The Ledger

The Adirondack North Country Association Newsletter
Fall 2005/Winter 2006 Volume 12, Issue 2, Page 4

Central Adirondack Trail Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Draft Nears Completion

ANCA's Scenic Byway planning involves much more than naming and mapping exceptional places to visit. The new Corridor Management Plan (CMP) for the Central Adirondack Trail Scenic Byway will soon provide North Country byway communities with a planning document that explores a wide assortment of local and regional issues and addresses specific needs and opportunities for the following areas: (1)Economic and Community Development; (2)Transportation, Safety and Community Design Improvements; (3)Recreation; (4)Stewardship; (5)Marketing and Promotions; (6)Tourism Development, and (7)Sites, Attractions, and Services including a Business Typology.

The plan was developed based on information collected at a series of local grassroots work sessions and regional meetings where ANCA requested input from community representatives and called for recommendations on how to best develop the Byway to meet their particular needs. The East and West Local Action Committees discussed issues and opportunities during the public outreach phase. As a follow-up activity the project's Steering Committee offered comment on the recommendations from a regional viewpoint.

Integrating perspectives from seventeen towns, six villages, and two cities, Project Facilitator Ann Ruzow Holland drafted the document with oversight by ANCA's Scenic Byway Coordinator Sharon O'Brien. The Warren County Planning and Economic Development Department, CAP-21, and Herkimer County Area Development Corporation researched local conditions and assisted in gathering much of the local data from Rome to Glens Falls which was incorporated into the main sections of the document.

ANCA congratulates all the stakeholders who participated in the creation of a plan that will stimulate economic development, promote tourism, and enhance the communities and their valuable historic, cultural natural and recreational resources. The completed CMP will serve as a planning tool to empower municipalities, businesses, tourism officials, and organizations in villages, towns, hamlets, and cities across Oneida, Herkimer, Hamilton, and Warren Counties to realize their cooperative goals.

A strong vision for the future has been drafted, goals have been articulated, and an action strategy is in place in the Implementation section. Locally driven projects and regional initiatives were named including detailed outlines of the steps necessary to carry out the proposed work. Community representatives were pleased to have had the opportunity to evaluate existing conditions, visualize sound growth for the future, and make projections for the travel corridor. The Byway community stakeholders clearly defined their vision for the Central Adirondack Trail as follows:

"The Central Adirondack Trail Scenic Byway is as complex and adventuresome as the terrain it follows. The 153-mile route forms the shape of a crescent moon or oxbow, originating in the fertile and less rugged lowland areas surrounding the cities of Glens Falls and Rome, and winding through the south-central region of the Adirondack Mountains, part of the Great North Woods. Upland areas from North Creek, Indian Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Raquette Lake, Inlet, and Old Forge, to Barneveld follow the waters of the Hudson and St. Lawrence watersheds, with their clean beautiful rivers, lakes and streams. The vast and diverse landscape provides an unforgettable experience of relaxation, retreat, regeneration and knowledge.

The Central Adirondack Trail's distinctive, livable communities feature a fine quality of life. Travelers can tour the crescent byway and experience the landscape, natural resources, and the historic role the special assets play in shaping the people and communities that populate the scenic byway. The byway's well maintained natural, historical, recreational and cultural resources, both private and public, bring enjoyment for tourists and support a livelihood for residents in all four seasons."

As a wrap up for the CMP project, the Steering Committee met on November 10th to discuss the draft document before it is presented to NYSDOT for final review and approval. The CMP is now being readied for delivery to the New York State Department of Transportation in Albany. After ANCA receives final sign off on the CMP from the State Scenic Byway Advisory Board a release of plan celebration will be organized for all interested parties from the villages, towns, and cities along the 153-mile route. Project funding was provided by the New York State Department of Transportation's New York State Byways Program through the Federal Highway Administration and Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century.