FWF's 70th Annual Conservation Awards

Conservationist of the Year - Ray Judah

Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah has been a long and faithful advocate for the natural resources of Southwest Florida and for responsible growth. In an area of the state that is increasing in population as rapidly as Lee County, it requires foresight and leadership to balance the wants and needs of citizens against the fragile ecosystems which form Lee County. Commissioner Judah has ably met this challenge.

Graduating cum laude from California State University in Humboldt, Commissioner Judah received a Master of Science degree in Natural Resources and a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology. After relocating to Florida, he was employed as a land use planner, a biologist, and as state environmental specialist for Lee and Charlotte counties. Elected to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners in 1988, he acted as chairman in 1994, 1998 and 2003. He has served his constituents ever mindful of the future and the implications of decisions that will affect their quality of life. As a member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, past chairman of the West Coast Inland Navigation District and co-founder of the Corkscrew Ecosystem Watershed (CREW), he has consistently worked to protect what makes his county a special place.

Commissioner Judah has expanded his efforts and taken a leadership role in salvaging Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee River. His interest in energy policy lead him to move forward with a Waste to Energy plant. He has participated in efforts to enhance the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, the Lee County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, the National Association of Underwater Instructors, and the Coastal Clean Up effort. His leadership and commitment to the protection of Lee County’s remaining rural lands was exhibited in his successful effort to pass the Conservation 20/20 initiative which shall engender funding to save land and water for the future.

Land Conservationist of the Year
Dr. William Broussard

William Broussard, a Louisiana native, a 10th generation cattleman and physician, came to Florida in 1969, settling in Osceola County. He immediately began to pursue his passion for livestock ranching. Dr. Broussard and his wife Margaret had a son, Allen David Broussard, who was intrigued by the natural wonders of Central Florida. He rambled over the prairies and pastures as a youth, even getting a chance to see a Florida panther in the wild. His love for the land and its inhabitants led young Allen to pursue his passion for the study of biology and ecology. Unfortunately, Allen David Broussard passed away when just a young man.

To secure a lasting and appropriate memorial to their son, the Broussards founded the Allen Broussard Conservancy and began an ambitious project to put together parcels of land and to ensure their perpetual protection. In 1991, the 8,200 acre Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek State Preserve, located in eastern Polk County, was dedicated. This is a property that has been described as an area that “has one of the highest concentrations of endangered and threatened animals in the United States.”

Dr. Broussard has also striven for sound management and conservation of the Florida Forever and Crescent J Ranches in Central Osceola County. Thousands of acres of pine flatwoods, hammocks and pastureland provide habitat not only for native species, but for rare domesticated animals, specifically the original Cracker horses and scrub cattle which served to settle Florida. Moreover, a careful prescribed burning regime has created a viewshed on the Florida Forever property that replicates what Hernando Desoto must have seen as he traveled across the state in the 1500’s. Education of the public is also a major component of the ranches, as eco-tours and school programs teach others about the environment. These truly remarkable places stand as testaments to the efforts of Dr. William Broussard.

Wildlife Conservationists of the Year
Rick & Patti Causey

The Big Bend of Florida, on the Gulf Coast, is the last vestige of natural coastline left in the state. Protected by many miles of state and federally held lands, this shoreline is one of the most productive marine nurseries in the nation. One of the small fishing villages on this coast is Taylor County’s Dekle Beach.

When Rick Causey retired in 2004, he and his wife Patti moved to tiny Dekle Beach. Rick, a native of Rome, Georgia, had worked for 28 years as a federal biologist with the Soil Conservation Service and its successor. Patti had worked in the medical field and the landscaping business. Rick and Patti are active in several civic and environmental organizations and love to fish, camp and hike.

After moving to the Big Bend, the Causeys fully expected to live out the rest of their days in the peace and serenity of the coast, its flats protected by the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve. They were shocked to discover that a developer intended to build a giant marina and high rise condominiums right behind their home. This project would degrade many acres of coastal habitat and marshlands, as well as require the gouging of a deep water channel through the established sea grass preserve. It is unconscionable that in this day and age, when millions of public dollars are spent on sea grass rehabilitation, that this idea would even be considered. Rick and Patti are not ones to sit back.They immediately set to work forming coalitions on local, state and even national levels to combat this project. They also gathered information to be used to counter the position of the developers. As a member of the Taylor Soil and Water Conservation District, Rick and his colleagues have pushed for the protection of this coast and its natural attributes.

