WCCOG Scenic Byways

Scenic Byways
Communities in Maine can seek designation of scenic byways at both the state and national level. Designation as a scenic byway is a way from communities to promote recognized archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and/or scenic qualities located along identified roadways.

Scenic Byway for Coastal Washington County
Washington County Council of Governments has begun discussions with Maine DOT, local communities and other interested stakeholders regarding designation of a "Down East Coastal" byway between Steuben and Calais. WCCOG planners are meeting with elected official from towns along the proposed byway route as well as other interested stakeholder groups.

WCCOG is working with communities, MaineDOT and other stakeholders to explore the concept of a scenic byway in coastal Washington County. The above map depicts roads that may be included in a proposed byway running from Steuben to Calais. Click on the above image to download a larger version of the map.

We also want to hear from you! Please take few minutes to complete our online survey.

Who is heading this effort? The Washington County Council of Governments, in partnership with Washington County communities, is working with the Maine Department of Transportation to determine the eligibility of designating portions of Route 1, Route 187, Route 191, Route 189 and Route 190 in coastal Washington County as a State Scenic Byway designation. This application requires substantial research into the particulars of the road and approval from every town the road passes through.

Mission of Maine’s Scenic Byways Program The Maine Scenic Byways Program will preserve, maintain, protect and enhance the intrinsic resources of scenic corridors through a sustainable balance of conservation and land use. Through community-based consensus and partnerships, the program will promote economic prosperity and broaden the traveler’s overall recreational and educational experience.

What is a National Scenic Byway? The National Scenic Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. The program is a grass roots collaborative effort established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States.

Since 1992, the National Scenic Byways Program has provided funding for almost 1,500 state and nationally designated byway projects in 48 states. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes certain roads as All-American Roads or National Scenic Byways based on one or more archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities i.e. intrinsic qualities.

To be designated as a National Scenic Byway, a road must possess at least one of the six intrinsic qualities. The significance of the features contributing to the distinctive characteristics of the corridor’s intrinsic qualities must be recognized throughout the multi-state region. Maine currently has three nationally designated scenic byways.

What is an All-American Road? To receive an All-American Road designation, a road must possess multiple intrinsic qualities that are nationally significant and contain one-of-a-kind features that do not exist elsewhere. The road or highway must also be considered a “destination unto itself.” That is, it must provide an exceptional traveling experience so recognized by travelers that they would make a drive along the highway a primary reason for their trip. Maine currently has one nationally designated All-American Road.

What is the National Byways Marketing Program? America's Byways® is the umbrella term used to market the collection of 126 National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. This program is founded upon the strength of the leaders for individual Byways. It is a voluntary, grassroots program. It recognizes and supports outstanding roads. It provides resources to help manage the intrinsic qualities within the broader Byways corridor to be treasured and shared.

What does it take to become a National Scenic Byway? America's Byways® is a distinctive collection of American roads, their stories and treasured places. They are roads to the heart and soul of America. Joining this unique collection is not a trivial task. It involves much more than simply taking a few photos and filling out the application. It can take months to prepare a byway and its organization for this process. However, once approved travelers can be assured the Byways that have successfully negotiated the program requirements will offer a truly exceptional experience.

What are the economic benefits from designation as a National Byway? There are many potential benefits, especially to a rural community, from the national byways program including community recognition and economic development through cultural tourism. There are also grant funds available for these roads. If a corridor is able to reach federal status, grant funding becomes available for maintenance, safety improvements, turnouts and other features that will enhance the road. We are living in a time of shrinking state and federal resources. When towns cooperate to attain national byways status, they are repaid through access to federal resources. In other words, byways is a program capable of delivering tangible benefits.

How do tourists view byways? Tourists rate byways at top of attractions. In 2005, Maine Tourism received almost 16,000 requests for information about Maine's designated byways; the second most common request after sightseeing. For travelers, the chance to leave the monotony of a highway for new and unique vistas is magnetic. By distinguishing the superior qualities of certain corridors, the byways program promotes community economic prosperity while offering travelers a broader array of educational and recreational experiences.

The Blackwoods Scenic Byway is currently the only designated scenic byway in Washington County. WCCOG serves on the advisory board for the Blackwoods Scenic Byway, which typically meets quality to address issues such as interpretative signage, and preservation of scenic vistas.

WCCOG is a municipal membership organization that delivers a wide range of customized planning, advisory
and resources development services to help communities build the future of Washington County, Maine.


