Prepared for U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Coordinated Federal Lands Highway Technology Implementation Program

Prepared by USDA Forest Service San Dimas Technology and Development Center

In association with USDA Forest Service U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Park Service ScenicByways Bureau of Land Management Bureau of Indian Affairs

July 2002

A Design Guide for Roadside Improvements

ScenicByways

A Design Guide for Roadside Improvements

Authors: Alan Yamada, USDA Forest Service Dick Ostergaard, USDA Forest Service Mari Jilbert, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Nancy Brunswick, USDA Forest Service

Publication Design: Brian Milne, Milne Advertising / Design, Inc.

Illustrations: Krista Harris, Krista Harris Designs

i ii Purpose of This Design Guide

oads are designated as scenic byways because of their unique, intrinsic qualities. By designation we Rinvite the public to visit, experience, and appreciate these special places. But designating a road as a scenic byway is only one step in a continuing process to maintain and enhance these corridors and the quality of the experience for travelers.

Byway visitors need basic logistical information: where the route starts and ends, how long it takes to travel the route, what services and facilities exist, and precautions or restrictions along the route. They also want to know what makes this byway special. What are the unique natural features, the cultural history, and the stories of the people or events that shaped it? Providing this information and sharing these stories requires careful planning. Every addition or change to the byway impacts its character. Designing roadside improvements with this in mind can result in facilities that complement the byway.

The purpose of this design guide is to assist the planners, designers, and managers of scenic byways. It shows examples of improvements, outlines the planning process, and describes design principles. Although this book is focused on scenic byways that cross Federal lands, these principles may be applied to any byway throughout America.

iii Table of Contents

Purpose of this Design Guide...... iii Scenic Byway Programs

able of Contents Scenic Byways Programs ...... 3 T The National Scenic Byway Program ...... 4 Byway Planning Planning for the Byway Experience ...... 7 Corridor Management Planning ...... 8

able of Contents Interpretive Planning ...... 20

T Byway Planning Resources...... 26 Design Considerations Byway Design Considerations ...... 29 Identity...... 30 Consistency ...... 32 Regional Character ...... 33 Architectural Theme ...... 35 Safety...... 36 Accessibility ...... 37 Sustainable Design ...... 38 Appropriate Level of Development ...... 39 Design Considerations Resources ...... 40 Visitor Facilities Designing Byway Visitor Facilities ...... 43 Portal Entry ...... 44 Orientation ...... 46 Visitor Centers and Visitor Contact Stations ...... 48 Site Identification Signs ...... 50 Interpretive Signs ...... 52 Overlooks, Viewpoints, and Turnouts ...... 55 Interpretive Waysides ...... 58 Kiosks ...... 62 Rest Areas...... 64 Restrooms ...... 65 Picnic Areas ...... 66 Parking ...... 67 Trailheads and Other Recreational Use Parking ...... 69 Trails, Paths, and Sidewalks ...... 70 Bicycles ...... 75 Visitor Facilities Resources...... 76 Roadway Improvements Designing Byway Roadside Improvements ...... 79 Road Alignment ...... 80 Road Width ...... 81 Medians and Parking Islands ...... 82

Cut Slopes and Fill Slopes ...... 83 able of Contents Retaining Walls ...... 84 Bridges and Overpasses ...... 85 T Roadway Signs ...... 86 Traffic Barriers ...... 88 Fences and Walls ...... 90 Vegetation ...... 92 Visual Mitigation ...... 93 Roadside Improvements Resources ...... 94 Conclusion

The Challenge...... 96 able of Contents Appendix

Bibliography ...... 98 T Acknowlegments ...... 103 Author Biographies ...... 104 Photography and Contributors ...... 106

ScenicScenic Byway Byway Programs Programs Scenic BywayScenic Byway Programs Programs and interpretive turnouts. incentive program scenicvista signsandconstruct beusedtoaddinformational encourage scenicbywaydesignations.The Commissionsuggestedthatthegrant program to thatwouldoffer matchinggrantstolocalandState governments creategovernments anetworkofscenicbyways.Congress establishedanincentive Responding tothisfinding,theCommissionrecommended thatlocalandState vacations, pleasure ofrecreation. driving,andotherforms trips and30percent ofallmilesdrivenare forrecreational purposessuchastaking recr common Federal HighwayAdministrationsurveysshowedthat23percent ofallvehicle most second the as driving early 1960stostudyr t he OutdoorRecreation Resources ReviewCommissionwasappointedinthe ceto nAeia h omsinietfe pleasure identified Commission America.The in ecreation eational activity, secondonlytowalking. Scenic Byway Programs purpose of the act was to develop “recommendations for the establishment of a national scenic byways program, Several concurrent programs have been established as a including recommended techniques for maintaining and result of these recommendations. The USDA Forest Service enhancing the scenic, recreational, and historic qualities established the National Forest Scenic Byways program in associated with each byway.” May 1988 after determining that scenic driving is the most Funding for an interim National Scenic Byway Program popular form of outdoor recreation on national forests. was incorporated into the Intermodal Surface Transportation The Bureau of Land Management established its program, and Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991. The Federal Highway Back Country Byways, in 1989. Administration used this funding to provide grants to The National Park Service does not have a formal scenic States that have a scenic highway program in order to byways program, but most park roads are managed as carry out eligible projects on roads designated as scenic scenic routes, emphasizing scenic values, recreational byways by the State. features, wildlife viewing, cultural, and historical features. The ISTEA grant program led to scenic byway programs The National Park Service has a long tradition of providing being established in most States. However, several States scenic overlooks and interpretive services such as visitor already had a long history of managing and developing centers and wayside exhibits. However, a number of roads scenic roads. Oregon began to develop roads that comple- within national parks have been designated as State and ment and preserve the beauty of its natural resources as National Scenic Byways. early as 1913. Vermont had programs to preserve roadside The Scenic Byways Study Act was passed by Congress in beauty as early as 1937. Other States, such as California, 1989, directing the Secretary of Transportation to “identify Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, North Carolina, New York, scenic and historic roads and to develop methods of des- Utah, and Washington have had scenic road programs ignating, promoting, protecting, and enhancing roads as prior to ISTEA passage. scenic and historic roads” (Senate Bill 432 1989). One

Page Three The National Scenic Byways Program Under this program, the Secretary of Transportation may recognize roads for outstanding qualities by designating The National Scenic Byways Program was authorized in them as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads. 1998 under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st An All-American Road is considered a “destination unto Century (TEA-21). Between 1992 and 2000, a total of itself,” because it provides such an exceptional traveling $136 million was provided for projects on scenic byways. experience that travelers would make a drive along the About $22 million are available annually through 2003 highway a primary reason for their trip.

Scenic Byway Programs when the program will be considered for reauthorization. To be considered for All-American Road designation, a States and byways use the funds to develop and implement road must have two or more intrinsic qualities of national corridor management plans; construct scenic byway facil- significance. To be considered for National Scenic Byways, ities (such as overlooks, interpretative centers, signs, and a road must have at least one intrinsic quality of regional exhibits); develop interpretative brochures, maps, and significance. National Scenic Byways and All-American information; and promote scenic byways. Roads are recognized and promoted collectively as Scenic Byway Programs The program is voluntary. States are not required to par- America’s Byways. Anyone may nominate a road for ticipate in the national program or establish a program of National Scenic Byway or All-American road status their own. The byways themselves are typically support- through the State’s identified scenic byway agency. ed through a network of individuals who volunteer their time and effort. It is a grassroots-oriented program. Local citizens and communities create the vision for their byway, identify the resources comprising the intrinsic qualities, and form the theme or story about the byway that will stir the interest and imagination of visitors. Local citizens and communities decide how best to bal- ance goals, strategies, and actions for promoting the byway and preserving its intrinsic qualities.

Page Four BywayByway Planning Planning Byway Planning

ust like the visitors traveling your byway, it is important that byway planners knowJ where they are going. Good planning is the foundation for maintaining and Byway Planning enhancing your byway’s intrinsic qualities and for providing your visitors with quality experiences. Taking the initiative at the planning stage will ensure that the intrinsic qualities of your byway won’t be lost. Planning for the Byway Experience

Comprehensive planning sets the course for maintaining and enhancing those qualities that led to identifying the route as a scenic byway. Planning is also critical for man- aging additional use that may result from publicizing your road as a scenic byway and for improving the expe- rience of those traveling the byway.

The Federal Highway Administration requires that a cor- ridor management plan (CMP), or an existing plan that addresses the 14 points of a CMP, be submitted when applying for National Scenic Byway or All-American Road designation. Even if you do not intend to seek national designation, preparing a CMP and an interpretive plan are important steps in identifying the intrinsic qualities of your byway and targeting the experiences that you hope to provide visitors. These plans will also outline a strategy for achieving your goals and will provide a framework for integrating other planning efforts within the corridor to ensure the intrinsic qualities are protected.

Page Seven BywayByway Planning Planning Page Eight White RiverNationalForest, CO the DepartmentofTransportation, tourismrepresentatives, andagencypersonnel. The planningteamneedstoincludeallinterested parties,suchasthelocalcommunity, San JuanSkyway, CO the core teammeetsinthefield. projects alongthebywayisuseful when A mapshowingallpotential Corridor ManagementPlanning include theminyourplanningandanalysis. county DepartmentofTransportation. Itiscriticalto actual road ismanagedandmaintainedbytheStateor along thecorridororatbeginning.Generally, the Federal landsalsoincludecommunitiesandprivate r When developingyourcorridormanagementplan, withtheexperiencethatbywayprovides.concerned vision tothecommunity, potentialpartners,andothers Corridor managementplansalsohelpcommunicateyour tool tohelpyouandyourpartnersreach yourgoals. enhance thosequalities.Thisplanshouldbetheprimary and guidingthemanagementofresources toprotect and identifying theintrinsicqualitiesofyourscenicbyway A comprehensive corridormanagementplaniscriticalfor emember yourneighbors!Manybywaysthatcross Federal Highway Administration Scenic Byway Fourteen Components for the as zoning, easements, and economic incentives. Requirements for Corridor Management Plans Corridor Management Plan 6) A plan to assure ongoing public participation in the Source: Federal Highway Administration implementation of corridor management objectives. 1) A map identifying the corridor boundaries and the 7) A general review of the road’s or highway’s safety location of intrinsic qualities and different land uses and accident record to identify any correctable faults Identification of the Intrinsic Qualities within the corridor. in highway design, maintenance, or operation. Corridor management plans submitted for national desig- 2) An assessment of such intrinsic qualities and of 8) A plan to accommodate commerce while maintaining nation must address the 14 points of corridor management their context. a safe and efficient level of highway service, including convenient user facilities. planning as published in the Federal Register in the May 3) A strategy for maintaining and enhancing those 9) A demonstration that intrusions on the visitor 1995 Interim Policy. Identifying the intrinsic qualities is intrinsic qualities. The level of protection for different parts of a National Scenic Byway or All-American experience have been minimized to the extent feasible, the foundation of any corridor management plan. These Road can vary, with the highest level of protection and a plan for making improvements to enhance that qualities are the essence of the byway’s unique appeal. afforded those parts which most reflect their intrinsic experience. This step is required when applying for designation as a values. All nationally recognized scenic byways 10) A demonstration of compliance with all existing National Scenic Byway or an All-American Road through should, however, be maintained with particularly high local, State, and Federal laws on the control of outdoor the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). standards, not only for travelers’ safety and comfort, advertising. but also for preserving the highest levels of visual 11) A signage plan that demonstrates how the State The development and implementation of corridor manage- integrity and attractiveness. will insure and make the number and placement of ment plans should strive to maintain the intrinsic qualities of 4) A schedule and a listing of all agency, group, and signs more supportive of the visitor experience. a byway while providing for the accommodation of individual responsibilities in the implementation of the 12) A narrative describing how the National Scenic increased tourism and the development of related amenities. corridor management plan, and a description of Byway will be positioned for marketing. A byway must represent at least one intrinsic quality that has enforcement and review mechanisms, including a 13) A discussion of design standards relating to any regional significance to be considered for designation as a schedule for the continuing review of how well those proposed modification of the roadway. This discussion National Scenic Byway. To be considered for All-American responsibilities are being met. should include an evaluation of how the proposed changes may affect on the intrinsic qualities of the Road status, the byway must represent at least two intrinsic 5) A strategy describing how existing development byway corridor. qualities that are recognized nationally as being unique or might be enhanced and new development might be accommodated while still preserving the intrinsic 14) A description of plans to interpret the significant the most outstanding examples of their kind. All intrinsic qualities of the corridor. This can be done through resources of the scenic byway. qualities are considered of equal importance. design review, and such land management techniques BywayByway Planning Planning Page en Te Kayenta-Monument Valley ScenicRoad,AZ Red rock spires defineMonumentValley. McKenzie Pass–SantiamNationalScenicByway, OR nature atSahalieFalls. V isitors can view one of the powerful forcesisitors canviewoneofthepowerful of along thebyway. enough togiveasenseofcontinuity tothedrive usually create acoherent imageofthe byway. The ■ ■ this intrinsicquality: All bywaysshouldshare three characteristicsfor landscape. r distinctly tures must berepresentative, unique,irreplaceable, or overall imageoftheroad. Thebyway’sthe from fea- fromroadthe andtheabsenceoffeatures thatdetract based ontheexistenceofsignificantscenicviews human-built developments.Thescenicqualityis the scenicquality:landform,water, vegetation,and landscape. Allelementsofthelandscapeinfluence byway resources to the overallvisualqualityof The scenicqualityisdefinedbythecontributionof Scenic that mustbeconsidered are: corridor managementplanning.Theintrinsicqualities is intrinsic qualities National Even ifyouare notconsideringapplyingfor esent an Scenic features relate toeachother, whichwill Scenic features andviewsshouldbefrequent characteristic ofthearea. Abywaycanrep- Scenic Bywaydesignation,identifyingthe exceptional exampleofacommonregional still acriticalstepinsuccessful way in which the roadway relates to its environment is A glimpse of this local resident thrills visitors at Sabine National Wildlife Refuge. Creole Nature Trail, LA also important to the sense of coherence. ■ A variety of viewing opportunities enhance the experi- ence of a byway. Variety can also be a function of seasonal changes; some landscapes vary dramatically throughout the year.

Because the purpose of the National Scenic Byways Program is to recognize outstanding roads that have special attraction for travelers, most roads considered for desig- nation will have scenic appeal. It is important to recognize that scenic quality is only one of the six intrinsic qualities.

Natural Natural quality is defined by features that are both visible and relatively undisturbed by human influence. The criteria for a roadway to have natural intrinsic qualities are the significance of the natural resources along the byway, the visibility of those resources from the byway, and the integrity of the resources in their original state (pre- European settlement).

