FWF's 71st Annual
Conservation Awards

Conservationist of the Year - Ellen Peterson

Ellen Peterson was born in Georgia and graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Chemistry in 1945. In 1963, she received her Masters in Counseling from Appalachia State. It is our good fortune that she came to Florida shortly thereafter. Ellen Peterson is a soft spoken, mannerly, sometimes quiet Southern lady. But if you are looking for a Steel Magnolia, Ellen Peterson fits. She is a determined woman with an amazing passion and dedication to speaking out for Florida’s wildlife and wild places. Ms. Peterson has been speaking out as an advocate for conservation statewide, and is well-known, especially in southwest Florida. Florida, with all of its environmental problems, is a better place because of her stalwart and unrelenting willingness to fight for what is right for natural Florida.

Ellen lives on the Estero River in Lee County on a beautiful remnant of old Florida. All around her personal Eden, the signs of typical sprawl are becoming all too common. Thankfully, Ellen plans to preserve her bit of old Florida for future generations.

Ms. Peterson has faithfully worked to carry out her ideas and fight for the causes she believes in. You can truly say she personifies the “grassroots” of the volunteer environmental fight. Ellen is the Chairwoman of the Calusa Chapter of Sierra Club and active in the Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida and the Regional Growth Management Coalition. She has served as President of the Save Our Creeks organization, which was founded to protect beautiful Fisheating Creek for all Floridians. Through her efforts, those of Becky and Smiley Hendry and others, and the stellar legal assistance provided by David Guest and Earthjustice, they proved that the creek was indeed a navigable waterway and therefore a public waterway. The Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area exists due in no small measure because of Ellen’s hard work. More recently, Ellen and Save Our Creeks helped lead the successful fight to stop the construction of a huge coal-fired power plant on the western shore of Lake Okeechobee. The proposed coal plant was to be built only two miles from her beloved Fisheating Creek.

For her many years of grassroots conservation work to benefit not only South Florida, but the whole state, the Florida Wildlife Federation was pleased to present Ellen Peterson with the Conservationist of the Year Award for 2008.

Land Conservationist of the Year
Dupuis Management Team:
Valerie Sparling, FWC
Kimbery Kanter, FAU
Bert Trammell, SFWMD

When Palm Beach County’s 22,000 acre Dupuis Wildlife Management Area, formerly a dairy, was acquired for the public, there was a tremendous amount of work to be done. Extensively ditched and drained to facilitate farming and cattle operations, the property needed a great deal of attention. To add insult to injury, a wildfire in the 1980’s eliminated a group of endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers.

Thankfully, a team of dedicated managers was willing to take on the task of restoration, and has done a remarkable job converting a dairy back to native range, woodlands and wetlands. Bert Trammell, South Florida Water Management District, Valerie Sparling, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Kim Kanter, Florida Atlantic University (FAU), have combined their talents on Dupuis to the enhancement not only of the ecosystem, but to the benefit of Floridians who wish to learn more about wild places.

Bert Trammell has worked tirelessly on plugging man-made ditches to restore water flow and rehydrate marshlands. Dense understories in the woods have been managed to regain a more natural tree structure, while invasive exotic species have been curtailed. Importantly, prescribed fire is now part of the management of these lands.

Valerie Sparling manages the public hunting of this area, conducting wildlife surveys for game species. She also monitors bald eagles nests and is facilitating the re-introduction of the red-cockaded woodpecker by the use of nest boxes. Moreover, she coordinates her efforts with those of the adjacent J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area in order to more effectively and efficiently manage public properties.

Kim Kanter, with FAU’s Center for Environmental Studies, directs a field–based education program for both children and adults. Public Lands Days and Earth Day are observed annually on Dupuis due to Kim’s efforts, and citizens’ understanding of the natural world is thereby improved.

For their teamwork and success, FWF was proud to present Bert Trammell, Valerie Sparling and Kim Kanter with the Land Conservationists of the Year Award for 2008.

