Application for Corridor Extension Corridor Impressions Survey

Intrinsic Resource Assessment Corridor Impressions Survey

Maps were produced that divided the proposed corridor extension into easily recognizable segments. The maps corresponded with modified Corridor Impressions Survey forms. Impressions were then compiled into the following tables.

A (+) sign means that the surveyor is recording a positive impression, while a (-) sign indicates a negative impression. (L) and (R) indicate left and right sides of the roadway, heading north from the existing Byway Terminus at the intersection of Lake County Roads 455 and 561.

Segment 1 – Existing Terminus to Farley’s “Fridgeration” + Very interesting intersection. L R + Nice woods. L R - Large power poles ugly. L R - Screen repair sign ugly. L + Old Florida house nice. L + Magnolia Ranch very nice. L - Bob Cat sign ugly. R + Log house nice. R + Planted pines. L

Segment 2 – Farley’s “Fridgeration” to CR 48 + Planted pines. L - Concrete rubble an eyesore. L + Pasture, open space. L - Farley’s. R - Concrete Plant. R - Coyote Mud sign. R - Power substation. R + Historic Town Hall. L

42

Application for Corridor Extension Corridor Impressions Survey

Segment 3 – Intersection CR 48, CR 561 and Florida Avenue to Little Lake Harris + Wide ROW. L R + Nice oaks. L + Old cabins interesting. L + Orange Grove. L R + Nice views of Little Lake Harris. L R

Segment 4 – CR 48 from CR 561 to Ranch Road - Dollar Store out of place. L + Pecan orchard nice. L + Large area of oaks attractive. R + Quiet, Pleasant Cemetery. L + Trailer park well maintained. L - Trailers junky. R + Very nice views of large pasture. L

Segment 5 – Ranch Road Spur + L Scenic views of pastures. - Cell tower. R - Industrial building run down. R + Great view of Restoration Area. L + Views of scrub. R + Burned area interesting. L

Segment 6 – CR 48 to CR 448 and CR 448-A + Scenic view of large pasture. L - Nice homes/farms on large lots. R - Water plant out of place. R + Quick view of Beauclair Canal. L R

43

Application for Corridor Extension Corridor Impressions Survey

Segment 7 – CR 448-A from CR 48 to Restoration Area Parking (448-A Spur) + Nice pastures. L R + Farm fields. L + Very rural feel. L R + Very woodsy – large oaks. L R + Neat bridge, view of canal. L R

Segment 8 – CR 448-A from CR 48 to CR 448 + Nice pasture. L - Packing house kind of ugly. R + Country Market neat. R + Nice views of lake. L - Closed store pretty ugly. R - Cell tower ugly. L + Nice Pasture. R

Segment 9 – Duda Road and Jones Road to Wildlife Drive Entrance (Spur) + Interesting views of farm fields, lots of cabbage. L R - Airplane Hangers out of place. R + Blueberry farm neat. L

Segment 10 – CR 448 to Sadler Road to Dora Drive + Nice grove. L + Open space nice. L + Well maintained plant nursery. L + Nice pasture. R - Abandoned citrus grove unsightly. R + Old house and big building interesting. R

44

Application for Corridor Extension Corridor Impressions Survey

Segment 11 – Dora Drive from Sadler Road to Beauclair Avenue to Clayton Street + Well maintained plant nursery. L - Subdivision wall. R + Interesting old house next to road. L + Nice citrus grove. R + Picturesque old grove barn. L + Planted Oaks. L + Palm lined driveway. L + Open space, view of Lake Dora. L + Woodsy feel of Beauclair Avenue. L R

Segment 12 – Trimble Park Road Spur + Woodsy. L + Well-kept neighborhood. L R + Trimble Park very nice. L R + Orange Grove. L R

Segment 13 – Clayton Street from Beauclair Avenue to 5th Avenue + Big houses, lots of trees. L R + Small houses, lots of trees going further into town. L R + Small town feel. L R - Intersection of Clayton and Fifth Scary/View Blocked by Hedge L

