Interpretive Master Plan |
Interpretive Master Plan |
Interpretative Media RecommendationsPhase I Recommendations (1996
funding)Phase II Recommendations (1997
funding)Additional Recommendations
Interpretative Media
RecommendationsEach type of interpretive media that is recommended for implementation along the Byway is outlined here with a description of how it will be used.
Phase I Recommendations
(1996 funding)
Low Wattage Radio MessagesThe recommended radio messages will be accessible to those within a short radius of the broadcast point. Highway signage should indicate that travelers should tune radios to the given frequency for information. The message at Lamar will promote the byway and invite visitors to stop at the Welcome Center. The message at Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site will communicate messages about the Santa Fe Trail and more recent history of the area along Colorado Highway 350. The messages at the First National Bank site in Trinidad and will be updated to include local events and the one atop Raton Pass will introduce travelers to the Byway and invite them to stop at the Colorado Welcome Center in Trinidad.
Audio TapesSince the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway is such a long byway, it is recommended that one 60-minute audio tape be developed to interpret the natural and cultural history of the area through which visitors will travel.
This tape could be made available at major townsites along the Byway. SECED has the capabilities to distribute and account for the tapes since they currently distribute post cards of the local area.
BrochuresBrochures are recommended for the Byway as an extension of a family of brochures that was developed by SECED. The SECED Santa Fe Trail brochure in that group will be updated and collateral brochures will be developed for Las Animas County. Their purpose is to encourage tourism to this region and to promote special events in each county.
Wayside Exhibits ( Low Profile Waysides)Three sites along the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway have been recommended as the most appropriate sites for wayside exhibits (Hoehne or Model, Colorado Welcome Center at Trinidad and Exit #1 from 1-25). Interpretation at these sites will stimulate visitors to get involved with and learn about the natural and cultural resources specific to each site and to drive this scenic Byway and adjacent byways. Each will be designed in such a way that visitors will be encouraged to explore the area in more depth. Interpretation at each site will be able to stand alone yet will blend thematically with the Byway theme and with adjacent exhibits.
Outdoor exhibits recommended in this plan should be developed using fused PVC. This mdium has been part of interior exhibits for quite some time and has recently been successfully tested against fading, initiating its use as outdoor interpretive signage.
Since fused PVC works from computer-scanned originals, the number of colors that can be utilized in the design of an exhibit panel is unlimited. The embedded product is based on 3mm or 6mm expanded Sintra. The image is fused into the Sintra using heat and pressure then coated with an adhesive 5 mil UV overlaminate (Lustex). The resulting interpretive panels are capable of accepting photographs, water color or acrylic paintings as original backgrounds to the interpretive messages.
Exhibit framing should be of powder-coated steel that will meet or exceed the existing NPS standards. These framing / mounting systems should designed to hold the interpretive panels but not overwhelm the panel design. Their purpose should not be to attract visitor attention but to support the message that is the focus.
Sites for Implementation:Public Service AnnouncementsAs a public service, Radio Station KCRT has offered to develop, distribute and broadcast public service announcements about the Byway and related activities.
Be developed in conjunction with KCRT
Worldwide Web SiteWith the accessibility of the Internet, many visitors have changed how they plan their vacations and recreation time. Numerous parks, forests and byways already have web sites through the Great Outdoors Recreation Pages (GORP). Many states have web pages especially for scenic byways (including Colorado). Other states have general tourism or recreational listings, (i.e. Colorado Tours) and State Resource listings. This is an excellent way to promote the Byway at very little expense.
The NFS is currently working on a homepage for the National Historic Trail that will be pan of the NPS homepage system. There are a number of web sites about the Santa Fe Trail and NPS hopes to coordinate with many of these and ultimately link with them. The idea of linking with state tourism sites is also being pursued.
Phase II Recommendations (1997
funding)See Phase I description.
Interior ExhibitThis particular interior exhibit will be installed at Trinidad Lake State Park to promote the Byway and its activities. An important element of many interior exhibits is interactivity. This exhibit will be installed along one large wall in the visitor center and will be designed by an exhibit designer who will be selected by Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. Graphic design elements should mesh with others used along the Byway.
Low Wattage Radio MessagesSee Phase I description.
Wayside Exhibits ( Low Profile Waysides)See Phase I description.
Byway NewspaperThe Byway newspaper is a medium that has been used successfully on other byways. Printed once or twice a year, these 8-12 page newspapers are able to offer visitors specific information on where to go and what to see. Advertising in the newspaper offsets the cost of printing and serves the local community by promoting amenities that may be of interest to visitors. Other byways have worked with the local newspaper to handle the printing. A good example of a byway newspaper is that of the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, in western Colorado.
Activity BookSince children and families will represent a significant portion of the Byway's visitors, it is recommended that media be developed that is targeted specifically toward children. An activity booklet would contain activities that focus on local natural and cultural resources but relate to concepts that children can take home and relate to other locations. By including some activities that can be done both on the road and at home, this message can make the connection between the Byway and people's daily lives. Some activities should be child-oriented and others can be oriented toward a child with assistance of an adult or older sibling. A center pull-out portion will be directed toward adults who want more in-depth information or instructions on how to best do the activities with a child.
Activity book sales should be tracked through an existing association and handled through as many local outlets as are able to sell them.
BrochuresSee Phase I description of brochures. This Phase III recommendation for a brochure would be a promotional brochure developed to jointly promote Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway and Scenic Highway of Legends and would promote the day trips for both byways. Funding should be split between the two byways proportionally corresponding to the num­ber of day trips each has in the brochure.
Day TripsTo be an effective economic development tool, the Byway needs to keep
visitors in the area for more than just a pass through. Developing day trips
to local points of interest is a further way of keeping the visitors in
the area. By including driving as well as biking and hiking routes, the
day trips will appeal to a broader segment of travelers and recreationists.
It is recommended that ten such trips along the Byway be developed and interpreted
with low profile wayside exhibits as described in Phase I. Additional routes
and Wildlife Areas could be promoted (but not interpreted) through the use
of the interactive video, the Phase III promotional brochure and the audio
tapes.
Kearney Encampment InterpretationThis interpretation project is in conjunction with the City of Trinidad hiking / biking trail described on page 7. Recommended media is two wayside exhibits. See Phase I for wayside exhibit descriptions. These particular exhibits will interpret the Army of the West and their Purgatoire River encampment in Trinidad.
Boggsville InterpretationSince Boggsville is an NPS certified site on the Santa Fe Trail, it plays an important role to the overall Byway, as it does to southeastern Colorado. Interpretation at Boggsville in this phase includes five low profile wayside exhibits, a low wattage radio message to be broadcast from Las Animas and a promotional brochure.
Additional RecommendationsInterpretation will not achieve its goals if visitors are not aware of its presence. The Byway Committee should work with CDOT to position and install highway Point of Interest signage for each interpretive site. Historical sites such as Bent's Old Fort and Boggsville will require directional highway signage and day trips should be marked, as well.