These resources may include geological formations, fossils, landforms, water bodies, vegetation, and wildlife. The nat- ural features should be unique, irreplaceable, or distinctly characteristic of the area. A byway can still be considered The shores of Lake Ontario provide opportunities to view waterfowl. Seaway Trail, NY

Page Eleven BywayByway Planning Planning Page Tw elve Monroe, MI withitsdistinctiveadvertisingpaintedonthesideisasentimentalreminderThis barn ofabygoneera. Blue RidgeParkway, VA givevisitorsanappreciationRemnants ofthisoldfarm ofpastlifestyles. San JuanSkyway, CO This railroad trestle showsthearea’s mininghistory. portation network. its importanceindevelopinganationalorregional trans- time. Aroad canalsobehistoricallysignificant becauseof thatlinksdiverseeventsthroughevolving historicalstory r based onevents,suchasuseoftheroad as aponyexpress other examplesofhumanactivity. Historicquality canbe and and mayincludebuildings,settlementpatterns, The historicelementsshouldreflect theactions ofpeople intrinsic quality, there must bemore thanasinglesite. historical significance,tobeconsidered as having historic may beasitewithanindividualstructure havinggreat interpreting theseresources tothevisitor. Althoughthere a linkamongresources alongthebywayandameansof shouldprovidecontinuity andcoherence. Thehistoricstory enough features withacertainlevelof tocreate astory r nection betweentheroad andtheindividualhistoric The historicqualityofthebywaydependsoncon- Historic scape withgreat naturalbeauty. alteration ifthetraveler’s impression isofaland- primary for naturalqualitieswhenthere issubstantialhuman oute. Thehistoricalsignificancecandemonstratean esources alongthecorridor. Thebywaymustcontain Cultural Archeological evidence can include ruins, artifacts, struc- This significant archeological site allows us to marvel at the accomplishments of an Cultural resources are derived from the distinctive com- tural remains, and other physical evidence of early human ancient civilization. Mesa Verde National Park, CO munities that influence the byway character. Events, tra- activity. The archeological resources along the corridor ditions, food, and music provide insight into the unique must be both important and accessible: cultural qualities of the area. These cultural qualities are ■ The resources must have scientific significance. They not necessarily expressed in the landscape. Culture represent resources that cannot be commonly found encompasses all aspects of a community’s life, and it may throughout a region or in other places across the country. be difficult to decide what is necessary to define cultural resources as intrinsic qualities. The following are aspects ■ The physical evidence must be visible and capable of to consider: being inventoried and interpreted. Visitors must be able to experience and learn about the past through direct Geography: settlement patterns, climactic influences on contact with the resources. If travelers are not able to see building styles, place names, stories, and legends the evidence, the byway cannot be designated for its Economy: occupations, products, training, yearly cycles, archeological quality, even if it has great scientific signifi- and land use patterns Community Life: civic and religious buildings, institu- cance. If a site is visible, but extremely fragile and sensi- tions, festivals, customs, and rituals tive to disturbance, it may not be appropriate as a focus of Domestic Life: households, housing styles, foods, gender the byway’s story. and age roles, and family traditions Recreational Artistic Genres: folklore, music, customs, legends, Recreational quality can encompass many types of out- dance, drama, games, music, art, architecture, crafts, door activities that are dependent on the natural and cul- dress, and costumes tural elements of the landscape. Recreation can include Archeological such pursuits as downhill skiing, rafting, boating, fishing, The rich culture of the area is seen in this long house. Southeast Alaska Archeological quality involves those characteristics that and hiking. Activities can also include passive pursuits are physical evidence of historic or prehistoric human life such as driving for pleasure, wildlife viewing, attending that are visible and can be inventoried and interpreted. cultural festivals, or quiet enjoyment of the corridor’s

Page Thirteen BywayByway Planning Planning Page F ourteen T Rafting isapopularsummerrecreational activityontheMendenhallRiver. ongass NationalForest, AK San JuanNational Forest, CO Biking isapopularrecreational activityalong scenicbyways. outline possibleopportunitiesfor mitigationorrestoration. elements thatconflictwiththe qualities ofthebywayand corridor managementplanshouldalsoidentifyanyexisting elements complementthequalitiesofbyway. Your materials foryourroadside improvements sothatthese this informationwillbeusedtohelpchoosedesignsand ment theintrinsicqualities.Asyouwillseeinlatersections, interpretive themesandinchoosingprojects thatcomple- This assessmentwillhelpindeterminingdesignand qualities isintegraltoplanningroadside improvements. Identifying andunderstandingyourbyway’s intrinsic Intrinsic QualitiesandRoadsideImprovements ofthebyway.they supporttheoverallthemeorstory r not justinoneconcentratedlocation.Therecreational opportunities shouldexistinmanyplacesalongthebyway, year forawiderangeofagesandabilities.Recreational along theroadway thatprovide activitiesthroughout the There shouldbeavarietyofrecreational opportunities r r ational resources, theirvisibilityfrom thebyway, andthe depend onthree factors:thesignificanceofrecre- beauty. Thedeterminationofrecreational qualitywill esources shouldberelated toeachotherandthebywayso esources andtheroad. elationships amongtheresources andbetweenthe Considerations for Scoping and Issues Your Corridor Management Plan There are many issues to consider in a corridor manage- ment plan, including, but not limited to: For your corridor management plan, you will gather and ■ Who is interested in the management and development analyze much of the information needed for any Federal of your route as a byway? resource management plan. This information can be ■ Where are the management concerns along the corridor? incorporated into required environmental planning and Which uses complement the byway’s intrinsic qualities? decision documents. Which uses conflict? The Purpose and Vision ■ How do people use the area? Your purpose statement should identify what makes your ■ What are the current management goals in existing byway special and what you intend to accomplish with planning documents that must be followed? Will amend- your byway. The vision statement defines the desired out- ments be necessary to protect the intrinsic qualities or to come for your byway. This statement should seek to accommodate planning projects? inspire, asking the question “What if?” ■ Who else is involved with the management of the byway, such as other agencies, State and local governments, Having a strong purpose and vision aid in planning road regional planning teams, and transportation departments? improvements. If your purpose is to attract new visitors, Do your byway goals fit with their plans? adding amenities may be essential. If site protection is ■ What is the marketing emphasis given by local chambers important, this will influence the design of facilities. of commerce, travel councils, and visitor bureaus? The most successful byways are those with strong community partnerships. Planning a Route Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest, CO It is important to build local support and a sense of own- ■ Create a simple, easy-to-follow route. ership from the beginning. Seeking the involvement of ■ Avoid simply ending your byway at jurisdictional other agencies and local communities builds ownership boundaries. and increases the chances of success. It is also important to ■ Use your byway’s resources, route, name, and story to keep the public involved in your planning process. Public reinforce visitor expectations. open houses are a good way to show what you have in mind and to solicit comments.

Page Fifteen BywayByway Planning Planning Page Highway 12ScenicByway, UT accommodate allexpectedvehicletypes. Selected sitesshouldbeableto Sixteen stopping attheselocations? What isthefrequency ofaccidentsattheselocations? vehicles, semitrailers,recreational vehicles,etc.)? or culturalsignificance? ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Characteristics oftheRoad negatively. the visualenvironment ofthebyway, bothpositivelyand It isimportanttodocumentthefeatures that influence they are usingthebyway, and whattheirexpectationsare. your visitors:whotheyare, where theycomefrom, how quality. shouldalsoincludeaprofile Theinventory of hydrology, waterquality, wetlands,vegetation,andair r qualities. Itshouldincludeadescriptionofthenatural along yourbywayandtheelementsthatdefineintrinsic oftheresourcesThis phasebeginswithaninventory Resource Inventory and Analysis esources: wildlife,soil,geologicfeatures, scenicresources, Where are travelersstopping now?Whyare they Where are thelocations ofknownvehicularaccidents? What are thecurrent traffic patterns? What typesofvehiclesusethebyway(e.g.,passenger How manyvehiclesare travelingthebyway? Does thealignmentanddesignofroad havehistoric enhance ordetractfrom theintrinsicqualities? heads? Whatistheconditionofthesefacilities?Dothey portals, viewpoints,interpretive stops,trails,andtrail- campgrounds, stations, picnicareas, visitorcenters,entry r Do theycomplement otherregional architecture? ■ ■ ■ Built Features dation forinterpretive planning. planning forbywaydevelopments,andproviding afoun- These inventoriescanassistinidentifyingintrinsicqualities, area orothertypeofspecialprotection.as awilderness be importanttomapthepotentialdesignationofanarea strategies forcriticalwildlifeorplanthabitat.Italsomay future managementprescriptions suchasconservation current or anticipated mineraldevelopment.Inventory andprescribed firesagement, includingtimberharvest or to consider. Thesecanincludeproposed vegetationman- Plans forprotection oruseoftheseresources are important topography; andminerals. wildlife andcriticalhabitat;soils;airquality; features suchaslakes,streams, andwetlands;vegetation; ural resources: scenicfeatures; geologicfeatures; hydrologic planning inventory. nat- Thisincludesalloftheprimary Natural resources are animportantcomponentofyour Natural Resources elationship toexistingfacilities? Is there continuityinthevisual themeofthefacilities? Where are additionalfacilitiesneeded?Whatisthe What are thenumberandlocationsofrestrooms, ■ Are there structures (such as buildings, bridges, power The Corridor Management Plan and lines, pipelines, transmission or cell towers, or billboards) Roadside Improvements that enhance or detract from the scenic quality?

Visitor Demographics and Use Patterns An analysis of the existing roadside improvements, ■ Where are people coming from? What are they doing including condition and usage, helps to determine future when they arrive? Is there a peak season? How long do needs. Carefully look at how people are using your byway. they stay? Are there opportunities for the entire range of visitors? ■ Which areas are being used even though they have little or no development? What are they being used for? Have you remembered the oldest and youngest visitors ■ Is the byway a destination for many travelers or primarily and those with special needs? Questions such as these a scenic route to somewhere else? will help identify needed roadside improvements. ■ What are visitor’s expectations? Potential Site Suitability and Opportunities ■ Where are visitors causing resource damage? ■ Where are undesirable activities occurring? Since projects will be proposed in your corridor management plan, the plan should analyze opportunities and the suit- For newly formed byways, a tourism promotion plan ability for potential sites. It is useful to ask the following may be used to obtain information if this demographic questions: information doesn’t exist. Communities celebrate their byway with signs at ■ Which locations provide opportunities for viewing the the community boundaries. Management Opportunities and Constraints scenic or historic features? Are there overlooks or is there Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway, MN ■ What are the needs and requirements of the potential for vistas? Look for options at each potential Government land agencies? site. For example, you may want visitors to feel the mist ■ What are the local zoning and sign ordinances? from a waterfall, walk along a stream, or trudge up a ridge to experience what pioneers felt. Local Communities ■ Are there opportunities for vegetation management, ■ What is the relationship between local residents and such as thinning and pruning or creating openings to the byway? provide views? ■ What are the communities’ needs and wants? ■ Are there interpretive opportunities to help tell the byway’s story?

Page Seventeen BywayByway Planning Planning Page Eighteen that maybeimpacted? constraints. Are there sensitivewildlifeorplantspecies ments thatmustbemet. ing, andaccess?Eachtypeoffacilityhasphysicalrequire- be neededinthefuture? development needstobelocatedelsewhere? identification, interpretive, informational,andregulatory. is enoughtimetomakethedecision tostop? and structures? and maintenancecosts?Isthere sufficient spaceforparking provide conveniencetothevisitororreduce construction such asrestrooms, interpretive exhibits,andparking,to they cannavigatethebyway? without detractingfrom thescenicquality ofthebyway? ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Signs ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Are signscommunicatingneededinformationtovisitors Are signsfunctional sothatvisitorsfeelsecure knowing Are there opportunitiesforcombiningneededfacilities, Are signsingoodcondition? Is theproposed roadside improvement appropriate? What isthecontextofpotentialsite? Are sitesadequately signed?Are signsplacedsothere Consider allexistingsigns,includingwayfinding,site Which areas needprotection? Are theysofragilethat Are proposed improvements really needed?Will they Is there sufficient spaceforplannedstructures, park- Look atsoil,drainage,waterquality, andvegetation and vehicles?Isthere sufficient room fortourbuses? such aslarge trucksandpassengervehicles orbicycles ties formultilingualsigns? sign? Are universalsymbolsused,orare there opportuni- improve thesituation? detract from theintrinsicqualitiesofyourbyway? are attractingthem? concerns forwinteruse? concerns as skiingandsnowmobiling)?Are there opportunitiesor the year?Are there changes withinasingleseason ■ ■ ■ ■ they are usingthearea. equestrian use.Makeapointtowatchpeopleandseehow Also consideropportunitiesforpedestrian,bicycle,oreven and recreation areas. Donotlimitthistomotorizedaccess. Consider theaccesstoyourbyway, roadside amenities, Access andUse ■ ■ What are theseasonaluses?Douseschangethroughout Where are visitorsstopping?Whatare thefeatures that Does thedesignand/orconditionofsignsenhanceor Where are theproblem areas? Whatcanbedoneto Can anon-Englishspeakingtravelerunderstandthe Are there conflictsbetweendifferent typesofusers, (such Facilities Now you have a map showing all the potential projects Now that you have collected all your data, you need to and individual site sketches describing how you want vis- integrate the stories you want to tell about your byway itors to use the site and the necessary facilities. Consult with your facility needs. Decide which activities you want with others on your team about potential site improve- to provide for and which you want to prevent or dis- ments. Show them your rough sketch of each site and a courage. To help organize this information, map each map showing the site conditions (area, slope, vegetation, site, label the type of activity, and color code each site by etc.). Discuss how you want people to use the site and the the following categories: facilities you think are necessary. Determine the feasibility ■ Site provides visitors with the required facilities. of the project and develop a “ballpark” cost estimate. ■ Site is used by visitors, but does not provide adequate facilities. This information will help you decide which sites are fea- ■ Site is used for undesirable activities. sible, what funds are necessary to complete the project, ■ Site is the best place for desired activity, but facilities project priorities, project timing, and who needs to be are inadequate or nonexistent. involved in the detailed planning and development. ■ Potential site for desired activity, but facilities are inad- equate or nonexistent. Other Considerations It is important to consider the needs of your visitors. Check the facility requirements for each site and deter- ■ What services will they need to make their visit to your Too many signs may be a major visual mine if the site possesses the required area, access, and byway enjoyable? blight as well as a source of confusion for the traveler. site conditions. ■ Where are gas, food, lodging, emergency services, and

You should consult with a landscape architect and/or an retail shops located? Can they support the anticipated engineer about the requirements for each site and facility. changes in use resulting from the byway? ■ Sketch each facility element that needs to be included at the Have you included the providers of these services in site and “walk through” how a visitor would most likely use your planning effort? the site. Make sure the site is universally accessible to ensure that everyone will be able to enjoy the experience together.

Page Nineteen BywayByway Planning Planning pathetically eager for guidance." are wonderfully well-mannered and out interpretation... “My experience isthatthegroups ofpeoplewhoseek Page Tw enty Freeman Tilden, Interpreting OurHeritage Interpretive Planning such ascampgrounds. confined tovisitorcentersanddevelopedrecreation sites, programs provided by“interpretive staff” are generally pullouts adjacenttoroads) andbrochures. Interpretive pretation have b T visitor participation. topics youwanttointerpret andastrategyfor encouraging Y of thebyway, andhelpmeetmanagementobjectives. entice themtostaylonger, givethemagreater appreciation attractvisitors, along scenicbyways.Interpretive services There are manyreasons forhavinginterpretive services andenjoyment. learning oppor and otherinterpretive mediaensure greater sic qualities.Signs,displays,brochures, voicerecordings, intrin- byway’s a of programs helpincrease theappreciation enhance thesenaturalandculturalresources. Interpretive Nation’s superbscenicbywaycorridorsandtoprotect and ensure thatAmericanscometoknowand appreciate the The purposeoftheNationalScenicBywayProgram isto our interpretive planshouldidentifythe themesand raditionally, mediaforscenicbywayinter- theprimary een waysideexhibits(exhibitsinstalledat tunity for Who Should be on the ■ Cartography (cartographer, GIS specialist) Planning Team? ■ Cultural/historical resources (archeologist, historian, anthropologist, local There are a wide variety of skills that are history club, museum curator) needed to complete your corridor manage- ■ Natural resources (silviculturist, wildlife biologist, ment plan. Be creative when assembling your fisheries biologist, geologist, hydrologist, botanist) team. Look beyond your agency resources to ■ Recreation resources (recreation planner, landscape local and regional resources. Universities, local architect, marketing specialist, accessibility specialist) Watching interpreters dressed in period costumes making historical or archeological clubs, area schools, ■ Environmental laws and regulations traditional baskets creates a memorable experience for visitors. Colonial Williamsburg, VA and State and local agencies can provide a (NEPA coordinator) wealth of information and assistance. You ■ Law enforcement skills (Federal, State or local law should consider including people with knowl- enforcement officials) This tactile exhibit lets edge in the following areas: ■ Public involvement (public affairs officer, visitors feel the size of a grizzly bear’s paw and com- marketing specialist, interpreter) ■ pare it to their own hands. Interpretation (interpretive and accessibility ■ Beartooth Tourism/rural community development Scenic Byway, MT specialist) (public affairs officer, local chamber of commerce, State ■ Facility design (architect, facility engineer, planning offices, university extension service) accessibility specialist) ■ Local/regional planning ■ Landscape and site design (landscape architect) ■ Partnerships (conservation organization, county ■ Site engineering design (civil engineer) government, etc.) ■ Transportation engineering design (transportation or civil engineer)

