The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 10:00 am, on Friday, October 20, 2006, in Room 335 of 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, Frank Murray, and Norman Pulliam. Mr. Hank Stallworth 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 10:00 a.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting. Chairman McShane welcomed Norman Pulliam to the Board. Mr. Pulliam represents the Fourth Congressional District and is replacing Mrs. Karen Floyd.
   
2. Invocation
   Chairman McShane asked Rev. Eric Skidmore to offer the invocation.
   
3. Pledge of Allegiance
   Vice Chairman Campbell led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
   
4. Introduction of Guests
   Mr. Stallworth introduced Joey Holleman, The State newspaper, and Russ Hightower, SC Realtors Association.
   
5. Constituent Comments
   Mr. Stallworth informed the Board that Mr. Ricky Williams, SC Trappers Association, had requested to address the Board. Mr. Williams’ remarks were directed toward the legislation being proposed by the Trappers Association. Mr. Williams noted that they have met with staff from legal, law enforcement and wildlife and freshwater fisheries regarding this legislation.
   
6. Approval of Minutes
   Chairman McShane asked if there were any additions, deletions, or corrections to the minutes of the September 15, 2006, meeting. There being none, Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the September 15, 2006, meeting as submitted. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   
7. Presentations/Commendations
   

   Mr. Stallworth commended Buddy Baker and Jay Butfiloski for their work on the US Furbearer Conservation Technical Work Group and the Work Group’s receipt of the Ernest Thompson Seton Award at the annual meeting of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
   
   Mr. Stallworth commended Emily Cope for her work on the acquisition of the Hamilton Ridge Tract.
   
   Mr. Stallworth commended Skip Still, Lynwood Kearse, Terri Hallman, Bennie Owens, Ron Fleming, and Leslie Morgan for their work with the Outdoor Dream Foundation and for their involvement in fulfilling “outdoor dreams.” Skip Still serves on the Board of Directors of this Foundation.
   
   Chairman McShane read several excerpts from the Board Resolution honoring Father Francis Kline and asked that the Resolution be entered into the minutes.

RESOLUTION
THE REVEREND FRANCIS KLINE
SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD

Whereas, The Right Reverend Francis Kline, abbot of Mepkin Abbey and influential spiritual leader in South Carolina, died on August 27, 2006 at the age of 57 after a three-year battle with cancer, and

Whereas, Reverend Kline, born Joseph Paul Kline, III in Philadelphia and better known to all as “Father Francis”, was a Juilliard trained organist and after joining the monastery of Gethsemani in Kentucky, adopted the name Francis, and

Whereas, He later studied theology in Rome, was ordained a priest in 1986 and became the third abbot of Mepkin Abbey in 1990, and

Whereas, Under Father Francis’ leadership, Mepkin Abbey, built on the site of an 18th Century rice plantation given to the Trappist order in 1949 by publisher Henry R. Luce and his wife Clare Boothe Luce, became a sought-after place of contemplation and education for people of all faiths, and

Whereas, Father Francis believed that the Abbey had a moral, ethical, and spiritual responsibility to be a good steward of the land and as part of such should be actively involved in ongoing conservation efforts, and

Whereas, Father Francis emerged as a leader in natural resource conservation issues and worked with the environmental community through the Cooper River Forum to bring sometimes conflicting parties together to preserve open space in Berkeley County, especially along the Cooper River, and

Whereas, Father Francis served as co-chair of the Cooper River Task Force and worked with conservation organizations, state agencies and private landowners to protect all properties along the Cooper River, and

Whereas, Through the leadership of Father Francis, Mepkin Abbey donated a conservation easement to Ducks Unlimited on its 3,120-acre monastery, to permanently protect the property and its 3.5 miles of river frontage on the Cooper River from development, and

Whereas, Father Francis lent his extraordinary powers of reason and persuasion toward the Bonneau Ferry Project, taking it upon himself to meet personally with the leadership of the MeadWestvaco Corporation, resulting in SCDNR’s acquisition of the 10,712-acre Bonneau Ferry tract, representing more than a third of the 30,000 acre Cooper River Historic District, and

Whereas, Governor Mark Sanford, citing Father Francis as the key to bringing together competing interests to preserve land along the upper reaches of the Cooper River, stated “He was someone that just had a remarkable level of personal grace in the way he handled himself; he was able to have this incredibly deep well of spirituality and the ability to look deeply at ideas of faith, and then this ability to care about what was happening in the world around him”, and

Whereas, In addition to his parents, Joseph P. Kline and Vanetta Hiltner Kline of Brigantine, New Jersey, Father Francis is survived by two brothers, Ronald Kline and his wife Carlene of Rochester, New York, and Mark Kline and his wife Kathy of Marlton, New Jersey, and 6 nieces and nephews.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources on this 20th day of October, 2006, honors the life and memory of Father Francis Kline, one of South Carolina’s great spiritual and conservation leaders.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be provided to his family and Mepkin Abbey, and that a copy be retained in the permanent archives of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

