SCDNR Board Meeting Minutes

Call to Order

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

Invocation

Chaplain Eric Skidmore, SC Law Enforcement Assistance Program (SC LEAP), offered the invocation.

Pledge of Allegiance

Mr. Hutchins led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Presentations/Commendations

Director Boyles and Chairman Pulliam unveiled a plaque in honor of former Director Alvin Taylor’s service to the DNR and the State of SC.

Director Boyles and Chairman Pulliam presented the Meritorious Service Award to Lorianne Riggin, Director, Office of Environmental Programs.

Director Boyles commended the 2021 Regional Officers of the Year listed below as well as 2021 Statewide Officer of the Year and Southeastern Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) L/Cpl Blake Baxley from Clarendon County in Region 3. The 2020 State Boating Officer of the Year is PFC Tanner Riley from Dorchester County in Region 4. Region 1: PFC Jay Harvey; Region 2: PFC Charlie Poeta; Region 3: L/Cpl Blake Baxley; Region 4: PFC Courtney Angotti-Smith; and INV: SSGT Damian Yongue

Director Boyles commended Zadok Moss, April Atkinson and Alicia Farrell of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries for responding to an alligator incident involving a 79-year-old resident from Sun City on Hilton Head on October 4 and the outstanding job they did gathering information and exhibiting a professional attitude.

Director Boyles commended Lynn Quattro of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries on her election as President Elect of the Fisheries Administrators Section of the American Fisheries Society where she will serve as the first woman in the history of this position. The Fisheries Administrators Section works together to deal with common issues across the country and provide support for state, regional and national issues.

Director Boyles commended the Diversity Outreach Program for being recognized as the recipient of the 2021 Diversity Outreach and Inclusion Award at the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ (SEAFWA) 75th annual meeting. Alix Pedraza of the Division of Administration Office of Media and Outreach accepted the award on behalf of the Diversity Outreach Program.

Director Boyles commended Marcel Reichert of Marine Resources on his recognition by the Board of Leadership South Carolina and the Governor’s Office for 30 years of service presenting to upcoming SC Leaders about our state’s rich natural resources, highlighting South Carolina’s beautiful coastal waters.

Director Boyles commended Joey Frazier of the Division of Administration Office of Media and Outreach on his recognition by the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association (SEOPA) with a First-Place award for Excellence in Craft Award for Magazine Feature, for his article “Window to the Past, Key to the Future,” November-December 2020, South Carolina Wildlife.

Director Boyles commended Land, Water and Conservation Deputy Director Ken Rentiers on his election as Chairman of the Environmental Certification Board. The Environmental Certification Board licenses individuals engaged in the operation of environmental systems, including the treatment of water and wastewater distribution systems, whose duties include making process control and system integrity decisions about water quality or quantity and well system.

Director Boyles commended Keith Bradley of Land, Water and Conservation and Joe Lemeris of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries for their outstanding work on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 5-year review of the federally threatened swamp pink (Helonias bullata) and providing swamp pink element occurrence data which was used throughout the review to update status information and conservation activities for the single South Carolina occurrence.

Director Boyles commended Tyler Brown of Land, Water and Conservation on his selection as 2022 Secretary of the National Association of State Conservation Agencies (NASCA). Mike Brown, Executive Director, NASCA, noted that this will put Tyler in line to become President of the organization in 2024. Mr. Brown said that "Tyler has demonstrated extraordinary leadership for the southeast region, and I am confident he will do the same in this new role."

Director Boyles commended Maria Cox Lamm of Land, Water and Conservation on her appointment to FEMA’s Technical Mapping Advisory Council for a three-year term. The Technical Mapping Advisory Council is a federal advisory committee established to review and make recommendations to FEMA on matters related to the National Mapping Program activities.

Director Boyles commended Hope Mizzell and staff of the State Climate Office for being rated as an Exemplary Office and receiving the highest rating in all six categories during their five-year review by the American Association of State Climatologists. The six review categories are 1) Areas of Expertise, 2) Resources/Support, 3) Office Plan, 4) Engagement, 5) Constituency, 6) Collaboration.

Introduction of Guests

Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, introduced Riley Egger, SC Coastal Conservation League and Scott Whitaker, SC Coastal Conservation Association.

Constituent Comments

Mrs. Cope reported that were no requests for comment.

Approval of Minutes

Chairman Pulliam asked if there were any additions, deletions or corrections to the September 16, 2021 meeting, October 6, 2021 meeting and October 14, 2021 workshop minutes. Dr. Hartley made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the September 16, 2021 meeting, October 6, 2021 meeting and October 14, 2021 workshopas presented. Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Advisory Committee Reports

1. Law Enforcement

LTC Jamie Landrum reported that the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee met September 21, 2021. The Advisory Committee received updates/reports on DLEO changes, fatalities, hiring, the FY 2022 budget and the FY 2023 budget request.

2. Marine

Mr. Swygert reported that the Marine Advisory Committee met October 1, 2021. The Advisory Committee received a presentation on the Development and Implementation of Flounder Stocking. The Advisory Committee also received an overview of coastwide environmental data.

3. Saltwater Recreational Fisheries

Mr. Lee reported that the Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee met virtually on October 19, 2021. The Advisory Committee received an update on the saltwater license revenue and a presentation on the founder stocking plan.

4. Heritage Trust

Mr. Rasor reported that the Heritage Trust Advisory Board met November 4, 2021. The Advisory Board received updates from the Cultural Preserves Management Program and the Region 3 Heritage Preserves Program. The Advisory Board approved three items which will be presented later in the meeting.

