SCDNR Board Meeting Minutes

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

Rev. Eric Skidmore, 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 Austin Smallwood, SC Realtors Association.

Mr. Boyles informed the Board that were no requests for constituent comment.

Chairman Pulliam asked if there were any additions, deletions or corrections to the January 17, 2019 meeting minutes. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the January 17, 2019 meeting as presented. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

1. Director Taylor commended DNR retiree Van McCarty on his appointment by Governor Henry McMaster as Adjutant General of South Carolina.
2. Director Taylor commended Maria Cox Lamm (State Coordinator for the Flood Mitigation Program in the Land, Water and Conservation Division) who testified before the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services in Washington, D.C. on March 13. Maria serves as the Chairperson of the National Association of Floodplain Managers and is a recognized expert on how state and local governments deal with flooding and flood mitigation issues. She was called on by Congressional leaders to provide testimony on the pending reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
3. Director Taylor commended Tyler Brown, Marc Cribb, Deanne Myrick and staff involved in the SC Association of Conservation District’s 77th Annual SC Conservation Partnership Conference on February 26-27 at the Columbia DoubleTree Hotel.
4. Director Taylor commended CPT Billy Downer and staff on the SCDNR Youth Shooting Clay Open events on March 1-2 at the Palmetto Shooting Center in Edgefield.
5. Director Taylor commended CPT Robert McCullough, Sandy Rucker and staff across the agency and the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund and our other sponsors who helped make the agency's annual Natural Resources Legislative Reception on the evening of March 5 at the National Guard Armory in Columbia such an outstanding success.
6. Director Taylor commended Mary Lucas, Chief Information Security Officer and Assistant Chief Counsel, DNR Legal Office on her selection by the SC Lawyers Weekly for a Leadership in the Law Award.
7. Director Taylor commended Brittany Caldwell of the Office of Media and Outreach and Hope Mizzell of the SC Climate Office of the Land, Water and Conservation Division and staff involved in DNR’s selection for Notable State Document Awards for 2018 for the SC Hunting & Fishing: The Official State Regulation Guide July 1, 2018-August 14, 2919 and for the SC Drought website.

1. Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
   Mr. Boyles reported that the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board met February 8, in Charleston. The Advisory Board held discussions about possible changes to the Series Fishing Guidelines regarding Fish Attraction/Aggregating Devices (FADs) and the use of polygraph testing. A motion was made to create a “resolution” to be passed to the Tournament Committee stating that Series participants cannot knowingly fish on a FAD. The Advisory Board reviewed and approved the new Advisory Board Operating Policy and recommended it be sent to the DNR Board for consideration. The Advisory Board reviewed 2018 fundraising and expenditures and 2019 fundraising. A motion was made to approve 2019 expenditures as presented. The Advisory Board members collectively and individually provided contributions to the Harry Hampton Inaugural Wildlife Ball. A motion was made to approve proposed changes to the Series contracts between DNR and the individual tournaments.
2. Marine
   Mr. Boyles reported that the Marine Advisory Committee met March 1, in Charleston. The Advisory Committee received presentations on the Review of Proposed Strategies for the Proactive Management of State Shellfish Grounds and an update on the 2018 Winter Cold Kill. The Advisory Committee received an update on Mariculture’s robust permitting process, tropical storm effects, Cobia and Redfish legislation, Federal Disaster for Shrimp Trawl Fishery, management measures for Triple Tail Fishery and Atlantic Spadefish.
3. Law Enforcement
   Chairman Pulliam reported that the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee toured and met February 5 and 6 at Samworth WMA. COL Chisolm Frampton, Deputy Director for Law Enforcement, stated that the Advisory Committee received updates on budget issues and legislation.
4. Heritage Trust
   Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water and Conservation, reported that the Heritage Trust Advisory Board met February 14, in Columbia. The Advisory Board received an update on the Cultural Resources Program. The Advisory Board approved three property acquisitions which will be presented for the Board’s consideration at this meeting.
5. Migratory Waterfowl
   Dr. Mark Hartley, DNR Board Representative, reported that the Migratory Waterfowl Advisory Committee met March 6, in Columbia. The Advisory Committee discussed the cash flow problem of the Migratory Waterfowl Program. Dr. Hartley stated that Ducks Unlimited is making a $5,000 donation to the program and offered the option to retain this in the program instead of sending to DU Canada. The remainder of the meeting was spent discussing ways to increase awareness and sales.
6. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Mike Hutchins reported that the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee met February 26, in Columbia. The Advisory Committee received a report on the 2018-2019 Waterfowl Season. The Advisory Committee received presentation on aquatic programs and bats. The Advisory Committee received a legislative update.
   