Segment 14 – 5th Avenue from Clayton Street to CR Old 441 + Bustling small town feel L R + Many small businesses L R + Donnelly Park very nice. R + City Hall very nice. R

Segment 15 – CR Old 441 from 5th Avenue to Lakeshore Drive + Very good views of Lake Dora from side of hill. L + Nice buildings facing lake and uphill from road. R + Train Tracks between roadway and Lake Dora. L - Train Tracks between roadway and Lake Dora. L

45

Application for Corridor Extension Corridor Impressions Survey

Segment 16 - Lakeside Loop Liberty Ave from Liberty and Clayton to Liberty and Tremain to Tremain and Charles to Charles and Donnelly to Donnelly and Fifth Avenue + Bed and Breakfast Homey Looking. R + Liberty Ave Scenic. L R + Gilbert Park. R + Palm Island Park Nice. L + View of Lake Dora/Parks/ Light House. L + Railroad Trestle. R + Donnelly Street very attractive. L R + Small town feel on busy Donnelly Street. L R

Vividness Unity High 6 7 Medium 2 1 Low 1 1

46

Application for Corridor Extension Field Inventory

47

Application for Corridor Extension Field Inventory

48

Application for Corridor Extension Field Inventory

49

Application for Corridor Extension Field Inventory

Field Inventory

The same maps that were used for the corridor impressions survey were used for the field inventory. Inventoried resources were compiled into tables corresponding to the maps.

Data received from the Florida Master Site File were used in preparation of the inventory. This data includes the GIS data layers “Orange Sites”, “Orange Structures”, “Lake Sites” and “Lake Structures“.

Inventories were conducted by CME members over several weekends.

50

Application for Corridor Extension Field Inventory

Field Inventory Segment 1 Master Site File CR 561 from existing Byway Terminus to Farley’s “Fridgeration” Number Natural Double Run. Visible Natural Hardwood Hammock. Visible Historical Structure-Ineligible for NRHP. Visible LA04134 Natural Magnolia Ranch. Visible Archeological Insufficient Data. Not Visible LA02839 Negative Feature Signs. Visible Negative Feature Power Lines. Visible

Field Inventory Segment 2 Master Site File CR 561 from Farley’s “Fridgeration” to CR 48 and Florida Avenue Number

Negative Feature Cell Tower. Negative Feature Concrete Plant. Negative Feature Mud Bogging Banners. Olive Ingram Community LA03576 Historical Building. Visible Eligible for NRHP

Field Inventory Segment 3 Master Site File Florida Ave – Little Lake Harris Spur Number Historical Fish Camp Cabins. Visible Natural Little Lake Harris. Visible Little Lake Harris. Recreational Boat Ramps/Dock. Visible Artifact Scatter Low Density/ Archeological Not Evaluated. LA00065 Scenic Little Lake Harris. Visible

51

Application for Corridor Extension Field Inventory

Field Inventory Segment 4 Master Site File CR 48 from CR 561 to Ranch Road Number Historical Astatula Cemetery. Visible Scenic Pasture. Visible

Field Inventory Segment 5 Master Site File Ranch Road Spur – Clay Island Trail Head Number Natural Scrub Habitat. Visible Natural North Shore Restoration Area. Visible Recreational Clay Island Trail. Visible Recreational Clay Island Trailhead. Visible

Field Inventory Segment 6 Master Site File CR 48 from Ranch Road to CR 448A Number

Scenic Large Pasture. Negative Feature NuRF Project. Visible 8LA3427 8LA3428 Apopka – Beauclair Canal Potentially Eligible Historical and Resource Group. Visible for NRHP Listing Scenic Farm Fields. Visible

52

Application for Corridor Extension Field Inventory

Field Inventory Segment 7 Master Site File CR 448 Spur Number Scenic Farm Fields. Visible Recreational Trailhead/Parking Area/Access to /Natural North Shore Restoration Area. Visible Natural/ Scenic Oak Trees. Visible Natural North Shore Restoration Area. Visible

Field Inventory Segment 8 Master Site File CR 448A from CR 48 to CR448 Number Negative Feature Industrial Area. Visible Long and Scott Farms/Corn Recreational Maze. Visible Negative Feature Closed Convenience Store. Visible Negative Feature Cell Tower. Visible

Field Inventory Segment 9 Master Site File Duda Road and Jones Avenue – Wildlife Drive Spur Number Scenic Farm Fields. Visible Negative Feature Airport. Visible Access to North Shore Recreational Restoration Area/Wildlife Drive /Natural (In Planning). Visible

53

Application for Corridor Extension Field Inventory

Field Inventory Segment 10 Master Site File CR 448 and Sadler Road – CR 448A to Dora Drive Number Scenic Pastures. Scenic Orange Groves. Ocklawaha Nursery Office and Warehouse OR07868 Historic 8266 Sadler Road. Visible Ineligible for NRHP

Field Inventory Segment 11 Master Site File Dora Drive from Sadler Road to Beauclair Avenue and Clayton St. Number Negative Feature Walled Subdivision. Scenic Orange Groves. Tudor Revival House OR07871 Historical 4800 Dora Drive. Visible Ineligible for NRHP 8OR6201 Archeological Campsite (Prehistoric). Not Visible Ineligible for NRHP OR06204 Archeological Campsite (Prehistoric). Not Visible Ineligible for NRHP OR06203 Archeological Campsite (Prehistoric). Not Visible Ineligible for NRHP OR6210 Archeological Campsite (Prehistoric). Not Visible Ineligible for NRHP OR6200 Archeological Campsite (Prehistoric). Not Visible Ineligible for NRHP Scenic Views of Lake Beauclair. Visible Scenic Canopy Road. Visible

54

Application for Corridor Extension Field Inventory

Field Inventory Segment 12 Master Site File Trimble Park Spur Number Natural/ Recreational Trimble Park. Visible Scenic Orange Groves. Visible OR06202 Archeological Campsite (Prehistoric). Not Visible Ineligible for NRHP Scenic Views of Lake Beauclair. Visible

Field Inventory Segment 13 Master Site File Clayton Street from Beauclair Avenue to Fifth Avenue Number Trees, Houses with Small Town Scenic Feel. Historic Railroad Bed. Negative Intersection of Clayton and 5th Feature Avenue - Sight Issues.

Field Inventory Segment 14 Master Site File Fifth Avenue from Clayton Street to CR Old 441 Number Mount Dora Historic Preservation Review Area/NRHP Historic District. Visible Recreational Donnelly Park. Visible Partially 8LA117 Historic Donnelly House. Visible NRHP Listed Cultural Art Galleries. Visible Historic Mount Dora History Museum. Visible Scenic Downtown. Visible Scenic View of Lake Dora. Visible

55

Application for Corridor Extension Field Inventory

Field Inventory Segment 15 Master Site File CR Old 441 from Fifth Avenue to Lakeshore Drive Number Scenic Bluff/View of Lake Dora. Visible Scenic Landscape at Terminus. Visible Scenic 5th Avenue. Visible Historic 5th Avenue. Visible NRHP Listed

Field Inventory Segment 16 Master Site File Lakeside Loop Number Liberty Ave from Liberty and Clayton to Liberty and Tremain to Tremain and Charles to Charles and Donnelly to Donnelly and Fifth Avenue Scenic Bed and Breakfast. Visible Recreational Gilbert Park. Visible Recreational /Natural /Scenic Palm Island Park/Boardwalk. Visible Scenic Grantham Point/Lighthouse. Visible Scenic Railroad Trestle. Visible Partially NRHP Listed Historic Lakeside Inn. Visible

ACL Railroad Depot (Mount Dora Chamber of LA00281 Commerce) NRHP Listed Historic 341 North Alexander. Not Visible Scenic/ Historic Downtown/Donnelly Street. Visible NRHP Listed

56

Corridor Extension Application Corridor Management Entity

The Green Mountain Scenic Byway Corridor Management Entity

The Corridor Management Entity (CME) serves as the caretaker of the scenic corridor by ensuring that the vision and intent of the scenic highway program is accomplished within the corridor. The CME also ensures that the Action Plan is executed in a timely manner, and that all activities along the corridor are monitored and implemented in accordance with the Corridor Management Plan. The CME of the Green Mountain Scenic Byway is known as the Green Mountain Scenic Byway Committee, Inc. (the Committee).

