FEBRUARY 2002 What’s Inside: Roadside Reflections . . . . 2 Nominate Your Preservation Project For National Preservation Awards . . . . 2 Byways Organizations . . 4 Driving the Byways . . . . . 6 Dreams Spark Local Economic Development . . 8 Georgia Celebrates Success At the Crossroads . . . . . .9 New Map Features the Historic Bridges of Putnam County . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 TE From Sea To Shining Sea . . . . . . . . . .10 Off the Shelf . . . . . . . . .11 Published in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration by: America’s Byways Resource Center Arrowhead Regional Development Commission 227 West First Street Suite 610 Duluth, MN 55802 1-800-4BYWAYS, Ext. 5 The Challenge of Interpreting America’s Byways What is successful byway interpretation, and how does it happen? Recent workshops sponsored by America’s Byways Resource Center explored the challenges of planning for interpretation for byways. The dialogue from these workshops is expected to contribute towards the Resource Center’s research and training agenda for the near future. “Unlike highways that are for getting from points A to B, byways are for learning what’s special between points A and B. People are intrigued by a byway’s story. That is where effective byway interpretation comes in. We want people to leave with an appreciation for the byway’s resources and intrinsic qualities,” said Rob Draper, Program Director, National Scenic Byways Program, Federal Highway Administration. PHOTO: Selma to Montgomery March Byway was a featured case study to help develop the backdrop for the “Tackling Difficult Stories” group. Lorretta Wimberly presented the interpretive background for the workshop about this byway. Interpreting America’s byways creates unique challenges. Nancy Brunswick, USDA Forest Service Byways Resource Specialist, explained, “Most of the existing interpretive research and literature focuses on visitor centers and short trails. Byways are distinctive in that you are trying to provide interpretation for people who are traveling in vehicles instead of walking a trail, browsing a museum, or touring a specific site.” To help define those challenges, a cross-section of 25 representatives from byway organizations, federal agencies, and state transportation departments, met for lunch and discussion on the opening day of the 2001 National Scenic Byways Conference in Portland, Oregon. The group worked to articulate what characterizes successful byway interpretation. They came up with the following definitions: • Successful byway interpretation is evidenced in common themes that thread along and throughout the byway. It is achieved through deliberate planning, management, and maintenance. It reflects the values of those communities that the byway transects, and tells their stories in a sensitive, but honest and objective, way. • Successful byway interpretation allows the traveler to experience the story in many different ways and through many different mediums. It provides access to the story across different cultures, languages, learning styles and physical abilities. It inspires travelers to learn, and leaves them with an understanding of the cultural, scenic and historic qualities that distinguish this byway as more than just another piece of road. In small groups, participants also identified byway interpretation challenges, and possible research and training activities to address them. Based on their discussion, and subsequent synthesis by the Resource Center, three “focus areas” evolved (see inset). These focus areas represent groups of challenges that would likely benefit from research, training and/or other opportunities. As a follow-up to this workshop, the Resource Center hosted a one-day session preceding the 2001 National Association of Interpretation Conference in Des Moines, Iowa. The workshop included a cross-section of representatives from federal agencies, state transportation departments, byway organizations and academia. After exploring options for addressing byway interpretation challenges, they produced recommendations for numerous interpretation research and training activities for the Center to sponsor. Of these options, workshop participants determined that development of an interpretation “tool kit,” an assessment of existing training, and learning how to create a complete history were most urgent (see inset). The participants also suggested that many of the recommendations were inter-related, and should be reviewed for potential combinations. The Resource Center is excited about the potential of many of the proposed projects and opportunities. In the next few months the team will be developing a strategic plan to chart a course for assisting byways with their interpretation training needs, and to work with researchers to identify more effective ways of delivering interpretive messages to byway travelers. The America’s Byways Resource Center assists people and organizations that are involved with nationally designated byways (National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads). For more information on the future interpretive initiatives, or to find summaries of the Portland and Des Moines workshops (and a list of workshop participants), check out the Web site at www.byways.org. Click on “Resource Center” and then “Sharing Ideas.” Anyone interested in being involved in future interpretive activities at America’s Byways Resource Center, please contact Nancy Brunswick or Cheryl Newman at (800) 429-9297, ext. 5. PHOTO: From left to right: David Guiney, Mary Barrick, Deb Divine, Amy Schrader, Alan Leftridge, Sally Pearce, Shirley Fredrickson, Lisa Brochu, Mark Morgan, Nancy Brunswick and Dick Ostergaard. SIDEBAR: Byway Interpretation Research & Training: Potential First Steps Interpretation Tool Kit There is a need to identify, select, and deliver multiple stories and themes on byways with many access points. A first step is to develop an Interpretation Tool Kit including