Released by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission —-
Ben and Louann Williams, owners of the Wetland Preserve LLC in Putnam County, are actively conserving a 3,725-acre area in northeast Florida so diverse it encompasses forests, flatwoods, sandhill and swamps, and borders Rice Creek. Not only are they planting longleaf pine and performing prescribed burns to restore wildlife habitat, on their website the Williams welcome others to “share our love of the outdoors and our commitment to preserving it for the future.” They offer river excursions, allow Florida Trail hikers to cross their land, and invite biologists and students onto their property to observe and help conserve species such as gopher tortoises and rusty red salamanders.
At its meeting today in Gainesville, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) honored the Williams, who have been recognized as the 2019 Florida Land Steward Landowner of the Year. The Florida Land Steward is a partnership that shares resources available to private landowners conserving their lands for wildlife, with partners that include the FWC, Florida Forest Service, University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Williams have taken on many roles as Florida land stewards. They work cooperatively with the FWC’s Landowner Assistance Program on conserving native wildlife and habitat, and helped pioneer the first landowner-led prescribed burn association in the state. They belong to the FWC’s local Black Bear Stakeholder Group. They are founding members of St. Johns Riverkeeper. They offer recreation opportunities to wounded veterans through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service’s Operation Outdoor Freedom. And they use best management practices as a Stewardship Forest under the Florida Forest Service.
“The FWC commends the outstanding commitment of private landowners Ben and Louann Williams to conserving Florida’s wildlife,” said Jennifer Goff, who heads the FWC’s Office of Conservation Planning Services. “The Williams are great examples of Floridians who combine protecting our native species and habitats with working their land and inviting others to experience it.” Learn how the FWC partners with private landowners at MyFWC.com/LAP. Find out about workshops and other resources for private landowners at FloridaLandSteward.org