Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Shaping theD&L Drive
“I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
– Robert Frost
NaturalNatural
ScenicScenic
HistoricHistoricCulturalCultural
RecreationalRecreational
ArchaeologicalArchaeological
Table of Contents
1
Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................................Page 3
Introduction ...........................................................................................................................................................Page 4
Understanding the Heritage Traveler ......................................................................................................................Page 5
Functions of the D&L Drive ..................................................................................................................................Page 7
The Scenic Byway – A Best Management Practice for the D&L Drive.................................................................Page 10
What is a Scenic Byway?.......................................................................................................................................Page 11
Scenic Byway Designation ....................................................................................................................................Page 18
Benefits of Scenic Byway Designation ..................................................................................................................Page 22
Conclusion ...........................................................................................................................................................Page 23
References.............................................................................................................................................................Page 24
Prepared by: Heritage Conservancy, 2004
AcknowledgementsThis publication was produced through the Pennsylvania Heritage Parks Program of the Pennsylvania Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources with a grant from the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.
Executive Summary
3
The Delaware & Lehigh National HeritageCorridor and State Heritage Park program has workedsuccessfully with a variety of partners to make signif-icant progress in carrying out the recommendations ofthe Management Action Plan. One accomplishmenthas been the establishment of the Municipal Assistancefor Conservation Program (MAC) to assist local leadersin making sound land use decisions that will promoteeconomic revitalization while preserving valuable naturaland cultural resources. This document is an outreacheffort of the MAC Program. It is intended to informcommunity representatives about the scenic bywayplanning approach and how this technique can be usedto shape the development of the Delaware & LehighDrive (D&L Drive).
Heritage tourism has a significant impact onPennsylvania’s economy, generating $5.6 billion inexpenditures and supporting 73,000 jobs in 2000.Nationally, the popularity of heritage travel continues torise with visitation growing by 13% from 1996 to 2002.
The D&L Drive is in a unique positionto promote additional visitation andencourage longer stays by orienting heritagetravelers to the Corridor, interconnectingvisitor attractions and encouraging partici-pation in a wider variety of leisure activities.In particular, the D&L Drive is the primarycomponent within the Corridor that canexpose the visitor to the “cultural landscape” –the scenery resulting from man’s interactionwith the natural features of the land. Thehistorical development of the Corridor isvisible in this landscape, providing anothereducational opportunity to pique a visitor’sinterest.
However, the success of the D&L Drive dependsupon whether the route can provide a quality drivingexperience. Scenic byway planning helps communitieslocated along the D&L Drive coordinate their efforts tocreate an enjoyable journey. This approach recognizesthe roadway for the integrity of its scenic, natural,historic, cultural, archaeological and recreationalresources and encourages economic developmentthrough the use of a variety of conservation-basedpractices. Official designation as a national scenicbyway is the result of a process that begins with supportat the local municipal level, requires action by theCommonwealth of Pennsylvania Department ofTransportation and concludes with recognition by U.S.Secretary of Transportation after the planning process iscompleted. State and federal designations open thedoor for greater flexibility in making improvementsalong the scenic route and provide access to a federalfunding program for implementing roadway,interpretive, resource protection, support services,marketing and recreational projects.
More than 90% of all visitors to the Commonwealth come by car.
I-78 Toll Booth
LUZERNE COUNTY
WILKES-BARRE
WHITE HAVEN
CARBON COUNTY
LEHIGH COUNTY
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY
JIM THORPE
BUCKSCOUNTY
BETHLEHEM
ALLENTOWN
NEW HOPE
BRISTOL
EASTON
S.R. 2055
476
81
476
476
80
476
476
78
78
276
95
95
80
81
81
309
437
93
33
611
611
61132
611
611
32
32202
32
1
1 13
22
22
209
145
248
93
309
309
209
4
TheDelaware &LehighNational HeritageCorridor and StateHeritage Parkhasundergone adramatic transfor-mation. What startedas an idea for rescuingstruggling communities fromeconomic decline has grown into adynamic revitalization effort acrosseastern Pennsylvania. Since the Corridor’sManagement Action Plan was adopted in1993, the concept of using natural and culturalresources to stimulate economic recovery and createsustainable communities has gradually been acceptedand integrated into the way in which municipalitiesapproach local problems to improve the quality of life.Dedication to this mission has resulted in thecompletion of more than 110 community developmentprojects that protect these resources and enhance theirvisibility through the use of a variety of conservation,preservation, interpretation and economic developmenttools. A number of these projects focused on upgradingthe Delaware & Lehigh Canals as the backbone ofrevitalization efforts and building the Delaware &
Lehigh Trail (D&L Trail) to interconnect over 100communities along the 165-mile long Corridor. In theprocess, a myriad of partnerships were forged toimplement these improvements and local funding wasleveraged tenfold.
