< PreviousCASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 4. Sustainable Destination Development 150 Clallam Jefferson Grays Harbor Mason Pacific Cowlitz Lewis Thurston Clark Skamania Pierce King Snohomish Skagit Whatcom Chelan Okanogan Douglas Lincoln Spokane Stevens Ferry Adams Whitman Garfield Asotin Columbia Walla Walla Franklin Benton Klickitat Yakima Kittitas UV 20 £ ¤ 2 §¨¦ 90 £ ¤ 12 £ ¤ 97 £ ¤ 97 UV 112 UV 20 £ ¤ 195 UV 14 UV 141 § ¨¦ 5 UV 503 UV 6 £ ¤ 12 UV 262 UV 261 UV 231 UV 155 UV 9 UV 542 UV 129 Grant KitsapKitsap Island San San JuanJuan Pend Oreille Wahkiakum Wahkiakum £ ¤ 101 £ ¤ 2 £ ¤ 12 UV 20 UV 410 UV 99 § ¨¦ 90 §¨¦ 5 : 0204010Miles Resource Planning Index for Scenic and Recreational Highways * Tribal lands data source: Census 2000, Federally Recognized American Indian Reservations and Trust Lands. High : 45 Low : 0 Tribal Lands* City Limits OREGON BRITISH COLUMBIA IDAHO Resource Planning Index Values4. Sustainable Destination Development CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 151 Clallam Jefferson Grays Harbor Mason Pacific Cowlitz Lewis Thurston Clark Skamania Pierce King Snohomish Skagit Whatcom Chelan Okanogan Douglas Lincoln Spokane Stevens Ferry Adams Whitman Garfield Asotin Columbia Walla Walla Franklin Benton Klickitat Yakima Kittitas UV 20 £ ¤ 2 § ¨¦ 90 £ ¤ 12 £ ¤ 97 £ ¤ 97 UV 112 UV 20 £ ¤ 195 UV 14 UV 141 §¨¦ 5 UV 503 UV 6 £ ¤ 12 UV 262 UV 261 UV 231 UV 155 UV 9 UV 542 UV 129 Grant KitsapKitsap Island San San JuanJuan Pend Oreille WahkiakumWahkiakum £ ¤ 101 £ ¤ 2 £ ¤ 12 UV 20 UV 410 UV 99 §¨¦ 90 § ¨¦ 5 : 0306015Miles Locations of Highest Scenic Value As Identified through studies conducted by WSDOT between 1960 and 1990 * Tribal lands data source: Census 2000, Federally Recognized American Indian Reservations and Trust Lands. Tribal Lands* City Limits Locations of Highest Scenic Value OREGON BRITISH COLUMBIA IDAHO5Action Plan & Implementation5. Action Plan CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 153 The action plan in this chapter of the Cascade Loop Scenic Highway Corridor Management Plan presents a list of proposed actions that are priorities based on input from the byway organization, stakeholders, and the public. Recommendations were gathered during multiple workshop sessions and meetings held during the planning process. The Action Plan Summary Table, which starts on page 6-9, describes, prioritizes, and assigns actions and projects to entities that could support implementation. Overview Anticipated Benefits and Opportunities of Implementing the Action Plan Implementing the action plan will result in many benefits and opportunities, including achieving the vision, mission, values, and goals identified in Chapter 1. Benefits of implementation are organized into the five categories shown to the right. These benefits align with the primary goals for the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway, as well as general scenic byway planning guidance provided by the Federal Highway Administration. Of a long list of potential byway actions initially submitted, only those aligning with multiple categories of these benefits were included in the Action Plan. (Refer to the Action Plan Summary Table starting on page 159.) The discussion below summarizes each of the categories of anticipated benefits and key opportunities related to implementation. Although the categories of benefits are listed numerically, this is not a ranking—each category is important to the long-term success of the Cascade Loop Scenic Highway. 1. Enhancing Visitor Experience 2. Strengthening Brand Identity and Character 3. Expanding Multi-Modal Transportation Options and Encouraging Green Travel 4. Preserving and Protecting Important Resources and Intrinsic Qualities 5. Improving Community Livability and Economic Vitality Proposed actions include projects, programs, strategies, and other initiatives that the Cascade Loop Association and its partners can work toward implementing over the next ten years and beyond, as part of ongoing byway management and stewardship. Along with presenting proposed actions for the byway, this chapter of the plan also summarizes the anticipated benefits and opportunities related to implementation. This chapter summarizes key issues and considerations that influenced development of the action plan, along with recommendations for implementing and updating the action plan.CASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 5. Action Plan 154 Enhancing Visitor Experience There are many places along the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway that provide wonderful experiences for visitors, as well as people who live and work along the byway. These existing experiences are unique and memorable, and they continue to draw visitors year after year. Cascade Loop experiences provide opportunities to: Become immersed in breath-taking scenery and views. Engage with nature and learn about natural resources, diverse ecosystems, and wildlife Learn about the diverse history and culture of Washington state. Appreciate a variety of arts from public art and murals to galleries, studios, and performances. Enjoy local cuisine, wines, hand-crafted beverages, and other delights in each region around the Cascade Loop. Relax in peaceful settings, whether in the mountains, at the beach, or in between. Be involved in a wide variety of festivals and special events with activities for all ages and interests. Take part in many different forms of recreation, including water and land based activities, all around