The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) is launching its newest Scenic Byway project for the 84-mile Military Trail through communities along the highways linking Rouses Point and Massena. This is the eighth Scenic Byway in the region that ANCA has developed.

The development of the Military Trail Scenic Byway will be based on direct input from people who live along the route, ANCA says.

Recreation, tourism, transportation safety, marketing, promotions, resource interpretation and stewardship needs and opportunities will be reviewed. A comprehensive inventory will be prepared of historic, cultural, recreational, and natural resources located in the towns and villages across the project region in the three northernmost counties of New York State.

Local community leaders will be contacted in coming weeks to plan. Government leaders, business owners, civic groups, residents, tourism offices, Chambers of commerce, state agencies, regional planning offices, and other interested parties will be invited to participate.

The draft plan will be presented to the New York State Department of Transportation for review and upon approval will enable the Byway communities in St. Lawrence, Franklin and Clinton Counties to access federal and state program dollars to support marketing and tourism efforts that encourage new, repeat, and extended visitation.