SCDNR Board Workshop Minutes

Chairman Norman Pulliam called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Rev. Eric Skidmore, SCLEAP, offered the invocation.

Vice Chairman Hutchins led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chairman Pulliam extended condolences to Director Boyes and his wife, Liz, on the recent loss of her father.

Chairman Pulliam commended Director Boyles on his selection by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) to receive the 2023 Captain David H. Hart Award for his longstanding contributions to and exceptional leadership towards the sustainable management of Marine resources along the Eastern seaboard.

Chairman Pulliam commended Director Boyles on his selection to serve as Chairman of the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium Board of Directors as well as President of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA).

Shannon Bobertz, Chief of Staff, introduced BeBe Dalton Harrison, SC Wildlife Federation; Rod Wilkes, Lake Wateree Association, Jim LoTruglio, Lake Wateree Association; David Sutton, Dutchman Creek; and Representative Annie McDaniel.

Ms. Dalton Harrison informed the Board that November 18, 2023 is the newly declared Women in Hunting and Fishing Day.

Mr. Wilkes, Mr. LoTruglio and Mr. Sutton spoke of safety concerns in the Dutchman Creek area of Lake Wateree due to existing tree stumps. Representative McDaniel spoke on behalf of her constituents and asked that a happy medium be found with this issue.

Director Boyles stated that staff have agreed to an on-site visit with representatives from Duke Energy, as well.

Chairman Pulliam asked if there were any additions, deletions or corrections to the minutes of the September 15, 2023 and October 20, 2023 Board meetings and the October 20, 2023 workshop. Mr. Lee made a motion that the minutes of the September 15, 2023 meeting, October 20, 2023 meeting and October 20, 2023 workshop be approved as submitted. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Commendations
Director Boyles commended the following 2023 Regional Officers of the Year and the 2023 Statewide Officer of the Year PFC Courtney Angotti-Smith of Region 4 and the NASBLA Boating Officer of the Year for S.C. PFC Samantha Thornton of Region 3.

Director Boyles commended Alix Pedraza of Office of External Affairs, Julie Binz of Marine and LT Dennetta Dawson of Law Enforcement for their hard work and efforts leading to SCDNR’s selection as a GOLD recipient of the SEAFWA Diversity and Inclusion Award for our outreach efforts.

Director Boyles commended Valerie Shannon of Office of External Affairs and the Law Enforcement Officers of Region 3 on their selection to receive the 2nd Annual Golden Trash Can Award and their recognition at the Awards Banquet on October 25th at Wateree WMA coordinated by Valerie Shannon and with a large group in attendance including Board Vice-Chairman Mike Hutchins and Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter.

Director Boyles commended Bill Marshall of Land, Water & Conservation for his efforts recognized in a letter from Lt. Governor Pamela Evette thanking our agency for our partnership with the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium in leading the 34th annual beach and river sweep. Bill has been leading this program for SCDNR for many years and does an outstanding job.

Director Boyles commended DNR Stream Team members Kevin Kubach, Drew Gelder, Rachel Moore, Clint Burton and Andrew Peel of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) who led an afternoon lab for Wofford College Biology students and Professor Davis shared some of the students’ reflections on the experience which were very complimentary and reflected their gratitude and appreciation for the work of our agency and this team.

Director Boyles commended Eric Ungberg of Land, Water & Conservation who was commended in an email from Liz Yamashita, President of the Grand Strand Master Gardeners Association, and appreciated his assistance in hosting their group’s field trip at Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve.

Director Boyles commended Cindy Thompson of the Office of External Affairs and Associate Editor of the South Carolina Wildlife magazine who won two feature writing awards at the S.C. Outdoor Press Association Conference and was recognized for her talent and professionalism as a great ambassador for the magazine and SCDNR.

Director Boyles commended the SCDNR Law Enforcement Dive Team for providing training to West Virginia DNR’s first ever dive team. West Virginia DNR has expressed their appreciation for our team’s abilities and leadership.

Director Boyles commended Law Enforcement Officers PFC Butler Sprouse, Investigator Ryan Abernathy and CO Patrick Mills for their efforts which were recognized in a letter from a constituent in Greenville to the Director and Colonel Frampton who commended these “three exceptional DNR Officers” who helped him with issues at his property in Laurens County. He noted “Please let these officers know that property owners and lawful hunters do not take exceptional and professional law enforcement for granted.”

Director Boyles commended Lynn Quattro of the WFF Division for being selected to serve as President of the Fisheries Administration Section of the American Fisheries Society. She was also elected to serve on the Management Committee for AFS, made up of 12 members of the Governing Board and handles general oversight of the Society operations.

Director Boyles commended Amy Tegeler of the WFF Division for receiving the National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative’s Fire Bird Conservation Award. Amy serves as DNR’s Bird Conservation Coordinator and was instrumental in setting up the bobwhite and non- game bird species monitoring for the SC Bobwhite Initiative (SCBI) monitoring of our 5 focal areas. This monitoring is critical to documenting the success of SCBI habitat restoration efforts. In addition to leading the Monitoring Subcommittee for the SCBI, she has continued to volunteer to work with the group and has been assisting with an automatic recording unit (ARU) monitoring project and coordinating with a researcher from NY in that endeavor.

