Centennial of State Natural Resource Management: This year marks the 100th anniversary of game and fish law enforcement by the state of South Carolina. The passage of Act 489 in 1905 provided for the appointment of game wardens by the governor, and in 1906 Act 60 created the State Board of Fisheries, beginning a century of progress in the professional management, protection and improvement of South Carolina's natural resources. These pieces of legislation also began an evolution that led to the creation of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. DNR invites its constituents, sportsmen and friends to join in the year-long commemoration of the advances made by the agency and the contributions of its current employees and those who preceded them. NEWS for October 17, 2005 A Summary of DNR News Releases Full-length articles follow these summaries, also fishing trends and tidetable. For more information, call the Communications Office of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources at (803) 734-3950 in Columbia. For immediate needs, contact Mike Creel at CreelM@dnr.sc.gov. News releases, fishing reports and weekly tidetable are available to Internet users at www.dnr.state.sc.us. Weekly news text files may also be downloaded from ftp://www.dnr.state.sc.us/pub/news/DNRnews2005/. For newspaper print quality captioned image files contact Newsdesk@dnr.sc.gov. * GOVERNOR'S CUP BILL FISHING SERIES BOARD MEETS OCT. 20 IN CHARLESTON -- The S.C. Governor's Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board of Directors will meet 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 at the S.C. Department of Natural Resources' administration conference room at Fort Johnson on James Island in Charleston. The meeting is open to the public. #05-216 * TWO SPECIAL YOUTH DEER HUNTS SET FOR OCT. 22, DEC. 3 IN ORANGEBURG COUNTY -- The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with MeadWestvaco will be conducting two special youth deer hunts at Walworth in Orangeburg County on October 22 and December 3. Applications are available from the Columbia DNR office at 1000 Assembly Street at the Rembert C. Dennis Building or the DNR website at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/hunting/huntyouth/youthdhunt.html/ #05-217 * FIRE ON THE LANDSCAPE' DISCUSSION SET AT S.C. PRESCRIBED FIRE COUNCIL MEETING -- "Fire on the Landscape" will be the theme for the second annual meeting of the South Carolina Prescribed Fire Council when it meets Wednesday, Nov. 16 at Riverbanks Botanical Gardens in Columbia. Registration for the South Carolina Prescribed Fire Council's annual meeting begins at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16 in the Magnolia Room of Riverbanks Botanical Gardens at 1300 Botanical Parkway in Columbia, and the meeting is scheduled to conclude at 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided to participants. Those planning to attend are asked to contact Melinda Ottaviano of The Nature Conservancy in Columbia at (803) 254-9049, extension 20, or e-mail mottaviano@tnc.org. Responses should be received by Monday, Oct. 31. A fee of $15 will be collected the day of the meeting for those pre-registered, while late registration will be $25. #05-218 * DNR ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ON THE FRONT LINES SINCE 1905 -- Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement officers have been on the frontlines of conservation since the first county game wardens were appointed in 1905. South Carolina hunters, anglers and boaters visiting the Rembert C. Dennis building in Columbia to renew a license or title might take a brief detour in the lobby to notice a gray marble plaque with eight names engraved in gold in front of a large wildlife mural. The names are of South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement officers who died while protecting the state's resources. #05-219 * BEAR ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA CHANGES VISITATION PERIOD -- In order to provide a quality experience for all user groups as well as minimize disturbance to numerous wildlife species, Bear Island Wildlife Management Area in Colleton County has changed its visitation days to Feb. 1 through Oct. 14. This began Saturday, Oct. 15 with a closure for upcoming rifle deer season and will extend through the end of waterfowl season. For more information on Bear Island WMA, call the DNR office at Donnelley WMA near Green Pond at (843) 844-8957. #05-220 * VIEW AUTUMN LEAF COLORS AT STATE HERITAGE PRESERVES -- Each autumn, South Carolina's hardwood forests change from hues of green and start showing their true colors. This natural phenomenon occurs every year, painting the countryside with beautiful shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, bronze, purple and brown. Adding to fall's show is a carpet of purple and gold wildflowers. Brochures on South Carolina heritage preserves, complete with descriptions and directions, are available upon request. For more information, write to Heritage Preserves, DNR, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202, call (803) 734-3893 in Columbia or check out a list of heritage preserves on the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.sc.us/wild/heritage/hp/hpmap.html #05-221 * SOUTH CAROLINA TREE FARM COMMITTEE SPONSORS FIELD TOUR, AWARDS CEREMONY -- The S.C. Tree Farm Committee sponsored a Field Day recently to highlight beneficial forestry and wildlife management practices as well as the partnership of the Indian Creek Wildlife Habitat Restoration Initiative in Newberry County. For more information on the Indian Creek Wildlife