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:
- The Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee (PAC) serves as a citizens’ advisory group to the DNR on state park issues.
- Public comment will immediately follow a presentation by Chris Graham, the representative for environmental organizations on the Parks Advisory Committee, about the proposed sand and gravel mine in Norvell Township.
- Our Memo to the Committee (see below) has been distributed to the committee, along with an internal memo from Parks Chief Kristin Kosick. Chief Kosick’s memo includes the statement: “we recognize that noise, dust, hydrology, wildlife movement, and visitor experience are of concern to many community members. Those concerns have been noted and referred to the appropriate internal divisions.” Now, we’ll ask for follow-up on those referrals.
- Why this matters: As a neighbor of the proposed mine and as a steward of nearby state land, the DNR has a clear responsibility to consider potential risks to both parks and bring those concerns to the attention of the Norvell Township Board during its review process. The township supervisor, township residents, IHCC, and other park users have asked the DNR to participate. To date, the official response has been to deny that it has a meaningful role to play.
- What we are asking for: We are urging the Advisory Committee to insist that the Parks and Recreation Department uphold its mission to protect and preserve Michigan’s natural, historic, and cultural resources by assessing the impacts of the proposed mine on the two nearby state parks.
- To attend the meeting: Go to the PAC web page and select “Join the Meeting” on April 22nd. No pre-registration is required. The platform is Microsoft Teams. If you plan to join by phone or tablet, it’s best to download the app in advance.
- Add “IHCC” to your name: To do so once you are in the meeting, select People > Hover over your name > More options > Edit display name and then type in “IHCC” after your name.
Attending the meeting is a great way to show your support for IHCC and the parks. If you are comfortable commenting during the public comment period, here’s what the committee needs to hear from you:
First, please thank the committee for putting this item on their meeting agenda. Brief, personal comments are often the most persuasive. Share your own experiences, observations, and specific examples. For example:
- Parks visitors: What park features that attract you might credibly be impacted by the mine? Do you imagine continuing to visit as often if the mine is operating as planned? Perhaps ask the committee to provide the township with a data-driven estimate of the decline in park visitors if the mine is approved.
- Business owners: How are park visitors important to your business? Perhaps ask the committee to provide the township with data about how parks contribute to commerce in Brooklyn and other local communities.
- Local residents: The DNR is the biggest landowner in Norvell Township. Share how the parks help define the character and quality of life of your community. Explain why the DNR’s voice would be valuable in the township’s review process and why its participation matters to residents like yourself.
We want to thank you all for everything you have done to help build this effort – and especially if you are able to attend, speak, and/or share this email with others locally and across Michigan. Community engagement is making a real difference. Your voice can help protect our parks and strengthen our community’s future.
– Irish Hills Concerned Citizens