< PreviousCASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 5. Action Plan 160 CL 6 Develop an Interpretive Plan to study best physical locations and topics for interpretive/informational kiosks and wayside improvements. Create design templates for distinctive kiosks, located near the entrance to each region and designed in the Rustic Cascadian style. Update Notes: Initial planning and stakeholder meetings held. Viewshed Analysis & Plan needed before Interpretative planning can move forward Near TermEstimated Cost: Medium Cascade Loop Foundation CL 7 Finalize design for and develop a system of wayshowing elements (signs and kiosks) for the Cascade Loop as follows: Byway logo (trailblazer) signs/route markers designed and located in accordance with WSDOT standards Update Notes: 80 signs designed & installed Larger, distinctive gateway signs at each change in region, designed in the Rustic Cascadian style Update Notes: 4 designed and installed Directional signs located upon approach to the Cascade Loop, designed in accordance with WSDOT standards. Update Notes: Included in byway marker installation Information/interpretive kiosks at improved wayside locations This key project is described in more detail in Chapter 4 of the corridor management plan. Near Term for Design; Mid-Term to Ongoing for Implementation Staff/task force involvement Cascade Loop Foundation and Partners CL 8 Support ongoing creation of murals in small towns/communities along the Cascade Loop, a tradition that has already started. OngoingEstimated Cost: Low to Medium (each mural) Cascade Loop Foundation in overall support role CL 9 Utilize technology to develop communications and collateral materials that express the updated branding, mapping, and graphic design for the Cascade Loop, These materials could include: Website Update Notes: new site live 2014, 2019 Mobile app Audio listening posts (possible partnership with IRIS) Online souvenir shopping cart Near Term to Long Term Staff/task force involvement Cascade Loop Association Cascade Loop Foundation CL 10 Continue to support installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations infrastructure throughout Loop. EV infrastructure exists in all regions (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9), but more may be needed to provide more frequent charging locations. Update Notes: Entire byway accessible to EV drivers, 2015 Mid-Term to Long Term Estimated Cost: High Plug-In NCW and WA State EV Working Group Cascade Loop Foundation in overall support role 5. Action Plan CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 161 CL 11 Work with WSDOT to develop continuous bike lanes and trail segments around the Cascade Loop. Pursue tie-in with planned cross-country bike route. OngoingStaff/volunteer time Estimated Cost: High (to complete improvements) WSDOT, with support from Cascade Loop Foundation, Communities, and Partners CL 12 Galvanize partnerships around the entire loop through coordinated planning and activities. OngoingStaff/volunteer timeCascade Loop Association, Communities around the Cascade Loop, and Partners CL 13 Develop signature experiences/self-guided itineraries to attract visitors in different market segments. Experiences should be truly unique; “can’t miss opportunities”; and not limited to one specific event. Activities could include group tours, bike tours, etc. Potential visitor market segments could include: Retirees Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts Families with Young Children Others to be Identified Update Notes: New itineraries were added to cascadeloop.com in 2019 in addition to custom itinerary-builder. Initial itineraries provided to NCWEDD in 2014. Near Term and Ongoing Estimated Cost: Low to Medium, leveraging staff time Cascade Loop Association NCWEDD CL 14 Help create a network of local experts representing each region along the Cascade Loop that focuses on regional history and culture, in an effort to educate travelers on each region’s unique story. Partner with local museums, historians, land trusts, and chambers of commerce. Near Term and Ongoing Staff/volunteer timeCascade Loop Foundation, Communities around the Cascade Loop, and Partners 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.CASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 5. Action Plan 162 CL 15 Work with partners to identify sites that need protection and build protection mechanisms into future planning and projects. Near Term and Ongoing Staff/volunteer timeCascade Loop Foundation CL 16 Include Cascade Loop Corridor areas (e.g. Plain-Lake Wenatchee Loop) in future plans (e.g. a unified signage plan) and future marketing (e.g. the Cascade Loop Guidebook). Update Notes: Side Trips have been formally added to the printed Travel Guide and as a new section on cascadeloop.com Near Term and Ongoing Staff/volunteer timeCascade 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.5. Action Plan CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 163 Region 1 | Snohomish River Valley SRV 1 Research advertising with Washington State Ferries to promote and market the Cascade Loop via displays/posted information onboard the ferry and at the ferry terminals; could be a map, poster, and/or graphic created specifically for this purpose. Update Notes: all advertising on WS ferries is managed through