Director Boyles commended Jennifer Kindel of the WFF Division on receiving the Professional Wildlife Management Award from the SC Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Jen serves as DNR’s Bat Project Leader and was recognized for being a driving force for bat conservation. She is a champion for public understanding and appreciation of these amazing mammals and the integral role they play in the ecosystem and their value to the Nation’s agroeconomy through free pest control. She is seen and respected as a professional in her field and puts great effort into dispelling misinformation on the taxa, participating in discussions with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on federal protections, highlighting the plight of bats due to white-nose syndrome, and continually contributing valuable scientific data to better our understanding of bat species in South Carolina and nationally.

Director Boyles commended Tony D’Elia, Assistant General Counsel and Chief Information Security Officer, for his service as a panelist on The Future of AI and the Legal Practice hosted by the USC School of Law with discussion. This presentation discussed the potential for AI to reduce the legal work done by attorneys, the cost effectiveness of AI for the sole practitioner and the use of AI to help access to justice.

Director Boyles gave the Board an update on the new headquarters building.

Blaik Keppler, Deputy Director for Marine Resources, gave the Board a brief report on the 2023 Sea Turtle Nesting Season.

1. Marine
   Mr. Swygert reported the Marine Advisory Committee met October 6, 2023. The Advisory Committee received an update on Hurricane Idalia impacts. The Advisory Committee received a report on the status of Southern Flounder based on information from the commercial and recreation fishery and data from the agency’s monitoring programs. The Committee made a motion that the Marine Advisory Committee support staff’s recommendation that the 5 fish per person/10 fish per boat catch limit remain in place rather than reverting to the previous limit of 10 fish per person/20 fish per boat on June 30th 2024.
2. Saltwater Recreational Fisheries
   Mrs. Keppler reported that the Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee met virtually on October 24, 2023. The Advisory Committee received a report on saltwater license sales for 2023.
3. Law Enforcement
   COL Chisolm Frampton reported that the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee met November 6, 2023. The Advisory Committee received a division update, a presentation on SmartCOP and an update on body worn cameras.
4. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Mr. Hutchins reported that the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee held a teleconference meeting on November 6, 2023. The Advisory Committee received a report on the Results of Turkey Survey and Recommendations, which will be presented at this meeting.
5. Waterfowl
   Billy Dukes, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division reported that the Waterfowl Advisory Committee met November 14, 2023. The Advisory Committee received project updates and status of Category 1 WMAs. The Advisory Committee received an update on Category I Lottery Hunts 2023-2024. The Advisory Committee received and approved the Waterfowl Mission and Vision Statements and the Duck Stamp Expenditures for FY 2023.
6. Governer's Cup Billfishing Series
   Mrs. Keppler reported that the Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board met November 6, 2023. The Advisory Board reviewed and approved the 2024 Sponsorship packet. The Advisory Board nominated and approved an Advisory Board Chair and Vice Chair. The Advisory Board approved two reappointments and three new appointments.
7. Heritage Trust
   Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water and Conservation, reported that the Heritage Trust Advisory Board met November 9, 2023. The Advisory Board received presentations on Coastal Heritage Preserves, Region 3 activities, and botany and invasive species. The Advisory Board approved several property acquisitions.

1. Climate Update
   Hope Mizzell, Land, Water and Conservation Division, reported the new weather station at Webb Wildlife Center and the 2023 Hurricane Season. Dr. Mizzell provided rainfall totals, precipitation percentiles, streamflow, lake levels, groundwater monitoring wells around the state, precipitation forecast and temperature forecast.
2. Results og Turkey Survey and Reccomendations
   Jay Cantrell and Charles Ruth gave the Board a presentation of the results of the Turkey Survey and Recommendations based on the public meetings. The Board asked that a final report be completed and submitted for possible approval at a December teleconference meeting.

1. Twelvemile Creek Mitigation Trust Fund
   Ross Self, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, reviewed the proposed expenditures of the Twelvemile Creek Mitigation Trust Fund, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the DNR Board approve the expenditure of $274,000 from the Lake Hartwell Fish Habitat Enhancement Sub- account of the Twelvemile Creek Mitigation Trust Fund to support ongoing operations of the Lake Hartwell Habitat Enhancement Project. Mr. Oxner seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
2. Policy Updates: Clerical, Non-substantive Amendments
   Susan Porter, General Counsel, reviewed the proposed Policy Updates as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the DNR Board approve the clerical, non-substantive amendments to SCDNR Policies. Mr. Lee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Rasor made a motion that the SCDNR Board go into executive session pursuant to SC Code Section 30-4-70(A)(2) to discuss contractual matters related to Item(s) for Board Action C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M and N. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the SCDNR Board return to open session, noting that no action was taken during executive session. Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

