by TRC_Admin | Jun 30, 2019 | Highway Beautification, Scenic Highways
Meeting Photo: FDOT
“Designated in 2010, the J.C. Penney Memorial Scenic Highway, located in the Town of Penney Farms, celebrates the rich history of the surrounding community and the ongoing dedication of a grass roots organization focused on education and advocacy for a unique way of life. With the support of numerous devoted and enthusiastic volunteers, the byway has become a focal point in the community.
Photo: J. C. Penny Scenic Highway
Recently, the byway organization held their annual meeting at the Penney Farms Retirement Community. With nearly 45 people in attendance the group reviewed current projects, discussed upcoming events and held elections for the new year with all current board members being reelected and excited to take on the challenges of another term…”
— FDOT and J. C. Penney Scenic Highway
Read about J. C. Penny Scenic Highway
by TRC_Admin | Jun 30, 2019 | Historic, Scenic Highways
Photo: Narcity.com
“…The Truck Graveyard is a group of old classic automobiles hidden in the middle of Crawfordville highway.
Nestled in the virescent forest you will see a group of defunct and rusty classic cars neatly set aside to decay. The perfectly aligned cars give this site an eerie graveyard feel that is only seen in films. What is surprising is that not many know the history and background of this perfectly arranged art installation.
The graveyard sits on the side of the road on Highway 319 near Crawfordville, on the Big Bend Scenic Byway. According to Only In Your State, the rust-covered vehicles were arranged in order from oldest to newest by the owner, Pat Harvey.
In this secluded area rest about 30 classic vehicles dating from the early 1900s all the way to the mid-1970s…
Harvey’s family used these cars and its parts on the Harvey family farm. Once the automobiles had no use, they were moved to the woods and let to rest. The site has become popular among locals and photographers looking for a unique backdrop. The car display features Ford automobiles and even a classic DeSoto vehicle…”
— Jannely Espinal, Narcity
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by TRC_Admin | Jun 1, 2019 | Scenic Highways
Photo: Florida Scenic Highways
“Volunteer recruitment and retention was the theme for the day at the third annual District Five Byway Workshop held at the Florida Department of Transportation/District Five offices in Deland on March 28th.
This day-long workshop served as an opportunity for byway organizations and others involved with the Florida Scenic Highways Program to engage, learn and have fun.
Claudia Calzaretta, the District Scenic Highways Coordinator welcomed the 30+ participants with a review of the many accomplishments that the District’s byways have completed over the last 18 months. She then reviewed her DSHC work plan for the upcoming year and finished her general session with a review of the exciting findings of the Scenic Sumter Economic Impact study.
Much of the remainder of the morning was spent listening to guest speakers that touched on the day’s theme of ‘volunteerism’, including Nancy Heller with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) who discussed a partnering opportunity that can place retired people with not-for-profit organizations to train and provide paid volunteer support to the byway organizations…
For further information on this Workshop, to get a copy of these presentation materials, or anything else associated with District Five Byways, please contact Claudia Calzaretta.”
— Florida Scenic Highways
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by TRC_Admin | Apr 26, 2019 | Scenic Highways
Photo: Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail (OSLT)
“An important role of Florida’s byway organizations is to support the conservation of the resources that earned the scenic highway designation. The 2018 Florida Scenic Highways Annual Report focuses on natural resource conservation and the important role byway organizations play in raising awareness of conservation issues.
From guided trail walks to environmental education fairs, the Department is proud of the way byway organizations lead by example. Byway programs and events are popular and enjoyable opportunities to learn and raise awareness of the need to protect Florida’s most precious resources and inspire the next generation of conservationists.
We encourage byway organizations to use this report as an opportunity to update byway stakeholders on what byways are doing. The 2018 Florida Scenic Highways Program Annual Report is only available electronically. Byway organizations have permission to print and distribute the document, and it is designed to print on laser printers.”
— Florida Scenic Highways
Read entire report
Ormond Scenic Loop Trail has an informational site here
by TRC_Admin | Feb 27, 2019 | Scenic Highways
“Lawmakers move to revive National Scenic Byways Programis a voluntary, community-based program administered through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to recognize, protect, and promote America’s scenic roadways got a major boost in Congress on February 6 as the House of Representatives passed a bill to restart the dormant National Scenic Byways Program, while companion legislation was introduced in the Senate.
‘We are thrilled with Congress’ support for scenic byways,’ said Mark Falzone, president of Scenic America. ‘The National Scenic Byways Program is a proven winner: it protects places with historic, scenic and cultural significance and contributes to local economies by promoting them as destinations.’
The House Bill, H.R. 831, sponsored by Rep. David Cicilline, Democrat of Rhode Island, and Rep. Garret Graves, Republican of Louisiana, passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 404 – 19.
‘As Rhode Islanders know, our state is home to some of the most beautiful scenic byways in the country,’ said Rep. Cicilline. ‘This bipartisan bill will allow us to capitalize on our state’s natural beauty and generate millions of dollars in new economic activity. I’m pleased that this bill passed the House today and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.’
‘Louisiana’s historical byways weave through her natural beauty and help tell the story of our history and unique culture. They are critical to preserving our heritage, growing our economy for the future and caring for our rural communities,’ said Rep. Graves.
The Senate bill, S. 349, also enjoys bipartisan support and is sponsored by Sen. Susan Collins, Republican of Maine, and Senator Ben Cardin, Democrat of Maryland.