Habitat Restoration Initiative, contact the Newberry Soil and Water Conservation District located at 719 Kendall Road, Newberry, SC 29108 or call (803) 276-1978, extension 3. #05-222 * DNR BOARD TO MEET OCT. 21 IN COLUMBIA -- The S.C. Natural Resources Board will meet 9:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21 at the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association at 7339 Broad River Road in Irmo, SC. Board meetings are open to the public, and anyone with business for the board or needing directions to the meeting should contact the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Columbia office at (803) 734-9102. #05-223 NEWS RELEASE #05-216 October 17, 2005 DNR News (803) 734-3950 GOVERNOR'S CUP BILL FISHING SERIES BOARD MEETS OCT. 20 IN CHARLESTON The S.C. Governor's Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board of Directors will meet 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 at the S.C. Department of Natural Resources'' administration conference room at Fort Johnson on James Island in Charleston. The meeting is open to the public. John Darby from Charleston is chairman of the Governor's Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board. Anyone with business for the advisory board should contact Ginnie Martin of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Marine Resources Division at (843) 953-9393 in Charleston. Agenda items for the meeting of the S.C. Governor's Cup Billfishing Series Board include: · DNR director/Marine Resources Division deputy director comments · Tournament Committee report 2006 tournament schedule All release tournament format · Title/sponsor discussion · Review of proposed highly migratory species regulations · Nominations Committee report · Status reports Banquet report Shootout Pate Fund (scholarship) · Annual report # NEWS RELEASE #05-217 October 17, 2005 DNR News (803) 734-3950 TWO SPECIAL YOUTH DEER HUNTS SET FOR OCT. 22, DEC. 3 IN ORANGEBURG COUNTY The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with MeadWestvaco will be conducting two special youth deer hunts at Walworth in Orangeburg County on October 22 and December 3. Eight youths per hunt will be selected to participate in the special hunts. No application fee and no hunting license is required for the hunts. Completed applications must be received at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) office in Columbia by 5 p.m. on Wednesday for the October 22 hunt. Completed applications must be received at the Columbia DNR office by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18 to be eligible for the drawing for the Dec. 3 hunt. For further information, call (803) 734-3898. Applications are available from the Columbia DNR office at 1000 Assembly Street at the Rembert C. Dennis Building or the DNR website at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/hunting/huntyouth/youthdhunt.html/ To be eligible for the special youth deer hunt, applicants must meet the following requirements: * Applicants must be between the ages of 10 and 15 inclusive at the time of the hunt; * Both experienced and new hunters who wish to apply for these hunts must return a completed application that includes a questionnaire about their hunting experience. * A parent or legal guardian must provide written permission for their child to participate; * A parent, legal guardian or other responsible adult must provide transportation for each youth to and from the event; * Preference will be given to applicants with limited hunting experience and opportunities for participating in hunting. All DNR Youth Deer Hunts will be on Saturday mornings and will conclude at 11 a.m. Before each hunt, a DNR biologist will conduct a brief discussion of deer biology and the role of hunting in wildlife management. DNR staff will also provide comments regarding sportsmanship and hunter ethics. There will also be a thorough review of firearms safety. Rifles with telescopic sights are recommended. More detailed instructions and directions to the hunt sites will be provided to applicants who are selected. Please contact DNR biologist Willie Simmons with further questions regarding safety, supervision at (803) 734-3898 or E-mail SimmonsW@dnr.sc.gov. All youths who participate in the special youth deer hunts are made aware of the Take One Make One program. This is the DNR's youth/young adult hunting and shooting sports mentorship and recruitment program. It is a statewide program designed to get young people involved in a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year by assigning participating youngsters to carefully selected mentors. This year's dates are set and are published in the DNR's Rules and Regulations booklet. You can also find out more at the Take One, Make One Website at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/education/tomo/index.html "We feel that one of the best ways to recruit new hunters is for youth sportsmen to encourage one of their friends who doesn't hunt to accompany them on the hunt, " says Simmons. He also says the goal is to introduce the new hunters to the challenges, thrills and enjoyment associated with hunting, "Equally as important, we also want to make sure that this introduction is done safely and ethically." The Walworth tract is managed under MeadWestvaco's Ecosystem Based Forestry Program to produce wood fiber for mills and to provide opportunity for the multiple uses on forestland. The property is approximately 3900 acres in size, 1800 acres of the tract are in MeadWestvaco's Recreational Leasing Program (leased to hunt club) and the remaining 2100 acres consist of a