser of the SC Forestry Association; Mac Lupold, Chairman of the SC Forestry Association; Gene Kodama, State Forester; and Frank McLeod, Chairman of the SC Forestry Commission, to discuss mutual issues and partnership opportunities.
    
    Mr. Frampton reminded the Board that the Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic is March 28-30 at the State Fairgrounds.
    
11. Deputy Directors’ Reports
    1. Law Enforcement
       Lt. Col. Glenn Ward distributed the 2007 Marine Law Enforcement Investigations and Education Statistics report and the updated Law Enforcement Directory. Lt. Col. Ward reported on the opening of Turkey Season. Lt. Col. Ward informed the Board that Junior Matthews was recognized by Safari Club International – South Carolina as Officer of the Year.
    2. Outreach and Support Services
       Carole Collins reviewed the FY 2008-2009 license sales date and the early mailers.
       
    3. Marine Resources
       Mr. Boyles informed the Board that the SAFMC's amendment 15B final vote has been delayed until June for further analysis. Mr. Boyles also reported on recent implications New Jersey has received from ASMFC for non-compliance with fishery management plans.
    4. Land, Water and Conservation
       Mr. de Kozlowski distributed the summary of the 2008 State Aquatic Plant Management Plan as approved by the Council. After some discussion of stocking grass carp in Goose Creek Reservoir, Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board approve the stocking of 84 grass carp in Goose Creek Reservoir. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Mr. de Kozlowski noted that North Carolina proposes to stock grass carp in Lake Wylie.
    5. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
       Mr. Carmichael referenced an article in Charleston magazine about CP-33 quail buffers. Mr. Carmichael also informed the Board that there is a pair of nesting peregrine falcons at Jocassee Gorges.
12. Executive Session
    At this time Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board hold an Executive Session to discuss contractual, legal, and personnel matters. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
13. Return to Regular Session
    Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board return to regular session. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Davis made a motion to give preliminary approval for an acquisition project in Lancaster County. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
14. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
    The April Board meeting will be held on Friday, April 11, 2008, in Greenwood.
    
    The May Board meeting will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2008, in Columbia.
    
15. Adjournment
    There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.