Category: IHCC News

  • The IHCC Community Summer Picnic is here!

    In less than one week, we’ll be gathering under the pavilion at W.J. Hayes State Park for our first-ever community picnic, and we’re looking forward to an afternoon filled with good food, good fun, and the people who make this community so special.

  • July 20 Norvell Township Board of Trustees Meeting Recap

    This was the first meeting attended by new Trustee, Zachary Panak, who was appointed on July 6. Also attending were Andrew Haystead, Supervisor; Sharon Pero, Clerk; Deserre Sauers, Treasurer; and Terri Curtis, Trustee. During the second Public comment period, IHCC was represented by four succinct and well-worded statements. Each statement was crafted to remind the Board that this application to place a gravel…

  • Park Visitors Are Speaking Up, and We Need Your Voice

    Something powerful is happening. Park visitors from across Michigan are adding their names to a unified message: the proposed industrial gravel mine adjacent to Watkins Lake State Park is the wrong project in the wrong place. We’re collecting signatures to send directly to the Governor and state park leadership — building a record that proves real people visit, love, and depend on these…

  • IHCC at Brooklyn’s 4th of July Parade

    Over a dozen marchers of all ages brought the IHCC message to the Brooklyn 4th of July parade. Cheers and applause greeted our crew as we walked by carrying a banner version of our yard sign at the front. Over 200 IHCC information cards were handed out, along with nature-themed temporary tattoos for the kids. We proudly represented Watkins Lake with: We were…

  • Community Members Show Up and Speak Out at Norvell Township Board Meeting

    On June 15th, 2026, the Irish Hills community made its voice heard at the Norvell Township Board Meeting. Sixteen residents and supporters stepped up to the public comment podium to speak directly to township decision-makers about the proposed Conditional Use Permit for a gravel mine adjacent to Watkins Lake State Park. Speakers cited a range of concerns — environmental, infrastructural, and community impact…

  • Sen. Sue Shink Walks the Trails at Watkins Lake and Hears Our Concerns

    On June 15th, Michigan State Senator Sue Shink brought her third annual Walk and Talk event to Watkins Lake State Park, joining 40 community members and DNR staff for a trail walk through one of the Irish Hills’ most beloved natural spaces. It was, by all accounts, a perfect June day — and a meaningful one. Residents walked the trails, took in the…

  • Banners Galore!

    Banners are showing up in every corner of the Irish Hills!

  • Letter to State Parks Advisory Committee

    To: Julie Clark, Chair, State Parks Advisory CommitteeFrom: Irish Hills Concerned Citizens Re: Proposed gravel mine abutting Watkins Lake State Park Date: April 12, 2026  We are writing today on behalf of Irish Hills residents who are concerned about the DNR’s refusal to participate in the assessment of a proposed gravel mine in Norvell Township, adjacent to Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve (WLP).…

  • Action Alert: IHCC at Parks Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting

    We have good news to share! We are on the agenda to address the Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee (PAC) at their public meeting on Wednesday, April 22nd (Earth Day) at 2 PM. We’re asking you to lend support by attending virtually, and (if you are comfortable doing so) making a public comment.   Here’s what you need to know: Attending the meeting is a great way to…

  • IHCC response to MDOT

    Dear Friends and Neighbors, In February, Township officials met with a representative from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to discuss serious concerns about the proposed use of M-124 as a haul route for the American Aggregates of Michigan (AAOM) mining application. What we learned raises significant concerns for our community. 1. MDOT Cannot Prohibit Trucks.  Despite the risks to residents and visitors,…