Scenic byway urged for area of S. Idaho

BOISE — From petroglyphs to pinot noir.

That's the journey travelers in southwestern Idaho might take someday if a proposed scenic byway is approved through a part of the state rich in Native American and geologic history and now sporting a nascent wine industry.

"I think it's really a great thing," said Tom Bicak, director of Canyon County Parks and Waterways. "Canyon County has a lot of interesting things that could really promote cultural tourism."

Much of the 40-mile Snake River Canyon Scenic Byway would parallel the Snake River Canyon with interpretive signs explaining everything from ancient floods and volcanic events to vineyards.

"Our goal is balance," said Harold Nevill, chairman of a group of Canyon County residents who have come up with the idea. "You could think of it as a clean economy. Tourists come in and spend their money, and they go away. It's different from growth just tied to residential growth."

Another board member, Lindell Jackson, said the byway could also help protect the rural atmosphere of the area that is located near the most populated area of the state.

"My desire is that we have places for people to find solitude away from the hustle and bustle of people," Jackson said.

Vintners in the area wouldn't mind if they also locate the wineries.

"We've gone from 14 to 32 wineries in the state and no way to find them," said Ron Bitner, a byway board member and owner of Bitner Vineyards.

Garry Young, Idaho scenic byways coordinator, said the route could be designated a scenic byway if the group follows the right steps.

"When you market a corridor it gives more opportunity for people to want to travel and spread their money around over a greater part of Idaho," Young told The Associated Press on Friday.

He said the final byway proposal would have to be approved by the Idaho Department of Transportation board. If that happens, it would join 27 other byways in the state.

The group can apply for $50,000 from the transpiration department that requires $10,000 in matching funds from local agencies or governments. Money might also be received from the state byway program to put up signs and information areas along the self-guided route.

Besides the main route, side trips can be made. One is to the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge.

"It will raise awareness," said refuge manager Elaine Johnson. "They will see the wildlife refuge and see some of the issues we've been faced with."

The proposed byway for a while follows Sunnyslope Road, where five wineries are located close together.

Beer drinkers can drive the byway between Wilder and Parma to see fields of hops, used as a flavoring and stability agent.