The Committee organized as a Corridor Advocacy Group in 2001, and has held regular monthly meetings since its inception. The Committee organized as a CME upon designation as a Florida Scenic Highway in 2004. The Committee subsequently incorporated in August of 2006 and received 501(C) 3 tax status in October of 2007.

Below are the officers and directors of the Green Mountain Scenic Byway Committee, Inc., as of January, 2014. President: Greg Gensheimer 15818 Vinola Drive, Montverde FL 34756 (407) 469-3201 [email protected]

Vice President: Fred Cranmer PO Box 137, Ferndale, FL 34729 (407) 463-9432 [email protected]

Secretary: Ramona Phipps PO Box 555, Oakland, FL 34760 (407) 656-8277 [email protected]

Treasurer: Wendy Wickwire 825 West Osborn Road Apartment 4024 Phoenix, AZ 85013 (602) 920-6289 [email protected]

Director: Mike Woods Lake-Sumter MPO 1616 South 14th Street Leesburg, FL 34748 (352) 315-0170 [email protected]

Director: DJ Frye PO Box 560212, Montverde, FL 34756 (407) 748-3370 [email protected]

57

Corridor Extension Application Corridor Management Entity

Director: Gallus Quigley Lake County Parks and Trails P.O. Box 7800 Tavares, FL 32778 (352) 516-8512 [email protected]

By-laws

The By-laws constitute the rules and procedures adopted by the Green Mountain Scenic Byway Committee for the regulation and management of its affairs. The By-laws are found in Appendix B.

Observation Tower on the Lake Apopka North Shore

58

Application for Corridor Extension Mission Statement

Mission Statement of the Green Mountain Scenic Byway Committee Adopted December 12, 2013 Preserve and enhance resources that create economic sustainability through nature, heritage, agriculture and recreation based tourism for the enjoyment of the byway traveler and the enhancement of the quality of life of Florida’s residents.

CR 48 Bridge

59

Application for Corridor Extension Vision Statement

VISION STATEMENT OF THE GREEN MOUNTAIN SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE

Revised December 12, 2013 to reflect the Astatula and Mount Dora Corridor Extension

Linking the historic downtowns of Winter Garden and Mount Dora, and with the Lake Apopka North Shore as the centerpiece of a world-class ecotourism industry; the Green Mountain Scenic Byway is envisioned as being an integral part of an interconnected system of preserves, parks, trails, historic districts, education and recreation centers surrounding Lake Apopka.

The Towns of Astatula, Montverde and Oakland and the Cities of Winter Garden and Mount Dora have each maintained their unique sense of community. Ferndale, Lake Jem and Tildenville remain quiet, rural communities.

Lake Apopka has become one of the premier birding destinations in the world, and a thriving, environmentally sustainable eco-tourism industry provides jobs and recreation for Florida’s citizens. The lake draws anglers and boaters to enjoy its restored waters and marshlands.

Habitats for endangered plants and animals are preserved, and, through careful management, have been expanded and enhanced.

The Byway draws cyclists from around the world for touring, training, and competition. Neighborhoods and revitalized Town Centers are linked by pedestrian and bicycle trails, which, in turn, are connected to a regional trail system.

The rich historical and archaeological resources provide the basis of a thriving heritage tourism industry. The area’s Native American history has been thoroughly studied, documented, and preserved. Agricultural tourism provides city dwellers with a living connection to Florida’s farming heritage.

This vision can only be realized through hard work, careful planning, and cooperation. The Green Mountain Scenic Byway Corridor Management Committee intends to be the catalyst that makes this vision possible.

