Florida agencies honor three exceptional resource managers as the 2024 Jim Stevenson Resource Managers of the Year for outstanding conservation work

Tallahassee, Florida – In a ceremony highlighting the dedication, skill, and leadership of Florida’s public land managers, 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) recognized three outstanding individuals as the 2024 Jim Stevenson Resource Managers of the Year. The awards honor professionals whose work demonstrates innovation, commitment, and excellence in managing Florida’s vast and diverse natural resources, setting a standard for conservation across the nation.

The honorees were selected from among the DEP’s Florida Park Service, FDACS’ Florida Forest Service, and the FWC. Each brings decades of experience and specialized knowledge to their respective fields, demonstrating the critical role that dedicated resource managers play in preserving Florida’s natural landscapes, protecting wildlife, and maintaining sustainable ecosystems for generations to come.

Florida Park Service: Patricia “Patty” Wilbur

Patricia “Patty” Wilbur, a Biological Scientist II at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, has dedicated more than 20 years to protecting and restoring northwest Florida’s habitats. Wilbur has been instrumental in advancing large-scale habitat restoration, fire management, and resource protection initiatives, earning recognition for her leadership and hands-on expertise.

One of Wilbur’s notable achievements came in 2018 when she led the planning and execution of an extensive upland pine restoration project covering 1,005 acres of flatwoods habitat. This restoration effort provided critical support for native wildlife while improving the ecological integrity of the region.

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Wilbur is also a certified prescribed burn manager and has served as burn boss for 63 prescribed burns totaling nearly 6,000 acres. Over her career, she has participated in 198 prescribed burns spanning more than 21,000 acres, in addition to contributing to seven wildfire responses. Her experience extends to invasive species management, cultural resource protection, and hydrological restoration, all essential elements of maintaining long-term ecosystem health at Wakulla Springs and surrounding lands.

Florida Forest Service: Charlie Pedersen

Charlie Pedersen, a Biologist III at the Waccasassa Forestry Center, has devoted 28 years to Florida’s forests, managing diverse plant communities and endangered species across multiple state forests. Pedersen’s work has had a profound impact on the recovery of critical wildlife populations, particularly the red-cockaded woodpecker. Under his leadership at Goethe State Forest, the number of breeding pairs more than doubled from roughly 30–40 pairs to over 80. This increase contributed to the species being downlisted from federally endangered to threatened in fall 2024.

In addition to wildlife conservation, Pedersen has focused on protecting rare plant species. He played a pivotal role in preserving the federally listed Etoniah rosemary, expanding the population from a single small group to three thriving subpopulations and establishing a fourth on private land.

Pedersen also embraces modern technology to enhance conservation outcomes. In 2024, he earned a drone pilot license, becoming one of the few certified drone operators within the Florida Forest Service. The use of drones has supported monitoring and planning efforts statewide, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to forest management. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson praised Pedersen’s work, saying, “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. 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.”

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Matthew Koenig

Matthew Koenig, Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist III in the Southwest Wildlife and Habitat Management Section, manages multiple Wildlife and Environmental Areas (WEAs), including Chinsegut, Perry Oldenburg, and Janet Butterfield Brooks. He also participates in public outreach and educational programs at the Chinsegut Conservation Center, extending his expertise beyond resource management to community engagement.

Koenig focuses on maintaining high-quality natural communities that support native species, managing diverse habitats such as upland pine forests, sandhill, and depression marsh. Since 2016, prescribed fire has been his primary management tool, benefiting species including Bachman’s sparrows, bald eagles, and gopher tortoises. His careful planning ensures burns achieve desired habitat outcomes while minimizing risks to nearby communities.

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Koenig’s leadership extends to emergency response and endangered species protection. During the 2024 hurricane season, he led his team on storm-related cleanup efforts, ensuring that the public lands under his care remained accessible and functional. He has also contributed to protecting federally designated endangered plants, some of which are found in only a few locations across the state. FWC Executive Director Roger Young commented, “Matt is the perfect choice for winning this honorable award. 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.”

Honoring a Legacy

The Resource Manager of the Year Award is named in honor of James A. Stevenson, whose career with the Florida Park Service and DEP’s Division of State Lands helped shape modern conservation in Florida. Stevenson was a pioneer in ecosystem management, prescribed fire, nonnative plant control, and springs protection. The award celebrates individuals whose work continues his legacy by advancing science-based conservation, enhancing public lands, and improving the ecological health of Florida’s environments.

The 2024 honorees represent the depth and breadth of Florida’s approach to natural resource management. Each has demonstrated a commitment to protecting the state’s ecosystems while incorporating innovation, leadership, and community engagement. Their achievements reflect a broader vision of conservation that balances species protection, habitat restoration, public access, and the use of modern technology to support effective management strategies.

Florida’s environmental agencies emphasize that the state’s forests, parks, and wildlife areas are critical not only for biodiversity but also for public enjoyment, cultural heritage, and climate resilience. By recognizing Wilbur, Pedersen, and Koenig, the DEP, FDACS, and FWC highlight the individuals whose dedication ensures these resources remain healthy, productive, and accessible for generations to come.

For more information about the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and its programs, including park management, habitat conservation, and environmental protection efforts, visit FloridaDEP.gov.

This year’s Jim Stevenson Resource Managers of the Year exemplify the expertise, passion, and innovation that have made Florida a national model for natural resource stewardship. Through decades of experience, forward-looking strategies, and tireless dedication, these professionals demonstrate how effective conservation requires both skill and heart, ensuring that Florida’s natural treasures continue to thrive well into the future.