< PreviousCASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 1. Overview & Intrinsic Qualities 10 The initial Corridor Management Plan was developed over the course of a 21-month planning process that provided opportunities for engagement of communities and stakeholders along the Loop. Two separate traveling workshop series were held fall of 2012 and summer of 2013. These workshop series were each conducted in multiple sessions over the course of a few days in communities around the Loop. The first workshop series focused on gathering information and facilitating discussion related to the vision and objectives for the Cascade Loop. The second workshop series presented draft plan elements (including the inventory of intrinsic qualities and the action plan) for public review and comment. In addition, the full draft plan was reviewed by representatives of the Cascade Loop Association board and membership, and was made available for public review prior to being finalized. The adjacent planning process chart depicts the process for development of the initial corridor management plan and public and stakeholder involvement activities. The 2020 Corridor Management Plan update reflects changes made and actions taken resulting from the initial Corridor Management Plan. A third phase of Corridor Management Plan updates will take place in the summer of 2020 after an additional series of stakeholder workshops will be held during the summer months. The existing Corridor Management Plan Action Plan will be reviewed in its entirety. Stakeholders will be asked to re-evaluate priorities and assets to be preserved and protected. Projects completed will be removed from the Action Plan and replaced with new priorities. Stakeholders from each region of the byway will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas. Meetings will be in the following locations: 1. Seattle NorthCountry 2. Stevens Pass Greenway 3. Leavenworth/Cascade Foothills 4. Wenatchee/Columbia River Valley 5. Lake Chelan Valley 6. Methow Valley 7. North Cascades 8. Skagit Valley & Fidalgo Island 9. Whidbey Scenic Isle Way Initial community and public workshop series around the Cascade Loop Summer 2012 Fall 2012 Winter 2013 Spring 2013 Summer 2013 Fall 2013 Winter/ Spring 2014 Review and Analyze Conditions around the Loop PROJECT KICK-OFF Identify Opportunities and Develop Concepts Develop Draft Corridor Management Plan FINALIZE PLAN 12345678 Series #1Series #2 CMP Planning Process: Public & Stakeholder Engagement Initial Steering Committee meetings held around the Cascade Loop Woman hiking on Wenatchee Foothills trail1. Overview & Intrinsic Qualities CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 11 Partnering to Manage, Promote & Protect the Byway: Cascade Loop Foundation and Cascade Loop Association Local organizational capacity is critical to the success of byways. In the case of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway, the organizational framework is very strong. Historically the Cascade Loop Association was the organizing entity, focusing exclusively on promoting travel to the byway. In 2018 however, the Cascade Loop Foundation was created to take on the development of the byway and to assist in coordination of byway partnerships. The Cascade Loop Scenic Byway is lead by a combination of representatives from non- government and nonprofit organizations, special interests groups, business and tourism interests. Other stakeholders such as local, state and federal land management agencies are engaged in the development process. These partners together are committed to the long term success of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway. The Cascade Loop Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created in 2018 whose mission it is to address and fund important issues along the byway corridor including education, public safety and sustainability. The creation of the Cascade Loop Foundation was effectively in response to many of the needs as set forth in the initial Cascade Loop Corridor Management Plan. The Cascade Loop Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors and staffed by an Executive Director. Cascade Loop Association Board of Directors Annique Bennett, Tourism Development Specialist, Snohomish County Parks & Tourism Lyman Boyd , Owner, Bavarian Lodge, Leavenworth Heather Carter , Executive Director, La Conner Chamber of Commerce, La Conner Tyler Chism, Tourism & Events Coordinator, City of Everett Eric Christenson, Marketing Director, Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop Debbie Copple, Executive Director, Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce, Sultan Pola Kelley, Executive Director, Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce, Sedro-Woolley Dan Kuperberg, Owner, Chewuch Inn, Winthrop Gina Muller, Sales Manager, Hilton Garden Inn, Wenatchee Jack Penland, Marketing Director, Whidbey & Camano Island Tourism, Freeland Annette Pitts, Executive Director, Cascade Loop Scenic Byway Henry Sladek , Owner, Cascadia Inn, Skykomish Greg Taylor , Owner, Liberty Orchards, Cashmere Kim Ustanik, Owner, Mountain View Lodge, Manson Deven Vilar, Outreach & Events Coordinator, North Cascades Institute, Diablo The Cascade Loop Association is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit. The organization was formed in 1978 when a group of businesspeople located in Chelan County sought to introduce travelers to a sampling of the finest and most iconic aspects that Washington State had to offer by utilizing existing scenic corridors and well-established and maintained roadways. Today’s Cascade Loop Association mission is to deliver a world-class road trip experience while delivering value to our members. