The latest news about Maine lakes and ponds.

Opening Set for Scenic Byway in Northern Maine

October 16, 2007 - MOUNT CHASE - Picturesque Shin Pond Village in Mount Chase will be the host site for a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially recognize the Grindstone Scenic Byway as one of three new Byways designated for inclusion into the Maine Scenic Byways Program. The celebration will be held at the Shin Pond Village picnic area just north of the Shin Pond Bridge on Route 159 in Mount Chase on Saturday, Oct. 13 beginning at noon.

The event will feature guest speakers including Rep. Henry Joy (R-Crystal) and a keynote address delivered by Fred Michaud, Transportation Policy Analyst and Scenic Byway Evaluation Committee member for Maine DOT. Entertainment, an outdoor barbecue, and refreshments will also be provided. For more information on the event location, or driving directions, visit www.shinpond.com or call 528-2900.

In August 2007, Commissioner David Cole of the Maine Department of Transportation approved preliminary designation status for The Grindstone Scenic Byway, which was formally proposed through the submission of a Byway Eligibility application prepared jointly by Northern Maine Development Commission (NMDC) and Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) with support from the corridor communities, the Millinocket Area Growth and Investment Council (MAGIC), the Upper Valley Economic Corporation (UVEC), and several major land owners, as well as the Counties of Aroostook and Penobscot.

The Grindstone Scenic Byway corridor is 59 miles in length, starting on State Route 11 at the intersection with Route 157 in Medway, then northerly through East Millinocket, Grindstone, Soldiertown, Herseytown, Stacyville, and Sherman, to the intersection with Route 159 in Patten, then continuing westerly through Mount Chase via State Rt. 159 and the Grand Lake Road to the northeast border of Baxter State Park at Grand Lake Matagamon.

"The designation is formal recognition as part of Maine's Scenic Byway System," explains MaineDOT Scenic Byway Coordinator Bob LaRoche. "The local communities and regional organizations which put forward the original proposals now have a fair amount of work to do to make their byway a success."

The first task is to develop a Corridor Management Plan (CMP) that identifies intrinsic resources, promotes economic development, and provides a way to leverage funds for improvements along the corridor. "We're talking about things like cultural, historical, archeological, recreational, natural and scenic features which make the corridor unique," LaRoche adds, pointing out that there is a lot more to a Byway than just scenery. The uniqueness of a designated Scenic Byway can be leveraged to spur economic development to the region through increased opportunity for tourism-based businesses, including eating, lodging, and guiding establishments, and other local services.

Jeff Packard, Executive Director for the Upper Valley Economic Corporation, is optimistic about the positive effects Byway designation could generate. "We are very excited about the potential benefit to this beautiful part of our state and we feel strongly that our association with the Maine Scenic Byways Program will be an important tool in promoting our region to travelers and tourists, of whom many may be entrepreneurs, business owners, or even site location consultants. By putting our best foot forward in promoting and preserving what is special about our area, we can showcase not only our tourism potential, but also our local workforce, our villages and infrastructure, natural resources, and our capabilities to accommodate new businesses and industry," stated Packard.

The Byway designation makes the sponsoring communities and organizations eligible for federal grant funds through the FHWA National Scenic Byways Program to complete the CMP, which can then lead to funding for specific projects as identified by the local Corridor Committee, including interpretive materials or facilities to help explain the unique features of the byway corridor, roadway improvements or new roadside turnouts to enhance the experience of those traveling through the corridor, paved shoulders or other upgrades to pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and corridor administrative costs. When fully designated, the new byway will join nine previously designated scenic byways in Maine, including several in local region: the Million Dollar View Scenic Byway along US Route 1 in northern Washington and southern Aroostook Counties and the Fish River Scenic Bjrway on Route 11 between Portage Lake and Fort Kent in northern Maine.

"With one of the oldest scenic byway programs in the country, Maine's program depends upon the support of local communities and of volunteers interested in preserving, enhancing, and sharing each region's heritage, culture and natural resources. Maine residents, businesses and visitors all benefit from the efforts made by those who participate in the program," LaRoche concluded.

SOURCE: HOULTON PIONEER TIMES

DATE: 10-10-2007


Lakes:
Regions: Katahdin, Houlton, Presque Isle


Print this story

Email this story

return to Lake News