MeadWestvaco Public Relations hunting area. All 3900 acres have been under a Quality Deer Management Program, since the early 1990's. A three and half year old deer on Walworth will generally weigh 180 pounds with at least eight points and a antler spread of 18 inches. # NEWS RELEASE #05-218 October 17, 2005 DNR News (803) 734-3950 'FIRE ON THE LANDSCAPE' DISCUSSION SET AT S.C. PRESCRIBED FIRE COUNCIL MEETING "Fire on the Landscape" will be the theme for the second annual meeting of the South Carolina Prescribed Fire Council when it meets Wednesday, Nov. 16 at Riverbanks Botanical Gardens in Columbia. Anyone having an interest in prescribed burning is encouraged to attend. Registration for the South Carolina Prescribed Fire Council's annual meeting begins at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16 in the Magnolia Room of Riverbanks Botanical Gardens at 1300 Botanical Parkway in Columbia, and the meeting is scheduled to conclude at 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided to participants. Those planning to attend are asked to contact Melinda Ottaviano of The Nature Conservancy in Columbia at (803) 254-9049, extension 20, or e-mail mottaviano@tnc.org. Responses should be received by Monday, Oct. 31. A fee of $15 will be collected the day of the meeting for those pre-registered, while late registration will be $25. The mission statement of the South Carolina Prescribed Fire Council is to foster cooperation among all parties in the Palmetto State with an interest in prescribed fire to optimize burning opportunities, to encourage the exchange of information, techniques and experiences among practitioners of prescribed fire and to promote public understanding of the importance and benefits of prescribed fire. Among the cooperators in the South Carolina Prescribed Fire Council is a collection of private organizations and individuals and state and federal agencies, including private landowners, The Nature Conservancy, S.C. Forestry Commission, S.C. Department of Natural Resources, Clemson University, U.S. Forest Service, National Wild Turkey Federation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Defense, Nemours Wildlife Foundation, S.C. Forestry Association, Natural Resources Conservation Service, S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, National Park Service, Plantation Managers' Association and Association of Consulting Foresters. Topics to be covered at the annual meeting of the South Carolina Prescribed Fire Council include: challenges of prescribed burning in South Carolina; growing-season prescribed burns; landscape-scale prescribed fire; a legislative perspective on prescribed burning; building a landscape-scale prescribed fire program; and the Indian Creek Partnership. Speakers include Dr. Ernie Wiggers, chair of the Prescribed Fire Council; Bob Schowalter, South Caroline state forester; Mark Hatfield of the National Wild Turkey Federation; Rick Anderson of the National Park Service; State Rep. William Witherspoon of Horry County; Joe Ferguson of the U.S. Forest Service; and Judy Barnes and Johnny Stowe, of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. Continuing forestry credits (4.5 hours: Category One) will be available from this meeting. For more information on the South Carolina Prescribed Fire Council, contact Stephanie Beard, public information coordinator, at (843) 546-1013, extension 232, in Georgetown, or e-mail slbeard@clemson.edu, or visit the Prescribed Fire Council Web site at www.clemson.edu/rxfire. - Written by Greg Lucas - # NEWS RELEASE #05-219 October 17, 2005 DNR News (803) 734-3950 DNR ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ON THE FRONT LINES SINCE 1905 Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement officers in South Carolina have been on the frontlines of conservation since the first county game wardens were appointed in 1905. This year marks the 100th anniversary of wildlife law enforcement in the Palmetto State. Hunters, anglers and boaters visiting the Rembert C. Dennis building in Columbia to renew a license or title might take a brief detour in the lobby to notice a gray marble plaque with eight names engraved in gold in front of a large wildlife mural. The names are of South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement officers who died while protecting the state's resources. The South Carolina Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers' Association worked with a monument manufacturer in Anderson to create the memorial. The finishing touches are also underway on the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The name of each DNR law enforcement officer who was killed or otherwise died in the line of duty has been engraved on the memorial located in the southwest corner of the State House grounds in front of the Rembert C. Dennis building in Columbia. When South Carolina's first game wardens ventured afield in 1905, they focused on the illegal trapping of fish, which was especially rampant on the Edisto River. Public pressure had forced many trappers to remove their fish-catching devices, but that wasn't the end of the story. Warden L. Pressley Reeves of Reevesville in Dorchester County, who had been largely responsible for bringing the trapping to a halt, was shot to death by a hidden assassin in September 1908. A warrant was never issued in the case. Reeves death brought legislative attention to conservation issues that previously was viewed of little consequence by many South Carolinians. Reeves' name has been engraved at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC. His name can be found on panel 31, W -20. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is open around the clock every day of the year. Situated near court and police facilities, it occupies Judiciary Square bordered by E, F, 4th and 5th Streets NW. His name is in the process of being added to the DNR plaque in Columbia. Warden Robert Joseph McIntyre was born in Marion County in 1917 and died in 1956. He was a World War II veteran and had been with the department for three years before he drowned in Carmichael Lake in Marion County. McIntyre's name has also been engraved at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC. His name can be found on panel 14, W -10. A.C. Campbell was elected to the position of game warden by the voters of Anderson County in the late 1930's. He remained on the job until his death in 1969. He is remembered, among other things, for keeping boaters safe on Lake Hartwell, which opened during his tenure. Campbell's name has been engraved at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC. His name can be found on panel 10, W-16. Sergeant Charles Levon McNeill of Conway died in 1974 after being shot point-blank without provocation by one of three poachers he had issued citations for hunting deer in a sanctuary near Conway. McNeill was a 23-year veteran wildlife officer. His partner that day, Floyd Benton, was also wounded during the incident and lost his right eye in the shooting. The three subjects, ages 62, 53 and 29, fled the scene but were later taken into custody. McNeill's name has been engraved at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC. His name can be found on panel 13, W-8. Captain Ray G. Moore joined the department in 1952 and served the agency until his death in 1975 at the age of 51. He succumbed to a heart attack during the routine performance of his duties. Moore's name has been engraved at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC. His name can be found on panel 55, E -5. Corporal Doyle Hays Hill died in 1975 of a heart attack while carrying a boat across a plowed field in Clarendon County to rescue someone who was stranded because of weather conditions. He dedicated nearly 18 years to wildlife law enforcement. Hill's name has been engraved at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC. His name can be found on panel 55, E-5. Corporal Robert D. Sadler died while serving the state's resources in 1982. He died from head injuries caused by an automobile accident. Sadler was traveling east on Highway 9 near Duford in Horry County. He was returning home after checking for fishing law violations. His vehicle left the highway and struck an embankment. He had been with the DNR for nearly eight years. Sadler's name has been engraved at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC. His name can be found on panel 63, E -6. Corporal George Don Peeler began his career with DNR in 1979 and served as a conservation officer until he died in a vehicle accident about 8 miles south of Gaffney while on duty in 1989 at age 52. Peeler's name has been engraved at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC. His name can be found on panel 37, E -6. Corporal Leroy Mallett Dantzler began his career in law enforcement when he was commissioned an officer in 1984. He died in a traffic accident in 1991 in Clarendon County. Dantzler's name has been engraved at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC. His name can be found on panel 23, W-18. -Written by Brett Witt # NEWS RELEASE #05-220 October 17, 2005 DNR News (803) 734-3950 BEAR ISLAND WILDLIFE AREA CHANGES VISITATION PERIOD In order to provide a quality experience for all user groups as well as minimize disturbance to numerous wildlife species, Bear Island Wildlife Management Area in Colleton County has changed its visitation days to Feb. 1 through Oct. 14. This began Saturday, Oct. 15 with a closure for upcoming rifle deer season and will extend through the end of waterfowl season. From Oct. 15 to Jan. 31, the Bear Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA) will be open only for those individuals participating in scheduled hunts for deer, waterfowl and doves. "Entry of the general public onto Bear Island during the closed period can cause safety problems and unnecessary disturbance to wildlife," said Dean Harrigal, wildlife biologist and ACE Basin coordinator with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR). "We are trying to ensure that all visitors have a quality outdoors experience, while at the same time meeting our wildlife conservation goals." Even during the closure the general public can view the house pond and utilize an observation blind, both just off Bennett's Point Road. For more information on Bear Island WMA, call the DNR office at Donnelley WMA near Green Pond at (843) 844-8957. The Ashepoo-Combahee-Edisto (ACE) Basin of South Carolina is a largely undeveloped landscape consisting of extensive, diverse habitats, such as saltwater and brackish-water marshes, maritime forests, upland pines, and bottomland hardwoods. These ecologically important attributes, coupled with management goals that balance conservation of natural resources with economic development and population growth, have made the ACE Basin the focus of national attention. A number of organizations and local citizens have been instrumental in the conservation of the ACE Basin, including DNR, The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, Colleton County, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Through these and other organizations, nearly 10 percent of the upland and wetland habitats in the ACE Basin have been permanently protected by purchase and