Visitors can push a button to hear the sounds of the battlefield and a description of events that occurred during the Revolutionary War. Cow Pens National Battlefield, NC BywayByway Planning Planning Page Tw enty Two San JuanSkyway, CO memento oftheirtrip. visitors collectthesematerialsasa material canbeausefultool.Many to beprovided, attractiveprinted great thatneeds dealofinformation from thesceneryorwhenthere isa In areas where asignwoulddetract Mt. HoodNational Forest, OR mature trees andlarge boulderstocreate settingatTrillium aninformal Lake. To

integrate thisamphitheaterintothesite, benches were placedaround existing essence ofthebyway. scape andthecontextofintrinsicqualitiesthatare the byway experiencewhilecomplementingthevisualland- scenic bywaycorridorshouldenhancethequalityof effectively communicatethemessage.Exhibitswithin designed toattractvisitors,holdtheirattention,and communicating interpretive messages.Exhibits mustbe Carefully planninganddesigningexhibits isessentialto meeting interpretive objectives. r es whentravelingthrough theparks.Formanyvisitors, never receive personal,face-to-faceinterpretation servic- hasfoundthatmostvisitors The NationalParkService oadside exhibitsmaybethemosteffective meansof or atmosphere. create orbuildonaparticularmood,theme,feeling, sufficient butvaried repetition ofcuestoeither to thelarger significance ofa par subject intothebiggerpicture. Showthelogical uine Grabtheirinterest quicklyandkeepit. audience. of lookingatthings. unique viewpoint.Try acompletelydifferent way audience. Whyshoulditmattertothempersonally? K Address the Whole Reveal Relate Provoke Principles ofInterpetation Freeman Tilden’s eep Your MessageUnified your messagetotheeverydaylifeof the essenceofyoursubjectthrough a whole. the attentionorcuriosityofyour ticular object,story, orfeature by fittingyour by using The Interpretive Plan What unique resources, features, or history along your Interpretive Rules of Thumb Whether the plan is one page or a hundred pages, it byway do you want people to understand? What are the Don’t tell everything. must be clear and useful. It should answer six basic sensitive or fragile areas? What areas are already Don’t try to tell all. Keep the wording simple. Tell questions: Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How? attracting people? What do people want to know? less, but tell it well. Leave something for visitors to discover for themselves. Who is the audience? Who do you want to attract to When is the major season(s) of use? Also consider Be the visitor. your byway? Consider the varying levels of interest, usage patterns, such as the time of day or week when As a visitor, what are your expectations? time, and knowledge of your visitors. Plan for a range of the most use occurs. How much time and interest do you have? interpretive opportunities. Make sure you identify ways How much energy will it take to understand the Where is the best place to take visitors to tell the story? message? What value does it have for you? in which alternative media will be used to provide a Consider the logistics such as topography, climate, and universally accessible interpretive experience. This Be careful of agency propaganda. traffic. Visitors are most interested in natural and cultural includes considering those with mobility, visual, learning, features seen from the site. Some management and hearing impairments; children; the aging population; Why do you want to interpret? Why would people be messages can be woven sensitively into the inter- and visitors speaking a foreign language. Remember that interested? pretive message if they have relevance to the site. different people respond to different learning opportu- Don’t interpret “Near Heres”. How will you get your message across? What interpre- nities. Consider interpretation that offers audio exhibits Stick to features that can be seen from the tive media and location will most effectively convey and tours, living history, hands-on experiences, interpretive site. your message? demonstrations, three-dimensional signs, and interactive Get the detail. Refine the topics and themes until you develop a exhibits. First time visitors may want to hit your byway’s level of detail that will be meaningful to your highlights, stopping only at the visitor center and a few audience. Make sure there's a story, and relate waysides. For repeat visitors, consider brochure tours, details of the story. guides, and booklets to reveal lesser known areas or fea- Use a hook. tures. Are there opportunities for children to get out and You have only a few seconds to catch a visitors’ explore? How can sites and program opportunities be attention. Interpretation has no value if no one participates. Titles, graphics, illustrations, location, designed to be universally accessible? Can benches be and presentation all contribute to visitors making incorporated so that visitors can sit and enjoy the view? the decision to read your sign or brochure. BywayByway Planning Planning Page Y an interpretive exhibitcanenhance oho NationalPark,BC,Canada Tw Actual artifactsincorporatedinto San JuanNationalForest, CO in yourbywaystories,asseenhere atChimneyRockArchaeological Area. interpretiveIf staffing permits, talksare agreat waytogetvisitors interested enty Four the experienceforvisitors. analysis willhelpyoudocumentthetopicsand of resources, alist themes thatreveal the Why hasitbeendesignatedascenicbyway?Choose pretive themes.Whatisimportantabout yourbyway? There are manythingstoconsiderwhenchoosinginter- standing ofthearea. r interpretive program isdesignedsothatvisitorscan sites thatbestmeettheobjectives.Thecontentof ofavailablesitesisthenanalyzedtoidentify The inventory these objectivestochooseinterpretive topics andthemes. is tofirstidentifydesired visitorexperiences anduse are developedbasedonthesefeatures. Anotherapproach define theessenceofyourbyway. Thentopicsandthemes approach istoidentifyuniqueandspecialfeatures that Interpretation shouldbebasedonunifyingthemes.One Choosing Topicsand Themes process, sinceitidentifieswhatyouare goingto say. This isoneofthemostimportantstepsinplanning eceive a unified story thatcontributestotheirunder- eceive aunifiedstory of goalsandobjectives, meaning ofthearea. Aninventory and anaudience themes. you provide forvisitorcenterpersonnelandstaff at brochure oraudiotour?Whatkindoforientationwill or othermeanstolettravelersknowthatthere isa tions beincludedonyourbywaymap?Isthere asign youare offering.services Will waysideexhibitloca- think aboutwaystoletpeopleknowwhatinterpretive While planningthetopicsandthemesforyourbyway, Improving theEffectiveness ofyour Interpretive Plan them tobe? things aftervisitingyourbyway, whatdoyouwant Ifvisitorscould remember onlytwo was learned. mind thevisitor’s abilitytoabsorbandremember what into zonesofsimilargeology, vegetation,etc.Keepin be appropriate. Itmaybehelpfultobreak thebyway If yourbywayislongandcomplex,severalthemesmay able tosummarizethethemeintooneortwosentences. the interpretation issuccessful,theaudienceshouldbe Use themestounifyinterpretation alongyourbyway. If asthebasisfororganizingserve theinterpretive message. are statedinshort,simple,andcompletesentencesthat central messageorkeyideaaboutthetopic.Themes The topicissimplythesubjectmatter. Thethemeisthe travel information outlets? This information is essential There are advantages and disadvantages with each of When to Use an Interpretive Sign for integrating all of your interpretive services. these. Choose the best media to meet your specific needs. It is important to consider your audience, remoteness, ■ When it is the best medium to tell a story Consider a range of interpretive opportunities. Drive your level of maintenance, cost efficiency, number of users, ■ When there are features, history, sights, byway and see where people are stopping. How often do and history of vandalism. Be careful not to overload the smells, or sounds that need explanation you think you would be willing to stop? Remember when visitor with messages. Carefully crafted, concise messages ■ When visitors have questions that would planning for wayside exhibits that most travelers probably that are presented in unusual and interesting ways will be otherwise go unanswered will not stop at every site and that they travel in both most effective. ■ When there is something interesting at the directions. Topics, themes, and stories should complement site that visitors would probably miss if not one another; however, the interpretive message should Evaluation interpreted not rely on people stopping at every site or in a specific A final component of an effective interpretive plan is eval- ■ When there are enough visitors to justify sequence to develop an understanding. uation. One method is front-end evaluation, which tests the expense messages on sample audiences before final construction of Provide opportunities for people to explore the region on ■ When it does not detract from the site exhibits. Another method is post-evaluation, which tests the return visits. This may include providing brochures, ■ When it does not introduce visitors onto a effectiveness of interpretation after it is in use. Periodically books, guided hikes, or interpretive talks for more in-depth site that is too sensitive for public use review and revise interpretive messages as necessary. information. Look for opportunities to encourage people ■ When it is a safe and convenient location to leave their cars and explore and enjoy the area. for people to stop

Interpretive Media Selection Once an interpretive plan has been completed and approved, the next step is to select the media to interpret your stories. Interpretive signs, brochures, artifacts, 3-D models, site designs, guidebooks, auto tours on CDs and tapes, radio broadcasts, and interactive touch screens are some of the most popular unstaffed interpretive media. BywayByway Planning Planning Page Tw enty Six Byway PlanningResources (Online. August2001).U.S.DepartmentofTransportation, FederalHighwayAdministration.Available: www.byways.org. America’s Byways. David H.Copps.Trust forPublicLand andNationalTrust IslandPress, forHistoricPreservation. Washington, DC.1995. V T Site Planning. Nancy A.Brunswick.UtahStateUniversity, DepartmentofLandscapeArchitecture, Logan,UT. 1995 V Scenic America.Washington, DC.1996. O, Say, CanYou See:AVisual Awareness Tool KitforCommunities. Curtis Edwards. PacificNorthwestRegion.Portland,OR.July1994. USDAForest Service, Interpretive Project Guidebook:ARegion6Interpretive ServicesAid. Michael Paskowsky. U.S.DepartmentoftheInterior, Center. HarpersFerry NationalParkService, 1983. Interpretive PlanningHandbook. John A.Veverka. 1994. FalconPress. January Sites forSelf-GuidedInterpretive Services,forInterpretive Exhibits,forGuidedPrograms-Tours. Interpretive MasterplanningforParks,HistoricSites,Forests, ZoosandRelatedTourism Freeman Tilden. TheUniversityofNorthCarolina Press, ChapelHill,NC.1967. Interpreting OurHeritage. U.S. DepartmentofTransportation, FederalHighway Administration.1997. Community GuidetoPlanningandManagingaScenicByway. Federal HighwayAdministration.1998. Byway Beginnings:Understanding,Inventorying, andEvaluatingaByway’s IntrinsicQualities. ool KitforScenicBywayLeaders iews From theRoad:ACommunityGuide forAssessingRuralHistoricLandscapes. isual Preferences andScenicBywayInterpretive DesignandPlanninginLoganCanyon. Kevin Lynch Hack.TheMITPress, Cambridge,MA.1984. andGary American Recreation Coalition,Washington, DC.September/October1998. . . DesignConsiderationsDesign Considerations Design ConsiderationsDesign Considerations and thepreservation oftheuniqueintrinsicqualitiesbyway. r account expectationsandbehaviorofitsvisitors,maintenancerequirements, stewardship and itscontextwithinthelandscape,community, anditshistory. Itmusttakeinto t esponsibilities ofthelocalcommunity, theeconomyofarea, safetyofthevisitors, he design of all constructed elementsmustbeappropriatehe designofallconstructed toitsparticularbyway Byway Design Considerations

Planners and designers are faced with creating a unique, rec- ognizable byway image while sensitively integrating facilities into the surrounding landscape and local community. They have a responsibility for choosing materials and construction methods that will result in longevity and minimize resource consumption. They must also design the byway to safely accommodate a variety of visitors with differing needs and interests who experience the byway through a variety of modes of transportation.

Planning and designing scenic byway roadside improvements involves a careful analysis of visitor needs and potential use patterns, resource access and protection, facility operation and maintenance requirements, aesthetics, the appropriateness of built features, and the economic impact to the local community. The corridor management plan (CMP) and interpretive plan set the foundation for the types and locations of roadside improvements. In the design phase, the specifics of site design and materials are determined as they relate to the goals of the CMP. Careful integration of the goals and objectives will greatly enhance the visitor’s experience of the byway.

Page Tw enty Nine Design ConsiderationsDesign Considerations Page Thirty Historic ColumbiaRiverHighway, OR some oftheelementsthatgivethisbywayitsuniqueidentity. Native stonebuildingswithsteeplypitchedroofs andbridgeswitharches are Historic Columbia River Highway, OR The repeated arch, anduseofnative stoneare curvilineal forms, primary designelementsalongthisbyway. Identity on thebywayandtofindtheirway. makes iteasierforvisitorstoquicklyrecognize thattheyare perceive andremember yourbyway. Aclearidentityalso element conveysauniquefeelingthataddstohowvisitors graphic styleare allelementsofabyway’s identity. Each colors, materials,signs,architectural character, and captures thecharacterorpersonalityof byway. Logos, Identity canbecharacterizedastheimageorthemethat Historic ColumbiaRiverHighway, OR surrounding landscape. arch from historicstructures andcolorsthatblendwiththe to navigatethebyway. Thissignagesystemusesthecurved facilities ofvariousagenciesandmakesiteasyfortravelers A comprehensive systemofsignsalongtheroute canunify The new center has been designed to incorporate the architectural style of the historic buildings. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

The architectural style that emphasizes Mabry Mill is one of the historic wood and stone the use of rock. structures that contribute to this byway’s character. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT Blue Ridge Parkway, VA

A variety of arched stone bridges constructed of native stone help create a strong identity. Blue Ridge Parkway, VA

Weathered split-rail fences, a common regional feature, appear along many sections of this byway. Blue Ridge Parkway, VA Rock walls and pilasters reflect the character of the historic stone work on the buildings. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

Page Thirty One Design ConsiderationsDesign Considerations Page Thirty TwoThirty Zion NationalPark,UT station repeats theuseofred sandstone. This recent ofabusshuttle (1999)construction Zion NationalPark,UT Conservation Corpshassetastandard forotherfacilities. ofthiskioskinthe1930sbyCivilian construction The useofthered sandstoneinthedesignand Zion NationalPark,UT uses thered sandstone mortared wall. The designofthisbridgeabutment Because oftheattentiontodetailindesign and materials, newly constructed facilities and materials,newlyconstructed blend seamlesslywithhistoricstructures. Zion NationalPark,UT Pacific CoastScenicByway, CA,OR,WA and illustrationstylewere keptthesame,whileinteriorillustrationwaschangedtodifferentiate theStates. To

r etain an overall identity for this byway that runs throughetain anoverallidentityforthisbywaythat runs three states,thelogoshape Consistency more memorableexperience. focus ontheinformationbeingpresented, andcreates a a more unifiedandorganized appearance,letsvisitors Repeating elementsofthebyway’s imagegiveseverything change colorstoblendintothesurrounding environment style, artisticapproach, andcolorpallet ■ ■ ■ ■ some characteristicsofthebyway’s overallidentity: and location.Theseelements,however, shouldretain some oftheelementssothateachfacilityfitsitspurpose ments andenvironments. tovary Itmaybenecessary entire byway, evenwhenit encompassesavarietyofele- The byway’s identityshouldbeapparent throughout the Use adifferent signbase butkeepthesamesigndesign Use thesamelogobutanothercolor Graphic elementsneedtobeconsistent,suchastype On buildings,usethesamematerials,butpossibly The log railings blend with nearby trees and the trail The stone wall at this overlook melds into the rock outcrop. Regional Character closely follows the terrain so that visitors feel connected to Highway 12 Scenic Byway, UT the site at Sabbaday Falls. One of the main reasons people travel scenic byways is to Kancamagus Scenic Byway, NH experience the unique character of a particular area. Byways highlight the special physical and cultural aspects of a region and should seek to protect these assets by resisting the homogenous development that can make one part of the country look like another.

Look for regional character in the landscape forms and traditional architecture along your byway. They can be used when designing facilities to perpetuate the unique character of the region. Motorists on scenic byways are seeking something novel and “real” and want to learn about the uniqueness of your particular area.

Rolling grass-covered hills and white fences are typical of Kentucky horse country. Lexington, KY

The use of limestone in this overlook is common in this part of the country and complements the surrounding landscape. Hawk’s Nest State Park, WV The stepped pattern and color in the hills are reflected in the color and brick pattern of this restroom. Jemez Mountain Trail, NM

Page Thirty Three This newly constructed stone wall was patterned aftertheoriginalwallbuiltfrom stonewall waspatterned This newlyconstructed 1912to1915. Design ConsiderationsDesign Considerations McKenzie Pass–SantiamPassNationalScenicByway, OR Northwest forests, kioskatSahalieFalls. asseeninthisnewlyconstructed Civilian ConservationCorpsinthe1930s,hasremained thesignature of Cascadian logarchitecture, bythe originallyconstructed Page signage, walls,andotherroadside improvements. near Latorelle Fallsare repeated inthedesignof Thirty Four Thirty Historic ColumbiaRiverHighway, OR The arched onthishistoricbridge forms Historic ColumbiaRiverHighway, OR This shelterborrows stoneworkandtimberelementsfrom pioneermining communities. Colors are borrowed from nearbyAspenbarkandrock outcrops seenonSkylineDrive. The Energy Loop:Huntington&EcclesCanyons ScenicByways,UT Kane SpringsRest Area, UT structure emulatesthe regional character ofthearea. Matching thecolors of thered rock onthispicnic Architectural Theme

The architecture of facilities and structures along the Steep roofs, cedar shakes, and native basalt are characteristic elements in forested route should reinforce the identity of the byway. Visitors areas of the Northwest. Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, OR should recognize that a structure is part of the byway without having to read the sign. The style need not be unusual to be effective and noticeable. It may be more desirable to use the local architectural theme to blend in

and complement other structures. Limestone has been used extensively in buildings of this area. Lexington, KY Structures do not need to be exactly the same to present a consistent image. In fact, some variation will add interest and allow each structure to fit in its surroundings. Repetition of design elements, such as roof pitches, colors, materials, column treatments, window details, etc., will tie the structures together.

