SCDNR Board Meeting Minutes

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

Rev. Dave Tafaoa, SC Law Enforcement Assistance Program, offered the invocation.

Mike Hutchins led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

CPT Robert McCullough, Director, Office of Media and Outreach, introduced Gene Johnston.

CPT McCullough stated that Mr. Johnston has requested to make comments. Mr. Johnston's comments were directed toward Petroglyph’s at Long Ridge Road site in Jocassee Gorges.

Chairman Pulliam asked if there were any additions, deletions or corrections to the August 14, 2019 meeting minutes. Mr. Rasor made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the August 14, 2019 meeting as presented. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

1. Interim Director Boyles commended Law Enforcement Officer J.C. Hough and Officer Mike Norris who were commended in a letter from Lt. Brad Gerrald of the Kershaw County Sheriff Office on their efforts in assisting the Sheriff's Department in riding along on patrol and with an event involving a 7 year-old girl who was walking in the roadway on Highway 97 and Officer Hough was able to secure the girl and return her to Shaw. Lt. Gerrald said "…these two officers take pride in what they do and care about protecting the lives of citizens. They are both an asset to the DNR and anyone should be proud to have them working for their organization!"
2. Interim Director Boyles commended staff and volunteers who helped make former Director Alvin Taylor’s retirement celebration on the evening of Wednesday, August 14, such a success with outstanding food and fellowship and remembrances of his 42-year career with SCDNR.
3. Interim Director Boyles commended Colonel Chisolm Frampton and Law Enforcement officers, staff and DLEOs and staff across the agency for their dedication and efforts involved in the response to Hurricane Dorian and its impacts on South Carolina.
4. Interim Director Boyles commended Mark Malsick of the SC Climate Office on his Weather Alerts and mentioned the recent article from the Charleston City Paper "How one S.C. agency expert’s severe weather alerts improved my writing."

1. Land, Water and Conservation
   Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water and Conservation, reported that the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Committee met August 19 at Lynches River State Park Interpretive Center. The Advisory Committee received an update on division programs. The Advisory Committee approved conservation district commissioner appointments/ reappointments, which the Board will consider during executive session.
2. Law Enforcement
   COL Chisolm Frampton, Deputy Director for Law Enforcement, reported that the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee met August 28 at the Madren Center in Clemson. The Advisory Committee received a Division update regarding promotion and projects. The Advisory Committee received reports on Region 1 activities, the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Aviation Unit.
3. Governor's Cup Billfishing Series
   Mr. Oxner reported that the Governor's Cup Advisory Board met September 13 in Charleston. The Tournament Committee and the Advisory Board commented on the success of the 2019 Series Tournaments. The Advisory Board was provided an update on the proposed Highway 21 Bridge project for the SC Memorial Reef. A motion was made and approved to accept the 2019 Series Winners as presented. A motion was made and approved to accept the 2020 Tournament Schedule as presented by the Tournament Committee.
4. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Mr. Hutchins reported that the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee met August 28 at the Styx Classroom in West Columbia. The Advisory Committee received an overview of the SC Natural Heritage Database updates and usage. The Advisory Committee received an update on Whirling Disease in Trout for the Southeast region the Sport Fishing Industry, and the state of bears in South Carolina.
   

1. Climate Update
   Hope Mizzell, Land, Water and Conservation Division, reported on Hurricane Dorian, the anniversary of Hurricane Hugo, the drought conditions, rainfall totals, precipitation percentiles, streamflows, lake levels, ground-water monitoring wells around the state, precipitation forecast and temperature forecast.
2. Shorebird Project Report
   Felicia Sanders, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, gave the Board a report on the Shorebird Project. The report outlined past and present populations, known disturbances to nesting, critical nesting times and migratory patterns.
3. Proposed Regulations
   Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, reviewed proposed regulation changes to Chapter 123 of the South Carolina Code of State Regulations.

