As we wrap up the 2004-2005 academic year, UF’s Environmental and Land Use Law Program continues to offer the most comprehensive program in the state in these two fields. Among the features that make UF’s program unique and strong are:

● our Summer Environmental Law Study Abroad Program in Costa Rica;
● our interdisciplinary non-litigation Conservation Clinic;
● a faculty with a distinguished national reputation as scholars;
● 7 full-time faculty members, 5 full-time Center for Governmental Responsibility staff, and a group of distinguished adjuncts teaching courses in these fields;
● a committed Alumni Advisory Board that provides ongoing guidance and support;
● the highly successful annual Public Interest Environmental Conference, co-sponsored by the UF Environmental and Land Use Law Society and the Public Interest Committee of the ELULS;
● an annual Richard E. Nelson Symposium on an important topic in local government law;
● an annual Environmental Speaker Series that brings nationally-recognized scholars to lead seminars for program faculty, students, and interested members of the Section;
● our dual focus on environmental and land use law;
● the most rigorous Certificate Program standards in the country;
● a curriculum of close to twenty courses and seminars offered each year in these two fields;
● a wide range of interdisciplinary opportunities and joint degree programs in fields including interdisciplinary ecology, urban and regional planning, wildlife ecology, and environmental engineering;
● summer externship placements with over 20 governmental and non-profit placements; and
● a successful record of certificate alumni finding employment with private firms, non-profits and governmental agencies in environmental and land use law related positions.

     For details on some of our recent events and activities this year, including the Eleventh Annual Public Interest Environmental Conference, the Nelson Symposium on Billboards, recent Conservation Clinic projects, some outstanding student accomplishments, recognition by the ABA, and a report on faculty scholarship, read our recent newsletter at http://www.law.ufl.edu/elulp/events.htm. Or drop us an email at elulp@law.ufl.edu and we’ll send you a pdf version or a hard copy. The ELULP is also featured in the forthcoming issue of UF’s Florida Lawyer magazine, with a profile on alum John Henry Hankinson and a feature on ELULP Certificate Student and former PIEC Co-Chair Erika Zimmerman.

     We also want to take this time to express our appreciation for the support of the Section to all the Florida law schools through its various programs, including the support for moot court teams and journals and the Frank Maloney Essay Competition, and the Section’s openness to collaboration on conferences like the PIEC. These opportunities for collaboration add value to our students’ education, introduce the students to the importance of participation in the Section, and provide CLE opportunities for Section members. We look forward to another productive year and to seeing many of you at the Annual Update.