Continued coordination is required to maximizeresource protection and sustainability benefits. To thisend, the Management Action Plan envisions theestablishment of the Delaware & Lehigh Drive (D&LDrive) as another means of linking municipalities andhelping visitors navigate the Corridor – in addition tothe canals and the D&L Trail. Recent improvements to
many natural and culturalresources have insured that
there are plenty ofvisitor attractions.
However,communities should
also work together tocreate the D&L Drive in
order to expose travelers tothe wealth of sightseeing
opportunities within theCorridor. The collaborativeprocess begins with a greater
appreciation of these visitorsand their traveling needs.
Introduction
Proposed route of theD&L Drive
Understanding the Heritage Traveler
5
Many people find it enjoyable to participate incultural activities as part of their vacation.Approximately 118 million tourists, more than 80% ofthose U.S. adults who traveled in 2002, included anexcursion to a cultural attraction on their journey. Infact, the number of people nationwide making tripslonger than 50 miles one-way from home to visit acultural feature jumped from 192 million to 217million (or 13%) between 1996 and 2002. A total of75% of these tourists participated in a cultural activityon their vacation, while 58% visited an historic site,museum or community. In selecting a vacationdestination, the majority of travelers sought out placesthat provided new learning experiences and activitiesrelated to their hobbies or interests.
Pennsylvania ranks 5th on the list of the top tenU.S. states visited by heritage travelers. With a diversityof historic towns, battlefields,gardens, art museums, homes,tours and festivals, theCommonwealth has much tooffer within a short distance ofthe major metropolitan areasalong the East Coast. A recentstudy conducted by the PADepartment of Conservation
and Natural Resources (DCNR) reveals the primaryreasons why heritage travelers come to Pennsylvania:
1. Close proximity to home.2. Wide variety of activities.3. More beautiful landscape/scenery. 4. Offers superior heritage activities.5. Good value for money.6. Family activities available.7. Friend or relative recommended it.
Visitors most frequently described Pennsylvania’sheritage attractions as “educational,” “scenic” and “fun.”
Pennsylvania’s heritage travelers can be classifiedinto three types:
Core travelers plan their trip to the Commonwealthbecause of its unique historical and cultural features.
They are more likely to plantheir vacation based uponinformation gathered from avariety of sources such as theinternet, tourist brochures,books, magazines and word ofmouth. More than 10 millioncore travelers visit Pennsylvaniaeach year.
Moderate travelers visitPennsylvania for several reasons,including heritage opportunities.
Pennsylvania annually attracts at least 8million moderate travelers.
Low travelers come to Pennsylvania for apurpose unrelated to the existing historical orcultural resources, but participate in aheritage-based activity by chance during theirstay. They are more likely to come toPennsylvania to visit a friend or relative andtherefore make travel plans based uponrecommendations from their companions.Approximately 3 million visitors toPennsylvania each year are in this heritagetraveler category.
Who are these heritage travelers and why do they come to Pennsylvania?
WIL
DLA
ND
S C
ON
SERV
AN
CY
Understanding the Heritage Traveler
6
Regardless of the type of traveler, heritage tourismhas a significant impact on the Pennsylvania economy.In 2000, the amount heritage travelers spent on food,lodging, transportation and other goods and servicesgrew to an estimated $5.6 billion, financing more than73,000 jobs. Core travelers accounted for more thanhalf of this revenue.
Heritage travelers are most often well-educated,white-collar professionals ofmiddle age with a moderate toupper income. They are typicallymarried and usually travel withtheir family or in groups of threeor more adults, preferring to travelin the summer months. Most(90%) heritage trips includeovernight lodging at hotels,motels, bed and breakfastestablishments or at the home of afriend or relative.
Heritage travelers typicallystay a day longer and spend $30more per person per day thanother visitors. In fact, 40% of these visitors extendedtheir trip in 2003 having discovered additional points ofinterest while they were planning their vacation or afterthey reached their destination.
