ARDC seeks local input on Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway update; council urged to join steering committee

Arrowhead Regional Development Commission senior transportation planner Travis Hooley briefed the council on an update to the Waters of the Dancing Sky State Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan. Hooley said the byway — roughly 229 miles from Voyageur National Park to the Red River — was last updated 13 years ago and that the CMP update will document current conditions and local priorities.

Hooley walked through intrinsic qualities along the corridor, including recreation, scenic views, cultural events and archaeological features such as the Grand Mound and McKinstry Mounds. He asked residents and council members to identify priorities for safety improvements, amenities and visitor experience enhancements. "We will be getting our steering committee members back together to review that draft before we go back into our formal public engagement phase," Hooley said, and he urged the council to consider joining the volunteer Scenic Byway Council.

The presentation outlined a project timeline that includes CMP drafting this summer, public engagement through the fall and final acceptance targeted for March 2027. Hooley provided a QR code to a public survey and invited citizens to scan it to submit comments and provide email addresses for project updates. Council members thanked ARDC and said they would encourage local volunteers to participate.