The Ohio Historical Society and the Ohio National Road Association were pleased to receive a 2007 Scenic Ohio Award for their joint project, the Ohio Historic National Road Design Handbook.

The Handbook was produced in recognition of the complexity of context sensitive design and the varying levels of control and governance along the National Road corridor. It is designed for numerous audiences, including regional planners, local governments, property owners and developers. The Handbook offers a variety of tools, resources and design guidance to protect, preserve, enhance and appropriately develop the 227 miles of Road in Ohio. The Handbook has been called a solid model for future planning by byway stakeholders. Authorized by Congress in 1806, the National Road was the first federally funded interstate highway. The Road extends across six states from Maryland to Indiana. It was designated a National Civil Engineering Landmark in 1976, an Ohio Byway in 2000 and an All-American Road National Scenic Byway in 2002. The project team of Judith Williams, The EDGE Group, Lincoln Street Studio and Burgess and Niple produced the Handbook. To gather input from stakeholders, and to make the final product relevant to rural, urban and suburban settings along the Road, the consultants created a jurisdictional database, an interactive website and an electronic questionnaire, supplemented by regional public meetings. High quality graphics and a series of “case histories” or “best practices” helped insure that the Handbook would be user-friendly. A series of workshops are planned to help introduce the Handbook to local communities. In May, the Ohio Historic National Road Design Handbook also received national recognition when it was one of eight projects to receive a 2007 National Scenic Byway Award from America’s Byways Resource Center, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and the Federal Highway Administration. The Handbook was the only award winner in the planning category and the only project along the entire National Road to receive an award. The Handbook project had numerous partners, including the Federal Highway Administration, the Ohio Department of Transportation, regional planning agency’s, convention and visitors bureaus and local historical societies. To view the Handbook or to download a copy, visit www.ohiohistory.org. Also available is A Traveler’s Guide to the Historic National Road in Ohio and The Corridor Management Plan for the Ohio National Road Scenic Byway.

Craig Cawrse, FASLA, CLARB, APA, founded Cawrse & Associates, Inc. in 1981 as a landscape architecture and land planning rm in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. For the past 28 years, Craig has worked on a variety of analysis, planning, and design assignments. He has recently focused on sustainable designs within the context of the site planning, site infrastructure, and landscape design, including porous paving, rain gardens in parking lots, bio-swales to lter storm water runo, and bio-detention to allow storm water inltration.

Craig earned his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from The Ohio State University, received Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Board (CLARB) certication, and was elected Fellow, American Society of Landscape Architects.

In 2010, Craig will be the President of the Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce. He is also past national Trustee for Ohio Chapter of ASLA and served as Chairman on the Solon Architectural Board of Review for ten years.

“I am sure we have all been driving down a highway, and, at some point, have admired a scenic view, a parkway drive, a stand of trees, or a visually interesting town. These all add to the quality and aesthetics of our visual environment. They help to relax us, stimulate us, and improve the quality of our lives. But the visual environment is something that needs protection, just like a historic building, a national park, or a scenic waterfall. These great views are Ohio treasures, and we must protect them, cherish them, and respect them. They are our heritage for generations to come, and we need to pass them on.

We, as part of Scenic Ohio, must strive to keep these views intact and be watchful of potential changes to them. Part of our responsibility is to make people aware of our visual environment and make them appreciate what a treasure these views are, so they are not blocked, obstructed, or destroyed, and that they are protected forever.”

In April Scenic KY was featured in the Louisville Courier Journal for the organization's leading role in defeating two bills by the billboard industry: 1) to cut public trees on public land for private billboard visibility and 2) to erect tri-vision signs. CONGRATULATIONS for these two important victories!

The tide of public opinion on advertising may be shifting somewhat. Keith Eichen of Scenic KY passed along this quote from a New York Times article 4/14/04 in The Media Business section: "People have a love-hate relationship with advertising.....But a far greater percentage are saying they have concerns, primarily related to its growing obtrusiveness. 61% said they agreed that the amount of advertising and marketing to which they are exposed ' is out of control'. "

It pays to keep fighting for scenic beauty and community character!

The billboard industry touted the supposed wonders of electronic (LED) signs at a recent conference of the National Alliance of Highway Beautification Agencies (NAHBA), an organization made up of the people who regulate billboards in state departments of transportation. It's an issue most of them will be dealing with very soon. Scenic America's participants in the conference strongly objected to industry claims and made the point that these signs pose significant aesthetic and driver-safety issues.

There is word of yet another new billboard technology. From Newsfactor.com: "The company Magink, based in Israel, has developed a digital ink technology that is based on helix-shaped molecules. Stretch them to a certain length, and they reflect one color, stretch them out more, and they reflect yet another, and so on. Put enough of the molecules together on a billboard-size surface and you can make them look like anything you want, change them as often as you need -- even animate them. The ink molecules are contained in a layer only five microns thick, so to the naked eye, magink images appear as if on paper, rather than a TV screen."

