Gravel Mine at Watkins Lake State Park?
The Irish Hills faces a serious threat from a proposed gravel mining operation adjacent to Watkins Lake State Park & County Preserve. Possible impacts include environmental damage to water, wildlife, and fragile ecosystems, as well as constant heavy truck traffic and industrial noise disrupting rural roads, public safety, and the park’s peaceful character.
Stay current on latest developments and how you can be involved in opposing this mine by joining the Irish Hills Concerned Citizens (IHCC) mailing list!!
What’s New:
IHCC has submitted this letter to the Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee requesting that “…the Advisory Committee demand that the Parks and Recreation Department uphold its mission to ‘protect, and preserve the natural, historic, and cultural features of Michigan’s unique resources’ by assessing the impacts of the proposed mine on the two state parks.”
Township requests more information
The Township has formally requested additional information from American Aggregates of Michigan (AAOM) as part of the conditional use and mining permit review process. This request brings together questions raised by IHCC that reflect our collective concerns, along with additional items identified by other community members and the Township itself. You can read the full letter below. It is encouraging to see our concerns formally conveyed to American Aggregates by the Norvell Township’s legal counsel and Bill Sutherland, Township Supervisor.
While the Township is waiting for the mining company to respond, it is important that we take this opportunity to continue to organize as a community so that we are prepared when the public comment period opens. We value your input in this process and look forward to hearing your thoughts on Saturday.
Upcoming dates
Next IHCC Community Meeting – Saturday, May 16. 10:30 AM.
In person: 107 Chicago St., Brooklyn. Zoom: TBA
Norvell Township Board Meeting – Monday, April 20, 6 pm
Norvell Township Planning Commission – Wed., April 15, 6 pm. Cancelled for April.
Community Outreach Events
Friends of Watkins Lake State Park (FoWL) Earth Day Event
14801 Arnold Rd, Brooklyn
Sunday, April 19, 12:30-3:00 pm
Earth Day Celebration in the Park
Sparks Park Cascades, Jackson
Sunday, April 26, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Join us for an afternoon of family-friendly activities including children’s programming, kayaking (weather permitting), face painting, tree seedling and plant giveaways, live animals, and more!
Walk at Watkins Lake – every Sunday at 3+ PM. A non-directed walk to experience what we are protecting.
IHCC Community Meeting
Slides from the April 11 meeting available on the Learn More website page.
We had a great turnout at the April 11 Community Meeting. Presenters covered:
- The potential dangers of up to 180 gravel trucks per day on our roads
- Risks to property values and township tax revenues
- How to advocate for our state parks and natural resources
- Next steps and upcoming actions
And we appreciated the engaged and insightful comments. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Yard Signs available
At these supportive retail shops – please thank them!
Callaghan’s Coffee Shop
109 S. Main Street, Brooklyn 49230
Monday – Friday – 6:00 am to 2:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday – 7:00 am to 2:00 pm
Jugheads Party Store
102 Mill Rd, Norvell, MI 49263
(517) 536-4010 – for hours
Sharon Valley Bicycle Shoppe
108 E. Main Street, Manchester 48158
Monday – Tuesday – CLOSED
Wednesday – Friday – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday – 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Please utilize the donation button on our website to minimize their need to handle money.
- Please thank them by being a patron, if you can.
- We appreciate a $10 donation to cover our costs. Thank you!
Email updates
March 19 – IHCC Response to MDOT
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) says that there is not enough reason to adopt safety measures for M-124 if 18 gravel trucks per hour travel on the haul route roads. IHCC has a response to that – please read!
March 14 – Update from IHCC meeting
March 6 – How Community Input Is Helping Shape Gravel Mine Review + How To Stay Involved
Facebook Group
Join the lively conversation at Irish Hills Concerned Citizens!
Donate to IHCC
Your donation to IHCC will help us
- ensure that the proposal is reviewed by credentialed, impartial experts.
- build a legal defense fund.
- mobilize Irish Hills residents, businesses and organizations as well as state park advocates throughout Michigan.
If writing a check, make it out to IHCC, send to: P.O. Box 72, Brooklyn MI 49230
VOLUNTEER
We have identified a number of areas where citizens can pool their knowledge, depending on interest and/or expertise. Meet your neighbors and be part of a dynamic initiative to Preserve Our Parks! No experience necessary.
Letters supporting our efforts
Many organizations are stepping up to support IHCC efforts. Among them: The Michigan Lake and Stream Association, Legacy Land Conservancy, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission. Manchester Township calls for a careful review.