South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

The board discussed several operational and conservation initiatives, including the Clarendon Farms conservation easement and financial contributions from the Harry Hampton Fund. Reports were provided regarding abandoned boat removals, the Southern Flounder stock enhancement program, and the appointment of an honorary game warden. Advisory committee updates covered the Governor's Cup Billfishing Series, migratory bird season and waterfowl permit budgets, and ongoing habitat enhancement efforts on Lake Greenwood. The board addressed various administrative actions, including the ratification of annual reports, appointments and reappointments to advisory committees, and the preliminary investigation of land acquisitions across multiple counties. Additionally, the board approved a settlement agreement to accept property title on Kiawah Island.

The board received constituent resolutions and commendations for various departmental achievements and staff members. The Director provided updates on agency activities, including conservation efforts, budget planning, and upcoming legislative visits. Advisory committee reports were presented covering various topics such as billfishing, waterfowl, land and water conservation, law enforcement, and heritage trust projects. The board authorized expenditures from the Broad River Mitigation Trust Fund for stream culvert replacement. Additionally, several conservation district commissioner appointments, advisory board appointments, and property purchase actions were reviewed and approved.

The meeting began with introductions, where the Chief Justice presented the Chief Justice's Lifetime Achievement Award to the Director, and the Director received congratulatory recognition from a State Representative. Various department staff members were commended for achievements including Law Enforcement Certification, receiving conservation awards, program acceptances, efficiency in decal processing, coordination of community events, professionalism in managing hunts, successful event execution, and exemplary management of preserves. The Director provided updates on keynotes delivered, securing federal funding, recent events like the Love Shooting Range opening, legislative meetings, and future collaborations with academic institutions. Advisory Committee reports covered Conservation District Commissioner actions, approval of Governor's Cup Billfishing Series winners and 2026 schedule, overviews of Styx Compound and hiring processes, updates on turkey harvest and AI in fisheries, and preliminary approval for due diligence on eight properties for the Heritage Trust. Board action was taken to approve the expenditure of $418,753.00 from the St. Stephen's Mitigation Trust Fund for Fish Lift Operations. During Executive Session, personnel and contractual matters were discussed. In Open Session, the Board approved revisions to SCDNR Policies and approved numerous Conservation District Commissioner appointments and reappointments. Further actions included approving reappointments, chairman, and vice chairman appointments for the Governor's Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board. Preliminary approvals and funding were granted for multiple potential property purchases across Aiken and Horry Counties, and for a purchase investigation in Pickens County.

This Supplemental Volume supports South Carolina's State Wildlife Action Plan 2025 by providing detailed accounts for Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and various wildlife guilds. Each account describes species status, distribution, habitat needs, challenges, conservation efforts, and recommendations for future actions, serving as a critical resource for wildlife management and conservation in the state.

The Board meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The board approved the distribution of Waterfowl Permit Revenue to Ducks Unlimited Canada. They authorized the expenditure from the Wildlife Endowment Fund to support the Hunting and Fishing License Section and Marine Resources Operations Office. Additionally, they approved the budget for the Lake Hartwell Fish Habitat Enhancement Project and the expenditure from the Mitigation Trust Fund. The board granted approval to Duke Energy for the continued maintenance of the Foothills Trail and approved a license agreement to the Mathison Family Trust for Ingress and Egress over Frank P. Henderson Heritage Preserve. Lastly, the board granted final approval to acquire land in Florence County to be dedicated as part of the Woodbury HP-WMA.