Unique design using logs and mortar wall presents Wooden frame structures on piers were originally an appealing wayside exhibit. built to provide easy boat access. Yoho National Park, BC, Canada Leland, MI

This double-arched bridge is one of many stone bridges Use of native rock and concrete is combined to provide a highly attractive bridge. that contribute to this byway’s character. George Washington Memorial Parkway, Washington, DC Blue Ridge Parkway, VA

Page Thirty Five Design ConsiderationsDesign Considerations Safety Page should beretained whileproviding safety. its perceived danger, andifpossible,thatexcitement Some oftheexcitementexperiencingasitecomesfrom compromise thenaturalbeautyandinterest ofasite. Care shouldbetakennottooverdesign, sincethatcan physical needsmayhavedifferent safetyrequirements. locals are aware of.Rememberthatpeoplewithspecial mind thatvisitorsmaynotbeaware ofconditions that tentionally leavetheroadway. Designersshouldkeepin the road thattheybecomeahazard tovehiclesthatunin- pedestrians. Structures shouldnotbeplaced socloseto All facilitiesmustprovide forthesafetyofmotoristsand Thirty Six Thirty Gifford PinchotNationalForest, WA experience whileproviding safepassageoverthedeepravineandriverbelow. This suspensionbridgegentlyswaysasvisitors cross it,increasing their V olcanic Monumentprovides safety whileallowingvisitorstofeeltheexcitementofsteepdrop-off. To

the verticalrailsare more design, difficult for“littlefeet”toclimb.Because ofthesteppedplatform preserve thefeelingofbeingonedge,thiswire meshfenceatMountSt.HelensNational Creole Nature Trail, LA at SabineNationalWildlife Refuge. this flatboardwalk overawetmeadow Only afour-inch curbisnecessary on the upperrailcanbe lowered, improving visibilityforchildren andvisitorsinwheelchairs. This elevatedobservationdeckgivesvisitors aspectacularview, and Spirit LakeMemorialHighway, WA River RoadScenic Byway, MI This sign is positioned to be easily accessible. Accessibility Principles of Universal Design A tactile element helps communicate the interpretive message. Source: Center for Universal Design San Juan National Forest, CO Facilities along a byway should be designed so all visitors Equitable Use have the same opportunity to enjoy the features and The design is useful and marketable to people experiences the byway has to offer. This includes planning with diverse abilities. and designing facilities while keeping in mind people who Flexibility in Use have visual, hearing, learning, and mobility impairments. The design accommodates a wide range of Federal law mandates that all programs and facilities on individual preferences and abilities. Federal land comply with Federal accessibility standards. Simple and Intuitive Use The most current accessibility standards are available Directions for using the facility are easy to through the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or concentration level. Compliance Board, also known as the Access Board. Perceptible Information The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities. Trail surfaces, guardrails, and curbs are important design Tolerance for Error considerations for people along trails with sight disabilities. Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest, CO The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. Low Physical Effort The design can be used efficiently and comfort- ably and with a minimum amount of fatigue. Size and Space for Approach and Use Accessible spotting scopes, like this Appropriate size and space is provided for the one at Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, also work well for children. approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regard- Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, WA less of user’s body size, posture, or mobility.

This accessible trail at Mendenhall Glacier allows the entire family to enjoy an activity together. Tongass National Forest, AK Design ConsiderationsDesign Considerations Page at theOregon MuseumofScienceand between parkingrows where native Thirty Eight Thirty W ater flowsfrom thisparkinglot Industry intobioswaleslocated plants remove contaminants. Portland, OR San JuanNational Forest, CO attractive andwell-functioning restroom atChimneyRockArchaeological Area. Solar panelsandnative stoneonthiscompostingtoiletcontribute toan Sustainable Design r fertilizing. Theuseofnativeplantsalsoreinforces the and conditions,thusreducing theneedforwateringand vegetation. Many Federalagenciesare required toplantonlynative the benefitsofthesefeatures through interpretation. ponds, mayalsoberequired. Visitors canbeinformedof r Floodwater detentionstructures andfeatures thatremove and surrounding areas beplantedtominimizeerosion. Many Statesrequire thatroads andparkingareas begraded r sumption. Bothdailyoperationandlong-termmaintenance surrounds orientation ofthefacility, aswellthelandscapingthat means ofreducing energy consumption.Thelocationand solar heating,andpanelsshouldbeconsidered as minimal resource consumption.Naturalventilation,passive r Materials andconstructionmethodsforbuildingsother oadside improvements shouldbechosenforlongevityand egional character. equirements shouldbeconsidered inthedesign. oad contaminants,suchasbioswalesandbiofiltration it, canalsocontributetoreduced energy con- Native plantsare adaptedtotheirnative climate Design ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Materials ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Siting ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Checklist forSustainableDesign mold, andpesticides. and timelessdesign. landscaping usingnativeplants. natural areas, etc. access, soils,vegetation,waterresources, important passive solar, daylighting,andnaturalcooling. efficiency lightsandheatingcoolingequipment. Av Optimize materialusetoavoidwaste. Design buildingstouserenewable energy, suchas Design anenergy-efficient building, with high- Locate facilitiestominimizeenvironmental impact T by avoidingsensitiveareas andpreserving openspace. such aswindbreaks orcoolingfrom shade. Renovate olderbuildings. Optimize theuseofinteriorbuildingspaces. equipment andinsulation. r Use salvagedbuildingmaterialswhen possible. Use buildingproducts madefrom recycled materials. Buy locallyproduced buildingmaterials. Choose low-maintenancebuildingmaterials. Use durableproducts andmaterials. Situate buildingstobenefitfrom existingvegetation, Provide responsible on-site watermanagementto A Design forfuture reuse andadaptability. Design fordurabilitythrough materialchoices Look intothefeasibilityofgraywater. Make iteasyforvisitorsandstaff torecycle waste. Design water-efficient, low-maintenance and carpeting. some solvent-based finishes,adhesives,particleboard, A educe runoff. ake advantageofsiteresources, suchassolar void potentialhealthhazards, suchasradon, void ozone-depletingchemicalsinmechanical oid materialsthatwillrelease pollutants,suchas ore Environmental BuildingNews Source: Appropriate Level of Development

The context of the site, visitor use, and visitor expectations determine the level of appropriate development. Remote sites may not require many amenities. In fact, the added amenities could detract from the experience because they interfere with the solitude and level of naturalness that the visitor is seeking. As the number of visitors or the site’s proximity to a populated area increases, more site amenities are expected and needed. These added amenities could include lighting, flush toilets, water fountains, pay phones, vending machines, dog walks, etc.

Sometimes all that is needed is basic information provided by a simple rustic sign. Grand Teton National Park, WY

The rustic character of this kiosk blends with the natural features of this area, yet functions effectively in an urban interface. Sedona–Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Road, AZ To accommodate a large number of visitors, a larger facility with more amenities is necessary, such as Mount St. Helens Visitor Center. Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, WA Visitor facilities for a byway can be located in the heart of a neighboring community and promote the many features an area has to offer, such as this Convention and Visitors Bureau building in Lake Charles. Creole Nature Trail, LA

Page Thirty Nine Design ConsiderationsDesign Considerations Page Forty Design ConsiderationsResources rtlbr,V.19.www.buildinggreen.com. Brattleboro, VT. 1998. Environmental BuildingNews. PLAE, Inc.,Berkeley, CA.1993. Universal AccesstoOutdoorRecreation: ADesignGuide. (Online. August2001)Architectural andTransportation BarriersComplianceBoard. Washington, DC.www.access-board.gov. Uniform FederalAccessibilityStandards. U.S. DepartmentoftheInterior, D-903.October1993. NationalParkService, V Paul DanielMarriot.JohnWiley andSons,Inc.,NewYork, NY. 1998. Saving HistoricRoads:DesignandPolicyGuidelines. U.S. DepartmentofTransportation, FederalHighway Administration.September1990. National ScenicBywayStudy:Creative LandscapeDesignSolutionsinScenicByways. Curtis Edwards. PacificNorthwestRegion.Portland,OR.July1994. USDAForest Service, Interpretive Project Guidebook:ARegion6Interpretive ServicesAid. U.S. DepartmentoftheInterior, Center. DenverService NationalParkService, September1993. Guiding PrinciplesofSustainableDesign. San DimasTechnology andDevelopmentCenter, SanDimas,CA.August1996 Briar CookandBrenda Land.USDAForest Service, Guidelines forSelectingAnOdor-Free Toilet. isual QualityofBuiltEnvironments inNationalParks. . VisitorVisitor Facilities Facilities isitor Facilities V

isitor facilities constructed along your scenic byway will leave lasting impressions with Vthose traveling along it. Good planning and design will complement the intrinsic qualities of isitor Facilities

V the byway and ensure that the impressions visitors take away are positive. Designing Byway Visitor Facilities

Now that you have a corridor management plan, an interpretive plan, and have developed your byway’s visual identity, you are ready to start planning and designing visitor facilities! Before you head to the field with a hammer and nails, enlist the help of a qualified design team to design facilities and produce plans that will ensure the facilities fulfill your goals and objectives.

When it is suitable for the site, cluster visitor services. Interpretive signs located near picnic tables and rest- rooms will be read by more people than an isolated sign. This also helps reduce construction and maintenance costs. Considering safety and the visitors’ physical needs are critical. The availability of parking dictates how many people a site can safely accommodate.

Be sure to take an integrated approach to designing your visitor services. The resulting facilities will better serve the needs of your visitors, enhance their visits, and maintain the visual quality of your byway.

Page Forty Three VisitorVisitor Facilities Facilities Page For ty Four Mather MemorialParkway, WA agateway.Stone columnsandheavylogbeamsform Scenic 7Byway, AR This uniquelyshapedsignprovides aneasilyrecognizable identity. Glen CanyonNationalRecreation Area, AZ the eyeofvisitors. catches The bolduseofcolorsandform Portal Entry main vehicularentriestothescenicbyway. identity ofabywayandshouldbelocatedatornearthe visitor center. Portalssetthearchitectural themeand basic information/orientationtoastaffed stationor entry identificationsignoraroada simpleentry pulloutwith alongtheroute.features from andservices Facilitiesvary many cases,provide orientationandinformationabout Portals welcomevisitors,identifythescenicbyway, andin true significanceorspiritofthebyway. placement andconstructioncancapture and reflect the signs asperhaps themostimportantofall signs.Proper character. considers TheNationalParkService Entrance signsshouldrepresent thebywayandexpress its they conveythefeelingofenteringaspecialplace. byways shouldbegivenspecialdesignconsiderationas First impressions pointstoscenic are lasting,andentry entrance The use of red rock in this sign base matches the surrounding hills and sets the architectural theme of other structures in the park. Zion National Park, UT

The orderly appearance of this entry station leads visitors into this scenic byway. Mt. Evans Scenic Byway, CO

Distinctive stone work, unusual base shape, and a window are all incorporated into this unique sign. Chaco Culture National Historic Park, NM

Visitors register and receive orientation information at this small, friendly, staffed entry station. Mt. Revelstroke National Park, BC, Canada This graphic design is distinctive and is repeated on monument maps, brochures, and other literature. Highway 12 Scenic Byway, UT

This entry sign reinforces the theme of “Portraits in Time” with silhouettes representing primary interpretive topics. Logan Canyon Scenic Byway, UT

Page Forty Five VisitorVisitor Facilities Facilities Page For Meeting oftheGreat RiversScenicByway, IL The designofthiskioskallowsviewing from allsides. ty Six Grand Teton NationalPark,WY in areduced inwaysides alongtheroute. diagrammaticform from otherinterpretive signsatthesite.Mapsmayalsobeshown andplacementofthissigndifferentiatesThe verticalformat it Logan CanyonScenicByway, UT provide anorientationtoarea opportunitiesandinterpreting thebyway. This simplekioskislarge enoughtoattractvisitorsand Orientation included, aswellseasonal,logistical,orsafetymessages. Major features orattractionsalongtheroute shouldbe the totallengthofbywayandapproximate traveltime. map shouldbelarge enoughsothatvisitorscandiscern tunities along(ornear)theentire byway. Thescaleofthe the visitor’s andoppor- locationandindicatetheservices sites.Theyshouldshow Maps are essentialforportalentry stationsorvisitorcentersmaybeclosed. when entry signs canaidthetraveler24hoursaday, duringtimes can alsoprovide guidanceandinterpretation. Orientation Orientation aidsvisitorsinplanningtheirschedulesbut sites, butisespeciallyvitalatportalentriesandvisitorcenters. available. Visitor orientationshouldbeconsidered atall to oriented When first-timevisitorsarrive,theywanttobequickly the area andfindoutwhatopportunities are Bold colors and 3-D shading on this orientation sign give visitors a feeling for the rugged landscape. Seward Highway, AK

This uniquely designed kiosk base adds to the attraction for those seeking information. San Juan Skyway, CO

The shape of this kiosk echoes the rounded surrounding hills. Kooskia, ID

This sign provides byway orientation and highlights features along the route with photos. It also orients visitors to the immediate site and trail. This kiosk complements the historic structure behind it, while providing an Mt. Revelstoke National Park, BC, Canada inviting place for visitors to receive orientation to the byway. The Energy Loop: Huntington & Eccles Canyons Scenic Byways, UT

Page Forty Seven VisitorVisitor Facilities Facilities Page Fo r ty Eight Don Edwards SanFrancisco BayNationalWildlife Refuge,CA view ofrestored marshlandsintheirurbancontext. This visitorcenterhugsthehillsideandprovides visitorswithasweeping Spirit LakeMemorialHighway, WA andresultingsuggest thevolcaniceruption crateratMountSt.Helens. The entryofColdwaterRidgeVisitor Centerwasdesignedto decades laterafterafire, isusedasaninterpretive sitetoday. The Crest House,builtinthe1940sandremodeled Mt. EvansScenicByway, CO V strCnesadVstrCnatStations Contact Visitor and Centers isitor fully considered duringplanning. operation andmaintenanceofthefacilitymustbecare- and incorporatesustainabledesignprinciples.Long-term force thebyway’s identity, respond toitsregional character, The building’s architecture andsitedesignshouldrein- engage inatthesite. interpreted, andwhatotheractivitiesthe visitorcan account howthevisitorcenterwillfunction,whatbe r along thebyway, andthecontextofsitetosur- access toutilities,visitorfrom thebyway, sequence site foravisitorcenter, suchassuitable,availableland, There are manyfactorstoconsiderwhenchoosingthe byway story, andprovide orientationandinformation. best opportunitytopresent thebyway’s identity, tellthe Vi ounding landscape.Siteselectionwillalsotakeinto sitor centersandvisitorcontactstationsare perhaps the This visitor center takes its shape from the natural feature that gives the lake its name. Pyramid Lake Scenic Byway, NV

Visitors crossing the pedestrian bridge to Cameron This charming visitor center is a converted Prairie National Wildlife Refuge can watch alligators in the pond below. railroad depot. Creole Nature Trail, LA Floodwood, MN

A historic home at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument was preserved to welcome visitors and interpret the geology and settlement of this area. Journey Through Time Scenic Byway, OR Red sandstone and a Southwest style complement the red rock formations of Kolob Canyon. The Museum at Warm Springs combines the character of a nearby stream, the volcanic Zion National Park, UT cliffs surrounding the valley, and basket-weave patterns into its distinctive architecture. Warm Springs, OR

Page Forty Nine VisitorVisitor Facilities Facilities Page Fifty Uinta NationalForest, UT The verticalelementsofthisattractivesign add enoughcontrasttoitssettingcatchtheattentionofvisitor. Mt. EvansScenicByway, CO This well-designedsignreflects anarchitectural themeofthearea andcommandsattentionfrom the traveler Site IdentificationSigns the rightroute. signs orroad markerswillreassure motoriststheyare on Placing thebywaylogoornameonsiteidentification and confusionthatmayoccurfrom toomanysigns. Developing andfollowingasignplanwillreduce clutter continuity alongthebyway. architectural ordesignthemethatwillprovide desired design ofboththesignfaceandbasecanreflect adistinct byway facilityevenbefore thesigncan be read. The assist visitorsinrecognizing thattheyare approaching a and picnicareas. Consistentstyleandplacement ofsigns cover opportunitiessuchasoverlooks,visitorcenters, gically locatedhelpvisitorsnavigatethebywayanddis- Site identificationsignsthatare well-designedandstrate- . International recreation logos are the dominant element in this site identification sign. The formal look of quarried stone gives these signs a dignified idenity to the byway. Banff National Park, AB, Canada Mather Memorial Parkway, OR

Sandblasted wood uses a simplified version of the monument graphic to provide interest for this sign. Highway 12 Scenic Byway, UT

This site identification sign is chiseled into the native stone. This distinctive sign shape and Although it conveys its message, it does not dominate this sensitive archeological site. post identifies sites along the parkway. Coconino National Forest, AZ Natchez Trace Parkway, MS

Page Fifty One VisitorVisitor Facilities Facilities Page Fifty Two Mt. RevelstokeNationalPark,BC,Canada illustration todrawvisitorsinandsetamood. This interpretive signusesabeautifulforest This signincorporatestwolanguageswithoutoverwhelmingthevisitorswithtoomuchtext. Glacier NationalPark,BC,Canada Interpretive Signs budget before choosingamedium. ence, thetopicsandthemestobeinterpreted, andtheir designers mustconsiderthecharacteristicsoftheiraudi- the onlymethodforconveyinginformation.Plannersand of thedayorseason.However, interpretive signsare not the visitor’s conveniencesincetheyare availableanytime with personalvisitorcontactandcanconveymessagesat interpretation. Theyare relatively inexpensivecompared Interpretive signsare thesinglemostpopularmethodof visitor’s pretive signs canreach awideaudienceandenhancethe the bywaycorridor. Well-designed andwell-locatedinter- about ties forvisitorstoexperiencethesettingwhilelearning and interpretive trails.Interpretive signsprovide opportuni- along scenicbyways,from visitorcenterstowaysideexhibits Interpretive signscanbeusedinmanytypesofsettings experience andawareness ofyourbyway. Ottawa RiverParkway, ON,Canada the waterfront setting. This signbase,shapedlikeaboat,reflects Steps to Successful Interpretive Signs Text Development for Successful Signs

