In a significant move poised to accelerate critical conservation efforts across the Sunshine State, Audubon Florida has announced the strategic appointments of McKee Gray as its new Senior Manager of Everglades Policy and Bryant Dossman, PhD, as the Director and Principal Scientist of the Audubon Everglades Research Station (AERS) in Tavernier. These two pivotal hires, bringing extensive experience in environmental regulation, policy advocacy, and cutting-edge ecological research, underscore Audubon’s unwavering commitment to the protection and restoration of Florida’s globally significant ecosystems, most notably the Everglades. Their arrival signals a strengthened capacity for science-driven policy and long-term ecological understanding at a crucial juncture for the future of Florida’s natural heritage.
A Strategic Enhancement for Florida’s Environment
The addition of Gray and Dossman to the Audubon Florida team represents a dual enhancement, integrating robust policy advocacy with foundational scientific research. Audubon Florida, a leading conservation organization with a rich history spanning over a century in the state, strategically leverages both legislative engagement and ecological study to achieve its mission. The appointments, effective December for Gray and recently for Dossman, are designed to amplify Audubon’s influence in Sacramento and Tallahassee, while simultaneously deepening its scientific insights into the complex dynamics of South Florida’s avian populations and the broader Everglades ecosystem. This integrated approach is vital for addressing the multifaceted challenges facing one of the world’s most unique and imperiled wetland systems.
McKee Gray: A Decade of Policy Expertise for the Everglades
McKee Gray, who joined Audubon Florida in December as the Senior Manager of Everglades Policy, brings a wealth of experience cultivated over nearly a decade in environmental regulation and resource management. Her expertise is particularly concentrated in coastal and wetland resource management, an area of critical importance for the health of the Everglades and Florida’s coastal communities. Prior to her role at Audubon, Gray served as a Division Chief II at Miami-Dade County’s Department of Environmental Resource Management (DERM), a position that placed her at the forefront of local environmental governance. In this capacity, she oversaw crucial sections including Coastal Resources, Wetlands Resources, Tree and Forest Resources, and Water Control, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape and the practical challenges of environmental protection at the county level.
Gray’s engagement extends beyond county administration, as evidenced by her representation of Miami-Dade County on significant regional and federal initiatives. Since spring 2024, she has served on the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, a multi-agency body responsible for coordinating restoration efforts across the vast Everglades ecosystem. Her involvement with the Biscayne Bay and Southeastern Everglades Ecosystem Restoration (BBSEER) project delivery team dates back to 2020, providing her with invaluable insight into the planning and implementation of one of the most ambitious components of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). This direct experience with key restoration projects and inter-agency coordination positions her uniquely to advocate for Audubon’s policy priorities.
Academically, Gray’s foundation is equally strong. She earned her two undergraduate degrees from the University of Georgia before pursuing an M.S. in marine affairs and policy from the University of Miami. It was during her graduate studies that she honed a keen interest in the vital intersection of science and policy, specifically how these two domains can be leveraged to support the resilience and recovery of South Florida’s delicate ecosystems. Her residence in Key Largo further underscores her deep personal connection to the region’s natural environment, often found indulging her passion as an avid backcountry angler.
Gray reflected on her initial months, stating, "Over the past six months, I have had the privilege of working alongside legislators, agency leaders, and our conservation partners to advance critical Everglades restoration and conservation priorities. Through productive meetings at both the state and federal levels and strong collaboration with NGO partners, Audubon continues building momentum for policies that support a healthier Everglades ecosystem and a more sustainable future for Florida." Her statement highlights the collaborative and multi-tiered approach required for successful Everglades policy, emphasizing the necessity of engagement with diverse stakeholders from state capitols to federal agencies.
Navigating the Complexities of Everglades Policy
The role of a Senior Manager of Everglades Policy is inherently complex, demanding not only a deep understanding of environmental science but also a nuanced grasp of legislative processes, intergovernmental relations, and stakeholder engagement. The Everglades, often referred to as the "River of Grass," is a vast wetland ecosystem covering approximately 1.5 million acres of South Florida. Its restoration is a monumental undertaking, governed by the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), a joint federal and state effort initiated in 2000. CERP, with an estimated cost in the tens of billions of dollars, involves over 68 major components including reservoirs, stormwater treatment areas, and removal of barriers to flow, designed to restore the quantity, quality, timing, and distribution of water to the ecosystem.
Audubon Florida’s policy work, now spearheaded in part by Gray, focuses on ensuring these projects are funded, implemented efficiently, and adhere to ecological best practices. This involves advocating for state appropriations through the Florida Legislature, particularly for projects like the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir, which is critical for sending clean water south. Simultaneously, Audubon lobbies the U.S. Congress for federal funding and authorization of CERP components, working closely with federal agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of the Interior. Gray’s prior experience on the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force and the BBSEER project delivery team provides her with an insider’s perspective on the bureaucratic hurdles and collaborative opportunities inherent in these large-scale initiatives. Her ability to translate scientific imperatives into actionable policy recommendations will be crucial in ensuring that restoration efforts are effective and sustainable.
