< PreviousCASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 4. Sustainable Destination Development 1304. Sustainable Destination Development CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 131 Additional Signing Guidance A minimalistic approach has been taken with the installation of new signs along the scenic byway. Only those absolutely necessary to communicate the byway identity and notify travelers of important sites have been and will continue to be provided. All signs will be easy to read and clearly convey the intended information. Signs will be carefully designed and installed in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal requirements to avoid creating hazards to drivers and bicyclists. To avoid sign clutter, unnecessary, superfluous, and redundant signs will not be permitted. Signs will be consolidated. Signs will identify and provide direction to points of interest and intrinsic qualities of the byway, but not necessarily all places and businesses along the corridor. Outdoor Advertising Controls Compliance The Federal Highway Administration requires outdoor advertising controls for designated scenic byways and specifically prohibits billboards along scenic byways. In Washington, the Scenic Vistas Act of 1971, Chapter 47.42 RCW and Chapter 469-66 WAC, was enacted to promote and protect the natural beauty of areas adjacent to officially designated state scenic and recreational highways, as well as primary and interstate highways. The purpose of the Scenic Vistas Act was to promote the public health, safety, welfare, convenience, and enjoyment of public travel. The existence of the Scenic Vistas Act ensures that the Cascade Loop Scenic Highway will be in compliance with the FHWA requirement of no billboards and the presence of outdoor advertising controls. Local regulations at the county and city level also regulate outdoor advertising. In addition to Scenic Vistas Act requirements, state scenic, primary and interstate highways must comply with the Highway Beautification Act, Title 23 U.S.C., Section 131 (signs along the marine highway system are subject to these requirements). On-premise advertising signs are specifically regulated by the Scenic Vistas Act. An on-premise sign advertises an activity conducted on the property on which the sign is located. This type of sign is limited to identifying the establishment, or the principal or additional products or services offered on the property. State Route 20 approaching Liberty Bell MountainCASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 4. Sustainable Destination Development 132 Other Applicable Sign Regulations In addition to the federal and state laws related to the placement of outdoor advertising that are administered by the Washington State Department of Transportation, cities and counties regulate signing and advertising through local ordinances. All property owners are expected to comply with local, state, and federal regulations for outdoor advertising control along the corridor. Compliance with outdoor advertising requirements, in accordance with the provisions of the Scenic Vistas Act and other signing regulations, is verified by local authorities and WSDOT outdoor advertising inspectors and maintenance workers on a regular basis. For more information related to existing advertising and signing controls and guidelines, refer to: WSDOT Highway Advertising Control: Scenic Vistas Act WSDOT Highway Advertising Control: Motorist Information Signs WSDOT Scenic Byway Logo Signing Guidelines Local county and city code requirements pertaining to signing design and installation The Manual on Uniform Traffic Devices provides guidance for regulatory signing and pavement markings. Benefits of Implementing the Signing and Wayshowing Program Implementing a signing and wayshowing program will provide travelers and residents with an informative and attractive series of signs and wayshowing features along the byway that will supplement the existing signs, including existing regulatory and advisory signs. Consolidation of existing and potential future signs will help to minimize visual intrusion. Use of byway logo on trailblazer signs, gateway signs, kiosks, and other elements will reinforce the identity of the scenic byway and make visitors aware they are on the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway. Signing and Wayshowing Master Planning The following steps form the basis of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway Wayshowing and Signing Master Plan 1. Form a signing and wayshowing committee to examine current locations of signage and to propose appropriate sites and locations for additional signage, new monuments and new interpretive sites 2. Seek funding for a comprehensive viewshed analysis to examine potential areas for roadway safety and viewshed improvements, new monuments and interpretive sites 3. Coordinate with the Washington State Department of Transportation to confirm specific design requirements and procedures for fabrication and installation of any needed new signage 4. Coordinate with the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Washington State Parks and local counties and cities to ensure the sign program is developed in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements and to address signing and wayshowing needs that land managers may have for their sites 5. Seek funding to begin acting on necessary viewshed and roadway safety improvements 6. Seek funding to begin the design and messaging process for new monuments and interpretive sites Travelers enjoying the view from a kiosk at Ohme Gardens4. Sustainable Destination Development CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 133 7. Develop designs and messaging for new monuments and interpretive sites. Ensure that the designs represent the intrinsic qualities of the Cascade Loop 8. Obtain necessary permits and approval for installation of signs and gateway monuments. 9. Conduct roadway safety improvements identified in the viewshed analysis in partnership with the WSDOT. `0. Continue ongoing coordination with WSDOT and other jurisdictions related to sign maintenance. 