In April, 2007, in almost unprecedented fashion, both the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Suwannee River Water Management District rejected the developer’s applications: wonderful news indeed. If not for the Causeys, we would be well on the way to another environmental disaster. Their courage in the face of the well-funded supporters of the development has been commendable. The Florida Wildlife Federation has been proud to assist the Causeys in this most worthwhile effort and is very pleased to recognize Rick and Patti Causey as the Wildlife Conservationists of the Year for 2007.

Conservation Educator of the Year
Mosaic Coastal Educational Center at Fiddler's Cove

Tampa Bay is an ecosystem that faces many environmental challenges, including water pollution and coastal development. Educating our young people about these problems is crucial to finding solutions to ensure a healthy bay. The Mosaic Coastal Education Center at Fiddler’s Cove, located at the mouth of the Alafia River in southern Hillsborough County, seeks to do just that.

The Center furthers the cause of protecting the bay by facilitating ongoing elementary school programs that take children to the bay to make them acutely aware of the animals and plants that depend on a healthy environment for survival. Programs geared towards fourth and fifth graders put approximately 800 children a year in contact with mangroves, sea life and the multitude of native species which inhabit the saltwater estuaries and flats. Four hundred students receive the environmental curriculum and another 400 receive the FCAT review and motivational program. On site, the children dig into the sandy bottom of the bay in search of marine life. They use seine nets to observe the minute creatures which comprise the life force of the bay. A sample field trip involves exploration of what lives in the mangroves, in the water and on the flats, and how these species and their habitats are all interdependent with one another. Human impacts on these species are also taught.

As Liz Hunnicutt, supervisor of elementary science education for Hillsborough County expressed, “Learning is not a spectator sport – we need thinkers and doers who can experience the world around them.” The young thinkers and doers who have been to the Education Center at Fiddler’s Cove now have a much better understanding of what natural wonders we are blessed with and hopefully the desire to protect and conserve them.

For its commitment to educate the next generation of conservationists, the Florida Wildlife Federation is pleased to name Mosaic Coastal Education Center as the Conservation Educator for 2007.

Water Conservationist of the Year
Carlos Alvarez

Wakulla Springs, south of Tallahassee, is the liquid jewel of the Florida Panhandle. Producing a first magnitude flow of freshwater, it is the source for the Wakulla River and is home to numerous fishes and wildlife. Unfortunately, in recent years, Wakulla Springs has become less clear and has been besieged by exotic plants. Nitrogen and other pollutants have defiled what was once a crystal clear and clean ecosystem. The City of Tallahassee’s wastewater sprayfield, located several miles to the north, was cited as the source of much of that pollution. Dirty water sprayed at the site filters through sandy soil to underground caves that lead directly to the springs.

To protect the springs, the Federation, joined by now Governor Charlie Crist and Wakulla County, filed a lawsuit against the City. After many months of litigation and negotiation, a successful conclusion was reached. The city agreed to install an Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) system and eliminate 75% of the pollution over the next few years.

Of the many worthy persons who made this victory possible, Carlos Alvarez, a prominent Tallahassee attorney and former Florida Gator football legend, deserves special recognition. His interest in helping the Federation stems from his deep sense of environmental responsibility and commitment to protecting what makes Florida a special place to live. Carlos’ negotiation skills during many rounds of discussion were instrumental in bringing this highly publicized litigation to a most satisfactory conclusion.

Carlos’ interest in community betterment has spanned his career. He has served on numerous boards and locally represented the Florida Public Interest Research Group, the Lake Lafayette Special Development Zone Committee, Chaires-Capitola Recreation Committee, and the Buck Lake Alliance. The list of his accomplishments in the legal field is lengthy. A scuba diver, his love for our water resources is deeply felt, and his voluntary aid to the Federation and the citizens of Florida in helping restore Wakulla Springs is much appreciated.

Burk "Biff" Lampton Conservation Communicator of the Year - Tallahassee Democrat

Wakulla Springs has been the epicenter of much local debate owing to the pollution of the fabled first magnitude spring system by the City of Tallahassee’s wastewater facility. The once crystal clear water had turned greenish, was covered with hydrilla, and many plant and animal species were disappearing.