■ Use the best writing and graphic design possible. ■ Be short and concise. Insist on professional design and consultation. ■ Use titles that state the theme, that are provocative, ■ Make signs attractive, inviting, and universally accessible. and that people can relate to. Be creative (e.g., instead of ■ Have a strong focal point or center of interest. “Geology of the West Fork,” use “Sculpting Mountains”). ■ Select materials that will harmonize with the site and ■ Use vivid language and short, active sentences require minimal maintenance. and paragraphs. ■ Use graphics to catch the visitor’s attention and tell ■ Use different levels of text (headings, subheadings, the story. Do not use graphics as decoration. and captions). ■ Use color to provide variety, emphasis, and unity. ■ Avoid technical jargon and clichés. Color is very effective in catching the visitor’s attention. ■ Strive for balance between text and graphics. ■ Keep the sign simple and uncluttered. ■ Develop a visual sequence for text blocks. ■ Make the sign the right size, no larger than necessary. ■ DO NOT USE ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. ■ Maintain open space (white space), especially in the Capitalization is hard to read and some people find it margins. offensive because it looks like you’re yelling at them. ■ Install signs at heights and angles that are readable ■ Use type sizes and styles (fonts) that will ensure and do not obscure the feature being interpreted. readability. Common first questions are “What’s the name of that peak? How tall is it? And how far away?” This Molas Pass interpretive sign answers those questions while interpreting the area. San Juan Skyway, CO The graphic style of this sign uses vibrant colors and a postcard format to attract visitors to This sign illustrates a bird’s-eye view of a wetland its interpretive and its inhabitants. The inset of the beaver provides another message. Kealia Pond level of interpretation. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO National Wildlife Refuge, HI

Page Fifty Three VisitorVisitor Facilities Facilities Page Fifty Four Spirit LakeMemorial Highway, WA V The headlineandphotoonthisinterpretive signatColdwater Banff National Park,AB,Canada panelcomplementsitssetting. ofthiscolorful The verticalformat isitor Centerworktogether toimmediatelyconveythemainmessage. Banff NationalPark,AB,Canada This beautifullyillustratedsigntellsthestoryintwolanguages. John D.RockefellerJr. Memorial Parkway, WY makes thispanelveryattractive. a bird’s-eye viewillustration,andinterpretive text The combinationofcolorphotography, and obvious. point ofinterest, whichshouldbefullyvisible Consider therelationship ofthesignto F cal protective shelterneeds,traffic, andtopographi- glare, wind,heat,cold,shadows,orientation, When locatingthesign,considersun, Conditions view bemaintainedafterconstruction? Consider theviewer’s position.Howwillthe Viewing to allvisitors. r Keep inmindthedistancefrom parkingand Locating sign ismountedasyoudidtotheitself. Pay asmuchattentiontohowandwhere the Mounting Location andPlacementofSigns estrooms, andmakesure thesignisaccessible eatures hazards. Overlooks, Viewpoints, and Turnouts

Viewing is the primary activity at overlooks; however, In the rugged Cascades, this overlook uses native stone and wood to define pedestrian areas and to protect visitors from the steep drop-off. they often serve as rest stops. People are attracted to over- McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway, OR looks with wide panoramas, which can provide excellent opportunities for interpreting geology, cultural features, historical events, wildlife, or topics that address a broad landscape view. The extent of development depends on its location and its context within the byway. Improvements that enhance the visitor’s experience at overlooks can include viewing decks, benches, telescopes, shelters, and interpretive artifacts. In areas where over- looks attract large numbers of visitors, consider amenities such as kiosks, restrooms, and picnic tables.

The criteria for selecting new overlooks along a byway should include sites that highlight resources identified in the interpretive plan. Consider areas where people already Stone walls and wrought-iron railings provide a safe viewpoint congregate, as these often indicate points of interest and on a cliff overlooking the river. Several spotting scopes aid visitors in viewing wildlife and the valley below. good viewing opportunities. Sites must have enough Hawks Nest State Park, WV physical area to support the proposed facility and to safely access the byway.

This overlook gives visitors a commanding view and a dramatic experience. Nebo Loop Scenic Byway, UT

Page Fifty Five VisitorVisitor Facilities Facilities Page Fifty Six San JuanSkyway, CO benches andenoughroom forwheelchairs tomaneuver. of thepanoramicview. Theviewpointprovides Interpretive signsatthisoverlooktakeadvantage McKenzie Pass–SantiamPassNational ScenicByway, OR a more intimate experience,likethisoneatKoosahFalls. A sitethatcanaccommodateseveralviewpoints canbedesignedfor Ohio RiverScenicRoute,IN Ohio River, it provides adramaticviewofthe Louisvilleskyline. Although thefeature ofthisoverlookisthefossilbedsalong Snowy RangeScenicByway, WY scopes helpvisitorsviewthesurrounding landscape. At overlookswithwide,distantvistas,spotting attention toitself,butstillprovides safety. acter. Considerthesizeandshapesothatitdoesnotdraw them toenhanceratherthandetractfrom thescenicchar- visible whiletravelingabyway, itisimportanttodesign nearby thatoffers thesameview. Sincepulloutsare highly where peopleare already stoppingoratasaferlocation pretation orotheramenities.Considersitingaturnout Theseareas containnointer- to aspulloutsorturnouts. andare generallyreferredlane andsafelyviewthescenery Some overlooksare merely areas topulloutofthetravel standard andoversizevehicles. for from thebyway. Adequateparkingshouldbeprovided approach totheoverlookshouldoffer safeandeasyaccess visible are essentialinhelpingvisitorsfind their way. The Approach signsandsiteidentificationthatare clearly complement thebyway’s thematicdesignguidelines. overlook andthetrailsshouldbefullyaccessible to protect visitorsornaturalresources. Thedesignofthe alongthetrailandatoverlook walls maybenecessary from theparkingarea. Safetyfeatures suchasfencesor the view. Oftenanoverlookisaccessedbyashorttrail quate room for theexpectednumberofvisitorstoenjoy The physicallayoutoftheoverlookshouldallowade- Scenic overlooks are located at popular viewing areas to provide safe areas for motorist to pull off the roadway. Glacier National Park, MT

The height of these interpretive signs make them easy to read Large numbers of visitors crowd onto this cantelievered deck and allows children and those in wheelchairs to view the landscape. and adjacent walkway to gain spectacular views of the Rockies. Manistee National Forest, MI Banff National Park, AB, Canada

The same design and materials used to build this boardwalk are used to integrate this interpretive overlook into the entire trail. Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, CA

A roof structure extends the seasonal use of this overlook. Uinta National Forest, UT The color of the surrounding hills and spires are repeated in the stonework at this overlook. The long length of the railing allows large numbers of To help visitors identify the surrounding peaks, this viewfinder at people to view at the same time. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument uses a 360º relief illustration. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, WA

Page Fifty Seven “The interpreter can seldom come into Interpretive Waysides

contact with his visitor. In Iieu of that, he This interpretive panel provides the Wayside is a broad term for interpretive areas relating to names and elevations of the magnificent mountains as well as the history of points of interest. They are also called turnouts and sce- the early mountaineers. must leave a message for him.” Banff National Park, AB, Canada nic overlooks. They may consist of a single interpretive isitor Facilities

V Freeman Tilden, Interpreting Our Heritage sign, a kiosk, or a roofed shelter with multiple signs. Tangible artifacts and/or audio messages can also be used The use of stone pillars and a mountain to help tell the story. silhouette header reflects Colorado. Headwaters of the Colorado Scenic Byway, CO

isitor Facilities Wayside exhibits can be an effective media for scenic

V byway interpretation. The exhibits should be located near the feature being interpreted. Since waysides are always open, travelers can stop and view the interpretive material at any time.

When planning the wayside location, be responsive to opportunities described in the inventory phase of plan- ning. Consider where people congregate, where they ask questions, where a dominant landscape feature exists, or where a historic event has occurred. There may be areas where the feature is of such magnitude that only the name of the feature is appropriate, allowing visitors to discover and enjoy the area on their own.

Artifacts help visitors visualize the area’s mining history. San Juan Skyway, CO

Page Fifty Eight When planning wayside locations, consider spacing and A spotting scope and a 3-D relief map gives visitors a variety of exhibits to explore and an opportunity location. A study of interpretive trails revealed that people to gain a greater appreciation of the area. Waterton Lakes National Park, AB, Canada are more likely to stop and read signs at points where the landscape changes, such as when emerging from a forest into a meadow. People are also drawn to overlooks where they can see a broad panorama. Waysides are part of the Illustrations are used to entire interpretation of the byway, so themes and overall draw visitors to this interpretive sign and to design should be consistent with the interpretive plan. convey historical information. The soft colors are in harmony A visitor’s first impression of a wayside exhibit is important. with the landscape. Pioneer Mountains The quality of the message may be equated with the overall Scenic Byway, MT quality of the exhibit. The effectiveness of a wayside exhibit is increased by quality installation, proper site preparation, a thoughtfully chosen location, good site maintenance, and unobscured vistas.

Native stone provides an unusual base for this interpretive sign and helps to integrate it into the environment. Uinta National Forest, UT

Quotes and interpretive messages can be This steam-powered donkey is an artifact from early logging incorporated into structural elements of the site. days and gives visitors an appreciation of how far technology has come. Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway, MN Camp 18, OR Page Fifty Nine VisitorVisitor Facilities Facilities Spirit LakeMemorialHighway, WA the force anddirection oftheblast. The viewpointwasbuiltaround ittoillustrate ofMountSt.Helens. the eruption This logartifactwasleftwhere itfellduring Page Sixty W made ofriverrock from thesite. tactile reliefs ofsalmoninawall This waysideexhibitincorporated ildwood, OR Highway 12ScenicByway, UT A woodretaining wallprovides asimpledetail thataddsinterest. Brazos BendStatePark,TX interpretive message. another dimensiontothe into thepavementtogive objects canbeimpressed Animal tracksandother exhibits. to stop,andmanyvisitorsrely onsignageto findwayside tional signingisastrong motivatorininfluencingtravelers attract visitorstowaysideexhibits.Approach anddirec- structures may fountains, wildlifeblinds,andobservation stop. Relatedfacilitiessuchasrestrooms, benches,water attractive orinteresting, itwillnotencourage visitorsto If thesitesurrounding awaysideexhibitisnotvisually The NativeAmerican ScenicByway, SD to drawvisitorsouttheinterpretive viewpoint. The designofthiswaysideusesateepeeform San JuanSkyway, CO mining historyonMolasPass. photographs ofthewilderness This waysideprovides early This wayside overlooking the Columbia River provides a dramatic view for picnickers and sightseers. State Route 14, WA

This brass locator is an excellent aid in interpreting the surrounding landscape. Mt. Evans Scenic Byway, CO

As visitors step on the various animal tracks embedded in the walkway, they hear the sounds This interactive book format creates the of each animal. same intimate feeling as the surrounding forest. Los Angeles Zoo, CA Glacier National Park, BC, Canada

Sandstone was used to provide a unique base for this interpretive sign. Petroglyph designs are incorporated into this colored concrete bench under a shade structure. Coconino National Forest, AZ Grimes Point/Hidden Cave Archaeological Area, NV

Page Sixty One VisitorVisitor Facilities Facilities Page Sixty Two Y r This strong architectural statementdrawsvisitorsinto through theuseofnativestoneandheavylogconstruction. natureThe rustic ofthiskioskisachieved ead theinterpretive panels. ellowstone NationalPark,WY This simplesignstructure isattractiveandlarge enoughtodrawthevisitor’s attention. Y ellowstone NationalPark,WY Black HillsNationalForest, SD V displays sixpanelsatthePactola This lightedkioskefficiently isitor Center. Kiosks helps establishanidentifiableandcoherent bywayidentity. rating thebyway’s architectural themeinthekioskdesign size andmasstoattractattention.Consistentlyincorpo- are mosteffective when theyare designedtohaveenough in motivatingvisitorstostopandviewexhibits.Kiosks The designandvisibilityofakioskplayssignificantrole guests from thesun,wind,andrain. r hold anumberofdifferent signsandexhibits.Kioskswith byway andcommunityevents.Kioskscanbedesignedto for orientationsigns,interpretive exhibits,andtohighlight covered signboards toroofed structures. Theyare suitable There are manytypesandsizesofkiosksrangingfrom oofs canprovide shelter, protecting your signs and Flat Tops Trail, CO this kioskdisplaysbrochures aboutattractions along theroute. In additiontoprotecting visitorsfrom rain,snowandwind, This charming kiosk provides travelers with an explanation of the rich resources in the surrounding landscape. Meeker Pasture Colorado State Wildlife Area, CO

The distinctive architecture and cultural artwork draws visitors to this kiosk. Sequim, WA

This small kiosk offers the visitor a choice of brochures along with orientation information. Frisco, CO

The large size and attractive design of this kiosk attracts visitors off The unusual roof on this kiosk matches the the road where they are rewarded with information on the Continental Divide. design of the nearby Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center. San Juan National Forest, CO Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, WA

Page Sixty Three VisitorVisitor Facilities Facilities Page Sixty Four Highland ScenicHighway, WV at thisrest area. Picnic facilitiesare provided Spanish ForkCanyon,UT This rest area wasdesignedtotakeadvantageofexistingtrees. Interstate 5,nearHornbrook, CA a visitor’s connectionwiththelandscape. Siting thisrest area alongariverincreases Hole’n theRock,UT of mature trees andred rock cliffs initssetting. The sitingofthisrest area takesadvantage Rest Areas warm weather. or withinashelter, sincemost usewilloccurduring on thesite,youmaywanttolocatetablesinshadyareas Picnic tablesare alsoappropriate atrest areas. Depending tures alongyourbyway. information fornavigatingtheirwayandenjoyingthefea- lighting popularattractionswillgivevisitorsnecessary vided. Anorientationsignwithamapofthebywayhigh- parking forstandard andoversizevehiclesmustbepro- water. Approach signs,safeandeasyaccess,adequate Rest areas offer parking, restrooms, andusuallydrinking facilities require. account thefrequent maintenancethatthese typesof stop alongthebyway. Thelocationshouldalsotakeinto should beconsidered relative tothelastandnextlogical ning thelocationofrest areas, thelengthoftraveltime located adjacenttoorwithinsightofthebyway. Inplan- stop, takeabreak, andusearestroom. Theyare usually Rest areas are provided alongbywaysforthepublicto Restrooms

Restrooms present the challenge of designing and siting a All restrooms must comply with Federal accessibilities structure that is easy for visitors to find without being the standards. These requirements determine architectural focal point. These structures should blend into the land- elements, such as door width and placement, stall size, scape through their siting and portray the character of the and height of fixtures. They also affect siting require- byway through their architecture. Using colors, materials, ments related to slope, distance, and the surface material and textures that are predominant in the surrounding of parking lots and sidewalks accessing the restroom. landscape will help integrate these structures.

There are three main types of restrooms: flush, compost- ing, and vault. Flush toilets are capable of handling a Vault toilets are widely used in semiprimitive large number of visitors and do not emit odors, but are settings where potable water is not available. generally more expensive because they require potable Bridger-Teton National Forest, WY water and septic or sewer systems. Composting toilets do not require water, must be designed to handle the expected number of visitors, and are less effective in cold or wet Flush toilets accommodate the high use at this site. The architectural style, climates. Vault toilets do not require water, must be building materials, and location all integrate it into the surroundings. Zion National Park, UT designed to handle the expected number of visitors, require periodic pumping, but are generally less expensive to construct. The type of restroom appropriate for a particular The use of brick gives this restroom building a less rustic site also depends on average daily use, peak use, distance appearance that is appropriate in less primitive areas. Wasatch-Cache National Forest, UT between restrooms, proximity to utilities, whether visitors

will stay at the location, and if it is associated with a picnic Built to reflect the mining history of the area, this Bureau of Land area, trailhead, or other facility. Management composting toilet fits comfortably in its surroundings. Alpine Loop National Back Country Byway, CO

Page Sixty Five VisitorVisitor Facilities Facilities T has thesamearchitectural characterasotherbuildings atthisrest area. wo individualpicnicsitesare housedunderoneroof inthisshelterthat Page Sixty Six In areas ofhighuse,areservation systemmaybeneededforpicnicshelteruse. Sandia Crest ScenicByway, NM Hole’n theRock,UT Uncompahgre NationalForest, CO screening from theroad andgivesusersasenseofprivacy. Locating thisaccessiblepicnicsitebehindaboulderprovides Spirit LakeMemorial Highway, WA both sunnyandshady picnicsites. interpretive trailalongalake,provides This picnicarea, locatednearapopular Picnic Areas visitor facilitiesalongyourbyway. should reflect thedesignthemethathasbeenchosenfor sites andtobywaymotorists.Thematerialsstyles Consider howthedesignappearstopeopleusingpicnic vehicles, nishings mustbeaccessible.Parkingfordifferent-sized areas, andchildren’s playequipment.Thesiteandfur- bulletin boards, nature trails,benches,turfareas, petexercise Optional amenitiesmayconsistofshelters,interpretive signs, important,especiallyinwarmerclimates. Shade isvery vidual siteswithatableandbarbequegrillorfire ring. water faucets,garbageandrecycling containers, andindi- Picnic areas generallyincludeaparkingarea, restrooms, access andexitfrom the or shorthikingtrails.Safetymustbeconsidered forvehicle near overlooks,waterorgeologicfeatures, historical sites, sidered forpicnicsites.Picnicareas canalsobelocated areas where visitorsoftenstoptopicnicshouldbecon- located atarest area orinterpretive site.Undeveloped These canbeformalpicnicgrounds orjustafewtables byway, lookforopportunitiestoprovide picnicsites. scenic bywaysispicnicking.Whenplanningforyour One ofthemostpopularrecreational activitiesalong including busesandrecreational vehicles,isvital. site. Parking

Providing adequate parking allows visitors to stop and enjoy your byway opportunities. The challenge is to design A stone plaza with a drinking fountain separates parking and pedestrian areas. parking so as not to create a sea of asphalt that will disrupt Natchez Trace Parkway, MS the scenery when viewed from the byway. The parking lot Parking areas are separated from the road may be the first introduction that visitors have to many by medians planted with native vegetation. Zion National Park, UT features along your byway. Parking is tucked around the “needles” formations that provide the attraction. Parking will likely be the limiting factor to site visitation, Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, SD so the first step is to consider how many people may want to visit the site. Then consider the number of people and vehicles that the site can accommodate without causing damage to the site or degrading the experience. Parking areas should be designed for smooth vehicle and pedes- trian flow and should be sized to accommodate the largest type of vehicle expected to use it. Parking space size and turning radius requirements for large recreational vehicles, trucks pulling boats or trailers, and tour buses are considerably larger than for passenger vehicles.

