H.R. 2580: Kissimmee River Wild and Scenic River Act

This bill, known as the Kissimmee River Wild and Scenic River Act, aims to designate a specific segment of the Kissimmee River in Florida as part of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The key points of the bill are as follows:

Designation of the River Segment

The bill proposes to designate the restored section of the Kissimmee River, which stretches from approximately 16 miles downstream of Lake Kissimmee to about 15 miles upstream of Lake Okeechobee, as a recreational river. This designation will ensure the river is protected for its scenic, recreational, and ecological values.

Management by the Secretary of the Interior

The designated segment of the Kissimmee River will be managed by the Secretary of the Interior. This management will focus on preserving the river's natural state and promoting recreational activities.

Withdrawal of Federal Land

As part of the designation, the federal land within the boundaries of the designated river segment will be withdrawn from several activities. These include:

• Entry, appropriation, or disposal: The land cannot be entered, appropriated, or disposed of under public land laws.
• Mining laws: There will be no location, entry, or patent allowed under mining laws.
• Mineral and geothermal leasing: The land will be protected from disposition under laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials.

Purpose and Goals

The purpose of this bill is to enhance the protection of the Kissimmee River, which could benefit local ecosystems, promote recreational opportunities for the public, and help preserve the natural beauty of the river for future generations.

Relevant Companies

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