During the course of this dispute, the Tallahassee Democrat produced a remarkable series of articles on the springs and the threats posed to it not only by wastewater disposal, but by development and septic tanks. Executive Editor Bob Gabordi and Editorial Page Editor Mary Ann Lindley directed months of staff time to this effort which produced a three-part, multi–page series on consecutive Sundays. The excellent work of reporters Jennifer Portman, Bruce Ritchie and others, along with attention-grabbing graphics and photography, combined to ensure that these articles were noticed and read by citizens. Not only did the articles address environmental problems, but potential solutions were also discussed. The series also suggested to City and Leon County residents what they could do to reduce nitrogen and others pollutants in their own yards.

Additionally, the Tallahassee Democrat sponsored a public forum at Wakulla Springs Lodge to facilitate community-wide communication and discussion. By bringing together springs protection advocates, the general public, policy makers and elected officials, the Democrat was able to help build a consensus for pollution abatement and restoration of this historic and ecologically significant resource. The paper also ran numerous editorials and opinion pieces on saving Wakulla Springs.

Due to the major role the Tallahassee Democrat played in bringing this issue to the public’s attention and its ongoing commitment to keeping readers informed, the paper has become a most welcome ally in protecting our springs, our rivers and our drinking water. It is with thanks for all its efforts that the Florida Wildlife Federation names the Tallahassee Democrat as the Burk “Biff” Lampton Conservation Communicator of the Year for 2007.

Conservation Legislator of the Year
Senator Burt Saunders

Senator Burt Saunders was first elected to state office in 1994, serving in the House of Representatives, and was elected to the Senate in 1998. His district covers coastal Collier and southwest Lee counties, placing him in one of the fasting growing areas of our state. Senator Saunders is an attorney by profession, receiving his JD in 1975 from William and Mary College and an LLM in Ocean and Coastal Law from the University of Miami in 1979.

A longtime proponent of protecting natural Florida, Senator Saunders has been the recipient of numerous tributes, including recognition from The Nature Conservancy, the Everglades Coalition, and the Theodore Roosevelt Society, for his commitment to our wildlife and wild lands. As the public’s servant in Tallahassee, Senator Saunders has consistently worked for environmental protection to provide a sustainable environment for future Floridians.

This past session, Senator Saunders helped on a number of fronts. As Chair of the Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee (EPCC), he helped shepherd a very progressive and reasonable FWC license and permits bill through the Senate. Although, the House of Representatives only agreed to part of the bill which eventually became law, we look forward to working with him next year on this issue. On global warming and energy issues, Senator Saunders took the lead by introducing legislation to create the Florida Climate Action Partnership, a unique public/private entity that would address the impacts of global warming.

Moreover, as chair of the EPCC, Senator Saunders was instrumental in directing the passage of Florida’s most progressive energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative to date.

As with previous Legislative sessions, there was an attempt to place roadblocks in the way of the removal of the Rodman Dam and Reservoir. This misconceived dam has long crippled the ecology of the Ocklawaha River in North Central Florida. As chair, Senator Saunders stopped this bad legislation and clearly stated his intent to see restoration become a priority.

For his leadership and dedication to Florida’s environment and our quality of life, we are proud to present Senator Burt Saunders with the Conservation Legislator of the Year Award for 2007.

Fish & Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Officer Brad Stanley

Born in Panama City and raised in Quincy, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Officer Brad Stanley graduated from Florida State University in 1999. After working at the Department of Law Enforcement, he entered the FWC Academy in 2002 to combine his two great passions: law enforcement and the protection of our natural resources. Brad is a lifelong hunter and fisherman and greatly enjoys taking to the woods in pursuit of deer, turkey and ducks.

Starting his career with FWC in Indian River County, Brad is now stationed in Alachua County. He is regarded by his peers as an extremely capable and progressive officer. He is also very motivated to protect Florida’s natural heritage. While in coastal Indian River County, Brad ably dealt with a diverse set of enforcement situations, including crab trap theft, taking of listed species, alligator and deer poaching, illegal dumping, snook and freshwater fish violations, and manatee speed zone violations. With both the marine and upland components of his patrols, Brad ensured that those who would violate the laws, and thus steal from the public, would be facing an enforcement officer who knew how to do his job well.

