John C. "Johnny" Jones, Executive Director of the Florida Wildlife Federation during the 1970's and 1980's, passed away Sunday, July 11 2010. He was 77.

Jones was the individual most responsible for the successful campaign to restore the Kissimmee River in Central Florida. As a youth, Jones had spent much of his free time hunting and fishing in the Kissimmee River and watched as the Corps of Engineers destroyed the river through channelization. He vowed to reverse the process and convinced the conservation community, including Audubon, to make Kissimmee restoration a major priority.

Jones transformed the Florida Wildlife Federation from a group of local hunting clubs into a powerful statewide conservation organization. Under his leadership, the Florida Wildlife Federation became a major actor in the successful effort to stop the construction of the Everglades Jetport, and the lobbying effort to convince Congress to pass legislation authorizing and funding the acquisition of the Big Cypress National Preserve.

In addition to restoration of the Kissimmee River, Jones will be remembered for his tireless efforts to obtain state support for Florida's first major land acquisition programs, "Lands for You" the "Environmentally Endangered Lands" program, and the "Conservation and Recreation Lands" program. One of the most significant purchases ever was Jones'  special crusade to preserve the 60,000-acre Three Lakes Ranch wildlife management area in Osceola County.

With the passing of Johnny Jones, the conservation movement in Florida mourns the loss of one of its most important, dynamic, and powerful leaders. Read about it here.