the Cascade Loop. This action plan includes proposed actions and projects that will enhance these existing unique experiences and create new experiences. Recommendations to expand and enhance visitor facilities along the byway with information kiosks, interpretive waysides, wayfinding signs, and other amenities will enhance the visitor experience and provide educational and interpretive opportunities for visitors and residents alike. Strengthening Brand Identity & Character New facilities and improvements along the byway should be designed and constructed with care to ensure they represent the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway’s brand identity and are visually compatible with the scenic character of each unique region and setting. Many of the proposed actions will reinforce the byway’s identity throughout all regions so visitors understand that they are on the Cascade Loop as they enjoy each place. Installing scenic byway logo signs and expanding the branding and identity of the Cascade Loop will help to achieve this. Information kiosks and interpretive waysides should be designed to express the brand identity of the Cascade Loop and to be cohesive with each setting in which they are placed. Implementing byway projects in accordance with the design guidelines in Chapter 4 of this plan, as well as other applicable local, state, and federal requirements, will help to ensure that the character of the byway and the lands along it are preserved and enhanced over the long term. Expanding Multi-Modal Transportation Options & Encouraging Green Travel The benefits that relate to transportation include expanding multi-modal options so visitors have more choices in how they travel around and along the Cascade Loop, as well as improving transportation functions as planned and implemented through the Washington State Department of Transportation. There is a strong interest in creating the first continuously “green” scenic byway in Washington and potentially the nation, with electric-vehicle charging stations available at convenient hubs all along the Cascade Loop. Providing continuous bicycling facilities (whether bike lanes, trail segments, or side tour routes) throughout the entire Cascade Loop is another objective for creating a green corridor. Encouraging visitors to stop and get out of their vehicles to enjoy the many wonderful places along the Cascade Loop is also part of the plan—the more people experience the byway’s unique resources on foot, bicycle, horseback, in a canoe, kayak, hot air balloon, or other means, the more up close and memorable their experience will be! Encouraging sustainable travel is also consistent with the importance of preserving the scenic and natural resources that draw people to the Cascade Loop. Expanding multi-modal transportation options also plays an important role in balancing the needs of all byway travelers, visitors, and residents alike. Reducing traffic and congestion is an important consideration along some segments of the Cascade Loop. The more visitors that experience portions of the byway via bicycling, walking, water craft, etc, the less traffic and congestion there will be in those areas, and more capacity will be available for residents carrying out their daily business and activities.5. Action Plan CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 155 Preserving and Protecting Important Resources & Intrinsic Qualities Enhancing the experience of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway is directly related to preservation and protection of the resources that contribute to this experience. There are many resources along the byway that visitors come to experience. Identifying methods to retain and sustain resources that are the essence of the byway experience is a primary purpose of byway management planning. The byway’s intrinsic qualities are abundant, within all six of the categories recognized by the Federal Highway Administration for their importance to byways: scenic, natural, archaeological, historic, cultural and recreational. Byway plan actions should focus on minimizing impacts to these intrinsic qualities and preserving the unique and sensitive resources of the corridor. Key opportunities within this category include: Analysis of visitor management needs at key sites Enhancement of parks and sites with natural and cultural resources Protection and rehabilitation of historic sites and buildings Preservation of view corridors and key resource lands In the case of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway, there are extensive stretches of land in each region that are managed by public agencies and land trust organizations. These land managers are working hard to protect and preserve important resources along the byway on an ongoing basis. The byway holds an important role in supporting these entities in their land management responsibilities. The Cascade Loop Association provides a forum for byway land managers and stewards throughout all regions to come together, coordinate, and plan cooperatively for the future. Improving Community Livability & Economic Vitality Millions of visitors come to experience at least some portion of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway each year. These visitors from other states and nations can gain an in-depth understanding of Washington state—its diversity and the local ways of life in each region. Part of the experience comes from being immersed in the every-day culture of communities along the byway. To residents and