< PreviousCASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 4. Sustainable Destination Development 140 HOW DO YOU REACH CONTEXT SENSITIVE SOLUTIONS? 1. Strive towards a shared stakeholder vision to provide a basis for decisions. 2. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of contexts. 3. Foster continuing communication and collaboration to achieve consensus. 4. Exercise flexibility and creativity to shape effective solutions, while preserving and enhancing community and natural environments. WHAT FEATURES DO THESE GUIDELINES APPLY TO? There are a variety of structures and improvements that may be designed along the Cascade Loop that will be visible from the highway and as such, could affect scenic qualities if not designed properly. These include: Wayside pull-off areas that might have kiosks and/or interpretive panel displays Comfort stations/travelers rest stops Scenic overlooks/viewing areas Guardrails Signing and wayshowing elements along the highway, including site signs and markers Gateway treatments Fencing and walls Picnic areas/shelters Trailhead improvements/trail markers Sustainable Planning and Design Sustainability is an important consideration in planning and design of byway projects. Sustainable design balances human needs with the carrying capacity of the natural and cultural environments, avoiding or minimizing impacts to those environments. Sustainable design creates optimum and harmonious relationships between people and their environments. It allows opportunities for people to experience scenic qualities, natural habitats, wildlife, and plants with minimal effects on them. The scenic beauty and natural resources create abundant recreational opportunities attracting Cascade Loop visitors. In providing facilities and activities for visitors, special care must be taken to not negatively impact the very resources and qualities they are coming to experience. Retaining and enhancing existing aesthetics and visual character and protecting natural and cultural resources are the actions that will help preserve the sense of place around the Cascade Loop. In addition to avoiding and minimizing impacts to the natural and cultural environment, sustainable design minimizes energy use or generates energy, manages or reuses waste, and conserves water. Sustainable design maximizes the use of local renewable resources and recycled and recyclable materials. The use of imported goods is minimized as much as possible. Sustainable design seeks to do more with less—more function within less space and more sharing of resources and spaces. It also minimizes long term upkeep and replacement needs through the construction of lasting, durable improvements that require minimal maintenance and have a long life cycle. This results in a greater return on investment for public/capital expenditures. There are many excellent resources available to guide green building and sustainable design practices. Recommended Design Styles and Approaches for Roadside Elements Given that roadside elements are intended to complement the scenic byway, a design style that blends with the scenery and represents a park-like aesthetic is desirable. The contextually appropriate Rustic Cascadian style has been used in national and state parks in the Pacific Northwest and would fit well along the byway given that it extends through and to various parks and natural areas. As evident in Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)-built park infrastructure of the 1930s, the Rustic Cascadian style uses heavy timber and stone and integrates the craft arts such as blacksmithing, woodcarving, and other forms of art. There are existing Rustic Cascadian buildings and features along the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway in many of the regions, but particularly in Regions 2, 7, and 9. The Rustic Cascadian style is also complementary to the agricultural aesthetic (old barns, sheds, fencing) found in several areas along the byway. Features of the style, such as pitched roofs and board-and-batten siding in some cases, are consistent with architectural styles of the 1800s and early 1900s, also found along the byway. 4. Sustainable Destination Development CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 141 Given the strong influence of arts and crafts along some segments of the Cascade Loop, arts and crafts elements, such as tiles, carved wood features, and decorations could be integrated into the design of the roadside features, including Coast Salish and other Native American art and symbols with involvement of the tribes. In order to preserve and enhance the special characteristics of a place, it is important to have an in-depth understanding of the existing natural systems and cultural influences that are inherent to that place—the existing context of that place. When designing roadside features, consider the surrounding landscape and colors and blend features with the natural setting. Recommended Materials Palette To express the Rustic Cascadian style, natural, regionally available materials such as heavy, rough-hewn timbers or logs and the integral use of rock or stone are recommended. The images on the following pages represent a recommended materials palette for roadside features, such as: Heavy timbers/rough hewn logs Rock and stone Recycled barn wood Weathered steel Painted metal in earthtone colors Arts and crafts accents Design Examples and Concepts Examples are shown on the following pages to help inspire and guide the design of roadside elements along the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway. Features of the Rustic Cascadian Style Expression of substantial structural strength Low hugging profile/human scale emphasis Heavy timber (often log) and stone construction Unpeeled logs or half round logs or rough hewn timbers as beams, sometimes siding Multi-paneled windows (small paneled preferred) Exposed structure and decking Moderately to steeply pitched hipped and gable roofs Cedar shakes/shingles Sometimes asymmetrical composition Large stone chimneys Exterior materials and finishes complement the natural landscape such as rough-hewn wood, timbers, and rock; painted metal in earthtone accent colors Varied exterior textures