These new outdoor advertising technologies will only make it more difficult to fight this $23 billion-a-year industry. To say this is a David vs. Goliath situation would be an understatement of epic proportions. The profit margins on these new billboards dwarf anything the staid old wooden billboards could offer the industry, and it will only make them more eager to expand their presence at the expense of average citizens and their communties.

If you've got any doubt about the intentions of the industry, just read this recent quote from Mark Mays, CEO of Clear Channel Outdoor: "It is a medium that's unavoidable. The only way to TiVo an outdoor sign is to push the accelerator and go by a little faster. And in today's market, advertisers are looking for a way to break through the clutter, to be inescapable."

While the industry will continue to try to keep you from escaping their grasp, we will continue to fight for the rights of citizens to enjoy their environment and communities without the bold intrusion of unwanted advertising and other visual blight. It's an uphill battle, but history has shown that we have public opinion, and the courts, on our side. Stay tuned.

(Note: In Ohio regulations already exist which permit multiple message and variable message devices. You can expect to see these popping up throughout the state.)

Growing sentiment against highway noise prompted the state legislature to pass House Bill 107 in the early nineties, appropriating funds for concrete noise wall construction. Parallel noise walls were built along Route #8, separating Cuyahoga Falls and Silver Lake, just to the north of Akron, during the mid-nineties. Upon completion public uproar claimed the highway noise was louder and more far-reaching than before the walls. Decibel readings also corroborated that the noise was more intense near the ends of the walls than prior to construction, and reached much farther into the community than before. The “tunnel”, as it was now called between the parallel walls, acted like a megaphone, with noise reverberating from the time a vehicle entered, until it left, over a mile. In effect the noise was now louder and longer in duration. Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) officials decided to retrofit a sounddeadening device to prevent noise reflection into Silver Lake. After installation of the perforated metal skin, backed by 3-4 inches of fiberglass insulation, another community survey and decibel reading was commissioned by ODOT. Results of the community survey were fairly clear. While a few houses directly behind the wall saw some reduced noise levels, so said the instruments, noise farther from the walls had lives disrupted more by highway noise subsequent to construction. To make matters worse, within three to four years the metal skin on the “diaper” (deadening device) had began to rust. In excess of half a million for that alone, the metal skin will need repairs, removal or covering with vines.

Fairlawn, another berg abutting to the west of Akron, had walls built at this time as well. These, too, were neither aesthetically endearing nor without problems. Some sections are settling, presenting a non-level appearance and some were placed within three feet of the Jersey Barrier at the shoulder, preventing clean snow removal operations. All this prompted Akron’s mayor, Don Plusquellic, to ban the walls within the City, even at the risk of losing millions in noise wall appropriations

Engineer Michael Teodecki was asked to find a solution to the noise wall problem. When I was asked to assist, two proposals were created utilizing earth mounding and plant material. Ironically, the very language of House Bill 107 required that “at the public hearings”, the director or the director’s designee shall present the design options available for the proposed sound barrier, including, when physically possible, at least one design consisting of natural barriers such as trees, shrubs, mounds, and other similar elements.” That fact was and still is ignored and ODOT refused to fund the project. ODOT, in a wall building mode, was of the opinion that mounds and trees 70’-80’ wide wouldn’t reduce noise and might set a dangerous precedent. Even the landscape architects fought us, objecting to tighter than normal plant spacing that would not allow trees to grow into specimens. All too true, they would become a mass planting to better buffer sound waves.

Four years later, after letter writing, lobbying and cajoling, enhancement funding was secured for the north half of the plan, called Phase I. The effort had to wait for a change of both Governors and ODOT Directors. The name had to be changed from anything resembling noise attenuation, and had to be billed as a landscape demonstration project. To be sure there isn’t always room to do mounding and plantings, and heavy salting in some locations could preclude a green solution, but why not, where it is possible?

Administration (FHWA) Noise Abatement Criterion (NAC) is a worst hour outdoor, 1-hour average sound level of 67 decibels (dB). Average readings of 67.7-68.3 dB qualified the area along Russell Avenue, but the highest figures were 84.3-88.1 dB. To understand decibel scales it is helpful to know that a change of 5dB is perceptible to the ear, while a reduction of 10 dB amounts to reducing the sound by one half! The Route #8 walls never approached a reduction of 5 dB. We are expecting our solution to reduce initial highway noise by 3 to 6 dB, to below the NAC standard, with additional amelioration as the trees increase in height and density. Also, since vegetation will be thicker to noise emanating from a distance down the highway to any house along Russell Ave., the unwanted sound should also be shortened in duration, unlike the “tunnel effect” of Route #8.

