SCDNR Board Meeting Minutes

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

Rev. Dave Tafaoa, SC Law Enforcement Assistance Program, offered the invocation.

Mike Hutchins led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

CPT Robert McCullough, Director, Office of Media and Outreach, introduced Scott Whitaker, Coastal Conservation Association and Elena Richards, Savannah River Keepers.

CPT McCullough stated there were no requests for constituent comment.

Chairman Pulliam asked if there were any additions, deletions or corrections to the June 27, 2019 meeting minutes. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the June 27, 2019 meeting as presented. Dr. Hartley seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously..

Interim Director Boyles commended CPT McCullough and Office of Media and Outreach staff for awards received at the 2019 Association of Conservation Information Conference. Alix Pedraza won first place for Education with SCDNR Caminatas Ecologicas, Maria LaRocca won first place for Graphic Layout with the Shell Rings of Pockoy and South Carolina Wildlife magazine won first place for the overall Magazine category.

Interim Director Boyles commended Law Enforcement and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries staff who helped showcase some of our coastal properties in support of a media inquiry from the Wall Street Journal.

Interim Director Boyles commended Mark Hall, Tom Swayngham and other Region 1 staff for the recognition for the Sassafras Trail in South Carolina’s receipt of the Coalition for Recreational Trails Award in the Accessibility Enhancement Category in recognition of outstanding use of Recreational Trails Program funds.

Climate Update
Hope Mizzell, Land, Water and Conservation Division, reported on lighting fatalities, weather fatalities, the drought conditions, rainfall totals, precipitation percentiles, streamflows, lake levels, ground-water monitoring wells around the state, precipitation forecast and temperature forecast.

Interim Director Boyles met with Marcia Adams, Executive Director of the Department of Administration, to meet her and discuss ongoing projects.

Interim Director Boyles participated in Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) conference call and met with SCDNR staff to prepare for SCDNR hosting the SEAFWA Fall Meeting in Hilton Head in October.

Interim Director Boyles met with staff for a discussion of the Migratory Waterfowl Committee and Duck Stamp Print.

Interim Director Boyles met with the outgoing USACOE District Engineer LTC Palazzini and the new incoming District Engineer LTC Honderd.

Interim Director Boyles participated in the American Sportfishing Association ICAST Trade Show in Orlando, FL.

Interim Director Boyles met with Yawkey Foundation staff at the Yawkey Center.

Interim Director Boyles reminded the Board of the Governor’s Cup Edisto Invitational Billfish Tournament on July 17-20.

Interim Director Boyles informed the Board of the National Sea Grant Site Review of SC Sea Grant Consortium on August 6-8.

Nothing further to report.

Nothing further to report.

1. Land, Water and Conservation
   Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water and Conservation, gave the Board a brief update on water planning.
2. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Nothing further to report.
3. Law Enforcement
   Nothing further to report.
4. Marine Resources
   Mr. Maier reported on the sea turtle season.
5. Division of Administration
   Angie Cassella, Deputy Director for Division of Administration, gave the Board a brief update on the Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Print Program.

Approval of 2018 Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Annual Report
Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the 2018 Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Annual Report as prepared by staff and approved by the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board of Directors. Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board go into Executive Session pursuant to S.C. Code Section 30-4-70(A)(1) and (A)(2) to discuss a personnel item and to discuss appointment to advisory board related to item (B) and to discuss contractual matters related to item (10)(B)(5). Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

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

Marine Advisory Committee Appointment
Mr. Swygert made a motion that the Board approve the appointment of Jeffrey A. Massey of McClellanville to a four-year term on the Marine Advisory Committee from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2023, upon the recommendation of SCDNR staff. Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

The next meeting will be held Wednesday, August 14, 2019 in Columbia.

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