5. Land, Water and Conservation

Tyler Brown, Land, Water and Conservation Division, reported that the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Committee met November 1, 2021. The Advisory Committee received a presentation on the Palmetto Leadership in the Environment, Agriculture and Forestry Initiative. The Advisory Committee approved conservation district commissioner appointments and reappointments.

6. Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series

Blaik Keppler, Acting Deputy Director for Marine Resources, reported that the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board met November 4. The Advisory Board reviewed the final revenue for the 2021 series. The Advisory Board approved the reappointment of Advisory Board Members Justin Kohl, Robert McClam and Chad Sanders.

Items for Board Information

1. Climate Update

Hope Mizzell, Land, Water and Conservation Division, gave a recap of the 2021 hurricane season. Dr. Mizzell provided rainfall totals, precipitation percentiles, streamflow, lake levels, groundwater monitoring wells around the state, precipitation forecast and temperature forecast.

2. Love Farms Shooting Facility

MAJ Billy Downer gave the Board a brief presentation on the Love Farm WMA. MAJ Downer reviewed the opportunities available such as youth special hunt area, dove field, waterfowl impoundments, a pond suitable for hosting youth fishing rodeos, and a State Skeet and Trap Event Area.

Director's Briefings

Director Boyles informed the Board that the lease has been signed for a new headquarters building at the State Farmer’s Market.

Director Boyles distributed and reviewed a draft 2022-2023 budget hearing presentation.

Director Boyles introduced Blaik Keppler, who has agreed to serve as Acting Deputy Director for Marine Resources.

Legislative Report

Kevin Ryan, Director of Government Affairs, reported that the House and Senate are working on redistricting. Mr. Ryan briefed the Board on S2 – restructuring of DHEC and H4219 – DNR Board Composition.

Environmental Report

Lorianne Riggin, Director of Environmental Programs, informed the Board that the Crab Bank reconstruction has been completed. Mrs. Riggin also reported on the McClellanville Transmission Project.

Deputy Directors' Reports

1. Law Enforcement

LTC Landrum gave the Board a brief hiring update.

2. Marine

No further report.

3. Administration

No further report.

4. Land, Water and Conservation

Mr. Brown reported that the Broad River Basin public meeting has been held and council meeting will be scheduled soon.

5. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries

Mrs. Cope distributed and reviewed reports from public dove fields opening day and black bear harvest.

Item(s) for Board Action

1. Policies Update

Eva Smith, Director, Human Resources, briefly reviewed the changes to DNR Policy701.02 (Overtime) and DNR Policy 705.05 (Tuition Assistance Program). Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve, pending approval by the Department of Administration, DNR’s Policy 701.02 (Overtime) as recommended by staff. Dr. Hartley seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve DNR’s Policy 705.05 (Tuition Assistance Program) as recommended by staff. Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

2. Waccamaw River Heritage Preserve – Horry County Temporary Access and Construction License

Ken Prosser, Assistant Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, reviewed the Waccamaw River Heritage Preserve – Horry County Temporary Access and Construction License. Mr. Rasor made a motion that the Board accept the recommendation from the Heritage Trust Advisory Board and approve the proposed Temporary Access and Construction License for Horry County’s culvert installation under Ellis Road at Waccamaw River Heritage Preserve, as presented. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Executive Session

Dr. Hartley made a motion that the DNR Board go into executive session pursuant to SC Code Section 30-4-70(A)(1) and (A)(2) to discuss appointments related to Item(s) for Board Action (C and F) and to discuss contractual matters and legal advice related to Item(s) for Board Action (D and E). Mr. Lee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Open Session

Dr. Hartley made a motion that the DNR Board return to open session, noting that no action was taken during executive session. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Item(s) for Board Action

3. Conservation District Commissioner Appointments/Reappointments

Dr. Hartley made a motion that the DNR Board approve the following conservation district commissioner appointments, as recommended by the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Committee.

Jeremy Walther, Aiken – term 11/18/21 – 1/31/23; Melanie Shull, Aiken – term 11/18/21 – 7/5/25; and Clarence Randal Ewing, Sr., Darlington – term 11/18/21 – 7/25/25

Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Dr. Hartley made a motion that the DNR Board approve the following conservation district commissioner reappointments, as recommended by the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Committee.

Charles H. Coleman, III, Fairfield – term 7/1/21 – 7/1/25 and C. Ben Setzler, III, Newberry – term 3/3/21 – 3/3/25

Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

4. Property Acquisition in Jasper County

Mr. Swygert made a motion that the Board accept the recommendation from the Heritage Trust Advisory Board subject to standard due diligence and grant final approval of the acquisition of approximately 973 acres in Jasper County that will be dedicated as a heritage preserve and placed into the corpus of the SC Heritage Trust, and the expenditure of $350,000 in Heritage Trust funds for the purchase. Mr.Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

5. Potential Property Acquisition in Lancaster County

Mr. Lee made a motion that the Board grant preliminary approval to evaluate the potential purchase of approximately 65 acres near Spring Stevens Fish Hatchery in Lancaster County, as recommended by staff. Dr. Hartley seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

6. Governor's Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board Reappointments

Mr. Lee made a motion that the Board accept the recommendation of the Governor's Cup Billfishing Advisory Board and approve the following reappointments to the Governor's Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board.

Justin Kohl, Georgetown – second term 1/1/22 – 12/31/24; Robert McClam, Little Mountain – second term 1/1/22 – 12/31/24 and Chad Sanders, Charleston – second term 1/1/22 – 12/31/24

Dr. Hartley seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimoulsly.

Time and Location of Next Board Meeting

The Board’s next meeting is scheduled for January 20, 2022.

Adjournment

Mr. Oxner made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Dr. Hartley seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.