   Mr. Hutchins reported that the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee held a conference call meeting on March 15. The Advisory Committee reviewed the 2019-2020 Migratory Bird Frameworks and staff recommended seasons. A motion was passed to accept and support the staff recommendations as presented, but to also pass along the suggestion to open Teal Season one day early to the SCDNR Board.
   

Climate Update
Hope Mizzell, Land, Water and Conservation Division, reported on the drought conditions, rainfall totals, precipitation percentiles, streamflows, lake levels, ground-water monitoring wells around the state, precipitation forecast and temperature forecast.

Director Taylor informed the Board that staff have been working with the General Assembly.

Director Taylor and Board Member Duane Swygert met with members of the Hunters and Landowners for the Hungry organization on January 22 in Columbia.

Director Taylor met with Marcia Adams, Director of the Department of Administration (DOA), at her request on January 30 to discuss the DOA Disaster Recovery Office.

Director Taylor represented DNR at the Senate Finance Committee meeting on February 28 for the DNR Budget Hearing and outlined DNR’s budget needs and future plans.

Director Taylor informed the Board that the Sassafras Mountain Tower Dedication will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 22 on site at 1391 F. Van Clayton Memorial Highway, Sunset, SC 29685.

Director Taylor reported that Bassmasters will be at Lake Hartwell on April 4-7.

Kevin Ryan, Director of Legislative Services, reported that the cross over date is quickly approaching. Mr. Ryan informed the Board that DNR is monitoring 66 bills of which 34 have a direct impact to the Department. Mr. Ryan reported on the nine cleanup bills that are a result of recommendations from the House Legislative Oversight process, the turkey bill, the anterless deer tagging bill and the apprentice hunting license bill.

Deidre Menefee, Chairman, Hampton Wildlife Fund; Jim Goller, Executive Director, Hampton Wildlife Fund and other Hampton Wildlife Fund Board members presented the 2019 check for $150,000 from the Hampton Wildlife Fund to DNR. This makes the total to date $3,802,605.

Lorianne Riggin, Director of Environmental Programs, reported on the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam.

1. Division of Administration
   Nothing further to report.
2. Land, Water and Conservation
   Nothing further to report.
3. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, reported on the SC Youth Bass Fishing Championship and the Sassafras Dedication. Mrs. Cope introduced Alicia Farrell and Molly Kneece.
4. Law Enforcement
   COL Chisolm Frampton, Deputy Director for Law Enforcement, gave the Board a brief update on Law Enforcement Activities.
5. Marine Resources
   Mr. Boyles gave the Board a brief report on the public meeting regarding oyster mariculture hosted on behalf of Senator Sandy Senn.