conservation easements. # NEWS RELEASE #05-221 October 17, 2005 DNR News (803) 734-3950 VIEW AUTUMN LEAF COLORS AT STATE HERITAGE PRESERVES Each autumn, South Carolina's hardwood forests change from hues of green and start showing their true colors. This natural phenomenon occurs every year, painting the countryside with beautiful shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, bronze, purple and brown. Adding to fall's show is a carpet of purple and gold wildflowers. While the effect can be simply breathtaking, the explanation behind the color change is anything but simple, according to a state natural resources botanist. "Leaf color is caused by the interaction of sunlight with chemical materials called pigments found inside the leaves," said Dr. Bert Pittman, botanist with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources' Heritage Trust Program. "Pigments that produce intense autumn color are present in leaves the entire growing season, but during spring and summer, the green pigment dominates and covers the other pigments. So green is the predominant color we see until autumn." Pittman said the green pigment in leaves is chlorophyll, the chemical associated with the complex process of photosynthesis, the "life blood" of all green plants. Chlorophyll is abundant in leaves all spring and summer; it breaks down easily, but the tree steadily replaces it so the leaves continue to be green. "With the coming of autumn, chlorophyll production declines," Pittman said. "As the nights grow longer, the production of new chlorophyll diminishes, while old chlorophyll continues to break down. The leaf no longer makes food and starts to die." As the chlorophyll fades the green color disappears, allowing other colors to become visible. The green is first replaced by orange or yellow-orange, then by red. Brown is the last color to appear, just before the dry, dead leaf falls off the tree. Weather affects leaf pigments in many ways, Pittman said. Autumn colors are more vivid in some years due to weather conditions. Ideal for intense fall color are extended periods of dry, cool, clear weather with plenty of sunlight and no early severe frost. A severe frost kills leaves outright, and when this happens, the leaves die, turn brown and fall to the ground, bypassing the colors of autumn. Whatever the conditions this season, Pittman recommends visiting one of South Carolina's mountain heritage preserves to observe fall colors and autumn wildflowers like goldenrod and purple mistflower. The heritage preserves located in the mountains-acquired and protected by the DNR's Heritage Trust Program-are less likely to be crowded during the peak fall color season than some of the traditional favorite scenic areas. The mountain heritage preserves include Eastatoee Creek (where the trail is currently closed due to tropical storm damage, but expected to re-open in Spring 2006), Laurel Fork and Glassy Mountain in Pickens County; Watson, Ashmore, Bunched Arrowhead and Chandler in Greenville County; and Buzzard Roost in Oconee County. Outdoor recreation such as hiking and birdwatching is encouraged, and hunting and camping are allowed at some of the preserves. Fall wildflowers are abundant at most preserves. The 44,000-acre Jocassee Gorges natural area in Oconee and Pickens counties is also an excellent area to view autumn leaf color. Brochures on South Carolina heritage preserves, complete with descriptions and directions, are available upon request. For more information, write to Heritage Preserves, DNR, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202, call (803) 734-3893 in Columbia or check out a list of heritage preserves on the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.sc.us/wild/heritage/hp/hpmap.html. Heritage Trust's mission is to protect South Carolina's rare plants, animals, plant communities and other features of the state's natural and cultural heritage. Formed by state law in 1976, Heritage Trust has protected about 81,000 acres on 69 state heritage preserves found throughout South Carolina. # NEWS RELEASE #05-222 October 17, 2005 DNR News (803) 734-3950 SOUTH CAROLINA TREE FARM COMMITTEE SPONSORS FIELD TOUR, AWARDS CEREMONY The S.C. Tree Farm Committee sponsored a Field Day recently to highlight beneficial forestry and wildlife management practices as well as the partnership of the Indian Creek Wildlife Habitat Restoration Initiative in Newberry County. The Indian Creek Wildlife Habitat Restoration Initiative Field Day was held on the U.S. Forest Service Enoree Ranger District, south of Whitmire, on Oct. 6. About 65 landowners and natural resource professionals were on hand to hear about this unique project. The Newberry Chapter of Quail Unlimited sponsored a light breakfast, and lunch was catered by MidWay Bar-B-Q. John Spearman, chairman of the S.C. Tree Farm Committee, welcomed the participants and offered information on the advantages of being involved in the Tree Farm Program. Richard Rosemier, district ranger for the Forest Service's Enoree Ranger District, spoke on the "Forest Service's Management Plan and the Value of Partnerships." Even though the field trip was rained out, the five speakers, representing federal and state agencies and a conservation organization, were able to present individual material and provide information to the participants. The five speakers and topics included: * Craig O'Dell, district conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, spoke on Farm Bill programs such as Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program that provide cost-share and incentive payments to landowners willing to implement management