Wildlife Conservationist of the Year
Darrell Land

There is no more endangered an animal in our state than the Florida panther. Relentlessly pushed from its native range, it now exists only in Southwest Florida and its number fluctuates around a mere 100 individuals. With vehicular fatalities and other mortality factors constantly lowering panther numbers, it is vital that someone be the lead in saving this precious living symbol of wild Florida. That someone is Darrell Land.

Darrell is the head of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Panther Recovery Project. Growing up as a child playing in the woods and birdwatching, he studied wildlife biology in college and in graduate school. On behalf of FWC, he now coordinates with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other governmental entities to ensure that there is a viable future for our native “mountain lion” in the face of land conversion and other limitations.

Stretching seven feet from its nose to the tip of its tail, and weighing up to 155 pounds, the panther needs every friend it can get. Placed on the endangered species list in 1967, it is the loss and degradation of habitat and the threat of in-breeding that causes many concerns. Numbers shrunk to somewhere around 30 animals in the 1990’s. To combat the possibility of a diminished gene pool, Texas cougars were brought into the area in a somewhat controversial, but drastically needed, move. Darrell and his team led the effort, tracking the radio-collared cats throughout their ranges. There has been some success as new kittens have been produced, but the constant threat of habitat fragmentation by development remains.

It is in large part due to Darrell Land’s constant vigilance and determination that the panther may yet have a chance of survival. As Darrell has said, to be a good wildlife biologist, you must love your work and be willing to rough it. Darrell definitely has both of these attributes.

For his past stewardship over the endangered Florida panther, and his ongoing contributions to the well-being of this Florida icon, the Federation was delighted to present Darrell Land with the Wildlife Conservationist of the Year Award for 2008.

Youth Conservationist of the Year
Travis Abbott

Travis Abbott was born in Naples in 1989. He has been an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, diligently working his way up to Eagle Scout. Additionally, he has been an officer in the Rotary-Interact Community world service group and a member of the National Honor Society and the Envirothon environmental knowledge competition team. He was also a founding member of the Junior Statesmen of America political debate group. Moreover, he has participated in the JROTC Color Guard and Drill and Rifle teams, earning high honors as recipient of the Superior Cadet award.

Travis’ Eagle Scout project was the restoration of Lowdermilk Park lake in Naples. Travis and his fellow volunteers removed unwanted cattails and replaced them with native vegetation. They also exterminated the invasive Brazilian Pepper trees and planted native aquatics in their stead. They also strove to humanely remove the resident population of Muscovy ducks. These very worthwhile efforts to make a local recreational area more inviting for native fish and wildlife, as well as for people, is a hallmark of the type of actions we all can take to make Florida more livable and sustainable.

Travis has now been accepted into the University of Florida. He recently stated “In the future, I hope to make a difference in my community in whatever way I can, over and above providing for myself and my family. I hope I will be able to help others as many have helped me throughout my schooling and my scouting career.” This is the type of selfless attitude we celebrate and need to count upon in the next generation as Florida continues to deal with growth.

For his efforts to improve the local ecology and in anticipation of his future leadership in the environmental movement, the Federation was delighted to present Travis Abbott with Youth Conservation of the Year Award for 2008.

Water Conservationists of the Year
Howard and Brenda Sheridan

To successfully effectuate change to benefit the environment, it sometimes takes litigation. The Federation is blessed with a number of attorneys who help pursue our conservation goals, but sometimes it also requires local citizens to stand up and become not only advocates, but parties in a lawsuit. Such was the case when it became apparent that the Deep Lagoon Marina on the southern shoreline of the Caloosahatchee River was not acting in the best interest of the waterway, its fish and its wildlife. Thankfully, Brenda and Dr. Howard Sheridan, as lovers of the river, took action to stop the pollution emanating from this facility.

The Sheridans combatted what soon came to be known as one of the most polluted marinas in the state. As an aggregation area and travel corridor for the Florida manatee, the Caloosahatchee River was also the site of a great many manatee deaths from boats. Realizing that something had to be done, the Sheridans accepted the challenge.