Safety is critical when designing the access to parking In an area of limited space, this parking lot is separated from the roadway by a low stone wall that mimics the design of historic walls along the byway. from the byway. Sight lines, adequate distances to accel- Historic Columbia River Highway, OR erate and decelerate, and the turning radius of the largest vehicles must all be considered. It might be necessary to A biofiltration pond was incorporated into the design of this parking lot and planted with native plants. add turning lanes along the roadway to access parking Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, WA

Page Sixty Seven VisitorVisitor Facilities Facilities Spirit LakeMemorialHighway, WA and nativeplantswere allowedtoregenerate. St. Helenswere incorporatedintoplantingislands, terrain, logsandrocks from ofMount theeruption To

integrate theparkinglotintosurrounding Page Sixty Eight Historic Columbia River Highway, OR this parkingarea atHorsetailFalls waslowered. To

make carslessvisiblefrom theroadway, Blue RidgeParkway, VA radii todriveupandoverthemwhennecessary. The useoflow-setstonedefinesvehiclelanes, but allowsoversizevehicleswithwideturning Byway, OR Pass NationalScenic McKenzie Pass–Santiam into thesite. ar areas betweenthepaved the terrain. Theplanted at different levelstofit Sahalie Fallsissituated This parkingarea at ea s help integrateit biofilters (long,grassyditchesthatcollectcontaminants). that allowscontaminantstosettlethebottom)and contamination includedetentionponds(ashallowpond r nants, suchasoilsandheavymetals,before theycan Where possible,designthesitetoremove tracecontami- the site. at complement thesurroundings andotherdevelopments appropriate. Materialsshouldbechosentoblendintoand ment levelofthesite.Sometimesgravelparkingmaybe The designoftheparkingarea shouldmatchthedevelop- the byway. topography. Whenpossible,locateparkingoutofview parking lotcanhelpthearea respond tothe help tocoolitinthesummer. edgesaround Curved the parking lotnotonlyimprove thevisualquality, butalso from vehicles.Trees plantedinislandsandaround the r facility ifcarefully designed.Vegetated islandshelpto Parking lotscanbeapositiveintroduction toyourbyway of pedestriansandvehicles. areas. To pr each wetlandsorstreams. Possiblemethodstoprevent educe theexpanseofasphaltandseparatepedestrians ovide forpedestriansafety, designforseparation Trailheads and Other Recreational Use Parking

Recreational opportunities such as hiking, horseback rid- may need to be designed for snow storage. Site identifi- ing, fishing, rafting, boating, off-highway vehicle use, and cation and directional signing along the byway should hunting are examples of the recreational activities that guide the public to these sites, which may be located off Rustic wooden wheel stops define vehicle access, and similar low wood railings define pedestrian areas. may attract visitors to your byway. Parking areas and the byway. Glacier National Park, MT trailheads are the gateway to these opportunities.

Design preparation areas to accommodate the planned uses which may include horse-hitching racks, unloading ramps, and raft/boat launching area. Other amenities may be provided such as restrooms, bike racks, corrals, boat launches, docks, and fishing piers. Appropriate informa- tion should be provided on signs such as bulletin boards, kiosks, or trailhead information panels. It is ideal to locate information in one area rather than scattered around the site. This is an opportunity to apply the byway’s design theme.

Parking is designed to accommodate the numbers and types of vehicles necessary for the primary activities that the parking area serves. Recreational vehicles or vehicles pulling trailers need larger turning radii and longer parking Large, “planted” boulders provide a barrier between the parking stalls. Remember that backing up is much more difficult area and pedestrian path. Uinta National Forest, UT for vehicles with trailers. Parking areas used in the winter

In primitive settings, a gravel parking area and trailhead sign are all that is necessary. San Juan Skyway, CO

Page Sixty Nine VisitorVisitor Facilities Facilities more developedtrailswithahardened The surface. low arch makesthisbridgeuniversallyaccessible. Page This simplearched bridgeisappropriate along Seventy Spirit LakeMemorialHighway, WA stone tomatchotherstructures inthearea. passage undertheroad. Thestructure isfacedwith This pedestrianunderpassallowssafe Uinta NationalForest, UT the naturallandscapetopavedtrailwithlighting. irregular heightmakesanattractivetransitionfrom This nativedry-laidstoneretaining wallwithits Ridgway StatePark,CO universal accesstothelowertrail. This serpentinewalkwayprovides Ridgway StatePark,CO T rails, Paths,andSidewalks the mystery, variety, andbeautythatthesitehastooffer. rupt thescenicqualityofbyway. Thetrailshouldunfold experienced anddesigningthetrailsothatitdoesnotdis- choosing aroute thatorchestrates howthelandscapeis Important considerationsindesigningtrailsinclude and theyare relatively easytomakeaccessible. Short trailsare excellentopportunitiesfor interpretation, ical siteby“walkingintheshoes”ofhistoricalcharacters. a closerlookatthenaturalenvironment, orenjoyahistor- exploring thearea. Itisanopportunitytoview wildlife,get Tr visitors toexperienceanewdimensionofyourbyway. T rails shouldcomplementtheintrinsicqualities,allowing ails encouragepeopletostopandspendmore time Natchez Trace Parkway, MS toa pedestrianbridge. and avisuallypleasingalternative Carefully placed steppingstonesprovide both a low-cost “There are some who find a trailhead, or a path through the woods which A curved branch was used as the terminus of this railing. It was shaped and sanded to fit the hand. McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway, OR curves invitingly out of sight, simply irresistible. Thoreau was such a person and before him Wordsworth. And today it’s me and probably you.” Orientation and information are provided Charles E. Little, at the beginning of the interpretive trail at Greenways for America Cranberry Glades Botanical Area. Highland Scenic Highway, WV

Barriers are often needed to keep visitors from trampling the adjacent landscape. This stone wall echoes the large formations on the other side of the trail. Mystery and surprise can be achieved by winding trails through a Wildlife viewing is greatly enhanced by this Garden of the Gods forest so that visitors experience it a little at a time. The wood railing boardwalk that takes visitors over a lake where waterfowl City Park , CO keeps people on the trail while retaining a country feel. are frequently seen amongst the vegetation. Kancamagus Scenic Byway, NH Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, WA

Page Seventy One VisitorVisitor Facilities Facilities Page Seventy Two T Making graveltrailsuniversallyaccessiblerequires relatively flatgradesandahard, compactedsurface. ongass NationalForest, AK Spirit LakeMemorialHighway, WA Simple timberretaining wallswere usedtowindthistrailthrough thewoods. Highland ScenicByway, WV were arranged toappearnatural. These carefully placedrocks Many bywayshavebeenrealigned through theyearsas r There maybeopportunitiestousehistoric road orrail- Federal accessibilitystandards. as theterrainpermits,inaccordance withthecurrent variety oflengths.Trails shouldbeuniversallyaccessible byway ataslowerpace.Considerlooptrailsthatare a the bywaycanprovide opportunitiestoexperiencethe a waterfalloranancienttree. Trails thatrunparallelto by providing universalaccesstouniquefeatures suchas Consider trailsthatenhancetheexperienceforallvisitors oad alignmentsforinterpretive orrecreational trails. Hawks NestStatePark, WV safety from thesteepdrop-off. while thestonepillarsandwoodrailings on theleftprovide The stonewallontherightretains theuphillslope automobile use increased. The byway’s story could be told along the original roadbed.

Trail surfaces are both visually and functionally important. Where use is high, paved surfaces may be appropriate. In more primitive settings, native soil or gravel surfaces may be the better choice. The surface selected must be firm and stable, though paving is not required for accessibility.

Boardwalks provide access for all people and may add an intriguing visual element. They can also provide a platform for viewing sensitive sites, such as archeological features, To safely transport visitors across a steep ravine, a naturally weathering steel bridge was installed that blends into the forested environment. San Juan National Forest, CO

Elevated boardwalks are often used to allow visitors into a fragile environment, to extend seasonal use, or to keep visitors away from potential hazards. Capitol Reef National Park, UT

Curving in a trail or boardwalk can be used to focus the viewer’s attention on different features along the way. This rustic bridge helps make this trail over rugged Creole Nature Trail, LA terrain universally accessible. McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway, OR

Page Seventy Three VisitorVisitor Facilities Facilities Page Seventy Four Highland ScenicHighway, WV thisroutedAlthough unobtrusive, visitors ofapotentialhazard. messagewarns Newport, OR from eachother, makingthemmore private. benches setbackfrom the The retaining wallalongthistrailincorporates Glacier NationalPark,BC,Canada trampling theforest understory. to giantcedarswhilekeepingthemfrom This boardwalk putsvisitorsrightnext trail thatare visuallyseparated stream crossings. bridges, retaining walls,stairs,barriers, signage,and of boththetrailandadjacentbyway. Theseinclude All elementsofatrailare importanttothe scenicquality limit theopportunityforpeoplewithdisabilities. template thescenery. Avoid constructingsteps,asthey Benches maybeaddedtoprovide aplacetorest orcon- appropriate tothelevelofdevelopmentforthattrail. complement thedesignthemeofbywayandbe materials forboardwalks, bridges,orhandrailsshould while controlling accesstothefeature. Thedesignand Routt NationalForest, CO The FishCreek Bridgehasservedasapopularlocalattraction. Bicycles

Scenic byways often attract bicyclists. The slower pace, Simple bridges add to the cycling experience. Bicyclists are drawn to scenic byways because of Wasatch-Cache National Forest, UT the slower pace and winding character of the road. unique charm, and beautiful scenery provide a sought- Glenwood Canyon, CO after bicycling experience. The width of the road shoulder and the volume of motorized traffic influence bicycle safety. If conflicts occur or safety hazards are present, consider measures for managing the use of bicycles. Accommodating bicycles often improves the safety and travel experience for motorists as well.

Where feasible, consider a separate trail for bicycle use. Many of the design principles used for foot trails apply to bicycle trails. Trails designed for road bikes are paved.

Mountain bicyclists can negotiate primitive trail surfaces. Traveling the byway on a bicycle is an entirely different experience. The bike trail and associated elements should complement Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, OR the views from the road and reflect the same design theme.

If necessary, bicycles can be accommodated on existing roads by widening the shoulder for a designated bike lane. Make sure to inventory your roadside for anything that could pose a hazard to bicyclists, such as unsafe grates, debris, narrow lanes, rough pavement, expansion joints, rumble strips, or blind intersections.

This bike rack accommodates many bikes, but is unobtrusive at this site. Zion National Park, UT

Page Seventy Five VisitorVisitor Facilities Facilities Page Seventy Six Visitor FacilitiesResources Sam Ham,UniversityofIdaho.NorthAmericanPress, Golden,CO.1992. Environmental Interpretation: APracticalGuideforPeoplewithBigIdeasandSmallBudgets. Rachel Kaplan,Stephenand RobertL.Ryan. IslandPress, Washington, DC.1998. W U.S. DepartmentoftheInterior, D-903.October1993. NationalParkService, V PLAE, Inc.,Berkeley, CA.1993. Universal AccesstoOutdoorRecreation: ADesignGuide. (Online. August2001)Architectural andTransportation BarriersComplianceBoard. Washington, DC.www.access-board.gov. Uniform FederalAccessibilityStandards. Suzanne Trapp, MichaelGross, andRonZimmerman.UniversityofWisconsin, Stevens Point, WI.1992 Signs, Trails, andWayside Exhibits:Interpreter’s HandbookSeries. Princeton Architectural Press, NewYork. 1938. Albert H.Good,Architectural Consultant,U.S.DepatmentoftheInterior, NationalParkService. Park andRecreation Structures. U.S. DepartmentoftheInterior, D-302A.September1987. NationalParkService, National SignSystemStudy. Alice Stoner,Michael McCoyandMary Bikecentennial Mountain BikeTrails: Techniques forDesign,Construction,andMaintenance. Michael Paskowsky. U.S.DepartmentoftheInterior, Center. HarpersFerry NationalParkService, 1983. Interpretive PlanningHandbook. AASHTO Task Force ofGeometricDesign,AmericanAssociationStateandHighwayTransportation Officials. 1999. Guide fortheDevelopmentofBicycleFacilities. isual QualityofBuiltEnvironments inNationalParks. ith PeopleinMind:Designand ManagementofEveryday Nature. , Missoula, MT. . RoadwayImprovementsRoadway Improvements any aspects of roadway improvements are governed by State, local, Roadway Improvements andM agency standards that must be met. However, there are also many conventions that are not actually standards. The creative planner or designer can propose alternatives as long as safety and function are not compromised. When planning roadside improve- ments, look for designs that reflect the intrinsic qualities of your byway. Roadway Improvements Designing Byway Roadside Improvements

As visitors drive along a scenic byway, they are focused on the surrounding scenery. They are probably not aware of the number of driving lanes, width of the driving lanes, shoulder width, construction materials, sharpness of the curves, how rock crops are treated, and how the road fol- lows the topography. Yet these factors have a dramatic effect on their experience.

While road design is influenced by the physical aspects of the terrain, road use, design speed, and the technical standards set by the local, State, or Federal governments, there is flexibility in roadway design.

Page Seventy Nine Roadway RoadwayImprovements Improvements Road Alignment Page tion oftheroadway inahorizontalplane. Vertical road experience. Horizontalroad alignment is theconfigura- Horizontal andverticalalignmentsgreatly affect thedriving need tobeprotected. steer usawayfrom undesirablefeatures orfeatures that allow ustoviewinmanydirections. Thealignmentcanalso reveal thelandscapealittleattimeand Meandering curves alignment cantakeusbyhistoricsitesorlandscapefeatures. of theroad asitwindsitswaythrough thelandscape.Road natureMany scenicbywaysare characterizedbythecurving given tohowtheywillchangethecharacterofbyway. ments alongyourbyway, careful considerationshouldbe the economicandsafetyconsiderationsofroad realign- straightened andpassinglanesare added.While evaluating r was updatedtotheextentterrainwouldallow. As r tains andhighmesasoftenbeganasafoottrailorwagon wind through narrow canyons,orskirtthecliffs ofmoun- history. Meanderingroads thatfollowthebanksofariver, Many scenicroads gettheircharacterinpartfrom their oads evolveinresponse toincreased use,theyare often oad. Astravelincreased andvehicleschanged, theroad Eighty Peter NorbeckScenicByway, SD Creative alignment ofthisroad atPigtailBridge protects naturalresources andenhances thetraveler’s experience. hauling outexcessmaterial. which reduces theimpactonlandformsand thecostof that followthetopographyrequire minimalcutandfill, alignment istheverticalconfigurationofroad. Roads Edge oftheWilderness ScenicByway, MN adequate sightdistances. The road contourstothetopography whileproviding San JuanNationalForest, CO curves around ahistoricstructure topreserve it. The horizontalalignmentonWest Delores Road Road Width

Eventually the attractiveness of your byway and its The roadside barriers constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps establish the width of this road. resources can lead to increased traffic volumes and con- Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow Road, CO gestion. Widening the road typically improves traffic flow and safety. It may also diminish the charm of the driving experience, unless engineers and landscape architects make a concerted effort to determine the scope of improvements needed, identify the locations where improvements will be most effective, and blend these improvements into the surrounding landscape.

