# What the Kissimmee River Wild and Scenic River Act Does

This bill protects a restored section of the Kissimmee River in Florida by giving it special federal protection status. Specifically, it designates about 31 miles of the river—stretching from roughly 16 miles below Lake Kissimmee down to about 15 miles above Lake Okeechobee—as part of the national Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This is the same protection system that safeguards famous rivers like parts of the Colorado River and the Rogue River in Oregon.

When a river gets this designation, it means the federal government commits to preserving it in its natural state. For the Kissimmee River, this protection prevents new mining operations, oil and gas drilling, and other extractive industries from operating on federal land within the river's boundaries. The river will be managed by the Department of the Interior as a "scenic river," which is a middle-ground classification—it allows some human activity and development, but protects the river's natural character and scenic qualities. This is important because the Kissimmee River has already undergone a major restoration project to undo past damage, and this bill helps ensure that restoration work isn't undone by future industrial development.

The practical effect for most Floridians is that this section of the Kissimmee River will remain protected for recreation, wildlife habitat, and water quality. People can still fish, boat, and enjoy the river, and existing property rights are preserved. However, anyone hoping to develop mining operations or pursue mineral extraction on federal lands in this area would be blocked from doing so.

Kissimmee River Wild and Scenic River Act

Soto, Darren

Kissimmee River Wild and Scenic River Act This bill designates a restored segment of the Kissimmee River in Florida as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.