July/August 2010 Issue
Welcome to the electronic edition of Vistas, just one way we're helping to preserve resources. Simply click the article links below to read more. If you prefer to receive Vistas in print, send your mailing address to center@byways.org.
What's Inside:
Organizational Partnership: An Option For Byway Sustainability
Foundation Physics: Leveraging A Region
Online Learning Opportunity: Click Into The Corridor Management Plan Webcast Series
New Transportation Enhancements Report Published
America's Byways Resource Center Communication Tools Survey
2010 Indiana State Scenic Byways Conference: A Project Of Connectivity And Discussion
Organizational Partnership: An Option For Byway Sustainability
From a roadside pull-off near Big Stone Lake State Park, travelers can appreciate the farmers that make their living in the valley. Many of the farms have been there for over a hundred years and have been passed to family for generations. Copyright © July 1999 Ron Boluan. Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway (MN).
Your byway organization is as unique as the route itself-a reflection of its place and grassroots inception. Perhaps your byway group is a stand-alone 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Or maybe it's an ad hoc committee of area stakeholders or part of a larger organization, such as a convention and visitors bureau (CVB) or regional planning commission (RPC). Moreover, your organization's structure may change over time, developing in response to internal and external factors, such as the implementation of your corridor management plan (CMP) or to changes in membership, staffing or leadership. Knowing the types of organizational structures that are available allows byway leaders to responsibly adapt their organization when needed.
Each structure presents opportunities and challenges. Understanding the differences and similarities among byway structures across the country, and adapting what works best for your situation, can help your group fortify its sustainability.
Many byway organizations begin as small, informal citizen groups led by volunteers. In his outline of the life-cycle stages of nonprofits, management consultant Emil Angelica suggests that a metaphor for these organizations is the kitchen table with the motto: "Semper Fleixbus!" When byways become part of the America's Byways collection, often their byway groups find good reasons to formalize their organizations. Many assume that forming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit is the best organizational model to adapt. Indeed, nonprofits enjoy many advantages, including administrative flexibility, local control of governing board, a more focused mission and the ability to fundraise. But compared to other organizational models, such as being a part of an RPC or CVB, nonprofits have disadvantages as well.
In this article, we will look closely at organizations where the byway is just one part of an entity's larger mission; in the next issue of Vistas, we will turn the tables and put the spotlight on nonprofits.
The National Scenic Byways Program and America's Byways Resource Center have encouraged peer-to-peer exchanges about byway organizational structure over the years. Making The Grassroots Grow, a publication available online at www.bywaysresourcecenter.org/resources/publications/, provides insights to many organizational considerations and case studies.
Beyond defining day-to-day roles and responsibilities, a byway organization's structure influences critical aspects related to achieving sustainability, such as funding, resources, community outreach and project implementation.
For many byways, partnering with a larger planning organization is an effective approach to start-up efficiency and long-term sustainability. The partnership model allows the byway group to leverage the expertise, tools, networks and other resources of an established lead organization, and work with that partner toward the overall byway mission.
John LaBarge, Program Manager for State Byways - Vermont Agency of Transportation, supports the way Vermont byway groups, which are made up of grassroots volunteers, work with larger RPC organizations. The approach maintains the local interest, according to John. He said, "Because the RPCs are providing assistance in technical and governmental areas to the grassroots organizations, it tends to provide more stability for the byway."
"I don't see a down side," he added. "The RPC model offers the greatest possibilities and easiest routes for building partnerships. The RPC people that the byways work with are already partnered with other groups, such as trails or biking groups. [The RPC model] defragments the approach."
The Lake Champlain Byway (www.byways.org/explore/byways/53360/) runs through three counties and three RPC areas. According to Dan Senecal-Albrecht, Chair of the Lake Champlain Byway Council in Vermont, the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission group fills an important need in Vermont by helping to manage regional-level projects, such as those that involve byways. "Each RPC has relevant expertise," he added.
The Lake Champlain Byway Council has worked from the beginning with a partnership of three regional planning commissions and three regional chambers of commerce, along with at-large members and designated byway members.
"The Lake Champlain Byway Council works as a coordinating body," said Dan. "For example, it submits grant applications, and helps to ensure commonality and consistency across all three counties participating."
Vermont RPCs have assisted with byway grant writing, project implementation and general management, because an individual byway usually doesn't have the source of funding to handle those tasks.
"The byway doesn't have to maintain its own staff or an office," said Dan. "We work together to manage the byway."
Some Types Of Larger Partner Organizations
- Convention and visitors bureau (CVB)
- Council of governments (COG)
- Regional development commission (RDC)
- Regional planning commission (RPC)
- Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) program
Large Planning Organization Relationship Considerations
Pros
- Staff for administrative functions
- Expertise in multiple areas, including grant writing
- Array of technology and planning tools, such as GIS
- Conduit to existing regional network
- Contacts already established within DOT
- Work with an existing organization that do similar things
Cons
- Not always grassroots driven
- Process can become bureaucratic
- Could lack passion of volunteers
- May not be able to pursue traditional fundraising tactics (but may not need to)
- May not match well geographically
- Political appointees on parent board can skew project priorities
Funding Factors
A byway organization that is part of a larger organization may tap into more secure funding sources than stand-alone byway groups. In Vermont, for example, the State Department of Transportation receives funding, and signs contracts with the Lake Champlain Byway Council. The Council subcontracts with its three partner RPCs for different projects, such as updating corridor management plans. Further, the Council designates Chittenden RPC as its fiscal agent.
Dan said, "Consistency and coordination are key. We share roles and respect each other."
COGS May Build Sustainability
The Lake Champlain Byway in Vermont runs on a causeway across Lake Champlain and can be seen from the beach at Sandbar State Wildlife Management Area. Credit: Public domain. Photo by A.Crane.