Plants used for the project are, from Russell toward the expressway, Thornless Cockspur Hawthorn, Prairie Sky Poplar Austrian Pine, more Cockspur Thorn, (all this on top of the mound) Fragrant Sumac (on the cut slope), flanked on the bottom by Black Eyed Susans and Daffodils. The shoulder will be planted with Birdsfoot Trefoil and a nurse grass. Ottawa Forsythia will be used adjacent to the intersection of Princeton and Russell to preserve site distance. The length of the project is one half mile, but the magnitude is hard to grasp without mentioning that when both phases are complete more then 10,000 Black Eyed Susans and 20,000 Daffodils will be planted. A Maxicom, remote controlled, drip irrigation system is also included. Once the command center is installed, virtually all our systems around Akron will be brought on-line.

The price tag for phase I will be just over a half million, while phase II will push to eight hundred thousand. How does this square with the cost of walls? ODOT is restricted to $25,000 per property, or about $1,000,000 per mile for wall construction. With the life of the wall approximately 20 to 30 years, with some maintenance, replacement would be necessary at presumably much higher cost. By contrast, where mounds are used, only the cost of plant replacement will be required in perhaps 20 to 30 years. Initial cost, then, is compatible with wall construction. One thing is certain though; this solution proves to be truly aesthetically pleasing, and somewhat quieter. Only time will tell how much. It is our desire that both the neighborhood and travelers can benefit from this different kind of project. A replacement street tree effort will also be pursued along each street, to help revitalize the neighborhood.

With Phase I under way, the results should be available in June or July. Decibel readings will be commissioned immediately upon completion, then perhaps yearly to determine future noise reduction as the plants mature. For more information, contact Bill Hahn at (330) 375-2373. The author issues a challenge to communities, DOTs and individuals to seek green solutions to similar problems. Viva la Verde! Do something unique!

Ms. Martin’s professional career in transportation planning has integrated her educational background in economics and finance with a problem-solving perspective in technical transportation issues. Educated at Indiana University and Wright State University, in her ten-year tenure as Transportation and Program Administrator with the Ohio Department of Transportation she was recognized as an innovative and creative project leader and program developer.

Ms. Martin’s broad range of experience in transportation planning, NEPA, economic analysis, project financing, land use integration, green infrastructure development, context sensitive solutions, project design and preliminary development enables her to integrate multi-disciplinary teams with divergent agendas to create eective solutions to intractable transportation and land use challenges. She was ODOT project manager for the Eastern Corridor Multi-modal Program of Projects (Recipient of ASHTO Context Sensitive Solutions – Best Large Urban Project 2006), and had responsible charge for a number of other major and macro-corridor transportation programs, including I-75 and its nationally critical crossing of the Ohio River.

Now an independent consultant, Ms. Martin is currently leading development of an innovative financial implementation approach that includes integration of system-level transportation relationships with land use and development outcomes. She has addressed state and national peer groups on the development and evolution of this approach, as well as its relationship to context-sensitive solutions, mixed-mode frameworks, and the role of understanding land use in eective transportation delivery.

This newsletter features articles about subjects we hope will enlighten our readers about the scenic issues we believe will be important in planning Ohio’s future. We are including an example of a successful ODOT context-sensitive design project, a new tool for community planning, an update on Ohio’s Scenic Byway Program, a new Smart Growth Network in Ohio and Mrs. Hope Taft’s Ohio Legacy Garden.

At our May board meeting, Scenic Ohio elected Dewey Hollister to the Board of Directors and Lynn Garrity, Joan Gretter, Lynn Quintrell, Ken Baldwin and Ellen Tripp to our Advisory Board. On Monday, June 14, 2004, we met with Mrs. Hope Taft and Gordon Proctor, Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation, for lunch at the Governor's Residence in Columbus. Mrs. Taft has an avid interest in horticulture and she shared an updated tour of the progress in her Ohio Legacy Garden (designed by Scenic Ohio board members, Gary Meisner and Dewey Hollister). She oversees the installation of this landscape legacy at the Residence and we were amazed at the progress she has made since we viewed the garden earlier in the spring. Following lunch, we had a most insightful and enjoyable sharing of information and informal discussion with Director Proctor. We are most grateful to Mrs. Taft for arranging this successful meeting and to Director Proctor for joining us.

We thank all of you who have supported us. Your memberships enable us to produce our newsletters, plan educational projects and to distributing zoning and scenic information to the public. We look forward to your comments and continued support.

Congratulations to Governor Taft for initiating the Ohio Bicentennial Tree Initiative. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and the Ohio Department of Transportation, along with the Environmental Protection Agency, are working in harmony to add significantly to the tree canopy in Ohio by the Year 2003.

One of the Bicentennial's most talked about programs is the Barn Painting Program. Barn painter Scott Hagan is painting the celebration's distinct red, white and blue logo on the side of barns around the state, the goal being to paint the logo on at least one barn in each of Ohio's 88 counties. In collaboration with this plan, Scenic Ohio suggests the Bicentennial Commission provide the native trees used to build these barns to each county for reforestation providing a supply of lumber to maintain and restore these barns in the future.

