The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 10:00 a.m., May 23, 2012, at Santee Coastal Reserve, McClellanville, SC. Notice of the date, time and place of the meeting was posted and mailed to the news media. Chairman John Evans presided at the meeting. Board members present included Cary Chastain, Michael Hutchins, Randy Lowe, Caroline Rhodes and Larry Yonce. Board member Norman Pulliam’s absence was excused. Staff members of the Department of Natural Resources were present at the meeting.

1. Call to Order
   Chairman John Evans called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. Invocation
   Chaplain Eddie Driggers, Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy, offered the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
   Randy Lowe led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Introduction of Guests
   Don Winslow, Chief of Staff, introduced Jay Herrington, US Fish and Wildlife Service; Jim Westerhold, Horry-Georgetown Technical College; Jim Lee, HGTC student; Michael Walker, Tych and Walker Architects; Josh Addy, Clemson student – SC DNR intern; Ken Kinard, Trout Unlimited; Bob Bailey, Trout Unlimited; Joe Demichael, Trout Unlimited; Shawn Kenny, Trout Unlimited; Capt. Ben Lee, Lake Murray Striper Guide; Phil Wilkinson, retired DNR employee; Mark Bara, retired DNR employee; Harby Moses, Coastal Structures; and Scott Whitaker, Coastal Conservation Association.
   
5. Constituent Comments
   Jim Westerhold, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, spoke of the partnership that the Wildlife and Forestry Program of HGTC has with local SC DNR staff on various projects.
   
   Michael Walker, Tych and Walker Architects, and Harby Moses, President of Coastal Structures, provided an overview of the restoration of the Santee Gun Club.
   
   Bob Bailey, Trout Unlimited, discussed the changing trout population in the Saluda River. The members of Trout Unlimited requested that the Department conduct a study of the trout population and consider making changes in their management in the Saluda.
6. Approval of Minutes
   Chairman Evans asked if there were any amendments, additions, deletions or corrections to the April 17, 2012, meeting minutes. Mike Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the April 17, 2012, meeting as submitted. Caroline Rhodes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   
   Chairman Evans noted that Col. Taylor is attending a mandatory Hurricane Table Top Exercise and Robert Boyles, Deputy Director for Marine Resources, will be his representative at this meeting.
7. Presentations/Commendations
   Mr. Boyles commended Amanda Stroud on her graduation from the Budget and Control Board’s Certified Public Manager program.
   
   Mr. Boyles commended David Lucas and staff for the South Carolina Wildlife's 2011-2012 Sportsman's Calendar and Almanac's selection to receive one of the SC State Library’s ten Notable State Document Awards for 2011.
   
   Chairman Evans opened the floor for nominations for the position of Vice Chairman. Mr. Yonce nominated Cary Chastain. The nomination was seconded and the vote was unanimous.
   
   Chairman Evans informed the Board that Don Winslow will serve as the Deputy Director for Outreach and Support Services.
   
8. Advisory Committee Reports
   1. Law Enforcement
      Major William Poole reported that the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee met on May 3 at the Environmental Learning Center, Edisto Island. The Advisory Committee welcomed new members Paul Napper and Johnny Williamson. The Advisory Committee received updates on recent law enforcement activities, the new command structure and a turkey baiting case from the upstate. The Advisory Committee received presentations on the education program and Botany Bay. The Advisory Committee discussed and nominated a new member for the Board to consider.
   2. Governor's Cup Billfishing Series
      Mr. Boyles reported that the Governor's Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Committee met April 25 in Charleston. The Advisory Committee received updates on the status of series tournaments and the budget. The Advisory Committee discussed their agreement with the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund and three members whose terms expire in July. The Advisory Committee made three nominations which have been sent to the Board for their consideration.
   3. Saltwater Recreational Fisheries
      Mr. Boyles reported that the Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee met May 8 in Charleston. The Advisory Committee received an overview of the budget outlook. The Advisory Committee received updates on legislation and the breakdown of licenses sold by type. The main purpose of the meeting was to review the 2013 proposed projects for funding with Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License Funds.
9. Item for Board Information
   1. Proposed Projects for Funding with FY 2013 Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License Funds
      Mr. Boyles briefly reviewed the proposed projects as included in the meeting package and requested that it be on the June agenda for action.
   2. Overview of Santee Coastal Reserve
      Greg Lynch, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, gave the Board a brief overview of the projects and programs at Santee Coastal Reserve.
      