Patty O'Donnel, who works with the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (COG) under the Michigan Heritage Routes Program (www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,1607,7-151-9621 _11041_11209---,00.html), understands the consistency and security an established partner can bring to byway projects. She manages three committees, one for each of three byway routes that cross ten counties: Leelanau Scenic Heritage Route, M-19 Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route and Old Mission Peninsula Scenic Heritage Route.
A large part of her byway work involves helping committees from each byway with grant writing, requesting quotes, delivering monthly reports and coordinating committee meetings.
"With a COG, I can see the big picture," Patty said. "There is consistency in having one employee working for three byways. I can help provide continuity and encourage the three byways to share ideas. Through the COG, I also have tools that the byways can use to fulfill their missions, from CMP implementation to GIS mapping."
Another plus? Patty feels the COG reduces redundancy. "Each byway doesn't have to come up with its own landowner guidebook, driveway access management plan, etc.," she said. "And still, each byway can tweak policies or materials to create a version that fits its corridor."
Probably the most important benefit for byway sustainability is the sense of funding security. "The COG gets funding from the State of Michigan, a good steady source. So, my salary comes from the State. I can also go for other grants for the byways," Patty said.
Like all organizational structures, working with a COG has its pros and cons. For Patty, the COG's efforts extend beyond the Heritage Routes Program to include housing, economic development, watershed development, renewable energy, and mapping responsibilities. "I'm 100-percent devoted to byways personally," Patty said. "But my position covers many different areas as well as byways."
Most partnerships establish upfront how much time the larger group will allocate to the smaller partner's activities. Know what to expect from the start, if your group is thinking about a similar partnership.
Key Considerations
- Does the larger planning organization impose fundraising limitations? Or does it diversify funding sources for the byway, perhaps by broadening the network to make the byway attractive to a wide array of funders?
- Are the byway's needs adequately represented within the larger organization?
- Is the byway's mission and vision aligned with that of the parent organization?
Fiscal Agent But No Financial Security
Sometimes the financial benefits of the larger established organization lack a large funding component but provide solid financial and project management expertise. Kristi Fernholz, the Regional Tourism Senior Planner with the Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission, works with the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway Alliance (www.mnrivervalley.com/).
Kristi explained that the RDC serves as the fiscal agent, helping with grant writing, grant reporting, project coordination, and other technical assistance. The byway organization signs a contract with the RDC, which arranges for the RDC to receive a percentage of the grant monies for its financial management services, services, as well as pays for the technical assistance it provides.
She noted that the byways develop their own work plans; the RDC doesn't establish the projects. "That helps keep the byways operating as grassroots organizations," Kristi said.
But the funding is primarily based on grants for specific projects as well as membership dues, rather than a steady revenue stream. The RDC might help find sponsors to supplement a grant, and the State of Minnesota offers a "Legacy Grant" that applies to some of the byways' work. In addition, the RDC can help with the 20 percent matching required for many grants.
For some byways, that matching is a significant benefit. For others, the strings attached to the dollars tend to minimize its appeal.
Close Ties Require Trade-offs
Pines reach over the top of a sheer, grassy hill in this view of the Loess Hills. Copyright © July 1998 Golden Hills RC&D, Inc.
The Iowa DOT Iowa's Byways Program has initiated the Iowa's Byways Sustainability Program. The ten byways in Iowa are supported through an agreement that ties them into their local Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) areas for planning and funding assistance. The IDOT program requires interdependence, commitment and good communication on the part of the ten participating Iowa byway groups.
Each byway takes turns applying for collaborative grants. Within those grants, funds are included for the project's lead byway to hire a project manager. All ten participating byways receive grant funds for the project-training, GIS assistance, interpretive planning, etc.-but the byway writing the grant also receives money for a project manager.
While the ten byways must wait their turn for management funding and give up some autonomy as they rely on each other's grant leadership, the organizational approach has produced impressive results.
"We've been able to create a newsletter, inventories, brochures, historic resources, local signage and more. It builds byway enthusiasm and commitment to the program," said Shirley Frederiksen, coordinator for the Golden Hills Resource Conservation and Development, Inc. (www.goldenhillsrcd.org/about.html).
Part of the Iowa's Byways Sustainability Program's success is the compatibility between the goals of the RC&D program and the Iowa's Byways Program, as well as the goals of the National Scenic Byways Program. Designed for rural areas, the RC&D program focuses on improving quality of life through natural resources conservation and community development that leads to sustainable communities, prudent use, and the management and conservation of natural resources.
Another part of the appeal is its funding potential. Shirley explained that the Iowa DOT offered an agreement to the RC&Ds for specific work items. This funding provides about a quarter of the project manager's salary funding for three years. The byways received matching grants to help fund the byway manager, and added collaborative grant applications to complete their funding.
Now two years into the three-year agreement, Shirley said, "It's worked amazingly well and we can't thank the DOT enough." But she cautioned that byways considering this type of structure should plan for multiple year agreements. "It's going to take time to develop."
She emphasized that communication is critical between the participating byways and with the DOT. The Iowa's Byways group has monthly conference calls and quarterly training led by the DOT. For example, Byways Specialists from America's Byways Resource Center have led programs on corridor management planning and wayfinding.
"States could replicate what the DOT has done in Iowa," Shirley added. "The key is that all the byway groups have to do what they say they are going to do. That's how collaboration works."
As byways seek to fine-tune their models for sustainability, more variations of organizational partnerships will likely develop. Check with your Byways Specialist for assistance and recommendations for peer-to-peer exchanges.
The Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Program Echoes Byways Interests
More than 30 years ago, the U.S. Congress created the Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) program to "accelerate the conservation, development and utilization of natural resources, improve the general level of economic activity, and to enhance the environment and standard of living in designated RC&D areas," according to the RC&D website.
The Secretary of Agriculture designates each RC&D area, which typically covers several counties. With designation as an RC&D area, the rural area is eligible for technical and financial assistance program funds to help plan, develop and implement programs for resource conservation and development.
