The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 9:30 am, on Friday, October 21, 2005, at the SC Law Enforcement Officers’ Association building in Irmo, 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 9:30 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 Angela Viney, SC Wildlife Federation; Allan Stalvey, SC Natural Resources Society; Chip Sharp, retired DNR Law Enforcement Officer. Chairman McShane welcomed Lt. Col. Van McCarty back from his duty in Iraq.
5. Constituent Comments
   Mr. Chamblee reported that Mr. Sharpe has requested time to address the Board but felt it may be more appropriate at the time of the presentation for the 2006 Legislative Package.
6. Approval of Minutes
   Chairman McShane asked if there were any additions, deletions or corrections to the minutes of the September 23, 2005 meeting. There being none, Mr. Evans made a motion to accept the minutes of the September 23, 2005 meeting as presented. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
7. Presentations/Commendations
   Mr. Frampton congratulated Jim Bulak on his receipt of the Southeastern Fisheries Biologist of the Year award.
   
   Mr. Frampton congratulated Yvonne Bobo on her receipt of an award from the SEAFWA Minorities in Natural Resources Committee in recognition of her years of help to the committee and upon her upcoming retirement.
   
   Mr. Frampton congratulated the 2005-2006 W.I.L.D. participants: Cpl. Rhett Barwick, Buck Sgt. Joey Cobb and Buck Sgt. Tony Spires, Law Enforcement; Mary Crockett, Patty Epley and Greg Mixon, Land, Water and Conservation; Dan DuPre, outreach and Support Services; Leslie Hawkins and Chris Thomason, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries; and Bill Post, and Elizabeth Vernon, Marine Resources.
   
   Mr. Frampton asked the group to keep the wife and family of Stuart White in their thoughts during their period of grief.
   
   Mr. Frampton reminded the group that a luncheon will be held today in honor of the Law Enforcement Officers who participated in Katrina relief efforts. Mr. Frampton then shared with the group the estimated losses as a result of Katrina highlighting Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
   
   Chairman McShane read the following proposed resolution:
   
   
   HURRICANE KATRINA RESOLUTION
   
   Whereas, On August 28, 2005, Hurricane Katrina, a massive category four hurricane packing 140 mile per hour winds made landfall in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana; and
   
   Whereas, The National Hurricane Center has estimated that Katrina was the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States, producing catastrophic damage and casualties in the New Orleans area and along the Mississippi, Alabama and Florida coasts, causing physical and human devastation the full extent of which will never be known; and
   
   Whereas, the staff of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, many not knowing the extent of damage to their own homes or the status of their families, emerged from the rubble and began the daunting and overwhelming task of recovery and rescue of their fellow citizens and protecting lives and property; and
   
   Whereas, On Friday, September 2, 2005, Director John Frampton personally called Dwight Landreneau, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, offering aid and assistance from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources; and
   
   Whereas, Director Frampton, after consultation with Governor Sanford and Board Chairman Mike McShane, asked for volunteers from among Law Enforcement ranks to prepare and immediately mobilize for duty in Louisiana; and
   
   Whereas, COL Alvin Taylor organized this voluntary team which was ready and equipped to depart in under five hours, arriving in Louisiana twenty-four hours later with nineteen vehicles, boats and supplies sufficient for two weeks; and
   
   Whereas, Hurricane Katrina left a huge path of widespread and deadly destruction that rendered the city of New Orleans a flooded and contaminated disaster taking the lives of over one thousand Louisianans; and
   
   Whereas, For the next eight days, officers from South Carolina assisted their fellow officers from Louisiana in search and rescue and to providing order and security, working around the clock under trying conditions and constantly in harm’s way; and
   
   Whereas, During the course of their mission, these officers performed their duty under extraordinary circumstances and distinguished themselves through their competence and professionalism, working diligently to save the lives of those battered by the storm and subsequent flood; and
   
   Whereas, These officers demonstrated outstanding courage, selflessness, and concern for others throughout the eight days of service to the SCDNR’ sister agency in Louisiana and its state’s citizens; and
   
   Whereas, These thirty-eight officers epitomize all that is special about South Carolina's citizens and their unique willingness to lend a helping hand, whatever the circumstances and wherever the crisis.
   