‘I am proud that my home state of Maine boasts not only three National Scenic Byways, but also the Acadia All-American Road. These roadways provide Mainers and tourists alike with spectacular views and memorable experiences, while at the same time spurring much-needed economic activity in the surrounding areas,’ said Senator Collins. ‘The National Scenic Byways Program represents a true win-win scenario by protecting precious corridors and providing tangible benefits for local communities.’
‘Maryland is home to 18 designated byways, and the reopening of this program will be beneficial to future development and maintenance of these important routes,’ said Senator Cardin. ‘This program helps direct visitors to areas of interest along our scenic byways, and generates revenue for the surrounding communities.’
‘We applaud the exemplary leadership of Rep. Cicilline and Rep. Graves resulting in today’s passage of scenic byways legislation in the House,’ said Falzone. ‘And we extend our sincere appreciation to Senator Collins and Senator Cardin for their visionary support of our country’s scenic roadways and rural economies. We look forward to helping pass their bill in the Senate.’
Since its inception in 1991 the program has bestowed the National Scenic Byway designation on 150 roads around the country, but the last round of designations occurred ten years ago and Congress officially pulled support for the program in 2012.
National Scenic Byways have been shown to generate significant economic activity for nearby communities, many of which are small and rural in nature. A 2010 report from the University of Minnesota showed a $21.6 million economic impact from traveler spending along both the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway and nearby Lake Country Scenic Byway. A 2013 study of Scenic Byway 12 in Utah found that the byway generated nearly $13 million annually in local spending.
A recent survey found that 44 state scenic byways across the country are prepared to take advantage of the legislation as soon as the program is reopened. ‘The National Scenic Byway designation means these roads are sought out by both domestic and international travelers, and it’s critical that we provide local byways with the opportunity to seek the national recognition and reap the well-established benefits,’ said Falzone.
Scenic America encourages the public to reach out to their Members of Congress in support of this bill by visiting: www.scenic.org/byways
Allied organization statements on passage of H.R. 831 and introduction of S. 349:
‘The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) strongly supports the long-overdue revival of the National Scenic Byways Program nominations process, which will reinvigorate one of this country’s most important programs for connecting Americans to the scenic and cultural treasures of the nation. Landscape architects, as stewards of the built and natural environments, welcome today’s action in the House of Representatives and hope that it will soon be matched in the Senate so that this remarkable collection of roadways can be expanded and the benefits of Scenic Byway designation can be brought to even more places whose scenic, cultural, and historic qualities represent the best of American life.’
Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA. ASLA Executive Vice President
‘As part of the coalition that helped create the National Scenic Byways Program in 1991, the American Motorcyclist Association is excited about today’s passage of H.R. 831, the Reviving America’s Scenic Byways Act of 2019. Today’s vote moves us one step closer to reopening the National Scenic Byways Program, which has preserved and enhanced many motorcyclists’ favorite roads like the Blue Ridge Parkway, stretching from North Carolina to Virginia, and the Beartooth Highway between Montana and Wyoming. The AMA thanks Congressman David Cicilline for sponsoring this important legislation.’
Wayne Allard VP of Government Relations American Motorcyclist Association
‘We applaud the leadership of Representatives Cicilline and Graves in championing legislation to revitalize the Scenic Byway program. For over 100 years, the GCA has embraced roadside beauty and the need to enhance and protect the scenic character of our communities and countryside. The Scenic Byway program will help limit the visual blight of billboards while providing economic opportunities for tourism and recreation important to sustaining small towns.’
Anne Neal Petri President The Garden Club of America
‘We applaud Congressional action to revive a program of great importance to those touring our wonderful nation and seeking its stories — historic, natural and cultural. Byways are the roads Americans love and have been championed by Charles Kuralt, George H.W. Bush, Jay Rockefeller, Jim Oberstar and many more. New byways offer economic sustainability to rural communities and connect those communities with public lands and waters.’
Derrick A. Crandall Outdoor Solutions USA
‘So many of America’s roadways, in particular, the designated Scenic Byways, tell the story of history and culture of the Native Americans. There are still so many more scenic routes to establish just as there are many untold Native American stories yet to tell.’
Camille Ferguson Executive Director American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association”
— Scenic America
Visit Scenic America’s Blog
by TRC_Admin | Jan 3, 2019 | Scenic Highways
Photo: Scott McIntyre, The New York Times
“It’s only 113 miles from Key Largo to Key West, but take it slow and savor the subtropical, sometimes kitschy, flavor, of these fragile isles.
Seagulls and squadrons of brown pelicans flew alongside my rented Hyundai as I drove across the astonishing seven-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 1 that runs across Moser Sound, just south of Marathon, in the Florida Keys. The proximity of birds and water blurred the distinctions between sea and sky, drive and flight.
The string of coral islands that arc from the Florida peninsula south toward Havana has a long history of attracting pirates, profiteers and seekers of a Caribbean lifestyle within the United States. Henry Flagler, an early developer of the Florida Keys, inadvertently gave the country one of its most scenic roadways when his Overseas Railway, running from mainland Florida down to Key West, was destroyed in a 1935 hurricane. That land route eventually became the Overseas Highway, or U.S. 1, vaulting across channels, and linking 44 islands, via 42 bridges…Below is a guide to this classic coastal road trip. You could drive it in a single afternoon, but you won’t want to. Three languid days is more like it.
— Elaine Glusac, The New York Times
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Photo: J. C. Penny Scenic Highway