The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 15, 2007, at the Rembert C. Dennis Building, Columbia, 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, Frank Murray, and Norman Pulliam. Board member Caroline Rhodes’ absence was 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 Buford Mabry to offer the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
   Vice Chairman Campbell led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Introduction of Guests
   Hank Stallworth introduced Scott Whitaker, Executive Director, CCA; and Ben Gregg, Executive Director, SCWF.
   
5. Constituent Comments
   Chairman McShane asked Mr. Whitaker to address the Board. Mr. Whitaker referenced the appointment process for the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, ASMFC, and advisory committees. Mr. Whitaker offered CCA’s efforts in assisting to fill these vacancies.
6. Approval of Minutes
   Chairman McShane asked if there were any additions, deletions, or corrections to the minutes of the May 18, 2007, meeting. There being none, Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the May 18, 2007, meeting as presented. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
7. Presentations/Commendations
   Mr. Frampton introduced Bill Clendenin, State Geologist, and asked him to give the Board a brief presentation on the Geological Survey Section. Dr. Clendenin informed the Board that South Carolina’s Geological Survey was established in 1825 and is the second oldest in the country. Dr. Clendenin noted that currently South Carolina is faced with expanding development and probably at no time in the history of the State has geologic information been as necessary. Geologic information is the framework of the State; all other studies are based on this framework. Geologic information needs to be available to impact future decisions. Dr. Clendenin explained the methods used in gathering this information, i.e., 3D maps, GPS, etc. Dr. Clendenin informed the Board that the Geological Survey produced the first set of maps covering Savannah River Site in 1997. Dr. Clendenin also reported on several other completed projects of interest.
   

Mr. Frampton spoke of the passing of Marine Resources Division employee Nan Jenkins, on May 26, 2007. Mr. Frampton shared that this is a great loss to the agency.

Mr. Frampton commended Derrick Meggie for his outstanding efforts during this legislative session.

Mr. Frampton commended Mel Bell, Marine Resources, and Laurel Barnhill, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, on their selection to attend the 2007-2008 class of the Executive Institute.

Mr. Frampton commended Sandra Hartley and Terri McGee and staff who assisted in the Regional Meetings/State Service Pin Ceremonies held across the State. Mr. Frampton also congratulated the 2006 Division Employees of the Year who were recognized at the Regional Meetings: Ed Duncan, Executive; Diane VanderHoff, Outreach and Support Services; Patty Castine, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries; Nan Jenkins, Marine; Monica Carter, Law Enforcement; and Leslie Morgan, Land Water and Conservation who was also the overall Agency Employee of the Year.

Mr. Frampton commended Emily Cope and staff who worked on the Hamilton Ridge dedication on May 18.

8. Advisory Committee Reports
1. Marine
   John Evans reported that the Marine Advisory Committee met on June 1 in Charleston. The Advisory Committee received an update on progress relative to several flounder research initiatives currently underway. The Advisory Committee received an update on red drum stocking status. The Advisory Committee received a presentation on the hydrologic study on Scott Creek, behind Edisto Island. The Land, Water and Conservation Division conducted and presented this study. The Advisory Committee received a summary of the 2007-2008 Saltwater License Projects and a legislative update and status of the finfish bill from David Whitaker. Mr. Evans reported that the Marine Advisory Committee has gone on record as being in agreement with the DNR Board’s and MRD staff’s earlier opposition to the proposed increase and the current red drum bag limit.
   
