Irish Hills Concerned Citizens draws packed crowd for meeting on proposed gravel mine
Location of proposed sand and gravel mine in relation to Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve. From Levy-Norvell Project Exhibit 2. Site Plans. Mirror file image.
submitted by Emily Jade Foley, Irish Hills Concerned Citizens
Approximately 60 residents gathered Saturday morning at Frog Holler Farm located in Brooklyn, MI for a community meeting hosted by Irish Hills Concerned Citizens focused on concerns surrounding the proposed gravel mine adjacent to Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve. An additional approximately 17 people attended via Zoom, with 7 more participating remotely from the Jackson District Library.
The meeting included updates on legal strategy, expert testimony, fundraising efforts, and community organizing. IHCC also announced the retention of attorney Dan Bock of Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC to assist with legal and technical matters related to the proposed mine. The featured presentations focused on concerns related to haul truck traffic and potential public health and quality-of-life impacts along proposed haul routes. Attendees also participated in small-group discussions addressing community priorities, public outreach, fundraising, and next steps in the township review process. The meeting concluded with updates on petitions, volunteer activities, and distribution of new yard signs.
IHCC announced that the deadline for returning petitions has been extended to June 1 following the cancellation of Norvell township meetings last week.
The proposed mining project has generated growing public attention because of its proximity to Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve located in Manchester and Norvell Townships, an area known for hiking, paddling, birding, wetlands, forests, and scenic rural landscapes.
IHCC is a nonprofit community organization formed to protect Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve and its birds and wildlife, and to preserve the rural character of the surrounding region. Residents interested in learning more, volunteering, or supporting ongoing efforts are encouraged to visit IHCCinfo.org.
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