Protections sought for Little Manatee River

TAMPA — The Little Manatee River could be in line for a big designation.

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, this week introduced federal legislation to designate the Little Manatee River as a national scenic river.

The designation would add a 51-mile segment of the Little Manatee River to the National Park Service’s Wild and Scenic River System, which has the primary goal of conserving free-flowing rivers across the U.S.

The Loxahatchee River and the Wekiva River are the only rivers in Florida currently recognized under the federal program. Little Manatee River, considered one of the most pristine blackwater rivers in the state, begins in southeastern Hillsborough County and flows downstream into Tampa Bay and through Little Manatee River State Park.

Buchanan said that the designation would protect the river for public enjoyment without the fear of intrusive development. The designation ensures the river remains available for a full range of recreational activities, such as canoeing, kayaking, boating and fishing.

"The designation is just huge,'' said Commissioner Mariella Smith, chair of the Hillsborough Environmental Protection Commission.

In Hillsborough County, Commissioner Stacy White pushed the effort to win the designation, which began about a year ago.

“It’s an absolutely beautiful river. It already has an Outstanding Florida Waterway designation by the state of Florida,” White said Thursday. "So I’m excited,''

Once formally added to the National Park Service’s Wild and Scenic River System, the National Park Service would collaborate with local government officials in Florida to develop a management plan for the river to preserve the existing natural environment including allowing for continued public use.