SCDNR Board Meeting Minutes

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

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

Mike Hutchins led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Robert Boyles, Deputy Director for Marine Resources, introduced Sue Schneider, CEO, Spartanburg Water; Robert Walden, Spartanburg Water; and Roger Hall, Executive Budget Office.

Chairman Pulliam offered the following amendment to the August 16, 2018 meeting minutes.

IV. Introduction of Guests
Robert Boyles, Deputy Director for Marine Resources, introduced Paul McKee, SC Trout Unlimited; John Rodgers, Clemson University; Ken Tuck, Spartanburg Water; Robert Walden, Spartanburg Water; Paul McKee, Trout Unlimited; Malcolm Leaphart, Trout Unlimited; Trevor Bedell, West Columbia City Council; Kevin Clout, Trout Unlimited; and Brian Cohl, Senate Fish, Game and Forestry.

Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the August 16, 2018 meeting as amended. Mr. Hinson seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Boyles informed the Board that Ms. Schneider has requested to address the Board. Ms. Schneider’s comments addressed the partnership developed between Spartanburg Water and SCDNR over the past few months, since the fish loss. Ms. Schneider noted that the commitment and dedication of both organizations will help in working together in the future.

Director Taylor commended staff who worked during and after Hurricane Florence.

Director Taylor commended Wally Jenkins on his being awarded the Conservationist of the Year Award by the SC Chapter of the American Fisheries Society.

Director Taylor commended CPT Robert McCullough and Media and Outreach staff on receipt of the Association of Conservation Information Second Place News Release Award.

1. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Mr. Hutchins reported that the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee met August 22 at the Parker Annex Archaeology Building. The Advisory Committee received presentations on the Webb Center Turkey Research, the Coyote Incentive Tagging Program, Coyote Harvest Report, Brook Trout Habitat Enhancements activities in the Jocassee Gorges area, and the Crab Bank and Coastal Bird Conservation program.
2. Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board
   Mr. Boyles reported that the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board met September 7 in Charleston. The Advisory Board endorsed the 2018 Series standings. Due to construction, the Advisory Board granted a bye for Megadock for the 2019 Series. Steven Mungo was nominated and elected as Chairman and Fred Bergen was nominated and elected as Vice Chairman. The Advisory Board has requested the opportunity to change the term dates of members. Staff will work with Chief Counsel to amend the protocol for the Board’s consideration at a future date.

Climate Update
Dr. Hope Mizzell reported on Hurricane Florence and the record high streamflows and flooding. Dr. Mizzell also reported on the drought conditions, rainfall totals, precipitation percentiles, streamflows, lake levels, ground-water monitoring wells around the state, precipitation forecast and temperature forecast.

Director Taylor stated that the agency has been participating in legislative meetings.

Director Taylor reported on the activities during Hurricane Florence and outlined the Department’s areas of responsibility.

CPT Mike Sabaka, Director of Legislative Services, reported that there has been some discussion with legislators about boating safety legislation due to recent boating fatalities. CPT Sabaka noted that currently there are no prefiles that include the Department. Staff are currently discussing internal legislation. CPT Sabaka also reported on the Department’s experience with members of the General Assembly regarding the deer season closures, due to Hurricane Florence.

Lorianne Riggin, Director of Environmental Programs, stated there was nothing further to report.

1. Law Enforcement
   COL Chisolm Frampton, Deputy Director for Law Enforcement, reported that they are currently in the final stages of hiring a new class of officers.
2. Marine Resources
   Mr. Boyles introduced Phil Maier and informed the Board that Phil has been selected as the Assistant Deputy Director for Marine Resources.
3. Division of Administration
   Carole Collins, Deputy Director for the Division of Administration, acknowledged the administrative work that continued during Hurricane Florence.
4. Land, Water and Conservation
   Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water and Conservation, acknowledged the teamwork during Hurricane Florence. Mr. Rentiers then gave a brief presentation on Hurricane Florence Assistance being provided both during and after the storm.
5. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, stated that it appears as though the dikes on the impoundments on many of the WMA’s have held. Mrs. Cope reported that there has been a fish kill on the Waccamaw River. Mrs. Cope distributed and reviewed the results of the 2018 Quail Whistle Count and the results of opening day dove season on WMA’s.

1. Mitigation Trust Fund – Haile Gold Mine, Carolina Heelsplitter Restoration and Management Budget Request
   Lynn Quattro, Assistant Chief of Freshwater Fisheries, reviewed the request for $737,000 for the management and restoration of the Carolina Heelsplitter, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the Haile Gold Mine, Carolina Heelsplitter Restoration and Management Budget Request as presented. Dr. Hartley seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
2. Mitigation Trust Fund – Lake Hartwell PCB, Fishing Habitat Enhancement Budget Request
   Ross Self, Chief of Fisheries, reviewed the request for $198,000 for fishing habitat enhancement, as included in the meeting packet. Dr. Hartley made a motion that the Board approve the Mitigation Trust Fund – Lake Hartwell PCB, Fishing Habitat Enhancement Budget Request as presented. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board go into Executive Session pursuant to SC Code Section 30-4-70(A)(2) to discuss contractual matters related to potential acquisition of real property related to items (C, D, E and F). 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.

3. Potential Property Acquisition in Laurens County
   Mr. Hinson made a motion that the Board grant preliminary approval to investigate a potential property acquisition of approximately 1,023 acres in Laurens County. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
4. Property Acquisition in Richland County
   Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board grant final approval to purchase approximately 780 acres across from SCDNR’s Wateree River Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area in Richland County. Mr. Hinson seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
5. Potential Property Acquisition in Horry County
   Mr. Oxner made a motion that the Board grant preliminary approval to investigate a potential property acquisition of approximately 225 acres near SCDNR’s Waccamaw River Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area in Horry County. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
6. Potential Property Acquisition in Colleton County
   Dr. Hartley made a motion that the Board grant preliminary approval to investigate a potential land acquisition of approximately 8 acres on South Fenwick Island in Colleton County. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

The next meeting will be held Thursday, November 15, 2018 in Columbia.

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