About the Park
- Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve
Opened in 2016, Watkins Lake State Park protects Michigan wetlands and wildlife while offering public access to this unique area. - Watkins Lake State Park & County Preserve General Management Plan
(DNR and Washtenaw Co Parks & Rec Commission) This is a ten-year plan; we are in approximately year seven. - The Greater Irish Hills Recreation Plan is in the final stages of approval. It lists Watkins Lake State Park as an asset and appendix C 7 & 21 discuss a proposed rail trail from Watkins to Brooklyn.
About the Proposed Mine
- Press release from American Aggregates of Michigan, Inc.
Regarding the application for gravel mining at Watkins Lake State Park. - The Levy-Norvell Gravel Mine Project
All documents regarding the mine application, downloadable - Norvell Township’s Mining Ordinance
(.PDF document) - Norvell Township Master Plan
A policy guide for the land commission of Norvell Township (.PDF document) - An explanation of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act
Under which townships cannot prevent gravel mining unless “very serious consequences” are proven. From Citizens Protect Irish Hills. - An explanation of “very serious consequences”
The criteria under which a mine must be denied, according to the Michigan Zoning and Enabling Act. From Citizens Protect Irish Hills.
April 11 IHCC Meeting
Slides from the April 11 meeting, including, in the last two slides, a summary of Action Suggestions from the community.
March 14 IHCC Meeting
The recording of the March 14 IHCC Community Meeting. Highlights: Background on the gravel mine application and how we can oppose. Also a generous talk from Peter Psarouthakis, former Sharon Township supervisor, on how they approached the challenge of a proposed gravel mine in Sharon Tsp. They won!
The slides from the March 14 meeting outline the in-depth information covered by the presenters, especially regarding the gravel mine application and whether it complies with the Michigan Zoning and Enabling Act.
Feb. 7 IHCC Meeting
The slides from the Feb. 7 meeting provide a helpful outline of information covered by the presenters, the IHCC Board of Directors. If you have questions or comments, feel free to use the form on the Contact page. We welcome your input!
Here is the recording from the Feb. 7 public meeting.
Jan 24 IHCC Meeting
Following are slides from the Jan. 24 informational meeting. They provide an overview of what was covered by the IHCC Board members and presenting experts.
