The Wisconsin Lake Superior Byway Council is pleased to announce that it has received a $6,235 grant from the Wisconsin Coastal Management program. The grant, which will be matched with in-kind work by the intergovernmental Council, will fund the development and printing of a comprehensive map that will identify the geological, historical, cultural, and recreational sites along the scenic byway.
The map will be the first printed publication that serves to educate the public about the locations of numerous historic sites, recreational trails, access points to Lake Superior, and cultural opportunities along the Byway. It will serve as a tool to summarize the highlights of the Lake Superior Scenic Byway to help people know what to expect when they visit the area and explain why the area was designated a Wisconsin Scenic Byway. The map will also be an effective marketing tool that provides more information than a typical tri-fold brochure.
In determining how to develop awareness and meaningful learning experiences to help visitors and residents enjoy and protect the natural and cultural resources of the byway, the intergovernmental council studied local and national promotional materials. The council was most impressed with the Lake Superior Water Trail Map, developed by the Northwest Regional Plan Commission and funded in part by a Coastal Management grant. Using the Water Trail map as a model, a new and complimentary printed map will become an educational tool and also further the educational goals of an impressive network of local governments, county, state and federal agencies.
Each of the 13 communities along the Byway has an appointed intergovernmental council member that oversees the management of the Byway and also acts as an ambassador for their respective communities. Their ability to use the map to educate residents and visitors is an integral part of the effort to preserve and protect the Lake Superior coastal area.
The map will be available at tourist destinations along the byway in 2015. For more information about the Wisconsin Lake Superior Byway visit the WLSB website.