What’s inside: Roadside Reflections ............... 2 Looking For Contractors? Here Are Some RFP (Request for Proposal) Tips!......................... 2 Why Go Regional For Interpretive Planning? ............. 3 Southeast Tourism Society....... 6 Byway News Briefs.................. 7 The DOT -Federal Lands Highway Program: Partnership With The National Scenic Byways Program........... 8 Get To Know Your Byway Resources: Western Federal Lands Highway Division Enhancement Program .........10 A Conversation With... John Baxter, Associate Administrator, Office of Federal Lands Highway ........ 11 Use The Logo And Share The Brand’s Power ............... 12 Coming & Going.................. 13 Cultural Tourism Arrives In Central Oregon ................ 14 Calendar .............................. 16 Published in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration by: America’s Byways Resource Center 394 Lake Avenue South Suite 600 Duluth, MN 55802 1-866-974-6403 www.bywaysresourcecenter.org America’s Byways Resource Center is a division of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This material is based upon work supported by the Federal Highway Administration and Arrowhead Regional Development Commission under cooperative agreement No. DTFH61-08-H-00007. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the Author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Federal Highway Administration and/ or Arrowhead Regional Development Commission. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 BUILDING AWARENESS ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF "UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE" SCENIC BYWAYS By Tip Ray, Inclusive Recreation Consulting Editor’s note: Tip Ray is currently assisting the America’s Byways Resource Center to develop an accessibility training and education program for byways. He also presented a workshop at the 2007 National Scenic Byways Conference entitled, “Universal Accessibility And Your Byway.” Planning for your byway to meet the diverse interests, needs and abilities of all potential byway travelers should be an important focus of your byway group’s efforts. However, many byway organizations would likely express that they are just not sure where to begin. In January 2008, an advisory group of byway practitioners and accessibility experts and advocates on disability and aging issues met at the America’s Byways Resource Center to talk about the development of accessibility awareness and skills training to support byways as they work to enhance visitor experiences along their designated routes. “Access” Or “Accessible”? The National Scenic Byways Program presents a wonderful opportunity for travelers to be directly engaged in what defines America—its landscapes, history, wildlife, stories and people. Unfortunately, while access to byways is often clear and convenient, one may not be fully aware of the accessibility of a byway’s unique features and facilities. What do we mean when we say “accessible”? If something is “accessible” —a building, an interpretive exhibit, a trail or a program, then it meets legal minimal standards for compliance when addressing the needs of people with disabilities. Accessibility standards derive from Federal legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, or the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. State and local governments, businesses, Federal agencies, and programs funded by Federal dollars must all meet the legal mandate of being integrated and accessible. Therefore, when byways receive National Scenic Byways Program grant funds from the Federal Highway Administration, they must meet the legal standards for accessibility with the application of their funding. What Is “Universal Accessibility”? Recognizing that the Resource Center is not in the business of enforcing Federal mandates, the advisory group suggested that the Resource Center help to educate byway members about ways to assure that the needs of the greatest number of visitors, including those with disabilities, are met. That approach is called “universal accessibility.” “Universal accessibility” is NOT legally mandated, but represents a conscious decision to “design…products and environments to be as usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design,” according to Ron Mace, North Carolina State University, School of Design. Good universal design of byway facilities and programs should certainly incorporate accessible design as mandated by law, but would also assure that all visitors can access and enjoy the vast intrinsic qualities presented along the byways in a manner that is equal to everyone else. Experiences that are universally accessible allow visitors to be excited about what they experienced, not how they struggled. Byway groups that focus increased attention on “universally accessible” experiences and settings can be certain that their byways will be more inclusive of persons who may benefit from and appreciate enhanced access, such as elderly persons or others needing a little extra time or assistance; families with young children, particularly those in strollers; persons who communicate differently; and others, including persons with disabilities. Designing and fostering universally accessible byways further demonstrates to travelers that, regardless of one’s abilities, everyone can visit, easily access and experience those intrinsic qualities that define America. A New Training Resource For Byways In the coming year, the Resource Center will begin to develop a comprehensive and innovative training package for byways. Through the training, byway members will develop Knowledge in areas such as disability awareness, universal access and design concepts, and legal mandates. Byway representatives will learn a number of Skills, including assessing a byway’s intrinsic qualities and attractions to determine extent and level of accessibility; locating resources in support of universal accessibility (Web-based and community); and participate in a byway field experience to observe accessibility issues and discuss types of applications. Finally, after receiving training, byway representatives will have the Abilities to go home and apply and promote universal accessibility on their own byways to enhance the visitor experience, plus incorporate these concepts into the corridor management plan, interpretive plans and marketing. For accessibility resources and training announcements, visit: www.bywaysresourcecenter.org (CALLOUT BOX: Place near Sidebar 3 if possible) Has your byway successfully planned and implemented an accessibility project along your byway? Please share your stories and pictures with us. E-mail: bhundrieser@byways.org (SIDEBAR #1): SUBHEAD: Universally Accessible Byway Benefits For byways to remain vital and an important means of protecting what’s unique about our communities and America, we need to cater to ALL prospective visitors…or our customers, if you like. Here are some benefits of universally accessible byways. Benefits To Individuals, Community and Society Universal access showcases a society that says “people belong and deserve and are owed equal access, opportunities and choices”; highlights a community that affords value and respect to its diverse membership; and gives to visitors an appreciation of not only the intrinsic qualities found along our scenic byways, but also of their own abilities and contributions, as well. Benefits To Your Economy Byways who incorporate universal accessibility into byway planning recognize the benefits to the bottom line. Historically neglected groups of citizens, such as those with disabilities, have the same desire to travel, experience the American landscape, and spend their money. The Open Doors Organization of Chicago estimates that people with disabilities spend nearly $13 billion each year in travel expenses. That’s a lot! The other part of this equation is that these individuals seldom travel alone. Who wouldn’t want these customers?! Benefits To the Environment Universal accessibility design is sustainable design. By not creating separate entrances, unnecessary stairs, multiple toilet spaces, different interpretive displays, or separate accessible trails and pathways for the “nontraditional” visitor, resources are best preserved, protected and managed. (SIDEBAR #2): Are You Ready For Your Travelers?…All of Them? When travelers visit your byway, they hope to take home lasting memories of a special place with great experiences. As a byway provider, ask yourself this question: “Does my byway offer opportunities or barriers?” Consider these scenarios… - Karen is traveling with her mother who has a walker to accommodate her mobility impairment from recent hip surgery. They have plans to vacation along your byway, and especially to eat only at local restaurants in the byway corridor’s small towns so that they can get an “authentic taste” of your part of the country. Karen’s mother can’t walk up stairs. Does your byway offer accessible local restaurants? - Tim is a real history buff and loves to attend living history programs and museums. He has an auditory impairment and has a hard time with many program guides because he can’t hear them well. He is coming to travel your byway because he wants to tour the wealth of historic mansions and museums that were featured along the route on your byway’s website. Are those facilities with public programs able to accommodate his needs? - Frank is an advanced wheelchair outdoor adventurer. He wants to take a vacation somewhere where there will be accessible but challenging outdoor activities to enjoy, such as whitewater rafting or wooded trail access with mixed grades of slopes. Would he be able to learn what options he had for such fun on your byway? - An Elderhostel group is coming to tour your byway. Several of the participants have various levels of visual ability, ranging from good vision to challenging. These groups love to stop and read interpretive signs when they travel. Does your interpretive signage provide color contrast, large font size, or an auditory option so that those with visual impairments do not struggle to read it? Provide Information About Your Accessible Experiences! Before visitors arrive, they often seek accessibility information about facilities and programs to see if it will be a good place to stop. Be sure to post accessibility details on your byway website and printed materials. It will help byway travelers with any specific needs tailor their trip for a great experience. (SIDEBAR #3): SUCCESSFUL ACCESSIBILITY PROJECTS ON BYWAYS Byway organizations across the country have worked to broaden the opportunity of experiences to people of all abilities traveling and recreating along their routes by making their programs, facilities and recreation opportunities more accessible. Below are a few reports of successful accessibility projects on National Scenic Byways. Energy Loop: Huntington / Eccles Canyons National Scenic Byway (UT) The 8/8/88 Mammoth