2025 Public Interest Environmental Conference: Conservation – Preserve Today, Protect Tomorrow
📍 Location: UF Levin College of Law, 309 Village Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611
📅 Dates:
- Thursday, February 20, 2025 – Evening Reception (6:00-8:00 PM)
- Friday, February 21, 2025 – Full-Day Conference (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
🎓 Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Credits: The Florida Bar has approved the conference for 10 CLE credits.
📝 Registration Deadline: February 16, 2025, or when attendance reaches capacity. Register Here
About the Event
The 31st Annual Public Interest Environmental Conference (PIEC) at the University of Florida Levin College of Law is a premier event for legal professionals, policymakers, conservationists, and environmental advocates. This year’s theme, “Conservation – Preserve Today, Protect Tomorrow”, highlights the urgent need for strategic environmental protection and sustainable development policies.
The conference will explore legal and regulatory challenges affecting Florida’s natural resources, featuring expert discussions on wetland conservation, land use, water policy, coastal resilience, and the evolving federal and state environmental framework.
Victoria Bruce will be speaking on the panel:
“Navigating Change: The Vacatur of Florida’s 404 Program and the Evolving Definition of Waters of the United States” alongside Katherine Hupp and Susan Stephens. This session will provide insights into the regulatory changes impacting wetland permitting, conservation banking, and land development in Florida.
Conference Agenda – February 21, 2025
- 🔹 Keynote Address: Stay The Course: Progress in Energy, Finance, and Innovation
- Speaker: Chris Castro
- 🏖 Coastal Resilience and Dune Restoration
- Speakers: Erin Deady & Katherine Bauman
- 🌊 Navigating Change: The Vacatur of Florida’s 404 Program and the Evolving Definition of Waters of the United States
- Speakers: Victoria Bruce, Katherine Hupp, & Susan Stephens
- 🏞 Development of Florida State Parks
- Speakers: Jennifer Bradley & Eric Draper
- 💧 Outstanding Florida Springs Rules
- Speakers: Ryan Smart, David Simmons, & Jake Varn
- 🌿 Swampland for Sale! Conservation Land Acquisition in the Sunshine State
- Speakers: Amanda L. Swindle, Robert Clemmons, Lisa Kreiger, & Emily Gear
- 🐊 Acting Today to Preserve the Florida Wildlife Corridor for Tomorrow and Beyond
- Speakers: Richard Grosso, Jason Totoiu, Sarah Gledhill, & David Smolker
And many more! Check out the full conference agenda here.
Why Attend?
- ✔ Stay Updated – Learn about the latest environmental policies, conservation efforts, and legal frameworks impacting Florida.
- ✔ Earn CLE Credits – Attorneys can earn 10 continuing legal education (CLE) credits.
- ✔ Network with Experts – Connect with environmental law professionals, policymakers, and conservation leaders.
- ✔ Take Action – Gain insights and strategies to support conservation efforts in your field.
This conference is a must-attend for professionals dedicated to environmental protection, responsible land development, and conservation policy.
