Following an extensive period of emotional deliberation, the Natrona County Commissioners decisively rejected a contentious proposal for a gravel pit located near the base of Casper Mountain during their meeting on Tuesday evening. The denial of the permit elicited a standing ovation from the gathered audience.
CASPER — The prolonged emotional discourse surrounding the proposed gravel pit on state-owned land adjacent to Casper Mountain culminated in a significant moment of relief for its opponents, who applauded the Natrona County commissioners’ unanimous decision to deny the permit on Tuesday night.
Approximately 100 local residents attended the meeting to witness the commissioners’ decision regarding a conditional use permit for the gravel pit. The commissioners voted 4-0 to amend a zoning resolution from 2022, effectively removing any possibility for mining operations by Prism Logistics, which holds a lease from the state.
This vote effectively halts Prism’s plans for the time being.
Commission Chairman Peter Nicolaysen abstained from voting, a decision that contradicted the recommendations made by the county’s Planning and Zoning Commission.
County Commissioner Dave North, who initiated the motion for the amendment, expressed his confusion regarding how the conditional use permit for mining was classified under residential zoning in the 2022 resolution.
“There have been numerous issues with zoning, and I will be the first to acknowledge that,” he stated. “I genuinely do not understand how this classification was included, and that is the truth. It was not part of the resolution until 18 months ago.”
“I believe that, at this juncture, the most beneficial course of action for our community is to eliminate the option for a conditional use permit.”
Gregg Werger, a resident of Casper Mountain, highlighted that mining had been prohibited in the MR-1 zone for many years. His attempt to amend the resolution, which involved several procedural steps, was ultimately rejected by county planners with a vote of 4-1. This amendment effort brought to the forefront the community’s concerns during Tuesday’s meeting.
Commissioner Steven Freel supported North’s sentiments and proceeded to articulate further points.
Leave a Reply