Myakka Wild and Scenic River
Harmony with Nature
You don’t have to wander long or far to experience the real Florida at TerraNova. Deer, hawks, sabal palms and mossy oak trees are every day sightings at Florida’s newest equestrian community. Although gaining notoriety as a world-class equestrian destination, with top-notch facilities and a passion for all things equine, TerraNova retains its old Florida roots. TerraNova's location, two miles east of the north entrance to Myakka River State Park and just south of the Myakka Wild and Scenic River, provides an inspiring and environmentally-aware context to life.
Just like TerraNova has a commitment to “Harmony with Nature,” the state of Florida has a commitment to preserving the Myakka River for the citizens of Florida. The Myakka River is the only river in Florida designated by state legislature as a "Wild and Scenic River." This designation recognizes its extraordinary beauty and undeveloped character.
Florida Wild and Scenic River
The 34-mile segment of the Myakka River within Sarasota County was designated a Florida Wild and Scenic River by the Florida legislature in 1985 through the passage of the Myakka River Wild and Scenic Designation and Preservation Act, 258.501, Florida Statute. The Legislature declared that the Myakka River "possesses outstanding remarkable ecological, fish and wildlife, and recreational values which are unique in the State of Florida" and the "values give significance to the river as one which should be permanently preserved and enhanced for the citizens of the State of Florida."
The river in this region is meandering and closely resembles its original waterway condition. Adjacent uplands within the Myakka River basin in Sarasota County are primarily managed for natural values and wildlife preservation. Twelve miles of the river in Sarasota County flow through Myakka River State Park. Two primary surface water features of the Myakka River -- Upper Myakka Lake (Lake Myakka) and Lower Myakka Lake -- are located within the park.
Legislative Declaration
“The Legislature finds and declares that a certain segment of the Myakka River in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties possesses outstandingly remarkable ecological, fish and wildlife, and recreational values which are unique in the State of Florida. These values give significance to the river as one which should be permanently preserved and enhanced for the citizens of the State of Florida, both present and future. The permanent management and administration of the river involves a complex interaction of state, regional, and local interests which require balancing and coordination of purpose. It is the intention of the Legislature to provide for the permanent preservation of the designated segment of the Myakka River by way of development of a plan for permanent administration by agencies of state and local government which will ensure the protection necessary but retain that degree of flexibility, responsiveness, and expertise which will accommodate all of the diverse interests involved in a manner best calculated to be in the public interest.”