Similar to the grassroots aspect of America's Byways, RC&D areas are led by a local council comprised of volunteers, locally elected officials and civic leaders, as well as public and private sector representatives. RC&D councils and their sponsors work with various government and nonprofit agencies to define and direct projects.
The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 provided permanent authority for the RC&D program. Today, the RC&D program includes 375 designated areas across 2,709 counties, serving about 80% of the U.S. population. The RC&D program is available in all 50 states, and some locations in the Caribbean and the Pacific Basin. For more information about the RC&D program, visit the NRCS website at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/rcd/.
Roadside Reflections by Michelle Johnson, Director, America's Byways Resource Center
Summer's End Brings Good News For Fall
Remember when you were a kid and August always meant the last few days of freedom before school started? Every year our family went on a week-long camping trip to Lac Vieux Desert along the Wisconsin and Michigan border and spent time picking blackberries and bike riding - just relaxing and enjoying freedom until September. My dad was a school teacher, so September meant back to school for all of us. Good-bye, sunny days! So long, freedom!
As a mom, I've learned that September isn't something to be dreaded. It means a return to a schedule-something I never understood as a kid. No more late nights: you have to get up early for school! And, get cracking on that homework! After a fun, exciting and busy summer, I look forward to a manageable, predictable and peaceful structure.
Here at the Resource Center, we've spent the summer preparing a work plan for the next 16 months. The Federal Highway Administration issued a Statement of Work in early June; it's basically a list of projects and products they want us to develop. Our job this summer was to determine how we were going to develop, complete or produce projects and products for the byway community. We enlisted the assistance of our Advisory Committee to give us feedback and guidance; the members joined us in late June for an action-packed, two-day meeting. We are very thankful for the time they spent with us and the great advice they provided. In addition to utilizing the Advisory Committee for feedback and ideas, we reviewed evaluation surveys and comments from byways, coordinators and others to help us develop our comprehensive work plan.
By mid-summer we completed our proposal and submitted it for approval to FHWA. September is the first month of our work plan, and we are really excited about continuing our good work delivering products and services to the byway community. You'll see some new ideas and changes in the next few months, including the much-anticipated announcement of the next National Scenic Byways Conference. Watch the website, www.BywaysResourceCenter.org for news; plus, find us on Facebook for networking opportunities and interactive discussions.
I hope you've had plenty of opportunities to enjoy the long, sunny days of summer. And, like us, you're looking forward to a productive and busy fall.
Welcome, Duane Lula And Rob Balmes!
America's Byways Resource Center is pleased to announce its newest staff members, Duane Lula and Rob Balmes. As Byways Specialists, their responsibilities include:
- Serving as a contact for assigned States and byways
- Planning and problem solving with State coordinators and byway organizations
- Developing content for Resource Center events
Duane Lula (dlula@byways.org) previously served as the Federal Lands Scenic Byway Coordinator, a liaison between the Federal land management agencies and the Resource Center. Through his previous work for the USDA Forest Service and National Park Service, Duane brings more than 30 years of experience in planning, recreation and natural resource management to his current role as Byways Specialist.
When not at work or on the nation's byways, Duane enjoys camping at State and national parks and forests around the Midwest.
Rob Balmes (rbalmes@byways.org) brings extensive experience in the transportation planning and community planning practices. He has worked with local communities, Federal and State agencies to implement programs and plans to achieve balanced economic growth, comprehensive land use development and transportation system improvements.
Prior to his employment with the America's Byways Resource Center, Rob worked in both the public and private sectors as a professional planner, serving Federal, State, regional and local agencies in Michigan, Colorado, Tennessee and Florida.
Rob is a native of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and spends his free time exploring nature, hiking, biking, running, playing sports and visiting family.
To find the Byways Specialist assigned to your State, visit: www.bywaysresourcecenter.org/about/people/states/.
National Scenic Byway Foundation Collaborates At Byway Summit
Representatives of the National Scenic Byway Foundation, the National Scenic Byways Program (NSBP) and America's Byways Resource Center recently met in Washington, D.C. for a two-day summit to discuss ways to most effectively work together for the benefit of scenic byways and the organizations represented at the summit.
After each organization described its roles, responsibilities, opportunities and challenges, two similar organizations-the National Wildlife Refuge Association and National Park Foundation-described how they function. Facilitator Barb Beck of Beck Consulting led the participants through discussions about ways for the byway organizations to complement each other, communicate most effectively and work cooperatively on projects.
Participants agreed on several key outcomes and statements from the summit including:
- The Foundation can play a valuable role in the success of byways.
- The Foundation will develop a three- to five-year strategic plan at a Foundation Board retreat.
- The three byway organizations identified two potential projects to work on cooperatively: the public awareness campaign and the 2011 national conference.
- Summit conversations among the Foundation the NSBP and the America's Byways Resource Center were valuable and productive.
- The National Wildlife Refuge Association and the National Park Foundation provided useful information and practical examples applicable to the byway community.
Participants at the summit were:
Foundation: Teresa Mitchell (President), Deb Divine, Shelley Johnson and Laurie Frantz
NSBP: Gary Jensen (Team Leader) and Cindi Ptak (NSBP Program Manager)
America's Byways Resource Center: Michelle Johnson (Director) and Bryan Anderson (Arrowhead Regional Development Commission and North Shore Scenic Drive)
For the National Scenic Byway Foundation to be successful in helping the byways to be the best they can be, the organization needs greater membership participation. If you would like to join the Foundation and help us get the byway message out, please contact Dick Haskett at RCRHaskett@comcast.net or visit www.nsbfoundation.com.
See you on the Byways!