Since trees provide a substantial reduction in air pollution, Scenic Ohio proposes that a tree be planted for every citizen in the State of Ohio. This doable proposal would impact the scenic beauty and set the wheels in motion for perpetuating a planting program as a lasting legacy for generations to come. We offer our thanks and appreciation to Senator Priscilla Mead from Columbus for her valuable confidence in efforts toward succeeding with this goal. Contact Scenic Ohio if you can organize your community efforts in a tree planting program.

Cherie Lucks, Chairman, Scenic Ohio

The City of Dublin, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio has an interesting history in dealing with land, trees and scenic areas. In 1993 an area resident brought to the attention of city officials the existence of an oak tree estimated to be 250 years old. It was in the path of the extension of Hardy Road, connecting Sawmill Road and Riverside Drive in the northeastern part of the city. The white oak is 70 feet tall and majestic in size and appearance. In order to spare the tree, the road plan had to be re-engineered.

Simultaneously, a joint project was underway between the City and the Kiwanis Club to identify and tag the city’s oldest trees. Those trees with a diameter of at least 24 inches have been tagged and are known as “landmark” trees. Some are as old as 300 years and very valuable, such as the black walnut. Boy Scouts and Girl Scout troops were enlisted to help with the tagging, calculate the height, diameter and type of tree. Many thousands of trees are now designated “landmark” trees in Dublin.

In 1998 Dublin established a tree preservation ordinance, the purpose of which is “to conserve and protect to the greatest extent possible the city’s existing trees, wooded areas and fence rows; to enhance and promote the community image; to enhance and preserve economic property values and quality of life in the city; to aid in the alleviation of erosion, siltation and other harmful effects of land disturbing activities; to aid in controlling the quantity and intensity of storm water runoff; to alleviate air pollution and non-point source water pollution; to conserve energy; to protect and promote the use of existing vegetation as noise and visual buffers; to preserve the environmental and ecological benefit of trees on air pollution and carbon dioxide levels as well as dust filtration; to reduce energy consumption through wind break and shade effect of trees when they are properly placed on a site; to preserve and enhance nesting areas for birds and other wildlife and to preserve movement corridors for wildlife and to promote the public health, safety and welfare through preservation and replacement of trees while allowing for reasonable development f land in such a manner that implements the stated goals, objectives, policies and standards of the city.

All trees with a minimum of six inches in diameter are designated “protected” trees on private and public properties and such are subject to specific requirements pertaining to removal and replacement. Developers are required to use special construction techniques to preserve root systems and limbs.

All trees with a minimum of six inches in diameter are designated “protected” trees on private and public properties and such are subject to specific requirements pertaining to removal and replacement. Developers are required to use special construction techniques to preserve root systems and limbs. Perhaps Dublin’s action will serve as an inspiration to other communities in Ohio interested in preserving their “oldest citizens”.

Stephen Ambrose who died of lung cancer at age 66 on Sunday, wrote splendidly of veterans of World War II he watched come home from war when he was a child. But there were other soldier and explorer heroes in his life.

“With his epic “Undaunted Courage,” no single individual has done more to create interest in the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition than Steve Ambrose,” said Larry Epstein, president of the national Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, Inc.

Author and historian Dayton Duncan was a close friend of Ambrose’s. He said, “What defined Steve Ambrose was his unbridled passion for American history. It was apparent to everyone who knew him - and infectious to anyone who read his books or heard him speak. What was also clear was that, while World War II was his specialty, the story of Lewis and Clark held a special place in his heart. He inspired millions of Americans to follow in the explorers' footsteps on their own. I can't think of any historian who's had a greater impact on this nation."

Ambrose contributed money from the sale of “Undaunted Courage” to assist the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation with stewardship projects and the pursuit of scholarship in its quarterly magazine, “We Proceeded On.” He also contributed to local Lewis and Clark projects in many places along the 3,700-mile trail and he gave generously to the National Council of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial in preparation for the 2003-06 commemoration of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

As the most visible figure in preparations for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, Ambrose will be sorely missed at the first “Signature Event” during the week of Jan. 18 at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. “What a damn shame that he won't be present for the Bicentennial,” Epstein said. “Actually, his daughter Stephanie is right, he will be watching from the front row, seated with a group of his heroes, buckskin shirt, drink, and all.”

Robert Tatman provides 41 years of experience in project management, strategic planning and tactical problem solving in the engineering / environmental field. He maintains strong working relationships with agencies including the Ohio Historical Society (SHPO), OEPA, ODNR, ODOT, Corps of Engineers, and Federal Fish & Wildlife. He is currently Project Manager for projects involving planning and NEPA studies for ODOT and other entities, as well as Project Coordinator for projects requiring environmental studies.

Mr. Tatman plays a lead role in public involvement programs pivotal to the completion of environmental studies and to the success of infrastructure design and construction projects. Combining public education activities with meetings to garner community input and support, Mr. Tatman assists in developing and implementing programs that enhance community awareness and knowledge.

