Article Contributed on: 10/21/2009 1:44:31 PM
Designation seen as good for area
Joe Tempel, executive director of Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison, accepted an award Oct. 16 in Washington, D.C. from U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who announced 42 new designations to America's Byways.
This brings the total number to 151 byways in 46 states, among them the Lariat Loop Scenic and Historic Byway, which connects Golden through Lookout Mountain, and Evergreen to Morrison in a 36-mile loop. It was built in 1912-14 to bring tourists from Denver to visit the Denver Mountain Park system. At the time it was hailed as the "most scenic road in America."
Tempel said the route's historical impact goes back to the age of the dinosaurs who roamed the area near Morrison 150 million years ago.
"We chose the "historic" quality, because you can tell a lot about the settlement of Colorado along the Loop," said Tempel
Tempel said the benefits of being a National Scenic Byways include eligibility for federal funding, being listed on the www.byways.org Web site and having access to technical assistance from the Byways Resource Center. He said the application submitted selected the historic quality as its most intrinsic.
Special projects manager for the town of Morrison, Jerry Smith, said the designation had multiple positive ramifications.
"I am elated. This will be something likely to give the West Jeffco area a marketing presence. It's like a hall of fame for byways," said Smith.
Smith said the publicity that comes with federal designation would draw more people to the area and impact businesses, especially travel and lodging concerns.
"Tempel and the Lariat Loop Alliance (a group of businesses and volunteers that helps market the area) are to be congratulated for their efforts," said Smith.
AJ Tripp Addington, with the Denver Mountain Parks department, said Tempel was the driving force to get the designation.
"It's really meant to help educate people about the resources in the area. It recognizes the historic and cultural assets of the region," said Tripp-Addington.
For more information about the National Scenic Byways designations, visit www.byways.org. For information about the Lariat Loop, visit www.lariatloop.org.
For information about Dinosaur Ridge, visit www.dinoridge.org.