practices to benefit wildlife as well as soil and water protection and quality. * Kyle Smith, district fire management officer, U.S. Forest Service, provided information on growing season prescribed burns and the value these burns provide for wildlife and timber. * Mark Hatfield, wildlife biologist, National Wild Turkey Federation, spoke on wild turkey biology and management and the requirements for suitable habitat for wild turkey. * Jay Swafford, hydrology technician, U.S. Forest Service, talked about the watershed restoration project being conducted on the Enoree Ranger District and how the restored area now provides hunting and other recreational activities such as hiking, camping and fishing. Prior to restoration, the area had many large gulleys with increased soil erosion. * Billy Dukes, Small Game Project supervisor, S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR), provided information on the biology of bobwhite quail and management practices to enhance habitat for quail and other wildlife in a woodland setting. The Wildlife Habitat Restoration Initiative is targeting improvements to forest health and wildlife habitat in the Indian Creek area of Newberry County and encompasses about 16,600 acres in National Forest lands and adjacent private lands. The Wildlife Habitat Restoration Initiative is a cooperative partnership comprised of private landowners, U.S. Forest Service, DNR, S.C. Forestry Commission, federal Natural Resources Conservation Service, Clemson Cooperative Extension Service, Quail Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and the East Piedmont Resource Conservation and Development Council. The S.C. Tree Farm Committee is comprised of forestry consultants, representatives of S.C. Forestry Association, S.C. Forestry Commission, U.S. Forest Service, DNR, Clemson Cooperative Extension Service and former and current Tree Farmers of the Year. The Tree Farm Committee provides technical assistance on forest management to non-industrial forest landowners. Contact John Spearman, PO Box 37, Lane, SC 29564 or e-mail Jes@wpmedia.com for more information. For more information on the Indian Creek Wildlife Habitat Restoration Initiative, contact the Newberry Soil and Water Conservation District located at 719 Kendall Road, Newberry, SC 29108 or call (803) 276-1978, extension 3. # NEWS RELEASE #05–223 October 17, 2005 DNR News (803) 734-3950 DNR BOARD TO MEET OCT. 21 IN COLUMBIA The S.C. Natural Resources Board will meet 9:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21 at the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association at 7339 Broad River Road in Irmo, SC. Board meetings are open to the public, and anyone with business for the board or needing directions to the meeting should contact the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Columbia office at (803) 734-9102. Michael G. McShane of Johns Island is chairman of the S.C. Natural Resources Board. Among the items on the agenda for the S.C. Natural Resources Board meeting are: Constituent Comments Presentations/Commendations Advisory Committee Reports Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series Items for Board Information Sea and Shore Bird Nesting on Coastal Heritage Preserves Training and Development Plan National Hunting and Fishing Day Items for Board Action Proposed 2006 Legislative Package Addendum to 2006 Waterfowl Stamp Budget Request Director's Briefings Director's Briefings Executive Office Legislative Report Deputy Directors' Reports Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Law Enforcement Outreach and Support Services Marine Resources Land, Water and Conservation Comments Executive Session # Oct. 17, 2005 DNR News (803) 734-3950 FRESHWATER FISHING TRENDS MOUNTAINS AREA LAKE JOCASSEE: Largemouth Bass: Very Good, morning and late evening casting Carolina-rigged worms, Gary Yamamoto watermelon purple plastic worms and jerkbaits with slow retrieve topwater and senkos. Trout: Fair, at 100 to 115 feet with Bad Creek spoons, Sutton, Doctor and Apex spoons. Try drifting large minnows from surface to 100 to 115 feet and trolling with worm and minnows. Night fishing producing fair minnows, nightcrawlers catches, fish at 80 to 115 feet with nightcrawlers sprayed with garlic spray. Smallmouth Bass: Good. Casting Yozuri plugs deep and drifting minnows around rocky points. Crappie: Poor. Try small minnows and jigs around brush piles. Catfish: Good. Try nightcrawlers or cut bait on bottom. Bream: Excellent, fishing with redworms, popping bugs and crickets around banks and brush. LAKE KEOWEE: Largemouth and Spotted Bass: Good, doodling with drop-shot rigs in 30 to 40 feet of water. Bass are hitting topwater plugs in schools. Schooling early morning. Crappie: Fair, under bridges with lights early in the day and night as days are still warm, minnows at night and jigs in 10 to 15 feet of water around brush piles and bridge pilings. Catfish: Good, using minnows, nightcrawlers and cut bait on the bottom. Basket fishing for catfish still productive. Bream: Good, using redworms and crickets around brush piles, stumps and bridge pilings. LAKE HARTWELL: Largemouth Bass: Fair, casting spinnerbaits and crankbaits off points and jigs around structure. Fair catches with live large minnows, white flukes and topwater flukes in morning and evenings and using 8 to 10 inch worms at night. Striped and Hybrid Bass: Fair, trolling umbrella rigs, free-lining live herring and large minnows and jigging in about 38 feet of water. Fair catches around the dam with live herring at 40 to 60 feet. Good at daybreak on cut bait on points or breaks. Use blue umbrella lures