The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 10:00 am, on Friday, May 20, 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, Karen Floyd, Frank Murray and Smith Ragsdale. Board member John Evans was absent. 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
   Cary Chamblee introduced Dwight Davis, Lexington Conservation District Commissioner; Joey Holleman, The State newspaper; Wes Donahue and Bradford Beavers, guests of Vice Chairman Campbell; and John Green, Richland Conservation District Commissioner.
5. Approval of Minutes
   Chairman McShane asked if there were any additions, deletions or corrections to the minutes of the April 15, 2005 meeting. There being none, Mr. Davis made a motion to accept the minutes of the April 15, 2005 meeting as presented. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
6. Presentations/Commendations
   Mr. Frampton introduced the members of the current W.I.L.D. class in attendance at the meeting: Mel Bell, Marine; Elizabeth Bradley, Outreach and Support Services; Billy Downer, Law Enforcement; Scott Howard, Land, Water and Conservation; Bill Marshall, Land, Water and Conservation; Pat Rivers, Law Enforcement; Robert Wiggers, Marine; and Mary Ellen Williams, Marine. Ken Forrester, Land, Water and Conservation; and Rick Slack, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries were unable to attend. Mr. Frampton commended the group for their efforts.
   
   Mr. Frampton congratulated Von Snelgrove, Chief of Conservation Districts, on his receipt of the Order of the Silver Crescent from Governor Mark Sanford on April 20, 2005.
   
   Mr. Frampton commended the 2004 Division Employees of the Year recognized at the State Service Pin/Employee of the Year ceremony on May 4: Margie Rish, Executive Office; Mary Crockett, Land, Water and Conservation; Emily Schroeder, Law Enforcement; Daniel Russ, Marine; Mac Watson, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries; and Sandra Hartley, Outreach and Support Services who was also the Department Employee of the Year.
   
   Mr. Frampton congratulated Mary Crockett, Land, Water and Conservation; Mike Willis, Outreach and Support Services; and Elizabeth Von Kolnitz, Marine for their graduation from the Certified Public Manager Program on May 16, 2005.
   
   Chairman McShane presented the Board’s “Making a Difference, Naturally” certificate to Emily Cope for her work on the Donnelley/Palachucola land transfer. Mr. Frampton then presented Mrs. Cope with an agency “Spot” award.
7. Advisory Committee Reports
   1. Land, Water and Conservation
      Mr. Murray reported that the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Committee met on April 21 in Columbia. The Advisory Committee received a presentation from the Anderson Conservation District. Chris Page reviewed the 2005 Aquatic Plant Management Plan with the Advisory Committee. Hope Mizzell gave the Advisory Committee a review of the 2004 Hurricane Season and an update of the 2005 Hurricane Season. Dr. Howard Scott reviewed the Irmo earthquake, which occurred February 18, at 9:21 am. Von Snelgrove reviewed the work of a committee that is developing urban and agricultural guidelines for a cost share program.
   2. Waterfowl
      Mr. Davis reported that the Waterfowl Advisory Committee met on May 3, at the McKenzie Field Station. The Advisory Committee received an update on FERC relicensing from Dick Christie. Mr. Davis stated that Tim Ivey led a discussion on the youth waterfowl hunts. The Committee received a report on the Santee Coastal Reserve hunts. Bob Perry gave the Committee the annual update on the Waterfowl Project. Walt Rhodes gave the Committee a banding update. Mr. Davis reported that Breck Carmichael asked the Committee if there was interest in conducting a survey of the state’s waterfowl hunters.
   3. Saltwater Recreational Fisheries
      Bob Van Dolah reported that the Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee met on May 5, in Charleston. The Advisory Committee reviewed and approved 15 activities and also approved a $1.5 million budget. The Committee also received a review of the division’s program for artificial reefs and plans for reef enhancement activities. Dr. Van Dolah stated that staff are making plans in partnership with the Department of Transportation to ensure that all suitable bridge materials, from the Cooper River Bridge demolition, are transported to offshore reef sites. Reef materials will be spread among 13 reef sites in the mid-coast offshore region. The representatives on the Committee that are located on the northern and southern portions of the state expressed concerns that none of this bridge material was going to be placed in their region. It was explained that DOT is responsible for the movement and placement of the materials. The Committee was assured that all reef materials, over the next year or two, that would normally go to the middle portion of the state will, in fact, be placed in the northern and southern ends to enhance the reef building activities in those areas. The Committee passed a motion that, if possible, depending on available funding, up to $150,000, in excess of the $1.5 million allocated to the 2005-2006 projects, would be placed in a dedicated fund for artificial reef deployment in areas not supplemented by the Cooper River Bridge materials. At this time, Mrs. Floyd made a motion that the Board accept the recommendation and approval of the Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee’s expenditure for 2005-2006. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
8. Constituent Comment
   Chairman McShane called on Marshall Truluck, Georgetown County, to make comments to the Board. Mr. Truluck introduced Ron Charlton, Georgetown County Council Member. Mr. Charlton stated that Mr. Truluck will make the presentation and all they are asking for is an endorsement from the Board for the Sampit River Boating Access project. Mr. Truluck reviewed the project and pointed out that it will be able to support both freshwater and saltwater events. Mr. Truluck noted that Georgetown County has purchased the property. Mr. Charlton informed the Board that this property has been annexed by the city and they will provide the utilities. Mr. Charlton stated that Georgetown County Council and City Council have both approved this project. Mr. Charlton reminded the Board that they are not asking for funding, maintenance or operation for the facility, they are just asking for an endorsement. Chairman McShane asked Mr. Charlton if there were permit issues that still need to be resolved, if so, DNR may be asked to comment on the permit. Mr. Truluck stated that the permit is in process but has not been issued at this point. Mrs. Floyd made a motion that the Board support this boat ramp as a top priority for development, contingent that the permit process will proceed in its normal fashion. Mr. Ragsdale seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Chairman McShane noted that he received an endorsement from CCA for this project.
9. Advisory Committee Reports
   
