On Saturday, Florida native and Florida Sportsman/Shallow Water Angler editor Terry Gibson received the Florida Wildlife Federation’s award for the Outdoor writer of the year.

Manley Fuller, right, with Terry Gibson, center, and the "Biff" Lampton writer of the year award.

“Terry Gibson’s work not only educates hunters and anglers about techniques and honey holes, but places an emphasis on the role hunters and anglers can play in influencing environmentally proactive change,” said FWF director, Manley Fuller.

Fuller went on to say that, “It is often the user that is first aware of the problems for pollution or over-development when one of his or her favorite spots is spoiled. And presently one of the issues Terry is working on is ‘beach re-nourishment’ and the ecological damage that can result from overly zealous application of this process. Additionally he is very concerned about the declining state of our coral reefs and the need for more turtle friendly beach projects. We are indeed fortunate to have a person in the communications field who cares do deeply about our coastal systems and the threats to their longterm well being.”

Other award Recipients:

Conservationist of the Year
Richard Grosso, Robert Hartsell, and Lisa Interlandi, from Everglades Law Center Inc., were recognized for their successful legal challenge of the Mecca Farms site for Scripps Biotechnical Facility. The facility site has been changed to an environmentally sustainable location.

Special Land Use Achievement Award
Despite powerful adversaries, Maria Wise voluntary entered into Scripps Lawsuit to protect the J.W. Corbett Area.

Wildlife Conservationist of the Year
Ted Below has developed the most extensive database on birds ever collected in Southwest Florida.

Youth Conservationist of the Year
Savannah Walters founded the Pump ‘em Up campaign, which encourages consumers to keep tires inflated at levels that will maximize fuel efficiency.

Forest Conservationist of the Year
Theodore Everett earned the award for his stewardship of the Hard Labor Creek Plantation. Best Management Practices have improved and protected Choctawhatchee River water quality.

Land Conservationist of the Year
Through the Volusia Forever program, Douglas Weaver has helped preserve 26,000 acres of wilderness in Volusia County

Water Conservationist of the Year
A retired engineer, Kevin Henderson is a champion for the St. Lucie estuary and a critical team member of the Rivers Coalition. Henderson has educated the community about how flawed water management practices will lead to the death of the St. Lucie estuary, which was once North America’s most biologically diverse watershed.

Conservation Educator of the Year
Ricky Pires founded and director of Wings of Hope Foundation and the Florida Panther Posse Program.

Conservation Legislator
Senator Tom Lee championed the purchase of the 76,000-acre Babcock Ranch, which will be managed for public recreational use.

FWC Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
North Palm Beach County Chuck Russo oversees the Corbett, Jones/Hungryland and Dupuis Wildlife Management Areas.

Frances Taylor Outdoorsman of the Year
Gregory Reynolds directs the Lake Worth Lagoon Keeper’s organization. They respond to boating hazards and removal of derelict boats in the Lake Worth. They remove about 4000 pounds of refuse per week.

Conservation Organization of the Year
Collier County Audubon Society is the oldest conservation organization in southwest Florida.

Special President’s Award
Dr. Paul Parks is an expert in the historic Everglades ecosystem. He serves as FWF Lake Okeechobee project director, and consults with FWF attorneys on the snail kite suit. The suit aims to force water managers to maintain the lake at lower, sustainable levels.

Special President’s Award
David Gluckman just retired after thirty years as an FWF lobbyist.