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M-119 Tunnel of Trees

M-119 TUNNEL OF TREES

Overview

Scenic Heritage Route 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. 

Click here to view M-119 Management Plan Brochure 

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 M119. 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.

 

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. 

The 2025 meeting schedule is as follows:

  • April 22, 2025 Emmet County Building – Conference Room – 3434 Harbor-Petoskey Rd, Suite A Harbor Springs, MI 49740 
  • May 13th, 2025  Friendship Township Hall - 3018 S Beacon Hill Ln, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 
    • Meeting Agenda and Minutes 
  • June 10, 2025 Readmond Township - 6034 Wormwood Ln, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 
    • Meeting Agenda and Minute
  • July 8, 2025 West Traverse Township Hall – 8001 M-119 Harbor Springs, MI 49740  
    • Meeting Agenda and Minute
  • August 12, 2025 Cross Village – 5954 Wadsworth Rd., Harbor Springs, MI 49740  
    • Meeting Agenda and Minute
  • September 9, 2025 Friendship Township - 3018 Beacon Hill Lane Harbor Springs, MI 49740 
    • Meeting Agenda and Minute
  • October 14, 2025 Readmond Township - 6034 Wormwood Ln, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 
    • Meeting Agenda and Minute

The 2024 meeting schedule is as follows:

 

Other Resources

Click here to view Act 69 Michigan Heritage Routes Document

Click here to view Pure Michigan Byways and Tour Routes: DRIVING GUIDE

Click here to view Guidelines to Designating Michigan's Heritage Routes (1995 edition)

Click here to view the M-119 map

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