   Now Therefore, be it resolved that the SCDNR Board, by adoption of this resolution, pause, during the one hundredth anniversary of natural resources law enforcement in this state, to proudly recognize the outstanding contributions of this team of dedicated Conservation Officers who worked tirelessly to assist the citizens of Louisiana and provided a key role in search, rescue and public safety in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina; and
   
   Be it further resolved that the SCDNR Board, by this resolution, honor and recognize with gratitude the personal sacrifices made by these thirty-eight officers and their families in honoring their commitment to serve their fellow man; and
   
   Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be recorded in the minutes of the SCDNR Board meeting held on October 21, 2005, and that a copy be retained in the permanent archives of the SCDNR and that a copy of this resolution be provided to each of the officers that served on this mission as listed hereafter:
   
   CPL Joe Ard, BSGT Tim Baxley, SGT Dudley Britt, CAPT Harvin Brock, CPL Aaron Brown, Officer Greg Brown, BSGT Todd Campbell, BSGT Bubba Combs, CPL Cary Davis, CPL Eddie Dingle, BSGT George Dukes, BSGT Freddie Earhart, CPL Lee Ellis, BSGT Eric Gantt, CPL Greg Garner, CPL Ron Hedden, BSGT John Lewis, CPL Ray Lewis, CPL David Long, CPL Angus McBride, CPL Carl Makins, BSGT Larry Manuel, BSGT Novallis Mears, CPL Rusty Monnet, CPL Steve Pop, CAPT Scott Powell, BSGT Maurice Pruitt, CPL Sidney Rainwater, BSGT Mike Reeves, BSGT D. J. Riley, BSGT Bobby Roberts, CPL Jim Shelton, BSGT Joey Smoak, BSGT Tony Spires, BSGT Rick Stevens, BSGT Rocky Sullivan, CPL Ben Thomas and CPL Ron Winegard.
   
   Mrs. Floyd made a motion that the Board approve the resolution as presented. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
8. Advisory Committee Reports
1. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Mr. Davis reported that the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee met at the National Wild Turkey Federation’s headquarters in Edgefield. The Advisory Committee received a briefing on the Team DNR decal, a report on concerns of seabird nesting on heritage preserves, a report on water quality and habitat protection on Lake Greenwood. Lynn Quattro briefed the Advisory Committee on the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation strategy. The Advisory Committee received reports on shooting preserve issues and road hunting for deer. The Advisory Committee also received dove field results from opening day.
2. Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
   Robert Boyles reported to the Board that the Advisory Committee received a briefing on the proposed regulations on highly migratory species and also informed the Board that at the October 20, meeting of the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series there was a recommendation to table the earlier recommendation to move to an all release format in 2006.
9. Item for Board Action
1. Proposed 2006 Legislative Package
   Chairman McShane asked Mr. Sharpe to make his comments to the Board at this time. Mr. Sharpe shared with the Board his concerns about the proposed legislation relating to regulatory authority on leased WMA lands.
   
   Chairman McShane noted that the proposed package will not be adopted today but will be moved to the November meeting.
   
   Derrick Meggie then reviewed the package as it was mailed to Board members and noted that the prefile date should be December 7.
10. Items for Board Information
1. Sea and Shore Bird Nesting on Coastal Heritage Preserves
   Breck Carmichael introduced Felicia Sanders and asked her to make her presentation to the Board. Ms. Sanders shared with the Board the issues, problems, statistics and possible solutions during her presentation on nesting shore birds. One problem she highlighted is that while signs are used to designate nesting areas, the signs have to be placed too close to the nesting sites to be effective. Meaning, while people may adhere to the signs, they still cause disturbance to the nesting birds.
2. Training and Development Plan
   Jean Cowell reviewed the proposed training and development plan as mailed to the Board and addressed any questions posed. Ms. Floyd made a motion that the Board adopt October’s version of the training and development plan as presented. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
3. National Hunting and Fishing Day
   Mr. Murray showed the Board a presentation of the 6th Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day and noted that this is a very successful outreach program geared toward youth. Mr. Murray participates in this activity every year.
11. Items for Board Action
1. Addendum to 2006 Waterfowl Budget Request
   Mr. Carmichael reviewed the addendum as mailed to Board. Chairman McShane recommended that Mr. Carmichael and Mr. Frampton to review the Procurement Code regarding purchasing a used track hoe and possibly free up some of the money for trunk construction. At this time, Mr. Evans made a motion that the Board adopt this addendum with the contingency of purchasing used equipment, if possible, and redirecting the money for trunk construction and report back to the Board. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
2. Alternative Mitigation Plan
   Chairman McShane asked that the Board agree to let him meet with Mr. Frampton, Ed Duncan, Elizabeth Hagood and Commissioner Hunter for further discussion of this plan. Chairman McShane also asked the Board to give their approval of this plan, in concept, at this time and allow them to come back for final approval. Ms. Floyd made this motion. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
12. Director’s Briefing
    