Mr. Tatman was recognized for his initiatives by the Governor of Ohio. Working with the Ohio Industries for the Handicapped, he developed a program to provide custodial maintenance at Ohio’s Roadside Rest Areas. The program was the first of its kind in the Nation and continues today.

Mr. Tatman received national acclaim and a Governors award for the development of Ohio’s Roadside Wildflower program from Mrs. Ladybird Johnson, the National Wildflower Research Center, and the National Arbor Day Foundation. He worked closely with garden clubs and other volunteer groups to promote wildowers in Ohio. As a part of that program, he started the State’s first Ohio Native Seed Nursery.

Akron Garden Club

Ms. Janet Austin

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth and Joyce Baldwin

Mr. and Mrs. James and Antje Barnett

Mr. and Mrs. William and Katy Barney

Mr. David Berckmueller

Mr. Craig Cawrse, FASLA

More...

Cincinnati Town & Co.

Erie Metro Park

Mr. and Mrs. Frank and Eileen Field

Mr. and Mrs. Bob and Christine Freitag

The Garden Club of Cleveland

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew & Lynn Garrity

Ms. Bridget Garvin

The Glenmede Trust Co.Trust Funds

Miss Michele Goff

Ms. JoAnne Granzow

Mr. and Mrs. F. Herbert & Sally Hoffman

Mr. Dewey Hollister

Ms. Peggy Jones

Mr. and Mrs. Bryan & Susan Kinnamon

Mr. and Mrs. George & Sue Klein

Leaf and Blossom

Little GC of Columbus

Mr. and Mrs. John & Sybby Martin

Elizabeth Ring Mather and William Gwinn Mather Fund

Mr. and Mrs. James & Ros Mather

Mr. Gary Meisner, FASLA

The Merten Company

Mr. and Mrs. H. Theodore & Karen Meyer

Mr. and Mrs. Warren & Betsi Morris

Northview Buckeye Garden Center

Ms. Debra Oliver

Ms. Carmen Pierson

Ms. Janice Radlove

Mrs. Francis Repperger

Mr. Tom Schiff

Ms. Joan Stadler

Mr. Bert Szabo

Mr. William Thomas

Mr. Robert Thomas Lucy Ireland Weller

Ms. M. Connie White

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Williams

Mrs. Virginia Wojno-Forney

The new Ohio Byway slogan captures the essence of the byway driving experience for all ages. This slogan will be used on interpretive and marketing materials. A traveling interpretive display depicting all the byways made its debut at the Ohio Hill Country Gathering in Nelsonville in Mid-June. A banner is being planned, and an accompanying map/brochure depicting the location of Ohio's 14 byways will be coming soon for byway travelers who want to travel and enjoy Ohio's Scenic Byways. A 10 to 20 minute slide show is also available. To request the use of the traveling interpretive display or slide show contact Ohio Byway Links Secretary Ken Baldwin at 330/666- 1789 or Scenic Ohio at 330/865-9715 or the Scenic Ohio website at scenicohio.org

Paul Staley is the new state byway coordinator for ODOT. He met Friday, June 29, with an Ohio Byway Links representative at Camp Ohio near Utica. Ohio Byways Link has agreed to support a strategic planning process which Paul Staley has requested be completed to give new direction to the Ohio Byways Program. Representatives present at the June 29 meeting began the planning process. Other Ohio byways will receive an opportunity for input by mail.

The biannual National Scenic Byway meeting will be held in Portland, Oregon in August. Glenn Harper, representing the National Road Alliance, and I as representative of Ohio's Amish Country Byways are both making presentations at the conference.

For outstanding contributions to the visual and livable quality of the State of Ohio, Scenic Ohio presents its 2007 scenic awards to:

1. The City of Reynoldsburg, Mayor Robert McPherson, for the revitalization of their Commercial Corridors prepared by E.G.& G., Inc. of Akron, OH. Part of the National All- American Historic Road, the project updated infrastructure, signage and landscaping, creating a visual impact aimed at creating a positive image for its residents and new business investment.

2. The City of Akron, Mayor Don Plusquellic, for the design and building of Ohio’s first vegetative sound wall, proving that a vegetative approach to noise attenuation is a viable alternative to structural sound barriers. The City and Scenic Ohiohave requested that the Ohio Department of Transportation [ODOT] officially change its designation as a landscape demonstration project to a sound wall abatement, allowing Akron and other cities in Ohio to receive sound barrier funds for vegetative sound walls.

3. Ohio Historical Society and Ohio National Road Association for the Ohio Historic National Road Design Handbook for the Ohio Historic National Road Design Handbook, a handbook providing guidelines, tools and techniques for the communities along the historic National Road/U.S. 40 to “protect, preserve, enhance, develop this All- American Road.” By creating a jurisdictional database, a project website to gather input from the public and through workshops, the project team produced the Design Handbook providing “guidelines and recommendations” for rural, urban and suburban settings along the 227 miles of National Scenic Byway and All- American Road.

