Congressman Greg Steube Leads Effort to Designate Myakka River as Partnership Wild and Scenic River

Strategic Insights -

In a significant move, U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) has led a letter calling for the House Committee on Natural Resources to advance H.R. 642, the Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025. This legislation aims to designate the Sarasota segment of the Myakka River as a Partnership Wild and Scenic River (PWSR), essential for preserving the waterway for local wildlife and residents of Southwest Florida. With the support of various local organizations, including the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council, Sarasota County Commission, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Steube's bill seeks to provide technical and conservation support from the National Park Service for the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council.

Key Takeaways:

  • Congressman Greg Steube has led a letter to the House Committee on Natural Resources to advance H.R. 642, the Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025, which aims to designate the Myakka River as a Partnership Wild and Scenic River (PWSR).
  • The Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025 has received support from the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council, Sarasota County Commission, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Big Waters Land Trust, Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership, League of Women Voters of Sarasota County, and American Rivers.
  • The bill provides technical and conservation support from the National Park Service for the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council.
  • According to Jono Miller, 2025 Chair, Myakka River Management Coordinating Council, the enthusiastic support of the Sarasota County Commission and the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council suggests that the Myakka River now has a stronger chance to receive the national recognition it deserves as one of Florida's great rivers.
  • The economic and community values of the Myakka River have never been more apparent, and the non-partisan citizen and local governments' support has never been stronger.
  • With Congressman Steube's timely bill, the local community has come together to increase meaningful support of the Myakka River.
  • Designation as a Partnership Wild and Scenic River will further empower the community to protect and enhance the Myakka River's outstanding values, to the benefit of human and natural communities.

Statistics:

  • Of the 226 federally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, only 18 are Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers (PWSRs) (Source: Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025).
  • The National Park Service deemed the Myakka River as eligible and suitable for designation as a PWSR in 2025 (Source: Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025).
  • The Myakka River has 34 miles within Sarasota County, which will be designated as the 19th PWSR (Source: Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025).

Sources:

  • U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.)'s letter to the House Committee on Natural Resources to advance H.R. 642, the Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025.
  • Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025.
  • Jono Miller, 2025 Chair, Myakka River Management Coordinating Council.
  • Myakka River Management Coordinating Council press release.
  • National Park Service website.
  • Gulf Coast Community Foundation website.