S. 2270 — Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025

This section sets forth congressional findings supporting potential designation of the Myakka River, Florida, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, including its eligibility per the congressionally mandated study under section 5(a)(70) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1276(a)(70)); protections under state law (Myakka River Wild and Scenic Designation and Protection Act) and local plans; broad support from public, agencies, agriculture, landowners, and the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council; and public ownership or easements along 34 miles (a 12-mile segment in Myakka River State Park and an additional 22-mile segment).

This section designates approximately 34 miles of the Myakka River in Sarasota County, Florida, as components 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 designation includes the following segments: (A) 8.0 miles from the Manatee/Sarasota County line to S.R. 72, as scenic; (B) 11.2 miles from S.R. 72 to Laurel Road, as wild; (C) 1.9 miles from Laurel Road to Border Road, as scenic; (D) 1.5 miles from Border Road to south of the I–75 Bridge, as recreational; (E) 1.5 miles from south of the I–75 Bridge to Snook Haven, as scenic; (F) 3.2 miles from Snook Haven to Ramblers Rest, as wild; (G) 2.7 miles from Ramblers Rest to U.S. 41, as scenic; and (H) 4.0 miles from U.S. 41 to the Charlotte County line, as scenic. (As background, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System protects designated rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, or recreational values in free-flowing condition, generally prohibiting new dams or developments.)

This section establishes special administration requirements for the Myakka River, designated as a component of the national wild and scenic rivers system. (As background, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act protects designated rivers in free-flowing condition with outstanding natural, cultural, or recreational values through federal designation and cooperative management.) The section directs the Secretary of the Interior to coordinate management responsibilities with the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council—adding a National Park Service representative—using the preexisting Myakka River Wild and Scenic Management Plan to satisfy comprehensive planning requirements under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act; authorizes cooperative agreements with specified Florida state and local entities (i.e., Division of Recreation and Parks, local jurisdictions, Sarasota County, North Port, Venice, and nonprofits) for protection, preservation, and enhancement; and permits the Secretary to provide technical assistance, staff support, and funding for plan updates and implementation. Such agreements do not constitute National Park Service administration or classify the river as a National Park System unit; leave public and private land management unaffected within the watershed; and limit land acquisition to donation or owner-consensual purchase, prohibiting condemnation.