Certified Folder and cost prohibitive at the time, 2014. Near TermEstimated Cost: Low (staff coordination and then production of display materials) Cascade Loop Association working with Washington State Ferries SRV 2 Identify locations for Cascade Loop Scenic Byway wayside stops with kiosk(s) in Region 1 and provide interpretation related to local scenic overlooks and natural resources. Consider other programs and methods to enhance the sense of gateway to the Cascade Loop in Region 1 communities (Mukilteo, Snohomish, and Monroe). Update Notes: Initial meetings were held but it was decided that since Snohomish County was midstream through its wayshowing planning, the process should be tabled until their needs were identified. Also, a comprehensive Viewshed Analysis is also needed to precede a formal Interpretive Plan. Near TermEstimated Cost: Very Low (staff coordination and then building actions into local marketing/ promotional efforts) City of Mukilteo, City of Snohomish, City of Monroe, local chambers of commerce, and other partners working with the Cascade Loop Foundation SRV 3 Support ongoing Japanese Gulch trail development (in the Mukilteo Speedway vicinity) and expansion. Provide historical interpretation about Japanese heritage in Mukilteo and other historical themes. OngoingEstimated Cost: High City may need to provide local match to federal and state grants and allocate local capital funding City of Mukilteo with support of Cascade Loop partners SRV 4 Consider locations and raise funding to install photo opportunity kiosks/ booths designed to support smart phone/camera use at key locations. Locations could be found by GPS coordinates. QR codes could be provided at these locations that link to electronic stories (natural and cultural history interpretation). Update Notes: This project to be tied to an overall Interpretive Plan that will be developed after the Snohomish County wayshowing plan is completed and a Cascade Loop Viewshed Analysis has been conducted. Near Term: Define Project and Locations Mid-Term: Seek Funding and Implement Estimated Cost in Near Term: Very Low Mid-Term: Low to Medium City of Mukilteo with support of Cascade Loop partners; could expand over entire Loop SRV 5 Provide additional signing in Snohomish to clarify how to get to the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway. Also encourage visitors to take Bickford Avenue exit and go down 1st Street; link Cascade Loop visitors to Snohomish history. Update Notes: Initial Cascade Loop signing complete. Additional wayshowing signage still needed. Near TermEstimated Cost: Very Low to Low City of Snohomish with support of Cascade Loop partners SRV 6 Complete Centennial Trail through Monroe and to the south; with signing improvements to enhance trail use and interpretation to convey historical themes (Snohomish to Bryant is 60 miles roundtrip with multiple access points and plans to connect with Skagit Valley). Mid-TermEstimated Cost: High City of Monroe, with support of Cascade Loop partners CASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 5. Action Plan 164 SRV 7 Provide additional signing in Monroe to clarify the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway route (“straight to follow the Cascade Loop”). Also use signing to encourage visitors to take a loop off Highway 2 to go down historic main street in Monroe. Update Notes: Initial Cascade Loop signing complete. Additional wayshowing signage still needed. Near TermEstimated Cost: Very Low City of Monroe with support of Cascade Loop partners; coordinate with WSDOT SRV 8 Support the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in ongoing plans for improvements to Highway 2 to reduce traffic congestion and enhance safety with a focus on the segment from Monroe to the east. Update Notes: Cascade Loop Board President actively lobbying on behalf of this issue. OngoingEstimated Cost: High (for highway improvements) WSDOT with support from local communities and Cascade Loop partners SRV 9 Work with WSDOT to implement continuous bike lanes, side bike tours, and/or separated shared use paths (paralleling the route) throughout this region of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway. The first step of this action could be a non-motorized transportation analysis/study for the Cascade Loop to identify gaps in existing bicycling facilities. Near Term: Non-motorized transportation analysis/study Mid-Term: seek funding Long Term: implementation Estimated Cost: Low to Medium for analysis/study High (for bike lane improvements) Cascade Loop Foundation, local communities and partners working with WSDOT 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.5. Action Plan CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 165 Region 2 | Stevens Pass Greenway SP 1 Identify locations for Cascade Loop Scenic Byway wayside stops with kiosk(s) in Region 2 and provide interpretation related to scenic overlooks and natural resources. Update Notes: Initial meetings were held but it was decided that since Snohomish County was midstream through its wayshowing planning, the process should be tabled until their needs were identified. Also, a comprehensive Viewshed Analysis is also needed to precede a formal Interpretive Plan. Near TermEstimated Cost: Very Low (This action involves coordination time; implementation would