[FROM FHWA'S INTERIM POLICY IN FEDERAL REGISTER:]


ARCHEOLOGICAL INTRINSIC QUALITY
"The Archeological Quality" involves those characteristics
of the scenic byways corridor that are
physical evidence of historic or prehistoric human
life or activity that are visible and capable of
being inventoried and interpreted. The scenic
byway corridor's archeological interest, as 
identified through ruins, artifacts, structural remains,
and other physical evidence have scientific
significance that educate the viewer and stir an
appreciation for the past.


CULTURAL INTRINSIC QUALITY
"Cultural Quality" is evidence and expressions of the
customs or traditions of a distinct group of people.
Cultural features including, but not limited to, crafts,
music, dance rituals, festivals, speech, food, special
events, vernacular architecture, etc., are currently
practiced. The cultural qualities of the corridor could
highlight one or more signifcant communities and/
or ethnic traditions.


HISTORIC INTRINSIC QUALITY
"Historic Qualities" encompass legacies of the past
that are distinctly associated with physical elements
of the landscape, whether natural or manmade,
that are of such significance that they educate the
viewer and stir an appreciation for the past. Historic
elements may also reflect the actions of people and
examples of human activity. They possess integrity of
location, design, setting, material, workmanship,
feeling and association.


NATURAL INTRINSIC QUALITY
"Natural Quality" applies to those features in the visual
environment that are in a relatively undisturbed
state. These features predate the arrival of human
populations amd may include geological formations,
fossils, landform, water bodies, vegetation, and
wildlife. There may be evidence of human activity,
but the natural features reveal minimal disturbances.


RECREATIONAL INTRINSIC QUALITY
"Recreational Quality" involves outdoor recreational
activities directly association with and dependent
upon the natural and cultural elements of the
corridor's landscape. The recreational activities
provide opportunities for active and passive
recreational experiences. They include, but are not
limited to, downhill skiing, rafting, boating, fishing,
and hiking. Driving the road itself may qualify as a
pleasurable recreational experience. The
recreational activities may be seasonal, but the 
quality and importance of the recreational activities
as seasonal operations must be well recognized.


SCENIC INTRINSIC QUALITY
"Scenic Quality" is the heightened visual experience
derived from the view of natural and manmade
elements of the visual environment of hte scenic
byway corridor. The characteristics of the
landscape are strikingly distinct and offer a
pleasing and most memorable visual experience.
All elements of the landscape landform, water,
vegetation, and manmade development
contribute to the quality of the corridor's visual
environment. Everything present is in harmony and
shares in the intrinsic qualities.


ALL-AMERICAN ROAD
The characteristics associated with the intrinsic
qualities are those which may contain one-of-a-kind features
that do not exist elsewhere. The significance of
the features contributing to the distinctive
characteristics of the corridor's intrinsic quality is
recognized nationally.

NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
To be designated as a National Scenic Byway, a
road or highway must significantly meet at least
one of the six intrinsic qualities. The characteristics
associated with the intrinsic qualities are those that
are distinct and most representative of the region.
The significance of the features contributing to the
distinctive characteristics of the corridor's intrinsic
quality is recognized throughout the region.