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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.

2/9/2026, 5:08 PM

Summary of Bill S 446

Bill 119 s 446, also known as the "Big Cypress National Preserve Protection Act," aims to prevent the Big Cypress National Preserve from being classified as wilderness or included in the National Wilderness Preservation System. The bill was introduced in the US Congress with the intention of preserving the current management and use of the preserve, which is located in Florida.

The bill seeks to maintain the current level of access and recreational opportunities within the preserve, while also ensuring that the preserve can continue to be used for activities such as hunting, fishing, and off-road vehicle use. Additionally, the bill aims to protect the rights of private landowners within the preserve and prevent any further restrictions on their land use.

Supporters of the bill argue that designating the Big Cypress National Preserve as wilderness would limit access and recreational opportunities for visitors, as well as restrict the rights of private landowners. They believe that the current management of the preserve is sufficient to protect its natural resources and wildlife, without the need for additional wilderness designation. Opponents of the bill, however, argue that designating the preserve as wilderness would provide greater protection for its unique ecosystems and wildlife, and ensure that it remains preserved for future generations. They believe that the current management of the preserve is not enough to prevent potential threats from development and other human activities. Overall, Bill 119 s 446 is a contentious piece of legislation that highlights the ongoing debate between conservation and access within national preserves. It will be important to closely monitor the progress of the bill in Congress to see how it may impact the future management of the Big Cypress National Preserve.

Congressional Summary of S 446

This bill prohibits the Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida from being designated as wilderness or as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The National Park Service currently manages Big Cypress National Preserve, which is a freshwater swamp ecosystem of 729,000 acres. 

In general, development activities, commercial activities, permanent structures, and roads are prohibited in wilderness areas. In contrast, natural preserves typically allow some development activities, such as hunting or oil and gas exploration.

Current Status of Bill S 446

Bill S 446 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 6, 2025. Bill S 446 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on February 6, 2025.  Bill S 446's most recent activity was Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably and an amendment to the title. as of February 4, 2026

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 446

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 446

Primary Policy Focus

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Potential Impact Areas

- Florida
- Parks, recreation areas, trails
- Wilderness and natural areas, wildlife refuges, wild rivers, habitats

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 446

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.
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.

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