SCDNR Board Meeting Minutes

Chairman Norman Pulliam called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Director Boyles offered the invocation.

Mr. Hutchins led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Blaik Keppler, Deputy Director for Marine Resources, introduced Ernie Wiggers and Travis Folk.

Mrs. Keppler informed the Board that Mr. Wiggers and Mr. Folk have requested to make comments to the Board. All comments were regarding the Urban/Suburban Deer Management Program.

Chairman Pulliam asked if there were any additions, deletions or corrections to the minutes of the March 25, 2022 Board meeting and April 21, 2022 Board workshop. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the March 25, 2022 Board meeting and April 21, 2022 Board workshop, as presented. Dr. Hartley seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Director Boyles commended the 2021 Division Employees of the Year: Administration: Kim Joyner; Land, Water and Conservation: Brooke Czwartacki; Law Enforcement: Laken Williams; Executive: Chelsea McClain; Marine Resources: Fred Dockery, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries: Jim Lee. The overall 2021 Employee of the Year is Land, Water and Conservation’s Brooke Czwartacki.

Director Boyles commended the following staff on the Brandt transition team and involved with implementation of our Go Outdoors South Carolina app included with the new license system:

Julie Jarrett, Lara Backman, Mark Litz, Stephen Robinson, Deborah Green, QA/QC staff, Patty Epley, Brian Johnson, systems/network staff, Tejas Patel, database/programming staff, Holly Stevens, Help Desk staff, Angel Brown, Jay Butfiloski, Emily Kearse, Jay Cantrell, Charles Ruth, CPT Lee Ellis, LT Pat Rivers, Amanda Stroud, Kristin Coulter, Scott Speares, Donna Maples and Michelle Burks.

Director Boyles commended Division of Administration Procurement staff and Division Business Managers for years of continuous improvement with State Procurement as evidenced by our 40 years of membership in the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP).

Director Boyles commended Joe Lemeris, GIS/Data Manager, Natural Heritage Program, Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries on his selection to serve as the NatureServe US Section Council SE Representative.

Director Boyles commended Lorianne Riggin of the Executive Office/Environmental Programs and Felicia Sanders of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and staff on their coordination of the Welcome Back the Birds Celebration and Ribbon Cutting ceremony with Governor Henry McMaster, Congresswoman Nancy Mace and DNR Board Member Dr. Mark Hartley in attendance on April 5 at Alhambra Hall in Mount Pleasant.

Director Boyles commended Dr. Marcel Reichert and Marine Division staff for their efforts involved as the Reef fish survey celebrates 50 years of marine research that started in 1972.

Director Boyles commended Law Enforcement Lt. Colonel Jamie Landrum on his selection to participate in the Furman University, Riley Institute’s Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI) for the upstate.

Director Boyles commended Law Enforcement 1st SGT L. Dwayne Rogers II and the Dive Team for their efforts in supporting a grieving family following the loss of their son in a drowning event.

Director Boyles commended Law Enforcement 1st SGT Adrian Priester on his efforts assisting a homeowner following a tornado that touched down in Allendale County.

Director Boyles commended Brooke Myres for her work with the recently held Envirothon competition. Director Boyles announced that Spartanburg High School placed first in the State Competition.

Director Boyles informed the Board that he will be traveling May 31 through June 3, 2022 to Canada to review US states’ investments in Canadian waterfowl habitat. This trip has been put together by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and Ducks Unlimited Canada.

Director Boyles reminded the Board with the passage of Act 147, there is a Board member appointment necessary for the Waterfowl Advisory Committee.

Director Boyles mentioned that the Yawkey Foundation Trustees will be in South Carolina for the dedication of the Blackout Tract on South Island on June 13.

Director Boyles reported that staff are continuing to work with the landlord and architect for the new headquarters building.

