About — Scenic Michigan

Our Story

Defending Michigan's Natural Beauty

Scenic Michigan is an affiliate of the national non-profit organization Scenic America. Headquartered in Lansing, we work to enhance the scenic beauty of Michigan's rural and urban landscapes.

Our principal activities include combating billboard blight, advocating for thoughtful sign and lighting controls, supporting dark skies initiatives, working to enhance Michigan's scenic byways, and protecting Michigan's breathtaking vistas.

We love living in the mitten and believe our beautiful lakes, incredible vistas, and unique natural, scenic, historic, and architectural assets make our state a special place. Preserving this beauty doesn't just make us feel good — it's critical to Michigan's economy. People want to live, work, and visit places that are attentive to good design and provide access to beautiful spaces.

Leadership

Board of Directors & Staff

Jake Parcell, PhD

Executive Director — Hazel Park

Peter A. Letzmann

Board President — Grand Rapids

Jim Lagowski

Board Vice President — Elk Rapids

Jim Siegel

Board Treasurer — Grand Rapids

Mel Matchett

Board Secretary — Elk Rapids

Gerald Fisher

Board Member — Clarkston

Our Record

Key Accomplishments

Spearheaded successful legislation to cap additional billboards in Michigan. Beat numerous attempts in the state legislature to loosen billboard restrictions. Banned tobacco advertising on billboards and the construction of new double-decker billboards. Helped local communities establish signage, lighting, and aesthetics ordinances. Sponsored the development of the Michigan Sign Regulation Guidebook, now in its second edition. Supported the passage of LOGO and T.O.D.S. signing systems across the state. Filed amicus curiae briefs supporting successful billboard restrictions in Holland, East Lansing, Clawson, and Livonia.

About Scenic Michigan

Defending Michigan's Natural Beauty

Board of Directors & Staff

Key Accomplishments

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