SCDNR Board Meeting Minutes

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

Chaplain Dave Tafaoa, SC Law Enforcement Assistance Program (SC LEAP), offered the invocation.

Vice Chairman Hutchins led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Shannon Bobertz, Chief of Staff, introduced Marsh Deane, Smith Ragsdale and Representative Roger Kirby.

Mrs. Bobertz informed the Board that Mr. Ragsdale has requested to address the Board. Mr. Ragsdale showed a brief waterfowl video.

Chairman Pulliam asked if there were any additions, deletions or corrections to the minutes of the August 18, 2022 Board meeting. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the August 18, 2022 Board meeting as presented. Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Presentations/Commendations

Director Boyles commended Alix Pedraza of the Administration Division and Law Enforcement Region 4 CPT Michael Paul Thomas, L/CPL Bill Bense and PFC Rhett Bissell for their assistance provided to Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom during his conference of the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers in Charleston. It was a major national assembly of state government finance officials and had 502 delegates including the public finance officials hosted from Mexico City and 12 Mexican state governments. Comptroller General Eckstrom was very appreciative of SCDNR’s assistance and help in providing transportation for the group from the airport. He advised that the international dignitaries were extremely impressed with our generosity and help.

Director Boyles commended Lorianne Riggin, Office of Environmental Programs Director, on her recognition by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with an article in their upcoming Palmetto Castle magazine titled “Lorianne Riggin: a lifelong steward of natural resources in SC.”

Director Boyles commended Law Enforcement CPT Lee Ellis, CPT Matt McCaskill and LT Dennetta Dawson on their acceptance to attend the Southern Police Institute Command Officers Development Course (CODC) starting Fall 2022. The CODC is a 400-hour flagship educational program for law enforcement managers which provides a solid foundation for practical law enforcement administration and a comprehensive overview of management practices.

Director Boyles commended Law Enforcement Region 1 1stSGT Dan Bridges who was recognized by Lt. Governor Pamela Evette for his service on the Governor’s Executive Protection Detail. Lt. Governor Evette noted that “He was a true asset to the Governor’s Office, and he not only made both me and my family feel secure, he also had a positive impact on my overall experience as Lieutenant Governor.”

Director Boyles commended Donna Jeffcoat of the Law Enforcement Division for the assistance she provided to the Office of the Inspector General in following up on a call they received about harassment of Canada Geese in a park at Surfside Beach. The Office of the Inspector General advised that Donna “was so nice, very helpful, and provided information about reporting this type of issue.”

Director Boyles commended Law Enforcement LT Charlotte Mayhugh McKee on her outstanding achievements while attending the FBI’s National Academy in Quantico, VA. She was selected to be the Class Representative for the entire class of Session 283 as well as gave a speech to the FBINA students of about 284. She was commended in a letter the Director received from Susan Ferensic, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Columbia Field Office, who sent her best wishes and congratulations to LT McKee and said, “she is clearly a credit to the SC Department of Natural Resources.”

Director Boyles commended Johnny Stowe of the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division on his selection by the Regional Longleaf Awards Committee with The Burner Bob Prescribed Fire Champion Award which he will receive at the Biennial Longleaf Conference, hosted by the Longleaf Alliance, on October 25-28 in Wilmington, NC. The Burner Bob Prescribed Fire Champion Award recognizes an individual or organization for outstanding efforts in championing prescribed fire to ensure the future of the longleaf ecosystem on private land.

Director Boyles commended Jamie Dozier of the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division on his selection to serve on the Clemson University College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences (CAFLS) Alumni Board of Directors. Currently, he is the only wildlife graduate represented on the alumni board as they try to grow their reach and impact to the wildlife graduates of Clemson University.

Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series

Blaik Keppler, Deputy Director for Marine Resources, reported that the Governor’s Cup Advisory Board met August 30, 2022 at Ft. Johnson. The Advisory Board received an update on the June 1, 2022 deployment of the M/V Coastal Venture. The Advisory Board approved the 2022 Series Winners and approved the 2023 Series Schedule./p>

1. Crab Bank Update
   Gary Sundin, Marine Resources Division, gave the Board a brief history of Crab Bank. Mr. Sundin reviewed the physical aspects of Crab Bank along with imagery and mapping of the recent island renourishment. Janet Thibault, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division reviewed the nesting results since the renourishment.
2. Climate Update
   Gary Sundin, Marine Resources Division, gave the Board a brief history of Crab Bank. Mr. Sundin reviewed the physical aspects of Crab Bank along with imagery and mapping of the recent island renourishment. Janet Thibault, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division reviewed the nesting results since the renourishment.

