The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 9:30 am, on Friday, September 15, 2006, in Room 335 of 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. Chairman Mike McShane presided at the meeting. Board members present included Michael Campbell, Stephen Davis, John Evans, and Frank Murray. Mr. John Frampton and staff members of the Department of Natural Resources were present at the meeting, as were various guests.

1. Call to Order
   Chairman McShane called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting.
   
   
2. Invocation
   Chairman McShane asked Rev. Eric Skidmore to offer the invocation.
   
   
3. Pledge of Allegiance
   Vice Chairman Campbell led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
   
   
4. Introduction of Guests
   Hank Stallworth introduced Mark Cox, CCA; Scott Whitaker, CCA; Russ Hightower, SC Realtors Association; and Joey Holleman, The State newspaper.
   
   
5. Constituent Comments
   Chairman McShane noted that each Board member has been provided with a copy of a fax received from American Bird Conservancy. Mr. Stallworth informed the Board that Mr. Gene Johnston had requested to address the Board. Mr. Johnston’s remarks were directed toward the development of a policy preventing the decimation of wild birds by feral cats. Mr. Johnston’s remarks are attached to the original minutes. Chairman McShane asked that staff review the information provided and provide a report, or perhaps a recommendation, at the October Board meeting.
   
   
6. Approval of Minutes
   Chairman McShane asked if there were any additions, deletions, or corrections to the minutes of the August 18, 2006, meeting. There being none, Mr. Evans made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the August 18, 2006, meeting as submitted. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   
   
7. Presentations/Commendations
   

   Mr. Frampton commended Col. Alvin Taylor and his officers for their work during the National Governors Association conference in Charleston.

   Mr. Frampton commended Col. Taylor and his officers for their work over the Labor Day weekend and noted that there were no fatalities.

   Mr. Frampton commended Lt. Col. Van McCarty for conducting a class at the FBI Academy on reintegration of police officers who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

   Mr. Frampton commended Bud Badr for his receipt of an “On the Spot” Award for assisting with statistical work on the administrative study.

   Chairman McShane presented Monica Carter with the “I am never walking to Wendy’s Award.”

   Chairman McShane asked the Board to consider passing a motion empowering him and Mr. Frampton to draft and present a resolution honoring Father Francis Kline at Mepkin Abbey. Mr. Evans made this motion. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and motion carried unanimously..

   Mr. Frampton commended Hope Mizzell and Mark Malsick for their work on recent storms and their assistance in monitoring these storms at EMD.

8. Advisory Committee Reports
   1. Migratory Waterfowl
      Bryan Kyzer informed the Board that as of May 11, 2006, DNR entered into a contract with artist Jim Killen to produce the 2007 Migratory Waterfowl Duck Stamp and Print. Mr. Killen had the sketch produced in early August with the final painting ready in November. Mr. Kyzer noted that the Department is also working on a three addendum. Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board affirm this contract with Mr. Killen. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   2. Marine
      Robert Boyles reported that the Marine Advisory Committee discussed marine finfish size and bag limit changes in recreational fisheries. The Advisory Committee received the final report "A Review of the Molluscan Shellfish Resources of South Carolina, and their Utilization and Management, 2005-2006." Mr. Boyles distributed the report to the Board for information.
      
      
      
9. Items for Board Information
   Finfish Presentation
   Mr. Boyles thanked CCA for their help in encouraging individuals to attend the public meetings. Mr. Boyles distributed and reviewed the proposed finfish species list and recommendations as presented to the Marine Advisory Committee. Mr. Boyles noted that the Marine Advisory Committee accepted the staff recommendation with the following considerations: 1) aggregate boat limit for all fish, 2) changes to flounder and weakfish from 12 to 13 or 14 inches, and 3) looking at 20 bag limit within “Small Sciaenid Management Group.” Scott Whitaker, CCA, commended Mr. Boyles, Mel Bell and staff for their efforts and noted that CCA is in agreement with these recommendations. The Board directed staff to craft legislation, being cognizant of CCA and other interests, to be included in the legislative package.
   
   
10. Presentations/Commendations
    Mr. Frampton and Chairman McShane presented the Meritorious Service Award to Derrick Meggie for his work as Legislative Affairs Director and the relationships he has developed with the members of the General Assembly. Mr. Frampton also gave Mr. Meggie a “Thank You” card as part of the Department’s Reward and Recognition Program.
    