60

Application for Corridor Extension Corridor Story

GREEN MOUNTAIN SCENIC BYWAY CORRIDOR STORY

Revised December 12, 2013 for the Astatula and Mount Dora Corridor Extension

The Green Mountain Byway tells the story of Florida itself. It is a story of change that is, as of yet, unfinished.

The era of the Native Americans is the story’s prologue. When the first European explorers arrived, the shorelines of the area’s lakes were populated by Native Americans speaking the Timucua language. They grew vegetables, gathered wild coontie root, hunted abundant game, and fished the teeming waters of the lakes. Decimated by epidemics brought by explorers and colonists, the Timucua disappeared by the early 18th century. Native Americans from the Creek Confederacy moved into Florida from northern states in the middle of the 18th century, and adapted to the local climate and conditions. Later known as the Seminoles, these people were largely relocated to the American West during the Seminole Wars.

By the 1850’s small settlements of European-American settlers appeared along the shores of area lakes. Settlement increased after the Civil War as more people were attracted to Lake Apopka and the Harris Chain of Lakes, which teemed with fish and wildlife. Because transporting goods in and out of the area was expensive and slow, work began in 1879 on the Apopka-Beauclair Canal to connect land-locked Lake Apopka to the Harris Chain of Lakes and the St. Johns River. By the time the canal was completed in 1887, railroads were moving goods and produce out of the area, making the canal somewhat useless for transportation. The canal’s construction had the immediate consequence of dropping the lake’s water level and draining much of the bordering marshland. Small- scale muck farming began on the former marsh.

Railroads provided efficient transportation for produce of the region: vegetables; citrus; turpentine; and lumber. Old growth pines were completely logged out by the late 1920’s and the lumber industry disappeared. After the invention of frozen juice concentrate in 1945, citrus acreage expanded rapidly. By the mid-1950’s most of the uplands along the Green Mountain Scenic Byway were planted in citrus groves. Hills that had once been covered with pine forest were now blanketed in symmetrical green rows of orange, grapefruit, and tangerine trees.

61

Application for Corridor Extension Corridor Story

The Winter Garden Citrus Growers Cooperative began orange juice concentrate production following World War II and the city of Winter Garden thrived as a major citrus shipping point. Astatula, Mount Dora and the other communities in the area also profited from citrus, with most of the smaller communities becoming dependent on the industry.

This, too, was only temporary. Three devastating freezes in the 1980’s dealt severe blows to the citrus economy. Along with freezing temperatures, property values soared as more and more people moved to the area. Citrus cultivation all but ceased as farmers moved grove land further south. The now barren hills awaited the next change.

Great changes were also occurring in Lake Apopka. It began in 1941, when a levee was constructed across the northern end of the lake and 20,000 acres of marshland were drained for agriculture. The constant pumping of nutrient rich water off the fields resulted in a chronic algal bloom. Lake Apopka was once the second largest lake in the state, with water so clear that anglers could pick out the fish they wanted to catch. As a result of decades of draining, the lake is now the fourth largest.

But there is hope for Lake Apopka. Change, this time for the better, is in the form of a 25 to 50 year restoration project. The St. Johns River Water Management District purchased the muck farms and is restoring the former farms back to marshland. Water clarity has improved and aquatic plants are returning. Already, the North Shore Restoration Area has become an international destination for bird watchers.

Despite change in the area, the natural, historic and archaeological past can still be experienced throughout the corridor. Winter Garden and Mount Dora have thriving downtowns listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The roadway bisects the beautiful, historic campus of Montverde Academy. An Indian mound is visible from the Byway. Remnants of extremely important Lake Wales Ridge scrub are scattered along the roadway and among the hills. Several species of endangered plants grow along the right of way. So far, 23 threatened, endangered, or species of special concern can still be found within the corridor.