Dr. Bryant Dossman: Pioneering Science at Audubon’s Everglades Research Station
Joining Audubon as the new Director and Principal Scientist of the Audubon Everglades Research Station (AERS) in Tavernier, Bryant Dossman, PhD, brings an equally impressive scientific background to the organization. As a behavioral and population ecologist, Dossman’s research delves into understanding the intricate mechanisms driving migratory species’ responses to global change. His work adopts a full annual cycle perspective, a crucial approach for migratory birds that depend on a network of habitats across vast geographical distances. A central theme of his research is animal movement, which he views as a critical link connecting individual behavior to broader population processes.
Dossman employs a sophisticated array of methodologies, combining cutting-edge tracking technologies with long-term field studies, meticulously designed experimental setups, and innovative quantitative approaches. This robust scientific toolkit allows him to rigorously investigate the causes and consequences of individual movement and behavior, providing invaluable data for conservation strategies. His focus on understanding how environmental changes impact migratory patterns and population dynamics is particularly relevant in South Florida, a vital stopover and wintering ground for numerous bird species traveling along the Atlantic Flyway.
Dr. Dossman’s academic journey reflects a strong commitment to ecological research. He earned his Ph.D. from Cornell University, a master’s degree (M.Sc.) from The Ohio State University, and a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from Bowdoin College. Before coming to AERS, he held a postdoctoral position at Georgetown University and served as a research associate at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. These prestigious appointments have provided him with a broad foundation in ornithological research and conservation science. Now stationed in the Florida Keys, Dossman expresses eagerness to build upon the rich research legacy of AERS. His goal is to advance the science and conservation of South Florida’s iconic resident bird communities, such as the endangered Florida Snail Kite and various wading birds, as well as the migratory populations that connect this unique region to the broader hemispheric bird migration networks.
Dossman articulated his vision for the station, stating, "I’m excited and honored to lead the long-term science at AERS during such a defining moment for Everglades restoration. Building on this station’s extraordinary research legacy, I’m committed to ensuring that science drives the decision making that allows this globally significant landscape to thrive for future generations." His emphasis on science-driven decision-making underscores the critical role of AERS in providing the empirical data necessary to guide effective conservation interventions and policy.
The Critical Role of Scientific Research in Conservation
The Audubon Everglades Research Station (AERS), located in Tavernier in the Florida Keys, has a long and distinguished history as a hub for ornithological research. Established decades ago, it has been instrumental in monitoring bird populations, studying nesting behaviors, and understanding the ecological needs of species reliant on the Everglades and surrounding marine environments. The station’s work is fundamental because it provides the scientific evidence base upon which sound conservation policies are built. Without robust, long-term data on bird populations, habitat health, and ecosystem functioning, policy decisions risk being ineffective or even counterproductive.
Dr. Dossman’s expertise in behavioral and population ecology, combined with his use of advanced tracking technologies, promises to usher in a new era of research at AERS. For example, understanding the "full annual cycle" of migratory birds involves studying their breeding grounds (often in the northern U.S. or Canada), migratory pathways, and non-breeding grounds (like the Everglades and Florida Keys). Climate change, habitat fragmentation, and other global pressures affect birds at every stage of this cycle. By tracking individual birds using satellite tags or geolocators, scientists can pinpoint critical stopover sites, identify threats along migratory routes, and assess the impact of environmental changes on survival rates. This information is invaluable for developing targeted conservation strategies that protect birds across their entire migratory journey, not just in isolated locations.
Furthermore, AERS’s research informs specific restoration projects within the Everglades. For instance, data on wading bird nesting success can indicate the effectiveness of water management strategies. If water levels are too high or too low at critical times, it can disrupt foraging opportunities for species like Great Egrets, Roseate Spoonbills, and various herons, impacting their ability to feed young. Dossman’s leadership will ensure that AERS continues to generate the high-quality, actionable science needed to assess the ecological outcomes of restoration efforts and adapt management strategies for optimal benefit to avian communities and the broader ecosystem.
Audubon Florida’s Enduring Commitment to the "River of Grass"
Audubon’s connection to Florida and the Everglades runs deep, dating back to the early 20th century when the organization played a pivotal role in establishing some of the nation’s first bird sanctuaries in the state. Historically, Audubon wardens faced down poachers to protect wading birds from plume hunters, laying the groundwork for modern wildlife conservation. This legacy continues today with Audubon Florida’s comprehensive approach to conservation, integrating public policy, education, science, and land stewardship.
