Findings

Congress finds that— (1) section 5(a)(70) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1276(a)(70)) requires the study of the Myakka River for potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System; (2) the study referred to in paragraph (1) determined that the Myakka River was eligible for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System; (3) the State of Florida has demonstrated the commitment of the State of Florida to protecting the Myakka River by enacting the Myakka River Wild and Scenic Designation and Protection Act (section 258.501, Florida Statutes); (4) Sarasota County, Florida, and the cities of Venice and North Port, Florida, have demonstrated their commitment to protecting the Myakka River in comprehensive land use plans, local ordinances, and land development regulations; (5) the desire for designation of the Myakka River as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System has been demonstrated through strong public support, State and local agency support, and the endorsement of designation by the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council, which represents a broad cross-section of State and local agencies, agricultural interests, landowners, and environmental and nonprofit organizations; and (6) a 12-mile segment of the Myakka River is within the Myakka River State Park, with an additional 22-mile segment containing conservation land held in public ownership or conservation easements within the Myakka River watershed.