Mr. Frampton gave the Board an update on the Governor’s Budget process and the Budget Hearing in Beaufort on September 30.

Mr. Frampton met with Earl Hunter on September 28 to discuss the shellfish patrol.

Mr. Frampton participated in the COE/DNR Palachucola/Donnelley trust fund check presentation ceremony in Columbia on October 3.

Legislative
Mr. Meggie informed the Board that the House Ways and Means Budget Subcommittee members are Rep. Annette Young, Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter and Rep. Gary Simrill.
13. Deputy Directors’ Reports
1. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Mr. Carmichael gave the Board a preliminary report on the fish kill in the Santee Cooper Rediversion Canal. The total cost of the investigation and the loss of fish is approximately $92,000. Mr. Carmichael also reported on the status of the “Ducks at a Distance” publication. At this point Mr. Frampton updated the Board on CWD and Avian Flu.
2. Law Enforcement
   Col. Taylor gave the Board an update on the interview process. The successful candidates will be attending the Academy beginning February 20. Col. Taylor also gave the Board an update on early waterfowl season.
3. Outreach and Support Services
   Carole Collins gave the Board a report on the Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop held October 14-16. Ms. Collins also noted that license sales are up, but that is probably due to POS.
4. Marine Resources
   Mr. Boyles reported on the Cooper River Bridge Demolition and noted that the Charleston Nearshore Reef has received several loads of concrete. Mr. Boyles informed the Board that the Marine Resources Division is working with the Harry Hampton Fund on the dedication of the Bruce Rush Reef. Mr. Boyles noted that the Department has sold the R/V Anita, which was replaced by the R/V Silver Crescent.
5. Land, Water and Conservation
   Freddy Vang stated that Hurricane Wilma will probably make landfall on Monday in Florida. Mr. Vang also noted that this year’s hurricane season is the longest and most intense on record. Mr. Vang informed the Board that Leslie Morgan, with the conservation Districts section, is volunteering with the Red Cross in Baton Rouge.
14. Executive Session
    At this time Mr. Evans made a motion that the Board hold an Executive Session to discuss contractual, legal and personnel matters. Mrs. Floyd seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
15. Return to Regular Session
    The Board returned to regular session and invited staff and guests to join the meeting.
    Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board approve the acquisition of the Marsh Furniture Company tract in Marion County. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Murray made a motion that the Board accept the donation of the Fish Dam Ford site in Chester County from the SC Department of Transportation. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Ms. Floyd made a motion that the Board approve the acquisition of the Blakely tract on the South Saluda River in Greenville and Pickens Counties, utilizing funds from the Conservation Bank and the Greenville and Pickens Water Recreation Accounts. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Evans asked Mr. Frampton to give the Board an update on the proposal to build a school in the lower end of the ACE Basin in Beaufort County. Mr. Frampton noted that the Department has some concerns about this proposal and ways that it will have an impact on the environment. At this time the Board directed Mr. Frampton to write a letter to the Beaufort County School Board stating the potential environmental impacts and ask that they give this serious consideration.
16. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
    The November Board meeting will be held on Friday, November 18, in Columbia. The December Board meeting will be held on Friday, December 9, in Columbia.
17. Adjournment
    There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.