The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2008, in Room 335 of the Rembert C. Dennis Building, 1000 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC. 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 Stephen Davis, Norman Pulliam, and Caroline Rhodes. Board members Mike Campbell, John Evans, and Frank Murray’s absences were 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 Rev. Ron Kenyon to offer the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
   Lt. Col. Van McCarty led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Introduction of Guests
   Don Winslow introduced Joey Holleman, The State newspaper; Representative Mike Pitts; Representative Billy Witherspoon; Senator Ronnie Cromer; Justin Evans, Governor’s Office; Fred Taylor, Chairman, Lexington Conservation District; and Scott Whitaker, Executive Director, CCA.
5. Approval of Minutes
   Chairman McShane offered the following amendment and asked if there were any other additions, deletions, or corrections to the minutes of the April 11, 2008, meeting.
   14. Return to Regular Session
       Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board return to regular session and noted that no actions were taken in Executive Session. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   There being no further amendments, deletions, or corrections, Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the April 11, 2008, meeting as amended. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
6. Presentations/Commendations
   Mr. Frampton commended Sandra Hartley, Stephanie Welch, and staff who assisted with the four Regional Meeting/Service Pin/Employee of the Year Appreciation Events across the State.
   
   Mr. Frampton commended the 2007 Division Employees of the Year: Outreach and Support Services, Sammie Haithcock; Marine Resources, Shirley Rabon; Law Enforcement, Wayne Smith; Land, Water and Conservation, Erin Hudson; and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and overall 2007 Department Employee of the Year, Jim Bulak.
   
   Mr. Frampton commended Marc Cribb, Denise Froehle, Scott Howard, and Robert Wiggers on their graduation from the Budget and Control Board’s Certified Public Manager Program.
   
   Mr. Frampton commended Eva Smith and DNR employees who participated in the 2008 March of Dimes Campaign events that raised $935.90.
   
   Mr. Frampton commended the newest class of Law Enforcement Officers upon their graduation and noted that they have a tremendous amount of enthusiasm.
7. Advisory Committee Reports
   1. Heritage Trust
      Barry Beasley reported that the Heritage Trust Advisory Board met on May 1, 2008, at Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve. The Advisory Board received reports on the natural area inventory of the Woodberry tract; the Great Pee Dee Heritage Preserve Archeological Day; and the Wildlife Conservation Strategy. The Advisory Board received and supported a proposal from PRT to protect the maritime forest by conservation easement and instructed staff to work with PRT at Myrtle Beach State Park to develop this easement. The Advisory Board approved the FY 2008 budget and gave preliminary approval for two acquisitions.
8. Legislative Report
   Derrick Meggie distributed and reviewed the May 19th report on current legislation.
9. Advisory Committee Reports
   1. Waterfowl
      Breck Carmichael reported that the Waterfowl Advisory Committee met on May 13, 2008, at the Yawkey Center. The Advisory Committee received updates on Region 4 activities and current legislation. The Advisory Committee discussed the recommendations of the Atlantic Flyway Council that will be sent to USFWS and approved the 2008-2009 Waterfowl Stamp Budget.
   2. Law Enforcement
      Col. Alvin Taylor reported that the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee met on May 13, 2008, at Styx. The Advisory Committee received updates on current legislation; Region 3 activities; radio system upgrade; and the Take One Make One Program. Chairman McShane noted that the Board has named David Cline has been named as its designee as Chair DNR Board Chairman Designee for the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee.
   3. Saltwater Recreational Fisheries
      Robert Boyles reported that the Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Advisory Board met on May 14, 2008, in Charleston. The Advisory Board received a project budget update and approved the recommendations for FY 2008-2009.
10. Items for Board Information
    1. Drought Update
       Mark Malsick reported that the State Drought Committee met and downgraded eastern South Carolina to incipient. The Savannah area remains at moderate, and the upstate remains at severe. Mr. Malsick reviewed streamflows, lake levels, and groundwater monitoring wells around the State.
    2. Black Bear Protocol
       Breck Carmichael distributed and reviewed the Draft South Carolina Human-Black Bear Encounters Procedures and Protocol. Mr. Carmichael highlighted the statistical information such as population, the number of sightings/complaint calls, and the number of black bear fatalities.
    3. Law Enforcement Recruitment Video
       Col. Alvin Taylor showed the group the recently completed Law Enforcement Recruitment Video and explained the type of venues in which it will be shown.
    4. Fish Sanctuary Agreements
       Ross Self distributed and reviewed a summary sheet regarding fish sanctuaries.
    5. State Audit Report
       Mr. Winslow reviewed the State Audit Report. After receipt and review of the report, the Board requested that the State Audit Action Plan be placed on the agenda for the June meeting.
       
11. Director’s Briefing
    Mr. Frampton traveled to Washington, DC, on May 15 to participate in a briefing meeting with the Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Agriculture, and Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality and staff. He also attended a reception commemorating the 100th anniversary of President Teddy Roosevelt’s 1908 White House Conference on Conservation and recognizing the 2008 White House Conference on North American Wildlife Policy.
    
    Mr. Frampton represented DNR and AFWA at the NRA Convention in Louisville, KY.
    
    Mr. Frampton had lunch with and spoke to the new Law Enforcement Officers on May 21.
    
    Mr. Frampton informed the Board that SGT Todd Campbell was recognized by the SC House of Representatives on April 22, 2008, when they presented him with a Concurrent Resolution recognizing his selection as the 2007 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by SEAFWA.
    
    Mr. Frampton gave the Board a brief budget update.
    
12. Deputy Directors’ Reports
    1. Land, Water and Conservation
       Mr. de Kozlowski reported on the discovery of and Agency response to the Island Apple Snail, an invasive aquatic species.
    2. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
       Mr. Carmichael reported on a small wildfire on the Yawkey Wildlife Center. Mr. Carmichael also briefly reviewed the 2007 statewide deer harvest.
    3. Law Enforcement
       Col. Taylor gave a final report on the 2007 turkey season. Col. Taylor gave the Board an update on the upcoming Memorial Day Boating Campaign.
    4. Outreach and Support Services
       Carole Collins gave the Board a brief update on the license renewal process. Ms. Collins informed the Board that the Team DNR decals will be distributed to agents in June.
    5. Marine Resources
       Mr. Boyles reported that approximately 1,500 people attended the Marine Division Open House. Mr. Boyles also reported that the Harry Hampton Marine Conservation Banquet was quite successful. He gave the Board an update on the Marshlands House and Marine Resources Research Institute renovation projects. Mr. Boyles informed the Board of pending actions before the South Atlantic Marine Fisheries Commission on gag grouper, vermilion snapper, and red snapper.
13. Executive Session
    At this time Mrs. Rhodes made a motion that the Board hold an Executive Session to discuss contractual, legal, and personnel matters. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
14. Return to Regular Session
    Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board return to regular session and noted that no actions were taken in Executive Session. Mrs. Rhodes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mrs. Rhodes made a motion that the Board approve the following conservation district commissioner reappointments/appointments: Reappointments - Freddy Major, Anderson; William S. Simpson, III, Charleston; and J. Kenneth Mullis, Jr., Richland; Appointments – Lonnie Ginn, Jasper.
15. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
    The June Board meeting will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2008.
    
    The July Board meeting will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2008.
    
16. Adjournment
    There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.