Minutes
Board of the Department of Natural Resources
Rembert C. Dennis Building, Room 335
Columbia, SC
Friday, July 18, 2003
9:30 a.m.
The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 9:30 am, on Friday, July 18, 2003, 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. Board Member D. Malloy McEachin, Jr., presided at the meeting. Board members present included Michael Campbell, Stephen Davis and Dr. Douglas Rucker. Board Members absent were Danny Ford, Chairman Joab Lesesne, Jr., and Smith Ragsdale. Mr. John Frampton and staff members of the Department of Natural Resources were present at the meeting, as were various guests.
I. Call to Order
Mr. McEachin called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting.
II. Meditation
Mr. McEachin asked for a moment of silent meditation.
III. Introduction of Guests
Mr. McEachin introduced and welcomed newly appointed Board Members Michael Campbell and Stephen Davis. Mr. McEachin noted that Smith Ragsdale is not in attendance because of a prior commitment.
Mr. Chamblee introduced Marge Davenport, USGS; Michael McShane, from Charleston; Bob Bailey, Director, Sporting Protection League; Dennis Chastain, President, Sporting Protection League, Jane Chastain and Jim Davenport, Associated Press.
IV.Constituent Comment
Mr. Chamblee stated that Mr. Dennis Chastain had requested to speak to the Board about a forest problem. Mr. Chastain’s comments concerned the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, which is now in South Carolina. Mr. Chastain encouraged the Board to speak with staff and have this situation assessed.
V. Approval of Minutes
Mr. McEachin asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes of the June 20, 2003 meeting. There being no corrections or additions, Dr. Rucker made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the June 20, 2003 meeting as submitted. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
VI. Advisory Committee Reports
A. Law Enforcement
Col. Wright reported that the Advisory Committee received a briefing from Mr. Frampton regarding the consolidation efforts of the Department. Col. Wright shared specifics on the office closures. Major McCarty gave a briefing on the DLEO program as it pertains to certification process. The Advisory Committee received a report from Licensing regarding the renewal mailer. Major Alvin Taylor gave a report on boating activities and Lt. Steve Walters gave a legislative update.
B. Land, Water and Conservation
Dr. Rucker reported that the Advisory Committee approved the revision to the Broad Scenic River Management Plan and will forward it to the Board for their approval. The Advisory Committee received a report from Karen Waters on Ground Water Levels in South Carolina. Hope Mizzell provided a tropical storm update. Conservation Districts Section staff reviewed how they will accommodate budget cuts. A subcommittee was appointed to address the issues of what services to provide and the most efficient way to provide them. Dean Moss, chair of the Water Plan subcommittee, gave an update of the Water Plan. Mr. Vang reported that Governor Sanford followed the DNR Board’s recommendation and established, by executive order, a Governor’s Water Law Review Committee.
VII.Items for Board Information
Update on Climate Office/Hurricane Season
Hope Mizzell gave the Board a brief update on the Southeastern Climate Office and its relation with the Emergency Management Program and also reviewed the hurricane predictions for the upcoming season.
VIII. Items for Board Action
A. Lease Agreement with Lancaster County Water District
Mac Watson reviewed the proposed lease between Lancaster County Water and Sewer District and the Department providing for the lease of Bear Creek Reservoir to the Department to be used for public fishing. Mr. Watson stated that there is one modification to the proposal since being sent to the Board, the lease is for a period of 7 years not 20 years. Dr. Rucker made a motion that the Board approve this lease as modified. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
B. 2003 Early Migratory Bird Season
Derrell Shipes reviewed the proposed 2003-2004 Migratory Bird Hunting Early Season Recommendations as provided to the Board in their meeting package. Mr. Shipes then reviewed the history of the September teal season with the Board and informed them that it will not be offered to South Carolina this year due to non-compliance. Mr. Shipes reviewed the comments sent to Steve Williams, Director, US Fish and Wildlife Service requesting that the 3-year experimental data be pooled for the Atlantic Flyway just as it has been in other Flyways and also requesting that the September teal season be offered to South Carolina and that this season become operational this fall. Dr. Rucker made a motion that the Board approve the proposed 2003-2004 Migratory Bird Hunting Early Season as proposed. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Dr. Rucker made a motion that the Board instruct staff to pursue efforts in persuading USFWS to offer the early teal season in South Carolina. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
C. Mitigation Trust Fund Project: "Water Quality Model for Lake Greenwood"
Ross Self informed the Board that staff recommend the proposal which would be paid from the Mitigation Trust Fund from an account established for fisheries and water body management by Duke Energy to mitigate damages caused by the Buzzard Roost facility. This proposal is for the development of a water quality model for Lake Greenwood. Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board approve this request as presented. Dr. Rucker seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
IX. Director’s Briefings
Mr. Frampton stated that a copy of Executive Order Number 2003-16, Governor’s Water Law Review Committee, has been distributed to each Board Member. Mr. Frampton then asked Freddy Vang to provide the history and reason for this Committee.
