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 place-making…

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…

In another sure sign of spring on the horizon, azaleas are beginning to bud in Scenic Lafayette, Louisiana, beckoning locals and visitors alike to enjoy the town’s beauty along its Historic Azalea Trail. The storied flowers generally start blooming in March, usually reaching their glorious peak in the first two weeks of the month. Lafayette’s…

In the world of scenic conservation, Ronald Lee Fleming, FAICP, stands in a class of his own as a true Scenic Hero. A planner and urban designer, Ron pioneered early Main Street revitalization projects and innovative place-making strategies. As chairman emeritus of Scenic America, Fleming helped the organization evolve from a largely reactionary group fighting…

Trees and greenspace are a huge part of what we regard as scenic beauty. Study after study shows that communities near these scenic resources – even if it’s just a few trees, or a small parklet – boast better health for their residents, higher property values, and more thriving business districts. Unfortunately, the opposite also…

Scenic Pittsburgh Executive Director Michael Dawida Offers Two Ways Forward Mt Washington: On Wednesday, January 20, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled against the City of Pittsburgh in its long-running suit against the 4,500 square foot billboard on Mt Washington. The billboard, owned by the Lamar Advertising Company, had been cited by the City in 2016…

The 2021 Visual Resource Stewardship Conference is currently accepting abstracts for for technical papers, visual case studies, student posters, training workshops and panel/guided discussions. Abstracts should be between 1,000 and 2,000 words (including key references). Submissions are due March 1, 2021, and applicants will be notified of their acceptance by April 1, 2021. Abstracts should…

by Marge Davis, Scenic Tennessee When a tech-savvy loner detonated himself and his RV in the heart of Nashville’s thriving entertainment district on Christmas morning 2020, the devastation went far beyond the piles of bricks, blown-out trees, burned-out cars, mangled businesses, and condemned residential spaces left in his wake. Though no one else died or…

Well known for its stunning Gilded Age mansions and historic waterfront, the city of Newport, Rhode Island, boasts incredible examples of architecture and a well-documented public realm. Even with such a gloried past, however, the city today presents a mixed design picture. Its architectural landscape was significantly altered in the twentieth century as planners eschewed…