FHWA, America's Byway Resource Center And National Scenic Byway Foundation: At A GlanceThe three entities represented at the June 2010 summit have distinct roles, yet they work toward the same goal: to support byways. Here is a snapshot of the three organizations: |
||
 Parent organization/agency: FHWA - Department of Transportation Established: 1967 Location/Headquarters: Washington, D.C. Finances: Funding for the National Scenic Byways Program authorized by Congress and appropriated annually. $43.5 million for fiscal year 2010. Roles:
Staff: 3 in Washington, D.C., supported by staff in every State Websites: www.bywaysonline.org, www.byways.org Contact: |
 Parent organization/agency: Arrowhead Regional Development Commission Established: 1998 Location/Headquarters: Duluth, Minnesota Finances: Funding for the America's Byways Resource Center authorized by Congress and appropriatedannually. $3 million for fiscal year 2010. Roles:
Staff: 9 Website: www.bywaysresourcecenter.org Contact: |
Organizational Structure: Not-for-profit corporation with IRS tax-exempt 501(c)(3) designation Established: 2001 Location/Headquarters: Mahtomedi, Minnesota Finances: Foundation is funded by member dues. Memberships are available for individuals at $40 and organizations at $150 per calendar year. Roles: Through unique powers as a not-for-profit and tax-exempt charitable organization, the Foundation aids projects that might not otherwise be accomplished by byways and byway organizations. Specifically, it works to:
Staff: 14 volunteer board members, 36 members and 1 volunteer executive director Website: www.nsbfoundation.com Contact: info@nsbfoundation.com |
Foundation Physics: Leveraging A Region
By Nancy Straw, President, West Central Initiative
Editor's Note: This article was originally published in Giving Forum, Spring 2010, and is reprinted with permission from the Minnesota Council on Foundations, www.mcf.org.
West Central Initiative's Small Enterprise Loan Fund helped Falls Baking Company purchase equipment and leverage additional funding. Without the loan, plans for this new business would have stalled. Photo by John Borge.
I don't recall much about my high school physics class, but I do remember some of the experiments we did, like raising a classmate from a chair with just our index fingers.
It's all about distribution of mass and energy...but I'm no physicist, I'm a foundation professional.
Still, there are amazing similarities between the laws of physics and running a community foundation. Take the simple lever and fulcrum combination, for example. We use a lever (like grant or loan funds, technical assistance or convening a group of dedicated people), and apply it to a fulcrum (an issue, a dream) in order to realize a specific goal. Just like that high school physics experiment, this simple principle of "foundation physics" can achieve amazing results.
Here at West Central Initiative (WCI), we often apply lever to fulcrum because we have to find efficient ways to use our limited resources in the nine counties we serve in west central Minnesota.
Short And Sweet
Sometimes the lever that's needed is relatively short, perhaps a small amount of funding or technical assistance. For example:
- Falls Baking Company used our Small Enterprise Loan Fund (SELF) to purchase much-needed equipment and leverage additional financing from its lender. Without the loan, plans for this new business would have stalled. Today, the bakery's European-style artisan breads are known throughout the region and beyond (our board is particularly fond of the scones).
- Permanent Family Resource Center received a grant from WCI plus technical assistance from WCI's Vice President of Development Kim Embretson to help transition to new leadership and to meet Department of Human Services requirements. The grant helped the staff increase its knowledge and create needed policies and procedures quickly.
- The Family Economic Success (FES) Council of west central Minnesota, which WCI convenes, used WCI's FES Local and Regionwide Impact Grants to:
- Expand free tax clinic hours and services in several counties.
- Purchase software to help jobseekers assess and improve their skills, from the basic three Rs to "soft skills" such as listening and teamwork. The program also tests individuals on specific skills and can help them earn a career readiness certificate.
- Conduct community dialogues among early childhood professionals, childcare providers, community leaders and businesses to discuss community childcare needs and come up with solutions.
A Longer Lever
We know that the longer the lever, the easier it is to lift a heavy load. So, if the issue or dream is on a grand scale, the lever has to be substantial.
One of our best examples of using a "long lever" is the Early Childhood Dental Network (ECDN). When we conducted early-childhood surveys throughout the region, we found a recurring theme: Many families with lower incomes couldn't access oral healthcare for their children. One reason was that many dentists don't accept patients who are helped by State healthcare programs, because reimbursement rates don't cover the cost of providing the service. Another discovery was a lack of awareness about oral healthcare. Many children had serious oral health problems at a very young age, [which] were affecting not just their health, but also their social and emotional development.
To tackle this region-wide concern,WCI convened a group of people, organizations and agencies to find ways to improve oral health awareness and dental access.
WCI applied its weight on the lever to help ECDN's efforts by acting as fiscal host and grant writer. In this capacity, WCI helped leverage nearly $650,000 in funds for the ECDN's work.
ECDN partner Apple Tree Dental in Hawley, Minnesota, developed mobile dental outreach clinics to reach communities throughout west-central Minnesota and provide cleanings and basic oral care to children ages two to twelve who are on Minnesota Care Health Programs or who are uninsured. Since the outreach clinics began, Apple Tree has provided over 1,400 dental visits to more than 750 children in the region. Caring Hands Dental Clinic is also an ECDN partner and provides dental care to children in the Alexandria area.
In addition, all nine public health agencies, several Head Start programs and the White Earth Reservation now provide fluoride varnishing, a simple dental treatment—like painting teeth—that helps reduce early childhood tooth decay.
Leverage Plus Teamwork
Did you know that wheels, gears and pulleys are levers too? The fulcrum is the axis on which they spin. Well-maintained gears can keep a machine, like a clock, running strong for a long, long time.
In the community foundation world, component funds can work like gears. Communities, businesses, organizations and individuals can utilize the foundation's nonprofit status, administration and technical assistance to create funds that benefit communities for years. These funds can help leverage local dollars so that even daunting tasks can be accomplished.
One example is the Wheaton-Dumont Community Fund. When the City of Wheaton, population 1,619, did not have the $300,000 needed to renovate its community pool, residents came together to help raise funds. WCI worked with the Wheaton Pool Partners group by setting up an account under the Wheaton-Dumont Community Fund and offering fundraising and communication assistance. Raffles and pancake breakfasts can help, but WCI showed the group how personal visits and targeted appeals could bring in more substantial funds. Indeed, a letter to Wheaton High School alumni garnered not one but two $100,000 gifts from a 1942 graduate. The Wheaton Area Hospital also added its support and contributed $100,000 from its foundation.