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors with each region on the byway represented by at least one individual. Board members represent privately owned businesses, nonprofit organizations and destination marketing organizations (DMOS). A mix of owners, staff, administrators and independent contractors can be found within the group, with each representing distinct perspectives and unique skill sets and areas of expertise. Organizational Structure The Cascade Loop Foundation and Association Board of Directors set strategic objectives for staff to act on. Quarterly meetings, a Board Retreat, an Annual Meeting and weekly emails help ensure that plans are executed in keeping with board leadership. Cascade Loop Foundation Board of Directors Heather Carter, Executive Director, La Conner Chamber of Commerce, La Conner Debbie Copple , Executive Director, Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce, Sultan Jack Penland , Marketing Director, Whidbey & Camano Island Tourism, Freeland Henry Sladek, Owner, Cascadia Inn, Skykomish Greg Taylor, Owner, Liberty Orchards, CashmereCASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 1. Overview & Intrinsic Qualities 12 Strategic Planning Process The Cascade Loop Scenic Byway Board of Directors regularly meets for a two- day strategic planning exercise and retreat. The meeting is held at a conference location on the byway and is facilitated by a team development and leadership training professional. All board members are highly encouraged to attend and participate as the intent is to review the previous years activity and to set forth strategic objectives for staff to act on for the upcoming fiscal year. This is an opportunity for board members to represent their communities and region of the byway, to help shape policy and share their individual area of expertise. Decisions made at the Annual Board Retreat are acted on through the daily activities and decisions made by the organizations’ staff. Quarterly meetings are held at different byway community locations throughout the year. Staff reports on activities, projects and finances at these meetings ensuring that organizational objectives are being met. Cascade Loop Board of Directors and family members at the 2019 Annual Board Retreat • Increase brand awareness of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway • Develop strong partnerships with byway stakeholders • Increase organizational funding by obtaining one new grant per year and through memberships and advertising in association materials/ products • Encourage board engagement • Increase staff capacity • Increase conversions Strategic Objectives The Cascade Loop already has an excellent foundation of community and agency support on a statewide level. The depth of experience, resources, and cooperative services provided by representatives from the local, state, and federal agencies and organizations involved in developing this corridor management plan has set the byway on a positive course toward implementation. Experts from a variety of agencies and organizations have given their time and knowledge to develop this plan and are strong partners for the byway. These representatives will continue to be engaged in the implementation of the plan. As the Cascade Loop Foundation and the Cascade Loop Association grow and evolve over time, a new primary objective of the organization will be to guide the work of implementing enhancements, interpretation, resource protection, and other activities along the byway. As such, efforts to keep moving forward with implementation of byway projects and activities will continue. These efforts will need to be supported by not only the team originally involved in plan development, but also new volunteers and representatives from other agencies and organizations across all regions of the Cascade Loop. Expanding & Strengthening the Byway Organization Strategic objectives as set forth for staff by the Cascade Loop Board of Directors at the 2019 Annual Board Retreat included:1. Overview & Intrinsic Qualities CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 13 Broadening Interest—Bringing in More Stakeholders and Partners In addition to the agencies and organizations that have guided development of this plan, there are many other potential