SCDNR Board Meeting Minutes

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

Rev. Eric Skidmore, SC Law Enforcement Assistance Program, offered the invocation. Rev. Skidmore introduced SC LEAP’s newest hire Dave Tafaoa.

Mike Hutchins led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Robert Boyles, Deputy Director for Marine Resources, introduced Chris Vaughn, Compass South; Buford Mabry, SC Wildlife Partnership; and Johnny Evans, SC Wildlife Partnership.

Mr. Boyles reported that Mr. Evans requested to make comments to the Board. Mr. Evans provided the Board with a brief background of the South Carolina Wildlife Partnership (SCWP). Mr. Evans asked the Board to consider forming a collaborative partnership between SCWP and SCDNR. After a brief discussion, Mr. Swygert made a motion that the Department develop a resolution supporting this partnership. Mrs. Willis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Chairman Pulliam asked if there were any amendments, additions, deletions or corrections to the April 19, 2018 meeting minutes. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the April 19, 2018 meeting as submitted. Mr. Yonce seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Director Taylor commended Law Enforcement officers and staff who participated in the Memorial Day events in Horry County.

Director Taylor commended FSGT Daniel Baker and CPT Ken Simmons on their graduation from the Certified Public Manager program.

Director Taylor commended the 2017 DNR and Division Employees of the Year: Meg Gaillard, DNR Employee of the Year from Land, Water and Conservation; Van Whitehead, Executive- Legal Office; Victoria Heyward, Marine Resources; Kayla Miles, Division of Administration; and Lynda Holseberg, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.

Director Taylor commended Mary Lucas, DNR’s Chief Information Security Officer and Assistant Chief Counsel, on her receipt of the SC Women Lawyer’s Emerging Leader Award.

Director Taylor commended the Laurens County SCDNR officers who were presented with Palmetto Pride’s Zero Tolerance Award.

Director Taylor presented Terri McGee with the Board’s Meritorious Service Award and announced her upcoming retirement. Ms. McGee announced that Eva Smith has been selected as the new Human Resources Director beginning July 2.

Director Taylor presented Elizabeth Willis and Larry Yonce with a parting gift and thanked them for their service on the DNR Board.

1. Heritage Trust
   Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water and Conservation, reported that the Heritage Trust Advisory Committee met May 9 at Edisto. The Advisory Committee made a site visit to the shell ring project at Botany Bay. The Advisory Committee received an update on venus fly trap. The Advisory Committee approved land acquisitions to be considered by the Board today.
2. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, reported that the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee met May 15 at Styx. The Advisory Committee received an overview on red-eye bass, the habitat work on Lakes Marion and Moultrie, free hunting days and the state endangered gopher frog. The Advisory Committee also received a legislative update.
3. Saltwater Recreational Fisheries
   Mr. Boyles reported that the Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee met May 15 in Charleston. The Advisory Committee received an overview of and approved the preliminary proposals for FY 2019. The Advisory Committee received a review of a shore based fishing construction proposal from the Isle of Palms Community Corporation. The Advisory Committee nominated and approved Tommy Webster to the position of Chairman and Charles Griffith to the position of Vice Chairman.
4. Marine
   Mrs. Willis reported that the Marine Advisory Committee had a field trip on the R/V Silver Crescent.
5. Land, Water and Conservation
   Mr. Rentiers reported that the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Committee met April 23. The Advisory Committee considered conservation district commissioner appointments and reappointments and received an update on Division programs.

Climate Update
Mr. Rentiers reported on tropical activity; drought status; 30-day and 60-day rainfall departure from normal; streamflows; and seven day rainfall forecast.

Director Taylor and staff have spent a great deal of time participating in legislative meetings.

Director Taylor met with South Carolina’s new US Marshall Tom Griffin.

Director Taylor participated in the 2018 Governor’s Annual Hurricane Exercise.

Director Taylor reported that the full House Legislative Oversight Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 26 beginning at 10:30 am in room 110 of the Blatt Building. Chairman Pulliam encouraged Board members to attend this meeting if they are able.