   1. Migratory Waterfowl
      Chairman McShane noted that the Migratory Waterfowl Committee approved the transfer of $30,000 to Ducks Unlimited, to be spent in Canada. Chairman McShane asked Billy McTeer if he had additional comments. Mr. McTeer informed the Board that the funds are from two sources, the sale of the Duck Stamp Print and they also receive $1 from the sale of nonresident hunting licenses plus $.50 from the sale of temporary nonresident hunting licenses. Mr. McTeer also stated that the Board has to approve transferring the funds. Mrs. Floyd made a motion that the Board accept the recommendation of the Migratory Waterfowl Committee to transfer $30,000 to Ducks Umlimited to be spent in Canada. Mr. Ragsdale seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   2. Heritage Trust
      Barry Beasley reported that the Heritage Trust Advisory Board met on May 19, at the Congaree Bluff Heritage Preserve. The Advisory Board received an update on the priority lists of both natural and cultural areas. The Advisory Board is in the process of seeking a world heritage site designation for the Fig Island Shell Ring. The Advisory Board received an update from Roger Stroup on the Geocaching Legislation. Johnny Stowe gave the Advisory board an overview of prescribed burning. The Advisory Board approved the preserve management budget for both natural area and cultural area preserves and approved several property acquisitions.
10. Items for Board Information
    2005 Hurricane Season
    Hope Mizzell shared with the Board the efforts that her unit has made during the off-season to be prepared for the 2005 season. Mrs. Mizzell described much of what was learned from last year’s season and the research conducted during the off-season. Ms. Mizzell then reviewed the forecast for the 2005 Hurricane season.
11. Director’s Briefing
    Mr. Frampton distributed copies of the 2006 budget highlights to the Board and provided a brief overview.
    
    Mr. Frampton then asked Mr. Chamblee to discuss the 100 Years of Wildlife Management/Centennial Celebration.
    
    Legislation
    Derrick Meggie distributed and reviewed the May Status Report.
12. Deputy Directors’ Reports
    
    1. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
       Breck Carmichael reported that on April 29, there was a fairly significant fish kill on the North Edisto River. There will be a more complete report given after the investigation is final. Mr. Carmichael informed the Board that the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division and the Law Enforcement Division will be locating all black bears in captivity in the state and require the individuals holding the bears to have a permit from the agency.
    2. Law Enforcement
       Col. Alvin Taylor gave the Board a final update on turkey season. Col. Taylor also distributed a schedule of Fishing Rodeo events.
    3. Outreach and Support Services
       Carole Collins informed the Board that Jay Wilkinson graduated from the Associate Public Manager program and Jamie Jackson graduated from the Leadership Lexington program. Ms. Collins reported on the direct mail license promotion.
    4. Marine
       Dr. Van Dolah informed the Board that the 2005 Commercial Shrimp Season would probably open prior to their next meeting if approved by the Board. Dr. Van Dolah then informed the Board that the Marine Resources Division was involved in the recent filming of a Discovery Channel segment entitled “Dirty Jobs”. This segment focuses on shellfish stewardship. Mr. Davis made a motion to approve the opening of the 2005 commercial shrimp season based on sample trawl findings of the Marine Division and contingent upon notification of the Board. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    5. Land, Water and Conservation
       Freddy Vang reported on a joint climatology project with Clemson University that relates to SC DOT needs. Mr. Vang distributed a handout on phragmites treatment plans for this year. The Board directed Mr. Vang to make it a priority to develop a program to work with private landowners in controlling phragmites.
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. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
14. Return to Regular Session
    The Board returned to regular session and invited staff and guests to join the meeting.
    
    Mr. Campbell made a motion to accept a property transfer from SCANA adjacent to the Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve as part of a settlement agreement. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board adopt a resolution honoring Hugh C. Lane, Sr. Mr. Ragsdale seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board accept the recommendation of the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Committee for conservation district commissioner appointments. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    
    Mr. Ragsdale made a motion to direct DNR staff to develop a captive reared migratory waterfowl banding requirement. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
15. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
    The June Board meeting will be held on Friday, June 17, 2005, being held at a location to be announced.
16. Adjournment
    There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.