Discovery Site on our byway was built to include a kiosk with interpretive panels about the discovery of the Columbian Mammoth. The kiosk was built on a beautiful hillside overlooking the site of the discovery and the project plan included making the trail ADA accessible by winding it through the trees and along the hillside to the kiosk. The length of the trail is approximately 200 feet. A bench was placed halfway between the parking lot and the kiosk, nestled in the forest, for those who need to stop and take a breather. – Jana Abrams, Energy Loop Byway Coordinator Dinosaur Diamond National Scenic Byway (CO) The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), volunteers and members of the Federation of the Blind built and dedicated a visually impaired tactile trail at Dinosaur Hill on the Dinosaur Diamond Scenic and Historic Byway in late September 2001. Working together they developed a four-tenths of a mile trail to the top of Dinosaur Hill. Wire rope was suspended between four-foot high posts to provide a guide for the visually impaired, plus tactile signs describing dinosaur history and geology of the area were installed. – Sally Pearce, Colorado State Byway Coordinator Historic Columbia River Highway (OR) Vista House at Crown Point is one of the most photographed sites along the Historic Columbia River Highway. It is a memorial to Oregon’s pioneers, an observatory, and public comfort station. This historic building, which includes restrooms, interpretive area and gift shop, is located atop a 733-foot sheer cliff overlooking the Columbia River. People with mobility impairments were not able to enter this major attraction along the byway due to its stairs. In response to this accessibility need, a ramp was built that would not destroy the historic steps into the building, and an ingenious elevator lift was also developed to allow visitors to access the basement of the building. As a result, we saw a dramatic increase of users with mobility impairments who now regularly visit and access the building. The lift was used 2,650 times during the 2006 season alone. Numerous fund sources were used to complete the project, including a National Scenic Byways Program grant. – Vista House Program Coordinator Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway (SD) Each year, thousands of people from all over the world travel to southwest South Dakota to follow the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, which winds people through the magic and history of the Black Hills, Mt. Rushmore National Memorial and Custer State Park. To provide accessible experiences for travelers of all abilities along our byway, the U.S. Forest Service has worked in partnership with numerous agencies and volunteers to enhance visitor facilities and programs along the route, including accessible trails, boardwalks, fishing platforms, overlooks, interpretive signs and parking lots. – Steven Keegan, USFS - Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway Leader Mohawk Towpath National Scenic Byway (NY) A popular fishing spot on the Mohawk River at the Route 9 bridge will soon provide residents and byway travelers with a safe and wheelchair-accessible location. One of our municipal partners along the byway is working on completing this accessible design. The project uses fund from a grant outside the National Scenic Byways Program. It will be another great recreational asset for our byway. - Eric J. Hamilton, Mohawk Towpath Byway Coordinator Amish Country National Scenic Byway (OH) Along the Amish Country Byway in Ohio, the Victorian House museum has created a viewing space and a video for all visitors as an alternative to climbing three flights of stairs that are not accessible to all. This video was created/adapted from a national television feature of the home, inside and out. The video has been a good solution in the atmosphere of limited resources while meeting the needs and the expectations of our visitors. - Sharon Strouse, Amish Country Scenic Byway Leader Dinosaur Diamond National Scenic Byway (UT) The Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry National Natural Landmark, an integral part of the Dinosaur Diamond National Scenic Byway, underwent major renovations in 2005 and 2006. The BLM engineering team for the design work ensured that ADA standards were met. The two focal points at the site were the quarry and the visitor/interpretive center. The visitor center was expanded from about 800 square feet to over 2,000, and because of the topography of the site, the addition had to be set 4 feet lower than the original floor level. Stairs were avoided in the visitor center by designing a ramp as part of the floor—a ramp that accommodates everyone, whether they have mobility problems or not. All of the exhibits were also set so they can be seen as easily from a wheelchair as from standing. The quarry building previously had a narrow catwalk above the deposit for visitor viewing. Wheelchairs pretty much had to roll in and then back out. We now have two viewing platforms large enough for wheelchairs to turn around; we could easily accommodate several at a time. As the BLM staff person responsible for day-to-day operations at the quarry, I have seen how well the renovations work. We probably had about a dozen wheelchairs go through this past year and all of the occupants were quite complimentary about the redesign. - Michael Leschin, BLM – Dinosaur Diamond Byway Leader LEARN MORE! Visit the Accessibility discussion forum on www.bywaysonline.org. Go to “Visitor Experience” and then to “Accessibility Projects on Byways.” Post your questions or share your own successful accessibility projects along your byway. ROADSIDE REFLECTIONS By Michelle Johnson, Director, America's Byways Resource Center PHOTO: Michelle Johnson Pay Attention! Do you know what the most often repeated phrase in my house is? It’s not, “Eat your peas.” (My children love their vegetables.) And it’s not, “Clean your room,” although, I do say that quite frequently. My most-repeated phrase is: “Pay attention!” Usually I mean, “Pay attention to me, your mother, because you need to do something or because I just said something important.” I also say it when we are walking in a parking lot or in a store and my kids are busy talking and looking and bouncing. They need to pay attention to the cars or people, so they don’t get run over or trip an innocent bystander. As I pondered the frequency of the “pay attention” phrase in my dialogue, it occurred to me that it applies to all of us. In our world of ever-increasing volumes of e-mail, voicemail and texting, and the increased pressure to multitask, the ability to focus on truly meaningful personal connections or pay attention to special activities, people or moments can get lost. When was the last time you sat down with a good friend or special family member and had a quality conversation uninterrupted by phones and e-mails? When were you able to really focus on a task or a conversation or really be an active focused part of a memorable experience? And then there are your memories: Do you have memories of a special moment, event or trip or are they clouded because you weren’t paying attention to the moment? It’s important to pay attention to our loved ones. A friend of mine recently gave birth to an adorable little girl. When I gaze into her eyes and listen to her happy gurgle, I have to fight the rising panic of forgetting what my children were like as babies. What if I forget their chubby little cheeks or the funny things they say? It makes it all the more important for me to pay attention now, so I can have memories to cherish later. I had a chance to reconnect with a friend from college this summer. We hadn’t seen each other in eighteen years. (Eighteen years—yikes!) She moved to the east coast after graduation and we lost touch. We had a great time catching up. Afterward, I thought about how much friendship we’ve missed over the years. Now I’m making an effort to stay in touch with her and other friends scattered across the country. It’s also important to pay attention to ourselves. We all need to be alert to changes. Pay attention to what is normal and what is not. Take care of our bodies and our minds, and seek medical assistance if things just don’t seem right. It’s important to pay attention to the world around us. Like not reading e-mails on your PDA while walking downtown between meetings. (Guilty!) Get your head up and pay attention to vehicles, other pedestrians and landmarks so you don’t end up where you don’t want to be. Driving a vehicle also requires your full attention. How many times are people paying attention to their cell phone conversations and don’t notice that they changed lanes and cut someone off? Attention is a requirement. I know it’s hard with so many demands. Your boss, your family, community volunteer efforts, e-mails, friends, homework, bills to pay, phones to answer, dinner to serve, the list goes on and on. It’s so convenient to multitask and accomplish more in less time. But what do you miss? Everyone can make a better effort to pay attention. Every time I tell my kids to pay attention, I’m reminding myself, too. Watch. Listen. It’s time for a better balance between getting things done and experiencing focused interactions and quality moments. LOOKING FOR CONTRACTORS? HERE ARE SOME RFP (REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL) TIPS! Your byway organization will likely engage in project work with a consultant at some point. Whether the project involves building a wayside exhibit, writing a marketing plan or designing promotional materials, it’s likely that the members of your byway organization do not have the necessary expertise to perform all of the work that is needed to make your byway successful. When the time comes to find a consultant who will do the best job for the best price, consider issuing an RFP (Request for Proposal). Ideally, a well-written RFP will generate several good proposals for you to review. An RFP does not need to be complicated, but it does need to be descriptive and specific. Here are some necessary components of a good RFP: 1. Organization description 2. Project description 3. Project objectives 4. Estimated level of effort (for example, indicating that the consultant must build ten wayside exhibits will help the consultant to estimate the amount of time it will take) 5. Budget range 6. Scope of work --Precise description of the work to be performed and the necessary expertise/disciplines to complete that work --Tasks (activities to be performed by the consultant) --Deliverables (tangible items, such as products, reports or plans that the consultant must deliver at the end of the project) 7. Payment schedule 8. Evaluation criteria 9. Detailed description of proposal format To learn more, listen to the podcast for the Developing an RFP for Projects Tele-Workshop: http://www.bywaysresourcecenter.org/topics/visitor-experience/interpretation/tools/1178/. To listen to our podcasts at your