Today, the House Appropriations Committee approved the  FY23 House Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill, which includes $30 million in funding for the National Scenic Byways Program (NSBP). Scenic America celebrates the House’s inclusion of funding for this important program, which stands to deliver critical economic benefits to communities located along the more…

This greenspace restoration project opened on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring our executive director, Sen. Mike Dawida, and a display of historic photos and more recent ones that tell the story of the space’s evolution and eventual restoration to the community, as well as tours of the space. Read…

A new study suggests that digital highway signs that are designed to encourage safe driving contribute to an increase in nearby traffic accidents. The study, published in April 2022 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science on science.org, looked at several years of data from Texas to find that the number of vehicle…

On April 21, in a victory for scenic beauty, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of the City of Austin over Reagan National Advertising, affirming the constitutionality of the longstanding distinction between content displayed on signs that are located on-premises and off-premises. With this ruling, the Supreme Court overturned the decision of the…

The term “energy equity” is generating a lot of buzz these days as people become increasingly aware of how disadvantaged communities are disproportionately impacted by pollution, a lack of investment in clean energy solutions, limited access to energy-efficient housing and transportation, and a lack of understanding about renewable energy choice. These marginalized communities often also…

Our first annual #ScenicSWPA Photo Contest is now open to anyone over 18 in our 10-county area Our region has beautiful scenery, and a lot of talented photographers. What’s more perfect than calling attention to our mission – to protect, enhance, and promote the scenic beauty, both natural and built, of southwestern Pennsylvania – than…

With temperatures warming up and summer on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to start planning for a quintessential American pastime: the road trip. Here are six of the best road trip ideas for your next getaway. 6 Best American Road Trips Pacific Coast Highway, California The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is one of the…

Aesthetics has become a widely-used concept nowadays, from your “Instagram aesthetic” to your personal fashion aesthetic. But America’s most alluring places have aesthetics of their own—beauty that is being threatened by visual pollution. Here’s a look at the meaning of aesthetics and the ways in which visual pollution can erode it. What Does ‘Aesthetic’ Mean?…

Scenic America is thrilled to announce that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684), passed by Congress on Friday, November 5, and signed into law by President Joe Biden on Monday, November 15, includes provisions supporting two of our key policy goals: utility undergrounding and flexible program funding for gateway communities adjacent to national…

Florida drivers will soon have the chance to help preserve Walton County’s scenic beauty while showing their love for the 30A lifestyle brand by purchasing a new 30A specialty license plate. Developed through an innovative partnership between 30A and Scenic Walton, the tag features 30A’s famous sunshine logo set against a silhouette of Western Lake,…

On November 10, 2021, at 10 am EST, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case with critical implications for the Highway Beautification Act. City of Austin v. Reagan Advertising considers whether regulation of billboards (“off-premise” signs) violates the First Amendment rights of advertising companies. The final ruling is expected in early 2022. The docket…

Here are a few ways you can act today, where you are, to champion the unique scenic values of YOUR neighborhood.

House Passes Surface Transportation Bill with Funding for Byways and Support for Undergrounding and Gateway Communities Scenic America landed additional legislative wins this month as the surface transportation reauthorization bills moved through the House and Senate. Three out of our four strategic priorities are included in the final House bill, which passed the House of…

After no Brews for Views last year due to the pandemic, we are looking forward to having a bigger event than ever this year! We’re planning more beer, more food – and a special musical guest – so buy your tickets now! Find out more about our annual fundraiser, Brew for Views, including all the…

Scenic Michigan has released the second edition of its Michigan Sign Guidebook. Like the celebrated first edition published in 2011, the 2021 edition is designed as a go-to resource about local sign regulation as communities consider the legal defensibility of their existing sign regulations and make needed updates. Most sign ordinances currently in place in Michigan…

From Scenic Los Angeles President, Patrick Frank The largest concentration of digital billboards in Southern California is in the city of Inglewood, bordering Los Angeles International Airport. A local business known as Wow Media Co. owns and operates 14 boards along Century, Manchester, and La Cienega Blvds., several of which are also clearly visible from…