11. Periodically survey byway visitors to monitor the success of the Signing and Wayshowing Program to answer the following questions: Are visitors able to find their way to, from and along the byway? Do they understand what key sites are part of the byway experience? Is the byway identity being conveyed strongly enough? Is directional signage sufficient to alert and safely lead byway travelers to approaching attractions or to side roads leading to byway destinations? Are scenic byway logo signs placed at a frequent enough interval? Are there conveniently located places where travelers can stop and view maps to become oriented to the byway? Proposed Signing and Interpretive Projects Following is a more detailed work plan for proposed projects involving planning, designing, and implementing signing and interpretive improvements along the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway. Prepare a signing and wayshowing master plan with sign design templates Prepare an interpretive master plan with design templates and guidelines Implement the signing and wayshowing improvements recommended in the master plan Implement Cascade Loop interpretive waysides projects Implementation will involve final design and fabrication, permitting and approvals, and installation/construction of interpretive, wayshowing, and signing elements along the Cascade Loop. Implementation costs will be higher than plan development because they include materials and labor for constructing elements such as kiosks, gateway signs, and trailblazer logo signs, as well as regulatory and environmental costs associated with installation. Purpose and Goals The overall purpose for completing these projects would be to create a more memorable and lasting impression of the Cascade Loop, improve visitor orientation, and broaden awareness of the full experience of the Cascade Loop, promoting the opportunities associated with all nine regions and encouraging visitors to extend their stay for multiple days. Key goals include the following: Create a cohesive identity throughout the Cascade Loop so that visitors understand where they are and that they are enjoying one part of a whole experience. Aid visitors in navigating the multiple routes and regions of the Loop. Build and strengthen the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway brand name. Provide interpretive and educational opportunities for visitors associated with the unique qualities and resources of each of the nine regions. Identify site-specific interpretive themes and opportunities that fit within the overall themes of the byway. Penn Cove mussel beds at sunset, CoupevilleCASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 4. Sustainable Destination Development 134 The full history and interesting stories of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway have yet to unfold through dynamic and vivid interpretive opportunities. Natural and cultural events across millennia shaped today’s unique environment forming and surrounding the Cascade Loop--its scenic vistas and related recreational opportunities. From the natural history that created the Cascades and its diverse ecosystems on the west and east sides of the crest, to the cultural heritage of the Coast Salish and the interior Columbia Plateau tribes, and the early exploration and pioneer settlements, today’s scenic and recreational opportunities are the direct result of that history and the associated stories would be impactful and meaningful to Cascade Loop locals and travelers. The recommendations for interpretation and improvements at sites along the scenic byway presented in this section of the corridor management plan include ideas and suggestions for communicating the many interesting stories of the Cascade Loop. These interpretive activities and site improvements will enhance experiences and build lasting memories for those who travel the byway. The byway eventually intends to develop a detailed interpretive master plan, and the information in this section of the corridor management plan will provide a foundation for that future work. The Purpose of Interpretation and Guiding Principles Interpretation is the process of providing opportunities for people to personally and meaningfully connect with a place. Each person may connect in a different way. Some may connect immediately, while others may reflect on their experience later as part of their memory of the place. Through mission-based communication, interpretation forges emotional and intellectual connections between the traveler and meanings inherent to the resources along the byway. Interpretation can be conveyed through a variety of tools and methods to help inspire these connections and make them memorable. The most effective interpretation translates information universally, so that it can be understood by people of all age groups and abilities. Interpretation should be creative, enjoyable, and interactive, conveyed through a variety of media including exhibits, visitor centers, electronic media technologies, audio/visual productions, publications, and personnel services such as guided hikes and tours. Interpretation can also help inspire an appreciation for the unique resources along the Cascade Loop and the need for their protection and preservation. Stewardship messages such as “leave no trace” and “tread lightly” will be integrated with interpretive messages. Interpretation begins with facts and information but then goes on to explore what those facts mean and how they relate to our everyday world. It uses spoken, written, and visual language to help the public see more clearly. Interpretation clarifies, explains, and even decodes and deciphers so the observer can begin to understand another time or generation. Good interpretation raises questions and encourages visitors to seek for themselves the information they need to understand what they are seeing. This understanding leads to appreciation, which, in turn, leads to protection. Telling Cascade Loop Stories