The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 10:00 am, on Friday, April 21, 2006, at the Rembert C. Dennis Building, Columbia, South Carolina. 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 and Smith Ragsdale. Board member Karen Floyd participated by speakerphone. Board member Frank Murray’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 Buford Mabry to offer the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
   Vice Chairman Campbell led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Introduction of Guests
   Hank Stallworth introduced Mrs. Jim Timmerman and Mrs. Beth LeMaster, widow and daughter of Dr. James A. Timmerman; Danny Young, James Cassell and Jim Goller, Midlands Striper Club; Joey Holleman, The State newspaper; and Angela Viney, SC Wildlife Federation.
5. Constituent Comments
   Ms. Viney distributed copies of SCWF’s latest newsletter and the Conservation Voters of South Carolina Briefing Book. Ms. Viney informed the Board that National Hunting and Fishing Day has been rescheduled for September 30.
6. Approval of Minutes
   Chairman McShane asked if there were any additions, deletions or corrections to the minutes of the March 17, 2006, meeting. Mr. Campbell made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 17, 2006, meeting as presented. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
7. Presentations/Commendations
   Chairman McShane presented a Resolution honoring the late Dr. James A. Timmerman, Jr. to Mrs. Timmerman and their daughter Mrs. Beth LeMaster. Chairman McShane read the following portions of the Resolution for the record.
   
   WHEREAS, Dr. James A. Timmerman, Jr., born in Pelzer, South Carolina, in 1935, was instrumental in protecting thousands of acres of prime habitat during his tenure as Director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, died November 12, 2005, at the age of 70, and
   
   WHEREAS, In 1967, he became the youngest department head ever appointed at The Citadel in Charleston, and in 1970, recognizing his extraordinary talent and abilities, Clyde Eltzroth, then Wildlife Commission Chairman, and Governor Bob McNair asked him to take a leave of absence from The Citadel and spearhead the creation of the Marine Resources Center at historic Fort Johnson, and
   
   WHEREAS, Dr. Timmerman served as acting Director, then Director, of the Marine Resources Division of the S.C. Wildlife and Marine Resources Department from March 1970 through January 1974 and was instrumental in the development, staffing and funding of the Marine Center at Fort Johnson on James Island in Charleston, which today is recognized as one of the finest marine science facilities in the nation, and
   
   WHEREAS, Dr. Timmerman’s work in natural resources conservation earned him statewide and nationwide recognition; he received the Order of the Palmetto from the state of South Carolina, the 1997 Chuck Yeager Award from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the 1996 C.W. Watson Award from the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the 1996 Lifetime Achievement Award from the S.C. Wildlife Federation and the 1990 Seth Gordon Award from the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and
   
   WHEREAS, Dr. Timmerman, affectionately known as “Doc” to his friends, was a devoted and loving family man and will be missed by his wife Jo Anne, his three daughters, a son and nine grandchildren.
   
   NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of the S. C. Department of Natural Resources on this 9th day of December 2005, honor the life and memory of one of South Carolina’s greatest leaders and conservationists.
   
   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that a copy of this resolution be provided to the Timmerman family and that a copy be retained in the permanent archives of the S. C. Department of Natural Resources.
   
   Mr. Frampton spoke of Dr. Timmerman’s dedication and leadership to the SC Department of Natural Resources and to the State of South Carolina.
   