partners who can help with ongoing byway management and implementation. A variety of special interest groups may be able to provide support and resources for special projects and activities of the Cascade Loop. Their skills and expertise can be matched to the needs of the organization. As the ‘baby boomer’ generation reaches retirement age, more people with in-depth knowledge and experience are becoming available as a volunteer base. In addition, the Cascade Loop Foundation may be able to draw in more corporate and agency partners to support specific initiatives. Leveraging these resources can help stretch the organizational capacity of the Cascade Loop Foundation. Those engaged may include people who bring certain skills and interests aligned with byway management and implementation. In order to learn more about the stakeholders along the byway and their particular interests and skills, it will be important to continue to involve a broad spectrum of interests in ongoing byway management and implementation activities. It will also be important to consider who hasn’t been involved to date, and to engage them in future activities. There may be some valuable and important partners out there ready and waiting to help, such as: Corporate interests who have business enterprises along the Cascade Loop Large scale utility and energy companies, such as Seattle City Light that may be able to help promote green-travel through installation of EV charging stations or other sponsored actions Public and private land owners and managers along the byway (identify names from tax records) including agencies, farmers, and others who may be interested in promoting certain stewardship messages Additional business, tourism, and recreation interest groups Local governments and community associations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in each region Representatives from Native American tribes, including those who may not have been represented to date Organizations dedicated to specific intrinsic qualities of the corridor These stakeholders can play an important role in the future of the Cascade Loop Foundation and become integral partners in the byway’s future. They can be involved by being invited to join the Cascade Loop Association and/or to support specific Foundation projects. Working together with diverse interests to achieve commonly desired goals can be inspirational and motivational. Specific task forces and/or subcommittees may be formed over time to support certain activities of the byway as directed under the leadership of the Cascade Loop Foundation. These groups could potentially focus on tasks such as: Marketing/Communications/Media/Public Relations Grant Writing/Fundraising Project Implementation Governmental/Political Liaisons Business, Agricultural, Recreation and Tourism Liaisons Membership Development (Association) Community and Stakeholder Involvement Historic and Cultural Resource Preservation Scenic and Natural Resource Preservation Deception Falls, Stevens Pass GreenwayCASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 1. Overview & Intrinsic Qualities 14 resolutions. Charrettes may focus on planning or design for specific projects. Workshops can be conducted to tackle key issues or define priorities. In a “forum setting” people are able to better understand the concerns and perspectives of others. It will be important to understand and address the specific needs of each person or group, and it will be necessary to hold separate meetings with individuals and special interest groups, but the workshop setting can be very effective for broad and diverse community participation. Reaching Out to Byway Communities and the Public With future project implementation, it will be necessary to hold multiple public meetings along the byway given that people live in different communities. Workshop announcements will be placed on multiple websites throughout the Cascade Loop regions, announced on social media venues and through partner email and membership and contact lists. Workshops will be held at convenient and accessible locations within the communities and at convenient times. Inviting the general public to participate through workshops will help ensure that community members and stakeholders are not left out of the process. Another avenue the Cascade Loop Foundation may pursue in order to obtain regional participation is by taking part in meetings already scheduled in the communities such as local chambers of commerce, tourism groups, service and environmental organizations, public agency boards and committees, etc. This method can be successful because information can be conveyed and obtained through meetings that are already attended by a group of devoted volunteers or community representatives, rather than adding another meeting to their busy schedules. Presentations to elected officials and commissioners can also provide opportunities for input and involvement in byway activities, as well as building awareness and gathering support