1. Approval of Title VI Policy
   Eva Smith, Human Resources Director, reviewed the Title VI Policy, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the Title VI/Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Policy as recommended and presented by staff. Mr. Oxner seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
2. Approval of Expenditure of Funds from Star Evviva Mitigation Trust Fund
   Shannon Bobertz, Chief Counsel, gave the Board a brief history of the Star Evviva Mitigation Trust Fund and reviewed the proposed expenditure of funds, as included in the meeting packet. Dr. Hartley made a motion that the Board approve the expenditure of the remaining funds from the Star Evviva Mitigation Trust Fund, approximately $203,505.82 as of September 11, 2019, for a biologist position to serve as a Shorebird Steward for the purposes recommended and presented by staff. This is conditional upon all necessary processes under the National Environmental Policy Act undertaken by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
3. Approval of Expenditure of Heritage Trust Funds for Capers Island Dock Renovation
   Blaik Keppler, Marine Resources Division, reviewed the proposal for the expenditure of Heritage Trust Funds for the Capers Island Dock Renovation, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Rasor made a motion that the Board approve the expenditure of $199,100.00 in Heritage Trust Funds for repairs to two public access docks at Capers Island Heritage Preserve as recommended by the Heritage Trust Advisory Board and as presented. Mr. Oxner seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously..

Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board go into Executive Session pursuant to S.C. Code Section 30-4-70(A)(1) and (A)(2) to discuss a personnel item and to discuss appointments to advisory boards related to item (D) and to discuss contractual matters related to items (E and F) and to receive legal advice. Dr. Hartley seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Dr. Hartley made a motion that the Board return to open session, noting that no action was taken during executive session. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

4. Conservation District Commissioner Appointments/Reappointments
   Mr. Oxner made a motion that the Board, upon the recommendation of the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Committee, approve the Conservation District Commissioner Appointments/Reappointments with term limits as follows:

   Appointment: Jay Copelan of Anderson – 09-20-19 to 01-31-21; Van Martin James of Anderson – 09-20-19 to 08-26-20; and Alex P. Kostik of Anderson – 09-20-19 to 01-31-23.

   Reappointments: Rebecca Davis of Barnwell – 09-20-19 to 07-05-23; Jimmy Poston of Florence – 09- 20-19 to 02-11-23; David Coggins of Laurens – 09-20-19 to 11-01-20; Lee Keese of Oconee – 09-20-19 to 07-05-22; and William R. Bullard of Spartanburg – 09-20-19 to 04-07-23.

   Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   

5. Potential Property Acquisition in Jasper County
   Mr. Rasor made a motion that the Board grant preliminary approval to investigate a potential property acquisition of approximately nine acres adjoining Palachucola WMA in Jasper County as recommended and presented by staff. Dr. Hartley seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
6. Potential Property Acquisition in Pickens County
   Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board grant preliminary approval to investigate a potential property acquisition of approximately 74 acres adjoining Jocassee Gorges WMA in Pickens County as recommended and presented by staff. Mr. Oxner seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Interim Director Boyles spoke with Kathryn Jewell, a graduate student at NC State University, who is conducting research on the challenges and opportunities facing agencies like SCDNR.

Interim Director Boyles informed the Board of the Heritage Trust Parker Annex Archaeology Center Open House that will be held September 21.

Interim Director Boyles reminded the Board of the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Awards Reception that will be held September 27.

Interim Director Boyles informed the Board that SC DNR will be hosting the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Annual Conference October 27-30 at Hilton Head Island.

Nothing further to report.

Nothing further to report.

1. Marine Resources
   Phil Maier, Acting Deputy Director for Marine Resources, gave the Board a brief update on flounder and cobia and noted that the Department may seek legislative action for these two fisheries during the next legislative session.
2. Division of Administration
   Nothing further to report.
3. Land, Water and Conservation
   Nothing further to report.
4. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Mrs. Cope reviewed the WMA opening day dove season results.
5. Law Enforcement
   Nothing further to report.

The Board is scheduled to hold a workshop on October 17, 2019 at C. F. Evans Construction, 125 Regional Parkway, Orangeburg, SC.

The next meeting will be held Thursday, November 21, 2019, in Columbia, SC.

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