Richard Corbett

Charlie Crist made an easy choice reappointing Richard “Dick” Corbett as a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) commissioner. He looked no further than Corbett’s past habitat-restoration efforts. Corbett has made a name for himself advocating conservation and preservation of Florida’s woodlands, fish and wildlife resources.

In his first term as commissioner, Corbett focused his attention on restoration of Florida’s dwindling upland forests and grasslands which provide critical habitat for species such as the bobwhite quail.

“It’s the passion for and devotion to our native [bobwhite quail] that will enable us to clear the political and economic hurdles,” he told Florida Sportsman.

As a result of his leadership, the state now has a strong coalition of public and private partners actively involved in this landmark habitat restoration effort. Commissioner Corbett also filled key roles in devising Florida’s strategic plan for rebuilding the declining bobwhite quail populations.

He has always been a strong advocate for youth-oriented outdoor programs, and has demonstrated his commitment by hosting hunts for youths on his family-owned property. Dick and his wife, Cornelia, co-manage the 16,000-acre Pinckney Hill Plantation in Monticello. The North Florida plantation has been family-owned for eight decades and is managed for conservation of fish and wildlife.

Corbett has served on the Commission since 2003. Corbett’s current term expires in January 2013.