SCDNR Board Meeting Minutes

Chairman Glenn McFadden called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Rev. Eric Skidmore, SC Law Enforcement Assistance Program, offered the invocation.

Cary Chastain led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Breck Carmichael, Special Assistant to the Director, reported that there are no guests.

Mr. Carmichael reported that there were no requests for constituent comment.

Chairman McFadden asked if there were any amendments, additions, deletions or corrections to the March 18, 2016, meeting minutes. Norman Pulliam made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the March 18, 2016 meeting as submitted. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Robert Boyles, Deputy Director for Marine Resources, commended Angie Cassella - DNR-FEMA liaison, CPT Karen Swink – DNR-EMD coordinator, the Deputy Directors, business managers and staff across the agency for their hard work in the aftermath of the 2015 1000-year flood event; flood damage reimbursements are starting to be received from FEMA.

Mr. Boyles commended Dan Dupre and volunteers from across the agency for their efforts in making the Palmetto Sportsmen's Classic on March 18-20 a great success.

Climate Update
Dr. Mizzell reported rainfall totals, precipitation percentiles, streamflows, lake levels and ground-water monitoring wells around the state. Dr. Mizzell reviewed the hurricane season forecast.

Mr. Boyles reported that Director Taylor's schedule has included numerous meetings with legislators, legislative sub-committees and committees.

Director Taylor participated in a SEAFWA conference call to discuss the USFWS proposed rule on National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska.

Mr. Boyles informed the Board that the DNR Employee of the Year Appreciation Luncheon is scheduled for Friday, May 6, beginning at noon, at Cooks Mountain.

CPT Mike Sabaka briefly informed the Board that the cross over date is April 28. CPT Sabaka reported on the current status of the deer management bill, cobia bill and striped bass bill. CPT Sabaka informed the Board of a new bill that has been introduced to exempt Department DLEO's from the bond requirement. CPT Sabaka reported that Director Taylor has been working diligently on the budget.

Bob Perry, Director of Environmental Programs, briefly reviewed the Volvo project and the Catawba-Wateree Hydro-Electric Project.

1. Law Enforcement
   MAJ Jamie Landrum reported on turkey season and plans for the Memorial Day bike week. MAJ Landrum informed the Board that over 520 youth participated in the Youth Open shooting event and $33,000 worth of scholarships were awarded. MAJ Landrum also reported that 1,100 students participated in the 2016 State Archery Tournament with $7,000 worth of scholarships being awarded.
2. Marine Resources
   Mr. Boyles reported on the 2016 commercial shrimp trawl season opening. Mr. Boyles noted that staff have testified on a bill regarding year-round harvest of maricultured oysters. Mr. Boyles reported that program managers and coordinators recently met and reviewed MRD programs.
3. Outreach and Support Services
   Derrick Meggie, Deputy Director for Outreach and Support Services, briefly reviewed and discussed the boating access website.
4. Land, Water and Conservation
   Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water and Conservation, gave the Board a brief update on water planning activities. Mr. Rentiers distributed the Heritage Trust revenue report.
5. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, distributed copies of the Wildlife Technicians newsletter. Mrs. Cope then gave the Board a brief overview of the Fisheries Intensive Training Program.

Approval of 2015 Governor's Cup Billfishing Series Annual Report
Mrs. Willis made a motion that the Board approve the 2015 Governor's Cup Billfishing Series Annual Report as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Chastain made a motion for the Board to hold an Executive Session to discuss proposed appointments/reappointments of Advisory Boards and a property acquisition. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board return to regular session, noting that no actions were taken during Executive Session. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

1. Approval of Governor's Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board Nomination/Re-nomination
   Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board approve the following appointments/reappointments to the Governor's Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board.

   Appointments – First 3-year term – July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2019

   • Fred Bergen of Savannah
   • Hunter Edwards of Charlotte

   Appointment – First 3-year term – July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020

   • Steve Mungo of Charleston

   Reappointments – Second 3-year term – July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2019

   • Chris Jennings of Beaufort
   • Harry Johnson of Mt. Pleasant
   • avid Sykes of Isle of Palms

   Mr. Yonce seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

2. Approval of Marine Advisory Committee Reappointments
   Mr. Chastain made a motion that the Board approve the following reappointments to the Marine Advisory Committee.

   Reappointments – 4-year term – July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2020 Dr. Byron Bailey of Sullivan's Island and Coker Day of Lexington

   Mrs. Willis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

3. Approval of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee Reappointments Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the following reappointments to the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee.

   Reappointments – 4-year term – July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2020
   Stephen Thomas of Fort Mill and Robert Garmany of Mt. Pleasant

   Mr. Yonce seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

4. Approval of Law Enforcement Advisory Committee Reappointments
   Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board approve the following reappointments to the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee.

   Reappointments – 4-year term – July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2020
   Knox L. Haynsworth, Jr. of Greenville; A. Foster McKissick, III of Greenville; Paul Napper of Camden and Johnny Williams of Denmark

   Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

5. Approval of Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Committee Reappointments
   Mr. Yonce made a motion that the Board approve the following reappointments to the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Committee.

   Reappointments – 4-year term – July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2020
   William S. Simpson, III of James Island; W. Dean Moss, Jr. of Port Royal; Thomas E. Garrison, III of Pendleton; James McLeod of Camden and Charles Broadwell of Sumter

   Mr. Chastain seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

6. Approval of Conservation District Commissioner Appointments/Reappointments
   Mr. Yonce made a motion that the Board approve the following Conservation District Commissioner Appointments/Reappointments.

   Reappointments:
   Thomas O. Sanders of Barnwell – 07/05/16 to 07/05/20; Willie D. Sarratt of Cherokee – 04/21/16 to 04/07/19 and Sarah P. Williams of Kershaw – 04/21/16 to 05/11/17

   Appointments:
   Jane D. Waters of Cherokee - 04/21/16 to 01/31/17; Douglas L. Jarrell of Hampton – 04/21/16 – 01/31/17 and Gene R. Johnson of Horry – 04/21/16 to 01/31/19

   Mrs. Willis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

7. Property Acquisition at Bear Island WMA
   Mrs. Willis made a motion that the Board give final approval to acquire approximately 91 acres adjoining Bear Island WMA in Colleton County. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

The Board will have a workshop on May 19 in Johnsonville, SC.

There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.