HR 642119th CongressIn Committee

Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025

Introduced: Jan 23, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill would designate a 34-mile portion of the Myakka River in Sarasota County, Florida as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The river segments would be classified across scenic, wild, and recreational designations and would be administered by the Secretary of the Interior in partnership with the locally established Myakka River Management Coordinating Council. The designation would be implemented through a comprehensive management plan developed by the Council, which would satisfy the federal requirements for a Wild and Scenic Rivers Act plan. Administration under the bill emphasizes collaboration with Florida state and local agencies, allows cooperative agreements (without turning the river into a National Park System unit or transferring NPS authority), and restricts federal land acquisition to donations or acquisitions with owner consent. The bill also formalizes ongoing involvement of the Myakka River Management Council, including adding a Department of the Interior representative and potential involvement of additional stakeholders.

Key Points

1Designates a 34-mile segment of the Myakka River in Sarasota County as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, with portions classified as scenic, wild, or recreational rivers.
2Establishes the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council (a Florida-based body) to develop and maintain a comprehensive management plan; the plan is recognized as satisfying the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act’s requirements for a comprehensive management plan.
3Appoints the Secretary of the Interior to administer the designated river in partnership with the Council, through cooperative agreements; this administration is not intended to be National Park Service management or a National Park System unit.
4Allows cooperative agreements with state and local entities (Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Sarasota County, City of North Port, City of Venice, and others) to protect and manage the river, with the understanding that management of lands remains under existing Florida authorities.
5Prohibits condemnation of land for the river; land acquisition by the Secretary is limited to donation or owner-consented purchases; the Secretary may provide technical assistance and funding to support the management plan.

Impact Areas

Primary: Residents and stakeholders in Sarasota County (landowners, local governments, conservation groups), who would be affected by heightened protections and land-use considerations around the designated river segments; local planning and development activities would be coordinated with the Council and federal partners.Secondary: State agencies (e.g., Florida DEP), local jurisdictions (Sarasota County, City of North Port, City of Venice), and non-profit organizations involved in land protection and river management; these groups would participate in cooperative agreements and the governance of the management plan.Additional: Visitors and recreational users of the Myakka River area could experience changes in access or permitted activities consistent with the river’s designations; potential federal funding or technical support to support river protections without creating a National Park Unit; continued alignment with Florida statutes (e.g., 258.501) and state conservation lands within the watershed.

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