Big scenic news came from Texas this month. A bill to create a state scenic byways program cleared the state legislature, Houston raised concerns over new digital sidewalk signs, and progress continued on the U.S. Supreme Court’s upcoming review of an off-premise sign case in Austin. On the byways front, Scenic Texas came one step…

When you think of scenic byways, you probably envision roads winding through beautiful countryside, charming towns, or dramatic landscapes. However, to earn an America’s Byways designation a roadway does not necessarily need to fit this traditional “scenic” definition. The National Scenic Byways Program recognizes roads that meet any one of six intrinsic criteria: scenic, natural,…

Earlier this month, you might have received an email from Scenic America urging your support for SB 557, and we wanted to tell you a bit more about this proposed legislation, which is specific to our state, Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania State Senate is considering SB 557, a measure that would keep billboards away from schools,…

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…

A tireless advocate for the environment and scenic beauty, Marion Fuller Brown found inspiration in a quote from Theodore Roosevelt: “Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” Marion took these words to heart, helping spark the scenic conservation movement locally, statewide, and nationally. She championed legislation to…

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…