Driftless Area Scenic Byway to host public meeting March 20

The Driftless Area Scenic Byway (DASB) Board of Directors will seek public input on a comprehensive plan for managing the 100-mile Scenic Byway from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 20 at the Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank Community Room in Waukon. Anyone with an interest in this project is encouraged to participate in this public forum.
The DASB Board, with support from Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development and the Iowa Department of Transportation, has been working to promote the DASB and attract visitors to the Byway, which winds through the communities of Postville, Harpers Ferry, Waukon, Lansing and New Albin in Allamakee County.
As the DASB continues to be developed, the Byway’s popularity has been on the rise. In 2010, the Iowa Department of Economic Development conducted a survey to find out what travelers planned on doing during their trip to Iowa. Over 60% of travelers said they were interested in Scenic Byways. Another survey conducted by the Iowa Welcome Centers revealed that the number-one request they received in 2009 was people asking for information about Scenic Byways. When the same study was conducted in 2010, it showed that one in three travelers said that knowledge of the Byways extended their stay in the area.
In hopes of the Byway’s upward momentum continuing, this meeting will give participants an opportunity to learn about the project and provide input while enjoying cookies and coffee. An overview about the project and the past year’s accomplishments will be provided as well.
Community members, business owners and/or anyone interested in tourism are welcome and encouraged to attend. Anyone who would like to learn more about the meeting or be added to the DASB newsletter distribution list is asked to contact Jared Nielsen at 563-864-7112 or jared@northeastiowarcd.org.