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What Qualifies as a Scenic Byway or Scenic Backway?

Any road or trail may be proposed for a Scenic Byway or Backway designation. It can be a gravel road, a city street, paved highway, or a dirt trail. Scenic Byways are roads with an all-weather surface suitable for year-round automobile travel. Scenic Backways consist of roads or trails incompatible with automobiles, or lack adequate all weather surfacing, safety, comfort, or design features. The Scenic Byways Program considers six different "intrinsic qualities" of a roadway corridor's character. To qualify as a Scenic Byway, a roadway corridor must possess strong and extraordinary characteristics of at least one of the following intrinsic qualities:

  • Scenic Quality is the heightened visual experience from the view of natural and manmade elements of the visual environment. The characteristics of the landscape are strikingly distinct and offer a pleasing and most memorable visual experience.
  • Natural Quality applies to those features in the visual environment that are in a relatively undisturbed state. These features may include geological formations, fossils, landforms, water bodies, vegetation, and wildlife. There may be evidence of human activity, but the natural features reveal minimal disturbances.
  • Historic Quality encompasses legacies of the past that are distinctly associated with natural or manmade elements of the landscape that are of such historic significance that they educate the viewer and stir an appreciation for the past. The historic elements may include buildings, settlement patterns, and other examples of human activity.
  • Cultural Quality is evidence and expressions of the customs or traditions of a distinct group of people. Currently practiced cultural features include, but are not limited to, crafts, music, dance, rituals, festivals, speech, food, special events, vernacular architecture, etc.
  • Archeological Quality involves physical evidence of historic or prehistoric human life or activity that are visible and capable of being inventoried and interpreted.
  • Recreational Quality involves outdoor recreational activities directly associated with and dependent upon the other intrinsic qualities. Active and passive recreational opportunities may include downhill skiing, rafting, boating, fishing, and hiking. Driving the road itself may qualify as a pleasurable recreational experience.

Evaluating Scenic Qualities

When evaluating visual qualities, it is helpful to break the composition into foreground, middle ground, and background. Single dramatic and outstanding elements may be a relatively rare occurrence in some regions of North Dakota. In many areas, striking and memorable scenic views will be comprised of diverse exemplary visual elements in each of the fore, middle, and back grounds. Marginal scenic views may possess singular distinct features, but lack a balanced composition of regionally significant elements. Understanding how these elements play in the landscape will help in the identification of truly scenic views.

Note that with a Scenic Byway much of the viewing occurs while in a moving vehicle, where foreground views become fleeting glimpses. A foreground rich with varied materials and textures provides an interesting moving picture of striking contrast. From a vehicle the middle ground and background often provide a stronger focal point of greater study. These views will offer longer viewing times, providing a slowly moving symphony of color, form, and contrast; while the foreground details complement the background as soloists in the symphony. "Appreciating and Understanding North Dakota's Landscape Character" provides additional insight and guidance for evaluating scenic quality, and is available from the North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department. To some out-of-state visitors, the wide-open splendor may seem overwhelming compared to views they are accustomed to, such as dense forests, mountains, or cities. One visitor enthusiastically commented about North Dakota being one fabulously huge golf course. While his experience was primarily along the interstate highway, the obviously different perspective exemplifies the perceptions of out-of-state visitors. A process for evaluating a corridor includes many aspects. A suggested evaluation process is:

  • Establish the Study Area: National experience has shown that the most popular scenic routes do not require extensive side detours from a state's highway system. Other states' experience also shows the least popular routes are those which require the traveler to turn back the way they came; unless a worthy attraction exists at the end of the route. In some areas, parallel roads might merit evaluation of more than one route to determine the best choice for Scenic designation. Additionally, the study area should not be limited to jurisdictional boundaries.

When choosing a route for a Scenic Byway, what may at first appear to be the proper beginning and ending may change after the route is evaluated. In this regard, the study area should include an area large enough to at least include the nearest access to the state highway system at both the proposed beginning and ending. The best beginning and ending points would also fall at or near a community. The width of a corridor's study area should encompass the entire view from the roadway, as viewed from both directions of travel. You may also wish to consider tourist amenities and attractions adjacent to the roadway corridor, but out of view; such as a boat ramp a mile off the scenic route.

  • Determine Intrinsic Quality Focus for the Route: Scenic Byway designation is more than erecting a sign and noting it on the state highway map. It is also marketing, preservation, enhancement, and interpretation. It may also be more than just the scenic quality, but historic, cultural, or any of the six intrinsic qualities.

