Congressman Greg Steube Introduces Legislation to Designate Myakka River as a National Wild and Scenic River
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced the Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2024, legislation to designate the portion of the Myakka River within Sarasota County as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This designation builds on prior federal studies and longstanding local efforts to preserve the river’s unique ecological, recreational, and cultural value.
“Designating the Myakka River as a national scenic river is a step toward ensuring it remains a protected natural treasure,” said Congressman Steube. “This legislation recognizes the critical role of local communities and governments in preserving this important resource while safeguarding public access and voluntary environmental stewardship. I’ll always advocate for clean water and a healthy environment for Florida’s Suncoast.”
The bill would formally add approximately 34 miles of the Myakka River in Sarasota County to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The designation would allow for collaborative management between the Secretary of the Interior and the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council, ensuring the river’s free-flowing condition is preserved without altering existing local and state land use authority.
Key provisions of the bill include:
- Designating specified segments of the Myakka River as scenic, wild, or recreational based on their natural characteristics.
- Prohibiting the use of condemnation to acquire land along the river, ensuring any land acquisition is voluntary or through donation.
- Supporting continued recreational and conservation activities while maintaining local control.
The legislation is cosponsored by Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.).
“Protecting Florida’s pristine waterways is one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Buchanan. “Designating the Myakka River as ‘scenic’ will ensure that it is kept in its current, pristine condition for generations. This legislation will preserve the river and its beauty for the enjoyment of future Floridians and visitors.”
The river is currently protected under Florida law through the Myakka River Wild and Scenic Designation and Protection Act and enjoys strong public support for conservation. Rep. Steube’s legislation is supported by many local stakeholders and organizations.
“At its December 2023 meeting, the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council voted to seek congressional support for inclusion of the Myakka in Sarasota County as a Partnership Wild and Scenic River. Representative Steube’s legislation reflects his approach to leadership, which benefits the Wild and Scenic Myakka by providing federal support in a manner that avoids additional regulation or bureaucracy,” said Jono Miller, 2024 Chair, Myakka River Management Coordinating Council.
“No other natural feature defines Sarasota County’s heritage more than the storied Myakka River. Thanks to Congressman Steube’s leadership, the national Wild and Scenic distinction will expand access to funding to better protect the Myakka River, its wildlife, unique character, and water quality, and will do so without adding any additional regulations. It’s a win-win-win,” said Jon Thaxton, former Sarasota County Commissioner.
“As our founder Dr. Mary Jelks noted, the Myakka River is the backbone of our ecosystem which greatly benefits Sarasota County’s natural and human communities. We’re thankful for Representative Steube’s bill, which will increase meaningful support for this beloved and important natural gem, to the benefit of future generations, and our own,” said Miri Hardy, PhD, Executive Director, Friends of Myakka River.
For more information about the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, visit https://www.rivers.gov/rivers/rivers/.