convenience, all you need are speakers, Internet access, and one of the following programs: Windows Media Player, Real Player or iTunes. For a complete listing of our podcasts, go to http://www.bywaysresourcecenter.org/resources/podcasts/. WHY GO REGIONAL FOR INTERPRETIVE PLANNING? by Cheryl Hazlitt Senior Interpretive Planner USDA Forest Service Center for Design and Interpretation Editor’s Note: Cheryl Hazlitt provided insights to the initial steps in interpretive planning in the September-October issue of Vistas, examining whether you should hire a contractor or do it yourself (or combine the two strategies). Please visit the “Resources” section of BywaysResourceCenter.org to see this past issue. When agencies, municipalities and organizations join forces together to complete regional interpretive strategies, everyone wins. This type of planning is not easy; it is collaborative, and requires compromise, debate and discussion by all affected parties. But it can be beneficial for everyone. Costs And Funding Sources Funding for interpretive plans can come in a variety of colors from capital investment to preconstruction funds, grant awards and even combined dollars. Some organizations grant seed money for planning. Dollars tied to construction projects can be set aside for preplanning. Generally, for complete master interpretive plans for large land areas, such as a national forest or park, or scenic byways, you can estimate incurring costs between $30,000 and $50,000. Site-specific or area interpretive plans, defined by their scope, tend to range between $5,000 and $25,000. One completed plan was the result of a county tourism director who saw the need and obtained grant funding, including a “tourism sustainability plan for residents” as part of the scope. Other projects arose when local representatives took legislators to the field for an up-close view. Community members can pressure Federal and State agencies to protect a sense of place by developing master interpretive plans for lands surrounding their community. Federal land agencies can be a driving force because of the requirement for recreation and management strategies. Thematic Architectural Consistency One of the strongest arguments for regional planning is the development of a unified look consistent with the landscape and its stories. Consistent elements in signage set the stage for future signs. A scenic byway’s entry portal can give visual clues to visitors that this is a special roadway. On one byway in western Wyoming, the design included a boardwalk within the kiosk station area, mimicking the wooden boardwalks found in many towns in the region. A 2003 National Association of Interpretation Media Awards winner in Wayside Exhibits used frame sign-supports that were metal forms sculpted and painted to resemble prairie grass, tree saplings or other features of the prairie landscape that the signs interpreted. These design decisions contribute to a positive visitor experience and speak to regional influences. Strong Community Building One of the most powerful reasons for developing regional interpretive plans lies in the process of doing it. The relationships among individuals on the planning team carry long-term implications for partnerships. Often times during the planning process, shared information between partners allows programs to broaden and deepen. For example, several agencies with minimal dollars to individually fund a seasonal interpretive program staff decided to combine their dollars and share a full-time staff interpretive position for year-round programming at all three sites. When funds are minimal, some basic planning and partnering can often lead to additional funds. Park County in central Colorado used grant dollars to fund a countywide interpretive plan with an emphasis on maintaining quality of life for local residents, drawing tourism dollars and strengthening the local economy. Agencies partnered together to build a new visitor center, refurbish a second one, publish a tourism guide to county recreation and design interpretive signage that has consistent elements from one end of the county to the other. The partnerships remain ongoing because of the relationships built over ten years ago. As one State byway coordinator commented to me, “The best planning efforts are the ones where local communities hold the leadership, not the government employees who will ultimately move on over time.” The Process: How Does It Work? There has to be a champion, someone who is committed to initially lead the effort. This can be at a Federal, State, or local level. The leader takes the initiative to contact local stakeholders. In one case on a 164-mile scenic byway, over fifty different stakeholder groups were contacted. From this large group, a smaller steering committee evolved to handle the difficult decisions and prioritizing. Leadership in driving the interpretive planning process requires diligence, group facilitation skills and the ability to help a group hold onto a vision when the going gets tough. How Do We Start? As in any good planning process, identify stakeholders to serve as the source for validating decisions and recommendations in the planning phase. • Hold “workshop” sessions before submittal phases for stakeholders. • Glean as much information as possible in the first workshop about sites, topics, themes and architecture that represents the sense of place. • Develop an existing inventory, identifying existing sites and topics on a map. This provides stakeholders an overview of the locations and messages of the existing sites, and allows for analysis of what is missing. It quickly allows groups to process what is on the ground in a large landscape setting. • A second workshop is useful for setting priorities for implementation. When multiple partners and stakeholders are working on the plan, it is hard work to get through this phase, but it’s critical for future phases to happen. • Establish criteria for prioritizing sites or products. Criteria can be tied to maintenance and operation, highway reconstruction, or dollars available for site design and construction, for example. • Discuss the sense of place and regional look of an area. How do stakeholders describe the community’s best features? Use this to create architectural themes that blend with interpretive themes. With shrinking Federal, State and municipal budgets, it becomes imperative that interpretive plans tie into regional and local management issues. They must identify cost-saving measures, and provide recommendations and priorities that allow managers to strategically serve the greatest number of public users. A plan is only as good as the vision it sets forth, and the processes it sets in motion. About The Author: Cheryl Hazlitt has written numerous interpretive and exhibit plans and overseen exhibit projects from writing text to final exhibit fabrication. Cheryl is a Certified Interpretive Trainer, and serves as the judging coordinator for the National Association of Interpretation’s annual Media Award Competition. Contact her at chazlitt@fs.fed.us or visit www.fs.fed.us/r2/cdi for more information about the Center for Design and Interpretation. BOX: About CDI CDI is a full-service internal team bringing together the disciplines of interpretive planning, graphic illustration, landscape architecture and engineering. Its mission is to provide high-quality products and services that are sustainable and conserve resources, provide for public enjoyment and education especially in meeting accessibility requirements, and are flexible and responsive to customer needs. CDI employees serve Districts, Forests and other clients as a trusted ally, providing creative ideas and alternatives to meet their needs. For more information about CDI, visit: www.fs.fed.us/r2/cdi. SOUTHEAST TOURISM SOCIETY Editor’s note: The September/October 2008 issue of Vistas presented byway leader Jeff Crowe’s experiences at the Southeast Tourism Society’s Marketing College. We spoke with President and CEO Bill Hardman to learn a little more about the Southeast Tourism Society and organizations like it, and how byways can benefit from these valuable resources. 1. What is the Southeast Tourism Society, and what is your role in the organization? In September 1983 a small group of travel and tourism industry leaders from the Southeast gathered to organize a new, nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism throughout the region. Those charter members shared a mutual belief that regional promotion through partnership between States would create a powerful marketing alliance unparalleled throughout our country. Joining to make this dream a reality, they created the Southeast Tourism Society (STS). I am only the second individual in its 25-year history to serve as its president and CEO. Over the years we have worked diligently to aid the promotion of tourism within and to STS member States by sharing resources, fostering cooperation, networking, providing continuing education, cooperative marketing, consumer outreach, advice and consultation, insights to governmental affairs and more. We believe our founders’ vision has been validated as the Southeast Tourism Society has established itself as a leader among other travel organizations nationwide. Our members recognize the vast number of attractions, sporting events, history, scenic and cultural beauty found within the Southeast and work together to unite the strengths and resources of the region. Today, representing twelve states and over 800 members, STS continues to promote and develop tourism by producing truly exceptional programs that support all members. Because of the efforts of these professionals, STS leads the way in the region with dynamic opportunities for networking, education, partnerships, co-operative marketing, and unique benefits and programs that deliver great opportunities and extraordinary value! 