Finding The Lever
Even if you do not have enough human or financial resources to address a challenge, use this opportunity to leverage what you have and explore innovative ways to work with others. Find your strengths-whether they are bringing the right people to the table, brainstorming innovative solutions, writing a check, forging partnerships with other organizations, empowering others, or whatever they may be-and leverage those strengths every way you possibly can.
Online Learning Opportunity: Click Into The Corridor Management Plan Webcast Series
America's Byways Resource Center invites you to use the power and convenience of the Internet for free, intensive training on corridor management plan development and implementation. Five modules, each running about an hour or up to two hours in length, were recorded from live, online workshops presented to the byway community in April and May of 2010. (See www.bywaysresourcecenter.org/topics/corridor-management/planning/tools/1562/.)
Resource Center Training Manager Chel Ethun moderates a webinar for the byway community.
"The online format allows individuals from any of the byways to complete these sessions when it's convenient," said Chel Ethun, Training Manager at the Resource Center. "You could also gather a group of byway members together and share the learning experience. You'd just need a computer, Internet connection and a projection system."
Each webcast session features a facilitator from America's Byways Resource Center and guest speakers with expertise and experience in the topic area. In addition, each session provides a downloadable PDF or other documentation.
"Anyone drafting or revisiting a corridor management plan will find helpful information here," Chel said. "The recorded discussions and activities can serve as catalysts to create the same types of discussions and activities with your local byway community members, too."
Another webcast, "Corridor Management Planning for Byways," (available at: www.bywaysresourcecenter.org/topics/corridor-management/planning/tools/1490/), provides an excellent tutorial prior to viewing the modular series.
"Newer byway community members or those unfamiliar with the fundamentals of corridor management planning could also benefit from reviewing Byways 101 (see www.byways101.org/)," Chel added.
Modular Overview
Module I: Statement of Significance, Intrinsic Qualities And Inventory
The introductory module helps byway leaders to understand the corridor management plan (CMP) as an umbrella for other types of plans, always connecting to the intrinsic qualities and their relationship to the 14 points of a CMP as defined in the National Scenic Byways Program Interim Policy (http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=1995_register&docid=fr18my95-105). It provides tools for leading your group through drafting a statement of significance or a foundation statement. You'll also learn different methods for conducting a resource inventory on a byway.
Module II: Mapping
Mapping methods can include digitized displays, paper displays, GIS, and more. Cartography, especially with the involvement of partners, is critical for your CMP. It's also important to revisit your mapping throughout the life of your CMP as technologies, physical changes, outside influences and other factors can impact the results.
Module III: The Physical Corridor And General Planning Within The Physical Corridor
Byway groups work to promote, protect and preserve their unique intrinsic qualities. Careful planning and thoughtful management are your best tools for achieving your goal; rarely can you reach your objectives through legal action. National Scenic Byways Program legislation (www.bywaysonline.org/program/us_code.html) contains only one prohibition, which is designed to control outdoor advertising. Understand the outdoor advertising laws. Learn about road management authorities, land management entities, and safety and transportation guidelines to strengthen your plan.
Module IV: Public Engagement And Partnerships
Public participation is critical to the CMP development process. Gain skills in encouraging dialogue and diffusing conflicts, including how to invite participants, ways to keep records, and steps to define outcomes. You'll also hear about various partnership models and ways to reach out to potential partners.
Module V: Planning For The Future And Using The CMP
Your completed CMP offers a framework for further planning and decision making. For example, marketing and interpretation plans reflect the CMP's intention via specific actions. Every year, your strategic plan and action plan will guide your byway work-in accordance with the framework established within the CMP. Future projects and even your organization's meeting are an extension of the CMP.
By following the suggestions of experts and the best practices of your colleagues, you can improve the usefulness of your CMP now-and down the road.
Designed by the Center for Design and Interpretation
Local Expertise And National Perspectives Combine For The Big Bend Scenic Byway Wayshowing and Interpretive Plan
Local Perspective
Fresh Eyes-A Major Success Factor!
By Diane Delaney, Applied Sustainability Enterprises, for the Big Bend Scenic Byway
We hope that other Byway communities can benefit from our work to create a Wayshowing and Interpretation Plan. The Big Bend Scenic Byway (BBSB) (www.floridabigbendscenicbyway.org/)—designated in 2007 as Florida's longest scenic route and in 2009 as a National Scenic Byway—is managed by a 31-member Corridor Management Entity (CME).
This group includes officials representing State and Federal agencies, three counties and four cities, local businesses, educational institutions, tourist development councils, and civic groups. The CME has implemented much of its Corridor Management Plan through collaboration and public/private partnerships with the help of grants and donations.
The National Scenic Byways Program (NSBP) awarded the BBSB funds in 2008 to develop a Wayshowing and Interpretation Plan. Development of this plan was led by the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region's Center for Design and Interpretation (CDI) with coordination from Applied Sustainability Enterprises, a local consultant to the CME. Apalachicola National Forest, the Byway's lead Federal agency partner, provided matching support and area expertise.
When Lois Ziemann and Alexandra Botello of CDI came for their first site visit, hesitation set in. Could folks from Colorado and Idaho really appreciate this 220-mile corridor of forests, rivers and springs, rural countryside, coastal estuaries and beaches? What would their fresh eyes see? I patiently sat in the back seat during that first drive waiting to find out.
Rendering by Center for Design and Interpretation
At first they didn't say much. They took pictures, made notes in their binders, and asked questions. Then, later in the day, I heard what I was waiting for: "Wow!"