1. Approval of Operating Policy for the SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board of Directors
   Mr. Boyles reviewed the revised Operating Policy for the SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board. Mr. Hinson made a motion that the Board approve the Operating Policy for the SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board of Directors, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
2. Approval of 2019-2020 Migratory Bird Seasons
   Mrs. Cope reviewed the 2019-2020 Migratory Bird Seasons as included in the packet and noted that staff would like to change the Early Teal Season to begin September 13 through September 28. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the 2019-2020 Migratory Bird Season as presented. Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Dr. Hartley made a motion that the Board go into Executive Session pursuant to SC Code Section 30-4-70(A)(1) and (A)(2) to discuss appointments to advisory boards related to items (C and D), and to discuss contractual matters related to potential acquisitions of real property related to items (E, F and G). Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

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

3. Conservation District Commissioner Appointments/Reappointments
   Mr. Rasor made a motion that the Board approve the Conservation District Commissioner Appointments/Reappointments with term limits as recommended and approved by the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Committee and presented by staff.
   
   
   • Appointments:
     Kaleigh Sims of Anderson – 03/22/19 to 01/31/23
     Robert Hanley of Greenville – 03/22/19 to 06/20/22
     Cody Gibson of Marion – 03/22/19 to 11/29/22
     Richard Tyler Seagroves of Marion – 03/22/19 to 01/31/23
     Ruth Brown of Williamsburg – 03/22/19 to 01/31/21
   • Reappointments:
     C.M. Dantzler, Jr. of Jasper – 03/22/19 to 10/04/22
     Thomas Stanley, Jr. of Jasper – 03/22/19 to 10/04/22
     Norris Fowler, Jr. of Union – 03/22/19 to 02/28/23
     
     
   Dr. Hartley seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

4. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee Reappointment
   Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board reappoint Martha Herbert, of Darlington, SC to a second 4-year term on the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee – 09/19/18 to 09/19/22. Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
5. Property Acquisition in Horry County
   Mr. Hinson made a motion that the Board accept the recommendation as approved by the Heritage Trust Advisory Board to grant final approval to acquire approximately 300 acres adjoining SCDNR’s Waccamaw River Heritage Preserve/WMA in Horry County to be dedicated as a Heritage Preserve and placed into the corpus of the South Carolina Heritage Trust. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
6. Property Acquisition in Horry County
   Mr. Hinson made a motion that the Board accept the recommendation as approved by the Heritage Trust Advisory Board to grant final approval to acquire approximately 225 acres adjoining SCDNR’s Waccamaw River Heritage Preserve/WMA in Horry County to be dedicated as a Heritage Preserve and placed into the corpus of the South Carolina Heritage Trust. Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
7. Potential Property Acquisition in Lexington County
   Dr. Hartley made a motion that the Board grant preliminary approval to investigate a potential property acquisition adjoining SCDNR’s Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve in Lexington County. Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Dr. Hartley made a motion that the minutes of the January 17, 2019 meeting be amended as follows:

2. Conservation District Commissioner Appointments/Reappointments
   Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the Conservation District Commissioner Appointments/Reappointments with term limits as recommended and approved by the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Committee and presented by staff.
   
   
   • Appointments:
     Lanneau Siegling of Lexington – 01/17/19 to 01/31/21
     Brian McClam of Williamsburg – 01/17/19 to 09/18/22
   • 
     Reappointments:
     Fred Raines of Abbeville – 01/17/19 to 10/28/22
     Yvonne King of Aiken – 01/17/19 to 07/02/22
     Henry Nicholson of Bamberg – 01/17/19 to 09/01/22
     Alan Ulmer of Beaufort – 01/17/19 to 10/04/22
     Claude McLeod of Beaufort – 01/17/19 to 10/04/22
     William Griggs of Chesterfield – 01/17/19 to 09/13/22
     Douglas Reeves of Dorchester – 01/17/19 to 09/18/22
     Joe Alvin Derrick of Edgefield – 01/17/19 to 07/31/22
     Sabie Cathcart of Fairfield – 01/17/19 to 07/01/22
     Benjamin Hardee of Horry – 01/17/19 to 09/18/22
     F. Michael Seymour of Laurens – 01/17/19 to 11/01/22
     David B. Owens of Marion – 01/17/19 to 11/28/21
     
     Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
     
     
   Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

The next meeting will be held Thursday, April 18, 2019 in Columbia.

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