BYWAY PLAN APPROVED

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Feb. 8, 2017

The North Huron Scenic Byway Advisory Committee approved the Corridor Management Plan  on Feb. 1.

M-134 received the Pure Michigan Byway Designation over a year ago, in October of 2015. Since then, the Advisory Committee has worked to assemble the Corridor Management Plan, which outlines goals, along with specific projects and potential funding sources, for the development of the Byway. The plan, while not legally binding, provides a blueprint for future community and economic growth in the area, centered on a byway-based marketing and development strategy.

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The North Huron Scenic Byway begins at the junction of M-134 and I-75 and follows M-134 all the way across the Drummond Island Ferry to the intersection with South Shore/South Townline Road. The route traverses Hessel, Cedarville, DeTour Village, and Drummond Island communities, and showcases stunning natural vistas. Travelers can enjoy hundreds of miles of trails to hike or ride on their bike, ATVs, and ORVs. The North Huron Water Trail and North Huron Birding Trail both have numerous stops along or very near the byway as well.

 

“The response to the Byway Designation was overwhelmingly positive,” said Advisory Committee Co-Chair, Scott Danforth.

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“Although the federal funding for these programs has waned in recent years, the Byway Program provides a framework for communities to come together and showcase their best assets,” said Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning & Development (EUPRPDC) CEO, Jeff Hagan. Additionally, several states with robust byway programs have completed economic impact studies. New Mexico’s byways were shown to have a $267 million impact, and Colorado’s byways added nearly $800 million annually to their economy between 2009 and 2014.

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The volunteer Byway Advisory Committee meets the first Wednesday each month to discuss developments and strategies for promotion of the byway and its many attractions. It is attended by members from interested businesses, attractions, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Transportation, local government, and others. The EUPRPDC provides administrative support to the committee. Anyone interested in marketing their business or attraction can join the North Huron Scenic Byway group by contacting Rebecca Bolen at the EUPRPDC office at 906-635-1581 or rbolen@eup-planning.org.

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