Because of strong citizen interest in protecting its scenic qualities, the Myakka was declared an official Florida Wild and Scenic River by State Legislature in 1985. When development threatened and adjoining the park in 1992, thousands of Floridians wrote to legislators petitioning for its protection. The campaign was a success. The land was purchased with Preservation 2000 funds and now the park manages an additional 8,249 acres.

Myakka offers birders an exciting lineup of birding experiences. Diversity of habitat is responsible for the variety of birds that< can be seen in a day. Herons and ibis feed in shallow lakes and fertile marshes; eagles nest in pine flatwoods and steal fish from successful ospreys; and the calls of meadowlarks and bobwhite echo through the prairies.

Winter and spring bring flocks of ducks, warblers, wading birds and hawks. It is a time when the waters of the Myakka River and Upper and Lower Myakka Lakes are at their lowest. The shallow waters often entice large flocks of wading birds into a feeding frenzy.

Another popular recreation activity is canoeing. 14 miles of the Myakka Wild and Scenic river flows through the park. Bring your own canoe or rent from Myakka River Outpost. A boat ramp on the Upper Myakka Lake provides access to the river and both lakes. Additional canoe launch locations are at picnic areas along the main drive. During periods of low water (winter and spring) it is necessary to portage around the weir at the south end of the Upper Myakka Lake. It may also be necessary to portage along shallow portions of the river or when blockages of water hyacinths occur.