9. Items for Board Information
   1. FY 2008 SRFAC Proposals
      Chairman McShane informed the Board that the request is to take action on three separate items acted upon at the Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee Meeting in May. The requested items are the approval of the proposed projects for FY 08 Saltwater License revenue; the approval of using any additional license revenues above and beyond the initially approved funding for the red drum stocking project; shellfish grounds restoration and oyster recycling; saltwater fishing outreach and manmade artificial reef development and management; and to investigate the feasibility of using a portion of Saltwater License money on habitat enhancement of non-harvested shellfish bottoms. At this time, Mr. Evans made a motion that the Board approve the Staff Project Recommendations for FY 08 Saltwater License revenue as proposed. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board approve using any additional license revenues above and beyond the approved funding for FY 08 projects for the red drum stocking project, shellfish grounds restoration and oyster recycling, saltwater fishing outreach and manmade artificial reef development and management, with the understanding that staff come back to the Board prior to expenditure. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Pulliam made a motion that DNR investigate the feasibility of using a portion of Saltwater License money on habitat enhancement of non-harvest shellfish bottoms. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   2. Youth Hunting Days
      Breck Carmichael reviewed the Recommendation for Standardization of Eligibility Requirements for DNR Youth Only and Adult/Youth Hunting Events as provided in the Board package. This recommendation is only for DNR-owned properties, not private areas. The recommendation is to enact these requirements for one year then review to determine if changes are necessary. Mr. Evans made a motion that the Board approve the proposed Standardization of Eligibility Requirements for DNR Youth Only and Adult/Youth Hunting Events as presented and report the status to the Board noting any changes necessary in June 2008. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   3. Revision to Nepotism Policy 704.04
      Terri McGee informed the Board that the proposed revisions to the Nepotism Policy were included in the Board package for their review. Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board approve the revised Nepotism Policy as presented. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   4. Proposed 2007-2008 Mourning Dove Season
      Mr. Carmichael reviewed the proposed 2007-08 Mourning Dove Season as included in the Board Package. Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board approve the 2007-08 Mourning Dove Season as presented. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
      

10. Director's Briefing
    Mr. Frampton, Col. Taylor, and Hope Mizzell participated in the Governor’s Hurricane Preparedness Roundtable Discussion on May 24.
    
    Mr. Frampton, Hank Stallworth, Ed Duncan, and Bob Perry met with Buck Limehouse, Executive Director of SCDOT, Tony Chapman, Chief Engineer of SC DOT, and Mitchell Metz, SC DOT, to discuss the I-73 issue.
    
    Mr. Frampton will represent Governor Sanford at the National Forum on Children and Nature in Washington, DC on June 20-22.
    
11. Legislative Report
    Derrick Meggie informed the Board that the General Assembly will return June 18-20 to approve the budget and June 28-29 for vetoes. Mr. Meggie reported on the bills that have been ratified. Chairman McShane read a letter from the Governor’s Office regarding the veto of H. 3510, Duck Stamp, and asked that this legislation be included in next year’s legislative package.
12. Deputy Directors' Reports
    1. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
       Mr. Carmichael reported that there was another fire at Jocassee Gorges caused by a lightning strike. About 204 acres were involved in this fire and staff believe there will be significant timber mortality. Mr. Carmichael updated the Board on the Santee Cooper Striped Bass Stakeholders’ process.
    2. Law Enforcement
       Maj. Gregg Smith reported on Law Enforcement activities over the Memorial Day weekend. Maj. Smith also updated the Board on the hiring process for the new class of officers.
    3. Outreach and Support Services
       Carole Collins informed the Board that the Department has 20 minority interns this year. Ms. Collins noted that those individuals holding a senior license are no longer required to have a State Duck Stamp. Scott Speares reported on license agents, particularly in the Murrells Inlet area. After much discussion, the Board decided to discuss this further at the June 19 Board Workshop.
    4. Marine
       Mel Bell gave the Board an update on the Commercial Shrimp Trawl Season. Mr. Bell noted the decline in the number of trawlers from the 1980’s to present and also the decline in price. Mr. Bell reported that the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series discussed and is ready to apply for two trademarks.
       
    5. Land, Water and Conservation
       Von Snelgrove reported that the State Drought Committee met on June 6 and declared a moderate drought statewide. Mr. Snelgrove referred to an article in the Land and Water magazine and also the insert in the SC Wildlife magazine about Phragmites.
       
13. Executive Session
    At this time Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board hold an Executive Session to discuss contractual, legal, and personnel matters. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
14. Return to Regular Session
    Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board return to regular session. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board approve an addition to Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve in Aiken County. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
15. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
    The July Board meeting will be held on Friday, July 20, in Florence.
16. Adjournment
    There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.