Scenic byway application information

The Scenic Byways application brochure gives an overview of the program. A two-step process has been established for local groups seeking scenic byway designation:

Step one – assessment

• The scenic/historical assessment gathers basic information about a proposed scenic byway corridor – its length, scenic qualities, and any historic, recreational, or educational attributes.
• A Scenic Byways Advisory Committee will review the submitted documents and make a recommendation about whether the applicant should proceed to the second step.

Step two – application process

• This step includes obtaining resolutions of support from local governments along the corridor and development of a corridor management plan (CMP) that outlines a long-term management strategy for the byway.
• WisDOT reviews the documents to determine if there is a satisfactory completion of the CMP, and an overall compliance with the program rules. The WisDOT Secretary makes the final determination on a highway corridor’s designation as a scenic byway.

Citizens Handbook(1.2 MB)

To assist individuals and groups with Step 1 and Step 2 of the scenic byways application process, WisDOT has developed a Citizens Handbook that explains what needs to be done and where completed forms should be sent.

Scenic/Historic Quality Rating Evaluation Record (For Step 1: Scenic Assessment)

Official form requiring detailed mile-by-mile information on the outstanding scenic, historic or natural features along the road as well as the things that detract from these features. This form is used by the Scenic Byways Advisory Group to determine if the candidate route has sufficient scenic or historic features with a minimum of detractions to be designated.

Sample Resolution (For Step 2: Application Process)

A sample resolution for local governments abutting the proposed scenic byway to use as a reference when drafting their own resolution to formally support the road being designated as a Scenic Byway. The resolution also is where local governments decide what, if any, segments are to be included or excluded from scenic byway designation. At least 70% or more of the local governments along the route must pass a resolution in support of scenic byways designation. Final Scenic Byway Designation will not be awarded without signed resolutions.

Scenic Byways Administrative Code

The formal program rules governing the Scenic Byways Program.