Over 90% of visitors to the Commonwealth arriveannually via automobile, traveling on average more than150 miles. Amenities specifically tailored to the drivingpublic are therefore of particular interest to thesevisitors. The services most important to Pennsylvania’sCore heritage travelers are:
1. Directional signs 7. Paid Accommodations2. Maps/Guides 8. Educational Classes3. Bathrooms 9. Shopping4. Parking 10. Picnic Areas5. Food/Drink 11. Tour Guides/Escorts6. Family Activities 12. Rental Equipment
Restrooms
Lodging
Parking
Food
Functions of the D&L Drive
7
In order to properly greet visitors and effectivelymove them through the Corridor, the D&L Driveshould serve several key functions:
Orientation to the CorridorThe Management Action Plan describes the D&L
Drive as “a web of major roads linking all” of theproposed visitor centers, known as “Landings,” wherethe “initial contact between the visiting public and theCorridor generally takes place.” These “Landings”are to be strategically located to provide convenientaccess totouristinformation,regardless ofwhere thevisitor entersthe Corridor.Clearly, theD&L Drive isthe welcomemat for theheritagevisitor – a redcarpet for theCorridor.
SynergisticConnections
“Because of the longdistances involved intraversing theCorridor,” theManagement ActionPlan notes theimportance of having“paths of circulationthat tie together,intellectually andphysically, theinterpretive experienceof the corridor. Suchlinkages will transforma constellation ofdiscrete, scattered sites into an effective interpretivesystem relating interpretive themes to different sites.”
The D&L Drive is a critical component of thisoverall circulation system because the majority ofvisitors to the area arrive by car and rely on the regional
road network to get fromplace to place. The way inwhich the D&L Drivedirects the visitor from theLandings to the naturaland cultural resourcesthroughout the Corridoris just as important as howthe drive guides visitors tothe Landings themselves.
If these resources wereall located within a shortdistance from the drive,the interconnection ofthese features would berelatively simple.
However, anumber ofthe naturaland culturalgems of theCorridor areoff thebeaten pathandrandomlyscattered sothat they are
not easily organized intointerpretive groups. Many wouldagree that a heritage vacation in thenorthern reaches of the Corridorwould be incomplete without astop at Eckley Miners Village or atrip along the Audubon tour. Thesame could be said for an excursionto Doylestown in the south or avisit to the covered bridges in theLehigh Valley. The D&L Driveshould make drivers aware of the
opportunities that lie some distance away and encouragethem to venture into the countryside for unique experi-ences.
ProposedLanding, Wilkes-Barre
Existing Landing,Easton
Eckley Miners’ Village
Moravian Tile Works, Doylestown
Functions of the D&L Drive
8
Crossover ActivitiesConnections between the D&L Drive and
outdoor recreational opportunities can addressthe interest that heritage visitors also have inother leisure activities. DCNR’s study of theheritage traveler points out the extent to whichthe visitor is looking for a broader range ofvacation experiences. Core travelers partic-ipate in outdoor activities 58% of the time,with Moderate and Lowtravelers at 56% and 43%respectively.
At a minimum, the D&L Driveshould indicate where visitors can accessthe D&L Trail, the canals and theDelaware and Lehigh Rivers for hiking,biking, fishing and boating use. Toencourage longer stays and repeat visits,the drive should also identify wheretravelers can enjoy other recreationalactivities at different times of the year.
WIL
DLA
ND
S C
ON
SERV
AN
CY
WIL
DLA
ND
S C
ON
SERV
AN
CY
Functions of the D&L Drive
9
Exposure to the Cultural Landscape The D&L Drive also allows the visitor to observe
the Corridor from the broadest perspective by travelingthrough the landscape – “a section or expanse of scenery,usually extensive, that can be seen from a certain viewpoint.”
The Corridorincludes a variety oflandforms resultingfrom the underlyinggeology of the region.The D&L Drive slicesthrough five ofPennsylvania’s sevenphysiographic provinces– from the Coastal Plainof Lower Bucks County,through the fertilePiedmont, across theReading Prong into theValley and Ridge Province, and extending northward toWilkes-Barre through the rugged AppalachianMountains to the height of the Appalachian Plateau.
These landforms provided settlers with certainopportunities and constraints that shaped the way inwhich communities were established and reflected thevalues of these early residents. “Cultural landscapes arethe products of this interaction between people andland.”
