Coastal Resources

Okaloosa County Natural Resources Team receives 2025 Outstanding Preservation Award

The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Natural Resources Team received the 2025 Maritime Landscape Preservation Outstanding Preservation Award for its work in coastal and maritime stewardship.

Jared Williams

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The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Natural Resources Team was honored Tuesday with the 2025 Maritime Landscape Preservation Outstanding Preservation Award during the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners meeting.

The award, presented by the Northwest Florida Maritime Landscape Alliance for Preservation, recognizes exceptional leadership in protecting the cultural and natural resources of Northwest Florida.

“This team has shown extraordinary commitment to coastal and maritime preservation,” said Mike Thomin, co-founder and Outstanding Preservation Awards Committee chair for the alliance, during the presentation. “The commitment grounded in science, strengthened through community partnerships and driven by a bold vision for the future.”

Under the leadership of Natural Resources Chief Alex Fogg, the team manages a broad portfolio spanning beach restoration, artificial reef deployment, invasive species removal, sea turtle protection and ecotourism development.

Since 2020, the team has deployed 21 large vessels and thousands of tons of reef material, establishing Okaloosa County as a state leader in artificial reef development.

The flagship project is the transformation of the historic S.S. United States into the world’s largest artificial reef, combining heritage preservation with ecological restoration.

The team has also introduced innovations including 3D-printed reef modules, advanced fishery monitoring tools and interactive reef-mapping platforms designed to make marine science accessible to students, divers and the public.

Stewardship efforts extend inland as well, including restoration of sensitive upland habitats and ongoing enhancement of the 410-acre Shoal River Preserve, which will feature nature trails, wildlife-viewing areas and paddling access points.

The Maritime Landscape Preservation awards program was established in 2024 to recognize organizations demonstrating exceptional innovation, measurable environmental impact and long-term commitment to safeguarding America’s maritime landscapes.

For more information about the Natural Resources Team, visit destinfwb.com.

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