TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – John Browne, the Land Programs Administrator at the Florida Forest Service, received the Special Places award this weekend at the annual Audubon Assembly- Florida’s signature conservation event hosting more than 300 conservation leaders. At the event, Browne’s efforts to conserve Florida ranchlands were highlighted, including the protection of more than 15,000 acres in Florida through conservation easement purchases this year. Browne currently leads the state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which buys permanent conservation easements and protects privately owned ranches, farmland, and other natural habitats. The Legislature funded this program with a $35 million appropriation this year, and the program is seeking additional support in the upcoming legislative session.

 

“Florida’s birds and wildlife are lucky to have John at the helm of this important state land program,” said Charles Lee, Audubon Florida’s Director of Advocacy. “It’s clear his love for the Sunshine State and its natural environment guides everything he does, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with John and the Florida Forest Service on protecting and conserving Florida’s environmental resources.”

 

Audubon Florida presents the Special Places award each year to someone with a heart for protecting the lands and places that give Florida its natural beauty. Previous award recipients include Will Abberger, Aliki Moncrief, John Hankinson, and former state Senator Lee Constantine.

 

"John Browne has been an invaluable asset to the Florida Forest Service as the head of our Land Acquisition programs. We are appreciative of all he has done to help conserve and protect Florida's important natural areas, and we are proud that his efforts are being recognized by Audubon Florida."
 

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Photos are available below:
https://fl.audubon.org/files/john-browne-receiving-awardjpg
https://fl.audubon.org/files/john-browne-bald-eagle