America's Byways®WHAT'S NEW
Registration Open for 2009 National Scenic Byways Conference
Registrations are being accepted for the 2009 National Scenic Byways Conference, August 23-26, in Denver, Colorado. Download the conference brochure for complete conference details, including the agenda, workshops, hotel information and registration instructions.
This learning and networking event offers fresh perspectives and useful tools to enhance key aspects of byway development and sustainability in these five tracks:
- Finances
- Corridor Management
- Visitor Experience
- Byway Organization
- Marketing
For the most up-to-date conference information and announcements, check the America's Byways Resource Center website frequently, and click on the conference logo.
ON THE WEB
Assessing and Sustaining the Quality of the America's Byways Collection Findings on Bywaysonline.org
In 2007 and 2008, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) sponsored a research effort to compile and analyze information on the quality of America's Byways and the results of projects funded through the National Scenic Byways Program. As we look forward to the future, FHWA will be releasing the results of this effort in four installments over the next couple of months for discussion and comment. The first and second installments, Analyze the Existing America's Byways® Collection and Identify and Recommend Strategies for Maintaining and Ensuring the Quality of America's Byways, are now available.
NEWS BRIEFS
The Future of National Surface Transportation Policy Hearing Available Online
On April 28, 2009, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation conducted a Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on The Future of National Surface Transportation Policy. Majority statements were delivered by Senator John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV), and Minority statements were delivered by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX). Panelists included The Honorable Ray LaHood, Secretary of the Department of Transportation, as well as Anne P. Canby, President, Surface Transportation Policy Partnership, James Corless, Campaign Director, Transportation for America, Steve Heminger, Executive Director, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and Ned S. Holmes, Texas Transportation Commissioner and Chairman, Transportation Transformation Group.
To view the archived webcast of the hearing or to read the transcripts, visit the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation website.
SPOTLIGHT ON BYWAYS
Great Plains Tribal Tourism & Scenic Byways Conference held in Oklahoma
For the first time, tribal elected leaders, economic development officials and tourism experts from throughout the Great Plains Indian Country came together to share ideas, experiences and strategies to assist tribes in economic development and tourism pursuits. Hosted by the Cherokee Nation in Catoosa from June 9-12, and sponsored by AIANTA (American Indian and Alaska Native Tourism Association) and the BIA, participants spent time learning about FHWA's National Scenic Byways Program resources.
"The Our Native Pathways project has been an extremely successful collaboration between the Bureau of Indian Affairs, FHWA Scenic Byways Program, America's Byways Resource Center, and the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. The Cherokee Nation and Mr. Scott Sufficool, tribal liaison for the America's Byways Resource Center, are to be congratulated for coordinating a first class program, combining an outstanding mobile workshop with excellent presentations," said Ed Hall, transportation specialist with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
The three-day event was highlighted with a daylong mobile workshop conducted by Donna Tinnin along the Cherokee Hills Scenic Byway. Two leading tribal byway programs, the Standing Rock Sioux and the Navajo Nation shared their experiences in developing strong tribal programs. Group sessions were facilitated by AIANTA, providing the opportunity for tribes to identify and share tourism activities, byway intrinsic qualities, and tourism partnerships. The conference concluded with a presentation on cross-cultural communications by an internationally renowned expert, focusing on success in providing tourists with a mutually respectful and authentic travel experience.
National Park Service to Offer Three Fee-Free Weekends in Summer 2009
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced in early June that the National Park Service will offer three fee-free weekends this summer, encouraging Americans to visit our country's national treasures. The 147 National Park Service sites across the country that charge entrance fees will waive these fees during the weekends of June 20-21, July 18-19, and August 15-16, 2009.
"During these tough economic times, our national parks provide opportunities for affordable vacations for families," Salazar said. "I encourage everyone to visit one of our nation's crown jewels this summer and especially to take advantage of the three free-admission weekends."
Drive America's Byways to our National Parks.