Brad has served Florida’s citizens by curtailing other unlawful activities, such as unsafe boating, DUI, BUI and narcotics violations. He has aided in the apprehension of a hit and run driver and, performing as acting lieutenant, successfully managed the search and recovery activities at the scene of a fatality on the St. Johns River. Brad has also acted as first responder in traffic accidents. Moreover, as a public speaker, Brad has informed fishing clubs, school children, civic organizations and hunter education classes about the ethics that are necessary to retain our natural resources and about conservation. In furthering these proactive efforts, Brad provides information packets to game and fish violators so that they can learn how to obey the law. As Officer Stanley has stated, “It is a wonderful feeling to make a career out of something that is so true to my heart.”

For his outstanding work in protecting our resources and thereby our quality of life, it is our pleasure to present the Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award for 2007 to Michael “Brad” Stanley.

Raised in Jacksonville, Doug Moore served in the U.S. Army before returning home to run his family dairy business. Throughout the years, Mr. Moore and his wife Teresa, along with their children, have run several business, including a stainless steel fabrication enterprise, real estate investments and a utilities company. Even with all these interests, he has had an ongoing passion for the outdoors.

As the owner/manager of a 2,400 acre tract of woodlands in Baker County, and President of the South Prong Hunt Club on an adjacent 4,800 acres, Mr. Moore has utilized deer and game management to the betterment of conservation. His attention to the needs of the forest and its natural inhabitants has paid great dividends in the overall quality of the land and recreation.

As a member of many sporting and conservation organizations, including the Florida Wildlife Federation, Doug has volunteered his time and efforts to promote the ethical use of our natural resources. Serving as the Director of Farm Credit of North Florida, he has helped finance many parcels of timber and hunting land, and as Chair of the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District, he gave seminars on wildlife management, food plots and supplemental feeding, as well as water conservation.

Doug built a fish pond on his property so that fly-fishing seminars could be conducted; an additional location has also been used by the Boy Scouts of America for camping and the earning of merit badges for fishing, shooting, swimming and conservation. A volunteer educator and instructor for the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, he teaches our youth about the joys of fly fishing, tie flying, and boating safety. Moreover, Doug has ardently supported youth hunting programs and allowed these events to take place on land he manages.

Doug has said his goal in the coming years is to promote “good morals, outdoor programs, game management and conservation.” Indeed, he has been doing so for many years already. Florida needs more hunters and fishermen like Doug, someone who has willingly given back to both the public and the natural environment.

Grandchildren of Francis S. Taylor, for whom this award is named, attended the FWF Conservation Awards Banquet on June 23, 2007, representing their grandmother, Mary Ann Taylor, who attends the banquet each year. Due to illness, Mrs. Taylor was not able to attend the banquet this year. Her grandchildren, pictured above, are Kerrie Ann Taylor, a recent graduate of Stetson Law School, and Brian Taylor, a student at the University of Florida's School of Aerospace Engineering.

Conservation Organization of the Year
Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve

Tiny Pinellas County is Florida’s most densely populated, yet it has one giant ecological jewel that shines brightly within a sea of development: Brooker Creek Preserve, an 8,000 acre sanctuary for deer, fox, turkey, coyotes, bobcat, and a wide variety of bird life. Thankfully, this natural oasis also has a robust ally for its continued future, the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.

Since 1994, the Friends has been involved in ensuring that this last bit of “real Florida” is not impacted by development and remains an environmental preserve. At its inception, the Friends focused on simply educating other residents as to the existence of the Preserve, but now the group strives to fend off incompatible uses of the land and its water resources.

In all its efforts, the Friends have sought to involve other citizens. The annual Run in the Woods brought hundreds of residents to see the area for themselves and even enjoy a footrace completely off pavement. Numerous slide shows and programs for civic groups have raised support for the Preserve, and the Friends were instrumental in gaining momentum for voter passage of the Penny for Pinellas program. Penny for Pinellas raises money for various public ventures, including a dedicated source of money for parks and endangered land acquisition. It also helped with the construction of the Environmental Education Center at the Preserve.

For six summers, the Friends financially supported and assisted in running the Toad-ally Terrific Field Camp, a summer program for kids to gain environmental education in a highly urbanized county. They also participate in conservation-oriented events throughout Tampa Bay, provide maintenance for the Brooker Creek website, and even established a phone line for the Preserve.