components such as: 1) Sample requests for proposals and sample contracts, 2) information on how to interview, select and negotiate with an interpretive consultant, 3) an introduction to the interpretive planning process, 4) tools to conduct market research, etc. Assess Existing Training and Training Opportunities There is often a lack of knowledge of interpretive planning by staff, volunteers and citizens involved with byway planning. There is a need for interpretive training to focus on themes, rather than “everything,” and develop 5-10 year strategies. There is a need to identify existing training that is available, and investigate opportunities for partnerships in developing new training. How to Create a Complete History There is a need to teach people (byway partners) how to create a complete history for their byways. Do this by developing a training system (series of workshops, videos, manuals) on how to inventory resources and conduct historical research. Inventory and research techniques would include site assessment, oral histories, archival resources, primary/secondary data, and experts. Byway Interpretation Challenges: Three Focus Areas The Big Picture It is difficult to develop an overall theme and carry it throughout a byway when the byway transects a multitude of land ownerships and diverse cultures, each seeking to share their individual, distinct stories. Byways can cover many miles, even thousands. Long byways are often traveled in segments. It may take a new approach to planning for byway corridors, vs. traditional interpretive planning. Difficult Stories Authenticity is challenging, and can create an ethical dilemma. History was written at different times and filtered through different experiences. It is essential to be true to the story, yet there is a need to be sensitive to the individuals and communities who are part of this story. Telling all sides of the story may be unpopular with the local community, the traveling public, and byway stakeholders. Interpretive Planning Managing and preserving byway values and amenities requires good planning. It can be challenging to balance management objectives with visitor desires and local perspectives. There is a lack of understanding of the relationship of thematic interpretation to byways, how to target audiences in content and delivery, and dealing with linear features (versus loops and multiple entry points). It is also challenging, at times, to balance regulatory restrictions with the desire to provide interpretive services. Roadside Reflections by Michelle Johnson, Associate Director “Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.”– Anthony J. D’Angelo PHOTO: Michelle Johnson, Resource Center Associate Director A sense of community. You can find it in your home, at your work, and where you live. It’s a sense of belonging, a feeling that you make difference and a contribution. You feel secure, confident and strong. A byway organization offers a sense of community to you and your byway friends as you enhance, promote, protect and preserve the special stories and unique features of your byway. For me, one of the best parts of the national scenic byways program is the sense of community... the caring... the passion that exists along every byway, in every byway organization. It’s here at the Resource Center, at the Federal Highway Administration, at the state level and most importantly, at the byway level. Remember the national conference? Think of how many people greeted friends with warm smiles and hugs. I saw that same sense of community again at the Interpretive Forum we hosted in November in conjunction with the National Association for Interpretation’s national conference in Des Moines, Iowa. Bringing byway people together to think about interpretation highlighted our community’s passion, ideas, and energy. In the byway community, we often talk about a sense of place. Across America, byways are working to preserve unique and special features of their regions. Their efforts help reclaim each community’s identity and sense of place amid a landscape of “sameness”— the same gas stations, the same fast food, the same retail stores. Our byway program strives to recognize the unique places where community spirit thrives. In today’s new world, many of us seek more security and more meaning in our lives. We’re looking for that sense of community. Locally and nationally, I think the byway program offers us this sense of community. We all make a difference and hold a stake in the success of the entire byways program. Because you care, because I care, we’re also catalysts for fortifying community spirit from coast to coast. Our sense of community inspires others. And that makes a difference for everyone. Nominate Your Preservation Project For National Preservation Awards Nominations are now open for the 2002 National Preservation Awards sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Those who have been involved in an outstanding preservation project completed in the past three years, or those who know of a company, organization or individual who has helped save a part of America’s local or national heritage, are encouraged to submit a nomination. Nomination deadline for the National Trust/HUD Secretary’s Award and the Trustees’ Awards for Organizational Excellence, Public Policy, and Stewardship of Historic Sites is March 1, 2002. Nominations for National Preservation Honor Awards must be submitted by May 1, 2002. The coveted annual awards recognize singular success in preserving, rehabilitating, restoring or interpreting America’s architectural and cultural heritage. Winners will be honored at the National Preservation Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, October 8-13, 2002. This year, as part of the National Trust’s initiative to encourage corporations to support and respect historic places, the Corporate Responsibility Honor Award will recognize excellence by a national or regional chain or franchise in utilizing