H.R. 642 — Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025

This section states congressional findings concerning the Myakka River, including that a study required by P.L. 95-625 determined the river eligible for the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System; that Florida enacted the Myakka River Wild and Scenic Designation and Protection Act (ch. 258.501); that Sarasota County and the cities of Venice and North Port committed to protection through land use plans and regulations; that designation has strong public, state, local, and stakeholder support via the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council; and that a 12-mile segment lies within Myakka River State Park with an additional 22-mile segment on public conservation lands or easements.

This section designates approximately 34 miles of the Myakka River in Sarasota County, Florida, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior in partnership with the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council. The designated segments, classified under three categories that restrict development and require preservation of free-flowing conditions, are as follows: (1) approximately 8.0 miles from the Manatee County/Sarasota County line to S.R. 72, as scenic; (2) approximately 11.2 miles from S.R. 72 to Laurel Road, as wild; (3) approximately 1.9 miles from Laurel Road to Border Road, as scenic; (4) approximately 1.5 miles from Border Road to just south of the I-75 Bridge, as recreational; (5) approximately 1.5 miles from south of the I-75 Bridge to Snook Haven, as scenic; (6) approximately 3.2 miles from Snook Haven to Ramblers Rest, as wild; (7) approximately 2.7 miles from Ramblers Rest to U.S. 41, as scenic; and (8) approximately 4.0 miles from U.S. 41 to the Charlotte County line, as scenic.

This section establishes special administration requirements for the Myakka River segments in Florida designated as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. It deems the existing Myakka River Wild and Scenic Management Plan, developed by the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council under Florida Statute Chapter 258.501, to satisfy federal comprehensive management plan requirements under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA); authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to coordinate administration and enter into WSRA cooperative agreements with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks, Sarasota County, Cities of North Port and Venice, and local planning and nonprofit organizations; clarifies that such administration does not constitute National Park Service administration or make the river a National Park System unit; preserves agency management of lands within the watershed; authorizes technical assistance, staff support, and funding for plan updates and implementation; and limits land acquisition to donation or with owner consent, prohibiting condemnation.

This section directs the Secretary of the Interior to coordinate with the Myakka River Management Council (established under Florida Statute 258.501 to oversee protection and management of the Myakka River, Florida's longest river) in updating and implementing the comprehensive management plan for the river. The section further requires the Secretary to appoint a National Park Service representative to the council and authorizes the addition of other interested parties to the council pursuant to Florida Statute 258.501.