The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have announced the recipients of the 2024 Jim Stevenson Resource Managers of the Year awards. The recognition highlights three individuals from each agency for their work in managing and conserving Florida’s natural resources.
Patricia “Patty” Wilbur, a Biological Scientist II at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park with the DEP’s Florida Park Service, was recognized for over two decades of service. Wilbur has contributed to habitat restoration, fire management, and resource protection in northwest Florida. In 2018, she led a major upland pine restoration project that restored more than 1,000 acres of flatwoods habitat vital to native wildlife. Since becoming a certified prescribed burn manager in 2011, Wilbur has served as burn boss for 63 prescribed burns covering nearly 6,000 acres and participated in almost 200 burns throughout her career.
Charlie Pedersen, Biologist III at Waccasassa Forestry Center with FDACS’ Florida Forest Service, was honored for his work across multiple state forests during his 28-year career. Since joining Waccasassa in 2004, Pedersen has helped increase breeding pairs of red-cockaded woodpeckers at Goethe State Forest from about 30-40 to over 80 pairs. The species was reclassified from federally endangered to threatened status in fall 2024. “Charlie Pedersen is exactly the kind of professional the Florida Forest Service is built on. He delivers results by combining decades of experience in the field with a willingness to use new tools and technology to do the job better,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “From improving forest conditions to supporting the recovery of key species, Charlie’s work at the Waccasassa Forestry Center reflects our focus on practical, science-based forestry that keeps Florida’s forests healthy, productive, and well managed.” Pedersen also contributed to protecting rare plants like Etoniah rosemary and is among a few certified drone pilots within the agency.
Matthew Koenig serves as Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist III for FWC’s Southwest Wildlife and Habitat Management Section/Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. Koenig manages Chinsegut, Perry Oldenburg, and Janet Butterfield Brooks Wildlife and Environmental Areas while supporting educational programs at Chinsegut Conservation Center. “Matt is the perfect choice for winning this honorable award,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “His expertise, dedication, and leadership have all been instrumental to the significant improvements made to wildlife habitat in the WEAs he manages — no small feat considering the challenges of managing three different public lands. We’re very lucky to have him both as part of the FWC team and as a strong steward of Florida’s natural resources.” Koenig uses prescribed fire as a primary management tool benefiting species such as Bachman’s sparrows, bald eagles, and gopher tortoises.
The Resource Manager of the Year Award honors James A. Stevenson for his contributions to conservation through ecosystem management practices including prescribed fire use and springs protection.
