The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 1:30 pm, July 24, 2013, at the Environmental Learning Center, Edisto Island State Park, Edisto Island, SC. Notice of the date, time and place of the meeting was posted and mailed to the news media. Chairman John Evans presided at the meeting. Board members present included Cary Chastain, Michael Hutchins, Randy Lowe, Glenn McFadden, Norman Pulliam, and Caroline Rhodes. Board member Larry Yonce's absence was excused. Director Alvin Taylor and staff members of the Department of Natural Resources were present at the meeting.

1. Call to Order
   Chairman John Evans called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. Invocation
   Robert Boyles, Deputy Director for Marine Resources, offered the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
   Vice Chairman Cary Chastain led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Introduction of Guests
   Breck Carmichael, Special Assistant to the Director, introduced Brett Hubler, Research Director, Senate Fish, Game and Forestry; and Bob Sandifer, Edisto Beach resident.
   
5. Constituent Comments
   Mr. Carmichael noted that there were no requests for constituent comment.
6. Approval of Minutes
   Chairman Evans asked if there were any amendments, additions, deletions or corrections to the May 21, 2013, meeting minutes. Mike Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the May 21, 2013, meeting as submitted. Glenn McFadden seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
7. Presentations/Commendations
   Director Taylor commended Kay Daniels and Julie Holling DNR March of Dimes Coordinators and committee members for their hard work during the 2013 March of Dimes Campaign.
   
   Director Taylor commended Jessica Clements of Law Enforcement and Deborah Green of Outreach and Support Services, DNR graduates of the Budget & Control Board's Certified Public Manager (CPM) program.
8. Advisory Committee Reports
1. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Mr. Hutchins reported that the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee met July 9 in Columbia. The Advisory Committee received updates on the St. Stephen fish lift; shad production; striped bass and hybrid bass stocking; the draw hunt program; and wildlife management and heritage preserve activities in Region 3.
2. Waterfowl
   Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, reported that the Waterfowl Advisory Committee met July 10 at the Broad River Waterfowl Area. The Advisory Committee reviewed and approved recommendations for both early and late migratory bird hunting seasons.
3. Law Enforcement
   Norman Pulliam reported that the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee met June 25 and 26 at Belfast. The Advisory Committee participated in a tour of the property on the evening of the 25th. The Advisory Committee received updates on the budget and training sessions.
4. Marine
   Mr. Chastain reported that the Marine Advisory Committee met July 19 at the Waddell Mariculture Center. The Advisory Committee toured the facility and received an overview of the repair projects. The Advisory Committee was given a presentation on the success of research projects at Waddell. The Advisory Committee received an update on license sales. Robert Boyles, Deputy Director for Marine Resources, announced that Mike Denson is now the Director of the Marine Resources Research Institute.
   
9. Item for Board Information
   Hope Mizzell, State Climatologist, reviewed rainfall totals, precipitation percentiles, streamflows, lake levels and ground-water monitoring wells around the state.
   
10. Items for Board Action
    1. Proposed 2013-2014 Early Migratory Bird Season Recommendations
       Mrs. Cope reviewed the 2013-14 early migratory bird season recommendations as included in the Board meeting package. Mrs. Cope informed the Board that the Waterfowl Advisory Committee recommended that early teal season dates be September 13 – September 28 where staff has recommended September 14 – September 29. Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board approve the staff recommendations for the 2013-14 early migratory bird season, as presented. Mr. Chastain seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    2. Proposed 2013-14 State Waterfowl State Budget
       Mrs. Cope reviewed the proposed 2013-14 State Waterfowl State Budget as included in the Board meeting package. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the proposed 2013-14 State Waterfowl State Budget as presented. Mr. Rhodes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    3. Renewal of Sanctuary Agreements for Bird Key-Stono, Crab Bank and Deveaux Bank
       Buford Mabry, Chief Counsel, briefly reviewed the Sanctuary Agreements to be considered for renewal. Mrs. Rhodes made a motion that the Board approve the renewal of the Sanctuary Agreements for Bird Key-Stono, Crab Bank and Deveaux Bank as presented. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
       
11. Director's Briefings
    Director Taylor and Mr. Boyles met with Hugh Weathers, Commissioner, SC Department of Agriculture, on May 28.
    
    Director Taylor attended a road naming dedication on June 21 for the Robert J. Mcintyre, Sr. Intersection in Marion County. Mr. McIntyre was a Game Warden killed in the line of duty.
    
    Director Taylor met with legislators during the budget debate on the afternoon of June 27 that continued until late that evening.
    
    Director Taylor met with Deputy Director Rentiers and Sean Taylor, DNR Archaeologist, on July 8 about the archaeology program and discussed future plans.
    
    Director Taylor attended the SC Law Enforcement Assistance Program Post Critical Incident Seminar and breakfast meeting on July 22.
    
12. Legislative Report
    Derrick Meggie, Director of Legislative Services, briefly reviewed the bills, pertinent to DNR, which passed the 2013 session.
13. Environmental Report
    Bob Perry, Director, Office of Environmental Programs, highlighted the following proposed projects, as contained in the environmental report in the Board meeting package: Haile Gold Mine project; South Island Dredging Association; Savannah Harbor Expansion Project; and city of North Myrtle Beach (Cherry Grove Canal Dredging).
14. Deputy Directors' Reports
    1. Outreach and Support Services
       Don Winslow, Deputy Director for Outreach and Support Services, informed the Board that there were two minor exceptions noted in the latest State Audit Report. Mr. Winslow reported that the Rules and Regulations have been sent to the printer.
    2. Land, Water and Conservation
       Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water and Conservation, distributed the Heritage Trust revenue report. Mr. Rentiers gave the Board an update on a new well cluster site in Calhoun County.
    3. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
       Nothing further to report.
    4. Law Enforcement
       Col. Frampton, Deputy Director for Law Enforcement, gave the Board an update on hiring. Col. Frampton reported that 23 officers have graduated to the field, 17 are attending the academy, 2 are attending wildlife basic, and the new budget allows for hiring 18 additional officers.
    5. Marine Resources
       Mr. Boyles distributed copies of the Proclamation of the Jasper County Council in recognition of the building and dedication of the Knowles Island Fishing Pier.
15. Executive Session
    Mr. Pulliam made a motion for the Board to hold an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters. Mrs. Rhodes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
16. Open Session
    Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board return to regular session, noting that no actions were taken during Executive Session. Mrs. Rhodes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
17. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
    The date, time and location for the August meeting are TBD.
    
    The September Board meeting will be held Thursday, September 26, 2013 in Columbia.
    
18. Adjournment
    There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.

The SCDNR Board Minutes for July 24, 2013 (PDF), have been provided in the Adobe PDF file format. Adobe® Reader® is required to open the above file and is available as a free download from the Adobe® Web site.