TALLAHASSEE – The National Wildlife Federation has presented Governor Charlie Crist with a Connie Award. The Connie Awards are given annually and honor the many individuals and organizations that make extraordinary contributions to conservation. A plaque was presented to Governor Crist as a means of commemorating his 2008 Conservation Achievement Award in the area of Government.

In 2008, the Florida Wildlife Federation inducted Governor Crist into its Conservation Hall of Fame. Governor Crist has moved the policy debate from the science of climate change to the solutions of climate change. The Florida Wildlife Federation joins the National Wildlife Federation in their appreciation and recognition of the great contributions Governor Crist is making to this critical issue.

FWF President Manley Fuller says, “Governor Crist was a leader on environmental initiatives, sound growth management, Everglades restoration, and land conservation long before he became Governor, and he has continued to lead in this area as Governor of Florida. Early in his administration he set the tone for moving Florida to the forefront in mitigating the impacts of climate change. His bold initiatives mean that Florida will be better prepared to move to be a leader in renewable energy and in mitigating the impacts of climate change.”