The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 11:00 am, May 29, 2014, at the Blue Heron Nature Center, Ridgeland, SC. Notice of the date, time and place of the meeting was posted and mailed to the news media. Chairman John Evans presided at the meeting. Board members present included Michael Hutchins, Glenn McFadden and Norman Pulliam. Board members Cary Chastain, Caroline Rhodes, Randy Lowe and Larry Yonce's absences were excused. Director Alvin Taylor and staff members of the Department of Natural Resources were present at the meeting.

1. Call to Order
   Chairman John Evans called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. Invocation
   Rev. Ron Kenyon, SC Law Enforcement Assistance Program, offered the invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
   Norman Pulliam led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Introduction of Guests
   Breck Carmichael, Special Assistant to the Director, introduced the following guests: Johney Haralson, Bamberg Soil and Water Conservation District; Diane Leone, NRCS District Conservationist for Beaufort and Jasper Counties; Bill Young, Jasper County Planning Commission; Sally Murphy, retired DNR employee; David Harter, Hilton Head Island resident; and Gordon Wells, Chairman, Jasper Soil and Water Conservation District.
5. Constituent Comments
   Mr. Carmichael informed the Board that Mr. Wells will give the Board a brief history of the Blue Heron Nature Center.
   Mr. Carmichael informed the Board that Mrs. Murphy has requested to make comments to the Board. Mrs. Murphy informed the Board of an editorial in today's Beaufort Gazette regarding saving wildlife by not feeding alligators and watering manatees. Mrs. Murphy also expressed her pleasure to the Board for the implementation of restrictions placed on Deveaux Bank to protect nesting sea birds.
   Mr. Carmichael informed the Board that Mr. Young has requested to make comments to the Board. Mrs. Young's comments were relative to new turkey laws.
6. Approval of Minutes
   Chairman Evans asked if there were any amendments, additions, deletions or corrections to the April 17, 2014, meeting minutes. Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the April 17, 2014, meeting as submitted. Glenn McFadden seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
7. Presentations/Commendations
   Director Taylor asked Robert Boyles, Deputy Director for Marine Resources, to present the Meritorious Service Award to a nominated individual. Mr. Boyles presented the award to David Harter.
   Director Taylor commended George Riekers, Marine Resources Division, on receipt of the Mamie Williams Award from the Community Pride, Inc. group for his work in coordinating the coastal Beach Sweep efforts.
   Director Taylor commended Committee Chairman Bethann Herbert and members Kesli Padgett, Bill Marshall, Jessica Elmore, Dan DuPre, Susan Johnson, Barbara Hasty, Sherry Brown and Angie Cassella for their work for this year's DNR March of Dimes campaign.
8. Items for Board Information
   
   1. Land, Water and Conservation
      Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water and Conservation, reported that the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Committee met April 21 via conference call. The Advisory Committee received program updates and approved conservation district commissioner appointments and reappointments, for Board consideration.
   2. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
      Mike Hutchins reported that the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee met April 29 in Columbia. The majority of the meeting was spent receiving constituent comments on the cormorant control project. Staff presented the final Cormorant Management Project report to the Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee received updates on striper spawning season and legislation.
   3. Heritage Trust
      Mr. Rentiers reported that the Heritage Trust Advisory Committee met May 1 at Hitchcock Woods. The Advisory Committee received a presentation from Lowcountry Open Land Trust regarding the Keystone Tract. The Advisory Committee then toured Hitchcock Woods. Mr. Rentiers distributed the revenue statements.
   4. Saltwater Recreational Fisheries
      Mr. Boyles reported that the Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee met May 6 in Charleston. The Advisory Committee received staff recommendations for next year's proposed projects. The Advisory Committee received an update on revenue through April. The Advisory Committee unanimously passed a motion approving the FY 15 budget as presented. The Advisory Committee received a constituent request that the State explore granting an exemption for free fishing for active duty military personnel on Military Appreciation Day. The Advisory Committee has recommended that the agency support this and the agency is reviewing the recommendation.
   5. Climate Update
      Mark Malsick, Land, Water and Conservation Division, reviewed the year to date observed rainfall; the forecasted 90 day temperature and precipitation outlook; and the seasonal Sea Surface Temperature anomalies for the upcoming hurricane season. Mr. Malsick also presented and explained a new product from the Hurricane Center – Sea, Lake and Overland Surges from Hurricanes (SLOSH). This product will show potential storm surge flooding from hurricanes.
9. Items for Board Action
   
