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.

Mike Hutchins led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Robert Boyles, Deputy Director for Marine Resources, introduced Paul McKee, SC Trout Unlimited; John Rodgers, Clemson University; Ken Tuck, Spartanburg Water; Robert Walden, Spartanburg Water; Paul McKee, Trout Unlimited; Malcolm Leaphart, Trout Unlimited; Trevor Bedell, West Columbia City Council; Kevin Clout, Trout Unlimited; and Brian Cohl, Senate Fish, Game and Forestry.

Chairman Pulliam asked if there were any amendments, additions, deletions or corrections to the July 18, 2018 meeting minutes. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the July 18, 2018 meeting as submitted. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Paul McKee and Malcolm Leaphart presented Ron Ahle with The Palmetto Trout Award, a Certificate of Appreciation and a copy of Rivers of Restoration in recognition for his outstanding study on the Saluda River tail race.

Director Taylor commended Law Enforcement staff who worked on the nomination of deceased retired DNR SGT Ulysses Flemming to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Director Taylor commended LeKeisha Williams, Human Resources Office, on her selection to serve a three-year term on the State Employee Grievance Committee.

Director Taylor informed the Board of the passing of SSG Rhett Bickley.

Director Taylor commended PFC Randy Hering on his selection as the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s 2017 Officer of the Year.

Director Taylor presented SGT Thomas Spann with the Board’s Meritorious Service Award.

1. Heritage Trust
   Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water and Conservation, reported that the Heritage Trust Advisory Board met August 2 at Belfast. Mr. Rentiers thanked Chairman Pulliam and Board member Jake Rasor for attending the meeting. The Advisory Board received an update on the cultural resources of Pockoy Island. The Advisory Board considered and approved an easement transfer to Upstate Forever, a potential property acquisition in Dillon County and the FY 2020 budget.
2. Migratory Waterfowl
   Mr. Hutchins reported that the Migratory Waterfowl Advisory Committee met August 8 in Columbia. Mr. Hutchins noted that Board members Dr. Mark Hartley and Jake Rasor were in attendance. Mr. Hutchins informed the Board that Dr. Hartley will serve as the Board representative on the Migratory Waterfowl Advisory Committee. Mr. Hutchins shared with the Board a copy of the current Rules and Regulations and a license holder which features the current duck stamp. The advisory committee has commissioned Jim Killian for a third year. Chairman Brazell has stepped down as Chairman but will remain as a member of the Committee. Mr. Joe Johnson was nominated and accepted the position of Chairman. Mr. John Hilton was named as Vice Chairman.

Climate Update
Dr. Hope Mizzell reported on the drought conditions, rainfall totals, precipitation percentiles, streamflows, lake levels, ground-water monitoring wells around the state, precipitation forecast and temperature forecast.

Director Taylor reported that the agency is currently drafting the budget request for the Governor’s Office.

Director Taylor stated that the agency is currently looking at potential legislation for next year.

Director Taylor informed the Board that the September meeting will need to be changed to Friday, September 14, in conjunction with the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year luncheon.

Director Taylor stated that the Board will probably have a workshop/orientation in October.

Mike Sabaka, Director of Legislative Services, reported that there is a lot of interest in reptiles and amphibians. Director Taylor noted that there is also a lot of interest in boating safety legislation due to recent boating fatalities.

Lorianne Riggin, Director of Environmental Programs, reported on H 4875, the South Carolina Solar Habitat Act.

1. Marine Resources
   No further report.
2. Division of Administration
   No further report.
3. Land, Water and Conservation
   No further report.
4. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, reported that the next Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting will be held August 22 at Parker Annex.
5. Law Enforcement
   MAJ Mark Carey reported on the hiring process and boating accidents and fatalities. MAJ Carey stated that SSG Bickley did an outstanding job in the area of recovery and will be sorely missed.

1. Heritage Trust FY 2020 Budget
   Mr. Rentiers briefly reviewed the Heritage Trust FY 2020 Budget, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the Heritage Trust FY 2020 Budget as presented. Mr. Hinson seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
2. Williams Station Fish Kill Report
   Ross Self, Chief of Fisheries, briefed the Board on DNRs role for fish kills. Mr. Self reviewed the Williams Station Fish Kill Report, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Hinson made a motion that the Board approve the Williams Station Fish Kill Report as presented. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
3. Lake Bowen/Municipal Reservoir #1 Fish Kill Report
   Mr. Self reviewed the Lake Bowen/Municipal Reservoir #1 Fish Kill Report, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Self answered and addressed questions posed by Board members. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the Lake Bowen/Municipal Reservoir #1 Fish Kill Report as presented. Mr. Hinson seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board ask SCDNR staff to reach out to develop a Memorandum of Understanding with Clemson’s Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), and SCDHEC to seek collaboration to reduce fish kills based on scientific resource information that could potentially be included in any regulatory permit issued by SCDHEC related to herbicide application in large drinking water supply bodies and report back to the Board with a path forward. Mr. Oxner 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)(2) to discuss contractual matters related to potential acquisition of real property related to item (D). Mr. Oxner 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. Mr. Hinson seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

4. Potential Property Acquisition in Dillon County
   Mr. Swygert made a motion that the Board grant preliminary approval to investigate a potential property acquisition near Lake View in Dillon County, as recommended and approved by the Heritage Trust Advisory Committee. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

The next meeting will be held Friday, September 14, 2019 at Seawell's.

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