Preserving the 'Tunnel of Trees': Group to hold informational session Sept. 10 on M-119 efforts

By Kate Bassett
Harbor Light Newspaper

There are few drives in the country that match the quiet beauty found along M-119’s Tunnel of Trees. The stretch of highway running north of Harbor Springs to Cross Village has long been a favorite route for motorists and bike riders, as the canopy of trees winds beside a panoramic view of Lake Michigan’s many blue hues.

Almost as impressive as the roadway itself is the long history of people who have been dedicated to protecting it. In the last two decades, the preservation of the Tunnel of Trees has been thanks to the work of the Scenic Heritage Route Committee.

The committee is hosting an educational forum on September 10 at Readmond Hall, and will be presenting information on the history of becoming a heritage route—dating back to preservation efforts made by grassroots organizers in 1936—as well as updates on the route’s management plan and priorities.

According to information provided by Patty O’Donnell of the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, the actual route designation efforts began in 1993, immediately following the passage of a federal and state programming for scenic byways.

To qualify for the program, a roadway had to exhibit “exceptional compositional merit,” O”Donnell said.

In January 2002, a formal adoption of the M-119 Heritage Route Management Plan took place. The plan was designed under the guidance of the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments and the Scenic Heritage Route Corridor Management Plan advisory committee (made up of three delegates each from Readmond, Friendship, Cross Village Townships, and in partnership with the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians; Michigan Department of Transportation; Emmet County Lakeshore Association; and the Emmet County Planning Commission).

Following the passage of the plan, O’Donnell said a variety of projects—from historic signage to an inventory of tree species took place. The committee continues to meet monthly, she said.

“Top priority projects right now include continuing to clarify and educate corridor landowners on tree management, responsible tree trimming on steep slopes; importance of old growth timber for maintaining wildlife habitats, invasive species, and the use of native vegetation.”

O’Donnell also cited working with the Michigan Heritage Route Program and other Scenic Heritage Routes regarding sign placement and type, as well as continuing to provide input and guidance on the wooden bridge project.

“We also want to develop a resource list of historically significant people and locations on the Heritage Route and continue to create and maintain historic markers where appropriate, such as the old brickyard and the Solomon Francis House,” she said, adding plans are underway to create a document detailing the history of the roadway.

The committee is also reviewing the Emmet County Comprehensive Plan regarding the Scenic Heritage Route Corridor, and plans to work with Emmet County and the townships to improve the protection of scenic resources.

During the educational forum, the committee will answer questions and hold discussion after they give a presentation. The forum will take place on Thursday, September 10 at 6:30 p.m. in Readmond Township Hall, located at 6008 Wormwood Lane off of State Road. Dessert and refreshments will be provided.

For more information, contact Patty O’Donnell (231) 929-5039 or email pattyodonnell@nwm.cog.mi.us.

This is part of the September 2, 2009 online edition of Harbor Light Newspaper.

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