    
    
11. Items for Board Action
    1. Proposed Youth Dog Deer Hunt for Francis Marion National Forest
       Breck Carmichael reviewed the proposal to establish a youth hunt with dogs in the North Hampton area of the Francis Marion National Forest for January 6. Mr. Davis made a motion to accept staff recommendation to have a youth dog/deer hunt in the North Hampton Unit of the Francis Marion National Forest on January 6. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    2. 2006-07 Waterfowl Stamp Budget
       Mr. Carmichael reviewed the 2006-2007 Waterfowl Stamp Budget as provided in the Board meeting package. Mr. Evans made a motion that the Board approve the 2006-07 Waterfowl Stamp Budget as presented. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    3. Broad River Fisheries Mitigation Fund Proposal
       Dick Christie reviewed the Broad River Fisheries Mitigation Fund Proposal as provided in the Board meeting package. Mr. Evans made a motion that the Board approve the release of $179,460 from the Broad River sub account of the Mitigation Trust Fund. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    4. Proposed 2007 WMA Regulations
       Tim Ivey reviewed the proposed WMA Regulations for 2006-07 and corrected Emergency Regulation for Croft State Natural Area. The corrected regulations for Croft State Natural Area deleted components not related to hunting. Mr. Campbell made a motion to adopt the amended emergency regulations for Croft State Natural Area. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

       Mr. Ivey then reviewed the proposed WMA Regulations for 2006-07 as included in the Board meeting package. Mr. Murray made a motion to adopt the proposed WMA Regulations for 2006-07 as presented. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

    5. Saluda River Fish Kill Report
       Dan Rankin reviewed the Fish Kill Investigation for the Saluda River as included in the Board meeting package. Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board approve the Saluda River Fish Kill Report as presented. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
       
       
       
12. Director’s Briefings
    Mr. Frampton, Mr. Stallworth, Carole Collins, and Terri McGee met with Sam Wilkins and Chris Byrd of the Budget and Control Board Office of Human Resources on August 21. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the administrative salary study.

    Mr. Frampton, Mr. Stallworth, and Ms. Collins represented DNR at the Governor’s staff budget meeting on September 12.

    Mr. Frampton will represent DNR at the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Fall Conference in Snowmass, CO, September 16-22.

    Legislation
    Mr. Meggie reported that the 2007 Legislative Package should be ready by the November Board meeting. Mr. Meggie informed the Board that the Accountability Report will be turned in today.
    
    
13. Deputy Directors’ Reports
    1. Land, Water and Conservation
       Freddy Vang reported on the Aquatic Plant Management Activities: All Phragmites have been treated at least once at Santee Coastal Reserve. Hydrilla has been discovered on the North Carolina side of Lake Wylie. Duke is treating it and has been asked to survey the South Carolina side of the lake. Mr. Vang distributed a handout on the Applied Climate Information Systems (ACIS) developed and maintained by the Regional Climate Centers to manage the flow of information from climate and data collectors to the end users of climate information.
    2. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
       Mr. Carmichael distributed the Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Habitat Management Guidelines for Amphibians and Reptiles of the Southeastern United States. Mr. Carmichael distributed the 2006 Public Dove Fields Opening Day Results. Mr. Carmichael also distributed a flyer for the Outdoor Family Adventure Event which is being held in celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day on September 30.
    3. Law Enforcement
       Col. Alvin Taylor gave the Board an update on the hiring and interview process for the next class of officers. Col. Taylor gave the Board an update on dove season and noted that more cases were made on small fields. Col. Taylor also reported that they are interviewing for the Region IV Captain position.
    4. Outreach and Support Services
       Carole Collins gave the Board an update on moving the Point of Sale contract from Great Lodge to SCI.
    5. Marine Resources
       Mr. Boyles informed the Board that National Estuaries Day is September 30. Mr. Boyles also announced that the Marine Center will be having an open house on October 21 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
       
       
14. Executive Session
    At this time Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board hold an Executive Session to discuss contractual, legal, and personnel matters. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    
15. Return to Regular Session
    The Board returned to regular session and invited staff and guests to join the meeting.
    
    Mr. Campbell made a motion to accept the donation of mitigation property at Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    
16. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
    The October Board meeting will be held on Friday, October 20, 2006, in Columbia.

    The November Board meeting will be held on Friday, November 17, in Columbia.

    The December Board meeting will be held on Friday, December 15, in Columbia.
    
    
17. Adjournment
    There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.