SCDNR Board Meeting Minutes

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

Chairman Pulliam commented on a very good budget that is awaiting Governor McMaster’s approval. Chairman Pulliam thanked staff and Board members for attending legislative meetings regarding the budget.

Chairman Pulliam asked if there were any additions, deletions or corrections to the minutes of the May 18, 2023 Board meeting. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the May 18, 2023 Board meeting as presented. Mr. Lee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Commendations
Director Boyles commended Marine Resources Division team who worked on the Blue Crab Report on Sustainability and Recommendations that was recognized by the State Library in naming the Blue Crab Report as their March 2023 featured state document. That team includes: Michael Kendrick, Peter Kingsley-Smith, Tanya Darden, Jeff Brunson, Mel Bell, Chris McDonough, Matt Perkinson, Julie Binz, Erin Weeks, and retired former Assistant Deputy Director David Whitaker.

Director Boyles commended Law Enforcement Region 4 Officers CO Edwina Wait and LCPL William Ladue who were recognized in a letter from a Mt. Pleasant constituent for their assistance. He commended these officers who he recognized as “very professional, caring, and sincere officers” and felt they should be commended for their help.

Director Boyles commended Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Deputy Director Emily Cope who was unanimously elected to the Board of the National Conservation Leadership Institute (NCLI). The NCLI is a premier leadership training experience for conservation organizations through the United States. As a Board member, Emily will help to guide the leadership training for tomorrow’s conservation leaders.

Director Boyles commended Office of Environmental Programs Director Lorianne Riggin who was invited to testify in Washington, DC, on June 7th at the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works about Crab Bank and the success of that project. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to testify live in front of Congress. Director Boyles commended Assistant General Counsel and Chief Information Security Officer Tony D’Elia on his graduation from the SC Bar Leadership Academy. The Leadership Academy is a selective program designed to train the next generation of Bar members and community leaders.

Director Boyles commended Alicia Farrell of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries on her selection as a Fellow in Cohort 17 of the National Conservation Leadership Institute (NCLI), a premier leadership training experience for conservation organizations. The NCLI successfully defies the ordinary, acting to preserve the legacy of our natural resources by developing extraordinary conservation leadership.

Director Boyles commended Jessica Elmore of the Office of Media and Outreach on her graduation of the Certified Public Manager’s program.

Director Boyles informed the Board that Caleb Cohoon has accepted the position of Assistant Budget and Finance Officer.

Director Boyles commented on the budget and thanked the Board, Deputy Directors and senior staff for their efforts.

Director Boyles called on Kevin Ryan for a legislative update. Mr. Ryan reported that the Mandatory Boater Education bill that was pending has passed and been sent to the Governor.

Chairman Pulliam commended Director Boyles on his receipt of the US Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region 2021-2022 Regional Director’s Honor Award for Conservation.

Heritage Trust
Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water and Conservation, reported that the Heritage Trust Advisory Board met June 7, 2023 via teleconference. The Advisory Board approved a property acquisition which will be considered by the Board today.

Personnel Item – Director Annual Review
This item will be deferred until executive session

1. Use of Wildlife Endowment Fund
   Scott Speares, Chief Budget and Finance Officer, reviewed the request for Use of Wildlife Endowment Fund, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that upon the recommendation of SCDNR Staff, the SCDNR Board approves the use of Wildlife Endowment Funds, not to exceed $275,000.00, to fund personal services, employer contributions and other operating expenditures of the Hunting and Fishing License Section and other operating expenditures to fund bandwidth for Marine Resources Operations. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
2. Contribution to Ducks Unlimited Canada
   Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, reviewed the recommendation of the Contribution to Ducks Unlimited Canada, as included in the meeting packet. Dr. Hartley made a motion that the SCDNR Board approve the transfer of $59,244.00 from the Migratory Waterfowl account to Ducks Unlimited to support the AFWA Fall Flights Program. Mr. Lee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
3. Approval of FY 24 Duck Stamp Budget
   Mrs. Cope reviewed the proposed FY 2024 Duck Stamp Budget, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Lee made a motion that the SCDNR Board approve the FY 24 Migratory Waterfowl Permit sales budget in the amount of $415,000.00 as requested by staff and approved by the Waterfowl Advisory Committee. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Rasor made a motion that the SCDNR Board go into executive session pursuant to SC Code Section 30-4-70(A)(1) to discuss personnel matters related to Item(s) for Board Information – Director Annual Review and Item(s) for Board Action 7E – Marine Advisory Committee Reappointment and 7F – Marine Advisory Committee Appointment and SC Code Section 30-4-70(A)(2) to discuss contractual matters related to Item(s) for Board Action 7D – Property Acquisition in Lexington County. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Lee made a motion that the SCDNR Board return to open session, noting that no action was taken during executive session. Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

4. Property Acquisition in Lexington County
   Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the SCDNR Board accept the recommendation from the Heritage Trust Advisory Board, subject to standard due diligence, and grant final approval to acquire approximately 489 acres in Lexington County that will be dedicated as a heritage preserve and placed into the corpus of the SC Heritage Trust.
5. Marine Advisory Committee Reappointment
   Mr. Swygert made a motion that the SCDNR Board reappoint Jeffrey A. Massey to serve a second four-year term beginning 6/30/2023 – 6/30/2027 on the Marine Advisory Committee. Mr. Lee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
6. Marine Advisory Committee Appointments
   Mr. Swygert made a motion that the SCDNR Board appoint Tia Clark to the Marine Advisory Committee for a four–year term beginning 7/1/2023 – 6/30/2027. Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   Mr. Swygert made a motion that the SCDNR Board appoint Blake Stevenson to the Marine Advisory Committee for a four–year term beginning 7/1/2023 – 6/30/2027. Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

The Board will hold a workshop on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at the Edisto Environmental Learning Center.

The Board will hold a meeting on Thursday, August 17, 2023 in Columbia.

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