South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

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.

The meeting included constituent comments related to deer depredation and a book donation to support the turkey program. The agency reports and updates included commendations for employees' acts of kindness, participation in leadership programs, wild turkey research, collaboration in containing wildfires, coordination of the S.C. Envirothon competition, efforts in leading Conservation Districts, and recognition for increased goal attainment. Advisory Committee Reports were given on Waterfowl, Heritage Trust, and Saltwater Recreational Fisheries. The board discussed a climate update and the 2025 turkey season. Approvals were granted for the use of St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area, the FY 26 Migratory Waterfowl Permit Budget, property purchases in Jasper, Greenville, and Pickens Counties, and a property purchase in Aiken County. Appointments and reappointments were made to the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee and the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee.

The meeting included commendations for law enforcement officers and agency staff for their outstanding work and dedication. Updates were provided on the Lake Paul Wallace clean-up, the Lewis Ocean Bay wildfire response, the drought tabletop exercise, and the Marine Resources Division Open House. The Advisory Committee reports covered the Marine Advisory Committee's Red Drum Status Update and presentation on Winter Marine Cold Spells, the Governor's Cup Billfishing Series Advisory Board's review of the SC Memorial Reef Project and Fishing Guidelines Changes, and the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee's approval of the 2025-2026 Migratory Bird Season Recommendations. The board also addressed the election of a Vice Chairman, approved the 2025-2026 Migratory Bird Seasons, ratified the 2025 Governor's Cup Billfishing Series Contractual Agreement, and appointed a member to the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Board.