business owners, the Cascade Loop is more than a scenic byway. In many cases it may be the route they use to travel to and from home and work. Tourism generated by the byway may be critical to their business and the collective economic health of each community. For these reasons, the proposed actions in the plan need to address not only visitors’ needs and interests, but also those of the byway’s communities. Cascade Loop Association members are residents and business owners, and they serve a critical role as stewards and volunteers supporting the byway. Byway projects should not only provide opportunities for visitors, but also enhance community livability, economic opportunities, and the quality of life in each region. In addition, the more public and community participation there is in implementing byway projects and actions, the more successful this plan and the byway overall will be. Tundra swans explore muddy fields in the Skagit Valley during winterCASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 5. Action Plan 156 Summary of Important Issues & Considerations Influencing Development of the Action Plan Several important issues and considerations have influenced the development of this action plan and the specific projects and actions proposed for the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway, including: Gaining a thorough understanding of the existing conditions of the byway and needed enhancements to inform the action plan Obtaining extensive input and comments from community groups, special interests, and the public during byway workshops, meetings, and plan development Reviewing locally adopted plans and policies as well as existing plans of federal and state land management agencies along the byway Aligning proposed actions with the vision, mission, values, and goals for the byway (see Chapter 1) and the key benefits described on the preceding pages Relating proposed actions to the intrinsic qualities of the byway Identifying opportunities to enhance visitor facilities and interpretation along the byway, from orientation and information needs at byway gateways and hubs, as well as on board the ferries, to wayside interpretation, wayshowing, roadside pull off areas, and other improvement needs at individual sites Enhancing traveler safety and providing more sustainable multi-modal travel options Providing ongoing opportunities for public and stakeholder involvement in the implementation of the corridor management plan and projects identified in the action plan Guide to Information in the Action Plan Summary Table Specific categories of information are addressed in the Action Plan Summary Table, as described below and on the next page. Implementation Timeframe The Action Plan Summary Table shows the anticipated implementation timeframe for each action item. Many of the recommendations relate to ongoing byway planning and management activities. Timeframe goals for implementation of each action item are identified according to the following categories. ONGOING The action/strategy should occur continuously throughout the future of the byway as part of its ongoing management. NEAR TERM The action should be initiated and completed within one to three years. MID TERM The action should be initiated and completed within four to six years. FAR TERM The action should be initiated and completed within seven to ten years or more. It is important to note that timeframe references are goals. Actual timing of implementation will depend on many factors. Action items identified as Near Term are those projects and strategies that can be achieved within a relatively short time (1-3 years). In the future, as some of the near term action items are accomplished, the list should be re-prioritized and other action items should be moved up in priority. Also, with ongoing planning and community involvement, additional action items can be added to the list in the future.5. Action Plan CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 157 Recommended Action Items—Introduction to the Action Plan Summary Table Action items include strategies, programs, enhancements, and improvements that when implemented will help accomplish the vision, mission, values, and goals of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway, The Action Plan Summary Table starting on page 159 lists proposed actions for the byway and is organized with actions that pertain to the overall byway listed first, followed by action items for each region of the Cascade Loop Scenic Highway. A number, title, and description are provided for each action item. Resources and Estimated Costs The Action Plan Summary Table provides a description of anticipated resources, such as staffing that may be needed to implement each action item as relevant. Estimated costs are also listed for each action item, which include preliminary projections of the anticipated costs associated with implementation (design, construction, permitting, and other costs) in 2014 dollars. Cost categories shown are as follows. VERY LOW: < $10,000 LOW: $10,001 to $50,000 MEDIUM: $50,001 to $100,000 HIGH: > $100,000 It is important to note that the higher the estimated cost, the more partners and resources it will likely take for successful implementation. While projects in the “very low,” “low,” and “medium” categories may be able to be implemented through local fundraising, projects in the “high” category likely will require other funding such as through agency support and grant programs. Leadership and Partners The Action Plan Summary