PALATKA, Fla., June 9, 2009 - John Fergus of Satellite Beach was recognized today by the St. Johns River Water Management District's Governing Board with its 2009 Bob Owens Award.

Fergus has been deeply engaged with the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program, committing untold hours of his time in support of the program. He is an active member of the Citizens Advisory Committee, has assisted in the review and ranking of projects submitted for consideration as part of the program's annual work plan development process, and has assisted in developing and implementing numerous water quality projects in the Indian River Lagoon basin. Most recently, he provided vital assistance in the preparation of a Climate Ready Estuaries grant application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and helped identify and recruit partners for this project.

Fergus is also a volunteer for other organizations, including the city of Satellite Beach and Patrick Air Force Base. In these and other venues, Fergus has actively promoted lagoon program and District goals, objectives and projects.

"John Fergus is valued for his service to the Indian River Lagoon Program and the community," said Robert Day, a biologist with the District's lagoon program. "His commitment to the protection and restoration of Florida's environment is deep, sincere and a model for others."

Other 2009 Bob Owens Award recipients are Mark Miller of Apopka and Danny Bales of Titusville.

The annual District award is named for the late Bob Owens of Ormond Beach, a vocal supporter of environmental programs who attended nearly every District Governing Board meeting from the mid-1970s until his death in 1991.