03/17/2006: "Scenic Byway Meetings Scheduled"

Islanders are invited to learn about and comment on the State Scenic Byway designation process for local routes at meetings scheduled as follows: San Juan Island, March 29, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at the Grange; Lopez Island, April 5, 5:30-6:30 p .m., at The Bay Café; Orcas Island, April 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at the Library.

More than 15 grassroots community organizations support a Scenic Byway designation for the Washington State Ferries San Juan Islands route as well as driving tours on Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Islands. If these routes are designated as a State Scenic Byway, they will be eligible to apply to become designated as a National Scenic Byway. If designated nationally they will become eligible to apply for National Scenic Byway grants. Scenic Byways are based on the following six qualities: scenic, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and archaeological.

The three goals for the local Scenic Byway are as follows: 1) Economic Development: To increase ridership on Washington State Ferries, and visitorship and interest in the San Juan Islands as a destination of natural scenic beauty, cultural significance and recreational opportunities. 2) Education: To educate the public regarding islanders' stewardship ethics in protecting and preserving our unique environment, natural resources, watchable wildlife, scenic vistas and quality of life through interpretive signage, etc. 3) Monetary Resources: To bring national monetary resources to San Juan County in order to support and enhance natural, cultural and historical educational programs, signage, and facilities, etc. along the Scenic Byway.

The following organizations support the designation to date; others are being contacted: Bed & Breakfast Association of San Juan Island, BLM Lopez Office, Friends of the San Juans, Lopez Island Chamber of Commerce, Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce, San Juan County Council, San Juan County Marine Resources Committee, San Juan County Parks, San Juan County Public Works, San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, San Juan Island Trails Committee, San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, The Whale Museum, Town of Friday Harbor, Washington State Ferries, Washington State Ferries Advisory Committee, and WSU Cooperative Extension of San Juan County Beach Watchers.

For more information or to be added to the list of supporters please contact Deborah Hopkins, San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, 378-3277 x5.