Sarasota Review

U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) has led a letter urging the House Committee on Natural Resources to move forward with H.R. 642, known as the Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025. The proposed legislation aims to designate the Sarasota segment of the Myakka River as a Partnership Wild and Scenic River (PWSR).

“Designating the Sarasota segment of the Myakka River as a Partnership Wild and Scenic River (PWSR) is essential to preserve this waterway for local wildlife and residents of Southwest Florida,” said Rep. Steube. “I call on the Subcommittee on Federal Lands and the Committee on Natural Resources as a whole to advance my bill to protect the Myakka River.”

The initiative has received backing from several organizations, including the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council (MRMCC), 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.

“This spring, the last dam on the Myakka River was removed, and thousands of acres along the river have been protected by Sarasota County and the State of Florida. The Myakka River is now better managed and more qualified to be a federal Partnership Wild and Scenic River than it was forty years ago. The enthusiastic support of the Sarasota County Commission and the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council suggests that, thanks to Congressman Steube, the Myakka is now poised to receive the national recognition it deserves as one of Florida’s great rivers.” —Jono Miller, 2025 Chair, Myakka River Management Coordinating Council

“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. Now is the time to secure the well-deserved federal Partnership Wild and Scenic River designation. And we are grateful for Congressman Steube’s leadership in the effort.” —Jon Thaxton, Director of Policy & Advocacy, Gulf Coast Community Foundation

“With Congressman Steube’s timely bill, our community has come together to increase meaningful support of our beloved Myakka River. Resulting designation as a Partnership Wild and Scenic River will further empower us to protect and enhance the Myakka’s outstanding values, to the benefit of human and natural communities. I’m grateful to the Congressman and his staff for their inspiring and steadfast efforts on behalf of this remarkable Sarasota County gem.” —Miri Hardy, PhD, Founder, Myakka River Partnership

Currently there are 226 federally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in total; only 18 hold PWSR status nationwide. Earlier this year, according to assessments by federal authorities such as the National Park Service, the Myakka was deemed eligible for inclusion among these rivers.

If enacted into law, H.R. 642 would make 34 miles within Sarasota County part of this group—the nation’s nineteenth PWSR—allowing access to technical assistance from agencies like the National Park Service for conservation efforts coordinated by MRMCC.