I have always been drawn to nature. From an early age, time spent outdoors observing wildlife, exploring woods and waters, and enjoying nature-based outdoor recreation shaped how I saw the world.
I was fortunate to experience the outdoors both as a naturalist and as an angler and hunter, which taught me early on that healthy wildlife populations depend on healthy habitats. I understood even then that wild places were extraordinary and under tremendous pressure from human growth. That awareness has stayed with me and ultimately shaped my life’s work.
It was a privilege and a great joy to serve the Florida Wildlife Federation for 32 years as President and CEO, especially as part of an organization that has now stood up for Florida’s wildlife and wild places for 90 years. During that time, I was honored to work with outstanding volunteer leaders, dedicated staff, conservation partners, and thousands of supporters who care deeply about Florida’s future.
I was grateful to have had a job that I truly loved, and together we accomplished a great deal to keep the wild in Florida. The years flew by, and the work never stopped because the pressures were relentless. As FWF’s long history reminds us, there is always more to do.
For me, wild Florida means healthy, connected habitats across the state that allow iconic species like the Florida panther to survive and recover. Our natural lands and waters are central to Florida’s identity and quality of life. They connect people to nature through fishing, hunting, paddling, hiking, and simply being outdoors, and they deserve thoughtful protections.
The work of conserving, managing, and protecting Florida’s fish and wildlife is intricate and often challenging. Over time, I learned that lasting conservation success depends on finding common ground. Bringing together people with different perspectives and priorities around a shared commitment is not easy, but the results can be very rewarding.
FWF built its conservation legacy by forming these strong partnerships, promoting science-based, common-sense conservation, and, when necessary, taking strategic legal action to protect Florida’s wetlands, forests, waters, and wildlife.
It was especially gratifying to represent an organization that played a leadership role in some of Florida’s most enduring conservation achievements: securing long-term funding for conservation lands, prohibiting offshore oil and gas drilling in state waters, and advancing policies that recognize the importance of protecting land and water at scale. These are the kinds of victories that last beyond any one generation and they reflect the power of what we can accomplish by working together.
FWF has also been a consistent defender of public conservation lands, helping expand and protect iconic places such as Big Cypress National Preserve, Osceola National Forest, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Wakulla Springs, and many state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas.
We long defended people’s connection to the outdoors, and I am proud to see this work continued through FWF standing strong against attempts to weaken the integrity of public lands. Conservation succeeds when people experience nature firsthand and understand its value. The future of conservation depends on informed, engaged citizens who love Florida’s wild places and are willing to stand up for them.
Although I stepped away from my role with FWF several years ago, I have continued to support the organization from the sidelines as a proud advocate. My belief in FWF and its mission has never wavered.
Together, we accomplished a great deal over the past 90 years, but the work is not finished. Florida faces increasing environmental challenges, and our wild places still need a strong, trusted voice. I have great confidence in the people who carry FWF’s mission forward today, and I encourage all who care about Florida’s future to support this organization in whatever way they can.
That is why I say, without hesitation: I am for wild Florida. I am FWF.
About the Author
Manley Fuller, Former FWF President and CEO
Manley K. Fuller served as President and CEO of the Florida Wildlife Federation for more than 30 years and has been a leading voice for wildlife conservation and public lands protection in Florida and nationally. He remains a committed supporter of FWF and its mission.
