New group is ready to hit the road

A determined group of residents formed in 2001 to develop a plan to dedicate the Glenn Highway a National Scenic Byway -- and they were successful. In June 2002, U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta designated the Glenn Highway a National Scenic Byway. Now the group, which calls itself the Glenn Highway Scenic Byway Partnership Board, is ready to put its plan in action.

The organization has drafted bylaws, filed for nonprofit status, opened a bank account and post office box.

It has even completed a detailed brochure of the highway to identify and guide visitors in time for the summer tourism season.

Two federal grants have recently been awarded to the Partnership Board to implement an interpretive plan and also administer the organization.

Now the group has funds to enhance its designation.

The organization is also trying to get the public to take an active role.

People can become a charter member and craft the future of our scenic byway at a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. at Agate Inn, 4725 Begich Circle off the Palmer-Wasilla Highway.

For $20 people can become involved in this grassroots organization as a charter member. A regular annual business meeting of the year-old organization will be held, along with a presentation and discussion of implementing an interpretive plan for the byway are on the agenda. Interested individuals are needed to participate in committees and workgroups.

The Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway Corridor Partnership Plan outlines the goals and objectives, including to provide opportunities to learn about the history and cultural heritage of the byway; enhance scenic views along the corridor; provide opportunities to learn about the significant geologic events and processes that have shaped the land around the corridor; enhance the yearround Alaska experience on the byway; enhance safety along the corridor; and observe private property boundaries and limit access to the public.

The 67-page document details the plan and copies will be available at the annual meeting. The plan describes the vision as "… the Glenn Highway Scenic Byway Partnership Board seeks to tell the Byway's story and broaden the traveler's experience through Byway improvements that make the highway safer, more comfortable and accessible to all who wish to experience the grandeur it holds."

The board is made up of local people with interests along the byway, whether they are residents, business owners, politicians, or agency representatives.

It is a grassroots effort and bottom-up approach that has resulted in broad acceptance and support for the national designation.

The development of the draft plan will include initial public and stakeholder meetings to discuss the purpose of the plan and to secure public input and ideas to be included in the plan. People are encouraged to attend the Oct. 8 meeting and get involved with the future of the Glenn Highway Interpretive Plan.

For more information contact Joe Lawton 745-4827 or Bonnie Quill 746-5000. To learn more about the state and national scenic byways programs visit their Web sites at www.alaska.gov/scenic or www.byways.org.