SCDNR Board Meeting Minutes

Vice 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.

Larry Yonce led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Breck Carmichael, Special Assistant to the Director, introduced Austin Smallwood, SC Association of Realtors; Chip Sharpe, retired SCDNR employee and Marian Taylor.

Mr. Carmichael reported that Mr. Sharpe has requested to make comments to the Board. Mr. Sharpe thanked the Board for their support with H 3517, which allows the DNR Director special authorization to waive fees for hunting and fishing for someone under the age of 21 diagnosed with a terminal or life threatening illness or injury being sponsored by certain nonprofit charitable organizations. Mr. Sharpe thanked Mr. Hutchins, Director Taylor, Phil Maier and Law Enforcement Officers for attending the Outdoor Dream Foundation’s hunt at White Hall Plantation.

Vice Chairman Pulliam asked if there were any amendments, additions, deletions or corrections to the August 18, 2017 meeting minutes. Mike Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the August 18, 2017 meeting as submitted. Glenn McFadden seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Director Taylor commended Law Enforcement officers and SCDNR staff who responded to Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.

Governor's Cup Billfishing Series
Robert Boyles, Deputy Director for Marine Resources, reported that the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Committee met September 21 in Charleston. The Advisory Committee certified the 2017 Series winners. Mr. Boyles reminded the Board that the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Awards Ceremony is this evening.

Climate Update
Hope Mizzell, Land, Water and Conservation Division, gave the Board a brief report on the impacts of Hurricane Irma. Dr. Mizzell then reported on the drought conditions, rainfall totals, precipitation percentiles, streamflows, lake levels and ground-water monitoring wells around the state.

Director Taylor reported that he and staff have been working on the agency presentation for the Legislative Oversight Committee.

Director Taylor informed the Board that staff will begin working on the 2018-19 budget request.

Director Taylor and staff manned the Emergency Management Operation Center September 7-13 for Hurricane Irma monitoring and planning.

Director Taylor attended the Outdoor Dream Foundation’s deer hunt at White Hall Plantation in Green Pond.

Director Taylor reminded the Board of the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year luncheon which will follow this meeting.

Director Taylor informed the Board that the Wateree Range Clubhouse Grand Opening will be October 10.

No further report.

Mr. Carmichael reported on Keowee-Toxaway Hydroelectric Project and the Parr-Fairfield Hydroelectric Project.

1. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, presented the Board with the WMA opening day dove season results.
2. Law Enforcement
   COL Chisolm Frampton, Deputy Director for Law Enforcement, gave the Board an update on the hiring process.
3. Marine Resources
   Mr. Boyles reported on the impact of Hurricane Irma. Mr. Boyles informed the Board of the Marine Resources Division Open House scheduled for October 21.
4. Outreach and Support Services
   Director Taylor introduced Carole Collins and welcomed her back as the Deputy Director for the Division of Administration.
5. Land, Water and Conservation
   No further report.

1. Sale of Surplus Property at Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area in Pickens County
   Ken Prosser, Assistant Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, briefly reviewed the proposal, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the SCDNR Board approve the sale of approximately 1.5 acres adjoining the DNR’s Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area off U.S. Highway 178 near the Community of Rocky Bottom in northern Pickens County following State Department of Administration guidelines. Mrs. Willis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
2. Acceptance of Donation of SC DOT Black River Tract near Kingstree
   Mr. Prosser reviewed the proposal, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Yonce made a motion that the SCDNR Board approve accepting a donation of a 442-acre SCDOT tract along the Black River near Kingstree. The acceptance is to be conditional upon the successful completion of all due diligence. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. McFadden made a motion that the Board go into Executive Session pursuant to S.C. Code Section 30-4-70 (A)(2) to discuss contractual matters related to real property and S.C. Code Section 30-4-70(A)1 to discuss personnel issues. Mrs. Willis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

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

The Board will have a workshop in October.

The November meeting of the Board will be November 16 at the Parker Annex Archaeology Center, 2025 Barnwell Street, Columbia.

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