Projects
Scenic Highways
Our state is developing much-needed new highways like I-22/Corridor X and the I-85 extension. As these roads bring safer travel and the potential for economic development, we should make sure they remain attractive for residents and travelers. This includes working to keep billboards off the roads while promoting the blue logo signs for traveler information. It’s important to take steps now to preserve the beauty of these areas, as we work to bring in quality business and industry. Isn’t it better to keep the roadsides clear, and see how it works, rather than cluttering them up and finding out later that it was a big mistake?
Save the Trees
Update: ALDOT listens!
The trees on right of way belong to YOU. They shouldn't be destroyed by developers and billboard companies. Scenic Alabama asked the Alabama Department of Transportation to stop giving permits to developers for clear-cutting your trees. They listened, and came up with a new policy. This is a great step toward protecting our scenic highways. If you see trees on right of way being cut, you can call your ALDOT district office for information, or let us know at scenicalabama@charter.net or (205) 322-2120.
Roadside Sign Litter
We don’t like billboards, of course, but we REALLY don’t like those plastic signs that litter the right of way and every available tree trunk and telephone pole. Scenic Alabama is tackling this huge problem in several ways. We’re working with political parties and candidates to discourage illegal signs. We’re developing a recycling program for plastic signs. And we’re encouraging you to write to businesses that use illegal signs and ask them to stop.
Strong Sign Control
Interesting downtown shopping, fabulous malls and attractive highway businesses all contribute to the success of a city’s commercial areas. Good signage - uncluttered and easy to read - can make all the difference. Cities adopt strong sign codes because they know that consumers prefer an attractive, tidy shopping area. Cluttered and uncontrolled signs make a business area look decrepit and desperate. Sign control levels the playing field for businesses - the big guys can’t push the little guys out of the way. Scenic Alabama works with cities to develop or revise sign ordinances to create a positive atmosphere for local businesses.
Scenic Tourism
The Scenic Alabama Task Force on Scenic Tourism is developing a program to encourage scenic travel in our state. We believe that if the scenery itself can be developed as an attraction, then it will be more beneficial to preserve it than to put a billboard in front of it. Our plan is to create a scenic route designation that communities can use to promote their areas for tourists. Look for details in mid-2006.