3. Property Acquisition in Jasper County
   Mr. Swygert made a motion that the SCDNR Board accept the recommendation as approved by the Heritage Trust Advisory Board, subject to standard due diligence, and grant final approval to acquire approximately 16 acres adjoining Tillman Sand Ridge Heritage Preserve in Jasper County, that will be dedicated as a heritage preserve and placed into the corpus of the SC Heritage Trust, and the expenditure of $531,000 in Heritage Trust funds. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
4. Potential Property Acquisition Project in Lancaster County
   Mr. Lee made a motion that the SCDNR Board grant preliminary approval to evaluate the potential donation of approximately 97 acres located in Lancaster County to be dedicated as a Heritage Preserve and placed into the Corpus of the Heritage Trust as a part of the Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve, as recommended by the Heritage Trust Advisory Board, and approve the expenditure of up to $20,000 of Heritage Trust Funds to conduct due diligence activities. Mr. Rasor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
5. Potential Property Acquisition Project in Aiken and Edgefield Counties
   Mr. Rasor made a motion that the SCDNR Board grant preliminary approval to evaluate the potential acquisition of approximately 262 acres located in Aiken and Edgefield Counties to be dedicated as a Heritage Preserve and placed into the Corpus of the Heritage Trust as a new heritage preserve, as recommended by the Heritage Trust Advisory Board, and approve the expenditure of up to $20,000 of Heritage Trust Funds to conduct due diligence activities. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
6. Potential Property Acquisition Project in Aiken County
   Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the SCDNR Board grant preliminary approval to evaluate the potential acquisition of approximately 300 acres located in Aiken County, to be dedicated as a Heritage Preserve and placed into the Corpus of the Heritage Trust as a part of Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area, as recommended by the Heritage Trust Advisory Board, and approve the expenditure of up to $20,000 of Heritage Trust Funds to conduct due diligence activities. Mr. Lee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
7. Potential Property Acquisition Project in Greenville County
   Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the SCDNR Board grant preliminary approval to evaluate the potential acquisition of approximately 228 acres located in Greenville County to be dedicated as a Heritage Preserve and placed into the Corpus of the Heritage Trust as recommended by the Heritage Trust Advisory Board and approve the expenditure of up to $20,000 of Heritage Trust Funds to conduct due diligence activities. Mr. Lee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
8. Potential Property Acquisition Project in Florence County
   Mr. Lee made a motion that the SCDNR Board, upon the recommendation of SCDNR staff and the Director, grant preliminary approval to evaluate the potential purchase of approximately 85.80 acres located in Florence County, and approve the expenditure of up to $4,000 of SCDNR Land and Water Conservation state appropriated funds to conduct due diligence activities. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
9. Property Acquisition Project in Greenville County
   Mr. Rasor made a motion that the SCDNR Board, upon the recommendation of the Heritage Trust Advisory Board and SCDNR staff and subject to standard due diligence, grant final approval of the acquisition of approximately 288 acres adjoining Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve in Greenville County, to be dedicated as a heritage preserve and placed into the corpus of the SC Heritage Trust, and the expenditure of $700,000 in Heritage Trust funds. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
10. Property Acquisition Project in Lexington County
    Mr. Hutchins made a motion that the SCDNR Board, upon the recommendation of the Heritage Trust Advisory Board and SCDNR staff, grant preliminary approval to evaluate a potential property acquisition of approximately 1.5 acres adjoining SCDNR’s Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve in Lexington County and approve the expenditure of up to $20,000 of Heritage Trust funds to conduct due diligence activities. Mr. Lee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
11. Governor’s Cup Advisory Board Reappointments
    Mr. Oxner made a motion that the DNR Board, upon the recommendation of South Carolina Governor's Cup Advisory Board, reappoint Wesley S. Frierson and Douglas Jennings to serve a second three-year term beginning 1/1/2024 to 12/31/2026 on the South Carolina Governor's Cup Advisory Board. Mr. Lee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
12. Appointment of Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board Chairman
    Mr. Oxner made a motion that the SCDNR Board, upon recommendation of the South Carolina Governor's Cup Advisory Board, appoint Billy Gressette Chairman of the South Carolina Governor's Cup Advisory Board beginning January 1, 2024. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
13. Appointment of Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board Vice Chairman
    Mr. Oxner made a motion that the SCDNR Board, upon recommendation of the South Carolina Governor's Cup Advisory Board, appoint Holly McAlhany Vice Chairman of the South Carolina Governor's Cup Advisory Board beginning January 1, 2024. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
14. 2024 SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Contractual Agreement Update
    Mr. Oxner made a motion that the DNR Board, upon the recommendation of South Carolina Governor's Cup Advisory Board, ratify the updates to the Governor's Cup Billfishing Series Contractual Agreement to reflect new sponsorship category names and to reflect an increase in funds supporting the Wallace F. Pate Memorial Marine Conservation Fund. Mr. Hutchins seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

The Board will hold a teleconference meeting on December 14, 2023.

Mr. Lee made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. Mr. Swygert seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.