North Country Scenic Byways Program
Responsible Staff: Mary Deppe
Purpose
The purpose of the North Country Scenic Byways Council (Scenic Byways Program) is to protect and enhance our regional byways through the promotion of the byways for tourism, the development of interpretative centers along the byways, and the protection of historic and cultural artifacts and locations along the byways.
Description
The main components of the Scenic Byways Program are the Scenic Byways Council and the Scenic Byways Grant. The Scenic Byways Council meets every other month to discuss promotional programs such as interactive websites and brochure updates that are needed, potential projects such as interpretative centers or kiosks along the byways, and resource protection such as updates to the corridor management plan of the National Scenic Byway and historic and cultural protection measures. The White Mountain Trail and the Kancamangus Highway are the only two designated National Scenic Byways, but several regional scenic byways also exist in the North Country that the committee plans for as well. The Scenic Byways Grant Program is available annually for projects located along scenic byways that enhance the byway, interpret resources along the byways or protect natural, historic and cultural resources along the byway.
Timeframe
The Scenic Byways Council meets bi-monthly and the grant round is annually. NCC receives funds for the program annually.
Related Services & Programs
TIP & TE Programs - Recently the Scenic Byways Council has become involved in reviewing projects that come forward through these two programs. The idea is that they will weigh in on any projects being developed along scenic byways to ensure they are fitting within the context of the corridor management plan. The committee has discussed developing a point rating system similar to the Transportation Advisory Committee's point rating system for future project proposals.
Ordinances - The Scenic Byways Council has also tried to assist communities in the protection of corridors by providing examples of ordinances towns can adopt . Sample ordinances include lighting , signage, and conservation subdivision regulations.