DEP Honors Pioneer in State Lands Protection
-- Award reflects commitment to Florida’s environment --


One of Florida’s environmental pioneers and leaders in Florida springs’ protection was honored today at the Florida Springs Conference in Gainesville. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary David B. Struhs named the agency’s highest land protection award in honor of biologist and long-time state employee Jim Stevenson.

“Jim is a pioneer for environmental protection in Florida,” said Secretary Struhs. “He has dedicated his entire career to the sensitive, professional management of the ecological value and biological diversity of Florida’s conservation lands.”

A natural resource agency employee since 1965, Stevenson helped establish the first manatee refuge, reintroduced the American bison to Florida, and initiated the use of native plants in state park landscaping. Stevenson also helped to institute prescribed burning as a land management tool, which restores and maintains native Florida habitat.

Since 1999, Stevenson has served as the head of the Florida Springs Initiative, the first-ever comprehensive and coordinated plan to restore and protect Florida’s 600 freshwater springs. His innovative and progressive attitude has led to the creation of an interactive, educational springs website and a Karst Productions film, featuring Florida’s springs, which is targeted for nationwide distribution.

“Jim is a mentor and inspiration to his colleagues and, above all, a friend to Florida’s environment,” said Struhs. “Through his commitment, he has left an invaluable living legacy for future generations.”

On Tuesday, February 25, Governor Bush and the Florida Cabinet will present Stevenson with a resolution, thanking him for his enthusiasm and dedicated hard work on behalf of Florida’s natural systems and renaming the state’s top environmental award the Jim Stevenson Annual Resource Manager of the Year Award in his honor.