Minutes
Rosewood’s - State Fair
Grounds
Columbia, South Carolina
Friday, March 23, 2001
9:00 a.m.
The regular meeting of
the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at
9:00 am, on Friday, March 23, 2001, at Rosewood’s on the State Fair Grounds,
Columbia, South Carolina. Notice of the
date, time and place of the meeting was posted and mailed to the news
media. Chairman Dr. Joab Lesesne
presided at the meeting. Board members
present included Dr. Julius Leary, Danny Ford, Ben Gregg, M. Russell Holliday,
Jr., Malloy McEachin and Dr. Douglas Rucker.
Dr. Paul A. Sandifer and staff members of the Department of Natural
Resources were present at the meeting, as were various guests.
Chairman
Lesesne called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and welcomed everyone to the
meeting.
Chairman Lesesne asked for a moment of silent
meditation.
Chairman
Lesesne asked Cary Chamblee to introduce guests present at the meeting. Mr. Chamblee introduced Jim Harrison,
Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee; Bob Bailey, Executive Director of the
Sportsmen’s Coalition; Marty Solomon; Shelley Hill, The State newspaper; Joey
Holleman, The State newspaper; and Crosby Lewis, a Columbia attorney.
Chairman
Lesesne asked Mr. McEachin and Stuart Greeter to make a presentation to the US
Customs Service. Mr. Greeter introduced
Greg Sassi from the Customs Service.
Mr. Greeter stated that the presentation of the Certificate of
Appreciation is to recognize the Customs Service for their donation of a
200-acre parcel on the Little Pee Dee River to DNR last year.
Dr. Sandifer asked John Miglarese to
give a brief background of the three recipients of the Board’s Meritorious
Service Award. Dr. Miglarese gave
background information on Charles Farmer, Mike McKenzie and Bob Van Dolah and
presented each their award.
Dr. Sandifer recognized Mike Willis
for his efforts in keeping communication open during the recent search and
recovery at Lake Murray.
Dr. Sandifer noted that Ken Prosser
and Neil Bartley, mentees in the W.I.L.D. program, are in attendance.
Mr. Chamblee introduced Buddy
Meetze, Richland County Council Member, and asked him to address the
Board. Mr. Meetze’s comments were
directed toward information provided to Richland County Council and FEMA. Mr. Meetze’s written comments are attached
to the original minutes.
Mr. Chamblee introduced Dr. John
Grego, College of Science and Math, Statistics Department, University of South
Carolina, and asked him to address the Board.
Dr. Grego’s comments were in support of the information the Department
provided to Richland County Council and FEMA.
Mr. Chamblee introduced Dr. John
Mark Dean, Professor of Marine Science, University of South Carolina and Member
of the Land, Water and Conservation Division Advisory Committee, and asked him
to address the Board. Dr. Dean’s
comments were directed toward the responsibilities of staff and the Board in
relation to actions taken and the process of reviewing permits. Dr. Dean stated that his involvement over
the years with the agency has resulted in confidence in the staff.
Mr. Chamblee introduced Ms. Nancy
Stone-Collum, Coastal Conservation League, and asked her to address the
Board. Ms. Stone-Collum’s stated that
over the years she has been impressed with the increased technology and
scientific information that comes into play in decisions, comments and recommendations
made by DNR staff.
Chairman
Lesesne asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes of the
February 16, 2001, meeting. There being
no corrections or additions Mr. Gregg made a motion that the minutes of the
February 16, 2001, meeting be approved as submitted. Dr. Rucker seconded the motion and the motion carried
unanimously.
Dr.
Leary reported that the Law Enforcement Division has decided to decrease the number
of vehicles ordered and decrease the field officer mileage to 1500 miles per
month. The Advisory Committee received
an update on in-service training and upgrading radio and communication services
to be compatible with SLED. The
Advisory Committee discussed the Victim Advocacy Grant from the Governor’s
Office. Dr. Leary stated that the
Hunter Education Program is now available on CD. The Advisory Committee also received a legislative update.