The historicalsignificance of theCorridor can thereforebe “read orinterpreted” in theselandscapes. Unlike anindividual attractionthat can only tell aportion of the story,
the D&L Drive has the “potential to illustrate” theentire “transformation of America” through “thisfascinating collection of landscapes.” As a result, thetime spent “on the road” can be an opportunity forlearning in an outdoor classroom, allowing motorists toabsorb and appreciate the changes in the landscape asthey move through the Corridor.
To the tourist, especially theheritage traveler, the journey is justas important as the destination.The challenge is to determine howthe D&L Drive can create ameaningful driving experience in amanner that supports the resourceprotection and sustainability goalsof the region.
View in Upper Makefield Township
View of Cementon
View of Jim Thorpe from FlagstaffResort Overlook
The Scenic Byway
10
An overall approach to establishing the D&L Driveis needed to properly integrate the visitor with thenatural and cultural resources of the Corridor andachieve the desired economic development objectives forthe region. Using a scenic byway technique to createthe D&L Drive has several notable advantages in thatthe planning process:
1. Stimulates public interest and attention on the routeand its surrounding landscape as a unique resource inthe Corridor. The resulting value placed upon thedrive helps to insure that this resource is enhanced,not degraded.
2. Incorporates a philosophy that strives to balance theneed for economic development with conservationgoals by using “smart growth” tools. The approachattempts to increase tourist visitation while at thesame time protecting the characteristics of thelandscape that contribute to a community’s sense ofplace and well-being.
3. Provides a framework for coordinating the drivingexperience throughout the entire Corridor. Continuityadds credibility to all of the attractions in the regionand helps to reduce the stress often encountered byvisitors who are navigating unfamiliar territory.
4. Addresses the proper management of the roadway,visitors and community services – three areas of studythat are not covered by any other planning method –in order to provide the amenities needed to supportheritage tourism and to insure that municipalities arenot overwhelmed by tourists.
5. Provides recognition and prestige from the distinctionof a scenic byway designation that can be used as aregional marketing tool and coordinated with othereconomic development initiatives.
A Best Management Practice for the D&L Drive
Fruit and vegetable stands are popular roadside attractions.Agricultural preservation efforts help sustain the farms that provideproduce for the visitor’s enjoyment.
AG
RIC
ULT
URE
PRESERVATIO
N
STREETSCAPE
DESIG
N
CLU
STER
DEVELO
PMEN
TWILKES-BARRE BRISTOL
SCENIC BYWAY PLANNING
FRAMEWORK OF SMART GROWTH TOOLS
VIE
WSH
ED
PRO
TECTIO
N
ZO
NIN
G
HIS
TORIC
PRESERVATIO
N
BU
FFERS
´
Scenic byway planning spans the entire length of the D&L Drive, coordinating the use of smart growth tools among local municipalities along the routein order to provide continuity for the visitor.
What is a Scenic Byway?
11
A scenic byway is apublic road, includingthe corridor throughwhich it passes, thatsignificantly meets one ofthe following sixintrinsic characteristics:
• Scenic• Natural• Historic• Cultural• Archaeological• Recreational
12
Scenic Characteristics
Scenic Quality is“the heightened visualexperience derived from the view of natural andmanmade elements of thevisual environment of thescenic byway.” Thefeatures of the landscapeblend harmoniously in away that is “strikinglydistinct,” “pleasing” and“memorable.”
ScenicScenic
Delaware Canal and River, Durham Township
Nesquehoning
Yardley
Background: Delaware River, Riegelsville
13
Natural Characteristics
Natural Quality representsthe characteristics of thelandscape that have been“relatively undisturbed” bythe activities of man andcan include water features,vegetation, geologicformations and wildlife.
NaturalNatural
WIL
DLA
ND
S C
ON
SERV
AN
CY
USDA
Roadside Wetlands, Leslie Run
Background: Lehigh River
BUC
KS
CO
UN
TY
PAR
KS
& R
ECR
EAT
ION
DEP
ART
MEN
T
Columbine
HairyWoodpecker
High Rocks, Tinicum Township
14
Historic Characteristics
Historic Quality incorpo-rates those natural andmanmade elements of thelandscape that “stir anappreciation for the past.”These features can beinterpreted to educate the public about humanactivities and “possessintegrity oflocation,design, setting,material,workmanship,feeling andassociation.”