Another positive change has been the increased use of the Corridor for recreation. The West

62

Application for Corridor Extension Corridor Story

Orange Trail, a rails-to-trails project of Orange County, traverses through the centers of the historic downtowns of Winter Garden and Oakland, attracting 40,000 - 60,000 visitors monthly. Bicyclists from around the world use the Byway. The West Orange Trail and the connecting South Lake Trail are training and touring destinations, and several internationally recognized triathlons use the Byway as the cycling route each year. The rolling hills, winding curves and wide vistas of the scenic byway are popular with large numbers of motorcyclists, antique car clubs and Sunday drivers, and ever increasing numbers of bird watchers are discovering the birding opportunities found along the shores of Lake Apopka. Mount Dora and its thriving downtown host recreational resources ranging from Segway tours to seaplane rides. Several local farms are branching into agritourism, connecting residents and visitors to Florida’s agricultural heritage.

It is the hope of the Green Mountain Scenic Byway Committee that the next chapter in the highway’s story will not be the same as so much of Florida that has lost its unique heritage. It is hoped that this will be a chapter that demonstrates that with prudent and energetic work and planning, change can be harmonious and positive.

Donnelly Street, Facing North.

63

Application for Corridor Extension Goals, Objectives and Strategies

Goals, Objectives, and Strategies of the Green Mountain Scenic Byway Corridor Management Committee

Adopted February 13, 2003. Revised May 14, 2005 to include the Oakland Corridor Extension. Revised November 12, 2009 to include the Winter Garden Corridor Extension. Revised December 12, 2013 to include the Astatula and Mount Dora Corridor Extension.

Goal 1. It is a goal of the CME to preserve, maintain, protect and enhance the intrinsic resources of the Byway Corridor.

Objective 1.1- Secure lands within the corridor for the purposes of preservation, restoration, and recreation.

Strategy 1.1.1 – Identify environmentally sensitive lands within the corridor for preservation and restoration. Promote and participate in plant and wildlife surveys and inventories.

Strategy 1.1.2 – Promote and expedite the implementation of the Lake Apopka Greenways and Trails Master Plan.

Strategy 1.1.3 – Support the expansion of the Oakland Nature Preserve.

Strategy 1.1.4 – Support the acquisition of land and easements to provide access from the Scenic Byway to the St John’s River Water Management District’s North Shore Restoration Area at Clay Island.

Strategy 1.1.5 – Support the development of the Ferndale Preserve.

Objective 1.2 – Preserve the corridor view shed.

Strategy 1.2.1 – Promote changes in comprehensive growth plans and work with local developers to preserve the skyline and buffer new development.

64 Application for Corridor Extension Goals, Objectives and Strategies

Strategy 1.2.2 – Identify and seek grants for the purchase of scenic easements within the corridor, and seek voluntary agreements with landowners for such easements.

Strategy 1.2.3 – Buffer existing and future industrial and commercial development. Encourage and promote the use of native plant species in landscape buffers.

Objective 1.3 – Revitalize Montverde’s Town Center

Strategy 1.3.1 – Partner with the Town of Montverde in creating and implementing a program to enhance the Town Center.

Objective 1.4 – Preserve and revitalize Oakland’s West Side.

Strategy 1.4.1 – Partner with the Town of Oakland, local civic groups, residents and churches in creating and implementing a community revitalization program.

Objective 1.5 - Preserve the rural character of the unincorporated communities of Ferndale and Lake Jem. (Revised 11/14/2013)

Strategy 1.5.1 – Partner with the Friends of Ferndale, the Lake Jem Residents Alliance, Lake County, and other groups and organizations in the creation and implementation of plans to preserve the rural character of Ferndale and Lake Jem. (Revised 11/14/2013)

Objective 1.6 – Identify, Preserve and Restore the Historic, Archaeological, and Cultural Resources of the Scenic Byway Corridor

Strategy 1.6.1 – Identify and apply for grants suitable for historical, archaeological, and cultural surveys within the corridor.

Strategy 1.6.2 – Promote and support the preservation and restoration of historic buildings, sites and areas. Work to list eligible buildings, sites, and areas on the National Register of Historic Places.

65 Application for Corridor Extension Goals, Objectives and Strategies

Strategy 1.6.3 – Promote and support the creation of the Oakland Three Cemeteries Trail.