for needed improvements. Work sessions with senior citizens and school groups provide additional opportunities for community outreach and obtaining insightful input. Byway projects can be incorporated into school projects for students or preservation projects can be a part of high school curriculum or after school activities. There may be a variety of resources in the byway communities including volunteers, in-kind support, gifts of materials, printing, and other contributions that can be tapped into as part of a strong program of public and stakeholder involvement and outreach. Ongoing Stakeholder Engagement & Outreach Ongoing public participation and community involvement will be essential to the success of future byway planning, management, and implementation. The Cascade Loop Foundation will continue to represent the views of local communities and interests. However, at key decision-making points and important milestones in the future, there also will be a need for broader community input and involvement. Citizens and special interest groups throughout the byway communities can provide valuable information and input. They are the local experts who can describe in detail the existing conditions, problems, and potential solutions that are best suited to their specific situations. Tools and Activities for Successful Ongoing Public and Stakeholder Involvement There are several effective tools and activities that may be used to engage and inform the public and key byway stakeholders. The Cascade Loop Scenic Byway program going forward will be tailored to fit the preferences and needs of the byway partners and communities in each region. Depending on activities taking place along the byway at various times, it will be necessary to adjust meeting schedules. Advantages of Public Workshops and Charrettes To find common ground and move forward with solutions, it will be necessary to help certain community groups see the points of view of other community groups or stakeholders. One of the best methods to accomplish this is bringing all interested groups together for workshops and charrettes to discuss issues and work together on Active volcano, Mount. Baker, viewed from the Skagit Valley, La Conner1. Overview & Intrinsic Qualities CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 15 TOOL/ACTIVITYPURPOSE/MOST OFTEN USED FOR SUGGESTED TIME INTERVAL Newsletters (Electronic) To provide byway updates and information on a regular basis to byway interests (general membership) as well as key partners and stakeholders. For the Cascade Loop Association, an electronic newsletter/update is already distributed successfully. Seasonally Byway Core Team/ Board of Director Meetings Meetings held on a regular basis to conduct the business of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway, direct management and implementation efforts, appoint committees, check on project progress, and provide updates from partners. Development of specific agendas and recording of notes are important to support these meetings. Quarterly Annual Meeting Meetings to inform and involve the entire byway membership, which can often take the form of an annual event or symposium. Membership may be invited to vote on important decisions or actions. These can also be correlated with fundraising activities, special events, educational programs, byway tours, etc. and often provide opportunities to solicit support and gain input. Annually or semi-annually Meetings with Special Interest Groups/Focus Groups/Tribes/ Local Elected Officials and Others Focus group meetings are targeted to the interests of those participating. Most often these are scheduled in association with a specific action or project that the byway is implementing. The purpose can vary, but often these meetings focus on presenting information, gaining input and comments, and discussing and resolving particular concerns of focus groups or special interests. Thorough notes and recording of outcomes and assignments for follow up action items are important for these meetings. As needed to support projects and activities Open Houses Usually informal meetings where the general public is invited to come and view displays and talk with byway and project representatives during a specific timeframe. Comments are recorded (often on flip charts for participants to see), and the input is considered as the project evolves. As needed to support projects and activities Workshops and Charrettes Interactive meetings designed to fully engage participants in activities and exercises toward meaningful outcomes. These meetings can use a variety of tools and methods to gain input and engage communities and participants in project planning and design. As needed to support projects and activities Special Advisory Committees or Steering Committees Committees or subcommittees formed for a specific purpose, such as to advise on development of policy or to steer the design direction on a project. These committees can be focused on technical considerations