County Drafts Letter of Opposition to Emigrant Gravel Pit

 

Section 22 (outlined in white) north of Emigrant. Photo courtesy of Lighthawk

We have an important update to share with you regarding the proposed gravel pit on state trust land, section 22, north of Emigrant. A letter of opposition to the proposed gravel mine is on the county commission agenda for a vote at next Tuesday’s meeting. 

Our elected officials heard your concerns via the numerous phone calls, emails and public comments you and our community sent their way. It is our understanding that Commissioner Wells drafted and placed the letter on the agenda.

The letter states that Park County has “met our local needs for gravel resources and no longer require access to State Section 22 for gravel.” 

Since Riverside Contracting plainly stated in their lease application to the State that this pit would directly serve their needs for work in Yellowstone National Park, the County goes on to state further that they “oppose the development of a new gravel pit on public lands in Park County to meet the construction needs of Yellowstone National Park.”

Needless to say, all of us at PCEC are thrilled that our commissioners listened to all of you and changed their position on the proposed gravel pit. Section 22 is no place for an industrial scale gravel pit and asphalt plant. 

Now is the time to send a heartfelt thank you to the commissioners for listening to your concerns. Encourage the commissioners to approve the letter of opposition while you’re at it. Letting the Land Board know that our county is overwhelmingly opposed to the gravel pit is an important message for them to hear.

Meeting Details:

Show up to the county commission meeting to encourage the approval of the letter of opposition and thank them in person:

 

DATE: Tuesday, April 14

TIME: 9:00 AM

LOCATION: Community Room, City County Complex, 414 East Callendar St.

 

Or join via the virtual meeting option HERE.

 

Commissioner contact info:

Participate Virtually Here

Two months ago the commissioners were considering sending a letter of support to the Land Board. Since that time they have received hundreds of comments in opposition to that action. We have had over 1,500 people sign our petition opposing the proposed gravel pit. We would like to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to reach out on this issue.

If you would like to learn more about the proposal, visit our website and read about some of the background of the development threat to Section 22 HERE.

We must stand tall in the face of threats to our public lands, however large or small they are. When we do, we can make a difference locally, as this community has just proven. Our local elected officials listened to their constituents, and it made all the difference. 

On Section 22 looking south towards Emigrant Peak.

 
Melynda Harrison