when trolling. Schooling early morning and evening. Crappie: Fair, some catches at 25 to 30 feet with small to medium minnows. Also, try using umbrella rigs. Catfish: Fair, using cut herring, large shiners, nightcrawlers, shrimp and chicken livers on the bottom. Bream: Fair. Try using redworms and crickets under boat docks and bridges and brush piles. PIEDMONT AREA LAKE RUSSELL: Largemouth Bass: Fair, plastic worms and lizards around flats and points. Better late in evening. Buzz baits around bushes or trees Yellow Perch: Fair, fishing deep with medium minnows, worms and jigging spoons. Striped and Hybrid Bass: Good, using bucktails, cut and live herring and jigs below the dam when water is running. White Bass: Fair, using bucktails, spinners and live bait below the dam when water is running. Crappie: Good, using minnows and jigs around brush piles and bridge pilings at 5 to 7 feet. Catfish: Good, using cut bait and nightcrawlers on the bottom and around the riprap at bridges. Bream: Good, using crickets and earthworms around bridge pilings and structure. LAKE THURMOND: Largemouth Bass: Fair, casting plastic worms, Rattletraps, CountDown lures, deep-running Rebels, ShadRaps, Yozuri plugs and Challenger plugs. Striped and Hybrid Bass: Fair, using medium and large minnows, Sidewinder spoons, and 1/3 and 2/5 ounce Cleos. Also, Berry spoons, KastMasters and Hopkins spoons. Best early in the morning, late afternoon and night. Crappie: Fair, mostly using small minnows and greenish mini-jigs and Wobbly-eye jigs around deep brush tops. Catfish: Fair, using cut bait and nightcrawlers fishing on the bottom, particularly around structures like riprap and bridge pilings. Bream and Shellcrackers: Fair, using earthworms and crickets around banks and brush along the bottom as well. LAKE WYLIE: Largemouth Bass: Good, casting spinnerbaits and medium-running crankbaits along points close to the bottom. Also topwater baits good in morning and late afternoon. Striped Bass: Good, using spoons and bucktails behind Lake Wylie dam. White Bass: Good, below the dam casting smaller bucktails and spoons. Crappie: Good, using small minnows and jigs around docks, piers and brush tops in 15 to 20 feet of water. Catfish: Good, fishing on the bottom with a variety of baits. Shellcrackers: Good, using redworms and crickets on the bottom. Bream: Good, using earthworms and crickets around the banks. MIDLANDS AREA LAKE GREENWOOD: Largemouth Bass: Good, try crankbaits. Stripers: Good, behind the dam using Bombers, Charlie plugs, and flukes. Also good catches in lower lake with bucktails and Berry spoons. White Bass and White Perch: Good, schooling activity reported over the lake. Try casting and Beetle Spins and Panther Martins in school areas. Crappie: Good, best catches at night. Use small to medium minnows, mini jigs and Slider jigs around brush in 15-20 feet of water. Catfish: Good, try using redworms in 6 to 8 feet of water. Bream: Fair, with redworms and crickets along shoreline structure and docks in 4 to 6 feet of water. LAKE WATEREE: Largemouth Bass: Good, best caught with shad on points. Some schooling activity reported. Striped Bass: Good, lower part of lake fish deep live shad. Schooling activity early morning and late afternoon. White Bass: Slow. White Perch: Good, casting and jigging Twister-tail grubs and live minnows. Crappie: Good, shallow water in the creeks, along edge old river channel and trolling Wow grubs, Sliders and live bait. Also jigging around brush piles. Catfish: Good, using earthworms, nightcrawlers, shrimp, small pieces of cut bait and live shad. Bream and Shellcrackers: Good, using crickets, worms and artificial lures fished around piers, structure and brush. LAKE MURRAY: Largemouth Bass: Fair, using green pumpkin plastic worms and lizards, trick worms and Carolina rigs, Texas rigs around shrubs and brush in 15 to 20 feet of water. Points and secondary points in 10 to 15 feet of water. Best fishing early in shallow water and late in deep water and some topwater schooling. Striped Bass: Good, early fishing is best with free lines and down fishing to 30 feet. Fishing with freelining live bait, Sammy's, Striper Delight and Pencil Poppers. Also, trolling and down rods with live herring 60 feet. Trolling is fair with bucktails and hard lures. Also use lead core line with 6 to 9 colors. Recommended fishing around Shull Island to the dam. Crappie: Fair, using minnows and jigs around brush piles in 8 to 20 feet of water and casting jigs. White Perch: Good, jigging with small spoons in 8 to 20 feet and using worms. Catfish: Good, using cut herring and nightcrawlers on the bottom 6 to 20 feet deep. Bream and Shellcrackers: Excellent, using redworms, baby nightcrawlers, crickets, Beetlespins around green grass in 20 feet of water and around docks. SANTEE COOPER SYSTEM LAKE MARION: Largemouth Bass: Fair, using artificial worms, Carolina rigs and live shiners, fishing along drops and creek banks, especially in morning. Striped Bass: Slow. Improvement expected in the next two to three weeks. Fairly well with live bait in riverbed off dam or drifting along the dam with shiners or blueback herring. Some schooling on upper lake. White Perch: Slow. Try jigging off bottom with Hopkins spoons and with smaller nightcrawlers on sand points. Use nightcrawlers at sunrise and sunset. Crappie: Good, using small and medium minnows over deep brush piles, bridge pilings and piers. Best fishing in the morning and evening. Catfish: Good, using cut shad, herring and live shiners off bottom in drifting deep water and at night in shallow water. Flatheads good with live bream or perch straight down on structures. Bream