   1. Donation to Ducks Unlimited Canada
      Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, briefly reviewed the year two of four progress report provided by Ducks Unlimited Canada for the Southern Ontario Waterfowl Habitat Initiative and informed the Board that the Migratory Waterfowl Advisory Committee has recommended to the Board that $21,713.00 from waterfowl print sales and a portion of nonresident license revenue be sent to Ducks Unlimited of Canada. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the contribution of $21,713.00 to DU Canada for the Southern Ontario Habitat Initiative. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   2. 2014-15 Duck Stamp Budget
      Mrs. Cope reviewed the proposed 2014-15 State Waterfowl Stamp Budget as included in the Board meeting package. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the proposed 2014-15 State Waterfowl Stamp Budget as presented. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   3. Use of Wildlife Endowment Fund
      Scott Speares, Interim Deputy Director for Outreach and Support Services, reviewed the request to use the interest from the Wildlife Endowment Fund, not to exceed $175,000, for the appropriate license revenue expenditures. Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board approve the use of interest from the Wildlife Endowment Fund as presented. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
   4. Transfer of Heritage Trust Revenue
      Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water and Conservation, reviewed the FY 2015 request to transfer $1,787,558.00 from Heritage Trust Revenue to the Heritage Land Trust Operating Fund and to transfer $3,687,550.00 from Heritage Trust Revenue to the Heritage Trust Revenue 06 Debt Service Fund (41G8) held by the State Treasurer's Office. Mr. McFadden made a motion that the Board approve the transfer of $1,787,558.00 from Heritage Trust Revenue to the Heritage Land Trust Operating Fund and the transfer of $3,687,550.00 from the Heritage Trust Revenue to the Heritage Trust Revenue 06 Debt Service Fund (41G8) held by the State Treasurer's Office. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
10. Director's Briefings
    Director Taylor informed the Board that a great deal of time has been spent on legislation since the last meeting.
    Director Taylor noted that the US Fish and Wildlife Service advised that they have reduced the planned Civil Rights Review to a "desk" review and do not see the need to come on site after reviewing submitted materials.
    Director Taylor attended the Haile Gold Mine stakeholders reception on April 23 at the Cooks Mountain mitigation property in Lower Richland County.
    Director Taylor spoke at the Greenville Soil and Water Conservation District's 75th Annual Awards Banquet on the evening of May 1.
    Director Taylor participated in the 2014 Governor's Hurricane Table-Top Exercise on May 12.
11. Legislative Report
    Director Taylor reviewed and explained legislation that was introduced and passed during this year's session. Director Taylor commended Derrick Meggie, Emily Cope, Mike Sabaka and other staff for their work with the General Assembly. Director Taylor then updated the board on the budget.
12. Environmental Report
    Bob Perry, Director of Environmental Programs, highlighted the following proposed projects, which were contained in the environmental report in the Board meeting package: Haile Gold Mine project, Horry County paving International Drive adjacent to Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve; managed tidal wetlands; Boeing project; and the Rural Electrification Administration and US Forest Service's proposal for providing better service to the McClellanville area.
13. Deputy Directors' Reports
    1. Law Enforcement
       COL Chisolm Frampton, Deputy Director for Law Enforcement, gave the Board an update on new hires. COL Frampton recognized LT Michael Paul Thomas for being honored by the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce for his law enforcement efforts. COL Frampton recognized LCPL Andrew Godowns on his receipt of the Jessie Altman Officer of the Year Award from the Beaufort County Rotary Club. COL Frampton recognized Megan Metts for her selection as Law Enforcement Employee of the Year.
    2. Marine Resources
       Mr. Boyles briefed the Board on the status of plans to open the General Trawling Zone to shrimp trawling. Mr. Boyles recognized Erin Levesque for her selection as Marine Resources Employee of the Year.
    3. Outreach and Support Services
       Mr. Speares recognized Deborah Green for her selection as Outreach and Support Services Employee of the Year.
    4. Land, Water and Conservation
       Mr. Rentiers recognized Kerry Castle for her selection as Land, Water and Conservation Employee of the Year. Mr. Rentiers also gave the Board updates on the Surface Water Assessment project and groundwater monitoring.
    5. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
       Mrs. Cope announced Billy Dukes has been hired as the Chief of Wildlife. Mrs. Cope recognized Lane Hite for his selection as Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Employee of the Year.
14. Executive Session
    Mr. Pulliam made a motion for the Board to hold an Executive Session to discuss personnel, legal and contractual matters. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
15. Open Session
    Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board return to regular session, noting that no actions were taken during Executive Session. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board approve the following conservation district commissioner reappointments and appointments as recommended by the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Committee.
    • Reappointments: Michael Shirer, Calhoun; Henry Gettys, Cherokee; Lonnie Gillespie, Greenwood; David Padgett, Saluda; and Jack Turner, Spartanburg
    • Appointments: I.M. Benton, Colleton; Joshua Jones, Colleton; Lee Keese, Oconee; Carol Hendrix, Oconee; Mendel H. Stewart, Pickens; Dale Mayson, Pickens; Bennie Copeland, York; Clarence Senn, York; and Mark Wyndham, York
    Mr. McFadden seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the Board approve the conveyance of a utility easement to Santee Electric Cooperative within the DNR's Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center in Georgetown County. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    Mr. McFadden made a motion that the Board approve the expenditure by Laurens County of a portion of the Reedy River Restoration Mitigation Trust Fund for land acquisition, engineering and site work for the construction of two public kayak/canoe access sites on the Reedy River in Laurens County – one at the Highway 76 bridge at Tumbling Shoals ($415,000.00) and one at the Highway 252 bridge below Boyd's Mill Pond dam ($235,000.00). Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
    At this time Chairman Evans asked Mr. McFadden to join him up front. Mr. Evans congratulated Mr. McFadden on his recent appointment as Chairman of the DNR Board. Mr. McFadden thanked Mr. Evans for his work with the Board and the Department. Director Taylor presented Mr. Evans with a Governor's Edition Duck Stamp print and thanked him for his leadership.
16. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
    The time and location of the next meeting is to be determined.
    
17. Adjournment
    There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.

The SCDNR Board Minutes for May 29, 2014 (PDF), have been provided in the Adobe PDF file format. Adobe® Reader® is required to open the above file and is available as a free download from the Adobe® Web site.