Strategy 1.6.4 – Promote and support comprehensive and definitive archaeological studies of the Old St Paul Missionary Baptist Church African American Cemetery and the Lake Jem Cemetery. (Revised 11/14/2013)

Strategy 1.6.5 – Support the completion of Oakland’s Old Town Hall History Center and Montverde’s Fish Camp Cabin History Center.

Strategy 1.6.6 – Promote, support and expand cultural aspects of events such as the Oakland Heritage Festival, Montverde Day, the Winter Garden Music Festival and the Mount Dora Arts Festival. (Revised 11/14/2013)

Strategy 1.6.7 – Promote and support programs that enhance knowledge of the corridor’s Cultural Resources.

Strategy 1.6.8 – Support the Mount Dora Historical Society’s dedication “to preserving and presenting the rich history of Mount Dora to residents and visitors alike.” (Revised 11/14/2013)

Strategy 1.6.9 – Support Visit Mount Dora in its efforts to promote Mount Dora’s Historic Downtown. (Revised 11/14/2013)

Objective 1.7 - Support the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and its mission to “preserve local history and create cultural experiences that will enrich the lives of families for future generations.”

Strategy 1.7.1 – Assist the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation in historical and archaeological surveys and inventories.

Strategy 1.7.2 – Include the work of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation on the Byway website and other publications.

Strategy 1.7.4 – Support the development of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation History Research and Education Center.

66 Application for Corridor Extension Goals, Objectives and Strategies

Objective 1.8 – Support the efforts of the Downtown Winter Garden Merchants Guild in their efforts to revitalize the Downtown Historic District.

Strategy 1.8.1 – Partner with the Winter Garden Downtown Merchants Guild, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Visit Florida, and Visit Mount Dora to market the Historic Downtown Districts to the byway traveler. (Revised 11/14/2013)

Objective 1.9 – Support the efforts of the Downtown Winter Garden Merchants Guild in their efforts to revitalize the Downtown Historic District.

Goal 2. It is a goal of the CME to maintain the Scenic Byway as an international destination for touring and competitive cyclists, to maintain and improve the safety of bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists as they interact on the byway, while preserving the intrinsic resources of the corridor.

Objective 2.1 – Make road improvements to the corridor in order to safely accommodate growing numbers of cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists.

Strategy 2.1.1 – Construct wide and well-marked bike lanes along the roadway.

Strategy 2.1.2 – Continue involvement with Lake County’s Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee.

Strategy 2.1.3 - Work with local development interests to encourage pedestrian and bicycle friendly improvements.

Strategy 2.1.4 – Identify and apply for grants suitable for the construction of bicycle improvements.

Objective 2.2 – Reduce tensions between cyclists and drivers.

Strategy 2.2.1 – Create and implement a program that will include advance public notices and informational signage that coordinates large cycling events with the local community.

Goal 3. It is a goal of the CME to involve the community to the maximum extent possible and to act with the support of the community.

67 Application for Corridor Extension Goals, Objectives and Strategies

Objective 3.1 – Increase community involvement.

Strategy 3.1.1 – Hold regularly scheduled, noticed meetings at a time and place convenient for the public.

Strategy 3.1.2 – Further develop the Scenic Byway Website.

Strategy 3.1.3 – Create an email newsletter.

Strategy 3.1.4 – Invite and encourage community input on a continuing basis.

Goal 4. It is a goal of the CME to increase the public’s awareness of the Green Mountain Scenic Byway Corridor’s unique intrinsic resources and the value of these resources to the community and state.

Objective 4.1 – Educate the local community and the traveling public about the Corridor’s resources.

Strategy 4.1.1 – Further develop the Scenic Byway Website.

Strategy 4.1.2 – Produce an educational brochure emphasizing the uniqueness of the Corridor’s resources.

Strategy 4.1.3 – Further develop and refine presentational materials used for meetings with the public.

Strategy 4.1.4 – Develop and construct roadside educational signage.

Strategy 4.1.5 – Construct information kiosks at appropriate sites on the Scenic Byway. Possible sites include the Oakland Nature Preserve and the Ferndale Preserve.

