Scenic Jacksonville is excited to welcome James Staman Jr. as our newest intern through our ongoing partnership with the Public Trust for Conservation.
“Our partnership with the Public Trust for Conservation reflects a shared commitment to protecting Jacksonville’s natural environment through thoughtful, evidence-based policy,” Executive Director Litsa Dawkins said. “Strong legal research is essential to effective advocacy, and James’s work this summer will help us identify practical opportunities to strengthen the Land Development Procedures Manual and other policies that shape our tree canopy. I’m excited to see the impact his research will have on both organizations’ work in the community, and on the future of Jacksonville’s urban forest.”
This summer, James’ work will unfold in three phases. In June, he will research and synthesize tree ordinances from across the country, specifically those requiring or allowing trees to be planted between the curb and sidewalk.
James will present his findings to the Scenic Jax team and help prepare revisions to the Jacksonville Land Development Procedures Manual (LDPM) and potentially the city’s ordinance code. Finally, James will document the process for requesting legislative change to either the LDPM or ordinance code.
“I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Scenic Jacksonville on this project,” James said. “Trees are a vital component of green infrastructure, and promoting their integration into developmental plans is essential for the well-being of both local communities and the environment.”
James with snake
At the Public Trust for Conservation, James researches regulation and legislation, including the Clean Water Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
A Ponte Vedra native, James is a second-year Juris Doctor candidate at Lewis & Clark College of Law, where he is pursuing environmental and animal law certifications. Before law school, he earned undergraduate degrees in biology and psychology at the University of Florida, where he developed research projects analyzing the effects of coastal storms on biodiversity in dune habitats right here in Northeast Florida.
Outside of his work, James has served as a behavioral analyst and wellness intern at the Jacksonville Zoo. He’s also a professional wildlife and nature photographer, and has collaborated with organizations including the Guana Matanzas Research Reserve, the Jacksonville Arboretum, and the Jacksonville Humane Society.
You can find more of James’ photography at jamesstamanjr.com.
“Environmental law matters to me because I firmly believe the natural ecosystems of Florida must be protected for the betterment of Floridians and the flora and fauna that reside within our state,” James said. “I look forward to making a meaningful impact on our incredible city!”
Why This Partnership Matters
The Scenic Jacksonville and Public Trust for Conservation partnership reflects a shared commitment to protecting the natural and built environments that make Jacksonville worth fighting for. Scenic Jacksonville provides a grant to Public Trust that supports James’s internship, and in return James will contribute research that benefits both organizations.
We’re grateful to John Henry November and the team at Public Trust for continuing this collaboration, and we look forward to everything James will bring to this work.