As 2024 draws to a close, Scenic America reflects on a remarkable year filled with achievements in scenic preservation, impactful partnerships, and inspiring advocacy efforts. This year, the organization made significant strides in its mission to protect and enhance the nation’s natural and built environments, ensuring that scenic beauty remains a source of inspiration for generations to come.

Celebrating Scenic Beauty
The 2024 America the Beautiful Photo Contest showcased the unparalleled beauty of the United States, drawing record-breaking participation. From stunning landscapes to vibrant wildlife, the contest reminded the nation of the importance of preserving its visual treasures. Dustin Penman of Sacramento, CA, won Best in Show with his breathtaking photo, Last Light.

Investing in Scenic Byways
The Federal Highway Administration announced $7.5 million in funding for the National Scenic Byways Program, a critical investment in America’s scenic roads. In the same year, FHWA made $26.95 million available to byways programs through a competitive grant process. Scenic America’s advocacy played a vital role in securing these funds which will, when awarded, enable preservation and improvement projects across the country.

Scenic Symposium 2024: A Platform for Advocacy
This year’s Scenic Symposium, held in Pittsburgh, PA, brought together advocates, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss key issues, including utility undergrounding, dark skies initiatives, and zoning practices. Under the theme “Scenic Beauty Through Action and Advocacy,” the event fostered collaboration and showcased innovative solutions to scenic conservation challenges.

Advancing Utility Undergrounding
Scenic America amplified its efforts to promote undergrounding utility wires as a proactive solution to mitigate risks from natural disasters. High-profile wildfires caused by downed powerlines underscored the importance of this initiative. Scenic America highlighted the success of PG&E’s undergrounding program, which boasts a 99% effectiveness rate, as a model for nationwide adoption to protect both lives and landscapes.

Reforesting America Through Partnerships
Scenic America rehashed its partnership with BMW North America for two additional “Trees for Test Drives” campaigns in 2024. The program has resulted in over 30,000 trees being planted in fire-damaged areas to date. This reforestation effort not only restored ecosystems but also reinforced the importance of sustainable practices.

A Legacy Gift for Scenic Preservation
Philanthropist Ronald Fleming’s $1 million gift will elevate Scenic America’s visibility on a national scale. This transformative contribution ensures the organization can expand its advocacy and outreach initiatives in the years to come.

Looking Ahead
As 2024 concludes, Scenic America is setting its sights on an ambitious 2025 agenda. Plans include advocating for more money for the National Scenic Byways Program and an expanded scenic byways designation process, promoting nationwide utility undergrounding through coalition building and educational programming, and launching a national PSA campaign to raise awareness about Scenic America.

Through impactful partnerships, visionary advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to its mission, Scenic America continues to lead the charge in preserving and enhancing the nation’s scenic beauty. Here’s to another year of inspiring action and safeguarding America’s most treasured landscapes.