Local Outstanding Habitat Champion Recognized with 2024 Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award
Damon Moore has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award, recognizing his exceptional dedication to the protection and restoration of Florida’s coastal ecosystems. Presented by NOAA and the American Fisheries Society at Restore America’s Estuaries’ Coastal & Estuarine Summit, this award highlights Moore's extensive contributions over two decades as a restoration ecologist. His tireless efforts have resulted in the creation and enhancement of over 2,000 acres of coastal wetland and upland habitats in southwest Florida.
A standout example of his leadership is the 150-acre expansion of Robinson Preserve in Manatee County, completed in 2021. With foresight, Moore integrated climate change considerations into the design, ensuring the preserve's coastal uplands could adapt to future sea level rise while supporting estuarine habitat migration. Additionally, his collaboration with local fisheries experts maximized sportfish nursery habitats, vital for species such as snook and tarpon, while implementing infrastructure and trails designed to withstand projected sea level increases.
Beyond his restoration projects, Moore's passion for environmental stewardship extends into the community. He has organized numerous educational opportunities, including marsh plantings, field trips, and workshops, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among children and young adults. His commitment to engaging the public in conservation efforts ensures that future generations will continue to care for and protect the natural environment.
Moore's impact goes even further through his non-profit, Oyster River Ecology. Under his leadership, the organization has logged nearly 2,500 volunteer hours, installing over 18,000 native plants and developing innovative, cost-effective techniques for oyster restoration. These efforts are paving the way for large-scale oyster habitat restoration in the Manatee River.
In addition to his work with Oyster River Ecology, Moore serves as president of the Manatee Fish and Game Association, where he played a key role in passing a 2020 referendum that secured up to $50 million in conservation funding for Manatee County. These funds are actively being used to acquire and restore coastal lands, protect water resources, and provide public access to natural habitats.
The Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award, named after the NOAA pioneer who founded several key programs in habitat conservation, honors individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to preserving coastal, riverine, or marine environments. Damon Moore’s lifelong contributions place him among an elite group of conservation leaders, making a lasting impact on Florida’s ecosystems and communities.