and Shellcrackers: Fair, using redworms, crickets and waxworms in 4 to 6 feet of water and fishing shallow and on the borrow pit. LAKE MOULTRIE: Largemouth Bass: Slow, casting spinnerbaits, plastic worms and lizards along docks and structure. Also, casting Rattletraps and Rapala lures around Pinopolis Point and Old Hatchery. Striped Bass: Good, casting and trolling Stretch-25s early morning. Crappie: Slow, try using crickets and small to medium minnows around fish attraction areas and brush piles. Some crappie being caught on the bed with minnows and jigs. Catfish: Good, 9 to 15 feet deep using cut herring, stink bait, chicken livers and shiners 9 to 20 feet deep near the bottom dike edges and around the dam. Bream: Slow, try using crickets and redworms, nightcrawlers around fish attraction areas and banks. Shellcrackers: Poor. Try using crickets and redworms along the banks in river runs and along points, possibly in canals. REPORTERS: The S.C. Department of Natural Resources appreciates the cooperation of fishing trend reporters for South Carolina's major lakes: Jocassee - Jocassee Outdoor Center; Keowee - Fishing Hole; Hartwell - Lake Hartwell Fishing and Marine; Russell - Tony's Bait and Tackle; Thurmond - Bladon's; Wylie - Catawba Tackle; Greenwood - Sportsman's Friend; Wateree - Wateree Marina; Murray - Dooley's Sport Shop, Lake World; Marion - Randolph's Landing; and Moultrie - Atkins Boat Landing. - Written by Brett Witt - For South Carolina freshwater fish regulations: http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/regs/pdf/freshfishing.pdf Oct. 17, 2005 DNR News (803) 734-3950 SALTWATER FISHING TRENDS: PIERS: Cherry Grove Pier: Open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, 7 am to 2 am on Friday and Saturday. Some spottail caught with bloodworms and shrimp. Bluefish caught with Gotcha plugs with gold hook rigs. King mackerel (15.8 pounder). Pompano caught with shrimp. Apache Pier (Myrtle Beach North): Pier and bait Shop open 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. seven days a week. Bluefish caught with cut mullet and blue rigs. Some pompano. Spottail bass with bloodworms and synthetic bloodworms. Red drum and black drum also reported. Springmaid Pier (Myrtle Beach): Pier is open 6 a.m. to midnight seven days a week, year-round. Tackle shop open 6 a.m. to 11 pm. Bluefish also caught with bottom rigs and gold hooks. Spottail caught with bottom rigs and worms. Trout caught with cut mullet. Myrtle Beach State Park Pier (Myrtle Beach South): Open 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., 7 days a week. A few spottails caught with redworms. Whiting and trout caught with cut bait. Bluefish doing well. Surfside Pier: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. Some flounder and pompano caught. Trout, whiting and bluefish caught. Spottail bass doing well with bloodworms, shrimp and synthetic bloodworms. The Pier at Garden City: Open 24 hours a day for fishing. Pompano caught with shrimp and bluefish with bottom rigs and mullet. Spottail caught with bloodworms and synthetic bloodworms. Whiting also reported caught. Winyah Bay Fishing and Observation Pier (Georgetown): Open 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, with free parking and fishing. Visitors also enjoy great bird watching. A Freshwater Fishing License is required due to brackish water. A second fishing pier on Winyah Bay has now opened called Hobcaw Point Observation and Fishing Pier. Slow fishing. Folly Beach Pier: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. April through October. Black drum and whiting caught with shrimp Hunting Island State Park Fishing Pier: Pier is open 24 hours a day. The Nature Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tues. though Sat. Black sea bass red drum both caught with shrimp. Sheepshead caught with fiddler crab. Some whiting also caught. Due to agency budget cuts and staff reductions, the Inshore and Offshore fishing reports are being discontinued for the foreseeable future. We will continue to provide the weekly pier fishing reports. Reporters: The S.C. Department of Natural Resources' Marine Resource Division thanks the following participants for their cooperation in compiling this week's report: Cherry Grove Pier, Apache Pier, Springmaid Pier, Myrtle Beach State Park, Surfside Pier, The Pier at Garden City, Winyah Bay Fishing and Observation Pier, Folly Beach Fishing Pier, Hunting Island State Park. - Written by Brett Witt - For South Carolina marine recreational fishing regulations: http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/regs/pdf/saltfishing.pdf Visit the Saltwater Fishing License Web site at http://saltwaterfishing.sc.gov S.C. WEEKLY TIDETABLE: Tide at Charleston Harbor (Eastern Daylight Time) MONDAY, Oct. 17 02:04 AM -0.4 L 08:18 AM 6.8 H 02:39 PM -0.1 L 08:44 PM 6.2 H TUESDAY, Oct. 18 02:49 AM -0.4 L 09:05 AM 6.9 H 03:29 PM 0.0 L 09:29 PM 5.9 H WEDNESDAY, Oct. 19 03:33 AM -0.2 L 09:51 AM 6.8 H 04:17 PM 0.3 L 10:14 PM 5.6 H THURSDAY, Oct. 20 04:17 AM 0.1 L 10:36 AM 6.5 H 05:05 PM 0.6 L 11:00 PM 5.3 H FRIDAY, Oct. 21 05:01 AM 0.4 L 11:22 AM 6.2 H 05:53 PM 0.9 L 11:47 PM 5.0 H SATURDAY, Oct. 22 05:47 AM 0.8 L 12:10 PM 5.9 H 06:42 PM 1.3 L SUNDAY, Oct. 23 12:37 AM 4.8 H 06:35 AM 1.1 L 01:01 PM 5.6 H 07:35 PM 1.5 L To find times of low and high water add or subtract as indicated: AREA HIGH LOW Little River (town) +12 min. +32 min. Murrells Inlet -2 min +24 min. Georgetown (Sampit River) +1 hr., 25 min +2 hrs., 9 min. McClellanville (Jeremy Creek) +27 min. +25 min. Edisto Beach (Edisto Island) -26 min. -35 min. Beaufort (Beaufort River) 1 hr., 7 min. +52 min.