The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 10:00 am, on Friday, May 19, 2006, at the Yawkey Wildlife Center, Georgetown, 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, Karen Floyd and Frank Murray. Smith Ragsdale was absent. 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 Col. Alvin Taylor to offer the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
   Vice Chairman Campbell led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Introduction of Guests
   Chairman McShane welcomed Mr. James Healey and Ms. Maureen Bleday, Yawkey Foundation. Mr. Stallworth noted there were no other guests present.
5. Constituent Comments
   Mr. Stallworth stated there were no requests for constituent comment.
6. Approval of Minutes
   Chairman McShane asked if there were any additions, deletions or corrections to the minutes of the April 21, 2006, meeting. Mrs. Floyd made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 21, 2006, meeting as presented. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
7. Presentations/Commendations
   Mr. Frampton commended those staff receiving State Service Pins and noted that there were some who received 40 year pins.
   
   Mr. Frampton commended the 2005 Division Employees of the Year recognized at the State Service Pin/Employee of the Year ceremony on May 2: Executive Office, Derrick Meggie; Law Enforcement, Ann Snipes; Marine, Pat Causby; Outreach and Support Services, Jay Wilkerson; and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, Sam Chappelear. Also Division Employee of the Year for Land, Water and Conservation and overall Department Employee of the Year, Patty Epley. Chairman McShane noted, for the record, that the Board sends its congratulations to each individual and those receiving their service pin.
8. Advisory Committee Reports
   1. Heritage Trust
      Barry Beasley reported that the Heritage Trust Advisory Committee met on May 3. The Advisory Committee received updates on the survey work on Woodberry and the shorebird protection efforts. The Advisory Committee approved some acquisition projects and preserve management and cultural resources budgets. The Advisory Committee reviewed available monies and received an overview on the issuance of bonds. The remainder of the meeting was spent reviewing pending and potential projects.
   2. Waterfowl
      Mr. Carmichael reported that the Waterfowl Advisory Committee met on May 9. The entire meeting was dedicated to an objective setting session revolving around the committee’s mission and goals. The committee identified 37 objectives revolving around the five goals. Chairman McShane informed the Board that Sam Hiott has been appointed Chairman of the Waterfowl Advisory Committee.
   3. Migratory Waterfowl
      Chairman McShane reported that the Migratory Waterfowl Advisory Committee met earlier in the week. The Advisory Committee recommended to the DNR Board that a contract be accepted for a four-year series with artist Jim Killen for commissioned work. Mr. Davis made a motion to adopt the recommendation of the Migratory Waterfowl Advisory Committee to have Director Frampton work out the details of the contract with artist Jim Killen for a four-year period. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
      
      Chairman McShane then informed the Board that the Advisory Committee recommended sending $30,000 to a project designated in the Atlantic Flyway in Canada with a non-profit organization, being Ducks Unlimited in this case. Mr. Campbell made a motion affirming the recommendation. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
9. Items for Board Information
   1. Overview of Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center
      Chairman McShane asked Mr. Healey if he would like to make a few comments to the Board. Mr. Healey noted that Tom Yawkey’s uncle bought the property in 1903. Tom Yawkey then inherited the property when his uncle died. The Yawkey’s would winter here, arriving in early fall and leaving in early spring. Tom Yawkey left this property to the State and set up the Foundation to fund it. The Foundation is the steward to keep the money and provide it for the operation of the Center. Mr. Healey noted how happy and pleased the Foundation is with how the State, DNR and the staff assigned to the Yawkey Wildlife Center run the operation. Mr. Healey informed the Board that one of the projects they are working on is buying a new ferry.
      
      Bob Joyner gave the Board a history of the island prior to its being sold to William Yawkey. Mr. Joyner stated that Mr. Yawkey had a very good relationship with the Department and allowed research and management practices to be conducted here in the early years. Over the years more management practices have been developed to enhance the area. These include research studies performed by various universities and private researchers. The distribution of oral rabies vaccine to wild animal was developed at Yawkey Wildlife Center.
      
