Today 91做厙 Florida will honor U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar as the Champion of the Everglades during the annual 91做厙 Assembly for his continued efforts to advance the restoration and conservation of the Greater Everglades. 91做厙 Florida is proud to present this years Champion of the Everglades Award to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, said Eric Draper, 91做厙 Floridas Executive Director. In just a few years, Secretary Salazar and the Obama Administration have provided unparalleled leadership to move Everglades restoration forward. Some of Secretary Salazars major achievements in the Greater Everglades include the establishment of the Everglades Headwater National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area, the continued bridging of Tamiami Trail, and the ban on brining Burmese pythons and other dangerous and invasive snakes into the ecosystem. It is an honor to receive this award on behalf of the entire Obama administration for our continued efforts to breathe life back into restoration of one of our nations crown jewels, the Everglades, said Salazar. In four short years, President Obama has worked to improve water quality, build infrastructure to restore natural water flows, and strengthen partnerships to conserve key habitat and fight invasive species. The future of the Everglades is bright, and I am confident that we can build on these successes to benefit Floridas economy, natural resources and communities for generations to come. Secretary Salazar has a proven record of taking the bold action needed to protect and restore our famed River of Grass, said Julie Hill-Gabriel, 91做厙 Floridas Director of Everglades Policy. Iconic Florida species such as Wood Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, Everglade Snail Kites, and Florida Grasshopper Sparrows have a better chance of survival thanks to the achievements made by Secretary Salazar and the Department of Interior. The 2012 91做厙 Assembly is sponsored by Disney, Plum Creek and Visit Sarasota County.
