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119-s-2270119th CongressWALLET

Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Scott, Rick [R-FL]

In Committee

Summary

Designates roughly 34 miles of the Myakka River in Sarasota County as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The bill would add eight river segments and set management under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

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  • Families and visitors would see protections that treat different stretches as scenic, wild, or recreational and support long-term conservation through a comprehensive management plan plus technical assistance, staff support, and funding.
  • Local governments and landowners keep existing state and local land management authority. The bill would limit federal land acquisition to donations or purchases with owner consent and prohibit condemnation.
  • Federal and local partners would coordinate implementation. The Secretary of the Interior would work with the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council, appoint a National Park Service representative to the Council, and may enter cooperative agreements with Florida agencies, Sarasota County, the cities of North Port and Venice, and nonprofits. Cooperative agreements would not make the river a unit of the National Park System.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

No federal condemnation of Myakka land

If enacted, this bill would stop the federal government from using condemnation to take land for the Myakka River. The Secretary of the Interior would only be able to get land by donation or with the owner’s consent. The ban on eminent domain would protect private landowners and local businesses in the Myakka River area.

Federal help for Myakka River partners

If enacted, the Secretary of the Interior would coordinate with the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council to manage the river. The Secretary would be able to enter cooperative agreements with Florida’s Division of Recreation and Parks, Sarasota County, the cities of North Port and Venice, and local nonprofits. The Secretary would provide technical help, staff support, and funding to update and carry out the river’s management plan. The bill would not change which state or local agency manages publicly or privately owned land.

Myakka River Wild and Scenic designation

If enacted, about 34 miles of the Myakka River in Sarasota County would be added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The bill lists eight specific river segments and gives each a class (scenic, wild, or recreational) and approximate mileages. The Secretary of the Interior would administer the designated segments in partnership with the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Scott, Rick [R-FL]

FL • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 4/22/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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