The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 10:00 a.m., April 17, 2012, 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 John Evans presided at the meeting. Board members present included Cary Chastain, Michael Hutchins, Randy Lowe, Norman Pulliam, Caroline Rhodes and Larry Yonce. Col. Alvin Taylor, Director, and staff members of the Department of Natural Resources were present at the meeting.

1. Call to Order
   Chairman John Evans called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting.
   
   Chairman Evans informed the Board that he has appointed Bob Perry as Parliamentarian for Board meetings. 
2. Invocation
   Rev. Dave Smith offered the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
   Norman Pulliam led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Introduction of Guests
   Don Winslow, Chief of Staff, introduced John Carroll, SC Realtors Association, and Tombo Milliken, Coastal Conservation Association.
   
5. Approval of Minutes
   Chairman Evans asked if there were any amendments, additions, deletions or corrections to the March 23, 2012, meeting minutes. Caroline Rhodes made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the March 23, 2012, meeting as submitted. Mike Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
6. Presentations/Commendations
   Col. Taylor commended Denise Frost and volunteers from across the agency for their efforts in making the Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic such a great success.
   
   Col. Taylor commended Lt. Billy Downer and staff for their efforts with the Archery in the Schools State Tournament.
   
7. Advisory Committee Reports
   1. Marine
      Cary Chastain reported that the Marine Advisory Committee met March 30 in Charleston. The meeting began with a public hearing regarding the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s fishery management plan for menhaden. The Advisory Committee received an overview of the Horseshoe Crab fishery in South Carolina. The Advisory Committee received a legislative update including the sheepshead bill and a bill to prohibit the sale of cobia caught in state waters. The Advisory Committee discussed a proposed mariculture operation in Colleton County and issues associated with this project. The Advisory Committee also discussed potential initiatives to discuss at later meetings.
   2. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
      Mike Hutchins reported that the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee met April 11 at Edisto State Park. The Advisory Committee passed a motion to initiate conversation, through the DNR Board, to create a DNR app for electronic devices. The Advisory Committee received an overview of the fish hatchery program. The Advisory Committee passed a motion to support a recommendation to the Board to implement a non-refundable application fee for draw hunts. The Advisory Committee received a presentation on the updated protocol for dealing with Human/Black Bear Encounters. The Advisory Committee was shown the proposed sea turtle design for the new Endangered Species License Plate. The Advisory Committee was given copies of a regulation changes awareness flier for freshwater fishing that will become effective on July 1. The Advisory Committee received updates on the Savannah River Coyote Study, legislation regarding deer baiting in Game Zones 1 and 2 as well as efforts to control hogs and coyotes.
8. Item for Board Information
   1. Bear Update
      Sam Chappelear, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, distributed and briefly reviewed the draft South Carolina Human – Black Bear Encounters Procedures and Protocol document. Mr. Chappelear noted that this document is intended to be used by DNR staff as a general guideline to address bear encounters.
   2. Hunter Education Update
      Lt. Billy Downer gave the Board a brief presentation on Hunter Education Programs including Archery in the Schools, SC Youth Shooting Foundation, Take One Make One and range development. Lt. Downer provided background and pertinent statistics on each program, noting that participation has increased in each activity.
      
9. Director's Briefings
   Col. Taylor gave the Board an update on the budget noting that the Senate will begin debate next week.
   
   Col. Taylor, Bob Perry and Mike Hutchins attended a meeting of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in Charleston on March 29.
   
   Col. Taylor met with Catherine Templeton, DHEC Director, on April 2 to discuss future partnership opportunities and activities.
10. Legislative Report
    Derrick Meggie, Director of Legislative Services, reported that there has been no activity since the Board’s last meeting due to the House and Senate being on break.
    
11. Environmental Report
    Bob Perry, Director, Office of Environmental Programs, highlighted the following proposed projects: O. V. Associates, LLC, Colleton (commercial oyster growing project); Managed Tidal Impoundments General Permit; and Kiawah Development Partners II, Inc. Mr. Perry noted that the City of the Isle of Palms project has been permitted and will be removed from the briefing document. Mr. Perry informed the group that the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project was released for comment on April 12. The FEIS was received by DNR staff on April 12. Mr. Perry distributed a preliminary analysis of changes and areas that will have environmental impacts that staff will comprehensively review and draft comments on which are due May 20, 2012. Mr. Perry reported that the agency is considering requesting a 15 day extension for comments.
    
    Col. Taylor and Chairman Evans welcomed Senator Chip Campsen to the meeting.
12. Deputy Directors’ Reports
    1. Land, Water and Conservation
       Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water and Conservation, reported on the Kolb site archaeology dig and the Ashley River Scenic River event. Mr. Rentiers distributed the Heritage Trust Revenue Report. Mr. Rentiers gave the Board a brief update on water monitoring and drought status, noting the Drought Response Committee is scheduled to meet April 25. Hope Mizzell, State Climatologist, thanked Mrs. Rhodes and Mr. Chastain for their generosity in supporting a dinner for the participants of the Southeast Regional Climatologists Annual Technical Advisory meeting, which DNR hosted.
    2. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
       Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, distributed the freshwater fish hatchery program and the freshwater fishing regulation changes flier.
    3. Law Enforcement
       Major William Poole, Law Enforcement Division, distributed and reviewed the 2011-12 waterfowl season totals and the totals for the opening week of turkey season.
    4. Marine Resources
       Robert Boyles, Deputy Director for Marine Resources, gave the Board a brief update on the Minorities in Marine and Environmental Science Program. Mr. Boyles highlighted the presentations made by staff on page 2 of the Marine Resources Division Monthly Report. Mr. Boyles informed the Board that the outer limits of state waters have been opened for commercial shrimp trawl season. Mr. Boyles noted that the Board may receive communication to open the remainder of state waters prior to the May meeting.
    5. Outreach and Support Services
       Nothing further to report.
13. Executive Session
    Mr. Hutchins made a motion for the Board to hold an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
14. Open Session
    Mrs. Rhodes made a motion that the Board return to regular session, noting that no actions were taken during Executive Session. Mr. Chastain seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Col. Taylor announced the appointment of Maj. Chisolm Frampton as Colonel for the Law Enforcement Division. Col. Taylor, Chairman Evans and Mr. Pulliam participated in the pinning ceremony.
15. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
    The May Board meeting will be held Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at Santee Coastal Reserve, McClellanville, SC.
16. Adjournment
    There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.