HistoricHistoric Lock 28, Lehigh Gorge State Park, White Haven
Background: Roebling Bridge, Riegelsville
Pennsbury Manor, Morrisville
Saylor Cement Museum,Coplay
15
Cultural Characteristics
Cultural Quality expresses“the customs or traditionsof a distinct group ofpeople” and includes ethnicfood, music, crafts, ritualsand other current practices.
CulturalCulturalBackground: Troxell-Steckel House, Egypt
Northampton
Palmerton
Canal Boatmen and their Mules
16
Archaeological Characteristics
Archaeological Quality isevidence of life as identifiedthrough historic or prehis-toric “ruins, artifacts orstructural remains.”
ArchaeologicalArchaeological
WIL
DLA
ND
S C
ON
SERV
AN
CY
WIL
DLA
ND
S C
ON
SERV
AN
CY
Historical Artifacts
Background: Creamware Chard
Archaeological Dig
PrehistoricalArtifacts
17
Recreational Characteristics
Recreational Qualityincludes active and passiveleisure activities directlyrelated to the enjoyment ofthe natural and culturalattractions in the landscape,including the scenic drivingexperience.
In addition, the road“must safely andconvenientlyaccommodate two-wheel driveautomobiles withstandard clearances,accommodatingbicycle and pedestriantravel whereverpossible.” The route“should be ascontinuous aspossible to minimizeintrusions on thevisitor’s experience.”Scenic byways aredesignated as theresult of a legislativeprocess or otherofficial declaration.
RecreationalRecreational
WIL
DLA
ND
S C
ON
SERV
AN
CY
WIL
DLA
ND
S C
ON
SERV
AN
CY
WIL
DLA
ND
S C
ON
SERV
AN
CY
Background: Lake Nockamixon
Appalachian Trail
Bike and Boat Program
Mauck Chunk Lake Park
Scenic Byway Designation
18
The U.S. Department of Transportation created theNational Scenic Byways Program in 1991 as part of theIntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act, morecommonly known as the ISTEA program, to recognizeroads with special qualities and recommend techniquesfor maintaining and enhancing these features. Thisprogram created a two-step process for creating a scenicbyway:
Step 1 – Pennsylvania Scenic BywayDesignation
A road in Pennsylvania must first receive a scenicbyway designation from the Commonwealth before afederal designation can be obtained. The PADepartment of Transportation’s Bureau of Planning andResearch is responsible for overseeing the designationprocess by the Commonwealth. To date, the followingroads in Pennsylvania have received a scenic bywaydesignation at the state level:
• PA 144 in the Sproul State Forest• The Kinzua Bridge Scenic Byway (State Route
3011)• The Blue Route (I-476)• The Exton Bypass (U.S. Route 30)• The Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway (State Routes
711 and 381) • The Seaway Trail in Erie County• The National Road (U.S. Route 40)
An application to nominate a road for designationmust be submitted to the Bureau for review and consid-eration and must contain the following information:
A. The name of the road along with its location,starting/ending points and overall length.
B. A description of the road’s intrinsic qualities andkey resources, including an explanation of how the“designation would complement other regionaleconomic development strategies.” TheCommission has produced several publicationsdocumenting the intrinsic resources within theregion that can be included with the scenic bywayapplication.
C. Letters of support from regional planning agenciesand tourist promotion organizations, as applicable,in addition to “members of the PennsylvaniaGeneral Assembly representing the districtsbisected” by the road.
D. Evidence of municipal and county support. Eachmunicipality and county must provide a resolutionsupporting the scenic byway nomination. Onegovernmental entity must submit the applicationon behalf of all of the municipalities in which theroad is located. A local municipality or the PADepartment of Conservation and NaturalResources may serve in this capacity.
E. A plan for addressing the placement of new signsalong the route in conformance with federal law, ifthe proposed scenic byway corresponds with a roadthat is part of the “Interstate, Federal-Aid Primary(FAP) or National Highway Systems.” Anordinance regulating the erection of outdooradvertising devices would be required if theproposed scenic byway corresponds with a roadhaving this classification. The proposed route ofthe D&L Drive as identified in the ManagementAction Plan consists of several roads that have thisclassification including, but not limited to:
• Bucks County: State Routes 13, 32 and 611.• Carbon County: State Routes 93 and 248 along
with U.S. 209.
Outdoor advertising controls will prompt the removal of dilapidatedsigns and signs not used for more than one year.
