New Scenic Byway Signage Update

The Driftless Area Scenic Byway is going to be getting a new look for next spring. No, the byway isn't changing, but the signs marking the route will be. Each of Iowa's Scenic Byways will be getting new signs that add an individualized flair to the byway while maintaining a recognizable format around the state. The new signs are expected to be placed on the Driftless Area Scenic Byway next spring and will more prominently mark the route and aid the byway traveler in their wayfinding experience. Keep an eye for the new signs next year, and as always, enjoy the trip!

Scenic Byway Photo Contest Winner Announced

Congratulations to Michael Marti, who submitted the winning photo for the Driftless Area Scenic Byway Photo Contest. The winning photo was taken of Lansing, Iowa, looking across the Mississippi River. The Driftless Area Scenic Byway runs through Lansing and provides travelers with spectacular vistas along the way. Be on the lookout for our next photo contest coming soon!

What’s on YOUR Byway?

Map what you would like to show those traveling along the Driftless Area Scenic Byway
The Developing Iowa’s Byways through GIS Technology project is underway and 24 miles of the Driftless Area Scenic Byway have already been mapped. Summer is the perfect time to travel the byway and map what YOU like and want others to see. Byway board members have been out on the byway this spring mapping historic, cultural, and scenic points of interest but we still need more volunteers to share their knowledge and expertise of the area. Please stop in or contact the RC&D to set up a time to learn how to use the GPS unit so that you can map your favorite spots along the byway.

Points of interest that still need to be mapped:
 Special crop producers and roadside farm stands
 Arts and cultural sites:
 Top 10 viewsheds along the byway
 Basic travelers services
 Byway friendly businesses
 And much more

Contact Deneb Woods at 563-864-7112 or via email dwoods@northeastiowarcd.org to learn more about the project and to sign up to volunteer.

Photography Contest!!!

Looking for photos taken along the Driftless Area Scenic Byway! Photos can highlight scenic views, places, festivals, activities and/or people along the byway. Photos must be submitted by November 30, 2009. For entry forms and complete details about the contest please visit www.northeastiowarcd.org. Questions can be addressed to Kristin Rodas at 563-864-7112 or by e-mail at kristin@northeastiowarcd.org.

Enter to WIN!!!

What is your favorite place along the Driftless Area Scenic Byway? Is it Mt. Hosmer in Lansing, the Waukon Aquatic Center, Yellow River State Park, or maybe it’s your own home or farm? The Driftless Area Scenic Byway is a 100 mile stretch of roadway in Allamakee County which boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in Iowa. As Project Assistant for the Northeast Iowa Scenic Byways Project at Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development, I got the opportunity last week to spend a day with my sons exploring the byway. We had a great time and were amazed at how much there was to see and do! Northeast Iowa RC&D is hosting a contest to get the word out and raise awareness of the amazing resource we have in the Driftless Area Scenic Byway. The DASB begins in Postville and travels through the communities of Harpers Ferry, Waukon, Churchtown, and Lansing. Please take some time to discover the byway and choose a favorite place. Then, draw, photograph, or write a poem or story about it! Northeast Iowa RC&D is accepting entries from all ages! Prizes will be awarded to the winner of each category for participant’s ages 5 to 14 and every entry will have the potential to be used in byway publications and on a new byway website! Please submit entries by August 7, 2009 to Northeast Iowa RC&D, Inc. PO Box 916 Postville, IA 52162. Contact Kristin Rodas at (563) 864-7112 or kristin@northeastiowarcd.org with questions or to be added to our newsletter mailing list to learn more about this exciting project and to find out other ways you can be involved!

Want to Know More...?

In an effort to get the word out and raise awareness about the opportunities for communities along the Driftless Area Scenic Byway, we are working with several groups to arrange speaking engagements. If you know of a community group or other organization that would be interested in learning more about this project, please contact Kristin Rodas with more information.Email kristin@northeastiowarcd.org or contact me by phone at (563) 864-7112. There are so many exciting things happening and we can’t wait for people to realize the potential this project has for their communities.

DASB Map