Landowners contest proposed mineral resource designation near Lake St. Clair

Residents with property near Lake St. Clair told the Planning Commission April 26 they oppose a proposed mineral resource designation that commenters said appears on maps as including privately owned agricultural land.

Claire McGibbon, who said she had only recently learned of the designation from a neighbor, said the parcel is surrounded by Lake St. Clair and McAllister Springs watershed and described the site as geologically sensitive. "If this were ever developed, it would have huge impact on the entire lake," McGibbon said, and she said she would submit written comments with a detailed response.

Sharon Kehie (spelled phonetically in the record), who identified herself as a landowner on the same parcel, told commissioners the property is rural residential on three sides and said a mineral resource designation was "grossly inappropriate." She asked the commission what steps owners should take to challenge the designation.

Todd Anderson said his family owns the parcel and that it had been in agricultural use for more than 100 years. "We are against this designation of our property," Anderson said. He also urged the county to contact landowners before designating private property for mineral extraction, saying access would be difficult and the parcel should not be used for mineral extraction.

Commissioners did not make an immediate change during the hearing. Staff did not present any new map edits at the meeting; the public record remains open to written comments. Several speakers asked staff for clarity on the designation process and whether property owners are notified before map changes are finalized.