Northwest Passage Scenic Byway An All-American Road Presentation to the 14 th Annual Northwest Tribal Transportation Symposium May 31, 2007
Northwest Passage Scenic Byway Where is it? North Central Idaho: U.S. 12 & S.H. 13 Lewiston, ID to Lolo Pass (ID/MT) 202 miles; elevation 700-5,200 ft Nez Perce Homeland Nez Perce NHT Lewis & Clark NHT Lochsa Wild & Scenic River Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Clearwater/Snake rivers Clearwater & Nez Perce NF Hells Canyon NRA
Northwest Passage Scenic Byway How the Route Evolved Trail to the buffalo for Nez Perce and Salish 1805: Lewis & Clark Expedition 1860: Gold Rush 1877: Flight of the Nez Perce 1930: CCC road 1948: Brink-and-a-Half Club 1962: Paved highway
Northwest Passage Scenic Byway Byway History 1989: State Scenic Byway
Northwest Passage Scenic Byway Byway History 1989: State Scenic Byway 1997: Corridor Management Plan Defined intrinsic qualities Defined intrinsic qualities (historic, cultural, archeological, recreational, scenic, natural) (historic, cultural, archeological, recreational, scenic, natural) Held 30 public meetings over 9 month planning process Held 30 public meetings over 9 month planning process Identified regional partnerships Identified regional partnerships Evaluated transportation safety Evaluated transportation safety Outlined design and interpretive guidelines Outlined design and interpretive guidelines Developed promotional programs Developed promotional programs Suggested 12 key sites for visitor facilities & services Suggested 12 key sites for visitor facilities & services
Northwest Passage Scenic Byway Byway History 1989: State Scenic Byway 1997: Corridor Management Plan : Improvements Transportation safety projects (passing lanes on U.S. Hwy 12) Byway logo signs and gateway signs Byway logo signs and gateway signs Site kiosks, orientation/interpretive signs, lighting & landscaping Site kiosks, orientation/interpretive signs, lighting & landscaping Public art Public art Audio tour Audio tour Promotion materials Promotion materials Public safety equipment Public safety equipment
Northwest Passage Scenic Byway Byway History 1989: State Scenic Byway 1997: Corridor Management Plan : Improvements 2002: National Scenic Byway Designation
Northwest Passage Scenic Byway Byway History 1989: State Scenic Byway 1997: Corridor Management Plan : Improvements 2002: National Scenic Byway 2004: Advisory Team Local, State, Tribal, Federal Local, State, Tribal, Federal Listen, build consensus, respond Listen, build consensus, respond
Northwest Passage Scenic Byway Byway History 1989: State Scenic Byway 1997: Corridor Management Plan : Improvements 2002: National Scenic Byway 2004: Advisory Team 2005: CMP Update Organizational Structure (Advisory Team) Public Participation: Grassroots Approach Resource Assessments & Management Strategies Extend Byway Boundaries Projects
Northwest Passage Scenic Byway Byway History 1989: State Scenic Byway 1997: Corridor Management Plan : Improvements 2002: National Scenic Byway 2004: Advisory Team 2005: CMP Update 2005: All-American Road “A destination unto itself.” An exceptional travel experience.
Northwest Passage Scenic Byway Byway Benefits/Accomplishments Increased marketing power and national exposure National website, National Geographic Guide Grants (transportation, safety, beautification initiatives) Wayfinding System & Interpretive Plans (2006); Steelhead Park and Viewshed Protection Projects (pending) Byway communities can influence, maintain, and improve their quality of life Collaboration and consultation with Nez Perce Tribe County and community officials are listening
Byway Resources Travelers: Grants/Designations: Education/Resources: Idaho State Byways: NW Passage Scenic Byway: Scott Eckberg/NPNHP: Wanda Keefer/Port of Clarkston: Mary Jahn/NWPSB Coordinator: