Minutes
Board of the Department of Natural Resources
Rembert C. Dennis Building, Room 335
Columbia, SC
Friday, August 15, 2003
9:30 a.m.
The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 9:30 am, on Friday, August 15, 2003, at 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 McShane presided at the meeting. Board members present included Michael Campbell, Stephen Davis, Malloy McEachin and Smith Ragsdale. Board Members absent were Joab Lesesne, Jr. and Dr. Douglas Rucker. Mr. John Frampton and staff members of the Department of Natural Resources were present at the meeting, as were various guests.
I. Call to Order
Chairman McShane called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Chairman McShane recognized Board Member T. Smith Ragsdale and welcomed him to his first meeting.
II. Meditation
Chairman McShane asked for a moment of silent meditation.
III. Introduction of Guests
Mr. Chamblee introduced Joey Holleman, The State newspaper; Eric Skidmore, SC Law Enforcement Assistance Program; and Angela Viney, SC Wildlife Federation.
IV. Approval of Minutes
Mr. McShane asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes of the July 18, 2003 meeting. There being no corrections or additions, Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the July 18, 2003 meeting as submitted. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
V. Presentations/Commendations
Mr. John Frampton presented $1,000 scholarships to Christian Chamblee and Matthew Van McCarty on behalf of the Greenville Saltwater Fishing Club.
Dr. John Miglarese presented the Board’s Certificate of Meritorious Service to Dr. Craig Browdy.
Mr. Frampton welcomed Carole Collins back from maternity leave.
Mr. Frampton commended Caroline Foster on her graduation from the Governor’s EXCEL Leadership Institute program sponsored by the Governor’s Office and the Budget and Control Board.
Mr. Frampton announced that South Carolina Wildlife magazine received 2nd place in annual awards competition conducted by the Association for Conservation Information (ACI).
Mr. Frampton referred to an article on Jocassee Gorges in the August/September issue of National Wildlife Federation magazine.
VI. Advisory Committee Reports
A. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
Billy McTeer reported that the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee discussed and took action on the late season migratory bird season recommendations. The advisory committee also discussed changes in freshwater fisheries section and mourning dove banding studies. The advisory committee was also shown the budget briefing as presented to Governor Sanford on July 30. Mr. McTeer also reminded the Board that National Hunting and Fishing Day will be held September 27.
B. Heritage Trust
Mr. McEachin reported that the Heritage Trust Advisory Board had a discussion about trying to locate sites to protect the Great Pee Dee River. The Cultural Areas Committee of the Heritage Trust Advisory Board had a discussion about the use of GIS system and mapping to identify cultural sites.
C. Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series
Robert Boyles reminded the Board that the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series banquet will be held on August 16, in conjunction with the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund banquet.
Items for Board Action
A. Broad Scenic River Management Plan
Mary Crockett provided the Board with a general, brief overview of the Scenic River Program. Ms. Crockett then reviewed several recommendations of the Broad Scenic River Management Plan Update. Mr. McEachin made a motion that the Board approve the Broad Scenic River Management Plan as presented. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
B. 2003-2004 Migratory Bird Hunting Late Season Recommendations
Tommy Strange reviewed the season framework and recommendations for the 2003-04 waterfowl season for South Carolina. Mr. Ragsdale made a motion that the Board approve the 50-day season with a 6 bird bag as recommended by the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee. Mr. McEachin seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously
C. Emergency Regulations
Tim Ivey reviewed the proposed emergency regulations for Santee State Park WMA, Croft State Park WMA and General Hunting in Wildlife Management Areas Regulations and Wildlife Management Area Public Dove Fields 2003-04 with the Board. Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board approve the emergency regulations as proposed. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Charles Ruth reviewed the proposed emergency regulation for the restriction on the importation of the whole carcass or carcass parts of cervids from a state or province with a documented occurrence of CWD. Mr. McEachin made a motion that the Board approve the emergency regulation as proposed. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Ivey asked that the Board consider an amendment to the Santee State Park WMA and Croft State Park WMA
emergency regulations that were just approved. The amendment is that all hunters must report to the checkpoint to
check-in and exchange present their hunting license for a daily
permit. Mr. McEachin made a motion that the Board approve this amendment. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
D. Myrtle Beach State Park Management Plan
Stuart Greeter provided a general, brief overview of the Heritage Trust Program. Mr. Greeter and Mike Foley, SCPRT, reviewed the proposed Myrtle Beach State Park Management Plan. Mr. McEachin made a motion that the Board approve the Myrtle Beach State Park Management Plan as presented. Mr. Ragsdale seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
E. Request to Use DNR Property for Monitoring Wells (Marlboro and Pickens Counties)
Paul League reviewed two requests to use DNR lands for monitoring wells in Pickens and Marlboro Counties. Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board approve the requests as presented. Mr. Ragsdale seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
VIII. Director’s Briefings
Mr. Frampton participated in the USFWS Refuge Policy Task Force meeting in Port Angeles, WA, on July 21-22.
Mr. Frampton represented DNR at the Atlantic Flyway Council meeting on July 24-25.
Mr. Frampton and Mr. Chamblee participated in a meeting on July 29, of the Governor’s Commission on Management, Accountability and Performance (MAP) Facilities and Capital Assets subcommittee to discuss DNR lands across the State. They also participated in a meeting on August 4 of the Agency Structure Subcommittee.
Mr. Frampton and Mr. Chamblee participated in DNR’s Budget Hearing before Governor Sanford and staff on July 30.
Mr. Frampton met with key staff at the Marine Center on August 1 to discuss future plans and learn more about the Marine Center and its activities. August 1 was John Miglarese’s last day as Deputy Director.
Mr. Frampton participated in a meeting of the USFWS Federal Aid Policy Task Force in Missoula, Montana, on August 4-7.
Mr. Frampton met with Chief Stewart and Fred Carter, of the Governor’s Office, on August 11 to discuss aircraft.
Mr. Frampton distributed copies of the Savannah River Lakes Private Land Ownership Restoration Act and an AP article on the issue.
Legislative Report
Derrick Meggie reviewed pending legislation for the 2004 legislative session.
Habitat Task Force
Barry Beasley informed the Board that the Habitat Task Force is currently in the process of consolidating all property records in one central location.
IX. Deputy Directors’ Reports
1. Law Enforcement
Col. Wright gave an overview of the last month’s activities and also gave a presentation regarding the Department’s aircraft.
2. CEC and Administrative Services
Carole Collins reported that there will be a three day Becoming an Outdoorswoman workshop next month. Ms. Collins stated that the State Auditor’s Office just completed the 01-02 Procedures Audit and for the second year in a row there were no exceptions.
3. Marine Resources
Robert Boyles reported that they have graduated seven minority interns. Mr. Boyles stated that they are working with a group of interested individuals on a plan to limit entry in the blue crab fishery. Mr. Boyles noted that the ocean exploration cruise of the Charleston Bump, in conjunction with NOAA, has just been completed.
4. Land, Water and Conservation
Freddy Vang reported that the water temperature in the Gulf Stream is above 87°. The predicted number of named storms between now and the end of the season is 6-8. Mr. Vang noted that the Corps of Engineers will reevaluate flood insurance maps and procedures by which these maps calculate flood zones, particularly from Beaufort to Charleston. Mr. Vang also reported that they are in the process of relicensing the dams in South Carolina.
5. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
Billy McTeer introduced Sally Murphy of his division. Mr. McTeer informed the Board that meetings be held in the Piedmont regarding deer issues.
X. Executive Session
At this time Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board hold an Executive Session to discuss contractual, legal and personnel matters.
XI. Return to Regular Session
The Board returned to regular session and invited staff and guests to join the meeting.
Mr. McEachin made a motion that the Board instruct legal staff to begin appropriate legal action regarding the property loss of the Aero Commander. Mr. Ragsdale seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Ragsdale made a motion that staff move forward on a major land acquisition in the Lowcountry. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Davis made a motion that staff proceed to explore the acquisition of a major tract of property in the Piedmont. Mr. McEachin seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Campbell made a motion that staff draft a policy to provide for background checks on appointments. Mr. McEachin seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Chairman McShane announced new advisory committee chairs.
Mike Campbell – Law Enforcement
Stephen Davis – Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
Smith Ragsdale – Marine Resources
XII. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
The next meeting of the DNR Board will be held on Friday, September 19, 2003, at the Rembert C. Dennis Building in Columbia, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
XIII. Adjournment
There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.