The city of Foley recognized Alabama Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources Chris Blankenship on Monday for more than three decades of work protecting the state's natural resources, strengthening conservation efforts and improving state parks.

Foley City Council presented Blankenship with a proclamation and keys to the city during its Aug. 17 meeting in recognition of his service.

Blankenship was appointed commissioner by Gov. Kay Ivey in 2017. During his tenure, he has worked on conservation efforts across Alabama while building partnerships among local governments, state and federal agencies, universities and conservation organizations.

Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich said Blankenship's impact extends well beyond South Alabama.

In his six years as mayor, Hellmich said, only seven keys to the city have been presented. He noted that Blankenship began his career in the Mobile Bay area but has since worked to improve conservation efforts and state parks throughout Alabama.

"This proclamation talks about South Alabama, but your impact has been on the entire state of Alabama," Hellmich said. "During my 40 years of knowing various commissioners, I don't know of another commissioner who has had such an impact on our state parks and that's not counting the partnerships with the cities and other things that you have accomplished."

Hellmich also credited Blankenship with strengthening cooperation among government agencies, universities and conservation groups while advancing projects designed to protect Alabama's natural resources.

Blankenship said he has valued his partnership with Foley, particularly efforts involving the city's Graham Creek Nature Preserve and other environmental facilities.

"I've appreciated our partnerships with Foley," Blankenship said. "Y'all have been fantastic partners in the work at the Graham Creek Nature Preserve and other things that we've been able to to work with you on. These are things that are going to have lasting impacts long after we're all gone – what's happening out there the land that y'all preserved and the good things that have happened here, how y'all are managing growth and the good job that y'all are doing as a city."

The recognition comes as Blankenship's conservation legacy is also being honored through a new scholarship program.

The University of South Alabama recently established the Blankenship Scholarship Program in the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences. The program was created to honor Blankenship's legacy and support conservation education for future generations.

Foley City Council voted to donate $10,000 to the scholarship program.

Blankenship has worked in state conservation for more than 30 years, with his career spanning efforts to preserve Alabama's natural resources and expand partnerships supporting environmental protection throughout the state.