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Governmental partners play key role in moving scenic byway association forward
In the spring of 2000, the first issue of Inkslinger, a newsletter produced by the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association, carried an article called, "Who Helps?" It provided a look at the many volunteers, organizations, businesses and governmental units that provided all kinds of help to the young byway association.
The organization's newsletter continued to highlight helpers throughout the years. From the birding expertise provided by Jo and Steve Blanich of Deerwood, resulting in the beautiful and popular Birds of the Byway brochure, to Grand Casino Mille Lacs' funding of the playing cards projects that highlight various aspects of the byway, there is an amazing number of groups and individuals who have helped and continue to help.
Here's an appreciative glimpse at four governmental partners who have played key roles in moving the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association forward.
In 1997, Carol Altepeter, Northcentral West Regional manager for Explore Minnesota Tourism, brought an awareness of the scenic byway program to some Ideal Township residents who had an interest in finding ways to make their roads safer for bicyclists, walkers and inline skaters. She has been a shepherd of the group ever since, providing organizational development guidance, contact information and that ever-important sounding board for problems and ideas.
Mark Anderson, Minnesota Scenic Byways coordinator, MnDOT Office of Environmental Services, has met with the byway group many times over the past eight years, helping them find their way through the often confusing paperwork of grant applications and state and federal requirements. Anderson has visited the byway often and provided guiding suggestions for everything from mapping to association sustainability.
Locally, Duane Blanck, Crow Wing County Highway engineer, was an early supporter of the byway group, providing step-by-step help in securing route signage. As the byway association developed, his support extended to carrying the agent responsibility on government planning grants for the group, providing data needed for grant application completion, offering valuable guidance in securing implementation services and updating the county board on the progress of byway activities.
"Without Duane's support, there would be no byway," said PBSBA chair Lynn Scharenbroich.
Three years ago, Ray Nelson, director of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Recreation Area in Crosslake, began talking with the PBSBA board about the possibility of establishing a partnership to pool resources and talents. Several aspects of each group's missions were closely aligned. The local connection was positively viewed by the COE, conversely the federal connection was positively viewed by the PBSBA.
With the official contract signing in November 2004, the partnership is already beginning to blossom. Nelson's support of the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association's work and the hand-in-hand approach to the future is an important step in providing stability and permanence.
For more information about the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association and how you can become part of this group, visit www.paulbunyanscenicbyway.org or write to P.O. Box 401, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472.
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