The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 16, 2007, at the Rembert C. Dennis Building, Room 335, Columbia, SC. 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 Caroline Rhodes. Board member Norman Pulliam’s absence was excused. 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 10:00 a.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting.
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
   Hank Stallworth introduced Joey Holleman, The State; Dana Leavitt, Upstate Forever; and Kirsten Singleton, Morris News.
   
5. Constituent Comments
   Mr. Stallworth noted that there were no requests for constituent comment.
6. Approval of Minutes
   Chairman McShane asked if there were any additions, deletions, or corrections to the minutes of the October 19, 2007, meeting. There being none, Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the October 19, 2007, meeting as presented. Mrs. Rhodes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
7. Presentations/Commendations
   Mr. Frampton commended Sgt. Todd Campbell on his selection as 2007 Wildlife Officer of the Year by the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Mr. Frampton noted that Sgt. Campbell is the first South Carolina DNR Officer selected for this award. Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board endorse this commendation and send congratulations on behalf of the DNR Board. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   
   Mr. Frampton commended Dr. Richard Chapman on his election as a Fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science for his distinguished contributions to the emerging, interdisciplinary fields of marine eco-genomics and oceans and human health and to the development of the Hollings Marine Laboratory. Mr. Evans made a motion that the Board endorse this commendation and send congratulations on behalf of the DNR Board. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   
   Chairman McShane called on Dava Leavitt, Director of Land Trust Program with Upstate Forever to give the Board a presentation on the conservation efforts along the Blue Ridge Escarpment. Mr. Leavitt gave the Board a brief history of the Southern Blue Ridge Escarpment, or the Blue Wall, and noted that through the Blue Ridge Partnership over 400,000 acres have been protected. Mr. Leavitt informed the group that the Partnership for the Blue Ridge is comprised of four government agencies: USFS, SC DNR, SC PRT and SC Forestry Commission; and four non-profit organizations: Upstate Forever, Naturaland Trust, Chattooga Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy.
8. Advisory Committee Reports
   1. Heritage Trust
      Barry Beasley reported that the Heritage Trust Advisory Board met on November 8 at the SC Forestry Commission’s Piedmont Forestry Center in Oconee County. The Advisory Board elected Campbell Coxe as Chair. The Advisory Board received an update on the SC Conservation Bank Board meeting. The Advisory Board received overviews on Stumphouse Mountain Project, the Blue Ridge Partnership, Jocassee Gorges management activities, and Region One Heritage Preserve activities. The Advisory Board approved two management plans: Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve in Lexington County and Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve in Greenville County.
   2. Waterfowl
      Breck Carmichael reported that the Waterfowl Advisory Committee met on November 13 in Columbia. The Advisory Committee received an update from the Peer Review Team. The Advisory Committee received the Waterfowl Hunting and Baiting Guide. The Advisory Committee discussed the 2008 Legislative priorities. The Advisory Committee received a report on Avian Influenza; drought impacts on DNR impoundment areas; and an update on Region Two waterfowl hunting opportunities.
   3. Saltwater Recreational Fisheries
      Robert Boyles reported that the Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Advisory Board met on November 14 in Charleston. The Advisory Board received presentations on the artificial reef program, shellfish research and monitoring, and inshore estuarine finfish surveys. Mr. Frampton provided an update on the budget request. The Advisory Board also received a presentation on license sales. Mr. Boyles discussed the response from the National Marine Fisheries Service on licensing of shore-based anglers. The Advisory Board voted unanimously to fully endorse the concept of licensing shore-based anglers.
   4. Law Enforcement
      Col. Taylor reported that the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee met on November 14 at Styx in West Columbia. The Advisory Committee received updates, including the hiring of 29 new officers and their accountability report.
      
      Mr. Frampton provided an update on the budget request. The Advisory Committee discussed the fuel issue. The Advisory Committee received a copy of the Law Enforcement Division’s Strategic Plan and the waterfowl hunting and baiting brochure. They were given a presentation on the upcoming turkey baiting legislation and voted unanimously to support the legislation. The Advisory Committee also received a presentation from the SC Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers Association.
   5. Migratory Waterfowl
      Chairman McShane showed the Board the 2008 Waterfowl Stamp, the second in a series of four by Jim Killen. Mr. Carmichael said the Advisory Committee received a report on a recent trip to Ontario to observe programs that are partially funded by South Carolina.
      
