SPECIAL OFFER NOW AVAILABLE!  If you donate $35.00 you will receive a Public Trust Membership AND a copy of our acclaimed documentary "One Village, Same Ocean."  Individually the memberships are available for $25.00 and the DVD is available for $20.00.  Offer good while supplies of the DVD last.  To start, just click on the "Donate Now" button to the left.

The Public Trust is proud to announce that it is the 2009 recipient of Florida Wildlife Federation's LAND CONSERVATION AND PLANNING AWARD!  We were chosen by the Federation's Board of Directors because of our "dedication to environmental advocacy that has protected the Jacksonville area's lands and waters."  The Public Trust would like to thank all of our members and other donors for their support and for allowing us to continue the work we love.

What is the Public Trust?

The "Public Trust Doctrine" is an ancient legal doctrine dating back to the Roman Code of Justinian in 539 A.D. and holds that public lands and waters are held in trust for the use of all people. The doctrine has withstood the test of time and even became codified in the Florida Constitution in 1970. The primary focus of the Public Trust Environmental Legal Institute of Florida is to uphold this doctrine through the zealous protection of the City of Jacksonville's Preservation Project and other federal and state protected lands and waters. Commonly known as the "Public Trust," we pursue legal means, including litigation if necessary, to protect and preserve the public lands and waters. Additionally, we support the education of political leaders, government officials and citizens by participating in speaking engagements and writing articles and letters. The Public Trust also promotes the use and enjoyment of land and waters within the public trust.

Current Projects include:

• Our second paddling guide featuring the waterways between the St. Johns & Nassau Rivers.

• Our Timucuan Art Contest.

• A Clean Water Act enforcement project.

• A review of mercury testing proposals for Duval County. 

• Mayport Cruise Ship Terminal Case.