Mr. Gregg reported that the
Marine Advisory Committee met on March 8 and 9. The meeting held on March 8 was a joint meeting of MAC and
DHEC-OCRM. Mr. Gregg stated that MAC
took action on an item brought up in the meeting with OCRM. The item was to support OCRM on having
freshwater wetlands within the coastal zone designated as geographic areas of
particular concern. Mr. Gregg noted
that another matter discussed in the MAC and DHEC-OCRM meeting concerning
regulations to change permitting in the critical areas regarding docks and
private bridges. The MAC passed a
resolution supporting OCRM on the proposed regulations with the stipulation
that any private bridges have a compelling public need for the structure. Mr. Gregg noted that there was discussion
regarding shrimp baiting and the proposed legislation. MAC agreed to serve as a resource to address
the problems of shrimp baiting but neither endorse or oppose the bill at this
point. Mr. Gregg stated that the Advisory
Committee received an update on the red fish stock. Indications are that the red fish stocks are dwindling and this
is a concern for the Department and recreational fishermen. The Department is currently researching
solutions for the decline in red fish stocks.
C.
Saltwater
Recreational Fisheries Advisory Board
Dr.
Miglarese reported that the Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Advisory Board met
on March 14. The Advisory Board elected
new officers – Bill Puckett was elected Chair and Ed Holder was elected Vice
Chair. The Advisory Board also used
this time to prepare for the presentation before the Senate Fish, Game and
Forestry Committee on the proposed changes in the fee structure for saltwater
license.
Dr.
Sandifer reported that the House passed budget includes a direct cut of 13% of
DNR’s state appropriated funds - $4,046,946.
Dr. Sandifer noted that this would cause a huge impact because most of
the state funds are dedicated to personnel – 81%. The House budget bill also removes an unknown figure, but
something over $2 million from earmarked revenue funds. Dr. Sandifer stated that this is a very
serious problem and will have affects across the entire agency. Dr. Sandifer noted that every step is being
taken to reduce expenditures in the current year and carry forward the
reductions into the next year. Dr.
Sandifer reported that a freeze has been established on hiring and major
equipment purchases.
IX. Items for Board Information
A.
South
Carolina 2000: Special Places
Identification Project
Dell Isham, Executive Director of the South Carolina
Chapter – Sierra Club, distributed copies of South Carolina 2000: Special Places Identification Project. Mr. Isham stated that this document was
virtually a total volunteer effort. The
volunteers went to 110 sites (public and private) taking photographs and
collecting maps to identify the volunteers idea of the special places in South
Carolina. The volunteers were also
given guidelines to follow such as a special place is a place in South Carolina
that has a unique environment or an important habitat or has some
historic/cultural significance and is also threatened by neglect, development,
land conversion or uncontrolled pollution.
Hope Mizell gave
the Board an overview of the upcoming hurricane season and a status report of
the drought.
A. Amendments
to FOIA Policy #500.01
Dr.
Sandifer distributed copies of the latest draft of Policy #500.01. The earlier draft of the policy was placed
on the Department website and most of the comments received did not arrive
until March 22. Dr. Sandifer asked that
the Board receive this as information today and staff will respond to those who
have provided comments and ask for additional input and bring it back to the
Board for final approval at the April meeting.
Mr. Gregg also recommended that action be deferred until the April
meeting.
B. Amendments
to DNR Disciplinary Policy #701.03
Jean
Cowell reviewed the amendments which were discussed at the February Board
meeting. Ms. Cowell also reviewed
changes which have been made since the Board received their materials for the
meeting. Dr. Leary made a motion to
approve the amendments to DNR Disciplinary Policy #701.03 as presented. Mr. Ford seconded the motion and the motion
carried unanimously.
C. Creel
Limits and Lure/Bait Restrictions in portions of Chatooga River and Cheohee
Creek
Dan
Rankin explained to the Board that they are attempting to institute a trout
management program. The proposal is to
change the creel limits under statutory authority. This proposal is being made to two streams, the Chatooga River in
northern Oconee County, and a section of Cheohee Creek at Piedmont Forestry
Center. Dr. Leary made a motion that
the creel limits and lure/bait restrictions in portions of the Chatooga River
and Cheohee Creek be approved as presented.