This highway tunnels right through the rock, creating a memorable feature along the route. This narrow road width has been maintained to keep its memorable character. Highway 12 Scenic Byway, UT Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, SD

Page Eighty One Roadway RoadwayImprovements Improvements Page Eighty Two Y This round rock medianseparates aparkingarea from theroad. oho NationalPark,BC,Canada traffic andtoblendtheroad corridor intothe median tovisuallyseparatethelanesof Tr ees and shrubs wereees andshrubs plantedinthis George Washington Memorial Interstate 70,CO bioswales thatcollectoilsandheavymetals. r natural waterways To oad runoff isdirectedoad runoff intograss-lined

r educe pollutantsfrom entering existing landscape. Parkway, VA near DillonReservoir, Medians andParkingIslands Curbs well andblendwiththebyway’s character. acter when planningforcurbs.Dependingonthebywaychar- islands. You toconcrete maywanttoconsideralternatives vehicle areas, direct runoff, anddefinemediansparking Curbs alongroadways canseparatepedestrianareas from byway character. for mediansandparkingislandscancomplementthe of vegetation,materialsforcurbing,andsurfacetreatments apply tobothmediansandparkingislands.Creative use ing pulloutfrom thetraffic lanes.Similardesignprinciples Parking islandseitherphysicallyorvisuallyseparateapark- medians givestheroad aparkwayfeel. glare, andprovide width forfuture lanes.Vegetation inthe lanes,minimizeheadlight vehicles, allowspaceforturn opposing traffic, provide area arecovery forout-of-control the characterofbyway. toseparate Medianscanserve Medians andparkingislandscanhaveamajorinfluenceon and budget,nativestoneorwood curbsmayfunction Rock catchment walls can be used to prevent falling rocks from landing on the roadway. Cut Slopes and Fill Slopes State Route 14, WA

If constructed with care, cut slopes and fill slopes can contribute to the scenic quality along your byway by cre- ating variation along the roadway and exposing the underlying geology. The most important objective is the long-term stability of the slope. Also important is main- taining a consistent clear zone based on the traffic speed and volumes, as well as the nature of the terrain along the route. Cut slopes and fill slopes should be designed to mimic the surrounding landscape character. Some factors that help achieve this are use of irregular forms, variation in design, irregular benching, planting pockets, rounding the top of the slope, rock staining, and seeding with native plants.

Various blasting and mechanical techniques achieve dif- ferent results depending on the type of rock material. The top of cut slopes should be rounded off and the sides laid back to help blend the cut into the existing hillside. This rounding will also prevent overhanging vegetation that is likely to come loose and slide down the slope. Depending on the stability of the slope, additional slope protection measures may be necessary, such as rock bolting, soil nailing, and applying shotcrete. Additional measures may This rock cut on Vail Pass was masterfully designed The top of this cut bank was rounded back and boulders were left also be necessary to keep rock off the roadway, such as and executed through the use of irregular benching to achieve a more natural appearing slope. fencing or barriers. Each should be evaluated for their and variation to appear as a natural outcrop. Yellowstone National Park, WY Interstate 70, CO visual impact.

Page Eighty Three Roadway RoadwayImprovements Improvements Page Retaining Walls Eighty Four can complementthecharacteristicsoflandscape. stone, simulatedrock, colored veneers concrete, ormasonry concrete. Surfacetreatments, suchasoxidizedmetalor bins, stonemasonry, interlockingmasonry, andreinforced wall typesincludesoil-reinforced, gabions,crib,metal incharacterandappearance.Common ing wallsvary r complement thecharacterofbyway, theycanhelp sensitive areas. Whenthesurfaceandstructure ofawall rain issteeportolimitdisturbanceenvironmentally where thenaturalter- Retaining wallsmaybenecessary educe thevisualimpactsofcutsandfills.Types ofretain- Pacific CoastScenicByway, OR on theadjacentviewpoint. visible from othersectionsoftheroad andblendswithstoneworkused Using nativestonetofacethismassiveretaining wallmakesitless Sedona–Oak Creek CanyonScenic Road,AZ would neverknowthatthisrock outcrop wassculptedconcrete. Most visitorstravelingthrough Oak Creek Canyon San JuanNationalForest, CO than aconcrete wall. environment, anditwaslessexpensive the colorofstoneblendsinto W This welded-wire retaining wallalongthe est Delores Road waschosenbecause San JuanNational Forest, CO T imber cribwallsare appropriate settings. inrustic Y landscape. the slopeandblendsintorugged This stonemasonrywallretains ellowstone NationalPark,WY This unusual underpass uses brick that is commonly In a forested environment, this heavy Bridges and Overpasses used in houses and other buildings in the area. timber bridge is the perfect complement. George Washington Memorial Parkway, VA Yellowstone National Park, WY Bridges and overpasses can be positive and interesting features along a byway. The design should take into account the context of the landscape and reflect its his- toric, rural, or urban character. Choose materials and colors that complement the surrounding landscape. Consider restoring historic bridges for their important contribution to the character of their byways.

Bridges and overpasses provide vehicle and pedestrian access. Passage for fish and wildlife on and under these structures should be incorporated into the design where appropriate. Bridge piers and substructures should not encroach on the stream channel. Aesthetic railings or This bridge was textured and walls can be selected that meet requirements. colored to be aesthetically pleasing to hikers who pass under it. Highway 12 Scenic Byway, UT

The distinctive design of this historic bridge is a visual and historical treasure along the byway. Beautiful historic bridges, like this one over the Rogue River, Carefully consider repair and restoration of This bridge has additional arches on either side of the road, which gives have been preserved to retain the character of the byway. existing bridges before constructing new bridges. it a lighter appearance and allows motorists to view more of the scenery. Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, OR Historic National Pike, MD Acadia, ME

Page Eighty Five Roadway RoadwayImprovements Improvements Blue RidgeParkway, VA and alsocarries thebyway’s logo. This signisboldandcommandsattention, Page Eighty Six Great RiverRoad,MO of thebyway. of signssignalsthebeginning This simplecombination Seward Highway, AK eye-catching andeasilyrecognizable. mountains givesitanunusualshapethatis Shaping thissigntofollowthetopof Historic ColumbiaRiverHighway, OR The graphicsonthisbywaymarkerevoke ahistorictheme,andtheunusualsignshapemakesiteasilyrecognizable. Roadway Signs the backofsignsdarkbrown orgreen. blend thebackofsignsintolandscape,suchaspainting to aesthetically pleasingmaterials.Measures canbetaken should bedesignedtomeetbreakaway safetycriteriausing been setbytheMUTCD.Allsignsandtheirsupports signshave andwarning Design formatsforregulatory travelers inorder togivethemenoughtimerespond. These signsmustbelegibleandeasilyunderstoodby are onthebyway, andreinforce thebywayimage. r andpointsofinterest. Byway nations, distances,services, to thetraveler. Guidesignsshowroute designations, tions onoradjacenttotheroadway thatmaybehazardous laws andregulations. Warning signscallattentiontocondi- signsgivenoticeoftrafficopen tothepublic.Regulatory (MUTCD), whichoutlinesstandards forsignsonallroads the “ManualonUniformTraffic Control Devices” to signs.Thesesignsmust conform signs,andwarning tory Roadway signsincludeguidesigns,route markers,regula- oute markersidentifytheroute, reassure motoriststhey desti- Colorado has chosen to use the same logo to identify all of its scenic byways. Top of the Rockies, CO Recreation symbols quickly The bold design of this historical marker assures travelers inform visitors of type of attractions they are on the designated route. and facilities located ahead. Nez Perce Trail, ID McPhee Recreation Area, CO

This famous byway uses its route This logo is an easily identifiable route Interpretive signs along the route are identified designation along with the State byway logo. marker that helps visitors navigate the byway. by this byway’s route markers. Historic Route 66, AZ Seaway Trail, NY Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway, MN

Page Eighty Seven Roadway RoadwayImprovements Improvements Page Eighty Eight Beartooth ScenicByway, MT tojerseybarriers. alternative A simulated-stoneguardrail isanaestheticallypleasing McKenzie Pass–SantiamPassNationalScenicByway, OR Log guardrails blendwiththeforested environment. Blue RidgeParkway, VA to replicate thelookofhistoricguardrails. Steel-backed woodenguardrails are used T raffic Barriers choices includewoodrailswithsteelbacking,stonewalls ment overthehighlyreflective galvanized rails.Other Naturally weatheringsteelguardrails maybeanimprove- an architectural themebetterthantraditionalbarriers. and testedtocomplementthenaturallandscapeorreflect barriers havebeendesigned Several aestheticalternative quality. tures linetheroadway, theyalsoinfluencethescenic sliding downasteepslope.However, sincethesestruc- motorists from strikingamore hazardous objectorfrom consideration alongscenicbyways.Barriershelpprevent The typeoftraffic barriersyouchooseisanimportant Glacier NationalPark,MT setting. in thisrural Cable guardrails are unobtrusive Stone walls can be used instead of guardrails to blend with other structures along the byway. George Washington Memorial Parkway, VA with a concrete core, precast simulated stone guardrails, and glue-laminated wood guardrails. All have been crash tested and approved by the FHWA.

Barrier standards and designs along high-volume roads or freeways do not always apply to low- to moderate-volume roads. Roadside berms can be another alternative. Work with transportation engineers to select the best alternative for the type of road and location.

Bolts and scoring add nice details to this gate. Historic Columbia River Highway, OR

To replicate the look of the original guardrails, Heavy log construction and pointed post tops are steel-backed, wooden guardrails were designed similar in design to historical details on the fort. and crash-tested to meet safety standards. Fort Clatsop National Memorial, OR Historic Columbia River Highway, OR

Page Eighty Nine Roadway RoadwayImprovements Improvements Page Ninety A variety of rustic woodfencesillustratestheingenuityofinhabitantsarea.A varietyofrustic Lexington, KY with fieldstonefrom thisregion. of angledstonehavebeentraditionallyconstructed Dry-laid stonefenceswithadistinctivecourse Blue RidgeParkway, VA Blue RidgeParkway, NC woodfence isaninterestingThis unusualrustic visualelementagainsttheforest understory. Fences andWalls panels, andthepostsizingare importantconsiderations. views. Therelationship betweentheheight, thewidthof close proximity. Large, obtrusivebarrierscandominate Human scaleiscritical,especiallywhere people willbein of nearbystructures ordevelopments. enhanced byusingmaterialscharacteristicofthearea or the designthemeofbyway. Compatibilitycanbe The designshouldreflect thelandscapecontext and/or of thelandscapeinwhichtheyare located. only considerthefunction,butalsoaestheticqualities tions forthem.Thedesignofthesebarriersshouldnot as manytypesoffencesandwallsthere are applica- Kentucky orthestonewallsofKansas.There are almost ing features ofanarea, suchasthewhitehorsefencesof character ofbyways.Sometimestheyare one ofthedefin- Fences andwallscanmakeapositivecontributiontothe Poorly designed and constructed fences and walls can This historically accurate wattle fence uses natural materials from the site to contain livestock. Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, OR detract and even dominate the scenery along a byway. On the other hand, if sensitively planned, designed, and constructed, they may complement their surroundings by dramatizing selected views and adding interest to the landscape.

This double post-and-rail fence fits well into its setting. Upper San Juan River Valley, CO Simple wood and wire fences show ranching heritage. San Juan Skyway, CO

Rustic split-rail fences are consistent with the rugged landscape and ranching history. Beaverhead National Forest, MT

Page Ninety One Roadway RoadwayImprovements Improvements Page Ninety Two Historic ColumbiaRiverHighway, OR Tr ees are togivemotoristsaglimpseoftheriveranddistantslopes. pruned Uinta NationalForest, UT of thememorablefeatures ofthisroad, theAlpineLoop. atunnelareThe intertwiningbranchesthatform one Kancamagus Scenic Byway, NH Tr ees were cleared beyondthewalltoprovide overlook. vistasoftheWhiteMountainsatthis newlyconstructed V egetation open upviews. for placeswhere vistascanbecreated bythinningtrees to improve thehealthorvarietyofplantcommunities. Look distances. Identifyopportunitieswhere managementmay byway. Beaware ofareas where vegetationimpedessight health, andtheircontributiontothescenicqualityof of theplantcommunitieswithincorridor, their V in thesnow, orcooldownintheshadeofforest. byway atdifferent times oftheyeartoseefallcolor, play ence. Thechangeofseasonscandrawvisitorstoyour into awide,grassymeadowcanbememorableexperi- across theroad orburstingthrough atunnelofshrubs T for themotoristtopassthrough. the visitor’s experiencebyproviding avarietyofspaces from thescenicquality. Vegetation canalsobeintegralto quality ofabywayandtoscreen elements thatdetract V raveling through ancienttrees thatprovide acanopy egetation managementbeginswithathorough inventory egetation managementcanbeusedtoenhancethescenic Visual Mitigation

Visual mitigation is used to reduce the impacts of existing This dam uses native stone and a stepped design to lessen its visual impact. Blue Ridge Parkway, VA or proposed features that detract from the scenic quality of your byway. There are a wide variety of unsightly features, including some retaining walls and drainage structures, utility poles, cell phone towers, or pipelines.

Mitigation can be achieved through a variety of methods. Features such as retaining walls can be surfaced or textured The backs of signs are painted a color that blends into the to appear like native rock. The impacts of rock cuts can scenery and prevents glare. Zion National Park, UT be minimized by staining. Colors for utility poles can be chosen so they blend with vegetation. Clearings for utility corridors can be cut so they mimic natural patterns in the landscape. Where possible, features can be located so they are screened from the road corridor. A microwave tower shaped like a tree blends into the forest ridge. Kauai, HI

To blend powerline corridors with the landscape, utility poles were painted dark green and vegetation clearings have uneven edges. The backs of the signs are painted to reduce contrast. White River National Forest, CO

Two radar towers are visible on the ridge that can be seen from a national monument and two scenic byways. The new doppler radar tower was placed lower on the ridge and colored green to blend into the surrounding forest. Dixie National Forest, UT Page Ninety Three Roadway RoadwayImprovements Improvements Page Ninety Four Roadside Improvements Resources U.S. DepartmentofTransportation, FederalHighway Administration,Pub.No.FHWA PP-97-062.July1997. Flexibility inHighwayDesign. Conference Summary, DepartmentofTransportation. Maryland 1998.www.sha.state.md.us/oce/thinking_3.htm. Integrating HighwayDevelopmentwithCommunitiesandtheEnvironment. Thinking BeyondthePavement:ANationalWorkshop on Paul DanielMarriot.JohnWiley andSons,Inc.NewYork, NY. 1998. Saving HistoricRoads:DesignandPolicyGuidelines. American AssociationofStateHighwayandTransportation Officials, Washington, 1996. DC.January Roadside DesignGuide. U.S. DepartmentofTransportation, FederalHighway Administration.December2000. Manual onUniformTraffic Control Devices. Province ofTransportation. ofBritishColumbiaMinistry September1991. Manual ofAestheticDesignPractices. American AssociationofStateHighwayandTransportation Officials, Washington, DC.June1991. A GuideforTransportation LandscapeandEnvironmental Design. The TheChallenge Challenge The Challenge

Now what? This design guide has given you an introduction to the planning process and the design considerations necessary to provide visitors with quality facilities that fit The Challenge the character of your byway. The examples may have given you ideas for some particular projects. Now it’s time to talk with your constituents and enlist design professionals to help you create facilities that are integrated into the The Challenge landscape and provide visitors with amenities that enhance their experience. The time you spend in careful planning and design will help preserve the special quali- ties of your byway and make traveling it a more enjoyable experience for your visitors for years to come.