As development pressures have intensified, the Friends have found themselves more deeply involved in local politics. They now meet regularly with County staff and elected officials to keep abreast of and thwart threats to the integrity of the Preserve.

Special River Advocate Award
Congressman Allen Boyd

Elected to the US House of Representatives in 1997, Allen Boyd represents the largest geographical congressional district in Florida. He has championed fiscal responsibility and the reduction of public debt. He has also been a staunch advocate of the Veterans of the Armed Forces, the American farmer, as well as a supporter of hunting and fishing. Congressman Boyd has also supported the acquisition of Pinhook Swamp for many years.

Congressman Boyd has been a leading proponent for the proper management of the Apalachicola River which bisects the Florida Panhandle. The headwaters of the Apalachicola originate in north Georgia as the Chattahoochee River which runs through Atlanta and as the Flint River just south of Atlanta. Water use by this city and by other interests downstream has led to years of litigation and conflict over water allocation. Adequate clean water is especially critical to sustain the biodiversity of the Apalachicola river floodplain and the survival of the seafood industry and Apalachicola Bay. Boyd’s interest in the river is a strong reminder that good economic policies are often times a component of good long-term environmental policies.

In addition to water allocation problems, the Apalachicola River has been dredged in an effort to maintain a federally authorized channel to facilitate the movement of barge traffic. Since 1957, dredging has created huge sand piles and caused the degradation of floodplains to the detriment of fish and wildlife – all for a small number of commercial barges. To stop the economically infeasible and environmentally destructive dredging, Representative Boyd used his position to restrict funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), which performed the dredging. Not only was the cessation of dredging beneficial to the environment, but to the taxpayers as well. Boyd’s action has prevented dredging for the past six years and aided the State of Florida in its denial of the COE permit.

Congressman Boyd continues to help protect the Apalachicola by supporting the Restore the Apalachicola River Ecosystem (RARE) Act and by ensuring that the COE takes into consideration the environmental ramifications of its actions on the river. Additionally, his advocacy has resulted in a certified laboratory in the City of Apalachicola which tests oysters and thereby facilitates the health of the consumer and the industry. For his laudable efforts to save the Apalachicola, the Florida Wildlife Federation is proud to award Allen Boyd with the River Advocate of the Year Award for 2007.

2007 Springs Protection Award
John Wheeler

As the owner of The Wheeler Agency, an insurance company in Columbia County’s Lake City, John Wheeler has long been a force in his community. Thankfully for Ichetucknee Springs, he has now directed his passion and dedication to the protection of this North Florida icon.

Ichetucknee is a first magnitude spring system nestled within a 2,241 acre state park created in 1970. Emerging from the underground aquifer, its crystal clear waters flow to the Santa Fe River, the Suwannee and eventually to the Gulf of Mexico. Manatees, otters, and a wide variety of freshwater aquatic life depend upon the river and its ecology. The park receives upwards of 200,000 visitors per year, and up to 3,000 citizens get the simple joy of tubing the river each day.

Mr. Wheeler, through his association with the Lake City Rotary Club, realized that without action by the public, this wonderful natural resource would be degraded. The use of fertilizers and releases of pollutants from septic systems is having a deleterious impact on the springs. This is especially true in Lake City, which surrounds Alligator Lake, as the lake drains to the springs and indeed serves as the headwaters for the Ichetucknee. Therefore, untreated stormwater from paved surfaces flows from Lake City’s streets and eventually to the park.

To counter the problem, Mr. Wheeler took it upon himself to educate his fellow citizens about the ways they could minimize pollution at the springs. He created the Ichetucknee Promise which asks homeowners to either stop fertilizing their lawns or use slow release fertilizer, to get their septic tanks inspected regularly, and to get involved on the local level to push for more springs protection. Additionally, the homeowners are asked to contribute $50 to Rotary International for the construction of drinking water wells in Third World nations.

John spearheaded an effort by the Boy Scouts to stencil storm drains to let the public know that waters went to Alligator Lake from those sites. Moreover, he reinvigorated the use of the springs as a place for baptisms for the churches in the county. These efforts have created many more allies for a clean Ichetucknee Springs.

For all his wonderful work on behalf of Ichetucknee Springs and his community, it is our pleasure to name John Wheeler as the Florida Wildlife Federation’s Springs Protection Award recipient for 2007.