In the original MDNR plan there were specifications for a chain link fence to run from the shoreline inland along the border between private property to the southeast and the State property to the northwest. There has been no indication that the fence has been deleted from the current plan. What constructing a chain link fence as planned would do is effectively destroy an invaluable recreation and exercise resource for the local citizens who use that area year around for hiking, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, nature study, and snowmobiling.
But, since the MDNR doesn't seem to care much about the effect the boat launch will have on the humans who live in the neighborhood, consider the wildlife.
Quotations from the WWW about
sportsmen's concerns about wildlife being blocked off by
increasing numbers of fences being erected in the
forests. "A recent rush to fence in private
property has vast implications for Michigan's wildlife. Not only will
wildlife be entrapped, but travel corridors will be cut off taking
away critical habitat and denying public access to nature." "The public is largely unaware of
this new threat to Michigan's wildlife habitat. We certainly cannot assume
"sound scientific management" of our wildlife resources because Proposal
G promised it to the voters in the '96 election. Citizens must unite
locally to keep our natural areas from degrading into masses of
enclosures." DETROIT FREE PRESS Local Comment
(Forum)May 7, 1999 http://my.voyager.net/harriss/990605A.htm In all fairness, these quotes are
taken out of context. The author was talking about very
large game enclosures. But, I think the comments still apply
to the chain link fence planned by the MDNR at the east end
of Deer Lake. Don Snitgen
A fence from the Deer Lake shoreline that would extend inland any distance would force wildlife to venture closer to highway M-28 in order to hunt over their usual range.
We may expect to see larger numbers of species being killed by motor vehicles on the highway. Local citizens can attest to the fact there are already a large number of wild animals killed on the highway between Deerton and Rock River bridge.
Species I have personally identified, dead along that stretch of M-28, include white tailed deer, coyote, red fox, pine martin, skunk, raccoon, red squirrel, gray squirrel, long-eared owl, barred owl, and herring gull. Other species observed in Shelter Bay, but not yet witnessed having been run over by a motor vehicle, include bobcat, fisher, grey fox, beaver, mink, otter, black bear, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and possibly wolf sign.
In conclusion, constructing a chain link fence at the site of the boat launch, as planned by the MDNR, will have a significant negative impact on wildlife and humans in the Deer Lake area.