M-119 Tunnel of Trees

 

 

Mission Statement: Recognizing the unique value of M-119 and the area surrounding the roadway, the M-119 Heritage Route Management Plan will strive to protect, preserve, and enhance the natural, scenic, and cultural character of the M-119 Heritage Route.

Brochure: Overview of M-119 Tunnel of Trees Heritage Route

 

Official discussion regarding M-119's preservation was initiated in 1990, when a roadside survey was conducted by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to determine the origins and destinations of the travelers using M-119. In 1992, MDOT contracted with the Little Traverse Conservancy, a local land protection agency, to conduct a scenic inventory of the roadway. This information was utilized by local citizens in the early discussions of the roadway's preservation and management as a heritage route. The goal of the M-119 Heritage Route Committee in 2002 was to develop a management plan that best reflected the interests of the community. The M-119 Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route was designated in 2003.

The Aerial Inventory was flown in 2011 and compiled into the report  here

 

Guides, Plans and Public Education

The M-119 Tunnel of Trees Corridor is designated a Scenic Heritage Route because of its natural beauty and because of the community's commitment to its integrity. The Committee seeks to educate the community on how to protect and maintain those characteristics that made it so valuable. Following are resources for landowners, transportation officials, businesses, and the public.

Tunnel of Trees Guidebook

Share the Road: Bike Etiquette and Common Sense Travel on M-119

Management Plan Update 2018
The purpose of the M-119 Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route Management Plan Update is to provide a review and revision of the M-119 Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route Committee's objectives and actions which incorporated an updated photographic inventory.

 

Committee

Because of the "Tunnel of Trees" and other scenic attributes and the inherent beauty displayed along the designated highway of M-119, the Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route Committee continues to work to ensure the residents of Emmet County that this Heritage Route will maintain the pastoral character of this region of the County and will be managed in a manner that protects the "Tunnel of Trees". M-119 is the only state highway in Emmet County and the only state road in Michigan without a center line.

 

Meeting schedule

Residents of the corridor, local officials, and members of the public are welcome to attend meetings of the M-119 Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route Committee. The Committee meets on the second Tuesday of every month April-October at 9:30 a.m. The locations of the meetings vary. Please check back for changes. The 2022 meeting schedule is as follows:

 

• April 12, 2022 West Traverse Township Hall – 8001 M-119 Harbor Springs, MI 49740                                       Agenda        Minutes
• May 10, 2022 Little Traverse Conservancy - 3264 Powell Rd, Harbor Springs, MI 49740                                    Agenda      
• June 14, 2022 Friendship Township - 3018 Beacon Hill Lane Harbor Springs, MI 49740                                 
• July 12, 2022 Emmet County Health Department - 3434 M-119, Suite A Harbor Springs, MI 49740                 
• August 9, 2022 Cross Village – 5954 Wadsworth Rd., Harbor Springs, MI 49740
• *Fall Symposium* September 21, 2022 Readmond Township - 6034 Wormwood Lane, Harbor Springs, Michigan 49740 - Schedule to come
• October 11, 2022 Readmond Township - West Traverse Township Hall, 8001 M-119, Harbor Springs, MI 49740              Agenda