New Byway Signage Update

When you travel the River Bluffs Scenic Byway next summer, you'll likely notice a big change. In order to help create a more unique identity for each of Iowa's Scenic Byways and improve sign placement to help byway travelers find their way, the Iowa Byways Sustainability Project in partnership with the local byway boards have created new signs. The tentative timetable for placement of the new signs along the River Bluffs Scenic Byway is sometime next spring, but could be sooner depending on weather conditions this fall. Keep your eyes open for the new signs, and be sure to be on the lookout for other Iowa Scenic Byways signs as you travel the state.

Scenic Byway Photo Contest Winner Announced

The winning photo in the River Bluffs Scenic Byway photo contest was submitted by Cathy Molumby. The photo was taken in Lincoln Park in the byway town of Clermont. Clermont, like many towns along the River Bluffs Scenic Byway, offers byway travelers a unique mix of beautiful scenery, historic and cultural experiences, recreational opportunities and small town ambiance. Congratulations to Ms. Molumby on her winning photo. Be on the look out for our next photo contest coming soon! We hope to see you along the River Bluffs Scenic Byway.

What’s on YOUR Byway?

Map what you would like to show those traveling along the River Bluffs Scenic Byway

The Developing Iowa’s Byways through GIS Technology project is underway and over 40 miles of the River Bluffs 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 already been out on the byway twice 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 River Bluffs Scenic Byway! Photos can highlight scenic views, places, festivals, activities and/or people along the byway. Photos must be submitted by November 30, 2009. Three photographs will be chosen as finalists, the finalist receiving the most votes will receive a digital photo frame donated by Alpine Communications of Elkader. 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 River Bluffs Scenic Byway? Is it the Irish Shanti in Gunder, Spook Cave by Marquette, canoeing on the Turkey River, or maybe it’s your own home or farm? As Project Assistant for the Northeast Iowa Scenic Byways Project, I got the opportunity last week to spend a day with my sons exploring the byway. We had a great time and we 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 River Bluffs Scenic Byway. The RBSB travels through several communities in Clayton and Fayette Counties. 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 participants from 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 July 31, 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 River Bluffs Scenic Byway, I am 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 me with information so I can reach them. Email kristin@northeastiowarcd.org or contact me by phone at (563) 864-7112. There are so many exciting things happening and I can’t wait for people to realize the potential this project has for their communities!