Historical Society seeks comments on Western Highlands Scenic Byway Plan

VERNON — The Vernon Township Historical Society encourages the Vernon and Hardyston communities to review and provide comments on the draft Western Highlands Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan prior to the plan completion. A public gathering and discussion of the plan will take place May 6 at 2 p.m. at the Vernon Township Senior Center, 21 Church Street, Vernon.
The 21-mile Western Highlands Scenic Byway in Vernon and Hardyston townships was designated New Jersey’s eighth most scenic byway in 2014. Local volunteers are working with the N.J. Dept. of Transportation and a consultant to develop a Corridor Management Plan for the byway. The plan will identify steps to enhance and promote awareness of the byway’s unique historical and recreational qualities and encourage tourism.
The purpose of the public meeting is to present draft recommendations for the byway and to seek public feedback that will be used to finalize the plan.
The draft plan includes recommendations for: enhancing scenic views, encouraging tourism and improving access to eco-tourism and historic sites, expanding interpretive programs to increase awareness of the region’s history and significance, and guiding visitors with byway signs, a mobile app, and interpretive panels along the byway.
Representatives of NJDOT, the consultant team and the Historical Society will be on hand to explain the planning process, answer questions and seek comments and suggestions from the public.