Making Cultural Headway in the Missouri Heartland Recognized as one of the nation’s top 10 college towns and one of the best places in the nation to live, Columbia, Missouri, is known for the small-town comforts, community spirit, and big-city culture that make it a prime example of placemaking excellence. Affectionately known as “CoMo,” Columbia…

The Scenic Ohio chapter has been active in their communities, working on scenic conservation projects. In collaboration with the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Ohio Rest Areas Landscape Design Manual emphasizes the use of native plantings to create “more parklike rest stops” and provides information for landscape architects and design teams to enable a new…

Scenic America has been tracking promising legislation in several states, including bills that protect scenic roadways and restrict outdoor advertising. In Oklahoma, state legislators recently passed Senate Bill 549, which strengthened rules that prevent the relocation or installation of outdoor advertising in communities. In Arkansas, legislators approved House Bill 1375, designating State Highway 5, known…

From Scenic Los Angeles President Patrick Frank Periodically we see something resembling art on billboards, when an arts organization takes over a set of billboards and replaces the usual ads with mock-ups of work by actual artists. Here in Los Angeles, for example, the local non-profit The Billboard Creative runs an annual month-long group exhibition…

Scenic America is excited to announce the launch of an exciting new way to learn about scenic conservation. In partnership with Project Green Schools and Agents of Discovery, we have created a free mobile app in which users will be able to play informative, engaging games called “missions” that will challenge them to think and…

Scenic America is now accepting applications for Summer 2021 internships in Communications and Development, and Policy, Advocacy, and Research.  Interns can work in-person in our Washington, D.C. office or virtually from their home or university. As a growing nonprofit, Scenic America provides its interns with hands-on, practical experience in communications, research, advocacy, fundraising, and other…

When Charles Floyd passed away on October 15, 2020, the scenic community lost one of its strongest and most passionate heroes, and Scenic America lost one of its founding members. A retired professor, Charlie dedicated the second half of his career to fighting billboard blight, authoring paper after paper decrying the ruthless tactics and questionable…

Southern Charm and Smart Design There’s a popular saying among residents of Oxford, Mississippi: “We get to live here.” It’s so popular, in fact, that it has become a hashtag that the town’s 25,000 residents share with pride on social media. And with good reason. Named after another university town—Oxford, England—the idyllic city is often…

The Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF) in Savannah, GA has honored a Scenic America board member, Ardis Wood, with the Women in Preservation Award. This award honors women working in preservation in Savannah as a part of Women’s History Month celebrations. HSF described Wood as a globe-trotter, a historic tour maven, and a community cornerstone. A…

Construction on the Inlet Beach Underpass in Walton County, Florida, has begun. Our Scenic Walton chapter has worked tirelessly over the last several years to coordinate the effort to make this important safety improvement happen. Walton County officials held an official groundbreaking ceremony for the underpass on March 26. According to the Florida Department of…

Scenic America made its way into the headlines in February and March following the announcement of the newest National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads. Our dedication to and work in this area was highlighted in multiple news stories across the country. Read some of these stories below: Lonely Planet Travel + Leisure Conde Nast Traveler…

Scenic America is currently tracking bad billboard legislation in places such as Missouri, West Virginia, and Providence, Rhode Island. Missouri House Bill 1115 This legislation currently under consideration modifies the existing language of a statute related to outdoor advertising to the benefit of billboard companies. If passed, it would revoke the authority of a city…

New Designations Announced for the First Time since 2009 WASHINGTON, DC—Scenic America celebrates the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)’s announcement today of 34 National Scenic Byways and 15 All-American Roads, the first additions to the program since 2009. The new designees– ranging from Maine’s Katahdin Woods and Waters Scenic Byway to California’s Historic Route 66 Needles…

A Quirky Utopian Town Embraces its Past while Forging its Future Tucked away on the southwestern tip of Indiana on the banks of the Wabash River, the tiny town of New Harmony has evolved from an 1800s social experiment into a modern-day spiritual sanctuary and gathering place for scientists, spiritualists, artists, and scholars. Its placemaking…

Utah may be known for its majestic scenery and stunning landscapes, but if state legislators get their way, the Beehive State may soon be known for one of the most damaging billboard laws in the nation. On January 19, 2021, Sen. Scott Sandall introduced SB61, allowing any billboard owner in Utah to upgrade their billboards…

