Three Florida state agencies have recognized three individuals as the 2024 Jim Stevenson Resource Managers of the Year for their work in land and wildlife management. The awards, presented by 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), highlight achievements in conservation, restoration, and resource protection.
Patricia “Patty” Wilbur, a Biological Scientist II at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park with the DEP’s Florida Park Service, was honored for her more than two decades of service. Wilbur led a major upland pine restoration project in 2018 that restored over 1,000 acres of habitat important to native wildlife. She has managed prescribed burns across thousands of acres since becoming certified in 2011 and participated in wildfire responses. Her efforts also include managing invasive species and restoring hydrology to support long-term ecological health.
Charlie Pedersen, Biologist III at Waccasassa Forestry Center with FDACS’ Florida Forest Service, was recognized for his 28 years of service across multiple state forests. Since joining Waccasassa in 2004, Pedersen has overseen an increase in breeding pairs of red-cockaded woodpeckers at Goethe State Forest from about 30-40 pairs to over 80. This contributed to the species being 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 played a role in protecting Etoniah rosemary plant populations and became one of the agency’s certified drone pilots in 2024.
Matthew Koenig, Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist III with FWC’s Southwest Wildlife and Habitat Management Section/Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, leads management for several wildlife areas including Chinsegut. He manages habitats such as upland pine forest and marshes using prescribed fire since 2016 to benefit native species like Bachman’s sparrows and gopher tortoises. “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 has also led storm-related clean-up efforts during hurricanes and worked on protecting endangered plants.
The Resource Manager of the Year Award is named after James A. Stevenson for his contributions to modern conservation practices within DEP’s Division of State Lands.
