A bill to prohibit Big Cypress National Preserve from being designated as wilderness or as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 4, 2026
Bottom line
This bill permanently prevents Big Cypress National Preserve from receiving a wilderness designation, preserving current land use flexibilities for activities like motorized recreation and hunting.
What it actually does
This bill explicitly prohibits Big Cypress National Preserve from being designated as wilderness or included in the National Wilderness Preservation System. This legislative action would permanently prevent any future efforts to apply the stricter land management regulations associated with wilderness status to the preserve, thereby maintaining existing allowances for various recreational and traditional uses.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is essential to protect the traditional recreational activities, such as off-road vehicle use, airboating, hunting, and fishing, that are deeply valued by local communities and visitors to Big Cypress National Preserve. They contend that a wilderness designation would unduly restrict these long-standing uses and is contrary to the preserve's original intent, which allowed for a broader range of activities than typical wilderness areas.
Opponents contend
Opponents would argue that preventing wilderness designation for Big Cypress National Preserve undermines critical efforts to protect its unique and sensitive wetland ecosystem. They assert that wilderness status is the strongest form of protection available, necessary to safeguard the preserve's biodiversity, water resources, and natural processes from increasing human impacts and potential development pressures for future generations.
The bill is exceptionally short and clear, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its content and implications quickly.
Section 1
Prohibition on Wilderness Designation for Big Cypress National Preserve
This section unequivocally states that Big Cypress National Preserve cannot be designated as wilderness or become a part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. This means that the preserve's management will not be subject to the stringent regulations typically applied to wilderness areas, which often restrict motorized access, certain types of development, and some recreational activities. The provision effectively codifies the current management approach that balances conservation with traditional public uses.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision ensures that traditional recreational activities, such as airboat use, off-road vehicle access, hunting, and fishing, can continue within Big Cypress National Preserve. These activities are often restricted in designated wilderness areas, and proponents emphasize the importance of maintaining these uses for local communities and visitors who rely on and enjoy the preserve in these ways.
Critics contend
Opponents would contend that preventing wilderness designation undermines the long-term ecological protection of Big Cypress, a critical wetland ecosystem. They argue that wilderness status is essential to safeguard its unique biodiversity and natural processes from increasing human impact and development pressures, ensuring its pristine condition for future generations.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the inherent tension between maintaining broad public access and traditional recreational uses, including those involving motorized vehicles, and the goal of providing the highest level of ecological protection and conservation for sensitive natural ecosystems. It prioritizes current access and use over stricter conservation measures.