Table lists a primary lead responsibility for each action item, as well as other partners and interests who may provide support for implementation. Goals and Benefits As previously described, implementation of specific action items will achieve plan goals and result in benefits under the categories of: 1. Enhancing Visitor Experience 2. Strengthening the Brand Identity and Character of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway 3. Expanding Multi-Modal Transportation Options and Encouraging Green Travel 4. Preserving and Protecting Important Resources and Intrinsic Qualities 5. Improving Community Livability and Economic Vitality Many of the action items support multiple of these categories, and in some cases all of them, as identified in the Action Plan Summary Table. Wayside Chapel travelers rest stop, SR 2 CASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 5. Action Plan 158 Identifying Potential Projects & Strategies Is Only the First Step This action plan is intended to be a guide for future byway planning, management, and implementation efforts. It reflects the latest project updates as of February, 2020. The Action Plan was based on community input, review of existing conditions, and a conceptual level of planning. Action items listed are suggestions, not mandates or requirements. If pursued, each action item will need further consideration and analysis as part of the implementation process. Further coordination with applicable regulatory agencies and other stakeholders, as well as ongoing public participation, will be necessary. Project implementation will be contingent on available funding sources and other factors. Projects potentially considered for funding through capital investment programs will need to be further prioritized as part of town, county, state, or federal capital improvements programming and budgeting. Individual project sites will need to be analyzed in more detail as part of future design efforts to identify land use approval requirements, determine potential sensitive areas and required mitigation, and identify environmental and land use permitting requirements. Projects will need to be designed and implemented in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal standards and guidelines. Geotechnical analysis, biological assessments, wetland delineations, wildlife habitat analysis, and other types of studies may be required as part of project implementation. Updating the Action Plan It is recognized that the priorities of the communities along the byway will change over time, and the Action Plan should be reviewed periodically, updated, and amended as necessary, adding new strategies and projects, and removing those that have become reality. It may also be necessary to assign new timeframe goals to the recommendations. This plan reflects the latest project updates as of February, 2020. Funding and Resources for Implementation Potential funding sources and other resources that may be available to support the projects and actions are diverse. Projects/actions may be eligible for multiple sources of funding. Byway partners will need to further research these sources to determine applicability. Implementing and Updating the Action Plan Woman and other guests walking through the streets of Leavenworth5. Action Plan CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 159 Action Plan Summary Table Cascade Loop Overall CL 1 Cascade Loop Foundation and Association will work together to manage and coordinate the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway and will: Continue to fund a full-time staff position and explore the possibility of hiring a part-time administrative assistant. Represent each region through equitable representation on the board Ensure that the CMP is acted on through annual work planning Evaluate performance annually Near TermMinimum one full time staff; possible one part time staff; volunteer time for group/board involvement Cascade Loop Foundation Cascade Loop Association CL 2 Pursue All-American Road designation (through National Scenic Byways Program). Near Term (At Next Call for Applications) Staff/board involvement Cascade Loop Foundation working with WSDOT, state legislators, members of Congress, and partners throughout all regions CL 3 Research and pursue funding and grant opportunities for projects along the Cascade Loop. Near TermStaff/board involvement Cascade Loop Foundation and Partners CL 4 Continue installation of wayshowing and signing Update Notes: 80 byway markers and 4 gateway signs designed and installed Near TermEstimated Cost: Medium Cascade Loop Foundation CL 5 Update and expand the Cascade Loop brand and develop a branding/ graphic design/sign design package that encompasses the identity of the nine regions. Update Notes: rebranding completed 2015 Near TermStaff/task force involvement Estimated Cost: Medium Cascade Loop Association Goals and Benefits As previously described, implementation of specific action items will achieve plan goals and result in benefits under the categories of: 1. Enhancing Visitor Experience 2. Strengthening the Brand Identity and Character of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway 3. Expanding Multi-Modal Transportation Options and Encouraging Green Travel 4. Preserving and Protecting Important Resources and Intrinsic Qualities 5. Improving Community Livability and Economic Vitality Many of the action items support multiple of these categories, and in some cases all of them, as identified in the Action Plan Summary Table.Next >