The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 10:00 am, on Friday, December 9, 2005, 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 Smith Ragsdale.  Board Member Karen Floyd was present by conference call.  Vice Chairman Michael Campbell’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
2. Invocation
   Chairman McShane asked Rev. Eric Skidmore to offer the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
   Buford Mabry, Chief Counsel, led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.  The Board recognized and congratulated Mr. Mabry for his 33 years service and recent retirement from the National Guard.
4. Introduction of Guests
   Chairman McShane introduced Angela Viney, SC Wildlife Federation, and Joey Holleman, with The State newspaper.
   
   Ms. Viney invited the Board to drop by the Wildlife Federation’s Holiday Open House today.  Ms. Viney also gave the Board a briefing on their fourth conservation summit describing it as an opportunity to strategize on the upcoming legislation session.  Ms. Viney noted that because of the South Carolina Conservation Voters the various groups are developing a common agenda.
5. Approval of Minutes
   Chairman McShane asked if there were any additions, deletions or corrections to the minutes of the November 18, 2005, meeting.  There being none, Mr. Evans made a motion to accept the minutes of the November 18, 2005, meeting as presented.  Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

6. Presentations/Commendations
   Freddy Vang presented the 2005 Stewardship Development Awards to North Augusta Greeneway Trail, and Phase I of Palmetto Bluff development.  Mr. Vang noted that the projects were chosen because they exhibited thoughtful stewardship of the environment through careful planning and construction.

   Mr. Frampton commended the 2003-04 W.I.L.D. group upon their completion of the 2004 group project, which was the Agency Display.

   Chairman McShane asked the Board to accept the resolution honoring Dr. Timmerman.  Mr. Evans made a motion to that effect.  Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

   Chairman McShane asked the Board to consider the adoption of a resolution honoring Governor Campbell at the January meeting.  Mr. Ragsdale made a motion to that effect.  Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

7. Advisory Committee Reports
   Marine
   Mr. Evans reported that the Marine Advisory Committee met Friday, December 2, in Charleston.  The Advisory Committee received presentations and updates on circle hook research and outreach, concurrent responsive management survey, shellfish planning strategy, Region Four Law Enforcement Activities and the 2006 legislative package.  A motion was made and passed by the Advisory Committee to thank Ginnie Martin for her service, leadership and commitment to the State of South Carolina.

8. Item for Board Information
   Dick Christie gave the Board an update on FERC Relicensing explaining why the Department is involved, activities of the Department in this effort, the major relicensing interests and reported on current projects.  Mr. Christie then answered questions posed by Board Members.
9. Item for Board Action
   Approval to Close the Commercial Shrimp Trawl Season
   Dale Theiling reported on the commercial shrimp season and asked for approval to close the commercial shrimp trawl season, at the appropriate time, which may occur prior to the January Board meeting.  Mr. Theiling stated that the closing would be considered after review of biological sampling, discussions with members of the industry and notification of DNR Board Members.  Mr. Evans made a motion that the Board give the Director the authority, in conjunction with the Marine Resources Division, to close the commercial shrimp trawl season.  Mr. Ragsdale seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
10. Director’s Briefings
    Mr. Frampton informed the Board that he is planning to attend the SC Association of Conservation Districts’ annual meeting at Myrtle Beach, January 3-6.

    Legislative Report
    Derrick Meggie gave the Board an update on prefile bills for the 2006 session.

11. Deputy Directors’ Reports
    
    1. Marine
       Nothing further to report.
    2. Land, Water and Conservation
       Mr. Vang distributed the information for the SCACD annual meeting in Myrtle Beach, January 3-6.
    3. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
       Breck Carmichael gave the Board an update on the Saluda River Trout Stocking and the WMA Waterfowl Harvest web site.
    4. Law Enforcement
       Col. Taylor gave the Board an update on this year’s waterfowl season, to date.
    5. Outreach and Support Services
       Mr. Vang reported, for Ms. Collins, that license sales have increased.
12. Executive Session
    At this time Mr. Evans 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.
13. Return to Regular Session
    The Board returned to regular session and invited staff and guests to join the meeting.

    Chairman McShane stated that no items from executive session required Board action.

    Chairman McShane introduced Sam Hiott, Chairman of the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund.  Mr. Hiott then introduced the other Hampton Fund members present and Jim Goller, Executive Director.  Mr. Hiott spoke of the relationship between the Hampton Fund and the DNR and announced that they approved the Department’s request for $105,000 and granted an additional $800 to the Young Outdoor Communicators request.  Chairman McShane also expressed appreciation to the Hampton Fund for the partnership and support.  Mr. Frampton also expressed his appreciation to the Hampton Fund.

14. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
    The January Board meeting will be held on Friday, January 20, 2006, at the National Wild Turkey Federation Headquarters, in Edgefield.

    The February Board meeting will be held on Friday, February 17, 2006, at the Santee Coastal Reserve.

    The March Board meeting will be held on March 17,  2006,in Columbia. 

    Chairman McShane thanked Cary Chamblee, upon his retirement, for his years of service to the Department.  Mr. Frampton then announced that Hank Stallworth will serve as the Chief of Staff.  Chairman McShane wished Mr. Chamblee luck in his pursuits.

15. Adjournment
    There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.