Page Ninety Six AppendixAppendix AppendixAppendix Page Ninety Eight Bibliography San Dimas,CA.July1995. SanDimasTechnologyUSDA Forest Service, andDevelopment Center, Composting Toilet Systems,Planning,Design,andMaintenance. DepartmentofTransportation, FederalHighwayAdministration. 1997. U.S. Community GuidetoPlanningandManagingaScenicByway. Shalkey Walker Associates,Inc. ColoradoScenicandHistoricBywaysProgram. 1995. January Colorado BywaysResource Manual. U.S. DepartmentofTransportation, FederalHighwayAdministration.1998. and EvaluatingaByway’s Byway Beginnings:Understanding,Inventorying, Donald H.GrayandRobinB.Satir. JohnWiley andSons,Inc.,NewYork, NY. 1996. A PracticalGuideforErosion Control. Biotechnical andSoilBioengineeringSlopeStabilization: New York, NY. 1990. John RayHoke,Jr., AIA,Editor. TheAmericanInstituteofArchitects. JohnWiley andSons, Architectural GraphicStandards. www.byways.org. U.S. DepartmentofTransportation, FederalHighwayAdministration. America’s Byways. RT Charles F. McDevitt.U.S.DepartmentofTransportation, FederalHighwayAdministration. Aesthetic Guard Rails,MedianBarriers, andBridgeGuard Rails. AC AnnualConference. St.Johns,Newfoundland.1990. Intrinsic Qualities. Minister ofCanadianHeritage,Ottawa.1999. Design GuidelinesforMediaAccessibility. Committee, TENC-5A-5.March 1998. Charles V. Zegeer. InstituteofTransportation Engineers,Traffic EngineeringCouncil Design andSafetyofPedestrianFacilities. U.S. DepartmentofTransportation, Federal HighwayAdministration.September1990. Scenic Resource Protection Techniques andTools. Final CaseStudyforNationalScenic BywaysStudy: U.S. DepartmentofTransportation, FederalHighwayAdministration.September 1990. Common ElementsofStateandNationalScenicBywaysPrograms. Final CaseStudyforNationalScenicBywaysStudy: Carol Hunter. ColoradoDivisionofWildlife. FalconPress, HelenaandBillings,MT. 1994. Everyone’s Nature: DesigningInterpretation toIncludeAll. Sam Ham,UniversityofIdaho.NorthAmericanPress, Golden,CO.1992. A PracticalGuideforPeoplewithBigIdeas Environmental Interpretation: Brattleboro, VT. 1998.www.buildinggreen.com. Environmental BuildingNews. U.S. DepartmentoftheInterior, August 1991. NationalParkService. Development Guidelines:MatherMemorialParkway. WillametteUSDA Forest Service, NationalForest andDeschutesNationalForest. June1993. Design Guide:McKenziePass-SantiamScenicByway. and SmallBudgets. Flexibility in Highway Design. Guiding Principles of Sustainable Design. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Denver Service Center. Pub. No. FHWA PD-97-062. July 1997. September 1993.

Greening Federal Facilities: An Energy, Environmental, Grand Canyon National Park: Architectural Character Guidelines. and Economic Resource Guide for Federal Facility Managers. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Denver Service Center, D-293. U.S. Department of Energy. 1997. September 1994.

Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities. Identifying and Preserving Historic Bridges. AASHTO Task Force of Geometric Design, American Association of State and Highway Merv Eriksson, C. Milo McLeod, and Dan Gard. USDA Forest Service, Technology and Transportation Officials. 1999. Development Program, Missoula, MT. December 2000.

A Guide for Transportation Landscape and Environmental Design. Image Guide to the Built Environment. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, USDA Forest Service. October 2000 (draft). Washington, DC. June 1991. Interpretation for the 21st Century: A Guide to Effective Interpretation. Fifteen Guiding Principles for Interpreting Nature and Culture. Muriel Moore. USDA Forest Service. July 1983. Larry Beck and Ted Cable. Sagamore Publishing, Champaign, IL. 1998.

Guidelines for Highways on National Forest Lands. Interpretation of Cultural and Natural Resources. Arizona Department of Transportation, USDA Forest Service, Douglas M. Knudson, Ted T. Cable, and Larry Beck. Venture Publishing, Inc. and Federal Highway Administration. September 1994. State College, PA. 1995.

Guidelines for Selecting An Odor-Free Toilet. Interpreting Our Heritage. Briar Cook and Brenda Land. USDA Forest Service, San Dimas Technology and Development Tilden Freeman. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. 1977. Center, San Dimas, CA. August 1996.

Guidelines for the Selection of a Toilet Facility. USDA Forest Service, San Dimas Technology and Development Center, San Dimas, CA. April 1991.

Page Ninety Nine AppendixAppendix Page One Hundred Michael McCoy and Mary AliceStoner.Michael McCoyandMary Bicentennial.Missoula,MT. 1991. and Maintenance. Mountain BikeTrails: Techniques forDesign,Construction, W U.S. DepartmentofTransportation, FederalHighwayAdministration, Marketing Tool KitforScenicBywayLeaders. U.S. DepartmentofTransportation, FederalHighwayAdministration.December 2000. Manual onUniformTraffic Control Devices. Province ofTransportation. ofBritishColumbia,Ministry September1991. Manual ofAestheticDesignPractices. New York DepartmentofTransportation/Seaway Trail Inc.SacketsHarbor, NY. Information Kiosksand Landscape DesignManualforSeawayTrail Tourism: Curtis Edwards. PacificNorthwestRegion.Portland,OR.July1994. USDAForest Service, Interpretive Project GuideBook:ARegion6Interpretive ServicesAid. Center.Harpers Ferry 1983. Michael Paskowsky. U.S.DepartmentoftheInterior, NationalParkService, Interpretive PlanningHandbook. John A.Veverka. Naturalists, Tustin, Acorn CA.1994. Exhibits, andPrograms. Interpretive Centers,Parks,Self-GuidedTrails, HistoricSites,Zoos, Interpretive MasterPlanning:TheEssentialPlanningGuidefor ashington, DC.1999. Display Units. U.S. DepartmentofTransportation, FederalHighwayAdministration.July1990. 1990 NationalScenicBywayStudy:CaseStudySummaries. U.S. DepartmentofTransportation, FederalHighwayAdministration.2000. National ScenicBywaysProgram: MarketingTool Kit. Scenic America.Washington, DC.1996. O, Say, Can You See:AVisual Awareness Tool KitForCommunities. E.Machlisand DonaldR.Field.Oregon OR.1984. StateUniversityPress,Gary Corvallis, On Interpretation: SociologyforInterpreters ofNaturalandCulturalHistory. Defenders ofWildlife. FalconPress, Helena,MT. 1992. Nature Watch. U.S. DepartmentoftheInterior, D-302A.September1987. NationalParkService, National SignSystemStudy. Publication No.FHWA-ED-90-031. Washington, DC.September1990. U.S. DepartmentofTransportation, FederalHighwayAdministration, Planning Requirements thatAffect BicycleUseandSafetyonScenicByways. National ScenicBywayStudy:TheImpactofBicyclingonHighways: Publication No.FHWA-ED-90-030. September1990. U.S. DepartmentofTransportation, FederalHighwayAdministration, Scenic Resources Protection Techniques andTools. National ScenicBywayStudy: Publication No.FHWA-ED-90-029. Washington, DC.September1990. U.S. DepartmentofTransportation, FederalHighwayAdministration, Creative LandscapeDesignSolutionsinScenicByways. National ScenicBywayStudy: Park and Recreation Structures. Site Planning. Albert H. Good, U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Kevin Lynch and Gary Hack. The MIT Press, Cambridge, MA. 1984. Princeton Architectural Press, New York, NY. 1938. Soil Stabilizers on Universally Accessible Trails. Retaining Wall Design Guide. USDA Forest Service, San Dimas Technology and Development Center, San Dimas, CA. USDA Forest Service, Washington, DC. September 1994. September 2000.

A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets. Summary Report on Aesthetic Bridge Rails and Guardrails. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Washington, DC. 1994. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Report No. FHWA- SA-91-051. 1991. Road Character Guidelines: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Denver Service Center, D-143. 1990. Thinking Beyond the Pavement: A National Workshop on Integrating Highway Development with Communities and the Environment. Roadside Design Guide. Conference Summary, Maryland Department of Transportation. 1998. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, www.sha.state.md.us/oce/thinking_3.htm. Washington, DC. January 1996. Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architecture. Rockfall Hazard Mitigation Methods: Participant Workbook. Charles W. Harris, and Nicholas T. Dines. McGraw-Hill. New York, NY. 1998. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. March 1994. Tool Kit for Scenic Byway Leaders. San Juan Skyway Corridor Management Plan. American Recreation Coalition, Washington, DC. September/October 1998. USDA Forest Service, San Juan National Forest, and Fort Lewis College. Durango, CO. 1996. Trails for the Twenty-First Century: Saving Historic Roads: Design and Policy Guidelines. Planning, Design, and Management Manual for Multi-Use Trails. Paul Daniel Marriot. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, NY. 1998. Karen-Lee Ryan. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Island Press, Washington, DC. 1993. Sign and Poster Guidelines for the Forest Service. Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards. USDA Forest Service, EM7100-1. Washington, DC. August 1994. (Online. August 2001) Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. Signs, Trails, and Wayside Exhibits: Interpreter’s Handbook Series. Washington, DC. www.access-board.gov. Suzanne Trapp, Michael Gross, and Ron Zimmerman. Universal Access to Outdoor Recreation: A Design Guide. University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, WI. 1992. PLAE, Inc., Berkeley, CA. 1993.

Page One Hundred One AppendixAppendix Page One Hundred Two Rachel Kaplan,StephenandRobertL.Ryan. IslandPress, Washington, DC.1998. W Center. HarpersFerry Conservation, March 1998. U.S. DepartmentoftheInterior, NationalCenterforRecreation and NationalParkService, W Paul ArthurandRomediPassini.McGraw-HillBookCompany, NewYork, NY. 1992. W U.S. DepartmentoftheInterior, D-903. October1993. NationalParkService, V Report No.FHWA-FLP-903-007. July1994. U.S. DepartmentofTransportation, FederalHighwayAdministration, V Department ofLandscapeArchitecture, Logan,UT. 1995. Nancy A.Brunswick.UtahStateUniversity, Interpretive DesignandPlanninginLoganCanyon. V Press, Washington, DC.1995. David H.Copps.Trust forPublicLandandNationalTrust Island forHistoricPreservation. A CommunityGuideforAssessingRuralHistoricLandscapes. Vi isual QualityofBuiltEnvironments inNationalParks. isual PrioritizationProcess -User’s Manual. isual Preferences andScenicByway ayside ExhibitGuidelines:TheABCsofPlanning,Design,andFabrication. ayfinding: People,Signs,andArchitecture. ews From theRoad: ith PeopleinMind:DesignandManagementofEveryday Nature. Acknowledgments

Many people contributed to the development of this guidebook. Throughout the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service process, Federal agency specialists, scenic byway specialists, and the byway Sean Furniss, Doug Staller, Ron Hight, Terry Neyhart, Tom Locke community were involved in shaping this publication to meet the needs of byway planners and managers throughout the country. Our thanks to all who contributed Bureau of Land Management to this publication and particularly to the following: Rodger Schmitt, Bonnie Lippitt, Bryce Lloyd, Rich Ray

Interagency Oversight Committee Scenic Byways Edward Hall, Bureau of Indian Affairs Pat Moran, Oregon Department of Transportation; Deb Divine, Kansas Scenic Evelyn Swimmer, National Park Service Byway Program; David Fasser, New York Department of Transportation, Rich Hagan, Bureau of Land Management Ray Keller, Lincoln Highway Scenic Byway; Tim Stone, Death Valley National Park; Tim Johnson, Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway Federal Highway Administration Rob Draper, Elizabeth Fisher, Eugene Johnson, Mary Ann McNamara Editor Red Inc. America’s Byways Resource Center Gary Tonkin, Michelle Johnson, Cheryl Newman, Barb Koth, Wanda Maloney, Byway Hosts Jill Fisher, Henry Hanka, Melissa Doolittle, Jeanine Buck Creole Nature Trail, Monte Hurley, Shelley Johnson, Marion Fox, Jamie Gaines, Captain Sammy Faulk, Tina Horn AAA Joan Tannen Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, Paul Yakupzak Reviewers Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, Chris Pease Federal Highway Administration Highland Scenic Highway, Cynthia Schiffer, Bill Kerr Nic Artomvich, Rob Draper, Monica Gourdine, Ernie Huckaboy, Lori Irving, Jemez Mountain Trail, Debbie Scott-Graham, Rebecca Martinez Grandbois Donald Jackson, Donald Patrick, Dick Powers Seaway Trail, Teresa Mitchell, David Cutter, James Tinney Alpine Scenic Loop, Rich Speegle, Rich Hagan USDA Forest Service Sandia Crest Scenic Byway, Marti Vigil Bill Hughes, Chris Hartman, Floyd Thompson, Gary Campbell, Edge of the Wilderness, Tim Johnson Jim Bedwell, Jim Padgett, John Fehr, Keith Thurilkill, Lisa Whitcomb, Marjorie Apodaca, Marty Vigil, Nora Laughlin, Stan Specht, Susan Clements, Sidebar Information Terry Slider, Terry Wong, Tom Moore, Trinidad Juarez, Larry Blocker Environmental Building News, Brattleboro, VT National Center for Accessibility, Indiana University

Page One Hundred Three AppendixAppendix Page One Hundred Four Biographies Alan Yamada Monument inWashington State. withintheMountSt.HelensNationalVolcanicObservatory Coldwater RidgeVisitor CenterandtheJohnstonRidge National Forest andworkedontheconstruction teamforthe asazoneengineerontheWhite River of Hawaii.Heserved elor ofsciencedegree incivilengineering from theUniversity sional engineerintheStateofOregon andobtainedhisbach- Heisalicensedprofes-Development CenterinCalifornia. attheSanDimasTechnologyUSDA Forest Service and is theengineeringprogram leaderforthe interpretive signs. for planning andeffective designand thechoiceofmaterials ences, andseveraluniversitiesonthesubjectsofscenic byway national andregional symposiumsandconfer- Forest Service mal presentations toNAInationalandregional conferences, one oftheoriginalsixAll-AmericanRoads.Hehasmade for- scenicbywayand designations asaStateandForest Service and developmentoftheSanJuanSkywaytoobtainingits design. Dickcontributedextensivelytotheplanning,design, exhibits andbrochures, andscenicbywayplanning national forests. Hisspecialtiesinclude designofinterpretive onfourregions30 yearsfortheForest andseven Service architecture from UtahStateUniversityandhasworkedfor National Forest. Hehasabachelor’s degree inlandscape Denver, CO,andaforest landscapearchitect fortheSanJuan of DesignandInterpretation in fortheUSDAForest Service Richard F. Ostergaard is astaff assistantfortheCenter Mari Jilbert is a landscape architect with the U.S. Fish and Nancy Brunswick is the USDA Forest Service scenic byways

Wildlife Service, where she is responsible for the planning and resource specialist in a partnership position with the Federal design of visitor facilities for national wildlife refuges and nation- Highways Administration and the America’s Byways Resource al fish hatcheries throughout the six-state Pacific Region. Before Center in Duluth, MN. Prior to moving to Minnesota, she was a joining the Service, she was part of Pacific Design, an interdisci- landscape architect on the Dixie and Wasatch-Cache National plinary USDA Forest Service regional design team specializing in Forests. Her byway design experience includes planning and complex recreation and interpretive projects throughout the interpretation development for the Logan Canyon Scenic Byway

Pacific Northwest, including Johnston Ridge Observatory at in northern Utah. In 2000 she was awarded the Forest Service’s

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Prior to that she Intermountain Region’s Interpreter of the Year award for her work was Creative Director for a graphic communications and market- on Logan Canyon and other interpretive projects. Other scenic ing firm in Eugene, Oregon, developing product and company byway experience includes design work for the Huntington identities, interpretive and marketing materials, signage systems, Canyon Scenic Byway on the Manti-La Sal National Forest and and trade show exhibits. Mari has designed visitor facilities along ongoing planning for the Utah State Highway 12 Scenic Byway. three scenic byways: the Historic Columbia River Highway, the She received a master’s degree in landscape architecture from

Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, and the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Utah State University and holds a bachelor of fine arts degree

Pass National Scenic Byway. She received her master’s and bach- from the University of Utah. elor’s degrees in landscape architecture from the University of

Oregon and holds a bachelor of science degree from Ball State

University.

Page One Hundred Five AppendixAppendix Page One Hundred Six Photography andContributors Federal HighwayAdministration National ParkService U.S. FishandWildlife Service USDA Forest Service States/Byways W White MountainNationalForest, T Santa FeNationalForest, Rogue RiverNationalForest, Ouachita NationalForest, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NationalForest, Huron-Manistee NationalForest, Gifford PinchotNationalForest, Gallatin NationalForest, W Blue RidgeParkway, Pacific Region, Custer NationalForest, Coronado NationalForest, Cibola NationalForest, Chugach NationalForest, Bridger-Teton NationalForest, Black HillsNationalForest, Alaska Region, South DakotaTravel Council, Oregon DepartmentofTransportation, Minnesota DepartmentofTransportation, Maine DepartmentofTransportation, Kentucky DepartmentofTravel, Historic ColumbiaRiverHighway, Fort LewisCollege,Office ofCommunityServices, Bryce CanyonNationalPark, W Deschutes NationalForest, Shoshone NationalForest, onto NationalForest, asatch-Cache NationalForest, estern FederalLandsHighway Division, estern illamette NationalForest, Ken Morris,JohnIvie Nora Laughlin Gary Johnson,JackieHolt Gary Kim VanderHoek Marti Vigil T om Highberger Jane Ruchman Alison Rein Ruth Doyle Darrel Schwilling Chiara Palazzolo Debby Kriegel Robin Gyorgyfaluy Steve Keegan Stacey Smith Gary Bartlett Gary James Woolsey Peter NorbeckScenicByway Lis Novak Robin DeJong Marge Bateman David Hatch Steve McDonald,RossFrid David Pratt Jeanette Kloos Paul Giduere Jeanette Kloos,LeeAnnHart-Chambers Mike Miller Dean Van Dusen Brian Minor Ken Francis

Scenic Byways Design Guide for Roadside Improvements A

FHWA-FLH-02-001