Ebbetts Pass group seeks input

The Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway Association will host two public meetings next week focused on planning for the future of the nationally-designated scenic corridor on Highway 4, between Arnold and Markleeville.

The meetings will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Alpine County Administrative Office Building, Board Chambers, 99 Water St., Markleeville; and from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Independence Hall Community Center, 1445 Blagen Road, Arnold.

Supported by a federal transportation grant, the Byway Association is in the early stages of updating its “corridor management plan.”

The plan guides a wide range of activities including marketing, partnership organizing, resource protection and strategies for sharing the culture and history of the byway. The original Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan was written in 2004 and has supported efforts to secure federal funding and local dollars to promote the byway and develop projects within Calaveras and Alpine counties.

The discussion will focus on the importance of the byway to the region, ways to make it a stronger asset and goals for the future. The meetings will begin with a brief presentation about the history and accomplishments of the byway.

“The Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway is a world-class destination for travelers with its rich scenic and natural resources, international history and many recreation opportunities. It’s also a great place to live, work, and play,” said Michelle Plotnik, executive director of the Byway Association. “Since its designation, the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway has successfully obtained funding for several marketing and enhancement projects. Now the association needs all of its stakeholders to help plan the byway’s next chapter of growth and effectiveness.”

“We have an amazing asset here,” said Terry Woodrow, a Byway Association board member and the Alpine County supervisor whose district encompasses a portion of the bypass. “Every community, economic development group, public agency, and nonprofit organization within Calaveras and Alpine counties has a stake in the future of our byway.”

Representatives from the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway Association, the Calaveras Council of Governments, the David L. Dahlquist Associates team and AIM Consulting will be available to answer questions and discuss ideas throughout the evening.

Copies of our existing Corridor Management Plan may be viewed on the
http://www.calacog.org/byway.shtml