4. City of Cincinnati and the Hillside Trust of Greater Cincinnati for the Cincinnati Scenic View Study providing an inventory of all public viewing locations of the downtown/ Ohio River area, with a strategy to preserve and protect these view sheds. The Study provides a rational input on scenic issues of view encroachment and preservation with both public and private development projects in the Metro Area.

With beautiful flowers, a lovely dinner, wonderful slides and a host of friends on Saturday, April 27, 2002, Christine Freitag, our dedicated and tireless Scenic Ohio founder, past chairman and now executive director, received the F.A. and Gertrude Seiberling Award. The award was presented by Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens and Christine was recognized for her “outstanding contributions regionally and nationally through her dedicated work with local park systems, city and state government, and cultural and educational organizations and through her true commitment to conserve natural resources.” I would add that Christine’s sincerity and devotion to her state of Ohio and its highway beautification and scenic byways are unparalleled. Christine also used her acceptance speech to further the efforts of Scenic Ohio with many kind words.

It was my pleasure to share the evening with Christine’s family and friends and to share the glowing admiration of the assembled group. Fran Buchholzer, Scenic Ohio Advisory Board member, introduced Christine and detailed her vast resume in a beautiful presentation. This was an inaugural award and Christine’s achievements have set unbelievable standards for those who follow. Thank you Christine, it is an honor to work with you.

Welcome to the battle of the billboards v. the public’s trees, an ongoing struggle being played out in states all across the country, with frequently sad and often frustrating results. Conservationists, local governments and even tradition-steeped garden clubs find themselves up against an industry with deep pockets, skilled lobbyists and a relentless drive to secure public property rights for its own profit.

All across America, billboard companies are suing local and state governments, petitioning transportation departments (which oversee tree-cutting along the highways and sometimes local thoroughfares), and lobbying state legislators for the right to cut down or drastically trim trees that grow anywhere near their signs.

Never mind that more than 70,000 of the roughly 450,000 billboards punctuating our federal highway system no longer conform to state and federal laws, and that tens of thousands of trees are cut down each year so we can all get a better look at them. Never mind that these trees were planted at public expense, often as part of local beautification projects designed to add color and beauty to the harsh look of concrete and asphalt.

“The billboard industry thumbs their nose at the law,” said Bill Brinton, an attorney specializing in billboard law and a member of the Scenic America Board of Directors. “These are the modern-day robber barons.”

Every year, the billboard industry gains new ground in its efforts to establish the right to “view zones” surrounding its signs, often taking rights away from taxpayers in the process. This year alone, the industry succeeded in launching legislation in at least half a dozen states. While some bills stalled in committee, others, such as one in Wisconsin that codifies the industry’s right to cut trees at no charge for up to 600 feet, sailed through with overwhelming support.

Billboard operators contribute heavily to lawmakers’ campaigns and offer free advertising space to legislators or to the lawmakers’ favorite charities, giving them a powerful edge when legislation hits the floor.

“The billboard companies will suck up all of your resources,” said Molly Diggins, state director of the Sierra Club in North Carolina, where a tree-cutting bill battle took place earlier this year. “Most of the time, environmental groups aren’t able to take up billboards because they don’t rise to the level of issues that affect public health.”

Meanwhile, the industry continues to profit at public expense, taking advantage of the lack of well-funded opposition. It’s a war they’ve successfully waged for many years. Part of the failure stems from a policy enacted in March of 1977, when the Federal Highway Administration gave states the right to enter into so-called “maintenance agreements” with outdoor advertising companies that would allow them to trim or remove trees that had grown in front of their signs.

In 1984, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of the Inspector General issued a report on the Highway Beautification Act, criticizing the policy on the grounds that allowing companies to cut down trees only prolonged the life of nonconforming billboards that didn’t belong there in the first place. The following year, a report from the General Accounting Office likewise criticized the tree-cutting policy, but the FHA refused to rescind it.

Finally, in 1990, the agency did rescind its policy and asked states to put an end to their tree-cutting programs. However, the outdoor advertising industry put so much pressure on Congress that federal lawmakers ultimately told the states they could ignore this change and keep their tree-cutting programs in place.

We know that an over population of deer have caused many accidents but do we know their impact on our natural environment?

Damage done by the overpopulated whitetail deer herds in our parks is well documented. Native plant communities, some representing rare and endangered species, are being over-browsed, causing stress to these communities. In many cases, whole communities are eradicated leaving the way clear for invasive species to take hold and take over. Over time, biodiversity in our parks suffers greatly from over-browsing of forest understory, meadows and wetlands, presenting a hardship for nesting birds and for the animals that need native vegetation to survive.

Our parks play an important part in protecting the region’s biodiversity. Here children learn about balanced ecosystems, and citizens enjoy the rich tapestry of our natural heritage.