Board-and-batten or shingled siding left unpainted Natural materials such as river boulders used at the foundation, bases of columns, etc. Hand-worked metal fixtures Hand-crafted wood details Hand crafted rustic decorative elements and artworks integrated into designCASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 4. Sustainable Destination Development 142 Design Examples and Concepts4. Sustainable Destination Development CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 143 Design Examples and ConceptsCASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 4. Sustainable Destination Development 144 Design Examples and Concepts4. Sustainable Destination Development CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 145 Design Examples and ConceptsCASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 4. Sustainable Destination Development 146 Extensive areas of land along and surrounding the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway are publicly owned and managed, including: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest; Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest; Henry M. Jackson, Glacier Peak, Lake Chelan-Sawtooth, and Pasayten Wilderness Areas; North Cascades National Park Complex (including Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and Ross Lake National Recreation Area); Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve; Various state parks, regional and local parks, federal wildlife refuge areas (protecting land and water areas), and state wildlife recreation areas. Many of the special places identified along the byway are located within these protected and publicly managed lands. Management and implementation plans developed by entities such as the National Park Service and the US Forest Service help to protect natural and cultural resources and manage visitation in ways that do not harm resources. There also are various land trusts that own and preserve areas along the byway, including the Methow Conservancy and the Whidbey-Camano Land Trust. In addition, there are conservation organizations that are committed to providing stewardship information and supporting special projects that help to protect natural areas. Various state, county, and city regulations also apply to land uses along the byway (including the state controls on billboards previously mentioned, as well as local regulations on land use, development, and signs). All of these ownership and management characteristics and provisions will help to ensure that the overall character and the intrinsic qualities of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway are preserved for future generations. As planning and management of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway experience continues in the future, it will be important for the Cascade Loop Foundation to maintain partnerships with public land managers and conservation groups. Sharing information such as results of visitor surveys that indicate interest in certain sites or concerns about the experience would be of mutual benefit. Preserving the Overall Character and Unique Qualities of the Byway Washington State Scenic and Recreational Highways These are sections of Washington State Highway that are identified in State law (RCW 47.39 and 47.42) and designated because of a need to develop management plans that will protect and preserve the scenic and recreational resources from loss through inappropriate development. Protection of scenic and recreational resources includes managing land use outside normal highway rights-of- way. The [State] legislature recognizes that scenic and recreational highways are typically located in areas that are natural in character, along watercourses or through mountainous areas, or in areas with a view of such scenery (RCW 47.39.020).4. Sustainable Destination Development CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 147 Washington State Scenic and Recreational Highways Strategic Plan, 2010-2030 WSDOT created a strategic plan for the state’s Scenic and Recreational Highway system. The strategic plan establishes goals and performance measures consistent with the state’s transportation policy goals (RCW 47.04.280) and: Provides guidance to WSDOT programs. Informs other planning efforts such as the Washington Transportation Plan. Increases awareness of the value of the state scenic system. Fulfills the need to include a Scenic and Recreational component in the Multi-Modal Transportation Plan as required by state law (RCW 47.06). Because Washington’s Scenic and Recreational Highways are part of the state transportation system, all associated programs and efforts must be consistent with the Transportation Policy Goals described in State law (RCW 47.04.280). The strategic plan establishes goals and performance measures for three of the state’s transportation policy areas including: SAFETY: Increase traveler safety through traveler services on Washington’s Scenic and Recreational Highways. MOBILITY: Enhance public access to scenic and recreational resources associated with the state’s Scenic and Recreational Highways. ENVIRONMENT: Plan for, protect, and preserve resources associated with Washington’s Scenic and Recreational Highways. Reliable existing data was available to support the performance measures associated with the Safety and Mobility goals, above. However, to measure progress toward the environmental goal, WSDOT identified additional data needs and contracted with the University of Washington (UW) to compile the data. In an independent study directed at the UW, a “Resource Planning Index” was created based on data from other state agencies, counties, and other sources. SR 20, North Cascades Highway, as viewed from the Washington Pass OverlookCASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 4. Sustainable Destination Development 148 The goals for preserving and enhancing scenic and recreational resources through increasing planning and integration, traveler services/tourism, and stewardship were articulated by the steering committee that advised the development of the strategic plan, through public comments received during plan development. Measuring progress toward the environmental goal can