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Program Areas Scenic Byways Bicycle & Pedestrian Regional Coordination Local Transportation Transportation Links Maine Department of Transportation Blackwoods Scenic Byway Byways.org Hancock County Planning Commission		Scenic Byways Communities in Maine can seek designation of scenic byways at both the state and national level. Designation as a scenic byway is a way from communities to promote recognized archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and/or scenic qualities located along identified roadways. Scenic Byway for Coastal Washington County Washington County Council of Governments has begun discussions with Maine DOT, local communities and other interested stakeholders regarding designation of a "Down East Coastal" byway between Steuben and Calais. WCCOG planners are meeting with elected official from towns along the proposed byway route as well as other interested stakeholder groups. WCCOG is working with communities, MaineDOT and other stakeholders to explore the concept of a scenic byway in coastal Washington County. The above map depicts roads that may be included in a proposed byway running from Steuben to Calais. Click on the above image to download a larger version of the map. Please check out the Downeast Byways blog at downeastbyways.blogspot.com for notes and updates. We also want to hear from you! Please take few minutes to complete our online survey. Byway Concept Hand-out (PDF 210 KB) 2/10/2010 For more information, please contact Jeremy Gabrielson at 255-0983. News Coverage Commissioners support scenic byway plan, Bangor Daily News, May 10, 2010 Frequently Asked Questions Who is heading this effort? The Washington County Council of Governments, in partnership with Washington County communities, is working with the Maine Department of Transportation to determine the eligibility of designating portions of Route 1, Route 187, Route 191, Route 189 and Route 190 in coastal Washington County as a State Scenic Byway designation. This application requires substantial research into the particulars of the road and approval from every town the road passes through. Mission of Maine’s Scenic Byways Program The Maine Scenic Byways Program will preserve, maintain, protect and enhance the intrinsic resources of scenic corridors through a sustainable balance of conservation and land use. Through community-based consensus and partnerships, the program will promote economic prosperity and broaden the traveler’s overall recreational and educational experience. What is a National Scenic Byway? The National Scenic Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. The program is a grass roots collaborative effort established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. Since 1992, the National Scenic Byways Program has provided funding for almost 1,500 state and nationally designated byway projects in 48 states. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes certain roads as All-American Roads or National Scenic Byways based on one or more archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities i.e. intrinsic qualities. To be designated as a National Scenic Byway, a road must possess at least one of the six intrinsic qualities. The significance of the features contributing to the distinctive characteristics of the corridor’s intrinsic qualities must be recognized throughout the multi-state region. Maine currently has three nationally designated scenic byways. What is an All-American Road? To receive an All-American Road designation, a road must possess multiple intrinsic qualities that are nationally significant and contain one-of-a-kind features that do not exist elsewhere. The road or highway must also be considered a “destination unto itself.” That is, it must provide an exceptional traveling experience so recognized by travelers that they would make a drive along the highway a primary reason for their trip. Maine currently has one nationally designated All-American Road. What is the National Byways Marketing Program? America's Byways® is the umbrella term used to market the collection of 126 National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. This program is founded upon the strength of the leaders for individual Byways. It is a voluntary, grassroots program. It recognizes and supports outstanding roads. It provides resources to help manage the intrinsic qualities within the broader Byways corridor to be treasured and shared. What does it take to become a National Scenic Byway? America's Byways® is a distinctive collection of American roads, their stories and treasured places. They are roads to the heart and soul of America. Joining this unique collection is not a trivial task. It involves much more than simply taking a few photos and filling out the application. It can take months to prepare a byway and its organization for this process. However, once approved travelers can be assured the Byways that have successfully negotiated the program requirements will offer a truly exceptional experience. What are the economic benefits from designation as a National Byway? There are many potential benefits, especially to a rural community, from the national byways program including community recognition and economic development through cultural tourism. There are also grant funds available for these roads. If a corridor is able to reach federal status, grant funding becomes available for maintenance, safety improvements, turnouts and other features that will enhance the road. We are living in a time of shrinking state and federal resources. When towns cooperate to attain national byways status, they are repaid through access to federal resources. In other words, byways is a program capable of delivering tangible benefits. How do tourists view byways? Tourists rate byways at top of attractions. In 2005, Maine Tourism received almost 16,000 requests for information about Maine's designated byways; the second most common request after sightseeing. For travelers, the chance to leave the monotony of a highway for new and unique vistas is magnetic. By distinguishing the superior qualities of certain corridors, the byways program promotes community economic prosperity while offering travelers a broader array of educational and recreational experiences. Blackwoods Byway The Blackwoods Scenic Byway is currently the only designated scenic byway in Washington County. WCCOG serves on the advisory board for the Blackwoods Scenic Byway, which typically meets quality to address issues such as interpretative signage, and preservation of scenic vistas. WCCOG is a municipal membership organization that delivers a wide range of customized planning, advisory and resources development services to help communities build the future of Washington County, Maine.
		E-mail: Judy East, Executive Director Calais Office Washington County Council of Gov'ts PO Box 631, Calais, ME 04619 (207) 454-0465 Fax: (207) 454-2568 Toll free (888) 287-3006			E-mail: Jeremy Gabrielson, Senior Planner Machias Office Washington County Council of Gov'ts PO Box 617, Machias, ME 04654 (207) 255-0983 Fax: (207) 255-4987