Scenic Byway Designation
19
• Lehigh County: State Route 145.• Luzerne County: State Routes 309, 437 and 940.• Northampton County: State Routes 145, 248, 412
and 611
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Secretary ofTransportation is authorized to review and approveapplications for scenic byway designation. In rareinstances, the state legislature can authorize thisdesignation and adopt an ordinance regulatingoutdoor advertising on behalf of local municipalities.
Step 2 – National Scenic BywayDesignation
After designation has been obtained at the statelevel, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania nominatesthe roadway for national designation by the FederalHighway Administration. The National Road (U.S.Route 40) is the only highway in Pennsylvania that hasreceived a scenic byway designation at the federal level.
A corridor management plan must be completedbefore the U.S. Secretary of Transportation candesignate the road as a scenic byway. In this case, theterm corridor management plan applies to “a writtendocument that specifies the actions, procedures,controls, operational practices and administrativestrategies to maintain” the intrinsic qualities of thescenic byway. The document pertains only to theproposed scenic byway itself and the area surroundingthe roadway that can beviewed by a motorist.It should not beconfused with theManagement ActionPlan previouslydiscussed that addressesa variety of other issueswithin the entire D&LNational HeritageCorridor and StateHeritage Park. Thecorridor management
plan for the scenic byway must include the followingcomponents:
A. Geographical Limits• A map showing the boundaries of the scenic
byway and the adjacent landscape within view, aninventory of existing land uses and the locationof the features representing the six intrinsicqualities.
B. Intrinsic Resource Protection Plan• An assessment of the intrinsic qualities and their
context.• Strategies for maintaining and enhancing the
intrinsic resources while improving existingdevelopment and allowing new land developmentto occur.
Land uses undergoingtransition pose uniquechallenges.
(Above) Proposed revitalizationof the Bethlehem Steel Plantattempts to incorporate historicresources.
(Left) Setbacks and bufferplantings can offset the impactof new development onroadside scenery.
Scenic Byway Designation
20
• A demonstration that intrusions on the visitorexperience have been minimized to the extentfeasible along with a plan for making improve-ments to enhance that experience.
A significant amount of documentation on theintegrity of the intrinsic resources throughout thecorridor already exists and will be supplementedwith additional information as needed. Theplanning process will evaluate the usefulness of anumber of conservation tools in enhancing thequality of the scenic byway including, but notlimited to, historic preservation, streetscape design,buffering, viewshed protection, overlay zoningtechniques, park/open space planning, setbacks,landscaping requirements, cluster development,agricultural preservation, natural resourceprotection, the transfer of development rights andthe acquisition of land or easements.
C. Highway Improvements Plan• A general review of the proposed byway’s safety
and accident record to identify any correctablefaults in its design, maintenance or operation.
• A plan to accommodate commerce whilemaintaining a safe and efficient level of highwayservice, including convenient user facilities.
Recommendations will bemade to address knownsafety issues, accommodatebicycles and pedestrians,improve traffic flow, allowfor the construction ofutilities and provide visitorservices. In particular, roadimprovements will beevaluated from thestandpoint of how they might impact the intrinsicresources along the scenic byway. The plan willoutline context-sensitive design techniques that canbe used to provide flexibility in the construction ofnew improvements and the maintenance of theroadway to enhance the visual quality of the scenicbyway.
D. Public Education Program• A plan for interpreting the intrinsic resources
along the byway.
Storytelling is an important objective of the scenicbyway program. In addition to the visitororientationinformationpresented at theLandings, the planwill identifyopportunities forthe traveling publicto learn moreabout the intrinsicresources usingeducationalprograms, signage,publications, audio/video tapes, waysideexhibits/displays and other methods of communi-cation along the D&L Drive.
Washington Crossing Tour Guide
Hanover Township Bird Identification Display
Carbon County Environmental Education Center
Scenic Byway Designation
21
E. Signage• A plan illustrating the type,
number and placement ofsigns that will support thevisitor experience.
• A demonstration ofcompliance with all existinglocal, state and federal lawson the control of outdooradvertising.
The Strategic TourismMarketing Plan forPennsylvaniarecognizes the needfor tourist-friendlysignage to improvewayfinding. Asignage plan willoutline how municipal-ities can work with federal, state and regionalagencies to develop a signage system that providesthe motorist with critical information along theroute and adds continuity to the drivingexperience. Methods for minimizing the impact ofoutdoor advertising will also be reviewed.
