February 28, 2001

Governor John Engler

State Capitol

Lansing, Michigan 48909

Dear Governor Engler,

I am writing this letter to you as an appeal for help in our attempt to protect a forest grove containing century-plus aged trees and the shoreline of a lake and a wetland. I am referring to the plan, proposed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, to construct a concrete boat ramp, 10 space parking lot, and access road on the east end of Deer Lake, Onota Township, Alger County.

The Citizens to Save Deer Lake Coalition is composed of persons opposed to the planned boat launch because of the threat of damage to the forest, wetland, and littoral zones on Deer Lake and an associated pond. Our group has offered a compromise in the form of an Alternative Plan. I am requesting that you compare and contrast the two plans and decide which will benefit the largest number of citizens for the longest period of time. And I appeal to you to give serious and thoughtful consideration to our reasons for opposing the MDNR plan.

Some persons have told me they oppose our Alternative Plan, not because of its tenets, nor do they question whether or not our plan would resolve the issue. They say something like, "Oh, you will never get the DNR and the Michigan Department of Transportation to cooperate that way." I find this attitude appalling. When I answer that the two agencies are both State agencies charged with the welfare of all the citizens of Michigan, my detractors just look at me to see if I'm smiling or serious. When they see I'm serious, they just shake their heads signaling their doubts about my sanity.

Maybe it is a crazy idea, but I'm guessing that as the CEO of the State of Michigan you would also be appalled at this attitude about two of your departments and the fact that it seems to be fairly ubiquitous. So, what I am asking you to do is to please encourage the MDNR and MDOT to consider cooperating in the implementation of our ecologically benign Alternative Plan. For example, the MDNR has already purchased land from MDOT for the purpose of constructing the launch. In order to implement our plan, another land sale or trade could be negotiated between the two agencies in order to provide access without destroying the environmental integrity of the wetland and forest at the east end of Deer Lake.

We are willing to consider adjustments to the Alternative Plan so long as the result does not damage the ecosystem at the east end of the Lake. For example, a small dock with a handicap accessible fishing platform would be welcome. Our recommended location would be closer to the swimming beach than the MDNR's proposed site, but it is not in an area frequented by swimmers. In that our plan calls for banning all motors except electric motors, the pollution and danger caused by speeding boats would be eliminated.

If our plan is implemented all will benefit. Fishermen will have greater access to the Lake, the MDOT park and MDNR forest will continue to provide a wonderful outdoor recreational resource for which they are currently used, and the invaluable forest and wetland habitats will remain intact. And, showing that two state agencies can, indeed, cooperate for the public good will help to dispel cynical attitudes to the contrary.

I am enclosing a copy of our current newsletter and the Alternative Plan. Much information about the conflict may be perused on our web site: http://members.nbci.com/SaveDeer/index.htm

Thank you for giving this matter your kind attention. Would you please let me know if you can help us resolve this matter?

Sincerely yours,

Donald A. Snitgen

P.O. Box 159

Au Train, MI 49806

p.s. I am sending a copy of this letter and enclosures to the directors of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Transportation.