The ensuing court battle brought forth an important step forward in the application of federal Clean Water Act standards and their use by state agencies. Specifically, the case stands for the proposition that water quality certification must be met under Environmental Protection Agency standards, not simply state standards. Moreover, far-reaching case law was established concerning the secondary impacts of marina expansion, stormwater discharges and effects on the endangered manatee.

More recently, the Sheridans have played an important role in creating comprehensive land use plan implementation procedures by challenging the Lee County density allocation. The result of this litigation provides a means to keep Lee County from facing the many problems of urban and suburban sprawl.

For their selfless contributions to making Southwest Florida more sustainable, and by their efforts to protect not only the manatee but its habitat, the Federation was pleased to name Howard and Brenda Sheridan as the Water Conservationists of the Year for 2008.

Burk "Biff" Lampton Conservation Communicator of the Year - Chad Gillis

Chad Gillis grew up in Tennesee near Nashville and he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications from Middle Tennessee State University. With hobbies including sailing, canoeing, fishing and rowing, Chad spends a great deal of time on the water, thereby gaining an intimate education on what is going on in our marine and freshwater ecosystems.

Joining the Naples Daily News as a writer in 1999, Chad’s areas of interest include public policy and the local environment of Southwest Florida. He has faithfully covered the Federation’s ongoing efforts to secure a future for the endangered Florida Panther and explored how the actions of decision makers can create a brighter future for our ecology and its wildlife.

Recently, Chad has written numerous articles concerning the Western Everglades and its multitude of recreational opportunities. His eloquence speaks to the beauty of the ‘Glades and the need to protect what remains of this vestige of the River of Grass. Bringing a personal touch to his articles, he inspires his readers to get out and see what we are blessed to have and therefore to engender advocates for environmental protection. Moreover, Chad’s Fishing 101 series has introduced many non-outdoors enthusiasts to the variety of fish species that inhabit Southwest Florida, and the enjoyment one gets from taking part in fishing. With educational pieces on unique sites such as Deep Lake in the Big Cypress, the best places to see wild flowers and even where to get a great taco when in the wilderness, he consistently informs his readership of the joys to be had out of doors. Moreover, he gives practical advice on the best camping sites, paddling trails, fishing honey-holes and hiking paths.

For his continuing passion for the wild places of Southwest Florida, and his talent in bringing these places to life for the local population, the Florida Wildlife Federation was proud to name Chad Gillis as the recipient of the Burk “Biff” Lampton Conservation Communicator of the Year Award for 2008.

Florida Habitat Steward
Francois Laroche

The Everglades has been at the heart of the effort to preserve the environmental attributes that make Florida special. Many wonderful people have worked diligently to protect this international treasure, among them Francois Laroche of the South Florida Water Management District.

Mr. Laroche, a Senior Supervising Scientist with the District, is directly responsible for the eradication of tens of thousands of acres of insidious melaleuca trees that threaten to overrun what remains of the Everglades. This invasive exotic was brought in to help drain the swamps during a less thoughtful time in our history, and served that purpose only too well, overtaking native species and creating a monoculture in which few wild creatures could survive.

Melaleuca can spread at a rate of approximately 50 trees per day. Due to this rapid pace of expansion, it was soon realized that melaleuca and other invasives, such as Australian pine and Brazilian pepper, were significantly altering the ecosystem of South Florida and degrading wildlife habitat on a regional scale.

Hired by the District in 1990, Mr. Laroche was given the responsibility of developing a strategy to curb melaleuca without destroying native species. This was not an easy assignment. In that year, it was estimated that upwards of 490,000 acres had been infested with melaleuca. Using a team approach involving various agencies and academicians, Mr. Laroche successfully implemented and supervised the eradication plan he had so carefully constructed. Contracted field crews moved through the wetlands eradicating this plant pest. Indeed, the work was so complete, one can now witness tens of thousands of dead and dying melaleuca trees in the Everglades Water Conservation Areas that are being supplanted by native vegetation. Owing to his efforts, only 100,000 acres remain to be controlled.