F. Marketing Plan• A program to promote tourism.
Grouping several individual visitor attractions intoa single package based upon a theme or specialinterest can lure new heritagetravelers and encourage repeatvisitors to stay longer, a keyinitiative of the StrategicTourism Marketing Plan forPennsylvania. Interactionbetween local communitiesand state and regional touristorganizations will helpmaximize the economicdevelopment potential of theD&L Drive.
G. Public Participation• A list and schedule of
all agencies, groups andindividuals responsiblefor implementing thebyway managementrecommendations along with a programfor monitoring
accomplishments, including review and enforcement mechanisms.
• A plan to assure ongoing participation in theimplementation of the byway managementobjectives.
The goal is to identify the myriad of partners neededto bring the corridor management plan to fruitionand their role in the implementation process, so thatthe efforts of all parties involved can be effectivelycoordinated.
Multiple signs compete for a visitor’sattention at an intersection
First-time visitors often find one-way streets harder to negotiate
The Adopt-A-Highwayprogram allows residentsto participate in the scenicbyway managementprocess
Excursion packages and accommodationsfor buses can increase visitation
Benefits of a Scenic Byway Designation
22
A scenic byway designation encourages the use ofcontext-sensitive techniques in constructing andmaintaining road improvements. Greater flexibility inroadway design and management will help protect thevisual quality of the scenic byway.
Designation at the state levelprovides the Commonwealth with
access to funding for improvementsthrough the National Scenic Byways
Program. The preparation of a byway corridormanagement plan can be financed through this program,along with the following projects:
1. Road modifications to address safety issues that willresult from a change in the amount or type of trafficgenerated by scenic byway tourism. Safetyproblems that exist before designation is obtainedcannot be corrected using these funds.
2. Construction of a variety of amenities within orimmediately adjacent to the right-of-way includingshoulder improvements, overlooks, rest areas,turnouts, passing lanes, interpretive devices andfacilities used by pedestrians and bicyclists.
3. Improvements to enhance access to existingrecreational areas. Usually these projects must belocated within the road right-of-way. However,funds can be used for right-of-way acquisition toaccommodate proposed improvements.
4. Protection of intrinsic resources directly related andadjacent to the road, using conservation easements.Acquisition of property can only be considered ifall other attempts at protection have beenunsuccessful.
5. Development of signs, brochures, pamphlets, tapes,and maps to provide tourist and interpretiveinformation to the public, exclusive of productadvertising.
The National Scenic Byways Program cancontribute up to 80% of the cost of completing eligibleprojects. The remaining 20% must come from localsources including state government, local governmentand/or the private sector. In-kind donations ofequipment, materials or property are also accepted aslong as they have not already been used to matchanother federally funded project. The local match caninclude services donated by the private sector. However,services contributed by governmental agencies cannot beused as a local match.
To date, the U.S. Congress has allocated $25million per year for projects implemented through theNational Scenic Byways Program. Future funding issubject to the federal budget process.
Example of Information Booth and Pamphlets
Conclusion
23
Our ancestors risked everything they had to find ameaningful life in America, overcoming unimaginableobstacles and hardships to achieve their dream. In1993, the Management Action Plan allowed us to charta new course to shape the future of the Delaware &Lehigh Corridor, unlocking a variety of cultural andnatural treasures for the world to see in just ten years. Ascenic byway provides another avenue of adventure forthose who choose to visit the beauty and history of our
Commonwealth, prompting them to reflect upon thewords of Robert Frost:
“I shall be telling this with a sighSomewhere ages and ages hence:Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –I took the one less traveled by,And that has made all the difference.”
Pennsylvania Memories Last a Lifetime
For more information on scenic byway planning and the D&L Drive, contact:
Elissa Marsden, Heritage Development SpecialistD&L National Heritage Corridor Commission
1 South Third Street, 8th FloorEaston, PA 18042
Phone: 610-760-1624Fax: 610-760-1625
View from Bowman’sHill Tower
References
24
Economic and Community Benefits of Scenic Byways, Technical Information Series, Volume 2 No. 1. Washington, D.C.: Scenic America, 1995.
Ercolino, Jill. Cashing in on Tourism. Enola, PA: Pennsylvania Township News, July 2003.
Federal Highway Administration. Community Guide to Planning and Managing a Scenic Byway. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department ofTransportation.