with agency staff or expert participation. They can be citizen-based groups with representatives from byway communities and diverse interests. As needed to support projects and activities Special Displays/ Traveling Displays Static displays sometimes designed for portability to travel around byway communities and destinations. These can include byway information, as well as interpretive exhibits. This is a good way to get the word out and illustrate ideas and options being considered to a broader spectrum of the public. These displays can travel to libraries, community centers, visitor centers, etc. These displays may also be prepared for special events, such as fairs and festivals. At key points in a planning or design process/at special events Potential Public and Stakeholder Involvement Tools and Activities to Support Ongoing Byway Management and ImplementationCASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 1. Overview & Intrinsic Qualities 16 Byway FAM Tours Specially arranged tours of the byway to introduce media, tour operators, travel planners, business owners and local officials to the intrinsic elements of the byway. Tours can help expand the numbers of people that know about the byway as well as introducing it to the key stakeholders who can bring new market segments to enjoy it. They can also lead to earned media coverage. As needed to support projects and activities Ceremonies, Celebrations, and Special Events Special events can build community support and pride for the byway and provide opportunities to celebrate successes and take a break before moving on to the next milestone. The Cascade Loop Association promotes special events and festivals held in every region of the byway. Celebrate as often as possible! Websites and Social Media Websites provide a dynamic forum for posting byway updates, event, and meeting announcements, providing contact information, inviting emails through comments or online questionnaires, and providing extensive information about the byway. Social media programs such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and others provide diverse opportunities to connect with byway interests and travelers. Ongoing maintenance and upkeep is important after initial development; social media postings are typically event specific In-Person Outreach Talking to people in person and word-of-mouth is one of the most effective ways to let people know about the byway and bring them into the fold of byway activities. Talk to people on the phone or meet them for coffee or lunch. Share your vision and enthusiasm about the opportunities and possibilities for the byway. Let them know that their support is needed and they can make a difference in helping to preserve natural and cultural heritage around the Cascade Loop by participating. These conversations also provide opportunities to reassure people that an important part of the vision for the byway focuses on enhancing the local way of life and respecting private property owners’ interests. Often, as much as possible, all the time Potential Public and Stakeholder Involvement Tools and Activities to Support Ongoing Byway Management and Implementation (Continued) Young buck in velvet on Sun Mountain, Methow Valley1. Overview & Intrinsic Qualities CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 17 A trip around the Cascade Loop is best enjoyed over the course of several days. Visitors traveling from overseas will spend the most significant amount of time on the byway, followed by visitors from locations throughout the United States and Canada. Guests can travel around the Loop in either direction but it is recommended that when possible, guests travel the byway in a counter-clockwise direction so that the most iconic views and pullouts are most easily accessible. The following pages of this chapter will give an account of the byway attributes in-keeping with our two main intrinsic qualities. Intrinsic Qualities Around the Cascade Loop Man looking out from the Washington Pass OverlookCASCADE LOOP SCENIC BYWAY 1. Overview & Intrinsic Qualities 18 Seattle NorthCountry is a great place to kick-off a Cascade Loop vacation. Starting in Mukilteo guests have abundant recreational opportunities. Guests explore the Paine Field Aviation District, home to a full complement of flight-related attractions, such as the Boeing Future of Flight Aviation Center, the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum, the Museum of Flight Restoration Center, High-Trek Adventures and Paine Field Passenger Terminal. Mukilteo is also home to the historic Mukilteo Lighthouse, and a super scenic taste of local maritime history. As visitors travel north, they can visit the Cascade Loop’s largest metropolitan area, Everett. Resting on the shores of Port Gardner Bay, Everett boasts westerly views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, as well as easterly views of the Cascade Range. Visitors take in the unforgettable scent of salt and sea, the sounds of lapping waves, and