For his outstanding stewardship of the Everglades in the face of relentless assault by invasive exotics, the Federation was pleased to present Francois Laroche with the Florida Habitat Steward of the Year Award for 2008.

Fish & Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Officer Troy Starling

Florida Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer Troy Starling grew up near Ocala and learned his appreciation for nature in the Ocala National Forest. Following high school graduation, he joined the U.S Navy, receiving a Master Helmsman rating. He was also awarded the Navy/Marine Corps Outstanding Achievement Medal.

Following graduation from the FWC Law Enforcement Academy in 2001, he was initially assigned to St. Johns County, where he quickly earned a reputation as a “can do” officer, making numerous arrests for boating under the influence and various game and fish law violations. Now in Putnam County, Officer Starling continues to show the work ethic that makes our recreational lands and waters safer and more enjoyable, while at the same time protecting natural resources.

Voluntarily working holidays and weekends, he soon became a Field Training Officer for new recruits. He has participated in many training regimes, including the Advanced Tactical Combat Shooting course and is also a hunter safety instructor. He coordinates with the Putnam County SWAT Team and the county dive team, and has assisted with the recovery of stolen vessels, motors, vehicles and even elephant tusks. He also has participated in drug eradication efforts and investigations of BUI/DUI and deadhead logging.

Officer Starling’s day to day activities involve the suppression and arrest of those who would steal public resources by breaking the law. This commitment is aided by his attention to detail and his ongoing contact with landowners, hunters and fishers. In 2007, Officer Starling made 26 arrests for taking deer during closed season. He also apprehended the poacher of a Florida black bear that led to a 15 year sentence for the perpetrator. He has conducted investigations leading to convictions for arson and armed felony trespass. Other cases include night hunting, over the bag limit for turkeys, illegal dumping, taking red-shouldered hawk, illegal baiting and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

As a highly motivated person, Troy Starling is a fine example for other officers. Currently working on his Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, his hobbies include hunting, fishing and the raising of bloodhounds.
For his accomplishments, the Federation was pleased to name Officer Troy Starling as the Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for 2008.

After graduation from Florida International University, Lt. John Reed joined the old Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission as a law enforcement officer. For the past 30 years, he has protected our wildlife and fisheries resources, enforced our laws and assisted those in need. His rise through the ranks from Officer to Lieutenant is an indication of his ability. Lt. Reed is also one of those people who loves the out-of-doors and sharing his passion with others.

Lt. Reed has done it all as an officer in Broward County and elsewhere in Florida. He has escorted governors in the Everglades and even took Prince Andrew of Great Britain on an airboat ride. He has also had his share of danger in the line of duty, capturing murderers and kidnappers. He has been involved in the post-disaster relief of several airplane crashes, including the horrific Valuejet Flight 592 event in 1996 in the Everglades. As an officer, he has cited and arrested those who would illegally take game species and harm protected native wildlife, making cases involving night hunting, alligator poaching and destruction of state lands.

As an enforcer of our conservation laws and rules, Lt. Reed has done a stellar job. But just as critical is his role as an on the ground teacher to our children about the need, and indeed the requirement, to conserve our natural resources. His education of children is an assignment that he loves. His vast experience in the River of Grass and the other natural jewels of our state has shown him what we may lose if we do not proactively preserve and enhance these outstanding resources. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “The conservation of our natural resources and their proper use constitutes the fundamental problem which underlies almost every other problem of our national life.”

For his lifelong commitment to the protection of Florida’s resources, and his ardent commitment to the woods, waters and wildlife that make our state unique, the Federation was delighted to present Lt. John Reed with the Francis S. Taylor Outdoorsman of the Year Award for 2008.

