Adirondack North Country Association

Warren and Saratoga County Scenic Byway Project

November 5, 2009 – New York State’s Scenic Byways offer compelling experiences that attract visitors and bring tourism spending to communities along the travel routes. The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) is currently organizing its latest Scenic Byway project in Warren and Saratoga Counties along the designated 40-mile Dude Ranch Trail.

ANCA will work with stakeholders from towns and villages in a collaborative grassroots effort to draft a Corridor Management Plan for the Byway. It will define the future of the corridor and will enable the Byway communities in Warren and Saratoga Counties to access Federal and State program dollars to support tourism efforts that encourage new, repeat, and extended visitation.

To accomplish the extensive public outreach required under the New York State Department of Transportation’s Scenic Byway Program ANCA will contract hire a project consultant through a competitive application process who will working directly with community representatives in the two county area.

The Dude Ranch Trail Corridor Management Plan project is made possible with grant funding from the NYS Department of Transportation through the National Scenic Byway Program and the Transportation Equity Act of the 21st Century

Government leaders, business owners, civic groups, residents, tourism offices, Chambers of Commerce, State agencies, regional planning offices, and other interested parties will be invited to attend local work sessions and provide local and regional comment on a variety of topics. Project discussions will focus on community and economic development opportunities, recreation, marketing and promotion, transportation, safety, and byway signage. Participants will help to inventory and map those significant resources which draw visitors to the area and discuss how to best steward these special assets. The comprehensive document will reflect both regional and local perspectives including an implementation plan with strategic action recommendations to uphold the plan’s collective goals.

With tourism serving as a major economic driver across the region, the Dude Ranch Trail Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan project creates opportunities for lodging, restaurant, and attraction owners, local producers of arts, crafts, foods, gas station proprietors, outdoor sporting goods stores, guide services and others. ANCA invites all interested residents and groups to notify their office to request placement on the project contact list.

For more information about the project please contact Sharon O’Brien at anca-obrien@northnet.org or 518-891-6200. Visit www.adirondack.org to learn more about the ANCA’s commitment to economically viable communities and an improved rural quality of life.

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Contact: Sharon O’Brien, Scenic Byways Coordinator. She can be reached at 518-891-6200 or at anca-obrien@northnet.org.