Strategy 4.1.6 – Support and promote the Town of Oakland’s Old Town Hall History Center and the Town of Montverde’s Fish Camp Cabin History Center.

Goal 5. It is a goal of the CME to protect, enhance and promote the Byway as a recreational resource, and to support the development of environmentally sustainable

68 Application for Corridor Extension Goals, Objectives and Strategies ecotourism, heritage tourism, and agricultural tourism industries. (Revised 11/14/2013)

Objective 5.1 – Protect and improve existing recreational resources.

Strategy 5.1.1 - Make road improvements to the corridor in order to accommodate growing numbers of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Strategy 5.1.2 – Improve access to Lake Apopka and the North Shore Restoration Area.

Strategy 5.1.3 – Promote bird watching on Lake Apopka; cooperate and partner with groups such as Orange and Oklawaha Audubon.

Strategy 5.1.4 – Support the continual development of the Ferndale Preserve and the Oakland Nature Preserve, as well as the creation of other preserves and wildlife corridors as opportunities arise. (Revised 11/14/2013)

Strategy 5.1.5 – Support efforts to nominate sites within the Byway Corridor that are eligible for inclusion on the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Strategy 5.1.6 – Support the City of Winter Garden in making improvements to Newton Park, with an emphasis on resource based recreational activities.

Strategy 5.1.7 – Support a bicycle/pedestrian trail connection between the West Orange Trail and Newton Park.

Objective 5.2 – Create new recreational resources.

Strategy 5.2.1 - Promote and expedite the implementation of the Lake Apopka Greenways and Trails Master Plan, with initial emphasis on the completion of the Lake Apopka Loop Trail.

Strategy 5.2.2 – Continue support for the Montverde Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail.

69 Application for Corridor Extension Goals, Objectives and Strategies

Strategy 5.2.3 – Support the public acquisition of lands for open space, green space, and passive recreation, and to link these lands by bicycle/pedestrian trails, wildlife corridors, and blue ways.

Strategy 5.2.4 – Support efforts to improve sites within the Byway Corridor in order to meet the standards for nomination and inclusion on the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Strategy 5.2.5 - Promote Nature-Based, Heritage and Agricultural Tourism as sustainable economic development tools within the Byway Corridor.

Goal 6. It is a goal of the CME to support and enhance the restoration of Lake Apopka.

Objective 6.1 – Support the Saint Johns River Water Management District’s Lake Apopka Restoration efforts.

Strategy 6.1.1 - Support and monitor the implementation of the Apopka Basin Development Design and Resource Protection Ordinance.

Strategy 6.1.2 – Support and monitor the implementation of the Lake Apopka Phosphorus Discharge Rule.

Strategy 6.1.3 – Educate the public to the importance of the restoration effort by including an update on the effort in all Scenic Byway presentations.

Strategy 6.1.4 – Continue to partner and support groups such as the Friends of Lake Apopka in protecting and restoring Lake Apopka.

Strategy 6.1.5 – Support and closely cooperate with the Lake Apopka Basin Planning Initiative.

Strategy 6.1.6 – In partnership with the Friends of Lake Apopka, the Oakland Nature Preserve, and other groups, create and implement an educational program to educate the public on the restoration of Lake Apopka.

Goal 7. It is a goal of the CME to support the Comprehensive Plans of the local governments with jurisdictions within the Scenic Byway Corridor.

70 Application for Corridor Extension Goals, Objectives and Strategies

Objective 7.1 -The plans and actions of the CME shall be consistent with those of the local governments.

Strategy 7.1.1 - The Vision, Corridor Management Plan, and Action Plan shall support the Comprehensive Plans of the following local governments:

Lake County The Town of Montverde The Town of Oakland Orange County The City of Winter Garden The City of Minneola The Town of Astatula The City of Mount Dora

Strategy 7.1.2 - Policies and initiatives of the CME that are not directly addressed by local comprehensive plans shall be consistent with the comprehensive plan’s intent and goals.

Bailey Bridge at the Parking Area on the CR 448A Spur, Lake Apopka North Shore.

71