Now, fast-forward one year. The Plan has been enthusiastically endorsed with full consensus of the CME and much has changed as a result. There is a new identity and logo, new branding elements, and a color palette drawn from nature. With support from Ray La Fontaine, FDOT District Three Scenic Highway Coordinator, major intersections have been designated for directional signage to complement existing "Confidence Markers." Some media components-rack cards, tear-off maps, a website-have already been produced, while others-such as revision and printing of The Guide to the Big Bend Scenic Byway, creation of video podcasts, and development of a training program for local Byway Ambassadors-are slated for 2010-2011.
The CME is currently developing a 2012 work plan in preparation for submitting grants to construct the beautifully designed primary and secondary portal kiosks, exhibits and site approach markers to present the byway's story through compelling themes and storylines.
A lot has happened in only one year. In addition to the wealth of experience that CDI brought to the table, their fresh eyes made a huge difference.
National Perspective
What The Fresh Eyes Saw
By Alexandra Botello and Lois Ziemann, USDA Forest Service Center for Design and Interpretation
Crowded beaches, T-shirt shops, alligator swamps, palm trees and glitzy Disney World-ish retailers were the images we often associated with Florida. This is not the Florida we now know. How delightfully surprised we were to find that (as their new theme states): The Big Bend Scenic Byway will transport you to a different time and place through its wildlife, waterways, woods and way of life.
Designed by Rex Adams
We faced a few challenges along the way. Our first task was to attempt to get a full appreciation for a 220-mile byway that circled through both forest and coast, wound through numerous picturesque communities, and spotlighted private, State and Federal entities. What were the major interpretive themes that unified the byway? How could we tell the multitude of stories here in a manner that could bring visitors in touch with the larger natural and cultural history of this area? We had to narrow and focus themes and storylines to those that:
- Were supported in the Corridor Management Plan
- Promoted an element of wonder or surprise
- Were not already addressed by an existing park, visitor center or refuge
Our second task was to figure out how to create a memorable and safe experience for travelers-one that not only helped them seamlessly navigate the byway, but also established a "sense of place" in their minds long after they left the byway.
What design features could possible unify such a diverse byway? Forest Service Landscape Architects Shanon Harvey and Chris Sporl were able to develop this "sense of place" by selecting colors, wood timbers, stonework, roof pitches, and scale for proposed structures that complement and blend with the "Old Florida" feel of the region. Similar principles were applied when determining the layout and color schemes for interpretive panels and logos.
A key to the success of the Wayshowing and Interpretive Plan was the well-established and active Corridor Management Entity and its organized and committed leadership.
This group of dedicated people provided their knowledge and advice throughout the planning process, stuck to deadlines and stayed open to new perspectives. We feel certain the CME will continue with implementation of the plan, and we look forward to seeing the new portal signs, portal kiosks and wayside exhibits along Florida's Big Bend Scenic Byway. Mullet, oysters, sweet tea and key lime pie anyone?
The Big Bend Scenic Byway had a great idea and used "fresh eyes" to gain new perspectives on their byway. You can also do this is by "Taking a Visitor's Eye" perspective:
Ask a visiting friend or relative to drive the byway. Give the visitor tasks to do and locations to find. Sit in the backseat and watch, without giving any directions. Take notes as to where they struggle.
Consult with the America's Byways Resource Center website (www.bywaysresourcecenter.org/about/people/states/) to learn about activities you can do with your organization to take on a Visitor's Eye perspective.
New Transportation Enhancements Report Published
The National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse (NTEC) has published the 2010 report, "Transportation Enhancements: Summary of Nationwide Spending as of Fiscal Year 2009." The full-color, 40-page report is available as a free PDF download at: http://www.enhancements.org.
What are the country's transportation funding priorities? What are transportation enhancements? How does your State compare with other States when it comes to spending Federal Transportation Enhancements program funds? This report provides a view into this popular Federal transportation funding program for transparency and valuable comparisons.
NTEC has made significant database improvements over the past year. The newly issued report is a complete update. It features a new explanation of the Federal transportation financing lifecycle, a funding report on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and more.
NTEC is a valuable resource with tools and a Web-accessible database on national and State-by-State funding and expenditures. NTEC makes the Transportation Enhancements Program an accountable and transparent transportation funding program.
Visit www.enhancements.org to access numerous tools and publications.
For more information, or for technical assistance with respect to NTEC resources, contact Tracy Hadden Loh, NTEC Program Coordinator, 2121 Ward Ct NW, 5th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20037; or call (202) 974-5155 or e-mail: tracy@enhancements.org.
The National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse is operated by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (www.railstotrails.org) under cooperative agreement with the Federal Highway Administration.
Strategic Planning Workshop Moves Byways Toward All-American Status
By Wayne Gannaway, Byways Specialist
The workshop participants included representatives of area chambers of commerce and resort and recreational businesses, Ashley National Forest, the Bureau of Land Management, Wyoming DOT, Utah Division of Wildlife and State Parks, county and city governments, and tourism offices.
One billion years in the making, the Flaming Gorge and the Green River Basin are a masterpiece of geological history. Straddling northeastern Utah and southeastern Wyoming, the region has much to offer travelers, including stunning views of deep canyons and high desert rock formations, hiking and horseback riding opportunities along rolling and rugged trails, diverse habitats and wildlife viewing options, boating and rafting and some of the best fishing in the nation. This rich resource is also providing byway leaders for Utah's Flaming Gorge-Uintas National Scenic Byway (www.byways.org/explore/byways/2008/) and Wyoming's Flaming Gorge-Green River State Scenic Byway (www.byways.org/explore/byways/2290/) an opportunity to achieve together what they have not accomplished alone: designation as an All-American Road.
Leaders for the two byways had considered joining together to apply for All-American Road status in the past, but the timing was not right. With both byways looking to update their respective corridor management plans, the byway stakeholders who comprised a joint planning committee knew it was time to get serious about reaching their goal. At the committee's request, and after assessing their needs, I traveled to the Utah byway to facilitate a two-day strategic planning workshop.