occur under action CL-7) Local communities, Cascade Loop Foundation and Partners SP 2 Enhanced highway signing to direct visitors in this region: In advance of viewpoint pull offs along the river Alternative, off-highway routes for bicyclists and pedestrians On US Highway 2 for “Osprey Park Trails” To public restrooms To interpretive center To Cascade Loop Scenic Byway Update Notes: Initial Cascade Loop signing complete. Additional wayshowing signage still needed. Near Term to Mid-Term Estimated Cost: Very Low to Low Local communities, Cascade Loop Foundation and partners working with WSDOT working together with support of Cascade Loop Association SP 3 At the Sultan Travelers Park/Rest Stop: re-landscape area between US Highway 2 and railroad; include restrooms, parking, interpretive kiosks, walkways; and provide interpretation about logging history. Near TermEstimated Cost: High City of Sultan, Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce, Stevens Pass Greenway SP 4 Build pedestrian trail and bridge connections between the four parks in Sultan. Mid-Term and OngoingEstimated Cost: High City of Sultan, Sky Valley Chamber SP 5 Develop the trail under US Highway 2 bridge along the Skykomish River in Sultan. OngoingEstimated Cost: HighCity of Sultan SP 6 Install information/welcome signs in City of Sultan. Incorporate Cascade Loop logo, and/or reinforce the sense of gateway to the Cascade Loop in Sultan. Near TermEstimated Cost: Low to Medium City of Sultan SP 7 Install zip line between Osprey and Reese Parks in Sultan.Mid-Term (Research began in June 2013.) Estimated Cost: Medium to High City of Sultan CASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 5. Action Plan 166 SP 8 Reopen Wallace River wayside area for fishermen in Startup.Near Term (Discussions began in June 2013.) Estimated Cost: Medium Sky Valley Chamber SP 9 Add camping / RV hookups to Steelhead County Park.Near TermEstimated Cost: Medium to High Snohomish County Parks SP 10 Gold Bar Highway Park: re-landscape area between US Highway 2 and railroad; include parking, interpretive kiosks, walkways; and provide interpretation about area gold mining history. Mid-TermEstimated Cost: High Sky Valley Chamber, City of Gold Bar SP 11 Study potential to develop additional pull-off areas and travelers rests for viewing river, etc., particularly in the Sky Valley/Skykomish area. Update Notes: This project to be tied to an overall Interpretive Plan that will be developed after the Snohomish County wayshowing plan is completed and a Cascade Loop Viewshed Analysis has been conducted. Near Term (Study) Estimated Cost: Medium (for study); High (for implementation) Local Cascade Loop Foundation representatives working with WSDOT SP 12 Support full implementation of the Sky Valley Visitor Center.Near TermEstimated Cost: Very Low for staff/volunteer support CONFIRM: ARE FUNDS NEEDED FOR VISITOR CENTER Skykomish community, supported by Cascade Loop Foundation and partners SP 13 Develop Stevens Pass interpretive wayside. Interpret pass history; skiing and winter sports; and first ski area in nation to install EV charging stations. Update Notes: This project to be tied to an overall Interpretive Plan that will be developed after the Snohomish County wayshowing plan is completed and a Cascade Loop Viewshed Analysis has been conducted. Near to Mid TermEstimated Cost: Medium Stevens Pass Greenway and Partners SP 14 Support the US Forest Service and coordinate with them to determine if camping and picnicking areas can open earlier in the season (when snow melts) and stay open later (until snow falls). Near TermEstimated Cost: Very Low for initial staff/ volunteer coordination Estimated Cost related to implementation TBD, but likely medium to high; may require additional funding or volunteer resources Cascade Loop Foundation and partners coordinating with US Forest Service staff SP 15 Actively promote the historic Plain and the Plain-Lake Wenatchee Loop as a side tour of the Cascade Loop. Update Notes: Side Trips have been formally added to the printed Travel Guide and as a new section on cascadeloop.com Near Term and Ongoing Estimated Cost: Very Low for promotional activities Cascade Loop Association, Plain, and Leavenworth tourism organizations 5. Action Plan CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 167 SP 16 Develop historical wayside/travelers rest with information/interpretive kiosk in Plain. Provide interpretation about history of Plain (possible location at corner before right onto Chiwawa Loop road near Mountain Springs Lodge adjacent to historical homestead and barns). Provide a few parking spaces and possibly a vault restroom. Update Notes: this project to be tied to an overall Interpretive Plan that will be developed after a Cascade Loop Viewshed Analysis has been conducted. Near Term (define project) Mid-term (seek funding and implement) Estimated Cost: HighCascade Loop Foundation and partners SP 17 Work with WSDOT to implement continuous bike lanes, side bike tours, and/or separated shared use paths (paralleling the route) throughout this region of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway. The first step of this action could be a non-motorized transportation analysis/study for the Cascade Loop to identify gaps in existing bicycling facilities. Near Term: Non-motorized transportation