Pickerel Lake the peaceful, pond-sized refuge in nearby Dexter may soon be home to more than nature lovers the Michigan Department of Natural Resources plans to "improve" the 23-acre lake and its surrounding area by building a boat launch on its small sandy slope.

The lake is unusually deep for its size, which according to the DNR makes it especially good for trout fishing the DNR says the launch will benefit local fishermen. Unfortunately, the boat launch will do more than make this area accessible to trout-seeking anglers it will disrupt the atmosphere at the lake and possibly harm the area"s delicate ecosystem.

The plan calls for gravel to be added to the small "beach" and to the nearby dirt parking lot.

A group of about 300 dissentients swimmers, picnickers, kayakers and other lake-lovers has been the DNR"s most vocal opponent. Calling themselves Friends of Pickerel Lake, members of the group point out that a new ramp will appeal to more than just fishermen. Where there are boat launches, there are often high-speed watercraft. Additionally, motorized vehicles bring noise pollution as well as air and possibly water pollution.

The marshy area and woods surrounding the lake also deserve the DNR"s protection. As huge department stores and malls continue to pop up in formerly serene areas across the country, it is our responsibility to preserve our local natural treasures.

The DNR currently manages only one lake in all of Washtenaw County Mill Lake in Waterloo Recreation Area where motorized watercraft use is restricted. That translates into 163 out of 6054 water acres devoted to "passive recreation." Friends of Pickerel Lake say that space must be set aside for bird-watchers, sunbathers and others whose presence will not include chemical pollutants.

The parks bureau maintains that Pickerel Lake is maintained with marine fuel revenue, funding that"s only supposed to go to areas with boating access. But Pickerel Lake does have a small wooden pier used by canoers and kayakers these vessels are no less "boats" than their large, pollutant-spweing counterparts.

Bringing more traffic to the Pickerel Lake area would do far more harm than good. It would wreck what little beach there is, leaving little room for families on picnics and bring unwelcome noise. Also, it would endanger the rich, valuable wetlands around the lake.

If the DNR won"t speak up in the lake"s defense, responsibility falls to private citizens who don"t want to see their lake ruined. Washtenaw County residents and anyone else who thinks Pickerel Lake should remain a safe haven for interesting plants, animals and visiting people should join the Friends of Pickerel Lake in their plight to preserve the beautiful spot. The DNR should not be allowed to construct this boat launch without a fight ... and we are the last line of defense.