      Mr. Frampton presented throws to Mr. Healey and Ms. Bleday. He expressed his appreciation to the Yawkey Foundation and looks forward to upcoming projects.
   2. Available Funds for Phragmites on Coastal Properties
      Steve de Kozlowski informed the Board that there are 28 water bodies in need of Phragmites control. The total cost for control of nuisance aquatic plants this year is $682,106 with $233,000 being designated for Phragmites. The challenge this year is that there is no Corps funding. Mr. de Kozlowski explained that Phragmites is a tall grass from Europe that has a very dense canopy and shades out native species and covers open water bodies. Mr. de Kozlowski discussed management strategies to control Phragmites and mentioned partners and coordination with other public agencies. Mr. de Kozlowski showed the Board pictures of recent shots of Phragmites covered Corps dredge spoil. Chairman McShane suggested that the Board send a letter to the Corps imploring them to take appropriate management steps to eradicate Phragmites from their spoil properties. Mr. de Kozlowski described the Winyah Bay Invasive Species Cost Share Program. This project provides funds for private landowners in Winyah Bay/Santee Delta area to do control work on their property. The Georgetown Conservation District is administering this program. Chairman McShane suggested that Mr. de Kozlowski attend some of the Task Force meetings to share information on this program.
10. Items for Board Action
    1. Francis Marion National Forest Deer Seasons
       Breck Carmichael explained that private landowners asked the DNR for changes to the current deer hunting with dogs schedule to relieve some problems they are having. Mr. Carmichael noted that they are trying to develop a compromise to satisfy those involved. Tim Ivey shared with the Board the history of Francis Marion National Forest and reviewed the proposed 2006 deer hunting seasons on Francis Marion National Forest as provided in the Board package. These will be filed as emergency regulations. Mrs. Floyd made a motion that the Board affirm the proposal for the 2006 deer hunting seasons on Francis Marion National Forest as presented. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    2. Wadakoe Mountain Heritage Preserve Management Plan
       Tim Ivey reviewed the Wadakoe Mountain Heritage Preserve Management Plan as provided in the Board package. Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board approve the Wadakoe Mountain Heritage Preserve Management Plan as presented. 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 gave the Board an update on the Heritage Trust Revenue Bonds. Approval has been received from the Joint Bond Review Committee and from the Budget and Control Board.
    
    Mr. Frampton participated along with deputy directors in regional meetings across the State. Mr. Frampton provided staff with information on the budget, future plans and took questions from staff.
    
    Mr. Frampton participated in the Governor’s Pre-Hurricane Season Briefing on May 17 in Columbia.
    
    Chairman McShane and Mr. Frampton spoke to the Minority Intern participants on May 17 at their orientation and kick-off of the program. .
12. Deputy Directors’ Reports
    1. Marine Resources
       Robert Boyles informed the Board that David Whitaker has been selected as the Assistant Deputy Director for Marine Resources. Mr. Boyles reminded the Board that the Harry Hampton Marine Conservation banquet is scheduled for August 12. Mr. Boyles informed the Board of the public outreach schedule for finfish limits. There will be seven public meetings.
    2. Land, Water and Conservation
       No report.
    3. Wildlife and Freshwater
       Fisheries Mr. Carmichael gave the Board an update on the Robust Redhorse Project. Mr. Carmichael informed the Board that Val Nash has been selected as the Assistant Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.
    4. Law Enforcement
       Col. Taylor reported that in the recent Southeastern Law Enforcement Chiefs meeting held in Florida, South Carolina’s hurricane plan is ahead of most other states. Col. Taylor informed the Board that the first class of officers is in the field making cases and the second group is in Wildlife Basic. Col Taylor noted that there have been four fatalities so far this boating season and he will get a schedule to the Board on Safe Boating Week.
    5. Outreach and Supported Services
       Scott Speares reported on the Direct Mail License Promotion and that BOW is underway at Clemson.

    Mr. Frampton announced that Terri McGee has been hired as the Human Resources Director.

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. Murray 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. Campbell made a motion for staff to proceed with the steps necessary to procure lands bordering the Catawbee/Wateree River in South Carolina. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Evans made a motion to proceed with the sale of approximately 68 acres adjacent to Ditch Pond Heritage Preserve in Aiken County. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Murray made a motion to direct staff to develop a lease agreement for Morgan Island, to include an escalator clause. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mrs. Floyd made a motion to proceed with the sale of 6.5 acres to SC DOT near the Great Pee Dee River along Highway 378 in Marion County. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
15. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
    The June Board meeting will be held on Friday, June 16, 2006.
    
    The July Board meeting will be held on July 21, 2006.
16. Adjournment
    There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.