"Parks cannot run without volunteers.”  I’ve heard this repeated so many times by park managers, volunteer coordinators and rangers.  The new leadership at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection(FDEP) and the Division or Recreation and Parks take this statement to heart and are looking at how to improve support for volunteers as we refocus on the mission of the Florida Park Service.

Organizations such as Friends of Florida State Parks and the Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation, led by volunteer boards, contribute considerable wisdom, wealth and work to support our mission, and operate programs.  Again, Florida Department of Environmental Protection leadership intends to strengthen partnerships with supporting organizations.

I have been very impressed by the efforts of Friends of Florida State Parks and other park partners.  Paula Russo and Don Philpott are always just a phone call away, and I always appreciate seeing and hearing from them. They have really gone to bat for state parks by communicating with legislators about our budget and even coming to Tallahassee to participate in special events.  

Paula joined FDEP Secretary Noah Valenstein to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the Gilchrist Blue Springs campground – our newest and 175^th state park.  She spoke eloquently of the need for volunteers and a support organization for the new park.  As more people discover the campground and beautiful springs, volunteers will be especially important to help stretch staff from other parks to manage the new 400 acres and camping and swimming areas.  We hope and expect the local community will step up to raise money to help with improvements.

That is how people and partner organizations make the Florida Park Service successful. Yes, we have 1000 great staff, but it bears repeating, “Parks cannot run without volunteers.”  I look forward to reporting to Friends of Florida State Parks on how our new leadership steps up to the challenge of working with you as you help us focus the parks mission.