Proposed by
The
Citizens to Save Deer Lake Coalition
March, 1999
The Citizens to Save Deer Lake Coalition (CSDL) proposes the following plan as an alternative to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' (MDNR) plan to construct a concrete boat launch ramp, an 18-space parking lot, and an access road on the east end of Deer Lake, Shelter Bay, Onota Township, Alger County.
The tenets upon which The Citizens to Save Deer Lake Coalition bases its alternative plan are:
Therefore, The Citizens to Save Deer Lake Coalition recommends:
A. That the ecosystem at the east end of Deer Lake remain intact and conserved by constructing:
1. No access road from Highway M-28.2. No parking lot.
3. No concrete boat ramp in the Lake.
4. No chain link fence.
B. That fishing accessibility be expanded near the juncture of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) properties within the following limitations:
1. Boat launching access to Deer Lake will be via a wood-chip path connecting the MDOT parking lot and the shore. No trees will be cut other than those absolutely necessary to construct the path, and no trees larger that 8 inches DBH will be cut during the construction of the path. This action may be achieved by changing the rules rather than changing the environment and will require two State bodies, MDOT and MDNR, to communicate and cooperate on behalf of the citizens of Michigan.2. Use of petroleum fueled motors will be prohibited on Deer Lake.
3. Use of motors on Deer Lake will be restricted to electric motors.
4. Persons who currently own land on Deer Lake will be provided a two year grace period (until July 1, 2002) to comply with the new boat-motor restrictions.
C. That conservation education be enhanced by developing an interpretive trail through the forest and around the pond on the east end of Deer Lake. Local volunteers could help develop and maintain the trail. Such a feature would be a fine recreational facility for tourists visiting the area.
D. On behalf of present and future citizens, the MDNR is encouraged to take specific action to permanently preserve the 30+ acres of forest, pond, wetland, and shoreline on the east end of Deer Lake.
In contrast to the current MDNR plan, The Citizens to Save Deer Lake Coalition believes its proposal for changes in access to Deer Lake may be achieved without significant disturbance to the pond, forest, wetland, and shoreline ecosystems nor would it result in degradation to the aesthetic environment on the east end of Deer Lake.
The costs will be significantly less to employ the CSDL plan and subsequent maintenance will cost less.
The majority of Deer Lake land owners are currently in compliance with the recommended regulations.
The quality of the drinking water supply in the Shelter Bay community depends upon the quality of the water in Deer Lake.
Observations by local residents made at the MDOT beach and picnic area during maximum use periods (e.g. 4th of July weekend, Labor Day) revealed there was ample parking space for 3-4 vehicles towing boat trailers to park in the south section of the lot. No new parking lot nor no new road is needed to access the lake for fishing or any other purpose.
A large segment of our society needs to view relatively unspoiled nature. Big trees are a special attraction. But, the big trees in the world are being cut at an ever escalating rate. As a society, we have a responsibility to save the few remaining trees on public land that are 100+ years of age, so that our children and grandchildren have a chance to experience standing amongst them.
The Citizens to Save Deer Lake Coalition encourages all agencies and citizens to work together to preserve the environment on the east end of Deer Lake for the benefit of all.
Donald A. Snitgen
Shelter Bay
http://members.nbci.com/SaveDeer/index.htm
To Letter to Legislator