Ask yourself what makes this route special, and what unique resources you have. The local sponsor group will have to rally around the intrinsic qualities and develop a theme that will satisfy visitors. Perhaps the primary quality or attraction of a route is the view of autumn leaf colors. The primary quality(ies) should be noted and additional complementing features should be investigated (i.e., combine this with a tour of country churches along the route). If the primary quality is limited to certain seasonal periods, activities and amenities to reinforce that period should be investigated.

  • Locate Major Natural Visual Elements on a Map: When evaluating a corridor, views from both directions of travel must be considered. Additionally, it is beneficial that more than one person evaluate the corridor. Each person will have a different perception, and may see important elements that another person has missed. A quad size USGS topographic map is useful in pinpointing scenic features and tourist amenities. Other size maps may be more appropriate depending on the corridor.

As you indicate natural elements on a map, consider the individual features ( i.e., a five-mile drop through a valley could be marked as a five-mile long circle on the map with a note stating "scenic valley"). Try to grasp the individual elements that comprise the views of the valley from both directions. The identification of individual elements becomes more important when a local sponsor begins to implement a management plan for preservation or enhancement of the corridor. Slides or videos of the visual elements will be required when nominating a route for designation.

  • Locate Visual Modifications on a Map: This process is completed the same as locating the natural visual elements. It may be useful to have a separate map if there are numerous natural or modified elements. Modified elements should be noted as either a negative or positive modification. As a corridor is evaluated for nomination, consider ways of mitigating the negative modifications. Interpretive materials can provide a better understanding of the visual modifications, resulting in enhanced interpretation of the corridor.

An example of a negative modification that could be turned into a more positive feature is the strip mine along US Highway 83 near Underwood. A typical strip mine is usually considered a negative modification, yet passers-by frequently stop and watch in awe while the enormous dragline equipment works. Providing information on the equipment, reclamation efforts of the mine, etc., could enhance the tourists' interpretation of the site. The strip mine example is not meant to say that a strip mine qualifies as a striking example of scenic quality.

  • Investigate and Report on Additional Supporting Elements: Research of supporting intrinsic qualities might include checking with the county or state historical society, ethnic heritage organizations, water resource boards, and local parks and recreation organizations.

Local associations such as Chambers of Commerce, 4-H, garden, equestrian, fishing, or gun clubs may yield organized events that support or contribute to individual intrinsic qualities. By identifying all supporting elements of a Scenic Byway designation, the corridor can be reviewed in its entire context, not just on the basis of several key features.

  • Establish Appropriate Beginning and Ending Points of the Route: With a completed inventory of the study area, the beginning and ending points can be established based on the continuity of intrinsic qualities and supporting tourist amenities.

Segments of the corridor that are inconsistent with the goals of Scenic Byways may be excluded from Scenic Byway designation.

  • Landform Diversity: North Dakota is a beautiful plains state comprised of both subtle and dramatic visual features. An understanding of the visual features creates a greater appreciation of the landscape. The scenic beauty can be broken into three major visual components: landform, natural elements (primarily vegetation), and modifications.

Landform, or physiography, is the visual element that provides the most impact to the viewer. While North Dakota is considered a plains state, it is comprised of several distinct landforms that give diversity to the scenery. Because all but the southwestern corner of the state was covered with glaciers, much of the topography we see today is a result of glacial erosion, deposits, or meltwater. Understanding the difference between these geographical areas, how they were formed, and what unique characteristics they offer can reveal new appreciation for their intrinsic beauty.

When evaluating a route, one must keep the major landforms in context. Prairie areas should not be directly compared to the Badlands. Striking examples of each type of landform information should be used to represent the multi-faceted character of North Dakota's scenic beauty. Additionally, landforms that are particularly unique offer additional opportunities for scenic interpretation. "Appreciating and Understanding North Dakota's Landscape Character" should be used in determining what is and is not an outstanding example of a region's landform.

  • Vegetative Diversity: North Dakota ranks 50th of 50 states in natural forest cover, but does have a diverse pallet of vegetative cover with many opportunities for interpretation. It is an uncommon transition zone of western and eastern plant life, all competing for the area's sparse moisture. Scenic interpretation should recognize and celebrate the different types of grasslands and forests, and not focus on only one type of vegetation.