2. How can byways benefit by working with an organization like yours? Two simple words: Networking and Partnerships. STS studies have consistently shown that people join and remain with STS due to the multiple networking opportunities. Our annual spring and fall membership meetings encourage formal as well as informal networking, and have excellent educational sessions to take back to your community. The nation’s top tourism professionals and key government officials lead relevant programs designed to share the newest trends in the industry. And, of course, our members take this opportunity to come together to hear nationally known speakers and experts, visit through the STS Trade Show, and take advantage of valuable networking opportunities. The annual STS Congressional Summit on Travel & Tourism offers another networking opportunity during the enthusiastically supported “Congressional Travel & Tourism Caucus.” The Congressional Summit in Washington, D.C., creates a dialogue with members of Congress concerning issues affecting tourism in the Southeast. At the Summit, STS presents programs for members on how to effectively work with their representatives. STS also educates legislators on the economic importance of tourism to the Southeast. Panel discussions and informational sessions highlight current topics pertinent to the tourism industry. There are tremendous opportunities for partnerships, too, as we can collectively address mutual issues of interest. STS enjoys a wonderful relationship with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between STS and 12 federal agencies on February 25, 2004. The purpose of this MOU is to establish a general framework of organization for cooperation between private sector tourism interests and multiple Federal and State agencies in the southeastern United States. As a part of the Federal Highway Administration, the National Scenic Byways Program is a critical component to all that we are trying to accomplish for tourism in the southeast region of the US. Our relationship with our partners through the MOU has allowed us to create opportunities for continuing dialogue between public and private tourism to sustain mutual understanding of each others’ respective roles and responsibilities; facilitate cooperative projects to improve recreation and tourism within the twelve states encompassed by the Southeast Tourism Society; endorse cooperation and coordination among and between Federal agencies to improve management and promotion of recreation and tourism opportunities in the southeast states; promote the exchange of information; and coordinate the planning and development of recreation facilities and service offerings in the southeastern States. We share a vision for the sustainability of our natural treasures and we invite National Scenic Byways communities to join us in our efforts to work closely together, in partnership, to address the critical issues we face as stewards of our treasured resources, and advance the dialogue within the public and private sectors of the travel and tourism community. 3. What kinds of opportunities, resources and training does the Southeast Tourism Society offer? STS has a multitude of resources and training opportunities. We offer research through our alliance with the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) and our regional affiliate, the Southeast Chapter of TTRA (SETTRA) as well as numerous members who field research. Our annual STS Marketing College provides a key opportunity to get together with other industry professionals. Every summer, we hold an intensive weeklong educational seminar on the campus of North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega, Georgia. We cover all the facets of tourism marketing. A sample of the curriculum includes Group Tour Marketing; The Power of Packaging; Writing a Marketing Plan; The Application of PR Principles; Branding Practices, and many more. This premier educational program for the tourism industry in the Southeast provides a superior educational opportunity in a tranquil environment with classes taught by industry leaders and working professionals. I think it is important to note that the curriculum taught at Marketing College is practical and applicable and can be applied immediately when our students return to their offices. Marketing College provides a perfect forum for the exchange of ideas and opportunities for networking with peers from across the Southeast. The program is perfect as a refresher for seasoned tourism professionals or for new employees in the travel and tourism industry. Students who complete the third year receive Travel Marketing Professional (TMP) certification. In addition, STS is affiliated with the International Festivals & Events Association, and our Top 20 Events program is widely regarded as the most prestigious list of events in the Southeast. The STS Top 20 selects twenty events and festivals each month throughout the year from over 1,500 submissions annually. The Top Twenty honors the best of the best in festivals and events in the Southeast and provides a unique opportunity for additional exposure (free) for each event selected. This wonderful program for members and nonmembers offers free assistance for a press release and event synopsis, and winning events receive an award certificate for bragging rights! The Top 20 Calendar is published quarterly and sent to AAA offices and over 1,600 media outlets. Free listings and announcements of the Top 20 Events appear literally around the world in newspapers, magazines, websites, radio and television; the combined circulation runs into the millions. 4. How does one become a member? Contact Darryl Wilson at (404) 364-9847. Joining is quick, easy and a great value. Potential applicants can find more at: http://www.southeasttourism.org/member_info.html 5. What is your favorite America’s Byways® story? As a child, I spent many weekends with my family in and around Georgia’s Brasstown Bald. I gained my appreciation for the great outdoors and the natural beauty of the southern Appalachians driving the beautiful back roads of the North Georgia Mountains. Frequently traveling this spectacular part of North Georgia while growing up, I recognized early in life the draw and attraction such beauty created. Now designated as a National Scenic Byway, the Russell – Brasstown National Scenic Byway remains one of my favorite and quick getaways from the hectic lifestyle and traffic in my hometown of Atlanta. 6. Is there anything else you would like to tell the byway audience? The model used by STS works well among cities, counties, regions and between States. The concept can be applied under many circumstances. But there must be good centralized tourism leadership and a central focal point where mutual decisions can be made based on a shared vision, a common purpose and common goals, and a mutual understanding and respect. When people ask us what STS is all about, the answer is simple: Partnerships based on a common vision with common goals and purpose. Without these, a model like ours would not be possible. We are proud to be working in partnership with the Federal Highway Administrating and the outstanding work of the National Scenic Byways Program. PHOTO: Chuck Bonelli, Patricia McNally, Chel Ethun, and Bill Hardman BYWAY NEWS BRIEFS Partnership Provides Funds For International Selkirk Loop Interpretive Sign The International Selkirk Loop unveiled a new interpretive sign earlier this year at the Bonners Ferry Visitor Center. “The sign’s purpose is to provide the traveler with an understanding of the important role the region’s rivers and lakes provided, as transportation and, ultimately, the settling of the area,” said Carol Graham, Executive Director of the International Selkirk Loop. The City of Bonners Ferry offered the outside panels to the International Selkirk Loop even before construction was completed on the new visitor center. The first sign about the Wild Horse Trail Scenic Byway was installed last fall with funding from Idaho’s State scenic byway program from a grant they received to interpret State byways. “At the time there was grant funding available for the second panel, and we agreed to provide an interpretive sign, with the topic totally up to us,” explained Carol. “However, before the project got underway, the grant funding had to be diverted to complete a prior project, which left us with no funds to complete this project. Thanks to the generous support of Mountain West Bank, local manager Skip O’Fallon seized the opportunity to give back to the community by sponsoring this sign.” “We are proud to be a partner in this project and are pleased with the professional result that further enhances our new visitor center,” Skip O’Fallon added. For more information, contact Carol Graham, Executive Director, at selkirkloop@verizon.net. PHOTO: Pictured left to right are Kim Jacklin, Senior Vice President, Mt. West Bank; Carol Graham, Executive Director, International Selkirk Loop; Skip O'Fallon, Vice Presidnet Manager, Mt. West Bank in Bonners Ferry; and Donna Miller, President, Mt. West Bank, Northern Region. Woodward Avenue Pillars Celebrate History A 30-foot glass pillar featuring artwork celebrating automotive history stands aglow along the Woodward Avenue, illuminated with interior lights for seven hours nightly. The sculpture was paid for with approximately $120,000 in Federal grants and $30,000 in Ferndale city funding, said Heather Carmona, executive director of the nonprofit Woodward Avenue Action Association, which conceived the project. She said the association has enough money for four or five more of the pillars on Woodward, each with a different local-history theme. Planting A Forest Along the Mountains To Sound Greenway…One Test Drive At A Time In one year, the average car puts over five tons of carbon dioxide into the air. Now there’s a way to decrease your carbon footprint…with a tree! For every test-drive or purchase of a Subaru from Carter Subaru, a tree will be planted in the test-driver’s or buyer’s honor in the Mountains to Sound Greenway, along the I-90 corridor stretching from Seattle over Snoqualmie Pass into Central Washington. Read more about the Carter Carbon Neutral Project at http://www.cartersubaru.com/?http://cartervwsaab.com/CarterCN2.html, or visit the Mountains to Sound Greenway website at http://www.mtsgreenway.org/. Idaho Scenic Byways Recognized For “Nation’s Best Web Site” The Idaho Scenic Byways website was recently recognized at the annual National Transportation Public Affairs Workshop (NTPAW) as the “Nation’s Best Website.” The award, given by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), recognizes Idaho Scenic Byways for its well-designed, interactive website which provides a comprehensive way for travelers to view Idaho’s scenic byways in great visual detail. The Idaho Scenic Byways website is the result of collaboration between the Idaho Transportation Department, Idaho Division of Tourism Development, and Drake Cooper, all of which make up the marketing arm of Idaho Scenic Byways. The site was designed and developed to promote awareness of the beauty and diversity of Idaho’s scenic byways. Visit the website at http://www.idahobyways.gov/index-html.aspx. For more information, contact Joanne Taylor at jtaylor@drakecooper.com. THE DOT - FEDERAL LANDS HIGHWAY PROGRAM: PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAYS PROGRAM By Christy Darden, Legislation and Outreach Coordinator, Office of Federal Lands Highway Did you know that the total area of America's 50 States is 2.3 billion acres and that the Federal government has title to about 650 million acres, or about 30 percent of the total area of the United States and has almost 500,000 miles of roads? These 650 million acres of Federal and Indian lands are managed by various agencies within the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture and Defense. Within and adjacent to Federal and Indian lands, lies an extensive network of 490,000 miles of road that supports and provides access to National Parks, National