Through Interpretation Interpretation is a core service provided in national parks across America. The National Park Service is guided by three tenets, or general principles in providing interpretation: Tenet 1 - Historic and cultural resources possess meanings and have significance. Tenet 2 - The visitor is seeking something of value for themselves. Tenet 3 - Interpretation, then, facilitates a connection between the interests of the visitor and the meanings of the resource. Interpretation in the National Park Service4. Sustainable Destination Development CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 135 Improving Site Conditions to Support Interpretation Along the Cascade Loop, sites where interpretation will be provided via outdoor displays may also need various improvements. For example, interpretation should be fully accessible to the traveling public, and as such should be located on firm, stable surfaces that are accessible to people in wheelchairs. Improving site conditions at these key locations where the stories of the byway will be conveyed is important. Providing a sufficient level of facilities and services for visitors will help to: Ensure a positive experience of the Cascade Loop and inspire an appreciation for the byway; Make people feel welcome and encourage them to return; and Enhance the process of learning and engagement between people and resources. In many cases, the land managers who own and maintain key sites along the Cascade Loop (such as the National Park Service and US Forest Service) have adopted management and interpretive plans that provide guidance for interpretation and that assess and prioritize the needs for improvements to facilities. These plans will be referenced with future development of the interpretive master plan and with future implementation of interpretive projects. Central Interpretive Themes An interpretive theme is a tool that helps interpreters reach their audience and express focused messages to help visitors understand. Well-defined interpretive themes are critical in providing meaningful and effective interpretive experiences for visitors. By focusing interpretation around themes, interpreters hope to inspire the audience to know that the resource is meaningful and to feel that its preservation matters. The central interpretive themes also represent an opportunity to unify interpretation throughout the byway. By implementing individual interpretive projects that convey these themes, but in unique, context-driven ways specific to each site and its resources, visitors will gain a cohesive experience. Key messages will be reinforced, helping to make their experience more memorable and meaningful. The following central interpretive themes have evolved from the corridor management planning process for the Cascade Loop, based on public input and review of existing interpretive plans developed for National Park Service sites and the existing designated byways around the Cascade Loop. These central interpretive themes will be referenced to link interpretive experiences across regions as part of providing a cohesive experience of the byway. DIVERSE LANDSCAPES, ECOSYSTEMS, AND SCENIC EXPERIENCES ARE THE RESULT OF NATURAL HISTORY AS WELL AS NATURAL PROCESSES THAT ARE VISUALLY APPARENT The west and east sides of the Cascades are vastly different and this diversity influences the scenic and recreational experiences of the Cascade Loop. The natural history and biodiversity of the regions are shaped by climate and weather conditions (such as the wetter, more temperate climate on the west side and arid conditions and more severe temperatures on the east side). These conditions influence the ways of life and industries in each region of the byway. ACCESSIBLE NATURE From wildlife watching to scenic views of the Cascades, and recreational experiences in the diverse natural areas and waterways of every region of the Cascade Loop, visitors have immediate access to nature. This access inspires a sense of stewardship and a commitment to geotourism principles. SIGNS OF RESILIENCY ARE VISIBLE IN THE LIVING LANDSCAPES From the Native American tribes who adapted to conditions on each side of the mountains, to later pioneers and settlers, adaptability and resiliency have been important in the success of communities throughout the Cascade Loop. Today’s vibrant cities, towns, and living and working landscapes along the byway demonstrate this resiliency. The history of many of the communities around the Cascade Loop provides a window to the past ways of life that have led to the survival and longevity of these places. AUTHENTIC WILDERNESS EXPERIENCES AND A WIDE VARIETY OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES Adventure seekers have access to extraordinary outdoor recreation opportunities. There are plenty of year-round recreation activities accessible to people of all ages and abilities throughout all regions of the Loop.CASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 4. Sustainable Destination Development 136 CULTURE AND HISTORY IN EVERY REGION HAVE BEEN SHAPED BY THE PROXIMITY OF THE CASCADES Today, we continue a long history of human life—for thousands of years people have found refuge, sustenance, challenge, tragedy, and inspiration in the Cascades. HUNDREDS OF FESTIVALS Festivals and events are part of the experience of every region of the byway. Visitors can enjoy celebrations throughout the year in the cities and towns along the Cascade Loop. LOCAL, AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES HIGHLIGHT REGIONAL DIVERSITY Access to local ways of life through agritourism (visiting farmstands and wine tours), culinary tourism (farm-to-table eateries), voluntourism (trail building), and other experiences along the Cascade Loop inspire an appreciation for the uniqueness of each region and lead to positive lasting memories of the byway. Interpretive Media Options The most effective interpretation makes places come alive through brief and powerful communications. The best interpretation immediately conveys core ideas—what is really