While the intrinsic qualities of the Utah and Wyoming byways (natural and recreational, respectively) are compatible, the number and types of byway stakeholders involved and the physical distance between them poses real challenges and, thus, necessitates close coordination and clear communication among them. The workshop was a productive, intensive meeting of representatives of area chambers of commerce and resort and recreational businesses, Ashley National Forest, the Bureau of Land Management, Wyoming Department Of Transportation, Utah Division of Wildlife and State Parks, county and city governments, and tourism offices.
Participants engage in small group work during the intensive, two-day strategic planning workshop.
To kickoff the workshop, the group focused their brainstorming and creativity on a question central to the success of their efforts: How do we form and sustain our collaboration to meet our unique needs and shared goal of attaining and maintaining All-American Road designation? Using a participatory strategic planning process developed by the Institute of Cultural Affairs, I facilitated the group through a series of consensus workshops for the next day and a half.
It requires creativity, open-mindedness, intentionality and hard work to walk out of a two-day strategic planning workshop with a plan in hand. Not only did the group make the time commitment to stay fully engaged in the planning effort, they also did a superb job in creating a game plan that provides a practical vision and strategic directions to overcome obstacles they identified. By the end of the workshop, the group had taken ownership of the plan by identifying the critical path to sustaining their efforts, outlining a detailed implementation plan and setting up follow-up meetings and coordination.
The hard work has just begun and success in achieving All-American Road status is not guaranteed. Nevertheless, they left the workshop energized and, as one participant said during a break, "Just getting us all here in the same room, focused on and talking about the same questions and challenges, has been extremely helpful."
New Statewide Strategic Byway Initiatives Target Greater Impact
By Curt Pianalto, Byways Specialist
We often advise byways, States, Indian Tribes and other entities to work strategically. We've talked a lot recently about strategy as it relates to individual byway planning, fundraising, partnership engagement or organizational re-structuring.
The training session on byway marketing and the brainstorming session on future statewide efforts were part of the Annual Vermont Summit for Vermont byways.
On a recent monthly State/Tribal coordinator conference call, I was impressed by the efforts of States and their plans for strategically managing their byways as collections. The State byway coordinators from Washington, Maryland, Florida and others discussed projects designed to create a consistent and planned vision for the respective collections of byways within their States.
In many ways, the concept of strategically managing a collection of byways can generate more impact than the strategic efforts of an individual byway. For example, strategic planning for a collection of byways could enhance the overall approach to marketing, wayshowing or interpretation. An individual byway's strategic efforts then integrate with the larger strategic efforts for its State's collection of byways. The net effect gains strength through consistency and cohesiveness, both broadly across the collection and more specifically through the individual byways.
I recently had the opportunity to visit Vermont and meet with many representatives from the byways within that State, including the newly State-designated Stone Valley Byway and an emerging byway in south-central Vermont.
By request of the Vermont State Byway Coordinator, John LaBarge, I helped lead a training session on byway marketing and facilitated a brainstorming session on potential future statewide efforts for the collection of byways within that State. These sessions were part of the Annual Vermont Summit held for the collection of Vermont Byways.
A participant jotted notes during a facilitated brainstorming session.
After just a few hours, the culmination of our meeting was a prioritized list of ideas for John to consider for future Vermont statewide byway efforts. Some ideas discussed included establishing a byway advisory committee, developing a statewide strategic plan and creating a statewide byway marketing plan.
A brainstorm session such as the one held in Vermont can be enlightening, collective and exciting. It can also work effectively as the first step to a transparent, visible and energized strategic plan for a collection of byways. If this activity sounds like something your State would benefit from, contact the Resource Center at center@byways.org about facilitation assistance.
America's Byways Resource Center Communication Tools Survey
Your input matters! America's Byways Resource Center produces and distributes the Vistas newsletter and develops and publishes content at the website www.BywaysResourceCenter.org. Tell us how we're doing—and what we could do better to communicate useful information.
Please take 5 minutes to complete the following survey about Vistas and the website. Your e-mail/print responses are appreciated by August 27th.
2010 Indiana State Scenic Byways Conference: A Project Of Connectivity And Discussion
By Joseph Jarzen, Executive Director, Indiana National Road Association
Celia Jarzen sits in front of the Hillforest Mansion in Aurora, Indiana. This National Historic Landmark was the site of the opening reception for the Indiana State Scenic Byways Conference and Dan Marriott's lecture. Credit: Emily Jarzen
One of the main reasons for the success of the National Scenic Byways Program is volunteer commitment and the resulting grassroots creativity and broad-based action to accomplish projects. From the combination of these elements, many impressive and effective programs are accomplished along the 150 routes of America's Byways, and the Indiana State Scenic Byway conference is an example of this story.
The conference began in 2003 as a simple "joint meeting" between the Ohio River Scenic Byway and the Historic National Road, All-American Road. The meeting was just that: an opportunity for the Board of Directors of each of these byways to gather and share projects and ideas. It provided a chance to learn what colleagues in our State were doing and how they were doing it.
The meeting was such a success that two years later the meeting was held again. The early conferences were planned and organized completely by the Executive Directors of the byways, Leslie Townsend from the Ohio River Scenic Byway and Joseph Jarzen with the Indiana National Road Association. The INDOT Byways Coordinator and FHWA Division Representative were supportive and helpful in the preparation process, but the event was not sponsored or hosted by either agency. This was an event planned by and held for the grassroots participants of the byways.
The conference was held again in 2006, but this time the audience was expanded when representatives from Indiana Historic Pathways, a new road seeking State Byway designation, attended. The event evolved into a mini-conference that featured guest speakers, including the INDOT Commissioner, Curt Pianalto from the America's Byways Resource Center, representatives from the DOT, State Historic Preservation Office and State Office of Tourism Development.
By 2008, the mini-conference grew yet again to include other roads such as the recently designated Whitewater Canal and River Road State Scenic Byways, and the new road seeking designation, the Lincoln Highway of Indiana.