1. Proposed Changes to Wildlife Management Area Regulations
   Billy Dukes, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, reviewed the proposed Regulations, as included in the meeting packet, and the following Addenda to the proposed Regulations, not included in the meeting packet.
   • Require still gun hunter on the Francis Marion National Forest to check in deer by midnight on the day of harvest.
   • Remove labeling requirement for deer stands on Santee Cooper WMA (this was addressed by a statewide regulation passed last year).
   • Remove Category II Waterfowl Area designation from wetlands on Francis Marion National Forest at the request of US Forest Service.
   Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the SCDNR Board approve amendments to the SC Code of Regulations, Section 123-40 – Wildlife Management Area regulations, as recommended by staff. Mr. Lee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
2. Proposed Changes to State Lakes Regulations
   Ross Self, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, reviewed the Proposed Changes to State Lake Regulations, as included in the meeting packet. Dr. Hartley made a motion that the SCDNR Board approve amendments to the SC Code of Regulations, Section 123-210 – Public’s Use of State Lakes and Ponds Leased by the Department of Natural Resources regulations, as recommended by staff. Mr. Oxner seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
3. Deer Season Modifications
   Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, reported to the Board that the subject of deer season modifications has been presented to the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory on two separate occasions and they have voted against any changes both times. With that, Mrs. Cope asked the Board for their recommendations on changes. Mr. Swygert made a motion that the SCDNR Board direct staff to advise members of the General Assembly that the SCDNR Board requests them to introduce legislation to extend deer season in all Game Zones until January 15. Mr. Oxner seconded the motion. The motion failed with Mr. Swygert, Mr. Oxner and Dr. Hartley voting in favor of the motion and Mr. Hutchins, Mr. Lee, Mr. Rasor and Chairman Pulliam voting against the motion.
   
   Mr. Swygert made a motion that the SCDNR direct staff to advise members of the General Assembly that the SCDNR Board requests them to introduce legislation to extend deer season in Games Zones 1 and 2 until January 15. The motion carried with Mr. Swygert, Mr. Oxner, Dr. Hartley and Mr. Lee voting in favor of the motion and Mr. Hutchins and Mr. Rasor voting against the motion.
4. Approve the Naming of the Newest Addition to the SC Memorial Reef
   Mrs. Keppler reviewed naming the newest addition to the SC Memorial Reef, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Oxner made a motion that the SCDNR Board accept the recommendation from the SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board to name the M/V Coastal Venture reef after William David Redd, Jr. Mr. Lee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
5. Bundrick Island Acceptance
   Ken Prosser, Assistant Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, reviewed the Bundrick Island Acceptance documents, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the SCDNR Board approve the no-cost acquisition of approximately 94 acres of Bundrick Island in Lexington County subject to the terms negotiated by SCDOR and subject to the conditions which may be imposed by FERC. Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
6. Patriots Point Conservation Easement
   Mr. Prosser viewed the documents and maps for the Patriots Point Conservation Easement, as included in the meeting pack. After much discussion, Dr. Hartley made a motion that the SCDNR table the Patriots Point Conservation Easement topic until further information and clarification is received from Patriots Point Development Authority. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously
7. Approval of Expenditure of Funds for Board Room Furniture
   Shannon Bobertz, Chief of Staff, reviewed the request for expenditure of funds for Board Room Furniture, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the SCDNR Board, upon recommendation of staff and pursuant to §11-35-450, SC Code of Laws, approve the expenditure of no more than $20,000.00 for the purchase of fifteen chairs for the conference room. Dr. Hartley seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
8. Approval of Revision to Policy 301.01 – Use of Force
   CPT Lee Ellis, Law Enforcement Division, reviewed the proposed revisions to Policy 301.01 – Use of Force, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Oxner made a motion that the SCDNR Board, upon recommendation of staff, approve the revised Policy 301.01 on Use of Force. Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Dr. Hartley made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Mr. Hutchins seconded thevmotion and the motion carried unanimously.