Myakka River Gains Federal Wild & Scenic Status, But Feds Can't Use Eminent Domain to Grab Land

The Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025 is the legislative equivalent of putting a big, federally recognized velvet rope around a significant chunk of a Florida river. This bill officially designates roughly 34 miles of the Myakka River in Sarasota County, Florida, into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, a move that provides federal protection and resources to an area already protected by state and local laws. The designation is broken down into specific segments—some classified as "Wild River" (the most protected), others as "Scenic," and a small section as "Recreational"—reflecting the varying levels of development along the banks (Sec. 3).

Local Control, Federal Backup

This isn't a federal takeover. The Myakka River is being managed under a system that respects the work already done at the state level. The bill accepts the existing Myakka River Wild and Scenic Management Plan, developed by the local Myakka River Management Coordinating Council, as the official federal management plan (Sec. 4). This means the federal government—specifically the Secretary of the Interior—must coordinate its management duties with this local Council. For busy people, this is important: it means the policy is being guided by local knowledge and priorities, not just a one-size-fits-all federal mandate from D.C.

The 'No Eminent Domain' Guarantee

Here’s the biggest headline for any landowner or property rights advocate along the river: the federal government is explicitly blocked from using eminent domain. The bill states clearly that the Secretary of the Interior cannot use condemnation to acquire any land or property rights for this project (Sec. 4). If the feds want land for protection efforts, it has to be either a donation or a purchase from a willing seller. For families and businesses near the Myakka, this provision is an ironclad promise that federal protection won't come at the cost of forced land seizures.

What Changes on the Ground

While the day-to-day management remains local, the designation unlocks federal support. The Secretary is authorized to provide technical assistance, staff support, and funding to help the local Council update and implement its comprehensive management plan (Sec. 4). For local governments like Sarasota County, Venice, and North Port, this means access to federal expertise and resources to maintain water quality and manage conservation efforts without necessarily having to shoulder all the costs themselves. This is a classic example of a federal law providing a financial and legal boost to conservation efforts rooted firmly in local action, making sure a beautiful natural resource remains protected for the long haul.