The vast grasslands and crops are broken by landform changes of hills, creeks, valleys, and bodies of water. It is where the landform changes that the native plant life also changes. Natural forests are found only where sufficient water exists to support them. Trees and shrubbery will dominate the north facing slopes of valleys, where the precious rain and dew is the last to evaporate from the southern sun. Scenic views will therefore change with landforms and also with viewing direction.

Unique ecosystems provide opportunities for further interpretation, such as the Ponderosa Pine Forest in Slope County, the Turtle Mountains, Sheyenne National Grasslands, Chase Lake, and Devils Lake. These areas provide unique contrasts of vegetation, texture, color, and landform. Adjacent bodies of water also provide interesting viewing of plant life and wildlife in addition to the accompanying changes of landform.

  • Visual Modifications: Visual modifications include changes in the natural environment due to man. Modifications can be positive; such as the neon lights along the Las Vegas Sunset Strip, a Nevada Scenic Byway. A ski slope or golf course may be considered a negative visual impact in regards to the natural resource or view that was compromised for the development. However, the recreational opportunities could also reinforce Scenic Byways designation. Each visual modification must be reviewed in the context of the surrounding views and qualities of a potential Scenic Byway.

Negative modifications may consist of overhead utility lines, uncontrolled outdoor advertising or development, etc. A visual modification's impact to scenic interpretation may be strong enough to leave a viewer with negative feelings. Such an impact is inconsistent with the goals of the Scenic Byways Program, and should be avoided. The effects of existing negative visual modifications can be minimized through visual screening, relocation, or rehabilitation. Corridor management planning can be effective at minimizing future negative visual modifications.

Recommended References

Sponsor Responsibilities

  • Local sponsors must submit an application to the state for determining if their proposed route is consistent with the goals of the ND Scenic Byways Program. A local sponsor can be any citizen, business, organization, etc.
  • Local sponsors must gain support of the jurisdiction(s) responsible for the roadway. Support from the communities along the route is also beneficial.
  • A corridor management plan must be prepared by the local sponsor within one year of receiving Scenic Byway designation. An outline of the corridor management plan must be submitted with a Scenic Byway nomination.
  • Funding for the installation and maintenance of Scenic Byway route signing will be the responsibility of the local roadway jurisdiction and/or sponsors.
  • An annual report must be submitted to the state regarding Scenic Byway economic impacts, enhancements, results of marketing efforts, and corridor management plan implementation. Information will also be used to provide the Scenic Byways Resource Center updated information.
  • A local contact must be provided for requests for local information from tourists. The local sponsor is responsible for coordination of local Scenic Byways resources and activities.
  • The local sponsor is responsible for development of a local marketing campaign. The state will provide marketing for the statewide Scenic Byways Program as a whole.

Application and Nomination Process

Applications for Scenic Byway/Backway designation are accepted every other year. The next nomination cycle will be in 2008 with applications due June 2, 2008. The application form is available online in pdf format (851 KB). For existing North Dakota Scenic Byways that wish to add to their route, an extension application form (pdf, 851K) is also available online. Both forms may be filled out online then printed and mailed.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Director's Task Force will evaluate nominations. The Director's Task Force meets and then formulates a recommendation, typically by August. The recommendation is then passed on to the director of the North Dakota Department of Transportation who makes the final decision for designation. Evaluation of the Scenic Byways applications will result in one of four possible recommendations:

  • Scenic Byway Designation: Applies to qualifying corridors recommended for Scenic Byway designation with an acceptable Corridor Management Plan.
  • Scenic Backway Designation: Applies to corridors that satisfy the intrinsic qualities requirements with an acceptable Corridor Management Plan, but have substandard design and safety features, and/or inadequate tourist amenities such as service stations, restrooms, interpretive areas, etc.
  • Denial with conditions: Nominations with incomplete information, or those that require corrective action to bring the corridor within minimum acceptance criteria may be denied with specified conditions. The conditions would specify what additional information is required to make a final recommendation, or what corrective action is required for designation, and a time frame for a response to be considered.
  • Denial: This will occur for nominations that are inconsistent with the goals of the North Dakota Scenic Byways Program. Reasons for denial will be communicated in writing.

Applicants will be notified via phone and letter as to the status of their application after the final decision is made.

Once a byway/backway is designated, it will be added to the state highway map during the next printing cycle and featured on the North Dakota Parks and Recreation's web site. A brochure will be developed to promote all North Dakota's Byways and Backways.