Ebbetts Pass Scenic Corridor Receives National Recognition

After more than four years of effort, California State Route 4 between Arnold and Markleeville was designated today as a National Scenic Byway by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta. Ceremonies to announce the designation took place at Union Station in Washington D.C. A delegation was on hand to represent the Byway, including Supervisor Terry Woodrow of Bear Valley; Michelle Plotnik, Chair of the Calaveras Council of Governments; George Dondero, Executive Director of Calaveras COG, and his wife Nancy.

"It is still difficult to believe that Ebbetts was selected - we have worked for so long on this, never knowing what the outcome would be. I am incredibly happy - words can't express the feeling," said Plotnik.

"Both counties can be proud of the great natural wonders along this beautiful stretch of highway, and there is no doubt the designation is deserved. Having NSB designation tells travelers everywhere that Ebbetts Pass is a travel destination worth seeking," said Supervisor Woodrow.

The Federal Highway Administration bestows this prestigious recognition upon selected highways across the United States which are deemed to have special and unique characteristics that set them apart. There are only six designated National Scenic Byways in California, with Ebbetts making the seventh. Ebbetts Pass was the only nomination from California to receive the designation today. Out of 51 applications, 29 were designated. Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast and Tioga Road (Hwy. 120) in Yosemite are among existing designated roads in California.

Criteria for selection include exceptional qualities in any of six categories: scenic, natural, recreational, historic, archeological, and cultural. Nominations must have completed a Corridor Management Plan accepted by the local jurisdictions. A plan was developed over a three year period, and was adopted unanimously by the Boards of Supervisors in both Alpine and Calaveras Counties in August 2004.

The document was the culmination of numerous public workshops led by Emilyn Sheffield, Ph.D. who chairs the Department of Recreation and Parks Management at Chico State University. Sheffield has assisted numerous byway programs, and says that Ebbetts Pass has been a very positive experience, due to the high level of cooperation and commitment from the community and many participating government agencies. The plan was co-authored by a committee of over a dozen professionals representing various agencies including the Calaveras Council of Governments, Alpine County Planning Department, Calaveras County GIS Unit, the US Forest Service, Chico State University, Big Trees State Park, Caltrans, and Supervisors from both counties. Calaveras COG played a key role since 2001, and helped to secure grants totaling $240,000 to fund the project. Supervisor Merita Callaway of District 3 has encouraged strong community support throughout the four year effort and is given much credit for the success because of her dedication and leadership.

The Corridor Management Plan is available on the CCOG website.

A fifty page nomination application was submitted by Calaveras COG in April 2005. The application included numerous photos, maps and extensive text. Jan Hovey of Target Marketing in Murphys wrote much of the application. Local photographers Chris Hall, Dick James and Tim Bottomley contributed high quality photographs to strengthen the package. Some of these may be viewed on the National Scenic Byway website at www.byways.org.

Benefits of NSB designation include worldwide marketing exposure, access to grants related to improving the traveler's experience on the road, and a focused collaborative approach to preserving and improving the assets of the corridor. The visibility gained through recognition is expected to strengthen the tourism industry in both counties.

A byway coordinating committee will be formed soon to begin setting priorities for future projects and funding opportunities. The Corridor Plan identifies many possible projects to pursue. For more information, contact Calaveras COG.