historic buildings, designing new infill construction compatible with historic areas, or supporting preservation-based revitalization. Among the 2001 winners was the KiMo Theatre in Albuquerque, New Mexico, located along Historic Route 66 (National Scenic Byway). To receive nomination materials: Download: www.nthp.org/preservation_awards E-mail: awards@nthp.org Phone: (202) 588-6236 Fax-on-demand service: (202) 588-6444 [document #9005] Write: Preservation Awards National Trust for Historic Preservation 1785 Massachusetts Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 Byways Organizations Charting Your Course for Success: The Statements that Start the Plan Note: This is an excerpt from "Making the Grassroots Grow," an upcoming publication from America’s Byways Resource Center. This new guide will present basic organizational concepts, case studies, and best practices from the National Scenic Byways Program. Long-distance trips usually start with general directions, a good roadmap, and an informative guidebook. Just as you wouldn’t undertake a journey without those tools, you shouldn’t undertake the journey of implementing a byway initiative without similar aids. Your best guides can be a well-crafted vision, mission, and corridor management plan. These documents will serve as a compass to point you in the right direction and a roadmap to show you how to get there. PHOTO: A vision statement provides direction and inspiration. The vision of the National Scenic Byways Program is “To create a distinctive collection of American roads, their stories and treasured places.” One of the gems in the collection is the Blue Ridge Parkway All-American Road (North Carolina). What is a Vision Statement? Every journey has a destination. The vision statement captures the destination of your planning and implementation process, and provides your byway stakeholders with an inspiring glimpse of where you are trying to lead them. Good vision statements: • Are inspiring, compelling and bold. • Embody your values. • Use vivid language, word pictures, and metaphors. • Communicate enthusiasm and excitement. • Are specific and concise. • Verbalize a byway organization’s highest aspirations. • Conjure up a similar image for each member of the group. • Are connected to the desired future for the byway. A vision statement describes your destination—where you are headed. What is a Mission Statement? A mission statement outlines your plans for fulfilling your vision—it defines how you are going to get there. To serve as an accurate roadmap for realizing your byway’s vision, the mission statement should articulate goals and objectives, and define a course of action. Good mission statements: • Outline what must happen to realize your vision. • Describe what your byway is trying to accomplish and for whom. • Establish an agenda for action. • Serve as a yardstick against which you can measure new ideas and proposals. • Stress benefits and desired results. A mission statement defines actions to reach your desired destination—how you will get where you want to go. Who Should Participate? Envisioning the future of your byway and community can be a powerful experience. Creating vision and mission statements, based on shared values and future hopes, can serve as a catalyst for change and commitment. Active community participation is key to success. The process should strive to capture diverse viewpoints and wide representation of community interests. Be sure to involve a broad spectrum of citizens—senior citizens, business representatives, youth, educators, landowners, politicians, community advocates, and byway stakeholders. Successful visioning gives people several opportunities to participate, either directly in workshops and town meetings or through mail-in surveys and interactive Web sites. SIDEBAR: “Mission, values, and vision are the glue that holds an organization together. They describe what you're trying to do, how you want to go about it, and where you're headed. Knowing these things helps to keep your organization on track. It gives you a yardstick you can always use to measure your present performance and plans against your aspirations.” - Don Adams, Institute for Cultural Democracy Getting Started Building Buy-in • Keep the vision and mission These questions can help you Develop enthusiasm and support statements in mind as the byway get started in creating vision for your vision and mission by planning journey continues. and mission statements for your byway. Ask each individual to write down ideas and then share them with the group. using the following strategies: • Share the vision and mission with your byway’s stakeholders. Use any and all means of • Celebrate your success! It’s hard work to find just the right words that will articulate your byway’s vision and mission. 1. Why have you chosen internal and external commu-Take time to celebrate your to live here? nications to get the word out. accomplishment. 2. Why have you chosen to join this group? Find ways to publicize your vision and mission statements. Getting on the Road The “big picture” is now finished. 3. What are the things you value about the byway? 4. What is unique about us? • Make the communication process interactive: Listen to responses, and be prepared to modify the vision and mission Or is it? Your vision and mission statements will serve as a framework for your byway goals. The next challenge is to translate 5. Who, what, where, and how statements if needed. your dreams into specific plans do we want to be in five to ten years? 6. What “theme” consistently runs through this byway, like a thread of gold? 7. What do you want to leave for others after you’re gone? • Get the endorsement of key people who have influence in your community and along your byway. • Bring the vision and mission to life by sharing stories, hosting tours, planning special events, that will mark your progress along the road to implementing your byway’s vision and mission. With your vision and mission in hand, you are ready to start down the road to a successful byway program.  