Norvell Township DNR Letter Guide
Who this is for:
You live in Norvell Township and want the Township to formally involve the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Why send your letter now
While the formal public comment period on the mine permit cannot begin until the applicant revises its application, this is an important window to add information and concerns to the public record before the Township Board meets and before later decisions are considered.
Letters sent before the February 17th Board meeting help ensure these issues are documented and visible when the Township is discussing next steps.
Who to send it to
- To: Norvell Township Supervisor <bsutherland@norvelltwp-mi.gov>
- CC: DNR Director <Bowens7@michigan.gov>
DNR Chief of Parks <DNR-ParksAndRecreation@Michigan.gov>
Norvell Township Clerk <clerk@norvelltwp-mi.gov>
Subject line (choose one)
- Request for DNR Review of Proposed Mine Adjacent to Protected Public Lands
- Need for Agency Consultation on Proposed Mining Near Watkins Lake State Park
- Concerns About Proposed Gravel Mine and Impacts to Watkins Lake State Park
How to write your letter
Your letter does not need to be long. Short letters still carry weight. 3-5 sentences or bullet points are enough. Including personal experience is welcome but not required.
1. Opening:
Say who you are and why you’re writing. Here are some examples:
- “I am a Norvell Township resident writing with serious concerns about the proposed gravel mine next to Watkins Lake State Park.”
- “I have lived in Norvell Township for ___ years and I am concerned about the potential impacts of the proposed mine near Watkins Lake State Park.”
2. State the core problem:
You might mention one or more of the following…
- Impacts on trails, wildlife viewing, and the experience of park visitors
- Potential impacts on wildlife and particularly migratory birds
- Potential impacts to groundwater and surface water, wildlife habitat, noise and dust levels, and long-term environmental conditions
You can say:
I understand that these impacts have not been adequately studied or answered in the mining application.
3. Make the ask:
Be clear and direct:
Because these lands are near a state park, I respectfully request that the township seek a full review of the mining proposal from the Michigan DNR to ensure that potential impacts to park habitats, wildlife, and users are fully understood and addressed.
I also respectfully request that no public hearings be scheduled until all application deficiencies have been fully resolved and relevant agencies have had an opportunity to provide input.
4. Close:
- “Thank you for taking these concerns seriously.”
- “I appreciate your attention to protecting Watkins Lake State Park.”
Sign your name and include your address, if you are comfortable.
One last step (takes 10 seconds)
After you send your letter, please consider letting us know by filling out this quick form:
Thank you for taking a few minutes to stand up for Watkins Lake State Park. Acting now helps ensure that real-world impacts and unresolved questions are documented before officials are asked to approve or deny this proposal.
-Irish Hills Concerned Citizens (IHCC)