What’s New: Our latest email update

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

What a week.

Last Saturday, dozens of residents gathered to learn, plan, and prepare for a critical week in the effort to oppose the proposed gravel mine. Days later, community members delivered 16 public comments before Norvell Township officials, and the Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee voted to send a letter expressing concerns about the proposal’s impacts on the state park system.

These developments represent meaningful progress and demonstrate the growing attention being paid to the serious concerns surrounding this proposal.

None of this happened by accident. It happened because people showed up, got informed, got organized, and took action.

Community Meeting Recap

Last Saturday’s IHCC Community Meeting brought residents together to learn about the decision-making process, understand who the key decision-makers are, and prepare for the important Township meetings that followed. It was also an opportunity to share information, coordinate efforts, and build momentum for the work ahead.
We provided an update on our petition campaign:

• 850 signatures from Norvell Township residents and property owners
• 437 signatures from supporters outside Norvell Township

Together, these signatures demonstrate the widespread concern about this proposal and the growing support for protecting our community.

We also discussed common narratives and misinformation surrounding the mine proposal and reviewed two versions of our “Myths vs. Facts” resource:

• Abridged handout version distributed at the meeting: here!
• Full-length version with additional detail and supporting information: here!

During the discussion, Billy King’s “Mine Your Own Business” parody song also came up, and we promised to share it with everyone. Inspired by the proposed mine and some of the commentary surrounding the project, the song offers a creative local perspective on what is at stake for our community. Watch it here!

Residents Build the Case Against the Mine

On Monday, IHCC members presented concerns before the Norvell Township Board, and on Wednesday residents again spoke before the Planning Commission.

Across both meetings, 16 IHCC members stood before Township officials and a packed room of supporters to convey the many ways this proposed gravel mine would affect our community. Residents addressed environmental impacts, wetlands and prairie fens, wildlife habitat, road safety, truck traffic, noise, air quality, property values, impacts on Watkins Lake State Park and Hayes State Park, and the long-term consequences for Norvell Township’s rural character.

Each speaker brought their own perspective and expertise. Together, we built a powerful factual record demonstrating the serious concerns raised by this proposal.

The comments were well received by Township officials, several of whom thanked residents for being organized, respectful, and focused on the facts. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who spoke, attended, helped prepare comments, or supported the effort in any way.

State Parks Advisory Committee Takes Action

On Wednesday, the Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee voted to send a resolution to Norvell Township expressing concerns about the proposed mine’s impacts on Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve, Hayes State Park, and the Michigan state park system.

This is an important step and a direct result of the advocacy efforts undertaken by community members over the past several months.

Thank you to everyone who attended meetings, spoke at meetings, sent letters, shared information with neighbors, and helped elevate concerns about the proposal. Your efforts are making a difference.

Save the Dates

Brooklyn 4th of July Parade
Saturday, July 4th at 10:00 AM
Brooklyn, MI 49230

IHCC Community Meeting
Saturday, July 11th at 10:30 AM
107 Chicago St.
Brooklyn, MI 49230

IHCC Summer Picnic
Tuesday, August 26th
Hayes State Park Pavilion
Brooklyn, MI 49230

More details will be shared as these events approach. If you would like to get involved with the 4th of July parade preparations or help with future outreach efforts and community events, please email: protectpark@IHCCinfo.org.

In conclusion…

The past week demonstrated what is possible when a community comes together around a shared purpose. Thank you for being part of this effort. There is still work ahead, but together we are building a strong, credible, and effective case for protecting our parks, our roads, our health, and the character of our community.

Our banners are sprouting up in the Irish Hills! Thank you to the generous folks who displayed them: the Gauci family in front of the Irish Hills Towers; Amber Houttekier at the corner of US-12 and M-52; Ryan Johnson and Debbie Owen on Herman Rd., just around the corner from Watkins Lake State Park! We’re letting people know in a big way that the proposed gravel mine is a bad idea!