Some of the examples Elizabeth presents include the possible risks associated with a technological solution and warns that man must be careful about the unintended consequences of proposed actions. As an example, she points to the Chicago River where city leaders tried to address water-borne diseases. However, the Asian carp imported to do bio control took over, outcompeting native fish populations and lowering water quality, and left parts of the Mississippi River with a serious carp problem.

But the question still remains – whose job is it to put the kayak launch back to rights? After all, it is an official stop on the Blueways Trail, which is a interconnected statewide map and information system that gives kayakers access to where some of the best waterways are located along 220 miles of coastline. It includes tidal creeks, estuary bays and, in this area, Charlotte Harbor.

Last November, North Port’s City Commission reviewed and accepted an unsolicited proposal from WMS Development Group, LLC to repair and restore the current facilities at the Springs, and to add a “Phase 2” development that includes condominiums, health spa and other amenities, by expanding the developed area of the park.