The 2010 conference, recently held in Aurora at the confluence of the Ohio River Scenic Byway, Indiana Historic Pathways (newly designated as a National Scenic Byway in 2010), and the Whitewater Canal Scenic Byway, had the most historic roads and largest attendance to date. The conference welcomed yet another group from the Michigan Road, whose members are just beginning efforts to protect that byway. Each byway participated in the traditional roundtable to share updates from their roads, and this conference had special presenters, which included the Assistant Division Administrator of FHWA-IN to discuss Reauthorization. This year's conference introduced a panel discussion on tourism and education opportunities by representatives from the Indiana Office of Tourism Development and Indiana Landmarks (the statewide preservation organization).
One of the highlights of the 2010 conference was the featured speaker, Dan Marriott, whose attendance was funded by a grant from the Cornelius O'Brien Lecture Series. This fund was set up to assist organizations in covering the costs for speakers addressing subjects related to historic preservation. Dan Marriott presented two lectures, the first on the evening kicking off the conference at Hillforest Mansion, a National Historic Landmark. Marriott light-heartedly shared with attendees the concept of historic roads and the elements that set them apart from other types of roads.
The second lecture took a more serious tone to orient byway advocates, State representatives and other local officials in attendance about what could and should be done to better preserve these roads. The lecture helped people think differently when considering basic improvements such as streetscaping, viewsheds and entranceways to communities, as well as developing statewide agreements for a higher treatment standard along designated routes. Even the Assistant Division Administrator of FHWA-IN shared his excitement about Marriott's lecture. Now there are hopes that this may help spark discussions with FHWA and INDOT about developing new standards for trimming trees, installing guard rails, choosing period light fixtures, using appropriate bridge railings and other elements that improve the experience along our designated byways.
The conference's continued success is attributed to not only the efforts of the planning committee and State officials that assist the committee, but also because of the partners who helped sponsor the event. The Dearborn County Convention and Visitors Bureau was critical in helping plan and set up for the function, as well as covering some costs for site rental and catering.
The culmination of all of these groups coming together made for a good conference where discourse occurred among byways, and more importantly, continued a dialogue between our growing grassroots-driven byway program and our State Department partners.
As the event has grown from a simple afternoon meeting of two byways to a day-and-a-half-long conference of seven byways(five of them designated), State and local officials and others, it represents how the National Scenic Byways Program helps bring communities and individuals together to develop a meaningful experience along a length of asphalt that would otherwise just be a simple road.
Calendar
Send calendar entries by the 5th of each month to center@byways.org
2010
AUGUST
August 18-19
The Section 106 Essentials
Concord, New Hampshire
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
For more information, please visit: www.achp.gov/106essentials.html
SEPTEMBER
September 8-10
Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2010: Lead. Sustain. Engage.
Portland, Oregon
The International Ecotourism Society
For more information, please visit: www.ecotourism.org/site/c.orLQKXPCLmF/b.4835409/k.FC85/Ecotourism_and_Sustainable_Tourism_Conference_ESTC_2010.htm
September 9
Advanced Section 106 Seminar
Cincinnati, Ohio
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
For more information, please visit: www.achp.gov/106advanced.html
September 9-12
Seventh Biennial Preserving the Historic Road Conference
Washington, D.C.
Preserving the Historic Road
For more information, please visit: www.historicroads.org/
September 10-13
2010 Annual ASLA Meeting and Expo
Washington, D.C.
American Society of Landscape Architects
For more information, please contact: www.asla.org/ContentDetail.aspx?id=10770
September 19-22
AIANTA 12th Annual American Indian
American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA)
Tulalip, Washington
For more information, please visit: www.aianta.org/aitc2010
September 22-25
"Winds of Opportunity" Annual Meeting
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
American Association for State and Local History, Oklahoma Museums Association
For more information, please visit: www.aaslh.org/2010AnnualMeeting.htm
OCTOBER
October 6-9
Tri-State Parks, Recreation and Trails Conference
West Yellowstone, Montana
Montana, Idaho and Wyoming Recreation and Parks Associations
For more information, please visit: www.mtrpa.info/
October 7-8
North Dakota Annual State Byway/Backway Conference
Jamestown, North Dakota
For more information, please contact the North Dakota State Byway Coordinator at: kstankiewicz@nd.gov
October 14-16
Sustainable Tourism Summit
Lake Tahoe, California
California Travel and Tourism Commission
For more information, please visit: www.tourism.visitcalifornia.com/Industry/TravelIndustry/SustainableTourismSummit/
October 22-23
Washington State Trails Conference
Tacoma, Washington
Washington State Trails Coalition
For more information, please visit: www.washingtonstatetrailscoalition.org/
October 25-26
The Section 106 Essentials
Austin, Texas
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
For more information, please visit: www.achp.gov/106essentials.html
October 25-27
Alabama-Mississippi Rural Tourism Conference
Oxford, Mississippi
For more information, please contact:
Tom Chesnutt at (334) 844-3517, or email: chesnjt@auburn.edu
or visit: www.almsruraltourism.com/index.htm
October 26-30
National Preservation Conference 2010
Austin, Texas
National Trust for Historic Preservation
For more information, please call: (202) 588-6092 or email: conference@nthp.org
NOVEMBER
November 14-17
National Trails Symposium
Chattanooga, Tennessee
American Trails
For more information, please contact: American Trails office: (530) 547-2060 or symposium@americantrails.org
November 14-19
NCAI 67th Annual Convention
Albuquerque, New Mexico
National Congress of American Indians
For more information, please visit: www.ncai.org/Conferences-Events.7.0.html
November 15-18
13th Annual NTTC
National Tribal Transportation Conference
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Albuquerque, New Mexico
For registration, visit: http://ttap.colostate.edu
November 16-20
2010 NAI National Workshop: An Interpretation Oasis
Las Vegas, Nevada
National Association for Interpretation
For more information, please visit: www.interpnet.com/workshop/
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