Monuments, National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges and other Federal lands. Most of these roads provide access to facilities, services and resources on Federal lands, and ensure the economic vitality of nearby communities. The U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Federal Lands Highway (FLH) works closely with Federal land management agencies and Bureau of Indian Affairs/Tribal Governments to manage Federal transportation needs on Federal and Indian lands. The mission of FLH Program is to improve the road systems to and within Federal and Tribal lands and provide design and engineering services to the highway community. The FLH Program recently celebrated its 25th Anniversary by recognizing the work the agency has accomplished with the location, design and construction of public roads through National Parks, National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges and other Federal lands. FLH is well known for design and construction of roads that meet the varied needs of the Federal lands management agency partners. They have managed and solved many unique challenges with the construction of roads in environmentally sensitive locations through engineering solutions that are sensitive to the context of the land. FLH works closely with many Federal agencies while overseeing the Federal Lands Highway Program. The Federal land management agencies that are served include USDI, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA); USDA Forest Service (USFS); USDI, National Park Service (NPS); USDI, Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS); USDI, Bureau of Land Management (BLM); Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC); US Army, US Army Corps of Engineers (COE); US Navy, Tennessee Valley Authority; and the USDI, Bureau of Reclamation (BOR). FLH also works closely with many State and territorial partners such as the District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Many of America’s Byways are located on Federal lands or have a close geographic relationship to National Parks, National Monuments or other Federal lands. In fact, over half of the America’ Byways collection are located entirely or significant segments of the byway are on or adjacent to Federal lands. History Of The Federal Lands Highway Program The planning, design, construction and rehabilitation of highways and bridges on Federal lands are not new to FLH. For more than 100 years, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and its predecessors like the Bureau of Public Roads have been building roads, bridges and other construction projects within the Federal domain since 1905. However, it was only 25 years ago that the FLH Program was created by the 1982 Surface Transportation Assistance Act signed by the President on January 6, 1983. Today's FLH Program is subdivided into four core areas, namely, the Indian Reservation Roads Program, Park Roads and Parkways Program, Refuge Roads Program and Public Lands Highway Program. FLH 25th Anniversary Celebration The FLH is celebrating its 25th anniversary and showcasing the agency’s accomplishments throughout 2008. The FLH program is proud of the agency’s contribution to the many beautiful highways and parkways constructed on Federal and Indian lands. We want to celebrate our accomplishments in 2008 as we look forward, seeking ways to better serve the transportation needs of the Federal land management agencies, Indian tribes and visitors to the Federal domain and Indian lands. The Public Lands Highway Program consists of the Forest Highway and the Public Lands Highway Discretionary Programs. The purpose of the FLH Program is to provide financial resources and technical assistance to support a coordinated program of public roads that service the transportation needs of Federal and Indian lands. It brought together for the first time a consolidated and coordinated long-range program funded through the Highway Trust Fund for public roads that serve the transportation needs of the Federal lands which are not a State or local government responsibility. The FLH Program provides funding (about $1 billion annually) for construction, rehabilitation and improving public roads and highways that provide access to and cross Federal owned and Indian lands. These roads are not under the jurisdiction of a State or local government agency, but a Federal responsibility. Conversely, the Federal-aid Highway Program provides Federal financial resources (about $40 billion annually) and technical assistance to State and local governments for constructing, preserving and improving the roads that encompass the Federal-Aid System and the Interstate Highway System. The Office of FLH completes road construction projects through partnerships and interagency agreements with the Federal land management agencies and Indian Tribes. FLH Program includes more than planning, design and road construction projects; it also includes expertise for integrated transportation planning, road and bridge inspections and other technical engineering services. Whether it is building highly visible and politically sensitive projects, constructing roads that are national landmarks, or providing critical access through National Parks, National Monuments or National Forests, FLH is at the forefront of consistently delivering distinct, sensitive and environmentally sound engineering projects. Each Federal land management agency’s mandate reflects a unique mission for preserving and protecting its resources while providing access to those resources for the enjoyment of the public. Federal and Indian lands have many uses, such as recreation, range and grazing, timber, minerals, watersheds, fish and wildlife, and wilderness. These lands are also managed to protect natural, scenic, scientific and cultural values. The public’s recreational use has increased significantly over the past decade and continues to increase. The mission of FLH Program is to help balance access on roads that are environmentally sensitive with the needs of the traveling public to visit America’s special outdoor areas for camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, or just exploring the great outdoors. FLH Program consists of a headquarters office in Washington, D.C., and three field division offices. The Eastern Federal Lands Division Office is located in Sterling, Virginia; this office works with the 31 States east of Mississippi River. The Central Federal Lands Division Office is located in Lakewood Colorado; this office works with 14 States west of the Mississippi River and includes Hawaii. The Western Federal Lands Highway Division Office is located in Vancouver, Washington; this office is responsible for the States of Alaska, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. For more information about the FLH Program, contact the Federal Lands Highway headquarters staff in Washington, D.C., or at any of the three division field offices in Sterling, Virginia; Lakewood, Colorado; or Vancouver, Washington. Or visit the website: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/flh. BOX: America’s Byways On Or Adjacent To Federal Lands Here are some examples of byways with connections to Federal lands: USDA Forest Service – 81 National Forest units: Kancamagus/White Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway, New Hampshire; Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway, Georgia; Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, South Dakota; San Juan Skyway All-American road, Colorado; Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway, Oregon USDI National Park Service – 79 National Park units: Natchez Trace Parkway All-American Road, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee; Blue Ridge Parkway All-American Road, North Carolina and Virginia; Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat National Scenic Byway, California (Yosemite National Park) USDI Fish and Wildlife Service – 61 National Wildlife Refuges/National Fish Hatcheries: Great River Road National Scenic Byway, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, and Wisconsin; Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, Louisiana; Volcanic Legacy All-American Road, California and Oregon. USDI Bureau of Land Management – 21 National Monuments/Field units: Highway 12-A Journey Through Time All-American Road, Utah; Western Heritage Historic Byway, Idaho, McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway, Oregon USDI Bureau of Indian Affairs – 13 Indian Reservations – Northwest Passage All-American Road, Idaho; Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway, Minnesota; Pyramid Lake National Scenic Byway, Nevada; Native American National Scenic Byway, South Dakota. BOX: FLH Road Construction Projects on America’s Byways Beartooth Highway All-American Road – MT / WY The Beartooth Highway begins in Red Lodge and winds nearly 70 miles in and out of Wyoming and back into Montana. It ends at the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Heralded as one of the most scenic drives in the United States, the route features breathtaking views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, and open high alpine plateaus dotted with glacial lakes, forested valleys, waterfalls and wildlife. The highway passes through Gallatin, Shoshone and Custer National Forests. PHOTO: The Beartooth Highway passes through geologically diverse environments. Shown here, Pilot and Index Peaks in the Absaroka range are examples of mountains formed by volcanic processes, whil the Beartooth Range is of granitic origin and represents some of the oldest rocks in the world. (Public Domain.) Eight and one half miles of this scenic byway have been or are currently being reconstructed to a more uniform and safer standard by the Western Federal Lands Highway. The Forest Highway Program provided approximately $26 million in project funding. The Park Roads and Parkways Program have also provided $325,000 to fund the work needed at the connection to Yellowstone. Realignment and widening for user safety and needed drainage corrections are expensive to complete in this rugged terrain and remote location. The new alignment uses context-sensitive principles to harmonize with the constantly changing scenery and terrain. This is a driving-for-pleasure route that should not be hurried through. Accidents due to speed are expected to decrease significantly from the new, more forgiving width, alignment and safety features. Kancamagus National Scenic Byway – NH From the Pemigewasset River at Lincoln to the Saco River at Conway, Kancamagus National Scenic Byway passes through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. The "Kanc" is also part of the White Mountains Trail National Scenic Byway. These byways are famous for their natural splendor, cultural richness, historic charm and stimulating recreation opportunities. The New Hampshire Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and Eastern Federal Lands, reconstructed the byway under the Forest Highway Program in conjunction with other sources of transportation funding. The goals were to restore it and to enhance the natural beauty and cultural heritage of northern New England. PHOTO: Pemigewasset River flows below a bridget near the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center. (Public Domain.) Natchez Trace Parkway – AL / MS / TN On May 21, 2005 in Natchez, Mississippi, over 1,000 people attended ceremonies to celebrate the completion of the Natchez Trace Parkway, which runs from Natchez to Nashville, Tennessee. The parkway is a testament to the longstanding partnership between the National Park Service (NPS) and Eastern Federal Lands (EFL). The roadway is designed and constructed to fit its physical setting and preserves scenic, aesthetic, historic and environmental resources, while maintaining safety and mobility. This combination of teamwork, planning, landscape and engineering design skills, and construction techniques were the beginning of what is now called “context-sensitive solutions.” From 1998 through 2005, the Mississippi Department of Transportation, City of Natchez, the NPS and the EFL worked collaboratively and overcame significant obstacles to secure funding, acquire right-of-way and complete the construction of the final phase of the parkway. The result is a 444-mile parkway that meanders through the rural South in a manner that suggests the road exists as a natural part of the landscape and its surroundings—a National Park where the roadway is the Park itself. George Washington Memorial Parkway All-American Road – VA / DC The George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) is a linear park operated by the National Park Service that runs along the Potomac River through Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. The GWMP, totaling 38.3 miles, connects historic sites from Mt. Vernon to the Great Falls of the Potomac. It includes four separate roadway segments: the George Washington Memorial Parkway, the Mt. Vernon Memorial Highway, the Clara Barton Parkway and the Spout Run Parkway. The GWMP is a major commuter road that accommodates as many as 80,000 vehicles/day. Eastern Federal Lands is working to rehabilitate the GWMP from Interstate 395 to the Columbia Island Marina entrance in Arlington County, Virginia and the District of Columbia. This work will include the replacement of the Humpback Bridge, correction of the vertical profile and sight distance deficiencies of the existing bridge (i.e., flattening the grades of the bridge approaches), construction of an acceleration lane, asphalt pavement removal and reconstruction through the project limits, realignment of portions of the Mount Vernon Trail, and construction of pedestrian underpasses. PHOTO: A sliver of the Potomac River can be seen in this autumn photo of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. (Public Domain.) Get To Know Your Byway Resources: Western Federal Lands Highway Division Enhancement Program By Matt Joerin Forest Highway Enhancement Program Manager FHWA – Western Federal Lands Most people involved with scenic byways projects know the role the National Scenic Byways (NSB) Program plays in helping to improve and enhance these routes. In fact, one of the very goals of the NSBP is to provide resources to the byway community to help create projects that result in unique travel experiences and enhanced quality of life for the American public. At the same time, many people are unaware of other programs that exist to provide funds and encourage partnerships within the byway community to promote scenic byways projects. In the States of Oregon and Washington, the Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFLHD), which is part of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), has implemented a formal initiative called the Enhancement Program. The WFLHD uses this program to provide funds and technical assistance and promote partnerships with other organizations for certain types of projects, including some scenic byway projects. The Enhancement Program is part of the larger Forest Highway Program, which provides for improvements to roads called forest highways. A “forest highway” is a designation the FHWA has given to select roads that provide access to and within national forests. Once designated a forest highway, a route is eligible for funds under the Forest Highway Program. Because the Enhancement Program is part of the Forest Highway Program, then any route designated a forest highway is eligible for enhancement funds. And this is where the connection to scenic byways is made: Many national scenic byways are designated as forest highways. Examples of America’s Byways that share some segments with forest highways include the McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass, the Historic Columbia River Gorge, and the International Selkirk Loop. Any portion of a scenic byway that also is designated a forest highway is eligible for enhancement funds. SUBHEAD: The Scope Of Enhancement Funds Projects funded under the Enhancement Program are not just limited to construction. This program can also fund studies, corridor management plans, and other types of projects that meet the objectives of the Enhancement Program. The main objectives are to increase the experience, convenience or awareness of people using the highway. Additional objectives include providing accessibility, improving environmental conditions and adding aesthetic value to forest highways. So how does this program work? Up to 10 percent of Forest Highway Program funding can be used for enhancement projects. Projects are solicited from the national forests, State DOTs, and counties that own and maintain roads that are designated as forest highways. Once selected, the WFLHD partners with the project applicants to deliver the projects. The applicant’s role in delivering a project is vital because the applicant is well connected to the project. The applicant knows the land and the customer. In most cases, the applicant-agency designs and contracts the project construction. For example, the Siuslaw National Forest designed and contracted the construction of the Devil’s Churn project on the Pacific Coast National Scenic Byway. Using forest highway funds, the forest service reconstructed an existing site and the project included a parking area, a building for interpretive information, restroom facilities, a trailhead and scenic overlooks. Partnering with other agencies opens opportunities to benefit the public that otherwise would not be possible. This is demonstrated when enhancement funding was used to support the construction of the Detroit ranger station in Oregon. This facility was situated to be a portal to the West Cascades Scenic Byway. The enhancement funding was used to provide restroom facilities, exterior display panels that highlight the byway, and for some of the lobby space, where Forest Service employees are available to inform the public about the byway. Through this partnership, a high level of service is provided. SUBHEAD: Varied Project Types Enhancement projects can vary widely. For example, they can be spot improvements such as providing vault toilets, repaving access, and installing interpretive signs, which the Deschutes National Forest did at the Historic Elk Lake Guard Station along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway in Oregon. They also can be corridor improvements, such as those on the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway in Washington. In the case of the Sherman Pass project, the Colville National Forest developed a corridor plan and is now implementing it. Corridor plan implementation includes installing thematic signage along the corridor, developing multiple visitor sites, installing interpretive signing, establishing scenic view points, and installing vault toilets at several locations. The Forest Service worked closely with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to determine the corridor sign locations adjacent to the highway and to use asphalt millings from a nearby WSDOT project, which lowered the cost of the project and provided an environmental benefit through recycled millings. Enhancement funding also has been used for historic preservation. The Forest Highway Program contributed $1.2 million toward the development of the Lowell Covered Bridge project, a highly successful project that highlights the FHWA’s commitment to excellence. The project is located in the vicinity of the Robert Aufderheide Memorial Drive, about 20 miles east of Eugene, Oregon. The focus for this project was on the reconstruction of the covered bridge as a museum and the development of traveler services. Public restrooms, picnic facilities and walkways were constructed, as well as parking facilities to accommodate cars, recreational vehicles, buses and bicycles. The ADA-compliant site showed high levels of partnership, with the Oregon Department of Transportation administering the construction, Lane County owning the facility, and the City of Lowell providing the daily maintenance and operations. The WFLHD is proud that the Enhancement Program it administers has been the catalyst that has allowed many partner agencies to deliver successful byway projects. By partnering with other agencies, the WFLHD has shown that simple public services can be much more when the partnerships are developed and common interests reinforced. Matt Joerin is the Forest Highway Enhancement Program Manager for FHWA – Western Federal Lands. He can be reached at (360) 619-7538 or matt.joerin@fhwa.dot.gov. BOX: Forest Highway Enhancements emphasize: • Partnerships to deliver projects • Low-cost and high-return projects that leverage the Partner’s resources • The link between the traveling public and the National Forest Lands PHOTO: Detroit Ranger Station in Oregon CAPTION: Enhancement funding was used to support the construction of the Detroit Ranger Station in Oregon. A CONVERSATION WITH...JOHN BAXTER, ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR, OFFICE OF FEDEARL LANDS HIGHWAY What is your background, and what led you to your current position with the USDOT, FHWA, FLH? I grew up in northwestern South Carolina, attending Clemson University and receiving a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering and a master’s degree in Transportation Engineering. I began my career with FHWA through its Highway Engineer Training Program in 1983. The training program was five assignments over 27 months then. The great part of the program was being able to see the country, and experience living in areas as diverse as the southwestern desert in the summer to Michigan in the winter. I was hooked on “mobility,” and continued to apply for positions across the country. That journey has allowed me and my family to live in North Carolina, Arizona, Michigan, Utah (twice), New Mexico, Indiana, and Washington, D.C. (twice on the training program and twice as permanent assignments). Most recently I came into Headquarters after being in the