and sharing the byway resources with community members. Getting Started These questions can help you get started in creating vision and mission statements for your byway. Ask each individual to write down ideas and then share them with the group. 1. Why have you chosen to live here? 2. Why have you chosen to join this group? 3. What are the things you value about the byway? 4. What is unique about us? 5. Who, what, where, and how do we want to be in five to ten years? 6. What “theme” consistently runs through this byway, like a thread of gold? 7. What do you want to leave for others after you’re gone? Building Buy-in Develop enthusiasm and support for your vision and mission by using the following strategies: • Share the vision and mission with your byway’s stakeholders. Use any and all means of internal and external communications to get the word out. Find ways to publicize your vision and mission statements. • Make the communication process interactive: Listen to responses, and be prepared to modify the vision and mission statements if needed. • Get the endorsement of key people who have influence in your community and along your byway. • Bring the vision and mission to life by sharing stories, hosting tours, planning special events, and sharing the byway resources with community members. • Keep the vision and mission statements in mind as the byway planning journey continues. • Celebrate your success! It’s hard work to find just the right words that will articulate your byway’s vision and mission. Take time to celebrate your accomplishment. Getting on the Road The “big picture” is now finished. Or is it? Your vision and mission statements will serve as a framework for your byway goals. The next challenge is to translate your dreams into specific plans that will mark your progress along the road to implementing your byway’s vision and mission. With your vision and mission in hand, you are ready to start down the road to a successful byway program. SIDEBAR: Sample Vision Statements from America’s Byways Outback Scenic Byway, Oregon The Outback Scenic Byway provides visitors with a memorable experience based on appreciation of the rural life style, the natural and cultural history and the Great Basin landscapes. The byway will become the preferred route for travel between Portland and Reno…. Visitors will return and will recommend the byway to friends because it has not become over-developed and they have enjoyed the outback hospitality the room to roam. Nebo Loop Scenic Byway, Utah Reverence, Respect, Renewal. The spectacular the complete array of recreational activities and Native American history along land, respect for the resources, and a sense of personal and ecological renewal. Native American Scenic Byway, The Native American Scenic Byway is the gateway to a revealing cultural experience. …More than just a safe, comfortable, enjoyable drive, the experience of the Byway will help the heart and mind of the visitor travel back in time to the day when the Sioux were the dominant culture of the high plains. When the visitor feels the spirit of this land, then the vision of the Byway will be complete. Driving the Byways Las Vegas Strip All-American Road (Nevada) PHOTO: The famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign has greeted visitors to the Strip since 1959. Byway Length: 4.5 miles Designation: 1996 - Nevada State Scenic Byway 2000 - All-American Road Unique Features: Las Vegas has long been recognized as the entertainment Mecca of the world. At the heart of it all, the Las Vegas Strip National Scenic Byway sparkles like no other and earned the title, “The Jewel of the Desert.” Day or night, this “Neon Trail” provides a fascinating foray past spectacular resorts offering a variety of visual delights to pedestrians and motorists alike. The many facets of this corridor make it truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The Las Vegas Strip National Scenic Byway is the first nighttime scenic byway in the scenic byway system, with over 15,000 miles of neon illuminating its route. It’s also more compact than most byways. In fact, at 4.5 miles, it’s the shortest nationally designated byway. Surrounded by three separate mountain ranges, including the Grand Canyon and Red Rock National Conservation Area, Las Vegas is also one of the most geographically isolated major cities. SIDEBAR: “Gambling, lights, and shows aside, the Las Vegas Strip is a street of dreams to many who come here looking for jobs, careers, and a way to take care of themselves and their families.” - Entertainer Wayne Newton PHOTO: Well-known performer Wayne Newton joined Nevada Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt at the Paris hotel to celebrate the Las Vegas Strip’s designation as an All-American Road in 2000. Newton recognized the people who make the Strip run every day and offer hospitality to millions of guests. Over 25 percent of Clark County residents are employed in the tourism industry. The inimitable Las Vegas Strip (South Las Vegas Boulevard) serves as the gateway to a host of memorable experiences distinctly Las Vegas. More than 32 million visitors from around the world are drawn to the lights of the Strip each year to experience its blend of exciting entertainment, lavishly landscaped resorts, varied recreational opportunities and unique architectural features. The Strip’s incredible array of resorts are constructed around themes to transport a visitor to exotic realms, from a medieval castle to the Parisian Eiffel Tower, and from a lakeside Italian village to a pyramid in ancient Egypt. The Las Vegas Strip is also unique among nationally designated scenic byways because its primary attractions are man-made structures. But there’s no doubt it meets program requirements as “a destination unto itself.” Byway leader Kristine Roberts says, “I think it (national designation) recognizes that the Strip is