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Park County commissioners approve letter opposing proposed Section 22 gravel pit and temporary asphalt operation
Summary
After extensive public comment, the Park County Board of Commissioners voted to sign and send a letter to the DNRC, state land board and governor opposing a proposed gravel pit and temporary asphalt operation on Section 22 in Paradise Valley; commissioners cited access, safety and public‑land concerns.
The Park County Board of Commissioners voted April 14 to send a letter to the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, the state land board and the governor opposing a proposed gravel pit and a temporary asphalt operation on Section 22 in Paradise Valley.
Max Hertsberg, co-managing director of the Park County Environmental Council, told commissioners the draft letter reflects “a deep understanding” of local concerns and urged approval, saying Section 22 “is not a piece of public land that we should sacrifice for a gravel pit and asphalt plant.” Several other residents, including Ken Cochran speaking on behalf of Prince of Park County, urged the board to preserve access and the valley’s character.
Not all commenters agreed. Sabina Strauss of Gardner, joining online, said she was surprised by a sentence in the draft that states “we have met our local needs for gravel resources and no longer require access to the state Section 22.” Strauss characterized that sentence as misleading and noted the “asphalt, quote unquote, plant” described in permitting materials is a temporary mobile operation rather than a permanent plant.
Commissioners discussed permits that have recently been approved for other pits and noted differing community priorities. Commissioner Wells highlighted truck-safety concerns for Highway 89 South and said some residents who might normally favor gravel pits had raised worries about traffic and safety. After discussion, Commissioner Fitzgerald moved that the board sign the letter opposing the Section 22 proposal; the motion was seconded and carried with the board answering “aye.”
The approved motion directs staff to transmit the county’s letter to the DNRC, the state land board and the governor urging denial of the proposed gravel pit and related asphalt operation for the site described by speakers as a couple of miles north of Immigrant. The action was taken during the regular commission meeting and does not itself change permitting authority. Next steps will depend on decisions and processes at the state agencies the county has contacted.