Congress Provides New Funding for the First Time in Nearly 10 Years Scenic America celebrates the inclusion of $16 million in funding for the National Scenic Byways Program in the omnibus spending package announced today by Congress—the first time in nine years that dedicated funds have been made available for this important program.  As part…

Scenic America is now accepting applications for Spring 2021 internships in Communications and Development, and Policy, Advocacy, and Research.  Interns can work in-person in our Washington, D.C. office or virtually from their home or university. As a growing nonprofit, Scenic America provides its interns with hands-on, practical experience in communications, research, advocacy, fundraising, and other…

Scenic America recently took an important step forward in its ongoing effort to secure funding for the National Scenic Byways Program. The Senate Appropriations Committee included $35 million for scenic byways in its appropriations bill for Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021.  You can find the appropriation here,…

With autumn in full swing, it’s the perfect time to hit the road for leaf-peeping and other activities in the great outdoors and along our National Scenic Byways. As the nation’s leading advocate for scenic conservation issues, Scenic America has put together this list of twelve of our favorite destinations that showcase autumn’s beauty. Arkansas:…

Scenic America has teamed up with a newly launched philanthropic production company to create a compelling collection of videos and stunning images that showcase the natural beauty of the nation, beginning with a video focusing on Walton County, Florida. These media assets will be featured in campaigns to attract additional supporters and donors to the…

We want to ask you to take urgent action on behalf of our scenic byways—and much more. Time is short, and the stakes are high. The U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee just introduced the “INVEST in America Act,” H.R. 7095, which funds our country’s highways for the next five years and will…

To many Prince George’s County residents, Belinda Queen is known as “Mama Queen,” and for good reason. A vibrant and energetic community activist, Belinda always puts the people at the forefront of any endeavor she undertakes to improve the quality of life for Prince George’s County residents, whether fighting for better schools or more scenic…

Despite widespread public opposition and no opportunities for public discourse or input, nor any traffic safety studies or an Environmental Impact Report, the PLUM Committee voted June 21, 2022, to approve a measure allowing 56 new advertising structures on the public right-of-way for the Metro Transit Communications Network program. Members of the committee moved to…

Spanish-American History and Maritime Wonders Abound in this Coastal California Town  Monterey, California is a coastal community filled with beauty and history. Located on the central coast of California, two hours south of San Francisco, you will find magnificent views of the coast, abundant marine wildlife, and top-rated tourist destinations. The area was founded on…

Houston Attorney Led Scenic Advocates to a Supreme Court Victory by Showing Broader Impact of Billboards When Houston attorney Cooke Kelsey learned that Reagan National Advertising had won a lawsuit against the City of Austin, Texas, over its ban on digital billboards, he stepped in to help the city preserve its sign ordinance by appealing…

Calling all photographers! Scenic America is in search of your best photographs that showcase what’s unique and beautiful about our nation and where you find beauty in your community. Our second-annual America the Beautiful Photo Contest kicks off on July 18, 2022. This is an opportunity for photographers of all levels to show off their best…

A study released June 22 by WalletHub ranks all 50 states by their road trip appeal, considering factors such as gas prices, the number of activities (including scenic byways), and traffic safety. While New York and Minnesota ranked at the top of the list when considering all factors, two billboard-free states, Maine and Vermont, led…

Join Scenic America and Scenic Tennessee in Nashville October 19-21, 2022, for the 2022 Scenic Symposium. This year’s event explores the Personality of Place, examining the scenic, natural, cultural, and emotional qualities that give a place its identity, drive its economy, connect its people, and tell its story. Expert-led sessions tackle topic placemaking, historic preservation,…

Harriet Tubman is a legendary historical figure, and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway in Maryland is the best place to learn about her life and history. Here’s a look at Tubman’s incredible legacy and the byway that honors her achievements. Who Was Harriet Tubman? Harriet Tubman was born into slavery as Araminta Ross sometime…

Since the late 1920s, droves of Americans have been getting their kicks on Route 66. Traversing eight states and three different time zones, the historic highway has long captured the imagination of the American traveler and the essence of the American road trip. Here’s a look at the history of Route 66 and its enduring…