part of our American culture. And it is something beautiful.” The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority believes the designation will help in marketing, especially to international visitors. The scenic byway team would like to find funding to put up signs and banners along the Strip to designate its All-American Road status. Nevada legalized gambling in 1931 and the first casino opened downtown the same year. Competition was intense and casino builders looked to property outside the Las Vegas City limits. Most of the Las Vegas Strip is not really located within the Las Vegas city limits, but in unincorporated Clark County. Although gambling dominates the city’s persona, there has been a new emergence of arts and cultural activities. When the Hermitage-Guggenheim Museum opened last year in the Venetian Resort along the Strip, it joined company with fine arts museums at the Bellagio and Desert Inn. Las Vegas also provides residence for a refugee-poet from war-torn Sierra Leone under the innovative “City of Asylum” program. Organization: The Las Vegas Strip Scenic Byway Team includes a diverse set of members, all with various interests in the Strip. Led by Clark County Comprehensive Planning, the group includes representatives from the Bureau of Land Management, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Nevada Film Office, Nevada Commission on Tourism, Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, Nevada Taxi Cab Authority, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the Nevada Department of Tourism, Nevada Department of Transportation, over twenty Las Vegas Strip Resorts, and others. Projects: The best descriptor of Clark County today is growth. The fastest growing county in the nation, Clark County’s population almost doubled in the past ten years to an estimated 1.2 million people. Roughly 1,500 new residents move here each week. The explosive growth has brought increased traffic and the demand for additional transportation facilities. Along the Strip, projects are focused on relieving congestion, improving vehicle and pedestrian traffic flows, upgrading access, and enhancing overall air quality. For more information, contact: Kristine Roberts Trails Coordinator Clark County Comprehensive Planning 500 S. Grand Central Parkway Las Vegas, NV 89155-1741 (Phone) 702-455-4181 (Fax) 702-385-8894 kzb@co.clark.nv.us  Dreams Spark Local Economic Development Exploring Ernesto Sirolli’s “Enterprise Facilitation” Principles A single dreamer in a community can spark new economic opportunities. The trick is to find that one person and, importantly, to listen to the problem before spouting out a solution, according to Dr. Ernesto Sirolli, founder of the Sirolli Institute based in St. Paul, MN. His presentation, “Economics, Partnership and Your Byway Community,” during the first day of sessions at last summer’s 2001 National Scenic Byways Conference in Portland, Oregon, introduced his “Enterprise Facilitation” concept and challenged participants to seek the dreamers in their communities. Sirolli, an animated and captivating storyteller, began by describing his dismal failure in the 1960s to bring farming to a rural community in Zambia, Africa. He and a group of four other college-age Italian volunteers found fertile soil beside a flowing river and they planted five acres of tomatoes. The plants thrived in the African sun, Sirolli explained, and the local residents seemed amusedly interested in the project. The Italians beamed with pride at the red, ripe tomatoes they were tending. However, on the day of the big harvest, the Italians arrived at the farm to find a field of broken and empty stalks. Not one glorious tomato was in sight, Sirolli told the group, until they peered out to the river where a herd of hippos floated happily with full stomachs among the red remnants of their overnight dinner. Sirolli said, “We asked the locals if they knew the hippos were there. The locals said that they knew all along. We said, ‘Why didn’t you tell us?’ They said, ‘You never asked.’” PHOTO: Dr. Ernesto Sirolli Enterprise Facilitation Begins The simplicity of the problem remained with the young student. Sirolli eventually read a book by Dr. Ernest F. Schumacher called Small Is Beautiful: Economics As If People Mattered and Sirolli found a new way of seeing economics from a common-sense, humanistic perspective. In 1985, Sirolli proved the viability of Enterprise Facilitation by looking for one person with a dream in the economically depressed town of Esperance in rural Western Australia. Enterprise Facilitation essentially means bringing the right people together to help solve the problem that’s holding back a person with passion and creative energy to succeed. It requires an invitation, a request for help. And it means that the facilitator does not do the work or tell the entrepreneur what to do. According to the Sirolli Institute Web site, “Enterprise Facilitation can only be done responsively by becoming available to self- motivated individuals on an as-needed, just-in-time basis.” Sirolli’s principles are based on the idea that “the future of every community lies in capturing the energy, imagination, intelligence and passion of its people and that development can only be indigenous and based on what is already present in the community.” A Grassroots Approach The fundamental grassroots approach is similar to the development of byway organizations. Applied to byways, the Enterprise Facilitation concept suggests relying on local knowledge and skills to unlock new economic opportunities. Three components are necessary: 1) a facilitator who listens to the problem and brings all of the entities together 2) volunteers with a passion for the byway, the community or an enterprise 3) experts in marketing or financial management Sirolli has introduced the Enterprise Facilitation concept to projects in more than 200 communities in three countries and has helped to create 10 to 15 new jobs per year in