Heritage Tourism in Pennsylvania, A summary presentation of some important characteristics of Heritage Tourism and its impact on the LeisureTravel Industry in Pennsylvania. McLean, VA: D.K. Shifflet & Associates, Ltd., June 1999. Prepared for the Pennsylvania Department ofConservation and Natural Resources in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, thePennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Preservation Pennsylvania and the Federation of Museums and HistoricalOrganizations.
Heritage Tourism Development, A Policy Framework for Pennsylvania. Harrisburg, PA: Pennsylvania Tourism and Lodging Association, April2003.
Keeping the Beauty in the Byway: Continuity in Scenic Byway Designations, Facts for Action. Washington, D.C.: Scenic America, September2000.
Mary Means & Associates, Inc., in association with Ellen Fletcher–The Right Word, Carter Van Dyke Associates and Hammer, Siler,George Associates. Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and State Heritage Park, Management Action Plan. The Delaware &Lehigh Canal National Heritage Corridor Commission, U.S. Department of the Interior with the Pennsylvania State Heritage ParksProgram, the State Heritage Parks Interagency Task Force and the National Park Service. January 1993.
Mary Means & Associates, Inc. Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Management Action Plan, Interim Report, Land and ScenicResources Inventory and Analysis, Task 2.4. February 1992.
National Scenic Byways Guide. Washington D.C.: National Park Service, May 2002.(http://www.nps.gov/transportation/nsbdoc/nsb_guide.pdf)
National Scenic Byways Program, [FWHA Docket No. 95-15]. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 26759 Federal Register/Vol.60, No. 96/Thursday, May 18, 1995/Notices.
Patkose, Margaret, Andrea M. Stokes and Dr. Suzanne D. Cook. The Historic/Cultural Traveler, 2003 Edition. Washington, D.C.: TravelIndustry Association of America and the Smithsonian Institution, 2003.
Pennsylvania Byways. Harrisburg, PA: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation.
Pennsylvania Heritage Tourism Study. McLean, VA: D.K. Shifflet & Associates, Ltd., May 1999. Prepared for the Pennsylvania Departmentof Conservation and Natural Resources in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, thePennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Preservation Pennsylvania and the Federation of Museums and HistoricalOrganizations.
Pennsylvania Tourism, 2002-2003 Strategic Marketing Communications Plan. Harrisburg, PA: Pennsylvania Department of Community andEconomic Development, Tourism, Film and Economic Development Marketing Office.
Request for Five-Year Extension. Easton, PA: Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Commission, May 2003.
Scenic Byways Benefit Local Economies, Facts for Action. Washington, D.C.: Scenic America, September 2000.
Strategic Tourism Master Plan for Pennsylvania. SRI International, June 1999. Prepared for the Pennsylvania Center for Travel, Tourism andFilm, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
Swimmer, Evelyn, John Whiteman and Rick Taintor. Byway Beginnings: Understanding, Inventorying and Evaluating a Byway’s IntrinsicQualities. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, National Scenic Byways Program;U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program; and Whiteman & Taintor,1999.
The Future of Your Scenic Byway: Guidelines for Corridor Management Planning, Facts for Action. Washington, D.C.: Scenic America,November 2000.
The National Scenic Byways Program: Balancing Economics and Conservation, Facts for Action. Washington, D.C.: Scenic America, August 2000.
Yahner, Thomas, Daniel Jones and Timothy Johnson with Peirce Lewis, A. Mark Battaglia, Martha Ruhe and Bonj Szczygiel. Inventory andAssessment of Cultural Landscapes, Delaware and Lehigh Navigation Canal National Heritage Corridor. The Pennsylvania State UniversityDepartment of Landscape Architecture.
Special thanks to the Wildlands Conservancy, the Bucks County Parks and Recreation Department andthe USDA National Plant Data Center for providing photos for this publication.
D&L National Heritage Corridor Commission1 South Third Street, 8th Floor
Easton, PA 18042Phone: 610-760-1624
Fax: [email protected]
Preserving our Naturaland Historic Heritage
85 Old Dublin PikeDoylestown, PA 18901
(215) 345-7020Fax (215) 345-4328
www.heritageconservancy.orgemail: [email protected]
Department of Conservation and Natural ResourcesBureau of Recreation and Conservation
Rachel Carson State Office BuildingP. O. Box 8475
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8475(717) 783-4734 • Fax (717) 772-4363
www.dcnr.state.pa.us
Contact us for scenic byway andmunicipal planning assistance