1. Law Enforcement
   Chairman Pulliam reported that the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee met March 29-30, 2022 at the Wampee Conference Center in Pinopolis. COL Chisolm Frampton, Deputy Director for Law Enforcement, reported that the Advisory Committee received a presentation on Region 4 activities. The Advisory Committee received updates on budget issues and legislative issues.
2. Marine Resources
   Mrs. Keppler reported that the Marine Resources Advisory Committee met April 1, 2022 in Charleston. The Advisory Committee received presentations on Red Drum: Science and Management in South Carolina and Red Drum Angler Outreach Goals. The Advisory Committee received an overview of the MRRI Coastal Research Section’s Reef Fish Survey and Coastal Trawl Survey.
3. Saltwater Recreational Fisheries
   Mrs. Keppler reported that the Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee met virtually on May 3, 2022. The Advisory Committee reviewed and approved the program proposals for FY 2023.
4. Heritage Trust
   Mr. Rasor reported that the Heritage Trust Advisory Board met May 12, 2022 in the classroom at Styx compound in West Columbia. The Advisory Board received a presentation on the Botany and Plant Conservation Program and approved three property acquisitions that will be brought before the Board later in the meeting.

1. Climate Update
   Hope Mizzell, Land, Water and Conservation Division, reported on the 2022 hurricane season forecast. Dr. Mizzell provided an update of drought conditions in the state. Dr. Mizzell provided rainfall totals, precipitation percentiles, streamflow, lake levels, groundwater monitoring wells around the state, precipitation forecast and temperature forecast.
2. Audit Update
   Caleb-Scott Cohoon, Audits Manager, distributed and reviewed the Review of Mitigation Trust Fund Procedures and Transactions for the Bannister Tract.
3. Budget Update
   Director Boyles reviewed the FY 2022-2023 Budget Requests that has been provided each Board member. Director Boyles noted that some of the items will be taken up by the Conference Committee.

Kevin Ryan, Director of Government Affairs, distributed and reviewed the Bill Tracking Report. Mr. Ryan reported that the Conference Committee is scheduled to meet on June 13 and 14, 2022. Mr. Ryan reviewed the status of S 2 – DHEC Restructuring, S 108 – former LiDAR Mapping, H 3055 – former Oversight: Cleanup – updating names and technical changes, H 3291 – Trespass: Marking Boundaries with purple paint, H 4177 – Waterfowl Program Manager, Advisory Committee, and Permit Fees and H 4986 – Prohibit Crab Traps in the General Trawl Zone and Furbearer Trapping Seasons.

Nothing further to report.

1. Marine Resources
   Mrs. Keppler informed the Board that the Ft. Johnson/May Forest Master Plan Public Meeting will be held tonight at 5:00 pm.
2. Administration
   Nothing further to report.
3. Land, Water and Conservation
   Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water and Conservation, commended Brooke Myres for her efforts with the Envirothon and the Conservation Districts Annual Report.
4. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, distributed and reviewed the 2022 turkey season harvest report.
5. Law Enforcement
   Nothing further to report.

1. Heritage Preserve Tracts to be Committed to the Corpus of the Heritage Trust
   
   1. Bennett’s Bay HP – TNC Tracts I and II
   2. Bunched Arrowhead HP – TNC II Tract
   3. Cartwheel Bay HP
   4. Deveaux Bank HP
   5. Little Pee Dee River HP – Dargan Tract, Dargan III Tract, and Ward Tract
   6. Savage Bay HP– Douglas / Rogers Tracts (3), Rodgers Tract, McPhatter Tract, and Trivett Tract
   7. Stevens Creek HP – Majors Tract
   8. Woods Bay HP – Anderson Tract
   
   Ken Prosser, Assistant Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, reviewed the Heritage Preserve Tracts to be Committed to the Corpus of the Heritage Trust, as included in the meeting packet.
   1. Bennett's Bay HP- TNC Tracts I and II
   2. Bunched Arrowhead HP - TNC II Tract
   3. Cartwheel Bay HP
   4. Deveaux Bank
   5. Little Pee Dee HP- Dargan Tract, Dargan Ill Tract, and Ward Tract
   6. Savage Bay HP- Douglas/Rogers Tracts (3), Rodgers Tract, McPhatter Tract, and Trivett Tract
   7. Stevens Creek HP - Majors Tract/li>
   8. Woods Bay HP - Anderson Tract
   Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously
   
