Alex Paul
Oregon’s newest scenic byway–Over the Rivers and Through the Woods–was celebrated Friday afternoon at the East Linn Museum grounds.
The 66-mile route begins at I-5 near Brownsville and runs through Crawfordsville, Holley, Sweet Home and Foster, crossing over the Calapooia River and running along the South Santiam River, into the Willamette National Forest and to the junction of Hwy. 126 at the top of the Santiam Pass.
Three years effort went into the project, spearheaded by Joanne West of the Sweet Home Ranger District, Craig Martin, city manager; Karen Owen, Economic Development coordinator; Don Ware, Brownsville Chamber of Commerce president; Mandy Cole, Oregon Tourism Commission; David Clyne, Brownsville City Administrator and Pat Moran, Scenic Byway program manager.
“Tourism in Oregon is very important,” Mandy Cole said. “It generates some $6.2 billion a year statewide and $90.5 million in Linn county alone.”
Cole, a former Sweet Home Ranger District staff member, said Friday’s celebration was like a homecoming reunion for her.
She said the Scenic Byway designation could increase local tourism by up to 20%.
Of those visitors, 53% will be from out of state, 47% from Oregon, 2% international visitors and 1% will be traveling by motor coach.
“Of the international visitors, there is a large market from Japan and Germany who wish to tour the great open spaces,” Cole said. “The target market for scenic byways are those from 35-55 years of age, plus at least one family member. They are middle income and will spend $100 to $200 per day.”
It’s important, Cole said, for local businesses to develop good signage that offers a positive look and feel.
“You have to make your business inviting and you have to have good customer service,” Cole said of trying to capitalize on the new byway’s attraction to tourists.
She called Scenic Byway tourists “kinder and gentler” visitors. She also said the Byway is advertised in the new Oregon Scenic Byways and Tour Routes magazine. 150,000 copies will be distributed over the next two years.
Over the Rivers and Through the Woods scenic byway becomes the 96 such designated roadway in 39 participating states.
Mayor Tim McQueary said he vividly recalls the day–May 14, 2001–when he was invited to take a tour of the proposed Scenic Byway.
“I have lived in this area for more than 50 years and I never really understood how much historical treasures there are around us,” McQueary said.
Don Ware, owner of the Brownsville Times and president of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce said he was especially pleased that area communities cooperated so well on this project.
He hopes it is the beginning of a long-term cooperative effort for developing the economies of East Linn County.
“Sweet Home, welcome to the scenic byway business,” said State Rep. Jeff Kropf.
Rep. Kropf said the byway designation is a great opportunity for both land owners and those who drive the route.
He said that timber dependent communities such as Sweet Home have been struggling to shift economically and the scenic byway is “one more piece of the puzzle to attract people to the community, to view natural beauty and to get to know the community…to fill the void left by the downtown of the timber industry.
“I’m glad it’s here…it’s a great success story for Sweet Home,” Rep. Kropf said.
Before and after an official ribbon cutting, guests enjoy the shade of a large tree and listened to music provided by the Old Time Fiddlers.
Displays were sponsored by the Sweet Home Economic Development Group, Oregon Jamboree, Sweet Home Genealogical Society, Community Outreach, Boston Mill Society and U.S. Forest Service.
High school students planning to travel abroad in 2005, sold hot dogs and sods for $1 as a fund raiser.
Martin Thompson of the Boston Mill Society called the designation, “A fantastic thing…we are supporting a tourism loop and this fits right into the loop plan.”
Alice Grovom, who is a key player in the Sweet Home beautification program, said, “I don’t see how it can do anything but help Sweet Home. All kinds of people have good ideas for enhancing businesses. I hope it helps businesses grow and that it helps us add more shops.”
Joanne West, who spearheaded the project from start to finish, said she is “thrilled…when we started I didn’t really think it would happen. Mike Rassbach (Sweet Home District Ranger) brought up the idea after meeting with Pat Moran.”
The community quickly adopted the concept and has been extremely supportive.
Signage will begin to be installed and 12 interpretive sites are planned along the route.
“Because there is a length limit on vehicles and because much of the route has a closed canopy feel, it offers people a slower paced trip,” West said. “I’m tickled, very happy with the byway and with the turnout today. The community has been very supportive all along the way. We’ve had very few negative comments.”