significant and compelling about a place. The Cascade Loop will aim to avoid the tendency to over-interpret. Too many exhibits, signs, and displays and an over- abundance of non-historic elements placed at a site can detract from the experience by overwhelming people with too much information. The best interpretation leaves us wanting to learn more, wanting to explore further, and wanting to return again. Interpretive media and the tools and methods that aid interpretation are constantly evolving. Advances in technology that allow people to carry hand-held devices to access information over the Internet and to download specific programs are rapidly changing the face of interpretation and the way we experience natural and cultural destinations. While traditional means such as static interpretive displays and brochures can be effective, the use of electronic technologies offers long-term opportunities for more sustainable ways to tell the byway’s stories. Native plant overlooking Omak Lake, a Cascade Loop side trip favorite among repeat travelers4. Sustainable Destination Development CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 137 Interpretive Panels/Displays Thematically-designed interpretive panels can identify, describe, and illustrate a variety of site- specific messages. The best interpretive displays are highly illustrative, relying more on pictures and graphics to tell the stories than extensive text. Maps and photographs integrated into these displays help connect people to the places they are learning about. There are a variety of technologies available for creating interpretive panels and displays, including digital methods that are cost effective and easily updated and refreshed over time. Interpretive panels can be displayed in a number of ways, including on low-profile pedestals and upright kiosks. Low-profile displays allow the opportunity for visitors to view and connect with the landscape being interpreted, and they also minimize impacts to scenic qualities. Kiosks are useful in covering multiple display functions and allowing more capacity for viewing. They are best placed in areas where visual intrusion is not an issue and where there is good pedestrian circulation and access. Brochures, Guides, Maps, and Websites Brochures, guides, and maps can cover a number of different topics and themes. An overall scenic byway brochure/guide together with maps can highlight places of interest as well as present stewardship and interpretive messages. Specific brochures can highlight special touring experiences (such as “Waterfalls of the Cascade Loop,” “Farms and Fields,” and “Arts and Culture.”) Brochures could also provide information about natural areas and wildlife, historic sites and heritage, and other topics. Byway visitors can be directed to hiking trails and other recreational experiences. Some people prefer printed materials, but being more resourceful and minimizing waste and energy use are part of being sustainable. As much as possible, brochures, guides, and maps should be made available online so visitors can access them through hand-held devices and personal computers. They can then download and print the portions that they are interested in if they choose. The current Cascade Loop travel guidebook provides extensive information for visitors, but it is not meant as an interpretive guide. Specific interpretive guides may be developed to supplement the printed travel guide. Modern Demonstrations of Agricultural Operations, Arts, Crafts, and Culture Interpretive methods that celebrate today’s ways of life at sites along the byway will provide authentic experiences for visitors. Examples include immersing visitors in agricultural activities and festivals with local crafts. Providing interpretation with these activities helps to further enrich the experience. Audio/Visual/Digital/Electronic Media Audio and/or visual media, downloadable programs and podcasts, videos on Youtube, or other types of media can convey a variety of interpretive information to visitors. Audio/visual media would be centered on a theme, for example, the natural environment, historical stories and structures still present. As the byway organization plans toward sustainable methods for interpretation, it will consider how to implement more digital programs. Conveying interpretation electronically through apps and online can be an effective means of reaching more tech-savvy travelers. While internet access and cell phone connectivity are limited in some areas around the Cascade Loop, technology is rapidly improving all the time and most areas of the byway have access that would allow visitors to download a native app, for example, before proceeding to more remote areas. A “waypoint” or expanded “listening post” story program focused on conveying local history and cultural themes accessible at key points around the Cascade Loop may be explored. Self-Guided Tours Self-guided tours provide another opportunity to interpret the byway. Visitors and residents can take self-guided tours on bicycles or in their own vehicle, stopping at various sites along the byway. Self-guided tours may be accompanied by a brochure or through website materials that can be printed. “Farms and Barns,” “Arts and Culture,” “History and Heritage,” “Birds and Wildlife,” “Outdoor Recreation,” “Watchable Wildlife,” “Stewardship and Volunteering Opportunities,” and others are all potential topics for self-guided tours. Multi-lingual Information Information and interpretive media for non-English speaking visitors will be provided over time. Webpages, specific itineraries and/or audio media could be translated in multiple languages. Using international pictograms and icons in traveler information is also important. Most travelers from abroad speak and understand a basic level of English. Conveying information in concise, easy-to- read language that emphasizes key points to travelers and through illustrations that communicate important information to everyone, no matter what their native language may be, are important keys to successful communication