Conservation Organization of the Year
Estero Council of Community Leaders

The Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) focuses on building broad-based community partnerships, problem solving, and promoting solutions to private sector leaders and public officials who ultimately make the decisions. Protection and enhancement of Lee County’s natural environment is a cornerstone of ECCL’s mission.

In 2006, ECCL took the lead in advocating for comprehensive land use planning in rural Lee County. The area, called the Density Reduction/Groundwater Resource (DRGR) area, faces significant mining pressure and is second only to Miami-Dade in lime rock resources. ECCL, under Don Eslick’s leadership, was successful in building an influential coalition of civic and conservation groups that resulted in Lee County commissioners declaring a mining moratorium and undertaking a major land use/natural resource study. With ECCL as the catalyst, the DRGR coalition continues to coordinate and work effectively on many areas of mutual interest.

ECCL was also instrumental in exposing the Coconut Road I-75 Interchange issue which received nationwide coverage. Owing to questionable dealings, a private party secured money for construction of a new I-75 interchange which would open isolated DRGR land for development. Under intense pressure from ECCL and others, Lee County rejected the proposal and the money is being redirected to much needed improvements of I-75.

The Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) serves the residents of Estero as a voluntary, “grassroots” community organization that listens to the concerns of all Estero residents and provides a forum for each Estero residential community to obtain community-wide support for its concerns. Forty-one residential communities and five community organizations are represented on ECCL’s board. All ECCL delegates report back to their respective community boards and residents. In addition, all ECCL activities are widely reported through the monthly Estero Development Report and ECCL keeps in continuous contact with its advocacy colleagues including the environmental community.

The ECCL meets monthly throughout the year to discuss and take action on community growth management issues. All meetings are open to the public and have received outstanding coverage.

For its commitment to preserving the ecology and quality of life in Lee County, the Federation was proud to name the Estero Council of Community Leaders as its Conservation Organization of the Year for 2008.

Special President's Award
Tom Pelham
Secretary Florida Department of Community Affairs

Tom Pelham received his Bachelor’s degree in Government from Florida State University and a Master’s degree in Political Science from Duke before earning his law degree from FSU and Master’s of Law degree from Harvard. He is a recognized leader in both the legal and planning professions, and is a certified planner.

Previously appointed as Secretary of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) under then Governor Bob Martinez, Mr. Pelham returned to the public sector upon the election of Charlie Crist, again being chosen as Secretary of DCA. DCA’s mission includes local comprehensive planning, growth management, community development and community revitalization. DCA also oversees the Florida Communities Trust grants program.

The reappointment of Tom Pelham as DCA Secretary was a breath of fresh air in state efforts to control sprawl, retain our natural resources and our quality of life. While rules and laws had been enacted to facilitate smart growth and coordinate transportation needs, the actual enforcement of these strictures was at times lacking. Secretary Pelham has changed that dynamic, and his leadership toward the goals of creating a sustainable Florida is highly commendable. This leadership has not come without cost, as special interests have bridled at actually having to conform to the law.

With Florida projected to grow tremendously in population over the next twenty years, it is critical that we get it right, and not repeat the same old mistakes that were too common in the past as to planning. Sprawl for the sake of short term gain will not allow us to keep what makes Florida a special place to live. It is by concentrating development and creating environmentally-benign and livable communities that we will be able to the retain our open spaces and natural systems and be able to pass on a state worthy of our children and grandchildren.

For his tireless commitment to the implementation and enforcement of our growth management laws, which benefit not only ourselves, but our progeny, Manley Fuller, FWF President, was pleased to present the President’s Award for 2008 to Secretary Tom Pelham.

Lifetime Achievment Award for Conservation
Victor J. Heller

A native of Oklahoma, Vic Heller has been involved in fish and wildlife conservation his entire adult life. Always interested in the natural world, Vic earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in wildlife ecology from Oklahoma State University before coming to Florida in 1978.

