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Highway 55 Scenic Byway Process Moving Forward

commons.wikimedia.org

Stakeholders hoping to bring Wisconsin's fifth scenic highway corridor to Langlade and Forest counties are moving forward toward making it a reality.

The group met Thursday in Crandon. The program is administered by the Department of Transportation. Highways with historic and scenic corridors are considered. If adopted, the stretch of Highway 55 north from Menominee county through Forest county to the Michigan line would be known as the the Wolf River­ Nicolet Scenic Byway.

Forest County UW-Extension agent Steve Nelson says the state several months ago gave approval to work toward Scenic Byway status...

"Phase two  is about gathering that data and putting together an actual Corridor Management Plan. A plan that would reflect how we would like to see the corridor enhanced in the future....."

The idea of a scenic corridor began about a decade ago. Nelson says there is much for motorists to see along the route, especially the Wolf River. Highway 55 winds along much the river's path and two other main points...

".....Old Military Road, connecting Highway 32 to 70 a real neat old historic road currently on the National Forest Heritage Route. And of course the rich heritage of the era with the Europeans who came to settle here and the Native American culture and it's a real unique blend...."

Nelson says the group will meet again in the fall to keep the process moving forward. Others have said the road could become a national tourist destination.

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