Thousands of concerned park users are speaking out against a proposed gravel pit development they say threatens a nearby provincial park.

Last March, Rocky View County approved a 131-hectare gravel pit owned by Mountain Ash despite opposition from conservationists, farmers, visitors, and residents.

The proposed gravel pit would operate near Big Hill Springs Provincial Park, which has many worried about the effects on nearby wildlife.

Aynsley Foss started a petition to raise awareness on the gravel pit and how it can harm habitats within the park.

She said there are many studies still to be done regarding the development.

"It's not low risk in this scenario because the provincial park is so close and there's an aquifer that different water co-ops nearby require as well as well users in the area and then definitely the springs and the creek is compromised."

According to the petition, 63 residents from Rocky View County opposed the pit while only 12 residents supported it. The vote proceeded despite a letter from Alberta Environment and Parks urging Council to delay its decision until a thorough environmental review could be completed.

Foss added they are not asking for the gravel pit to be scrapped altogether.

"Our hope is that we would have a five-kilometre buffer of no major development around the park to protect the springs, the unique species that are there. There's a unique aquatic species that are there as well as some species that are at risk in the area."

Foss said Rocky View County Council could make a decision on the permit for the gravel pit by July 13 with deadlines for feedback on the proposal due by July 5.

As of Tuesday morning, close to 4,000 people have signed the online petition calling for the buffer zone.