field for 12 years to work in the Office of Safety. About a year ago, I had the opportunity to move into the Office of Federal Lands Highway as the Associate Administrator. I came into this position with an appreciation of the diversity of our country, and the byways that provide access to its beauty. How does FHWA, FLH work with America Byways at the local, State or national level? The Federal Lands office has one of the best missions in government—to improve transportation to and within Federal and Indian lands, which include America’s most beautiful lands. The Federal Lands Highway Program is marking its 25th anniversary, and we’re celebrating our role under the theme of Accessing America’s Treasures. Many of America’s Byways® access national parks, forests and wildlife refuges, so we have a great deal of interaction with all levels of government in the advancement of our mission. We deliver transportation projects for Federal land management agencies, such as the National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, and US Fish and Wildlife Service, using a context-sensitive approach. It is critical that we understand the mission of our partners to protect sensitive natural environments, while also providing the public access to enjoy these areas. We also work with tribes across Indian Country, and support them through technical support and educational programs. Indian tribe governments are very pleased to have a Tribal Scenic Byways program, and the opportunity to submit scenic byway applications directly to FHWA. Please describe the challenges facing the Federal Lands Highway Program. As a “fee for service” provider, we are constantly trying to maximize the value of our customers’ investments. Given soaring construction costs, remote locations for much of our work, and the customized designs that are often needed to develop a context-sensitive solution, managing costs is often a challenge! Like any other agency, we benefit from long-term program stability, because it allows us to plan and prioritize investments. We are also stewards of Title 23 dollars, so we work with Federal and Indian tribe governments to assure requirements are met for planning, designing, constructing and maintaining transportation facilities. As an organization of about 650 staff members, organized by three field offices of over 200 representatives each, plus a Headquarters unit, good communications is a constant goal. The more effectively we communicate internally as well as externally, the better we are at successfully delivering our mission. Good communication results in advancing innovation, being responsive to partner and customer needs, and understanding whether we are efficiently and effectively achieving our goals. We can’t communicate too much! How can FLH support the National Scenic Byways Program and the America’s Byways Resource Center? The mission of the Federal lands program is very much complementary to the National Scenic Byways Program—both are established to help provide access to our national treasures for the public’s enjoyment, while also protecting and preserving the cultural and environmental value of these areas. These lands, routes and facilities are vital to the health of many local economies, particularly in rural America. All of us bring resources to the table that can help each other achieve our goals. Federal Lands has an extensive partner base and can provide technical expertise to assist in identifying leveraging opportunities, advancing the latest in context-sensitive design solutions, and sharing information to support the National Scenic Byways Program and America’s Byways Resources Center. Please tell us about your favorite America’s Byway. I don’t have a favorite, but I do very much appreciate the diversity of our byways. Recently I had the opportunity to travel the entire length of the Natchez Trace and experience the serenity of the route. That’s quite a contrast to the Turquoise Trail, or the Ohio River Scenic Byway, Historic Columbia River Highway or the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway. Each has something unique to offer, and each is a great experience. USE THE LOGO AND SHARE THE BRAND'S POWER IMAGE: America's Byways logo We see product placement and logos used every day in movies, TV, magazines, websites and signage. We recognize brands and are influenced by how many times we see the logo. If the logo represents something we like—a quality product—we will probably seek the product out again. If it represents a bad product or experience, we will remember it negatively, and are likely to tell anyone who will listen. The America’s Byways® logo represents a collection of distinct and diverse roads designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. It represents the principal visual element of the brand and helps travelers identify this great collection. The proper use of this logo creates a memorable and consistent brand impression, and we must be careful how we use it. It is sometimes difficult to remember to include the America’s Byways logo when you are developing promotional materials (brochures, CD/DVD covers, destination guides, banners, websites, etc.) for your byway, or partnering with other organizations (State Tourism Office, regional marketing organization, local CVB or Chamber) on advertising, PR, electronic and/or print materials. The America’s Byways logo conveys a message to existing and potential travelers that you are part of something special, that you worked hard to be a part of this collection, and that your byway represents a quality product. The proper use of the America’s Byways logo can be found in our Graphic Standards Manual on bywaysonline.org. Click on http://library.byways.org/display/57276/Graphic%20Standards%20Manual.pdf to access this document. A few basic guidelines to remember: - The America’s Byways logo is used only for those byways nationally designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. State designated byways, Forest Service byways, Park Service byways, BLM Back Country Byways, etc., cannot use the logo unless they are also designated as an All-American Road or National Scenic Byway. Make sure that a State byway guide or other commercial guides use the America’s Byways logo only next to the All-American Roads and National Scenic Byways. - The America’s Byways® logo should be used on signage as directed in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Design (MUTCD) found on the DOT.gov website at http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/, and also found in the Graphics Standards Manual. - If your byway is part of the America’s Byways collection, the America’s Byways logo can be used as attribution on an interpretive sign or display to indicate that Federal Highway Administration funding was used for the project. If your byway is not part of the collection, the statement “Funded by the Federal Highway Administration,” or “Funded in part by the Federal Highway Administration” should be used on the sign/display. - Consult the Graphic Standards Manual for proper color, size and proportions for the logo. Never use the “flag graphic” without the phrase “America’s Byways®” attached. - Make sure your logo has the registered ® mark. Logos without the ® mark or with a ™ mark are outdated. The exception is on road signs – they do not have to use the registered ® mark. Access the correct logo on the bywaysonline.org homepage, or click http://www.bywaysonline.org/program/marketing/downloads.html. - If your logo has the “flag” graphic with the words “National Scenic Byways Program,” instead of America’s Byways, that logo is not used any more. - Although some media companies do not allow the use of logos in their publications, it never hurts to ask the writer to include the America’s Byways logo. MOST IMPORTANTLY, be proud to use the America’s Byways logo. You are part of an elite group of roads around the country. We want local travelers and long-haul visitors to come CLOSER to these roads and experience all the rich archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities of the America’s Byways collection. The following represent proper (and sometimes fun) usage of the America’s Byways logo . IMAGE: "Let's Go See Alaska!" DVD CAPTION: Alaska’s Marine Highway produced a “Let’s Go See Alaska!” DVD, highlighting the heritage, culture, wildlife, scenic beauty and history of the byway. IMAGE: Cover of "y'all" magazine CAPTION: Natchez Trace Parkway, MS, AL, TN, promoted its byway by inserting a brochure in the “y’all” magazine. IMAGE: Destination Guide and brochure CAPTION: Colorado Tourism Office and the Colorado Department of Transportation just released a beautiful destination guide and companion brochure. The America’s Byways logo appears on the pages with the All-American Roads and National Scenic Byways, but not with the State designated byways. IMAGE: Holiday postcard with America's Byways logo CAPTION: The Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway, MD, sent out holiday postcards that included the America’s Byways logo on the front. The back of the postcard had a description of the byway and Web address, with the text, “Happy Scenic Holidays!” BOX: TERMS OF DISTINCTION When you’re writing press releases, brochures or other materials, remember to use the proper phrasing. Careful word choice helps to support the America’s Byways brand. Program: U.S. DOT FHWA National Scenic Byways Program, or just National Scenic Byways Program Designations: All-American Road or National Scenic Byway. Not an All-American Road National Scenic Byway or National Scenic Byway All-American Road Collection: America’s Byways® is the collection of distinct and diverse roads designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation Logo: Visual representation of brand COMING AND GOING Goodbye, Patricia McNally In May, 2003, my first day on the job with the National Scenic Byways Program consisted of attending the National Scenic Byways Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I was amazed at the amount of passion and pride displayed by the attendees and at the openness of their welcome for me and the potential marketing efforts. Passion is infectious, and I certainly believe in the Program, the America’s Byways® collection, and in the richness and diversity of our byway communities. We have done a lot together to move our brand into the mainstream, and there is lots more to do. I will be leaving the Program in late November 2008. My contract is up, and it’s time to move on. I know you will continue to display the America’s Byways® logo where appropriate, give attribution to the Program as needed, reach out to new partners, and continue to build the brand. I intend to stay involved in the byways program through involvement in local byways and in getting the word out to anyone who will listen. And I hope to visit some of you in the future. Thank you for the great byway stories I have to tell! Patricia psmcnally@att.net PHOTO: Patricia McNally, pictured