| Introduction
to the Northeast Michigan Coastal Region
The Northeast Michigan Coastal Region is not yet well known as a tourist and recreational destination. And yet the Lake Huron coastal counties of Alcona, Alpena, Presque Isle and Cheboygan contain some of the most extensive and significant recreational and ecological sites in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Unlike the shoreline of northern Lake Michigan, where private ownership is the norm, the Lake Huron shoreline is graced with an astounding array of large public forest, park and recreational properties. To a degree unknown in other parts of the state, the northern Lake Huron shoreline is free and accessible to residents and visitors alike. The region is also notable for the high quality of its land, water and human resources. The rugged and rocky shoreline is a photographer’s dream. Sport fishing from northern Lake Huron recreational harbors ranks with the best in the state, and the Midwest region as a whole. Forest tracts support a strong timber and forest products industry, while providing a network of wooded trails for hunters, hikers and recreational vehicle use. A number of rare and unique plant communities exist in the Huron coastal region ecosystem. Historic and archaeological sites are numerous, including an impressive constellation of lighthouses and maritime features. Small, close knit coastal communities charm visitors from more urban regions with the friendliness of their citizenry and the beauty of their settings. |
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| With all these advantages, it is perhaps surprising that the resources of the region are so little known and used. The region’s isolation is in part to blame. The northeast coastal region is sparsely developed, with the year-round population of all four coastal counties only totaling 75,000 persons in 1990. Northeast Michigan contains no large urban areas, and is distant from population concentrations. Transportation links to the region are poor. The state’s major north/south route, Interstate 75, is located 40 to 60 miles inland from the coast. The coastal route, U.S. 23, remains a two-lane, undivided road throughout most of the area. Local economics also play a role in regional isolation. Tough economic conditions prevailing since the 1970s have caused a regional out-migration, and the area did not fully share in Michigan’s economic boom during the 1990s. | ||
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| In recent years, however, an increase in local pride, coupled with better promotional efforts and attractive real estate prices, has begun to get the word out about “Michigan’s Sunrise Side.” One of the most exciting recreational and environmental advantages offered by the region is the ready opportunity to establish and promote a regional greenways system. The beauty of the situation is that little or no additional acquisition of public lands is needed or desired to put a greenways system in place for Northeast Michigan. Public open spaces already exist at strategic locations along the coastline. The challenge is simply to link the existing sites in a logical and accessible manner, and to invite the public to use these available resources in an appropriate and responsible way. Increased knowledge and use of a greenways system can also help the Northeast Region in its efforts toward economic recovery and responsible growth. At the same time, a greenways system can strengthen and protect the area’s natural resource base and ecological function. | ||
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| In cooperation with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s Coastal Zone program, and coastal communities in the region, the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments has explored the opportunities and approaches available to establish the “Huron Greenways.” The Huron Greenways is an organized system of land and water trails and routes linking the coastal portions of Alcona, Alpena, Presque Isle and Cheboygan Counties. This Huron Greenways study seeks to examine what a greenway system is, and why it holds advantages for the region. The study includes an extensive inventory of potential greenway sites, and suggested greenway routings. Existing public use areas are identified, along with existing trail systems and linkages. Important ecological features present in the greenways system are identified and described. Key recreational features are catalogued as well, along with historical sites, communities, and traveler services. Finally, the report makes a number of recommendations on how the greenways system might be put into place, and what resources might be needed to maintain and improve the overall system. | ||
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40-mile Point Light |
 TABLE
OF CONTENTS |
GREENWAYS
INVENTORY |
COUNTY
INFORMATION |
|
| HOME |
INTRODUCTION |
GREENWAYSTRAIL
SYSTEM |
GREENWAYS
SYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS |
| THE
WHAT AND WHY |
ECOLOGICAL
CORRIDORS |
APPENDIX |