We believe that overpopulated herds are stressed from lack of food, causing starvation and suffering. In addition, the overpopulated herds have caused many traffic accidents, injuring people, destroying vehicles and inflicting harm on the deer. Therefore, we believe that, for the health of the deer themselves, for the safety of people and for the health of the native plant communities, the herd must be managed.

We believe decisions to manage deer herds by reducing numbers is a correct decision.

Christine Freitag, Scenic Ohio

Elaine Marsh, Ohio Greenways

KALIHI, HI -- A nationwide trend of disguising cellular phone antennas will result in the state's first "stealth pine tree" at Kalihi Elementary School.

ODOT has designated two more byways. Jefferson Township Scenic Byway located five miles northeast of Columbus and the Drovers Trail Scenic Byway located in Belmont County. For more information about these new byways go to the state’s website www.ohiobyways.com. Ohio now has a total of 16 byways located in 44 counties. More than 1,000 miles of roadways have been designated a byway in Ohio. For more information about the byway program, contact Paul Staley This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The Ohio byway link can also be found at www.scenicohio.org.

Paul F. Staley

Ohio's Scenic Byway Program &

Travel Information Centers

Gene Smith has presented his ugliness show, "Why Ugly? Why Not?, at his expense, to hundreds of people from coast to coast. More than 700 organizations, universities, churches, designers, architects, numerous clubs and city planners have seen it. Gene, an industrial designer, has made fighting ugliness his crusade.

In the 70s Gene tried to rent a billboard from Naegele Outdoor Advertising Co. with the message "Beautify Akron. Ban Billboards." Naegele's representative refused to rent him a billboard with that message. Later that summer, at a fund raising auction, Gene was the highest bidder for a Naegele billboard. Again Naegele refused to post his message, "Beautify Akron. Ban Billboards". On the basis that he had paid for the billboard, Naegele had a monopoly on billboards in Akron and there was no other way he could post his message and the message was lawful and reasonable, Gene filed suit. Then in October, Naegele sued Gene for $280,000, charging that he was campaigning to destroy their business. They later dropped their suit. Gene did not get his billboard but drew attention to his goal, the proliferation of billboards in Ohio.

Gene has always maintained he is not opposed to signs and every business has the right to identify itself but not the right to deface the community. He has campaigned against billboards because "It is the only industry that is not trying to improve urban ugliness. How ironic, that we have to die before we can be surrounded by beauty." He maintains that people today grow up with ugly commercialism and don't see the ugliness.

The winner of numerous awards, Gene's firm, Design Management Inc. has assisted clients with design related decisions and activ ities world-wide. Closer to home he is known for his design work for Akron's famous West Point Market, Quaker Square in downtown Akron and for the historic restoration of Medina, Ohio, Deland and Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Gene has been an inspiration for many organizations. He served on the board of Scenic America and helped found Scenic Ohio, originally the Ohio Roadside Council.

In a recent survey by the Fannie Mae Foundation, interstate highway investments were ranked as the number one promoter of urban sprawl. The typical sprawling development pattern that follows has isolated low-income people, particularly people of color living in low-income communities, from broader regional opportunities.

Our public investments are a reflection of our social priorities. Much of the nations infrastructure has been invested in new suburban communities, which have disproportionately benefited white and middle class neighborhoods. Cities that lose residents to the suburbs suffer from decline in business investment and tax revenues, yet still must pay for a large physical infrastructure and the disproportionate social problems (crime, drug abuse, welfare) of those who cannot or do not leave.

Urban disinvestments, white flight and the concentration of poverty and minorities within city borders may seem like “natural” facts of economic life – tragic but unavoidable. But In fact, the residential segregation that prevails in so many metropolitan regions derives from deliberate policy choices.

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 26, 2004—Scenic America, the nation’s premier advocacy organization for scenic conservation, has selected Kevin E. Fry as its new president. Mr. Fry succeeds Meg Maguire, who served as president since 1996.

In announcing the appointment, Martha Fuller Clark, chair of the Scenic America Board of Directors, said, “This is a time of great challenge for our nation’s scenic resources. Much of what we as Americans hold dear is under assault by monstrous billboards, visual clutter on our streets, poorly sited telecommunications towers, unchecked sprawl, and other forms of visual pollution. We believe that Kevin offers just the right combination of skills to bring these issues to the attention of the American people and to mobilize our partners, public officials, and concerned citizens to find constructive, creative solutions.”

Mr. Fry has previously served as Director of Communications & External Relations at Reading Is Fundamental, was the head of public communication at The American Institute of Architects and The American Architectural Foundation, and provided communications consulting services through Fry Communications. He holds a B.A. in Public Affairs and an M.A. in Legislative Affairs from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

For more information about Scenic America, including membership, advocacy resources, and publications, visit www.scenic.org.

Starting in early 1800 in Maryland, the National Road, originating in Baltimore and eventually crossing Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, opened up the "west" for settlers.

Surviving many transformations, straightenings and widenings, the National Road, also known as Rt. 40, now seeks State and National Scenic Byway status.

