Websites/Resources to Explore:
Michigan Byways Planning Documents: We’ve compiled an impressive collection of planning documents/resources on Michigan’s byways.
Scenic America is the only national organization dedicated solely to protecting natural beauty and distinctive community character. http://scenic.org
National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education and advocacy to save America’s diverse historic places and revitalize our communities. www.nationaltrust.org
National Scenic Byways online program provides travelers with current, detailed information about scenic byways throughout the United States. Sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), this site promotes All-American Roads and National Scenic Byways, as well as many state and federally-designated byways. NSBO also gives byway organizations easy access to government and private resources related to scenic byways. www.byways.org
Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc.-a member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. (over 700 local clubs throughout Michigan) provides education, resources and network opportunities for its members to promote the love of gardening, floral and landscape design, and environmental responsibility. www.michigangardenclubs.org
Public Sector Consultants Inc.is a private Michigan corporation, specializing in policy research; opinion polling; health, environmental, educational, and economic analysis; and strategic planning. www.pscinc.com
Little Traverse Conservancy mission is to protect the natural diversity and beauty of Northern Michigan by preserving significant natural land and scenic areas, and to foster appreciation and understanding of the environment. www.landtrust.org
Michigan United Conservation Club promotes “Conservation through Education.” For three generations MUCC has been a leader in efforts to protect Michigan’s outdoor heritage; the scientific management of its natural resources, the conservation of its forests, waters, wildlife and fish, protection of the environment, and the rights of all citizens to enjoy Michigan’s outdoor opportunities. www.mucc.org
Michigan Environmental Council is a coalition of over 50 environmental, public health, and faith-based organizations with more than 170,000 individual members and provides a collective voice for the environment. MEC serves as a clearinghouse of environmental information, develops public policy, educates the public and offers training and support to member organizations. www.mecprotects.org
Planning & Zoning Center is an instrument for local government and state-wide education, training, and consulting in the arena of community planning and land use issues. PZC is a multi-disciplinary team of professionals devoted to research, education and consultation in appropriate community planning and development control. www.pzcenter.com
Michigan Land Use Institute is a nonprofit research, educational, and service organization dedicated to fostering a new approach to economic development that respects the land, the community that inhabits the land, and the inherent process of change. www.mlui.org
Michigan Township Association Serving 1,242 Townships and 6,500 Elected Officials. mta-townships.org
Michigan Municipal League has a membership of over 500 cities and villages, and represents more than 98 percent of Michigan’s urban population. The League is supported by membership dues of the cities and villages of the state, which belong to the organization on a voluntary basis. www.mml.org
Michigan Department of Transportation Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) established a fund for Transportation Enhancement Activities. Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) of 1998 continued this program through the year 2003. Ten percent of the Surface Transportation Fund is set aside for these activities. In TEA-21, the term transportation enhancement activities means; provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles, and safety and educational activities for pedestrians and bicyclists, acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites, scenic or historic highway programs (including the provision of tourist and welcome center facilities), landscaping and other scenic beautification, and historic preservation. www.mdot.state.mi.us/projects
Michigan Department of Transportation Heritage Route Program was created by legislation in 1993. The program emphasizes cooperation among local residents, their government officials, landowners and interested groups to preserve unique scenic, historic or recreational highways. The Heritage Route Program is a grass roots program, requiring involvement by local residents to ensure that their highway and its roadsides remain in their natural and unspoiled conditions. Michigan’s residents have an opportunity as individuals, groups, or entire communities to become involved in this important effort to preserve Michigan’s roadsides with scenic, historic and/or recreational qualities. http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,1607,7-151-9621_11041_11209—,00.html
Unforgettable Road Trips In America With its varied landscapes and geographic landforms, America offers many different vacation options for people who wish to explore the country. Each state has its own list of scenic landmarks that attract visitors. Taking a road trip is one way to get an up-close glimpse of unique towns and cities. This type of travel can also afford tourists the opportunity to see majestic sights such as mountains, canyons, rivers, and natural desert formations. https://www.titlemax.com/resources/unforgettable-road-trips-in-america/