March 1, 2001

Letters to the Editor

The Mining Journal

249 W. Washington, St.

Marquette, MI 49855

Dear Editor,

The Citizens to Save Deer Lake Coalition wish to alert the community to plans by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to construct a concrete boat launch ramp, a 10 space parking lot, and an access road on the east end of Deer Lake in Shelter Bay, Alger County. Our Coalition opposes the MDNR plan because of the large amount of environmental damage that will result to the pond, forest with century-plus aged trees, a sand bank that will be bulldozed next to the shoreline, and the dredging of a wetland community and shallow part of the lake.

An Alternative Plan has been drafted by our group that would provide access to Deer Lake for fishermen and other boaters while conserving the environmental integrity of the east end of Deer Lake. We believe our plan resolves the issue regarding the increased amount of habitat loss, pollution, noise, and safety that would ensue from the MDNR's planned launch site, and we believe our plan would serve the welfare of the most citizens for the longest period of time.

Much information regarding this issue has been posted on our web site and you are encouraged to visit at:

http://members.nbci.com/SaveDeer/index.htm

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely yours,

Don Snitgen

P.O. Box 159

Au Train, MI 49806