with multi-lingual visitors, as well as people of all ages and abilities.CASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 4. Sustainable Destination Development 138 The Cascade Loop Scenic Byway is known for its scenic and recreational qualities. Designing roadside elements in a manner that complements and enhances these qualities will preserve and enhance the byway character. The byway encompasses diverse landscapes including river valleys, rolling hills, forests, high mountain terrain, prairies and meadows, rural pockets of development, homesteads, working farms, orchards, vineyards, ranches, shrub steppe landscape, and cities and towns. Roadside elements will be designed to fit the context and setting where they are being installed. Local, state, and federal design standards and requirements will be referenced as applicable. Applicability of the Design Guidelines As projects and improvements are implemented along the byway, planners and designers involved with those efforts can refer to these guidelines for design examples and concepts, which are responsive to and consistent with the byway’s existing visual character. The intent of providing these is not to strictly regulate or mandate design approaches, but rather to guide, encourage, and set the stage for how byway elements and roadside improvements could be designed and implemented. These guidelines will be most applicable to improvements along and within the scenic byway right-of-way. Design Resources and Requirements There are several helpful resources available to planners and designers involved in developing roadside elements along the scenic byway: Wayside Exhibits, A Guide to Developing Outdoor Interpretive Exhibits, National Park Service Scenic Byways—A Design Guide for Roadside Improvements, USDA Forest Service and US Department of Transportation The Built Environment Image Guide for the National Forests and Grasslands, USDA Forest Service Planners and designers also will need to reference all applicable local, state, and federal design standards and requirements, including: National Park Service, US Forest Service, and Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission requirements for projects adjacent to or within their managed lands International Building Code, as well as Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and Outdoor Developed Area Accessibility Guidelines (ODAAG) American Association of Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Design Guides, Including A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (the Green Book), A Guide For Achieving Flexibility in Highway Design, Guide for Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities, and Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities General Design Guidelines for Roadside Elements4. Sustainable Destination Development CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 139 WSDOT Scenic Byway Logo Signing Guidelines, Design Standards, and other applicable requirements for improvements along state highways Cultural resource preservation requirements that apply to all federally funded projects and require consultation with Native American tribes of the region, as well as the State Historic Preservation Officer Other requirements that may be applicable to the specific site/location depending on ownership and jurisdiction including county and city requirements Overall Guiding Principles for Planning and Design The following overall guiding principles apply to the planning and design of roadside elements along the scenic byway. Preserve and enhance the existing scenic qualities and visual character of the byway and surrounding visible landscapes through context-sensitive design approaches. Strengthen the presence of and create a consistent “brand identity” in ways that enhance the visitor experience and leave a positive memorable impression of the byway. Provide aesthetic cohesiveness in the selection of materials, colors, and design styles for development of roadside elements and new features along the byway. Provide features that will help guide visitors/travelers and promote recognition of the byway. Improve safety for byway travelers through enhanced wayshowing elements and wayside improvements. The Importance of Context Sensitive Solutions Improvements within the scenic byway right-of-way, along the roadside, or on lands visible from the byway can affect the scenic qualities and visual characteristics of the corridor. Applying a context sensitive approach in design can help in avoiding or minimizing impacts to these scenic qualities. WHAT ARE CONTEXT SENSITIVE SOLUTIONS? Context sensitive solutions (CSS) result from a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that involves all stakeholders in providing a design solution that fits its setting. For transportation and roadside improvements, it is an approach that leads to preserving and enhancing scenic, aesthetic, historic, community, and environmental resources, while improving or maintaining safety, mobility, and infrastructure conditions. The project satisfies the purpose and need as agreed to by a full range of stakeholders. This agreement is forged in the earliest phase of the project and amended as warranted as the project develops. The project is a safe facility for both the user and the community. The project is in harmony with the community, and it preserves environmental, scenic, aesthetic, historic, and natural resource values of the area, i.e., exhibits context sensitive design. The project exceeds the expectations of both designers and stakeholders and achieves a level of excellence in people’s minds. The project involves efficient and effective use of the resources (time, budget, community) of all involved parties. The project is designed and built with minimal disruption to the community. The project is seen as having added lasting value to the community. Source: Thinking Beyond the Pavement: A National Workshop on Integrating Highway Development With Communities and the Environment, Federal Highway Administration Context Sensitive DesignNext >