with a “Come CLOSER” America’s Byways map CULTURAL TOURISM ARRIVES IN CENTRAL OREGON By Robin Gyorgyfalvy Landscape Architect and Scenic Byways Program Leader Deschutes National Forest When springtime finally arrived in central Oregon this past year, it brought news of a $10,000 grant award for a new Cultural Tourism Initiative to Cate O’Hagan, Executive Director of Arts Central (www.artscentraloregon.org). The highly competitive Oregon Arts Commission’s new cultural tourism grant program was designed to stimulate more cultural tourism in Oregon. This seed money would immediately generate ideal growing conditions for new collaborative partnerships and first-time cultural events. Doug LaPlaca, Executive Director of VisitBend, the City of Bend’s economic development and tourism marketing organization (www.visitbend.com), agreed to a cash match to Arts Central’s grant award. With Arts Central gathering local arts and culture content, VisitBend would create a brand strategy and marketing strategy. Doug felt that cultural tourism could help promote sustainability of natural resources by bringing awareness to the area’s incredible natural resources and by educating visitors and locals on ways to preserve these resources. He also said the National Scenic Byways Program and a recent community visioning process called Bend 2030 (www.bend2030.org) are critical pieces to both the visitor and local experience in central Oregon because of their focus on community values and enhancing economic vitality. Travel Oregon, marketing partner of the National Scenic Byways Program, promotes cultural tourism as part of its economic development strategy in Oregon mainly because cultural tourists stay longer and spend considerably more than the average tourist. In the past, recreation was the main focus for tourism in central Oregon. Now the sudden growth in central Oregon has created a climate for change. In addition to Bend, several central Oregon communities are now beginning to market themselves as gateways to the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway has a partnership with the nearby Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation through its cultural gem, The Museum at Warm Springs (www.warmsprings.com), and the Tribal Committee on Culture and Heritage. With its other scenic byway partners, Arts Central and VisitBend, an important piece of central Oregon culture, heritage and history will now be better integrated with tourism, leading to a more sustainable future for central Oregon. In addition, the Cultural Tourism Initiative can help create a better appreciation for the area’s tribal communities. This autumn has yielded two first-time cultural tourism events in central Oregon. One was held on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway at the historic Elk Lake Guard Station on a beautiful September day. Celebrating its 10th anniversary as a national scenic byway, Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway hosted live music and storytelling to entertain an enthusiastic community audience. A history lesson by volunteer Les Joslin described the significance of the guard station to the byway. The audience heard the debut of the new byway ballad, “The High Road,” which was composed by local singer/songwriter and artist Dennis McGregor (www.dennismcgregor.com). The last traditional salmon fisherman from Warm Springs, Terry Courtney, told a story from the heart of his fishing traditions, unexpectedly revealing an honest picture of life on the reservation today. Riders in the Dirt, a bluegrass band of women Forest Service employees, capped a lively day in the sun. The other cultural tourism event held on a cool October evening was Oregon’s first statewide Day of Culture at the Mirror Pond Gallery & Plaza. Hosted by Deschutes Cultural Coalition (www.deschutesculturalcoalition.org) and Arts Central with support from the Oregon Trust, live music and poetry entertained an inspired crowd. This cultural event was also an opportunity to recognize recipients of the 2008 Deschutes Cultural Trust awards. The mostly small nonprofit organizations receiving these awards will strengthen the relationship between local cultural resources and tourist-based industries, encourage greater awareness of local culture, and ensure that cultural resources are accessible to all residents. Many creative ideas will undoubtedly take form over winter. The seeds have been sown and the original success of Arts Central in receiving this grant and having collaborative partnerships with VisitBend, Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, and Bend 2030’s Community Vision will result in a positive effect on the local economy in central Oregon. Stay tuned for what comes up next! PHOTO: Band playing music at the event CAPTION: Riders in the Dirt Band (Forest Service employees and bluegrass musicians) provided music and stories at the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway 10th anniversary celebration at the historic Elk Lake Guard Station. Credit: Marlene Ralph PHOTO: Robin Gyorgyfalvy and Terry Courtney CAPTION: Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway leader Robin Gyorgyfalvy with Terry Courtney, storyteller and last traditional salmon fisherman from the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. Credit: Marlene Ralph PHOTO: Musician singing and playing guitar CAPTION: Singer/songwriter/artist Dennis McGregor helps tell the byway story through the byway ballad he composed and debuted during the anniversary celebration, a performance captured in this photo. He creates the artwork for the byway's interpretive signs. Credit: Marlene Ralph America’s Byways Resource Center 394 Lake Avenue South, Suite 600 Duluth, MN 55802 Presorted First-Class Mail U.S. Postage PAID St. Cloud, MN Permit No. 2650 CALENDAR Send calendar entries by the 5th of each month to center@byways.org NOVEMBER November 11–14 Lake Management in a Changing Environment Symposium Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada North American Lake Management Society For more information, please visit: www.nalms.org/conferences/ 2008LakeLouise/Default.aspx November 11–15 Sustaining the Circle: NAI 2008 National Workshop Portland, Oregon National Association of Interpretation For more information, please visit: www.interpnet.com/conferences November 15-18 National Trails Symposium Little Rock, Arkansas American Trails For more information, please visit: www.americantrails.org/2008/ DECEMBER December 1 Scenic Byway Award Applications Due Applications to State coordinators must be postmarked no later than Dec. 1 (not applicable to Indian tribe byways). For more information, please visit: www.bywaysresourcecenter.org December 2-4 Gateways Today: Balancing Conservation and Community in an Age of Diversity, Change and Challenge Albuquerque, New Mexico Western States Tourism Policy Council (WSTPC) For more information, please visit: www.newmexico.org/WSTPC/ December 8-11 A Universal Approach to Interpretive Planning, Programs and Design Workshop Indianapolis, Indiana National Center on Accessibility For more information, please visit: www.ncaonline.org/index.php?q=node/696 December 17 National Scenic Byways Designation Nominations Due Nominations from States, Indian tribes and Federal land management agencies due to FHWA division offices on December 17. For more information, please visit: www.bywaysonline.org December 19 Scenic Byway Award Applications Due From State Coordinators & Indian Tribes State coordinators and Indian tribes must submit completed applications postmarked no later than December19. For more information, please visit: www.bywaysresourcecenter.org 2009 JANUARY January 15 Presentation Proposals Due For 2009 National Scenic Byways Conference Proposals must be postmarked no later than January 15. For more information, please visit: www.bywaysresourcecenter.org January 21-23 15th TTN State Conference: Texas Trails: Then, Today and Tomorrow Waco, Texas Texas Trails Network For more information, please visit: www.texastrails.org January 23-24 Stewardship Network Conference: The Science, Practice & Art of Restoring Natural Ecosystems East Lansing, Michigan The Stewardship Network For more information, please visit: www.stewardshipnetwork.org/site/c. hrLOKWPILuF/b.4365715/ FEBRUARY February 4-6 Saving Places 2009: Expanding Preservation Coalitions Denver, Colorado Colorado Preservation, Inc. For more information, please visit: www.coloradopreservation.org/spc/index. html#uc February 8-11 The Corps Network 2009 Forum: Service and Conservation Strategies for Our Future Washington, D.C. The Corps Network For more information, please visit: www.corpsnetwork.org/newsForum.asp February 15 Sponsor & Exhibitor Contracts For 2009 National Scenic Byways Conference Contracts received by February 15 receive pre-conference recognition. For more information, please visit: www.bywaysresourcecenter.org February 17-19 South Carolina Governor’s Conference on Tourism & Travel Hilton Head Island, South Carolina SC Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Tourism For more information, please visit: www.scprt.com/govcon.aspx MARCH March 2-6 Rethinking Protected Areas in a Changing World: 2009 Biennial Conference on Parks, Protected Areas, and Cultural Sites Portland, Oregon George Wright Society For more information, please visit: www.georgewright.org/gws2009.html March 7-11 Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society 62nd Annual Conference Hershey, Pennsylvania For more information, please visit: www.prps.org March 24-26 National OHV Program Managers Workshop Houston, Texas National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council For more information, please contact: Tom Metsa at 303-791-1954 x132 or Thomas.metsa@state.co.us APRIL April 22-24 2009 California Trails and Greenways Conference Fish Camp, California California State Parks; Recreational Trails Conference Foundation For more information, please visit: www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24151 JUNE June 18-28 The Gettysburg Festival: Celebrating America Gettysburg, Pennsylvania For more information, please visit: www.gettysburgfestival.org JULY July 9-12 Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference Gainesville, Florida Southeastern Distance Riders Association For more information, please visit: www.southeasternequestriantrails.com AUGUST August 23-26 2009 National Scenic Byways Conference: Elevate Your Expertise Denver, Colorado America’s Byways Resource Center, National Scenic Byways Program, and Federal Highway Administration Watch www.bywaysresourcecenter.org for sponsor/exhibitor information, call for presentations, conference details and registration. CHANGE OF ADDRESS? Just e-mail your name and new address to center@byways.org to receive Vistas at your new location. SHARE THE NEWS Contact Vistas Editor: Leah Kohlts Direct: 218-625-3301 lkohlts@byways.org VISTAS is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper, processed chlorine free.