Over 700 historic sites and resources were identified on the longest portion of the road which is the portion that stretches through Ohio. These include inns located in Old Pike Towns (this was indeed a turnpike at the turn of the century), S Bridges winding around streams and historic mile markers, which were placed on the north side of the road every mile, indicating the distance from Baltimore, Maryland. Eighty-three of these remain.

When the route was widened to accommodate automobile traffic in 1972, many of the Pike Towns were bypassed completely and some historic landmarks were torn down. After realizing the cultural and educational treasure of this "road museum", the National Road Alliance was formed to bring interested travel enthusiasts together to preserve the remaining roadway and educate current and future history enthusiasts to the events that happened on this road. These include moving troops through 3 wars, escapes and captures of notorious criminals and the never-ending stories of the individuals and families deeply affected by living near this transportation icon.

Armed with grants from the old ISTEA and now T-21 funding, the National Road Advisory Committee in Ohio is submitting an application to the Ohio Department of Transportation for Scenic Byway status and eventually National status. When received, the six states involved will collectively become the longest scenic byway in the nation.

For more information about traveling Rt. 40 or the old National Road, contact the Ohio Historic Preservation Office (614) 297-2470 or visit the web site at www.ohiohistory.org/resource/histpres.

Marian Vance is past Executive Director of Scenic Ohio and now serves the Board as an Advisor. She is a member of the National Road Advisory Committee.

Scenic Ohio honors those communities and other entities who are working to improve and protect their visual qualities, distinctive culture, or historical character. These awards recognize communities, public agencies, private corporations, non-profits, individuals and others who preserve or enhance Ohio’s Scenic Resources through programs, projects, improvements, legislation, public awareness and resource management.

The City of Canal Fulton developed the Ohio Erie Canal Canalway Center, a primary trailhead of the Ohio and Erie Towpath trail system. It represents ongoing efforts by the city to restore and preserve the historic integrity of the central business district and adjacent canal lands, as well as foster economic development. The project was funded through ODOT’s Transportation Enhancement Program. It has increased tourist traffic, improved the flow of pedestrian traffic along the canal in the downtown and increased utilization of the privately restored St. Helena III canal boat.

The Miami and Erie Canal Corridor Association is a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1996 to stimulate public interest and support for the protection, preservation, development and enhancement of the educational, historical, cultural, natural, industrial, commercial and recreational resources along the route of the Miami and Erie Canal from Piqua to Delphos and the Sidney Feeder. The strategic focus for the Association has been to facilitate and coordinate local grassroots efforts to create a shared vision for the historic canal and assist those entities in achieving their goals.

The City of Cuyahoga Falls recreated the High Bridge Glens Park, a popular entertainment destination in the late 1800’s. In a concerted effort to return the river to the people, the property was purchased in 2003 utilizing matching Clean Ohio Funds. Additionally the City received funding through the USEPA to conduct environmental assessments and received funding through Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund for remediation and demolition of several buildings located on the park site. In October, 2009, a new urban park was opened to the public. It includes a new overlook bridge situated 90 feet above the river’s gorge and accessible boardwalk and landings for viewing the river among other pedestrian amenities.

The Ohio and Erie Canalway Coalition is the regional non-profit organization coordinating the development of the Ohio and Erie National Heritage Canalway. It represents the broad-based consortium of organizations, government agencies, corporations, and non-profit groups throughout Summit, Stark, Tuscarawas and Cuyahoga counties.

We will miss Meg Maguire who has retired as president of Scenic America. Meg was instrumental in helping Scenic Ohio become an affiliate member of Scenic America. Her leadership and encouragement have been invaluable. We are pleased to present a press release about their new president, Kevin Fry. Kevin will be coming to Ohio April 16 to speak to the Akron Round Table. Receptions will be planned for Kevin both in Akron and Columbus giving many of you an opportunity to meet him.

High on our agenda for 2005 is Greater Ohio. The purpose of this new organization is to support public policy in Ohio that will regain its leadership, build a stronger economy and improve our quality of life. Scenic Ohio serves on GO’s Steering Committee and encourages all of you to sign on with your support.

We have met with ODOT officials who are writing new rules for vegetation removal to open the view to office, institutions, commercial and industrial development and outdoor advertising. Since this removal is in the public right of way, we shall be vigilant about protecting Ohio’s beautiful rural vistas. Also, regarding billboards, Scenic Ohio has received numerous complaints about the tri-vision billboards being built across Ohio. These signs are permitted by the Federal Highway administration [FHWA] who does not consider them a traffic safety hazard. ODOT does inspect them when they receive a complaint usually because occasionally the timing between the displays is too fast or they are too bright at night. Local zoning ordinances can outlaw these billboards.

Finally, we have included information from other organizations about events we believe will benefit a scenic Ohio. We thank all of you who support us. Your membership enables us to produce our newsletter and to provide educational materials to all who request them.