The Everglades, a truly unique subtropical wetland, is often called the "River of Grass" for its slow-moving sheet of water that once flowed unimpeded from Lake Okeechobee south to Florida Bay. This vast system supports an incredible diversity of life, including 360 species of birds, 60 species of reptiles and amphibians, and numerous fish and mammal species, many of which are endangered or threatened, such as the Florida panther, American crocodile, and the aforementioned Florida Snail Kite. It also provides essential ecosystem services, including supplying drinking water to over nine million Floridians, recharging groundwater, and mitigating storm surge.
However, over the past century, more than half of the original Everglades has been lost to drainage for agriculture and urban development. The construction of canals, dikes, and levees drastically altered the natural flow of water, leading to habitat degradation, saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers, and widespread ecological imbalance. This history of degradation underscores the urgency and importance of Audubon’s continued advocacy and scientific work. The appointments of Gray and Dossman strategically reinforce Audubon Florida’s dual strategy: to advocate forcefully for policies that protect the Everglades, while simultaneously providing the scientific foundation to ensure those policies are effective and sustainable.
The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan: A Collaborative Imperative
The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) stands as the largest hydrologic restoration project ever undertaken in the United States. Approved by Congress in 2000, it is a 30-year blueprint to restore the quantity, quality, timing, and distribution of water in the Everglades. While significant progress has been made, including the construction of stormwater treatment areas that clean agricultural runoff and the ongoing efforts to build the EAA Reservoir, the plan faces persistent challenges related to funding, political will, and the complexities of land acquisition and engineering.
Audubon Florida, through its policy team and scientific insights, plays a critical watchdog role, ensuring that CERP remains on track and that its ecological objectives are met. McKee Gray’s direct experience with the BBSEER project, a key component of CERP focusing on the restoration of Biscayne Bay’s freshwater flow and the southeastern Everglades, will be invaluable in this regard. BBSEER involves crucial infrastructure projects designed to reverse decades of ecological damage from altered hydrology, addressing issues like declining freshwater flows to Biscayne Bay and the loss of coastal wetlands. Her understanding of these intricate projects from the local government perspective will be vital in navigating the state and federal coordination required for their successful completion.
Connecting the Everglades to the Florida Keys Ecosystem
Both McKee Gray and Bryant Dossman have strong connections to the Florida Keys, with Gray residing in Key Largo and Dossman stationed at AERS in Tavernier. This geographical link highlights the interconnectedness of the broader South Florida ecosystem. The Everglades is not an isolated wetland; its freshwater flows eventually reach Florida Bay, which in turn influences the health of the Keys’ coral reefs and marine life. The Keys also serve as a critical migratory corridor and breeding ground for numerous bird species, many of which also utilize the Everglades.
The health of the Everglades directly impacts the Keys. Reduced freshwater flow from the Everglades can lead to hypersalinity in Florida Bay, causing seagrass die-offs and impacting fisheries. These ecological changes cascade through the food web, affecting everything from wading birds to marine mammals. Dossman’s research at AERS will undoubtedly contribute to understanding these broader ecological connections, particularly how changes in the Everglades impact migratory bird populations that traverse both ecosystems. Gray’s policy work will complement this by advocating for policies that consider the entire continuum, from the headwaters of the Everglades to the marine environments of the Keys.
Looking Ahead: A Future Guided by Science and Policy
The appointments of McKee Gray and Dr. Bryant Dossman represent a significant strengthening of Audubon Florida’s capacity to address the most pressing environmental challenges facing the state. By bringing together Gray’s deep experience in policy and regulatory frameworks with Dossman’s cutting-edge ecological research, Audubon Florida is poised to drive more effective and scientifically informed conservation outcomes. The synergy between policy advocacy and scientific inquiry is more critical than ever as Florida grapples with the impacts of climate change, population growth, and continued development pressures.
These strategic hires underscore Audubon Florida’s long-term vision for a healthier, more resilient Florida. Through Gray’s work, Audubon will continue to champion policies that secure funding for restoration, protect critical habitats, and ensure the sustainable management of water resources. Concurrently, under Dossman’s leadership, AERS will continue to provide the foundational scientific understanding necessary to guide these policy decisions, offering crucial insights into the ecological health of the Everglades and its myriad species. The commitment to ensuring that "science drives the decision making," as articulated by Dr. Dossman, coupled with Gray’s expertise in translating that science into actionable policy, offers a promising outlook for the future of Florida’s irreplaceable natural treasures. These appointments mark a renewed vigor in the ongoing effort to preserve and restore the Everglades for generations to come, embodying Audubon’s enduring dedication to the birds and habitats that define Florida.