analysis/study Mid-Term: seek funding Long Term: implementation Estimated Cost: Low to Medium for analysis/study High (for bike lane improvements) Cascade Loop Foundation local communities and partners working with WSDOT 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.CASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 5. Action Plan 168 Region 3 | Leavenworth/Cascade Foothills L/CF 1 Work with WSDOT to enhance signing before coming to Leavenworth, (before speed limit changes to 30 mph to identify upcoming town). This is an important entrance/gateway to the Cascade Loop. Near TermEstimated Cost: Low Leavenworth representatives, Cascade Loop Foundation and partners working with WSDOT L/CF 2 Identify locations for Cascade Loop Scenic Byway wayside stops with kiosk(s) in Region 3 and provide interpretation related to scenic overlooks and natural resources; consider other programs and methods to enhance the sense of gateway to the Cascade Loop in Region 3 communities. Update Notes: This project to be tied to an overall Interpretive Plan that will be developed after a Cascade Loop Viewshed Analysis has been conducted. Near TermEstimated Cost: Very Low (staff coordination and then building actions into local marketing/ promotional efforts) Local communities and tourism partners working with the Cascade Loop Foundation L/CF 3 Continue to promote and support agritourism and culinary opportunities including fruit stands, wineries, local foods, etc. related to this region. OngoingStaff/volunteer timeCascade Loop Association and partners L/CF 4 Help promote Cashmere as a key whitewater rafting destination on the Cascade Loop. OngoingStaff/volunteer timeCascade Loop Association and partners L/CF 5 Educate visitors about Leavenworth heritage and culture (partner with Barn Beach Reserve and local museum). OngoingStaff/volunteer timeCascade Loop Association and partners L/CF 6 Create an electronic trail map/web-based trail mapping system that would allow hikers and backpackers to view the extensive trail network in the Leavenworth area interactively. Viewers could potentially search by keyword, create custom trip itineraries, and print out maps and expert content. Update Notes: The Cascade Loop has been working with Outdoor Active on this although the user reception has not been extensive. To be re-evaluated. Near TermEstimated Cost: Medium to High Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce supported by Cascade Loop Foundation and partners L/CF 7 Create electronic historical tour with accompanying signs and maps. This would be a web-based interactive tour of Leavenworth’s unique historical points of interest with signage and maps on the ground corresponding to the electronic tour. Update Notes: This project to be tied to an overall Interpretive Plan that will be developed after a Cascade Loop Viewshed Analysis has been conducted. Near TermEstimated Cost: Medium to High Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce supported by Cascade Loop Foundation and partners 5. Action Plan CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 169 L/CF 8 Install roadside signs for wine grapes and other specific agricultural crops and activities. Identity signs would be posted along highways and roads to delineate crops in area. Update Notes: This project to be tied to an overall Interpretive Plan that will be developed after a Cascade Loop Viewshed Analysis has been conducted. Near TermEstimated Cost: Very Low Cascade Loop Foundation Cascade Farmlands L/CF 9 Develop river interpretive signs in Leavenworth. Develop and install wildlife and habitat interpretive signs and displays to educate visitors and the public on the environment and natural history of the area. Update Notes: This project to be tied to an overall Interpretive Plan that will be developed after a Cascade Loop Viewshed Analysis has been conducted. Near TermEstimated Cost: Medium (including design, permitting, fabrication, and installation and assuming up to ten locations) Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce and Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, supported by Cascade Loop Foundation and partners L/CF 10 Updated Ski Jump/Memorial Ski Lodge: revitalize for use and potentially for competitions. The historical lodge needs support and funding for revitalization and memorial tribute to the Tunnel Creek avalanche victims. Provide interpretation about history of ski jump and lodge as well as tribute displays/monumentation. Mid-TermEstimated Cost: High Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce and Leavenworth Ski Hill Association, supported by Cascade Loop Foundation and partners L/CF 11 Work with WSDOT to implement continuous bike lanes, side bike tours, and/or separated shared use paths (paralleling the route) throughout this region of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway. The first step of this action could be a non-motorized transportation analysis/study for the Cascade Loop to identify gaps in existing bicycling facilities. Near Term: Non-motorized transportation analysis/study Mid-Term: seek funding Long Term: implementation Estimated Cost: Low to Medium for analysis/study High (for bike lane improvements) Cascade Loop Foundation, local communities and partners working with WSDOT 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 >