   Wade Bales introduced Danny Young, James Cassell and Jim Goller, members of the Midlands Striper Club. Mr. Bales informed the Board that the Midlands Striper Club has provided support to the Fisheries Section by purchasing equipment used for research. The Midlands Striper Club’s latest donation of $5,770 will purchase equipment to be used in the Santee Cooper Drainage Study. Mr. Goller noted that the Midlands Stripers Club is the oldest inland striper club in the US with approximately 560 members. The Club has given DNR over $15,000 including the $5,770 presented today.
8. Advisory Committee Reports
   1. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
      Stephen Davis reported that the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee met on April 18 in Cheraw. The Advisory Committee received constituent comments regarding fur trapping law changes. The Advisory Committee received a report on the buck limit public meetings. The Advisory Committee discussed road hunting and asked staff to review past history and work with legal staff on proposed legislation. The Advisory Committee received a report from Charles Ruth on the opening and length for turkey season.
   2. Land, Water and Conservation Freddy Vang reported that the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Committee met on April 20 in Columbia. The Calhoun Conservation District gave a presentation of their activities. Mr. Vang reported that the Advisory Committee received a report on TMDL’s and over all water issues on the Savannah River from Dean Moss. The Advisory Committee also approved new research functions for the Land, Water and Conservation Division – Update of State Water Plan, Rediversion Canal Study, Hydrology of restoring Carolina Bays, and update of 7Q10’s for DHEC. The Advisory Committee reviewed the Aquatic Plant Management Plan.
9. Items for Board Information
   1. FEMA Map Modernization Lisa Jones reviewed the Map Modernization Goals for SC DNR, the typical study phases for Map Modernization and gave an update on where counties are in this process. Mrs. Jones reviewed the CTP Funding from FY 03 – FY 05, noting that this is 100% federal with no state match. Mrs. Jones also noted the unmet needs for this program are hydrology, hydraulics and topography. An attempt was made, but failed, for a budget proviso proposing to take the premium tax collected on NFIP policies and apply it to floodplain mapping needs.
   2. Buck Limit Public Meeting Results Charles Ruth gave the Board the background for these meetings and noted that in 2003 DNR conducted five public meeting related to the buck limit issue. Results of the meetings indicated that 90% of meeting attendees supported the concept of uniform limit of no more than five bucks with some form of tagging system in place to provide for enforcement. Mr. Ruth stated in the 2005-06 survey 70% of respondents supported a no more than five-buck limit and some type of enforcement mechanism. These data were presented at the recently held public meetings along with data from other southeastern states. During the closing portion of each meeting two questions were asked of attendees. The first question was whether attendees opposed a statewide limit of five bucks in SC. The second question was whether attendees would oppose a low cost set of deer and turkey tags to allow limits to be enforced with the money supporting resource specific programs. Statewide results for these questions are 74% of attendees support a hypothetical five buck limit and 94% support low cost tags to allow for enforcement as long as the money is directed back to the deer and turkey program.
   3. Flounder Gig Fishery Robert Boyles told the Board that this study was initiated as a result on ongoing interest in the flounder fishery. Mr. Boyles introduced Dr. Marcel Reichart. Dr. Reichart explained to the Board that this study will address a critical lack of information essential for effective assessment and management of flounder populations in South Carolina. The study will assess the flounder gigging activities in South Carolina and investigate spawning locations and recruitment from spawning grounds to nursery areas. The goals for the assessment of flounder gigging are: to assess key characteristics and the overall magnitude of flounder gigging activities in South Carolina and collect biological data on flounder in support of potential fishery management decisions. The Study goals for the reproduction and recruitment of flounder are to identify spawning grounds for southern, summer and Gulf flounder off the South Carolina coast and investigate mechanisms of larval transport to estuarine nursery grounds, addressing essential fish habitat issues. The end product of this study will determine critical periods and areas for flounder reproduction and survival of larvae and juveniles, and assist in identifying potential essential fish habitat for flounder and aid in management activities.
10. Items for Board Action
    1. Francis Marion National Forest Dog Hunting Changes
       This item was deferred until May.
    2. South Santee Community Center Renovations
       Breck Carmichael reviewed the proposed renovations to the South Santee Community Center as included in the Board meeting package. Mr. Carmichael noted that this building is located at the entrance to the Santee Coastal Reserve. The South Santee Community has received a $100,000 grant and $20,000 in matching funds provided by the community for the renovations. Mrs. Floyd made a motion to affirm the renovations to the South Santee Community Center. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
11. Director’s Briefings
    Mr. Frampton gave the Board an update on the budget. Mr. Frampton distributed copies of a letter from the Georgetown County Council forwarding their Resolution supporting naming the future Sampit Boat Landing in honor of Governor Carroll A. Campbell. Mr. Ragsdale made a motion that the Board adopt this Resolution from the Georgetown County Council. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Frampton distributed copies of the House and Senate Resolutions urging Duke Power to develop and operate adequate water level controls on Lake Wateree.
    
    Mr. Frampton represented DNR at the Governor’s Press Conference on March 28 to announce the Hamilton Ridge and Woodbury land acquisition in partnership with International Paper, The Conservation Fund and The Nature Conservancy.
    
    Mr. Frampton, Emily Cope and Chairman McShane participated in the Marsh Furniture Tract Dedication Ceremony on April 7 in Marion County.
    
    Mr. Frampton informed the Board that Regional Hub meetings for all employees will be held on April 24 in Charleston, April 25 in Clemson, May 1 in Florence and May 15 in Columbia.
    
    Mr. Frampton reminded the Board that the DNR State Service and Recognition Program is scheduled for May 2 at 1:30 pm, in Columbia.
12. Deputy Directors’ Reports
    1. Land, Water and Conservation
       Mr. Vang distributed copies of an article from Time magazine about global warming. Mr. Vang informed the Board that the Drought Committee will meet next week. The Chairman asked Hope Mizzell if she would give the Board an update on the 2006 Hurricane Season. Mrs. Mizzell reported that indicators are that 2006 will be another active season with higher than normal potential for landfall on the east coast.
    2. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
       Mr. Carmichael gave the Board an update on the seabird nesting islands. Mr. Carmichael reported that large signs will be posted at Crab Bank and Bird Key this week. Mr. Carmichael noted that smaller signs will also be posted at marinas and landings.
    3. Law Enforcement
       Maj. Gregg Smith gave the Board an update on new officer training and on the 2006 turkey season. There were 151 cases made for turkey season of which 91 were for bait.
    4. Outreach and Support
       Services Carole Collins gave the Board an update on the ETV program and noted that it was viewed in 2,000 homes in February. Ms. Collins informed the Board that Diane VanDerHoff, Caroline Foster and Glenn Gardner will be graduating from CPM.
    5. Marine Resources
       Mr. Boyles gave the Board a preemptive finfish limits update. Mr. Boyles announced that David Whitaker is the Assistant Deputy Director for Marine Resources. Mr. Boyles noted that the 2006 commercial shrimp trawling season has not yet opened but this will probably happen the first week of May.
13. Executive Session
    At this time Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board hold an Executive Session to discuss contractual, legal and personnel matters. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
14. Return to Regular Session
    The Board returned to regular session and invited staff and guests to join the meeting.
    
    Mr. Evans made a motion to approve the final acquisition of the Floyd Tract in Chesterfield County. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mrs. Floyd made a motion to accept a gift of five acres in Greenville County. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
15. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
    The May Board meeting will be held on Friday, May 19, 2006, at the Yawkey Wildlife Center, in Georgetown.
    
    The June Board meeting will be held on June 16, 2006, in Florence.
16. Adjournment
    There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.