February 25, 2001

The Honorable Stephen Adamini

State Representative, State Capitol

P.O. Box 30014

Lansing, MI 48909-7514

Dear Representative Adamini:

I am requesting your assistance in resolving a conflict between local citizens and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The DNR has made plans to build a concrete boat ramp on Deer Lake in Shelter Bay, Alger County. This 250 acre lake is adjacent to M-28 halfway between Munising and Marquette. There has been organized opposition to this plan since 1998, when it was first proposed.

There are many issues here, but I would like to pick just a few. The proposed access road, parking lot, and ramp would degrade the natural environment which includes a mature forest with century-old trees and a wetland.

A roadside park managed by the Michigan Department of Transportation is located on M-28 at the east end of Deer Lake close to the proposed boat launch. The park has a very popular swimming beach with picnic facilities used by many local families, tourists from nearby resorts and cottages, and travelers making a rest stop. One consequence of the proposed launch site will be an increase in speeding water craft which will cause a dangerous situation for swimmers.

The proposed access road would come directly off M-28, along a small pond bank, and then make a turn into a lovely forest. A sand bank would be bulldozed, the shore would be dredged through a small wetland, rip rap would be dumped in, and the concrete ramp built out into the lake. This is outrageous for an agency charged with protecting our natural resources.

This is how you can help us in our efforts to conserve the natural habitat at the east end of Deer Lake. An alternative plan has been formulated that would provide access to the lake for fishermen and other boaters with minimal damage to the natural habitat. Would you please do what you can to encourage the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Transportation to cooperate in finding a way to implement our plan? For example, through a land sale or trade between the two agencies, the MDNR could acquire land adjacent to the MDOT park where an access drive and launch site could be developed. A dock and handicap accessible fishing platform would be welcome. The park already has ample toilet and parking facilities for persons who would be utilizing the launch site. Our alternative plan calls for a ban on all but electric motors which would eliminate the danger and pollution posed by power boats.

What will happen when large boats and personal watercraft launch at this site? The lake cannot support more than two or three pleasure boats at a time. The water stops flowing out of the lake in early summer. What will happen to the water quality with an increase in gasoline and oil entering the lake from more boat motors?

The ramp is unnecessary. There are many other public access sites nearby, including Au Train Lake and Lake Superior. I am enclosing our current newsletter and a copy of our alternative plan for your review. More information may be obtained from our web site: http://members.nbci.com/SaveDeer/index.htm

Would you please let me know if you can be of help? Thank you for your interest.

Sincerely,

Mary Snitgen

P.O. Box 159

Au Train, MI 49806

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