News
News
Current Projects & Updates
ODOT Ohio Rest Areas: Landscape Design Manual
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Since 1933 Scenic Ohio has collaborated with the Ohio Department of transportation (ODOT) staff to improve Ohio's highway corridors
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This includes recommendations related to context sensitive transportation planning. safety considerations, natural barriers for sound attenuation, pollinator plantings, vegetative management, natural storm water managements and native plant selection along Ohio's highways and Scenic Byways. The 2020 ODOT Rest Areas Landscape Design Manual emphasizes using native plantings to create "more parklike rest stopes' continues that long tradition.
Current Projects & Updates
ODOT Ohio Rest Areas: Landscape Design Manual
​
Since 1933 Scenic Ohio has collaborated with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) staff to improve Ohio's highway corridors
​
This includes recommendations related to context sensitive transportation planning, safety considerations, natural barriers for sound attenuation, pollinator plantings, vegetative management, natural storm water managements and native plant selection along Ohio's highways and Scenic Byways. The 2020 ODOT Rest Areas Landscape Design Manual, which emphasizes using native plantings to create "more park-like rest stops," continues that long tradition.
National News
Ohio Hocking Hills Scenic Byway Designated a National Scenic Byway
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On January 19, 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation approved the 2021 designations to America’s Byways®. Hocking Hills Scenic Byway has been designated as a National Scenic Byway and will officially join the collection of America’s Byways®, which includes Ohio's: Amish Country Byway, Historic National Road, Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail, Ohio & Erie Canalway and Ohio River Scenic Byway.
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In 2020, 63 nomination applications were submitted. Forty-nine byways in 28 states were designated, including 34 National Scenic Byways and 15 All-American Roads. This determination takes into account evidence of intrinsic qualities; national or regional significance; overall visitor’s experience; and long-term sustainability.
Scenic America Celebrates Announcement of New Scenic Byways Designations
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Scenic America celebrates the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)’s announcement 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 to Barstow Scenic Byway – traverse 28 states, bringing the total of America’s Byways to 184 in 48 states.
Other Scenic Ohio News
This year's awards program will be focusing on villages and small cities that have great history and a great Ohio story to tell. Next year's awards will focus on beautiful historic Ohio farmsteads. Agriculture is a key component of the scenic Ohio landscape. Please send any ideas you may have for nominations for awards.
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Scenic Ohio sends out seasonal newsletters for each Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. These newsletters outline upcoming events and projects, include a report from the Chairman, highlight native plants, and many other pieces of news.
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Below are all of our newsletters.
Newsletters
Recent Issues
2021 WINTER SOLSTICE