The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2008, at the John and Holly Self Drummond Education and Conference Center, Lake Greenwood State Recreation Area, Ninety Six, 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 Stephen Davis, John Evans, Frank Murray, and Norman Pulliam. Board member Caroline Rhodes participated via speakerphone. Board member Mike Campbell’s 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
   Buford Mabry 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 March 20, 2008, meeting. There being none, Mr. Evans made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the March 20, 2008, meeting as presented. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
6. Presentations/Commendations
   Mr. Frampton commended Donna Swygert and volunteers from across the agency for their efforts in making the Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic such a success.
7. Advisory Committee Reports
   1. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
      Stephen Davis reported that the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee met April 8 in Columbia. The Advisory Committee welcomed newly appointed member, Dr. Cleve Smith. The Advisory Committee received updates on the dog/deer stakeholders group, mourning dove and banding efforts, water withdrawal issues, marketing campaign, legislative issues, and the 2008 bass tournaments in South Carolina.
   2. Land, Water and Conservation
      Steve de Kozlowski reported that the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Committee met April 10 in Columbia. Roy Newcome was presented a Certificate of Appreciation for providing weather information to the Climate Section for 20 years. Randy Snow was presented a Certificate of Appreciation for his years of service on the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Committee. Niles Glasgow, State Conservationist, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, spoke to the Advisory Committee about the farm bill and partnerships. The Advisory Committee received updates on the drought, groundwater aquifer levels, statewide modernization of flood maps, and the Savannah River Basin Committee.
8. Items for Board Information
   1. Drought Update
      Steve de Kozlowski reported that all counties except Beaufort and Jasper remain at drought level 3 (severe). Mr. de Kozlowski reviewed streamflows, lake levels, and groundwater monitoring wells around the State. The Drought Response Committee will meet April 16.
   2. Shore-Based Angler Bill
      Robert Boyles informed the Board that staff have met with the Federal Recreation Registry Team and it remains confusing what will be needed to cover South Carolina anglers. Mr. Boyles noted Federal guidance is not expected until May.
      
9. Items for Board Action
   1. 2008 Commercial Trawling Season Opening
      Mr. Boyles informed the Board that the Marine Resources Division is requesting the authority to open all or portions of the general trawling area for the shrimp trawl fishery. Mr. Evans made a motion that the Board authorize the Director and Marine Resources Division Deputy Director permission to open all or portions of the general trawling area within state waters for the shrimp trawl fishery, based on analysis of data from trawls conducted by DNR Crustacean Management and Research staff, consultation with numerous members of the commercial shrimp fishery, and consideration of other pertinent factors after consulting with the Board. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
      
      Mr. Boyles reminded the Board that the Harry Hampton Marine Banquet will be held Friday, May 2, at Fort Johnson, and the Marine Resources Division’s Open House will be held Saturday, May 3, at Fort Johnson.
      
10. Director’s Briefing
    Mr. Frampton reminded the Board that their Statement of Economic Interests forms are due by April 15.
    
    Mr. Frampton and Terri McGee reported on the EEO Comparison of DNR, DPS, SLED, PRT, and Forestry.
    
    Mr. Frampton informed the Board that he has asked Bob Perry to lead a committee to examine the effects that climate change will have on wildlife and other natural resources.
    
    Mr. Frampton, Buford Mabry, Derrick Meggie, Senator Chip Campsen, and Representative Mike Pitts met with Anthony Roulette and Darren LaSorte of the NRA to discuss Senator Campsen’s consitiutional right to hunt bill.
    
    Mr. Frampton represented DNR at the Senate Transportation Committee meeting for discussion of the South Island Ferry bill.
    
    Mr. Frampton distributed copies of a phony letter on the Carolina Buffalo that was forwarded to the Department.
    
    Mr. Frampton distributed an ATA Article, “Rekindling an Old Flame: Industry and Agency Leaders Seek to Grow Outdoor Sports through more Teamwork.”
    
    Mr. Frampton reminded the Board of the upcoming Regional/Service Pin/Employee of the Year Appreciation meetings.
    
11. Deputy Directors’ Reports
    1. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
       Breck Carmichael briefed the Board on the recognition Region 1 wildlife biologist Mary Bunch received through the US Forest Service’s “Wings Across the Americas” program.
       
       Mr. Carmichael referred to a legislative request to stock grass carp in Second Mill Pond in Sumter County. Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board approve this request as presented. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    2. Law Enforcement
       Col. Taylor informed the Board that the Sanctuary Agreements for Wilson Dam, in Berkeley and Colleton counties, and Cooper River, in Berkeley County, had expired. A new agreement has been drawn and signed by the legislative delegations. Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board adopt the updated Sanctuary Agreements as proposed. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    3. Land, Water and Conservation
       Mr. de Kozlowski distributed and reviewed the status report of the State Geological Survey Statemap Program.
    4. Outreach and Support Services
       Carole Collins reported that there were approximately 325 exhibitors as the Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic and attendance was up all three days from last year. Ms. Collins also informed the Board that license renewals are on schedule.
12. Legislative Report
    Derrick Meggie distributed and reviewed his report on current legislation. Mr. Frampton and the Board had a detailed discussion about the budget.
13. 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. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
14. Return to Regular Session
    Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board return to regular session and noted that no actions were taken in Executive Session. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Evans made a motion to give preliminary approval to evaluate a proposed purchase in the ACE Basin. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
15. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
    The May Board meeting will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2008, in Columbia.
    
    The June Board meeting will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2008.
    
    The July Board meeting will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2008.
    
16. Adjournment
    There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.