10. Items for Board Action
    1. Authorization to use Wildlife Endowment Fund Investment Earnings for FY 2013
       Don Winslow, Deputy Director for Outreach and Support Services, reviewed the request to use the interest from the Wildlife Endowment Fund, not to exceed $328,000, for the appropriate license revenue expenditures. Mrs. Rhodes made a motion that the Board approve the use of interest from the Wildlife Endowment Fund as presented. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    2. Proposed Changes to WMA Draw Hunts
       Derrell Shipes, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, reviewed the proposed changes included in the Board meeting package and also reviewed the two documents that were distributed. Mr. Shipes noted that the proposed changes have been approved by the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee. Mrs. Rhodes made a motion that the proposed changes to WMA Draw Hunts be approved as presented. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    3. Jocassee Trust Fund Expenditures
       Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, reviewed the request for Jocassee Trust Fund expenditures as included in the Board meeting package. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the expenditure of up to $249,000 to construct a work center and equipment storage area. Mr. Yonce seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
11. Director's Briefings
    Mr. Boyles asked Board members to refer to the written report included in the Board meeting package.
12. Environmental Report
    Bob Perry, Director, Office of Environmental Programs, highlighted the following proposed projects: the draft Savannah River Drought Contingency Plan, the South Island Dredging Association, the O.V. Associates commercial oyster growing project, and the extension granted for comments on the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project. Mr. Perry reported on the Coastal Terminals, LLC public notice for a midstream anchorage facility in Winyah Bay. Mr. Perry indicated that the Department will recommend to the Army Corps of Engineers that they request an Environmental Assessment. Mr. Perry briefly reported on the Savannah River Maritime Commission meeting. The Commission has made the case that they are the permitting authority for navigable waters. They have proposed to grant a permit at the 45 foot level.
    
13. Deputy Directors' Reports
    1. Outreach and Support Services
       Mr. Winslow informed the Board that one of his first tasks, as Deputy Director, will be to try to move the Department's IT forward. Mr. Winslow also noted that there will probably be some restructuring within the division.
    2. Land, Water and Conservation
       Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water and Conservation, gave the Board a brief update on Envirothon, the SC Springs project and the deep well project in Colleton County. Mr. Rentiers also reported on water planning progress and Heritage Trust revenue.
    3. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
       Mrs. Cope informed the Board that Johnny Stowe has been invited by the Wildland Fire Canada Committee to speak at their upcoming conference on prescribed burning. Mrs. Cope reported on the upcoming WMA alligator season and youth hunt results. Mrs. Cope gave the Board a brief update on Duck Unlimited’s Canada Project.
    4. Law Enforcement
       Major Poole briefed the Board on Law Enforcement's plans for National Boating Safety Week. Major Poole also reported on the fishing rodeo held in Darlington County.
    5. Marine Resources
       Mr. Boyles informed the Board that the Reef Ex will be held Saturday, June 23, 2012, at Murrell's Inlet.
       
       
    Mike McShane, DNR Board representative on the Savannah River Maritime Commission, gave the Board an update on the Commission's May 8 meeting. Mr. McShane reported that the Commission has proposed to grant a permit for the depth limitation of 45 feet for navigable waters. The permit is open for comment until May 25. Mr. McShane spoke briefly of the S.C. Supreme Court action regarding the authority and jurisdiction of the Maritime Commission and DHEC. Mr. McShane asked the Chairman if it would be possible for him to brief the Board on a legal issue during executive session.
14. Executive Session
    Mrs. Rhodes made a motion for the Board to hold an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters. Mr. Chastain seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
15. Open Session
    Mr. Yonce made a motion that the Board return to regular session, noting that no actions were taken during Executive Session. Mr. Chastain seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Chastain made a motion that the Board give final approval to accept a donation of 80 acres of land in Georgetown County. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mrs. Rhodes made a motion that the Board approve the nominations for the Governor's Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board (Tommy Hancock, Summerville, SC; Stevie Leasure, Charleston, SC; and Wesley "Bucky" Morris, Charleston, SC) and recommended they be sent to the Governor’s Office for final approval and appointment. Mr. Lowe seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Lowe made a motion that the Board approve the appointment of Foster McKissick, Greenville, SC, to the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee. Mr. Yonce seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board authorize the purchase of furniture and fixtures for the Dennis Building according to statute. Mr. Lowe seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Yonce made a motion that the Chairman name a senior manager from within the agency who shall serve in the Director's place if a personnel action as provided in Section 8-13-750 (a) or (b) is required. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
16. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
    The June Board meeting will be held Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Charleston, SC.
17. Adjournment
    There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.

The SCDNR Board Minutes for May 23, 2012 (file size 4M), have been provided in the Adobe PDF file format. Adobe® Reader® is required to open the above files and is available as a free download from the Adobe® Web site.