Mr.Frampton represented DNR at the Public Safety Directors’ meeting held on June 23. This was DNR’s first opportunity to sit with this group. DNR will host the meeting in August.
Mr. Frampton met with Fred Carter, Governor’s Office, and Chief Stewart on June 23 to discuss aircraft issues.
Mr. Frampton participated in the Legislative Relations Task Force meeting on June 25 followed by a meeting with the Deputy Directors on budget issues.
Mr. Frampton met with staff of Law Enforcement Districts 4 and 5 at Fort Johnson on June 27 to discuss budget issues. Mr. Frampton has now met will staff in all divisions across the agency on the budget.
Mr. Frampton traveled to Washington on July 5 and met with The Conservation Fund and International Paper representatives on July 7-8 in Maryland and Washington on land protection issues. Mr. Frampton met with congressional staff in Washington on July 8-9.
Mr. Frampton attended the Law Enforcement Captains meeting in Columbia on July 10.
Mr. Frampton met, on July 14, with Brian Hyder and Bill Poole of the NRA along with Captain Glenn Ward and Sgt. Lynwood Kearse on the Take One Make One Program.
Mr. Frampton and DNR staff took a field trip to Great Falls on July 15 with Chad Prosser, Director of PRT; Ruth Shaw, new President of Duke; and Lindsay Pettus, Katawba Valley Land Trust, for an overview of the Catawba River Planning efforts.
Mr. Frampton will travel to Port Angeles, WA, to participate in the USFWS Refuge Policy Task Force Meeting on July 21-23. From there, Mr. Frampton will travel to Allenberry PA, on July 24-25 to represent DNR at the Atlantic Flyway Council Meeting.
Mr. Frampton will travel on the evening of July 30 to meet with representatives of MeadWestvaco and The Conservation Fund in Stanford, Connecticut, on land protection issues.
Legislative Report
Derrick Meggie distributed copies of the 2003 legislative review to newly appointed Board Members.
Habitat Task Force
Barry Beasley informed the Board that the Habitat Task Force has completed the comprehensive listing of properties. The Task Force has also drafted a Conservation Easement Policy and will present it to the Board at a later date.
X. Deputy Directors’ Reports
1. CEC and Administrative Services
Ms. Collins distributed copies of the latest edition of theSouth Carolina Wildlife magazine to the newly appointed Board Members. Ms. Collins reported that the printing of the Rules and Regulations is on schedule and everything is going well. Ms. Collins noted that the cost for the Rules and Regulations this year is approximately $22,000 and the cost will decline yearly.
2. Marine Resources
John Miglarese reported that cooperative projects with MUSC on Marine genomics and proteomics were awarded $4 million from the SC Lottery. Dr. Miglarese also stated that the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series is completed and also noted that seven billfish were satellite tagged. Dr. Miglarese informed the Board that the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series and the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Banquet will be held in Charleston on August 16.
3. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
Billy McTeer introduced Derrell Shipes, Tim Ivey, Val Nash and Ross Self.
4. Land, Water and Conservation
No further report
5. Law Enforcement
Col. Wright announced the winners of this year’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year – District 1, Amy Staton; District 2, Eric Vaughn; District 3, Greg Pinckney; District 4, Keven Manning; District 5, Eric Richardson; District 6, Billy Downer; District 7, William Poole; District 8, Rick Stevens; District 9, Tracey Woodruff; and District 10, Karen Swink. The State Officer of the Year is William Poole of District 7. Col. Alvin Wright reviewed the Law Enforcement Division’s activities for the month of June.
At this time, Mr. Frampton showed the Board the first draft of the budget presentation for the Governor, on July 30, and asked for suggestions or comments.
XI. Executive Session
At this time Dr. Rucker made a motion that the Board hold an Executive Session to discuss contractual, legal and personnel matters.
XII. Return to Regular Session
The Board returned to regular session and invited staff and guests to join the meeting.
Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Department of Natural Resources’ Meritorious Service Award be awarded to an employee of the Marine Resources Division. Dr. Rucker seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
XIII. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
The next meeting of the DNR Board will be held on Friday, August 15, 2003, at the Rembert C. Dennis Building in Columbia, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
XIV. Adjournment
There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.