Commencing with the old Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (GFC), Vic worked as a Regional Wildlife Biologist in South Florida, with special emphasis on the Everglades. Working his way through the ranks in a variety of biological and administrative capacities, he eventually became Assistant Director of the Division of Wildlife, Chief of the Non-Game program and Assistant Chief of the Wildlife Management Area Program. In 1996, Vic was named Assistant Executive Director of the old GFC, and retained that position when the new Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was created in 1999.

Efforts to benefit both hunting and non-hunting constituents, including deer harvest quotas and deer tags, and the institution of the antlerless deer harvest program, were spearheaded by Vic. He also was essential in reaching out to the growing number of non-consumptive users in the non-game programs that are now an essential part of the agency’s work. Moreover, his leadership on alligator management led to the tremendous increase in alligator numbers and the first sustainable harvest of this species.

Following the merger of the Marine Fisheries Commission and the old GFC, Vic was instrumental in ensuring that the coalescence of these two organizations was achieved and a more effective agency produced.

As a lifelong hunter, birdwatcher and outdoorsman, Vic has had the opportunity to shape Florida’s future to the betterment of our wildlife and our wild places. For his 30 years of service to the state of Florida and its natural resources, and for his leadership, good humor, common sense and dedication, the Federation was proud to present Victor Heller with the Lifetime Achievement for Wildlife Conservation Award for 2008.

Conservation Planning Award
Bill Spikowski

As a boy in small-town Ohio, Bill Spikowski enjoyed the locally-owned shops along Main Street and the heart-warming feeling of community we now look upon as a time gone by. Thankfully for Lee County, when Bill moved to Florida, he took that vision of a more human-based city with him and put it into effect.

After moving to Pine Island in 1974, Bill began a job with the Lee County Zoning Division in 1983, and eventually became Director of Growth Management. He has never stopped working to improve Southwest Florida’s economy and quality of life. In 1992, he started his own business focusing on how to get people back into town and away from the sprawling, car-centered reality that seemed omnipresent. Traditional urbanism, which stresses a mixture of residential and business development that invites pedestrian traffic, is Bill’s overarching goal, and one that is taking off around the nation. He has put his efforts into the Pine Island Plan, the City of Fort Myers Beach Plan, the Lehigh Acres Redevelopment Plan, as well as others.

According to Bill, we seemed to lose the traditional planning principles that were so widespread 70 years ago, before suburbs began to rule what was once countryside. “When people don’t walk, you end up with a network of highways instead of downtown vitality.” Not only does this create a problem for the citizens, but for our wild places as pavement grows where wildlife habitat and its inhabitants once thrived.

As more and more people move to Florida, particularly Southwest Florida, it is critical that knowledgeable leaders like Bill are there to guide development and redevelopment. The natural attributes of so much of Florida have already been lost, but with Bill’s help, this part of the state has a chance to maintain, and even regain, part of the quality of life that so many came here for.

For his outstanding and insightful work on behalf of sensible development and thereby the preservation of open spaces, the Federation is proud to present Bill Spikowski with the Conservation Planning Award for 2008.

Corporate Sponsor
OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC

OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC, is a major force in the restaurant business with ownership of Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, Carrabba’s Italian Grill and other dining establishments. Headquartered in Tampa, OSI is known for outstanding food and beverage fare and its restaurants are a popular part of most Florida cities.

Paul Avery, as Chief Operating Officer of OSI, facilitates the management of restaurants in all 50 states and in 21 foreign countries. Rising through the ranks to a position of leadership, Mr. Avery is also an avid hunter and fisher who understands the need for the conservation of our natural resources.

In early 2008, Paul and his wife Suzanne opened their home to the Federation and its supporters to raise awareness of the Federation’s work and actions that could be taken to ensure that our environment is protected. By their generosity, they afforded an opportunity to address significant conservation topics with those in a position to effect positive change. The Averys’ willingness to allow a multitude of strangers to enjoy their wonderful home was a selfless act and the height of hospitality.

For their efforts on behalf of the continuing effectiveness of our organization and its mission, the Federation was proud to present OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC with the recognition of Corporate Sponsor.