In good news, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners has taken an important step forward for conservation in this fast-growing county by adding $2 million to the budget of the recently restarted Land Acquisition and Management Program (LAMP). Originally approved for only $500,000 in annual funding, this year’s increase will build capacity within the program that is eager to move forward. The LAMP secures critical components of green infrastructure that preserve wildlife and our quality of life in St. Johns County. Audubon Florida and St. Johns Regional Audubon supported the program restart and budget increase.

“This is a major win for conservation in St. Johns County," says Chris Farrell, Audubon’s Northeast Florida policy associate. "We applaud these efforts and look forward to collaborating with the commission and the LAMP as we ensure the future of our cultural and natural heritage.”

Audubon will work with elected officials and county staff to increase the program’s budget over time.

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2023 issue of The Naturalist magazine.