be informed through the Resource Planning Index developed as a result of the independent University of Washington study. Scenic Values The Resource Planning Index was partially informed by a map of areas with high scenic value compiled by WSDOT based on past studies from 1960 to 1990. The map on page 150 shows a segment of the North Cascades Scenic Highway (SR 20) and portions of US Highway/SR 2 as having high scenic value. From information in the strategic plan, it appears that this map is a starting point for identifying and monitoring scenic resources along designated Scenic and Recreational Highways in Washington. Coordination with WSDOT will be needed to determine the process for adding high scenic value areas to the map. For example, a Visual Resource Assessment completed for the Whidbey Scenic Isle Way identified several high quality scenic areas on Whidbey Island. This assessment was completed in 2005 as part of developing the corridor management plan for the Whidbey Scenic Isle Measuring Progress toward the Environmental Goal Way (after the 1960-1990 WSDOT study period), which could be why the map does not show any segments of high scenic value along that region of the Cascade Loop. Additional Visual Resource Assessment(s) following methods recognized by WSDOT may be needed to document other areas of high scenic value along the Cascade Loop not currently shown in the state map but that should be added. High quality scenic areas along the Cascade Loop that should be evaluated and potentially added to the state’s map include (but are not necessarily limited to): The high quality scenic experience at Deception Pass, available to motorists traveling the byway, as well as those who choose to get out at the wayside areas near the bridges and walk to viewpoints; Iconic views in the Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, Penn Cove, and surrounding vicinity; Other views of Puget Sound and the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges on Whidbey Island, the ferry route between Clinton and Mukilteo and in the vicinity of the Mukilteo shoreline; Views of the Snoqualmie River valley in the vicinity of Snohomish; Views of the Cascade range from the eastward approach on US Highway/SR 2; Scenic qualities of high value identified in the Stevens Pass Greenway Corridor Management Plan (now a National Scenic Byway), such as views of Mount Index, waterfalls, and other natural elements; Views of the Wenatchee River corridor; Views of the Lake Chelan area, including scenic vistas of vineyards; Scenic vistas of the Columbia River and shrub steppe natural landscape areas in the vicinity of Wenatchee, Entiat, and Pateros (and areas in between); Scenic vistas throughout the Methow Valley, along the winding Methow River, encompassing meadow and prairie landscapes with the North Cascades in the backdrop; Great Blue Heron camouflaged by driftwood near Penn Cove4. Sustainable Destination Development CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 149 Views of the upper Skagit River valley upon descent from the North Cascades on SR 20; Panoramic views of the flower bulb fields of the Skagit Valley in bloom in the spring; and Scenic vistas available at the Swinomish Channel crossing onto Fidalgo Island and of Lake Campbell. Resource Planning Index The Resource Planning Index developed by WSDOT with the support of the UW study provides a set of benchmarks for preservation and sustainability throughout the Scenic and Recreational Highway System. The data was peer reviewed and evaluated by other state agencies before being published. Building on the existing maps of scenic areas identified through past visual assessments, the Resource Planning Index compiled data associated with Washington’s Scenic and Recreational Highways and established a benchmark for tracking future performance that can be built on over time as new data is developed and acquired. The data compiled and mapped collectively as part of the Resource Planning Index includes: Natural Area Preserves Natural Resource Conservation Areas Parks Reserves Forests Historic Sites and Locations Major Destinations Water Bodies Natural Heritage Areas Current and Future Land Use Additionally, some opportunities for protection and preservation considered in the proposed Resource Planning Index include locations where: Important wildlife corridors that cross Scenic and Recreational Highways may provide opportunities for habitat preservation or (in the case of major highways) bridges for wildlife passage. Private land in proximity to existing protected land provides the opportunity to expand that protected area through the purchase of land or conservation easements. Highway culverts that block fish passage are opportunities for culvert removal/redesign and streambed restoration. Water bodies, streams, and wetlands in close proximity to highways provide opportunities for runoff management and stream flow restoration. Existing protected lands provide opportunities for enhancing the viability of those areas as functioning ecosystems (e.g., through addressing fish passage issues). Proximity to cultural, historic and other sites of importance provides opportunities to mitigate the impacts of highway traffic on those sites. Locations considered of high scenic value based on past WSDOT studies (1960-1990), and locations that have considerable opportunity for stewardship were identified as “hot spots” for resource preservation and protection potential. The Resource Planning Index is shown for Cascade Loop segments in the map on page 150. Areas with high potential for preserving and enhancing resources are shown in the map on page 151. A more detailed discussion of the UW methodology for calculating the Resource Planning Index values at locations along Scenic and Recreational Highways is described in the separate report titled Resource Planning Index Report by University of Washington 1 available on WSDOT’s website and through the Washington State Transportation Research Center. 1 All Background Papers, related Appendices, and supporting documents referenced in the Washington State Scenic and Recreational Highways Strategic Plan were found at WSDOT’s website previous to the closure of the program.Next >