Group appeals gravel mine expansion near Anacortes ANACORTES (AP) — A gravel mine expansion near Lake Erie south of Anacortes has been appealed to the Skagit County Board of Commissioners. Representatives of the nonprofit Evergreen Islands will argue on Feb. 9 that Skagit County Hearing Examiner Wick Dufford was wrong to approve a permit for the expansion. Skagit County Planning and Development staff will defend their work that led to Dufford's decision.