The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 9:00 am, on Friday, September 17, 2004, at 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, Karen Floyd, Frank Murray and Smith Ragsdale. 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 9:00 a.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. Invocation
   Chairman McShane asked Rev. Ron Kenyon to offer the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
   Vice Chairman Campbell led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Introduction of Guests
   Cary Chamblee introduced Noel Hurley, USGS. Mr. Hurley introduced Eric Strong and informed the group that he will be replacing Marge Davenport as the District Chief. Mr. Chamblee then introduced Mark Robertson, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy.
5. Constituent Comment
   Mr. Chamblee informed the Board that there were no requests for constituent comment.
6. Approval of Minutes
   Chairman McShane asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes of the August 20, 2004, meeting. Mr. Davis made a motion to accept the minutes of the August 20, 2004 meeting as presented. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
7. Presentations/Commendations
   Mr. Frampton presented a plaque to Elizabeth Mabry, Executive Director, SC DOT, in appreciation for DOTs assistance with heavy equipment work at Mountain Lakes, Spring Stevens fish Hatchery, and a new boat ramp at the Lancaster Reservoir. An estimate of total cost savings to the DNR in heavy equipment work provided would exceed $350,000. Mrs. Mabry introduced Stan Bland, District Engineering Administrator in charge of the Districts where all the projects are located.
   
   Chairman McShane presented the Boards Meritorious Service Award to Ross Self, Wade Bales, Douglas Cooke, Richard Slack, Miller White, Jim Bulak and Val Nash for their service on the Priority Planning Committee and the development of a long-range plan for the Fisheries Section.
   
   Mr. Frampton presented a plaque of appreciation to Dr. Tommy Eleazer in recognition of his 20 years of service on the Wildlife and Freshwater fisheries Advisory Committee.
   
   Carole Collins commended Michael Foster and Phillip Jones, photographers for South Carolina Wildlife magazine, for the award they received from the Association for Conservation Information (ACI) for Special Achievement in the Photography Category for The Nature of Jocassee article.
Advisory Committee Reports
Marine
Mr. Evans reported that the Marine Advisory Committee held a joint meeting with DHECs Coastal Zone Management Appellate Panel on September 16, 2004, in Charleston. Mr. Evans stated that the group reviewed and discussed the oyster assessment, DNR and DHECs shellfish management program and its comparison with other states. The group discussed the Marsh Islands Program, OCRMs regulatory and policy and DNRs efforts to perform an ecological characterization of land forms. The Upper Cooper River Special Area Management Plan was discussed. The group reviewed DHECs impoundments study. The group received an update on abandoned vessels.
8. Item for Board Information
   Mr. Frampton asked Breck Carmichael and Charles Ruth to give the Board an briefing on the Protocol for Flooding Situations. Mr. Ruth stated that 50-11-1105 gives the Department the authority to declare an emergency to close seasons. Mr. Ruth gave the Board a brief history involved in the development of the protocol. The law allows closure for no more than 10 days in succession. Mr. Ruth stated that the Congaree, Wateree and Santee drainage is the main concern for closing seasons due to flooding. Mr. Frampton stated that there will not be recommendations for closures at this time but if circumstances change in coming days due to Hurricanes Ivan and Jeanne, it may be considered. Mr. Ruth and Derrell Shipes answered questions posed by Board Members. Mr. Vang showed the Board Members maps depicting a flooding situation and stated that under the present scenario there is sufficient water to cause some localized flooding and there is sufficient storage behind dams in case of a flooding situation.
9. Items for Board Action
   
   1. Restricted Duty Policy
      Jean Cowell informed the Board that there is one correction to the policy after the Board meeting package was sent. The correction is for the approval authority the final approval authority will lie with the Director. Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board approve the Restricted Duty Policy as amended. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   2. 2005 Legislative Package
      Derrick Meggie reviewed the items on which there is consensus and asked for the Board to approve these items. Mr. Evans made a motion that the Board approve the items of consensus as presented. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
10. Directors Briefing
    Mr. Frampton participated in conference calls on August 31 and September 1-2, with the Governor on Hurricane Frances and conducted routine briefings with staff on hurricane preparedness. Mr. Frampton, Col. Taylor and Hope Mizzell attended a meeting at the Governors Office on September 15, on preparations for Hurricane Ivan and Tropical Storm Jeanne. Mr. Frampton commended all staff involved with hurricane preparations.
    
    Mr. Frampton, Freddy Vang and Jim Scurry represented DNR at a GIS meeting held at the Governors Office on September 10.
    
    Mr. Frampton announced that the Governors DNR budget hearing will be September 22, beginning at 9:30 am.
11. Deputy Directors Reports
    
    1. Marine
       Robert Boyles gave the Board a brief update on shrimp baiting.
    2. Land, Water and Conservation
       Freddy Vang distributed the Broad Scenic River Management Plan to the Board. Hope Mizzell gave the Board an overview of 2004 Hurricane Season, thus far. Chairman McShane commended Hope Mizzell and Jason Caldwell for their work with the recent hurricanes and tropical storms.
    3. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
       Breck Carmichael informed the Board that National Hunting and Fishing Day is next Saturday, September 25. Mr. Carmichael updated the Board on the results of the public dove field first day. Mr. Carmichael discussed placing Big and Little Carr Creeks in the WMA Program and the issue of allowing draw hunts on Samworth. The Board decided to hold off on action regarding Big and Little Carr Creeks. Mr. Ragsdale made a motion that the Board approve draw hunts at Samworth one day every two weeks. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    4. Law Enforcement
       Col. Taylor gave the Board a report on dove season enforcement activities. There was also discussion about the upcoming waterfowl season.
    5. Outreach and Support Services
       Mrs. Collins informed the Board that Christmas merchandise is now coming in to the Wildlife Shop. Mrs. Collins reminded the Board that the ETV show will be on tomorrow night. Mrs. Collins noted that 31 units of blood were collected at the latest blood drive.
       
       Chairman McShane recognized Mr. Burnside and Joey Holleman, The State newspaper.
       
       Chairman McShane informed the Board that Knox Haynsworth, Law Enforcement Advisory Committee, was presented the Order of the Palmetto. The Board sends their congratulations to Mr. Haynsworth.
       
       Mr. Frampton announced that the Harry Hampton Fund will be holding the dedication of James O. Thomason Rifle Range at Croft State Park on December 3.
12. Executive Session
    At this time Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board hold an Executive Session to discuss contractual, legal and personnel matters. Mr. Ragsdale seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
13. Return to Regular Session
    The Board returned to regular session and invited staff and guests to join the meeting.
    
    Mr. Campbell made a motion that along with The Nature Conservancy, the Department accept an easement on Peach Tree Rock. Mrs. Floyd seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
14. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
    The October Board meeting will be held on Friday, October 15, 2004, in Orangeburg.
    
    The November Board meeting will be held Friday, November 19, 2004,in Columbia.
15. Adjournment
    There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.