8. Advisory Committee Reports
   1. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
      Mr. Davis reported that the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee met on October 10, in Columbia. The Advisory Committee received a report on the opening day hunt results on public dove fields. The Advisory Committee was briefed on the Reedy River, Cherokee Creek, and Jimmies Creek fish kills. Gene Hayes gave the Advisory Committee a report on the Youth Aquatic Resources Survey Results. Wade Bales gave the Board an update from the Marketing Committee. The Advisory Committee also revisited road hunting legislation.
   2. Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
      Robert Boyles reported that the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board met on October 12, in Charleston. This meeting was a joint session of the Tournament Committee and the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board approved the 2007 schedule as presented. The Advisory Board also unanimously voted to change the minimum size to 110” for weigh in. The Advisory Board also voted to change the points as follows: Blue marlin – 600 and white marlin – 200. Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board affirm the recommendations of the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series regarding the minimum size for blue marlin and the change of points, and keeping these as the standard for two years. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   3. Land, Water and Conservation
      Mr. Murray reported that the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Committee met on October 19, in Columbia. The Advisory Committee received a presentation from the Lexington Conservation District. Dr. Barry Beasley gave the Advisory Committee an overview of the Heritage Trust Program. Bill Clendenin reviewed new techniques and products from the Geological Survey. The Advisory Committee received a report on the St. Stephens Fish Lift Inlet Flow Field Investigation. Hope Mizzell briefed the Advisory Committee on the drought status and 2006 Hurricane season. Mr. Murray noted that the committee also discussed the situation on the Savannah River, with Dean Moss leading the discussion. Mr. Murray reported that a committee was appointed to review appointed conservation district commissioner terms and declaration of candidacy versus the petition process. The Advisory Committee’s next meeting will be devoted to a discussion of water management issues.
      
9. Items for Board Information
   1. Boating Bill
      Buford Mabry informed the Board that a committee was formed to review this subject matter. Mr. Mabry reviewed the draft legislation noting that the bulk of the bill will involve change in title law but will also address abandoned boats. Mr. Mabry then showed a video made by Santee Cooper, showing houseboats and describing many problems associated with them. Mr. Mabry asked that this item be placed on the November meeting agenda for action.
      
10. Items for Board Action
    1. Reedy River, Cherokee Creek, and Jimmies Creek Fish Kills
       Breck Carmichael reviewed the Reedy River, Cherokee Creek, and Jimmies Creek Fish Kill Reports with the Board. Mr. Evans made a motion that the Board approve the fish kill reports as submitted. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    2. Law Enforcement Badge
       Mr. Stallworth showed the Board a prototype of the new badge for Law Enforcement Officers. Officers are currently wearing a centennial badge. Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board approve the prototype of the new badge, to be effective January 2007. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
       
11. Director’s Briefings
    Mr. Stallworth reported that Mr. Frampton represented DNR at the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ (AFWA) annual Fall meeting in Snowmass, CO, on September 16-22.  Mr. Frampton chaired the Legislative/Federal Budget Committee during the meeting and also served as a member of the Executive Committee of the AFWA.  Mr. Frampton was elected Vice-Chair of the Association’s Executive Committee at the meeting.

    Mr. Stallworth informed the Board that he and Mr. Frampton met with Weldon Schenck on Bonneau Ferry Issues on September 27.

    Mr. Stallworth noted that Mr. Frampton traveled to Washington, DC, on October 11.  He and Matt Hogan, Executive Director of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, met with Paul Hoffman, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Management and Budget, and later with staff of the Office of Management and Budget to discuss new federal aid requirements under the Program Assessment and Tracking Tools, a new policy directive that could substantially impact the department’s federal funding.

    Legislation
    Mr. Meggie reported that the 2007 Legislative Package should be ready by the November Board meeting.
    
    
12. Deputy Directors’ Reports
    1. Marine Resources
       Mr. Boyles gave the Board a brief response to recent newspaper articles regarding experimental artificial reefs. Mr. Boyles reminded the Board of the open house at the Marine Center on October 21.
    2. Land, Water and Conservation
       Freddy Vang informed the Board that the nomination of Fig Island as a National Historic Landmark has been approved by the National Park Service Committee. It is not officially a National Historic Landmark until it is approved and signed by the Secretary of the Interior.
    3. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
       Mr. Carmichael gave the Board a brief follow up on feral cats and their impact on native birds. Mr. Carmichael requested that he would like to give a more detailed report at the November meeting.
    4. Law Enforcement
       Maj. Gregg Smith informed the Board that Col. Taylor is conducting interviews at this time. Maj. Smith reviewed the hiring process for the new class of officers. Maj. Smith also updated the Board on boating investigations and fatalities.
    5. Outreach and Support Services
       Carole Collins informed the Board that $1.8 million has been transferred to the Treasurer’s Office from Heritage Trust Funds. Ms. Collins reported that there were 110 participants at last weekend’s BOW and noted that 40% were new participants. Ms. Collins showed the Board two posters designed by DNR’s Graphics Section, for the Attorney General’s office, regarding domestic violence. Scott Speares briefed the Board on the new license vendor conversion.
       
13. Executive Session
    At this time Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board hold an Executive Session to discuss contractual, legal, and personnel matters. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    
14. 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 the Board return to open session.  Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

    Mr. Murray made a motion to approve the 521 acre addition in Lancaster County.  Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board approve the Meritorious Service Award for two employees, to be presented at a later date. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

15. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
    The November Board meeting will be held on Friday, November 17, in Columbia.
    
    The December Board meeting will be held on Friday, December 15, in the Columbia area.
    
    The January Board meeting will be held on Friday, January 19, in Columbia.
    
16. Adjournment
    There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.