2. Tracts to be Dedicated as Heritage Preserves and Committed to the Corpus of the Heritage Trust
   1. Cathedral Bay HP
   2. Chandler HP – Coggin’s Tract
   3. Congaree Creek HP – SCANA (3 acre) and SCANA (14 acre)
   4. Fort Lamar HP
   5. Laurel Fork HP - Chinquapin Hollow Tract
   6. Lewis Ocean Bay HP - Tiger Bay Tract and Tilly Swamp Tract
   7. Little Pee Dee River HP -Tilghman II Tract
   8. Peters Creek HP - Hough / Rogers Tract
   9. Stoney Creek Battery HP
   10. Victoria Bluff HP - Beaufort County Tract
   11. Woods Bay HP – Travelers Insurance Tract

   Mr. Prosser reviewed the Tracts to be Dedicated as Heritage Preserves and Committed to the Corpus of the Heritage Trust, as included in the meeting packet.

   
   Mr. Rasor made a motion that the DNR Board accept the recommendation as approved by the Heritage Trust Advisory Board and dedicate the following tracts as heritage preserves and commit them to the corpus of the SC Heritage Trust:
   1. Cathedral Bay HP
   2. Chandler HP- Coggins Tract
   3. Congaree Creek HP - SCANA Tracts
   4. Fort Lamar HP
   5. Laurel Fork HP - Chinquapin Hollow Tract
   6. Lewis Ocean Bay HP - Tiger Bay Tract and Tilly Swamp Tract
   7. Little Pee Dee HP - Tilghman II Tract
   8. Peters Creek HP - Hough/Rogers Tract
   9. Stoney Creek Battery HP
   10. Victoria Bluff HP- Beaufort County Tract
   11. Woods Bay HP - Traveler's Insurance Tract
   that has been provided each Board member. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
3. Approval of Comprehensive Permanent Improvement Plan
   Angie Cassella, Deputy Director for Administration, reviewed the 2022 Comprehensive Permanent Improvement Plan that that has been provided each Board member. Dr. Hartley made a motion that the DNR Board approve the 2022 Comprehensive Permanent Improvement Plan as submitted but also allowing for staff to make minor technical corrections as needed. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
4. Telecommuting Policy
   Eva Smith, Director of Human Resources, briefly reviewed the Telecommuting Policy, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the DNR Board approve the Telecommuting Policy as recommended by staff. Dr. Hartley seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
5. Request to Release Funds from Mitigation Trust Fund for the Carolina Heelsplitter Management Project
   Lynn Quattro, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, reviewed the Request to Release Funds from Mitigation Trust Fund for the Carolina Heelsplitter Management Project that has been provided each Board member. Mrs. Quattro noted that this information replaces what was included in the meeting packet.Mr. Rasor made a motion that the DNR Board acting as the Board of Trustees for the Mitigation Trust Fund, pursuant to S.C. Code Section 50-1-310, authorize the use of $350,000 from the Haile Gold Mine Mitigation – Mussel Conservation sub-fund as requested by staff for the purpose of conducting Carolina heelsplitter management and restoration including propagation, habitat restoration, habitat protection and species status surveys, as well as to assist in the construction of a freshwater mussel propagation building. Mr. Lee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
6. Request to Release Funds from Mitigation Trust Fund for the Hartwell Fish Habitat Project
   Ross Self, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, reviewed the Request to Release Funds from Mitigation Trust Fund for the Hartwell Fish Habitat Project, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the DNR Board acting as the Board of Trustees for the Mitigation Trust Fund, pursuant to S.C. Code Section 50-1-310, authorize the use of $330,000 from the Lake Hartwell Fish Habitat Enhancement sub-account to support ongoing operations of the Lake Hartwell Habitat Enhancement Project. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
7. Request to Approve a Donation of Equipment from the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation
   Mr. Self reviewed the Request to Approve a Donation of Equipment from the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, as included in the meeting packet.Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the DNR Board accept the donation of a Mobile First Catch Center trailer from Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation to be used to support youth and beginner fishing events in South Carolina. Dr. Hartley seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
8. Urban/Suburban Deer Management Program
   The Board had a lengthy discussion about the Urban/Suburban Deer Management Program including comments received from constituents. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that DNR staff continue to manage the Urban/Suburban Deer Management Program as they have so long as a permit does not exceed 80 deer per permit cycle. In the event a property needs to remove more than 80 deer in any given cycle, staff will need to seek Board approval. Mr. Oxner seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Dr. Hartley made a motion that the DNR Board go into executive session pursuant to SC Code Section 30-4-70(A)(2) to discuss contractual matters and legal advice related to Item(s) for Board Action I, J and K and SC Code Section 30-4-70(A)(1) to discuss appointments related to Item(s) for Board Action L. Mr. Lee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Dr. Hartley made a motion that the DNR Board return to open session, noting that no action was taken during executive session. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

1. Urban/Suburban Deer Management Program
   Mr. Lee made a motion that staff modify the existing Urban/Suburban Deer Management Program to provide an alternative for deer relocation in addition to sharpshooting permits. All burdens and costs of any relocation efforts must be covered by the requesting community and any deer relocated as part of such effort must be released on Wildlife Management Areas approved by the Department. In the event Chronic Wasting Disease is documented in South Carolina or near its border, this option will be removed immediately. Mr. Oxner seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
2. Property Acquisition in Horry County
   Mr. Rasor made a motion that the DNR Board accept the recommendation from the Heritage Trust Advisory Board, subject to standard due diligence, and grant final approval of the acquisition of approximately 418 acres adjoining Cartwheel Bay Heritage Preserve/WMA in Horry County that will be dedicated as a heritage preserve and placed into the corpus of the SC Heritage Trust, and the expenditure of $610,000 in Heritage Trust funds for the purchase. Dr. Hartley seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
3. Land Trade in Oconee County
   Mr. Rasor made a motion that the DNR Board accept the recommendation from the Heritage Trust Advisory Board, subject to standard due diligence, and grant final approval to trade 1.27 acres of SCDNR land at Stumphouse Mountain for 1.27 acres of privately-owned adjoining land. The 1.27-acre parcel obtained by SCDNR will be dedicated as a heritage preserve and placed into the corpus of the SC Heritage Trust. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
4. Potential Property Acquisition in Aiken County
   Mr. Rasor made a motion that the DNR Board accept the recommendation from the Heritage Trust Advisory Board and grant preliminary approval to evaluate a potential property acquisition of approximately 2,304 acres in Aiken County that would be dedicated as a heritage preserve and placed into the corpus of the SC Heritage Trust, and the expenditure of up to $20,000 in Heritage Trust funds to conduct due diligence activities. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
5. Law Enforcement Advisory Committee Reappointments
   Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the DNR Board reappoint the following Law Enforcement Advisory Committee members to their 3rd four-year term, as requested by LEAC Chairman, Foster McKissick.

   Nickey Maxey, Bluffton – term: 7/1/21-6/30/25

   Dwight Frierson, Orangeburg – term: 7/1/21 – 6/30/25

   Mr. Oxner seconded the motion. The motion passed with Mr. Hutchins, Mr. Lee, Mr. Oxner and Mr. Rasor voting in favor of the motion and Dr. Hartley and Mr. Swygert voting against the motion.

Chairman Pulliam appointed Jerry Lee to serve on the Waterfowl Advisory Committee, as outlined in Act 147.

The Board’s next meeting will be June 16, 2022 in Columbia.

Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.