Ms. Holliday seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
D. Proposed
Legislation
Mr.
McEachin made a motion that the following language be adopted as a guide for
future policy and possible legislation regarding coyotes. “The enforcement officers of the DNR may
enter onto public or private property whether or not enclosed for the purpose
of investigating whether coyotes are on such property. If coyotes are on such property, the officers
must take the coyotes in the most humane fashion possible as determined by the
Department. Coyotes are declared to be
contraband and it is a misdemeanor to possess a live one without a permit from
the Department. It is further declared
a misdemeanor to interfere with any officer who is attempting to take coyotes.
“ Ms. Holliday seconded the
motion. After much discussion the Board
agreed, by unanimous vote, to use this language as guidance for future
consideration of this issue.
E. Heritage
Trust Property Acquisition
This
item was deferred to executive session.
At
this time Dr. Leary made a motion that the Board hold an Executive Session to
discuss legal, contractual and personnel matters. Dr. Rucker seconded the motion and the motion carried
unanimously.
The Board returned to regular
session and invited staff and guests to join the meeting.
Dr.
Leary made a motion that the Board purchase the Clamp Tract as a Heritage Trust
Preserve as presented. Mr. McEachin
seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Dr.
Leary made a motion that the Board purchase the Berkeley County property, as
discussed by the Heritage Trust Advisory Board, into the Heritage Trust
proposal for acquisition. Ms. Holliday
seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
XIII. Director’s
Briefings
A. Habitat Protection
John
Frampton stated that the Atlantic Flyway Council endorsed the option for a
season extension. Mr. Frampton stated
that this will now be considered by the USFWS.
Mr. Frampton also reported that it is unlikely that South Carolina will
have a continuation of the teal season.
B.
Legislative
Derrick Meggie updated the Board on the status of bills proposed by the Department and those that are of interest to the Department.
C.
Executive Office
Dr.
Sandifer and Chairman Lesesne attended the annual National Wild Turkey
Federation convention in Columbus, OH.
Dr.
Sandifer met with Senators McGill, Branton and Grooms and staff member Bruce
Duke, of the Senate Finance Subcommittee, as they toured DNR on February 27 to
learn more about DNR and visit the Dennis Building facility.
Dr.
Sandifer met with the mentees of the W.I.L.D. program on March 1, as they held
a group project planning meeting.
Dr.
Sandifer attended the swearing-in of new DNR officers on March 2 as well as
their graduation ceremony on March 9.
Dr.
Sandifer reported that Mr. Chamblee attended the Governor’s Summit on Growth
held March 11-13, 2001, in Myrtle Beach.
Dr.
Sandifer attended the Senate hearing, along with Chairman Lesesne and Mr.
Gregg, on the Conservation Bank bill on March 14. Chairman Lesesne and a substantial number of supporters from the
Land Legacy Coalition spoke in favor of the bill and it was reported out
unanimously.
Dr.
Sandifer attended the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference
held in Washington, DC, on March 16-20.
XIV. Deputy
Directors’ Reports
Billy McTeer asked Tim Ivey to review the two sets
of proposed WMA regulations, which are currently before the General
Assembly. Mr. Ivey distributed copies
of the proposed regulations and reviewed the changes (proposed regulations are
attached to the original minutes).
Lt.
Col. Stanley Smith reported that the number of cases is higher than this time
last year. Lt. Col. Smith also stated
that the Governor’s Palmetto Pride Project deals exclusively with litter and
the Governor’s staff is looking into making the OGT telephone number the
central recording location for litter violations in the state.
No
further report.
No
further report.
No
further report.
No
further report.
XV. Time
and Location of the Next Meeting
Chairman
Lesesne stated that the next meeting of the DNR Board will be held on Friday,
April 20, 2001, at the Rembert C. Dennis Building, Room 335, beginning at 10:00
a.m.
The
May meeting of the DNR Board will be held on Friday, May 18, 2001, at
USC-Lancaster, in the Hubbard Hall Gallery, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
XVI. Adjournment
There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.