Residents gather to oppose gravel mine adjacent to Watkins Lake State Park

Andy Buchsbaum addressing nearly 100 people concerned about the gravel mine proposed for Norvell Township. The meeting was organized by Irish Hills Concerned Citizens. Photo by Sylvia Kay.

submitted by Linda Knox, Irish Hills Concerned Citizens

Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve is known for its scenic lake, rolling hills, and mix of forests and wetlands that draw hikers, paddlers, birders, and southeast Michigan residents seeking quiet outdoor space. A proposed gravel mine on land bordering the park, however, has prompted growing concern about how industrial activity could change that setting.

At a February 7 community meeting held in Brooklyn by Irish Hills Concerned Citizens (IHCC), Andy Buchsbaum, a Mud Lake homeowner, environmental attorney, and IHCC’s vice president, described plans by American Aggregates/Levy to mine up to 625 acres of a 900-acre parcel adjacent to the park and preserve. The proposal includes leveling existing hills, constructing 15- to 20-foot berms, and operating an aggregate processing facility near Watkins Lake. Mining operations could continue for roughly 20 years and generate an average of 18 truck trips per hour, running as many as 13 hours a day, more than five days a week.

Much of the discussion focused on how the project could affect the adjacent public land set aside by the State of Michigan for recreational use and to protect sensitive species. The mining proposal does not mention Watkins Lake State Park in its discussion of environmental impacts on nearby land. Buchsbaum raised concerns about dust, noise, and vibration, as well as potential impacts to wetlands, wildlife habitat, and water quality flowing toward Watkins Lake. Buchsbaum stated that some concerns were noted but not fully addressed in the review presented to Norvell Township by the consulting firm it hired to assess the proposal.

Truck traffic was another particular focus of the IHCC presentation. According to the mining company’s proposal, haul trucks would travel along Wamplers Lake Road, a corridor that includes bike lanes and is regularly used by pedestrians. It would also pass through Hayes State Park, between the campground and the boat launch. The mining proposal includes a traffic study that concluded that the sustained heavy traffic would cause no safety concerns for traffic, cyclists, or pedestrians. But Buchsbaum noted that the study was done in February 2023, which the proposal described as a “high traffic” time for the area, and made no mention of Watkins Lake or Hayes state parks. 

Under township ordinance and state law, a mining permit may be denied if it would cause “very serious consequences,” including impacts on natural resources, public safety, and the overall public interest. The permit applicant must also establish a “need for the gravel in the market served by the applicant.” IHCC’s presentation questioned whether gravel from this site is needed, noting that American Aggregates identified customers up to 50 miles away, while hundreds of existing gravel suppliers operate closer to those same markets in southeast Michigan.

The project is now moving through Norvell Township’s review process. A permit application was submitted in November, followed by the consultant’s report issued in January. The Norvell Planning Commission is expected to take public comment and hold at least one public hearing before making a recommendation to the Township Board, which will then hold its own hearings and vote on whether to approve the permit.

IHCC and partner organizations are encouraging local residents and Michiganders statewide to participate in the public review process and to request a full, independent evaluation by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Organizers say the decision will shape not only the future of Watkins Lake State Park, but how communities balance development with the protection of shared natural and recreational spaces.

Almost 100 people attended the meeting in person and online. More than 50 stayed after the presentation to gather in teams to discuss strategies to raise funds and awareness, and to address concerns about the parks, environmental health in the community, the rural character of the area, and safety on the roads.

IHCC is a new nonprofit whose mission is to protect Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve and the rural character of the surrounding community. Anyone interested in learning more or volunteering is encouraged to visit ihccinfo.org for links to resources and opportunities to sign up for news and activities, or to make a donation. 

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.