DESTIN – William O. “Bill” Cleckley, the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Director of Land Management and Acquisition, was recognized today by Audubon Florida for his achievements managing public forests, lakes, springs and wetlands in northwest Florida. Each year, Audubon presents its Sustainable Forestry Award at the Florida Forestry Association’s annual meeting to honor a forester for protecting the state’s water and wildlife.
“Throughout his 26 years at the District, Bill has shown an unwavering commitment to protecting and restoring Florida’s treasured water and land resources,” said District Executive Director Jon Steverson. “Thanks to his leadership and dedication, the District has developed one of the most active restoration and recreational programs in the South and natural communities across the panhandle continue to thrive.”
During his tenure with the District, Cleckley helped acquire more than 122,000 acres key to the protection and preservation of Florida’s water resources. He also oversees 212,371 acres of District-owned property and more than 12,400 acres of conservation easements. Using his forestry expertise to focus on habitat restoration, he’s led efforts to reforest more than 11,000 acres of longleaf pine uplands and restore groundcover on thousands of acres of upland and wetland wiregrass habitats.
“Bill Cleckley has done an excellent job of managing and restoring the District’s public lands, which are a resource for people and wildlife alike,” said Eric Draper, Audubon Florida Executive Director. “Anyone who has used the District’s lands for recreation knows that they provide a gateway to a wonderful assemblage of springs, forests and rivers. Audubon is proud to be associated with the Florida Forestry Association to present this award.”
The District’s lands protect many important wetland and natural vegetation communities, including river floodplains, recharge areas/springs, headwater wetlands, coastal marshes and pristine bottomland hardwood and associated upland forests. The District’s acquisitions include more than 85 percent of the floodplains along the Choctawhatchee and Escambia rivers and Econfina Creek.
Every acre of District-owned land is open for sustainable public use, offering a variety of recreational activities, including bird-watching, nature study, photography, hiking, jogging, camping, fishing, hunting, swimming, canoeing, boating and other nature-related outdoor activities. By working cooperatively with local law enforcement agencies, the District is committed to providing family-friendly springs and waterways experiences for Floridians and visitors.
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