America's Byways LogoAmerica's Byways®
Bulletin

February 2006 / Vol. 3 No. 1.

WHAT'S NEW

America's Byways Logo

It's Official!

The America's Byways® logo is now officially registered as a trademark with the Federal Government. Our logo is now that much more important and special, and you should be proud to display it on publications, on your website and on other promotional materials. But remember, the official America's Byways® logo is used ONLY with the All-American Roads and National Scenic Byways designations. You can download the logo with the ® mark here. If you have any questions, contact Matthew Leffler Schulman mschulman@byways.org, our E-Marketing guru, or Patricia McNally, pmcnally@byways.org keeper of the brand.

NSBP LogoYou might also notice a new National Scenic Byways Program (NSBP) logo on the websites and printed on some of the new collateral materials. This is for FHWA use only, but was designed to complement the DOT logo. Learn more in the upcoming Vistas.

     

GREAT IDEA

Byways, Natural Resources and Tourism

People at Migration
The Migration Celebration

The Great River Road Wisconsin Byway organization spearheaded a partnership to promote the western/southwestern region of Wisconsin to potential visitors. The Byway organization partnered with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the State Tourism Office in this effort. A Migration Celebration event, hosted by the Wisconsin Mississippi River Parkway Commission and the Great River Road promotion Committee, was held in Alma and attendees included State Senator Ron Brown, State Rep. Barbara Gronemus and state tourism director Jim Holperin. According to Scott Hummrickhouse, regional director of the West Central DNR Region, wildlife viewing in Wisconsin was now generating some $4.3 billion annually to the state's economy, the 5th highest in the U.S.

GuidebookA guidebook entitled 'The Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail' was published as a part of this cooperative effort. The booklet is available free at this weblink http://www.travelwisconsin.com/search/kits.html or by mail from the Wisconsin Tourism Office.

ON THE WEB

A BIG Thank you!!!!!!!!

Thank you to all the America's Byways® contacts who have responded to the National Scenic Byways Online (NSBO) team and verified the map, photo and traveler information for the new maps and updated website. The regional map format is getting good reviews, and we all want the information to be as up-to-date as possible. If you have any questions regarding the verification process, contact angel@byways.org asap.

NEWS BRIEFS

The Forest Service Recognizes FHWA Partnership

In December 2005, the Forest Service presented FHWA's Planning, Environment and Realty Office (HEP), with a special Centennial Award. Cindy Burbank, Associate Administrator, accepted the award. Rob Draper also attended. The award is for HEP's contributions and partnership with the Forest Service, in leading efforts:

  • to improve the quality of Byways and Recreational Trails within the National Forests;
  • to improve coordination between FHWA field offices and National Forests for expediting the transfer of Federal land needed for transportation improvements;
  • to link transportation planning, Forest planning and the NEPA process, including development of the Ecologic Report;
  • to establish and fund a Federal liaison position within the Forest Service to advance environmental stewardship and streamlining, improve policy development and coordination between the Forest Service and FHWA, and continue to align Forest planning, transportation planning and NEPA.
The award is embodied in a wonderful plaque that contains a roof slate from the restoration of Grey Towers, the ancestral home of Gifford Pinchot, the founder and first Chief of the Forest Service. Also, the award is special because 2005 marked the 100th anniversary of the Forest Service, so it is a special Bicentennial Award. Many thanks to all of you who have worked with the Forest Service and contributed to a wonderful productive partnership.

The Business of Transportation

TRB Photo
Christopher Douwes from Rec Trails and Patricia from America's Byways® at TRB 2006.
The Transportation Research Board (TRB) 85th annual meeting was held in Washington DC January 22-25. The National Scenic Byways, Enhancements, and Recreational Trails Programs shared a booth. It was the premier for the new NSBP logo and the new display banners. Rob Draper is the team leader for these programs, so it seemed like a good fit to exhibit together. We plan on continuing this cooperative effort.

More from Wisconsin

Wisconsin DOT (WisDOT) has implemented its new Scenic Byways Program for State highway corridors that possess outstanding scenic and/or historical attributes. State legislation established the new WisDOT program which allows communities to nominate a numbered state or federal (non-interstate) highway segment 30 miles long or longer that provides travelers an enjoyable visual, educational and recreational experience. For a press release, click on www.dot.wisconsin.gov/news/2006/opa-002.htm. Information and forms are available on the new scenic byways website: www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/scenic/byways.htm or contact Jane V. Carrola, Scenic Byways and Rustic Roads Coordinator, WisDOT at ph: 608.266.0649 or jane.carrola@dot.state.wi.us