rural areas. Most recently, the state of Kansas announced three projects that would integrate the Siroll Institute’s proprietary Enterprise Facilitation concepts. His book, Ripples from the Zambezi: Passion, Entrepreneurship, and the Rebirth of Local Economies, tells his compelling story and explains his concepts in detail. For those of you who missed this fascinating and thought-provoking session in Portland, you can contact America’s Byways Resource Center to borrow a video of the event. It just may be the spark your byway needs to fuel economic opportunities. About the Books: Ripples from the Zambezi: Passion, Entrepreneurship, and the Rebirth of Local Economies by Ernesto Sirolli List Price: $14.95 Paperback - 176 pages (April 15, 1999) New Society Pub; ISBN: 0865713979 Small Is Beautiful : Economics As If People Mattered : 25 Years Later...With Commentaries by E. F. Schumacher, James Robertson (Preface), Paul Hawken (Introduction) List Price: $19.95 Paperback - (December 1999) 286 pages For more information, please contact: Sirolli Institute International Enterprise Facilitation Inc. P.O. Box 4342 St. Paul, MN 55104 (877) 747- 6554 (877) SIROLLI Fax: (780) 466- 0329 sirolli@visi.com or visit www.sirolli.com Georgia Celebrates Success at the Crossroads After sitting vacant for 25 years, a department store in Monticello, Georgia is back in business. The City of Monticello completed a major renovation of the 1903 Benton Supply Company and Department Store Building located on the town square and at the heart of the Monticello Crossroads Scenic Byway. Known as the Benton Block, four renovated buildings formed part of a historically intact row of early twentieth century commercial architecture. The buildings retained their original storefronts without alteration and faced various stages of deterioration. The Benton Building has taken on a new life, serving as the Monticello Government Complex and home to the Monticello Crossroads Scenic Byway Trailhead. The complex also houses a Visitor’s Center and Museum, Monticello City Hall, Historic Preservation Commission, Downtown Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce, Jasper County Development Authority, and Children’s Services. State Scenic Byway Coordinator Jordan Hoffman explained, “Monticello and Jasper County Georgia. They’ve made great strides in bringing back their downtown, preserving their historic resources, and creating a strong sense of community pride. We are very excited about their achievement.” PHOTO: BEFORE The historic Benton Building in Monticello, Georgia sat vacant for 25 years. PHOTO: AFTER The City of Monticello completed renovation of the building, which now serves a variety of purposes, including a Trailhead for the Monticello Crossroads Scenic Byway. A National Scenic Byways grant provided part of the project funding. The project received funding from the National Scenic Byways Program (a $600,00 grant), Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources (Historic Preservation Division), Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services, Georgia’s Department of Community Affairs, Georgia’s Department of Transportation, and local governments. Georgia offers four designated scenic byways: • Monticello Crossroads Scenic Byway • Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway (a National Scenic Byway) • Ridge & Valley Scenic Byway • South Fulton Scenic Byway Established in 1992, the Georgia Scenic Byways Program has been managed by the Georgia Department of Transportation since 1998. The 29-mile Monticello Crossroads Scenic Byway emphasizes the rural and historic qualities of the area. Native Americans, as well as evangelical Methodist Circuit Riders, once used these routes as they crossed the state. A section of the byway was also part of the Seven Island Stage Coach Road that ran from Augusta to New Orleans and the Natchez Trace. Several individual structures, as well as the central business district of Monticello, have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. New Map Features the Historic Bridges of Putnam County They come in a variety of styles—covered, timber, iron, steel, and concrete. DePauw University emeritus professor Jim Cooper will tell you Putnam County counts more of them than any other county in Indiana. They are historic bridges. The histories of many of Putnam County’s bridges are intertwined with that of the Historic National Road (US 40), a nationally designated scenic byway. In 1806, Congress and Thomas Jefferson authorized the construction of a road into the American frontier. The National Road crossed the Allegheny Mountains from Maryland through Pennsylvania and West Virginia into Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Today, scattered milemarkers, tollhouses, historic inns, pike towns, bricked pavement, and bridges are clues to the road’s story and its past. In Indiana, some of the old bridges still exist along the byway. When demolition threatened Bridge #159 (located along the Historic National Road in Indiana), local advocates realized they needed to take action. Walt Prosser of the Indiana National Road Association, Jim Cooper, a historic bridge expert, and the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana worked together to save the historic structure. It became the first bridge in the state to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Prosser and Cooper discovered that the State of Indiana had plans to dismantle and replace many of the historic bridges. They looked for a way to raise public awareness and support. Prosser said, “We embarked on a plan to save the most historic and unusual bridges—those that would add to the rich heritage of this farming country. We decided to produce a touring map for 27 bridges, hoping to make the entire county aware of what we were about to lose and, with their support, turn the tide.” The idea resulted in an interesting and educational map, “The Historic Bridges of Putnam County.” Lots of folks