Director Taylor noted that the General Assembly comes back to session on June 27 and 28.

Mike Sabaka, Director of Legislative Services, reported that the General Assembly has adjourned and bills of interest to DNR have passed. CPT Sabaka noted that the budget bill is going to conference committee.

Lorianne Riggin, Director of Environmental Programs, noted she had nothing to report.

1. Land, Water and Conservation
   Mr. Rentiers gave the Board an update on sending Maria Cox Lamm to Montana to assist their Flood Mitigation staff with their flooding problems.
2. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Mrs. Cope stated she had nothing further to report.
3. Law Enforcement
   COL Chisolm Frampton, Deputy Director for Law Enforcement, gave the Board an update on Memorial Day activities.
4. Marine
   Mr. Boyles gave the board a report on the 2018 shrimp season opening.
5. Division of Administration
   Carole Collins, Deputy Director for the Division of Administration, introduced newly hired employee, Aimee Shumpert.

1. Contribution to Ducks Unlimited Canada
   Billy Dukes, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, reviewed the proposed contribution to Ducks Unlimited Canada, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the Contribution to Ducks Unlimited Canada as presented. Mrs. Willis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
2. Use of Wildlife Endowment Fund
   Ms. Collins reviewed the proposed Use of Wildlife Endowment Fund request, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Swygert made a motion that the Board approve the Use of Wildlife Endowment Fund as presented. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
3. Property donation along Lynches River in Florence County
   Bill Marshall, Land, Water and Conservation Division, reviewed the proposed property donation along Lynches River in Florence County, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board accept a property donation of approximately 1,840 acres adjacent to the Lynches Scenic River in Florence County to be placed in the Scenic Rivers Program and managed by the DNR.
4. Approval of 2018-2019 Migratory Waterfowl Permit Budget
   Mrs. Cope reviewed the proposed 2018-2019 Migratory Waterfowl Permit Budget, as included in the meeting packet. Mrs. Willis made a motion that the Board approve the 2018-2019 Migratory Waterfowl Permit Budget as presented. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board go into Executive Session pursuant to SC Code Section 30-4-70(A)(1) and (A) (2) to receive legal advice about Agency Policies in item (E), to discuss appointments to advisory boards related to item (F), and negotiations pursuant to proposed purchases of property related to items (G and H). Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

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

5. Update of Agency Policies Mrs. Willis made a motion that the Board approve the policies as presented. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
6. Conservation District Commissioner Appointments/Reappointments
   Mr. Yonce made a motion that the Board approve the Conservation District Commissioner Appointments/Reappointments with term limits as follows: Appointments: James N. Chapman of Darlington – 06/21/18 to 07/25/21, Alan Gaddy of Dillon – 06/21/18 to 08/15/22, Gary M. Moore of Lancaster – 06/21/18 to 07/01/22, Daniel Baxley of Dillon – 06/21/18 to 01/31/21, Ashley W. Clark of Greenville – 06/21/18 to 10/28/18, Joseph R. Hunsucker of Marlboro – 06/21/18 to 01/31/19 and Gary H. Sayre, Jr. of Spartanburg – 06/21/18 to 01/31/21 Reappointments: Allen L. Beer of Chester – 06/21/18 to 07/01/22, Lonnie C. Gillespie of Greenwood – 06/21/18 to 03/03/22 and Dwight E. Davis of Lexington – 06/21/18 to 09/27/21 Mrs. Willis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
7. Property Acquisition in Greenville County
   Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board grant final approval of the acquisition of approximately 56 acres adjoining SCDNR’s Blackwell Heritage Preserve in northern Greenville County to be dedicated as a Heritage Preserve and placed into the corpus of the SC Heritage Trust. Mr. Yonce seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
8. Potential Property Acquisition in Horry County
   Mr. Hinson made a motion that the Board grant preliminary approval to investigate a potential land acquisition of approximately 300 acres near SCDNR’s Waccamaw River Heritage Preserve/WMA in northeastern Horry County. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.