boats shuttling to and from the dock. Everett is also home to one of the nation’s best children’s museums, the Imagine Children’s Museum, a must-see for the kids as the level of interactivity and creativity will inspire memories that last a lifetime. The Everett waterfront is home to the second largest marina on the West Coast. Travelers enjoy the marina marketplace, hotel, fine restaurants, a micro-brewery and pub, and seasonal farmers market. Heading east toward the mountains along state Route (SR) 2, visitors can stop and experience historic Snohomish, listed on both the State and National Register of Historic Places. Snohomish is known as the “Antique Capital of the Northwest” and shopping for treasures is convenient with more than 300 antique dealers, restaurants, and shops concentrated in a six-block section of town. This historic district boasts many beautiful Victorian and Arts & Crafts homes. Continuing east through the lush Snohomish Valley, green pastoral scenes intertwine with river and tributary corridors. Lake Tye is a favorite spot for wakeboarders and boaters. The King of Wake Pro Wakeboard Tour is held here every year. The town of Monroe is located ten miles east of Snohomish near the confluence of the Snoqualmie and Skykomish Rivers. Monroe hosts events and festivals for automobile enthusiasts year-round, as well as opportunities for fishing, rafting, and other river sports. Monroe is also SCENIC & RECREATIONAL EXPERIENCES & INTRINSIC QUALITIES Region 1 extends from the Salish Sea through the Snohomish River Valley offering urban experiences in communities including Mukilteo, Everett, Snohomish, and Monroe. Scenic Experiences • Alderleaf Wilderness College and Vaux’s Swift Roost (largest swift roost in America), Monroe • Birding. Throughout Salish Sea coastal areas and river corridors. American bald eagle, great blue heron, Canada goose, common loon, cormorant, ducks, tufted puffin • Centennial Trail,Snohomish • Flowing Lake Park , Snohomish • Forest Park, Everett • Japanese Gulch and Big Gulch Trail systems, Mukilteo • Jetty Island Park , Everett • Lake Tye Park, Monroe • North and South View Parks,Marine View Drive, Everett • Pilchuck Park, Snohomish • Port Gardner Bay/Everett Marina • Spencer Island Park, Everett • Urban Streetscape,Everett • Wildlife Viewing. Throughout Salish Sea and coastal areas, and river corridors. Harbor seal, humpback whale, orca whale, river otter, sea lion • WS Ferry Terminal, Historic Lighthouse Park , MukilteoRecreational Experiences • Agritourism and Culinary Tourism . U-pick farms and farm tours, farmers markets, farm-to-table eateries, wineries, and breweries. Abundant freshly harvested seafood • Blackman House Museum,Snohomish • Festivals and events: Snohomish Wine Festival, Sorticulture, Everett Garden Arts Festival, Everett’s Colors of Freedom 4th of July Celebration, Kla Ha Ya Days in Snohomish, Evergreen State Fair in Monroe, Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival, Everett Music at the Pier, Everett Events Center year-round events, Comcast Arena including community ice rink, concerts, performances, rodeo, circus, Everett Aquasox Baseball, Schack Art Center, Everett, Western Heritage Center, Monroe, Evergreen Speedway, Monroe • Hibulb Cultural Center , Tulalip Tribes • Imagine Children’s Museum , Everett • Paine Field Aviation District: Boeing Future of Flight, Museum of Flight Restoration Center, Historic Flight Foundation, Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum, High-Trek Adventures • Reptile Zoo,Monroe • Tiny Church Wayside Chapel (Pause, Rest, and Worship stop open to all, one mile west of Sultan) • Unique cities and townswith walkable historic districts, museums, examples of Northwest and Coastal Salish Native American art, and other arts, cultural, and recreation opportunities: Mukilteo and Everett (marine activities, wildlife/birds/whales and marine life watching); Snohomish (National Historic District, state/national historic registers, and “Antique Capital of the Northwest”); and Monroe (lake and river recreation with wildlife/bird watching, rafting, boating, fishing, etc.) 1. Overview & Intrinsic Qualities CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN 19 home to the annual Evergreen State Fair, an eleven-day event held in late August through Labor Day. The fairgrounds also houses the Evergreen Speedway and the Western Heritage Center. Bicycle enthusiasts and sightseers in general appreciate Monroe’s agricultural roots and the many miles of country roads that wind through scenic farmlands. Mukilteo Lighthouse and Washington State Ferry Services and Accommodations CITIES/TOWNS/ COMMUNITIES VISITORINFORMATIONLODGINGCAMPINGRESTAURANTSGROCERIESRESTROOMSFUELELECTRIC VEHICLECHARGINGTRANSIT/SHUTTLE SERVICESINTERPRETIVE CENTERS/MUSEUMSRECREATION MukilteoXXXXXXXXXX EverettXXXXXXXXXX SnohomishXXXXXXXXXX MonroeXXXXXXXXXXX This chart identifies services and accommodations located within city/town limits or within a driving distance of five miles.Next >