helped to produce the map. The Putnam County Foundation and the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana sponsored the project. Joe Jarzen serves as Executive Director of the Indiana National Road Association (INRA). Jarzen explained that the INRA depends on grassroots efforts for successful preservation of the byway. “This has really been a private project that Walt has been working on separately from the INRA. However, the INRA has been supportive of Walt and his work to preserve and interpret the remaining bridges of the county. Obviously, INRA cannot do all the preservation work for individual cases all across the Historic National Road, but with projects such as this led by individuals who take the initiative to do proper and respectful preservation and interpretation of our authentic remnants, we feel assured that INRA has a grassroots base with the interest and support that will continue our mission appropriately.” This fall, a challenging Road Rally sent participants on a scavenger hunt in search of the historic bridges. Armed with the map and a sheet of clues, drivers collected special “chips” along the way and returned to win a historic bridges T-shirt. Prosser believes the bridges are important to tourism. “We’ve been looking for a reason for future Historic National Road tourists to stop as they pass through this subtle countryside— grain fields and a lot of old bridges. We realized these historic structures are an important heritage tourism attraction. Now, we’re talking about the possibility of starting an annual countywide antique and crafts festival along the bridges, the Historic National Road, and the villages in the county.” To request a copy of “The Historic Bridges of Putnam County” map call the Putnam County Convention & Visitors Bureau (800-829-4639). SIDEBAR: TE From Sea To Shining Sea Reprinted with permission from Connections, the National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse Newsletter Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway Minneapolis, Minnesota Like many Byway and TE projects, Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway (GRNSB) demonstrates the potential to greatly increase tourism and economic benefits to the City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Park System, and all of Minnesota. GRNSB has successfully preserved its links to the past while helping to create over 50 miles of parks, parkways, and bicycle and pedes trian trails used by thousands of commuters, visitors and residents every year. The Stone Arch Bridge, part of the GRNSB, is in the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Restoration completed in 1994 incorporated a $2.2 million TE award. A $648,000 TE award will also help fund a pedestrian system complementing the Mill Ruins Park Plank Roadway project. This project features the Stone Arch Bridge and entails construction of wood plank-style roadway in the surrounding mill district. GRNSB has implemented many other projects using TE funds and has plans for more in the near future. Off the Shelf PHOTO: When a highway runs through it... New Oregon Community Handbook Available Oregon citizens have a special resource for working with transportation professionals to enhance the vitality of their main streets. The Transportation and Growth Management Team Program, a joint program of the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development, has published a handbook, called Main Street...when a highway runs through it: A Handbook for Oregon Communities. This guide acts as a complement to the Oregon Highway Design Manual, and seeks to bring peaceful coexistence to the dual roles of main street as a highway and a downtown. Downtown main streets are often subjected to excessive traffic noise, poor walking environment, and loss of businesses. This easy-to-read, 102-page book provides tools and ideas for communities to reclaim main street qualities that allow the highway to function and the downtown to prosper. Techniques described in the handbook address highway design, pedestrian and vehicle safety, maintenance, landscaping, land use and financing ideas for funding downtown improvement projects. Several Oregon communities are used as case studies; one in particular is Sisters, Oregon, which is a gateway community for the McKenzie-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway. Copies are free to Oregon residents. The rest of us can download a free copy from www.lcd.state.or.us/tgm/ publications.htm or purchase a hard copy for $25 at www.odda.org/content/pubs. htm. These sites also have other publications for download or for sale that may be of interest. Also noteworthy, Oregon is currently updating its State Highway Design Manual and will offer copies for sale in 2002. This newly revised edition includes a discussion of context-sensitive design in relation to scenic byways, downtowns and other significant resources. Once it’s published, you can order online at www.odot.state.or.us/ techserv/engineer/pdu/ or contact Kent Belleque to reserve your copy: (503) 986-3536 or kent.r.belleque@odot.state.or.us New AASHTO Publication Announced: Guidelines for Geometric Design of Very Low-Volume Local Roads, ADT<400 The Guidelines for Geometric Design of Very Low-Volume Local Roads (ADT<400) addresses the unique design issues highway designers and engineers face when determining appropriate cost- effective geometric design policies for very low-volume local roads. This approach covers both new and existing constructions projects. Because geometric design guidance for very low-volume local roads differ from the polices applied to high-volume roads, these guidelines may be used in lieu of A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Street, also known as The Green Book. Design values are presented in both metric and U.S. customary units. Item Number: E7-VLVLR-1 Price Per Copy: $35.00 AASHTO Members: $30.00 2001. 