In January, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners voted to restart their Land Acquisition and Management Program (LAMP) with annual funding of $500,000 per year. 

Audubon Florida and St. Johns County Audubon were part of an environmental coalition working to restore this program. The LAMP helps St. Johns County leverage local funds with state dollars to secure and preserve critical environmental, historical, and recreational resources. During its previous run, the LAMP helped acquire Alpine Groves River Park, Vaill Point Park, and several other properties that not only conserve wildlife and historical resources, but are important locations for recreation and community events.

"Simply put, the LAMP is a smart way to identify and fund unique conservation and recreational opportunities that benefit the residents of St. Johns County and our ever-important tourism industry," Chris Farrell, Audubon Florida Northeast Policy Associate, wrote in his letter of support, "Timely renewal of the LAMP will ensure no opportunities are lost and that St. Johns County will be well-positioned to take advantage of state cost-share programs."