9. Items for Board Information
   1. Drought Update
      Hope Mizzell reported there have been only two rain events since October 19, and the rainfall deficit continues to rise. Mrs. Mizzell reviewed streamflows, lake levels, and groundwater monitoring wells around the State. Mrs. Mizzell also informed the Board that a letter has been sent to all water systems encouraging water conservation.
   2. Mercury-Related Fisheries Issue Review
      Ross Self reviewed information provided in a package to the Board, including a fact sheet, the 2007 SC Fish Consumption Advisories published by SC DHEC with input from SC DNR, a map indicating fish consumption advisory areas, and an alphabetical listing of waterbodies and their fish consumption advisories. Mr. Self told the Board that mercury advisories were first issued in South Carolina in 1992. Prior to 1992, there were two fish consumption advisories in South Carolina, neither of which were for mercury. Mr. Self reviewed the fish consumption advisory triggers used by SC DHEC and a list of waterbodies in South Carolina that have been tested and determined that it is safe to eat fish from these waterbodies. Mr. Self then reviewed collaborative efforts on this topic between SC DNR and SC DHEC.
10. Items for Board Action
    1. Drought Legislation
       Steve de Kozlowski reviewed the proposed changes to the Drought Response Act as included in the Board meeting package. Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board approve the changes to the Drought Response Act as presented. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    2. Emergency Regulations – Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day
       Mr. Carmichael reviewed the proposed emergency regulations for Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day as included in the Board meeting package. Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board approve the proposed emergency regulations for Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day as presented. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    3. Proposed Regulation for Either Sex Days
       Mr. Carmichael reviewed the proposed regulation for either sex days as included in the Board meeting package. Mr. Evans made a motion that the Board approve the proposed regulation for either sex days as presented. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    4. Boating Bill(s)
       Buford Mabry reviewed the proposed boating bill – titling as mailed and sent via email to Board members on November 14. Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board approve the proposed boating bill – titling as presented. Mrs. Rhodes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
       
       Mr. Mabry reviewed the proposed boating bill – law enforcement as mailed and sent via email to Board members on November 14. Mrs. Rhodes made a motion that the Board approve the proposed boating bill – law enforcement as presented. Mr. Evans seconded the motion.
    5. 2008 Legislative Agenda
       Derrick Meggie distributed and reviewed the proposed 2008 Legislative Package.
       
11. Director’s Briefing
    Mr. Frampton gave the Board an update on I-73.
    
    Mr. Frampton discussed fuel expenditures by the agency and reported that he has requested each division to reduce fuel consumption by 10%.
    
    Mr. Frampton was interviewed by Dr. Harry Miley who is working with the Division of Research of the Moore School of Business at USC to conduct an economic impact analysis of the Department’s activities on South Carolina.
    
    Mr. Frampton participated in the Land, Water and Conservation Division staff meeting on November 2.
    
    Mr. Frampton met with Jim Goller and Dave Bruner of the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund, at their request, to discuss preparations for a new outdoor show in Spartanburg and to discuss the budget for the coming year. Mr. Frampton then gave the Board an update on SC DNR’s 2008 Proposal to the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund.
    
    Mr. Frampton attended the Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Advisory Board meeting and the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee meeting.
12. Deputy Directors’ Reports
    1. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
       Mr. Carmichael gave the Board a brief update on the Santee Cooper Striped Bass Stakeholder process. Mr. Carmichael announced that the Indian Creek Habitat Partnership has received an award from the SC Wildlife Federation.
    2. Outreach and Support Services
       Carole Collins distributed the draft of the detailed budget information as requested by the Board at the October meeting. Ms. Collins also informed the Board that Anita McClard received a best of show award for her cross-stitch.
    3. Law Enforcement
       Col. Taylor informed the Board that the Law Enforcement Division is well prepared for the upcoming waterfowl season. Col. Taylor distributed the Law Enforcement Division’s Strategic Plan.
    4. Marine Resources
       Mr. Boyles distributed the 2006 shrimp baiting season report. Mr. Boyles said that the Marine Resources Open House will be held on Saturday, May 3, and the Marine Conservation Banquet will be held on Friday, May 2. Mr. Boyles reported that shore-based anglers, because they are not required to have a license, will keep South Carolina from being eligible for exemption from the Federal Shore-Based Anglers Registry.
    5. Land, Water and Conservation
       Mr. de Kozlowski informed the Board that FEMA will support the State’s LIDAR efforts with additional funding.
       
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. Murray seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
14. Return to Regular Session
    Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board return to regular session. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Murray made a motion that the Board approve the Conservation District Commissioner Appointments as recommended by the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Board for Allendale, Berkeley, Horry, Lancaster and Orangeburg Counties. Mrs. Rhodes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Murray made a motion that the Board approve the appointment of the Conservation District Commissioner for Florence County, as recommended by the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Board, contingent on that individual resigning from current employment with the Florence Conservation District prior to the appointment. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Murray made a motion that the Board approve the acquisition of the McDowell Creek tract in Lancaster County. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board accept the legislative proposals for 2008 presented on November 16, 2007, and direct staff to seek legislative support. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board approve the acquisition of the Bootleg Mountain tract in Pickens County near Jocassee Gorges. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
15. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
    The December Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 12, in Columbia.
16. Adjournment
    There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.