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La Pine resident raises concerns about county land sale for mine; points to nearby Spring Butte Rock operation
Summary
Al Shirk, identified as president of Le Pine Deschutes County, told commissioners he is concerned about a proposed county petition to convey 40 acres for a new mine and said a 1,200-acre private mine nearby already supplies needed aggregate.
A La Pine resident told the Board of Commissioners Wednesday he was concerned the county was considering offering 40 acres of land for a private hard-rock mining lease while a nearby private mine already produces similar aggregate materials for the region.
"I got this brought to my attention last night that Deschutes County is petitioning for 40 acres of land or to sell to Big Russell for a mine," said Al Shirk, who identified himself as president of Le Pine Deschutes County. Shirk said he supports additional aggregate supply but questioned the fairness of moving county land when a privately owned operation, Spring Butte Rock, already sits about 2.5 miles from the proposed site and is on private land.
Shirk told commissioners Spring Butte Rock occupies roughly 1,200 acres and was developed with private land leasing; he said Vic Russell's pit (which Shirk said is approximately 30 acres and has been mined for about 30 years) and other private pits serve the same customer base. He expressed concern about conveying public land without compensation or exchange and asked county staff and commissioners to clarify the process and whether documents or permits submitted to DOGAMI could be reviewed.
Commissioners thanked Shirk for appearing and suggested continuing the conversation offline; EDCO and county staff indicated they would follow up with him after the meeting.
Speakers quoted in this report were present at the Jan. 22 Deschutes County Board of Commissioners meeting and are listed below.
