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Today ����logo Florida will honor U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar as the Champion of the Everglades during the annual ����logo Assembly for his continued efforts to advance the restoration and conservation of the Greater Everglades. “����logo Florida is proud to present this year’s Champion of the Everglades Award to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar,” said Eric Draper, ����logo Florida’s Executive Director. “In just a few years, Secretary Salazar and the Obama Administration have provided unparalleled leadership to move Everglades restoration forward.” Some of Secretary Salazar’s major achievements in the Greater Everglades include the establishment of the Everglades Headwater National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area, the continued bridging of Tamiami Trail, and the ban on brining Burmese pythons and other dangerous and invasive snakes into the ecosystem. “It is an honor to receive this award on behalf of the entire Obama administration for our continued efforts to breathe life back into restoration of one of our nation’s crown jewels, the Everglades,” said Salazar. “In four short years, President Obama has worked to improve water quality, build infrastructure to restore natural water flows, and strengthen partnerships to conserve key habitat and fight invasive species. The future of the Everglades is bright, and I am confident that we can build on these successes to benefit Florida’s economy, natural resources and communities for generations to come.” “Secretary Salazar has a proven record of taking the bold action needed to protect and restore our famed River of Grass,” said Julie Hill-Gabriel, ����logo Florida’s Director of Everglades Policy. “Iconic Florida species such as Wood Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, Everglade Snail Kites, and Florida Grasshopper Sparrows have a better chance of survival thanks to the achievements made by Secretary Salazar and the Department of Interior.” The 2012 ����logo Assembly is sponsored by Disney, Plum Creek and Visit Sarasota County.