96 pages. To order, call 1-800-231-3475 or point your browser to www.transportation.org/ publications/bookstore.nsf to purchase online. See Your Place In The Wired Economy With e-VISION The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service produces e-VISION, an e-mail newsletter. This highly informative e-publication is dedicated to equipping you with tools, strategies, technologies, and resources to enable your community or organization to be effective in the Knowledge-Based Economy. Articles offer innovative information and advice on thinking, planning, and acting strategically to help communities become healthy and sustainable in the 21st century. Recent issues focused on “Keys to Sustainable Development” and “Strategic Leadership and Innovation.” To subscribe to the monthly (free) e-VISION newsletter, send a message to maiser@lists.uaex.edu. Type “subscribe e-VISION >your name<” in the message field, substituting your first and last names where >your name< appears. For more information, contact Mark Peterson, Community Development Extension Specialist, at (501) 671-2072 or mpeterson@uaex.edu. 2002 Calendar Send calendar entries by the 5th of each month to center@byways.org FEBRUARY February 26-27, 2002 Colorado State Byways Conference Sheraton Denver West Denver, Colorado For more information, please call: Sally Pearce at (303) 757-9786 MARCH March 6-8, 2002 2002 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism Chicago, Illinois For more information, please visit www.visitillinois.org or call (800) 657-3637 March 20-24, 2002 NAI Region 5 Interpreter’s Workshop Sioux Falls, South Dakota For more information, please call: Christ McCart at (605) 362-2732 or E-mail: chris.mccart@state.sd.us APRIL April 3, 2002 Ernest Sirolli: Economic Partnerships Byway Leaders Tele-Workshop America’s Byways Resource Center For more information, please call: (800) 429-9297, ext. 5 or center@byways.org April 11-14, 2002 Preserving the Historic Road in America Third Biennial Conference on Historic Roads Omaha, Nebraska For more information, please call: (202) 588-6204 or www.historicroads.org April 22, 2002 Wayside Exhibit Planning for Community Groups (full-day) Great Falls, Montana Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center 4201 Giant Springs Road Great Falls, Montana 59403 For more information, please call: (406) 727-8733 MAY May 5-7, 2002 Green Space Design 2002 National Conference Hyatt Regency Denver Denver, Colorado For more information, please call: (877) 473-7526 or www.greenspacedesign.org JUNE June 5, 2002 Michael Gross and Ron Zimmerman: Interpretation Byway Leaders Tele-Workshop America’s Byways Resource Center For more information, please call: (800) 429-9297, ext. 5 or center@byways.org June 5, 2002 Speaking To Visitors, Basic Interpretive Skills Workshop (full-day) Great Falls, Montana Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center 4201 Giant Springs Road Great Falls, Montana 59403 For more information, please call: (406) 727-8733 June 6, 2002 Advanced Storytelling Workshop (full-day) Great Falls, Montana Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center 4201 Giant Springs Road Great Falls, Montana 59403 For more information, please call: (406) 727-8733 June 10-15, 2002 Great Outdoors Week Washington, DC For more information, please call: American Recreation Coalition (202) 682-9530 or www.arc@funoutdoors.com June 23-25, 2002 Minnesota Rural Summit On Health 2002 Prescription For The Future Duluth, Minnesota For more information, please call: (218) 727-9390 or www.minnesotaruralpartners.org/summit AUGUST August 1-4, 2002 San Antonio Forum 2002 National Alliance of Preservation Commissions San Antonio, Texas For more information, please call: (706) 542-0169 or www.arches.uga.edu/~napc August 7, 2002 Amy Webb: Marketing Byway Leaders Tele-Workshop America’s Byways Resource Center For more information, please call: (800) 429-9297, ext. 5 or center@byways.org OCTOBER October 2, 2002 Byway Organizations Byway Leaders Tele-Workshop America’s Byways Resource Center For more information, please call: (800) 429-9297, ext. 5 or center@byways.org October 8-13, 2002 56th National Preservation Conference Sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation Cleveland, Ohio www.nationaltrust.org October 11-15, 2002 AASHTO Annual Meeting Egan Civic and Convention Center Anchorage, Alaska For more information, please call: (202) 624-8489 or hannahw@aashto.org October 26-29, 2002 National Land Trust Rally 2002 Sponsored by the Land Trust Alliance Austin, Texas NOVEMBER November 2002 National Interpreters Workshop Sponsored by the National Association for Interpretation Virginia Beach, Virginia For more information, please call: (888) 900-8283 November 13-16, 2002 16th National Trails Symposium Grenelefe Resort in Central Florida For more information, please call: American Trails (530) 547-2060 or Fax (530) 547-2035 www.symposium@americantrails.org or www.floridadep.org/gwt DECEMBER December 4, 2002 Web Site Technology Byway Leaders Tele-Workshop America’s Byways Resource Center For more information, please call: (800) 429-9297, ext. 5 or center@byways.org 2003 MAY May 18-21, 2003 2003 National Scenic Byways Conference Hyatt Regency Albuquerque Albuquerque, New Mexico For more information, please call: (800) 429-9297, ext. 5 or center@byways.org SEPTEMBER September 30-October 5, 2003 57th National Preservation Conference Sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation Denver, Colorado www.nationaltrust.org SIDEBAR: Look What’s On The Road Ahead! 2003 National Scenic Byways Conference May 18 21, 2003 Hyatt Regency Albuquerque Albuquerque, New Mexico Save the dates now for this informative and exciting event. Brought to you by America’s Byways Resource Center and the Federal Highway Administration. America’s Byways Resource Center Arrowhead Regional Development Commission 227 West First Street, Suite 610 Duluth, MN 55802 SIDEBAR: VISTAS is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper, processed chlorine free.