Route 66 from Oro Grande, Calif., to the Arizona state line near Needles was designated a scenic route by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, according to a report today by The Sun Runner magazine.
The county made the move at the urging of 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. According to the report:
“Route 66 is a historical and cultural icon that is celebrated both in America and around the world,” said Mitzelfelt. “It’s also an economic asset that is underutilized in San Bernardino County and this designation will ensure that scenic views are protected and that future development will be appropriate to the spirit of Route 66 and will attract additional national and international tourists.”
Route 66, also known as National Trails Highway in much of Mitzelfelt’s Mojave Desert District, had previously been designated a county scenic highway from Oro Grande to Lenwood in the Barstow area. Today’s action extends that designation along the rest of the desert portion of the route, east to the Arizona state line.
The designation requires that future development projects should not significantly affect the scenic views along the route and must meet certain development standards, including limitations on the size of signs, and a requirement that projects blend in with the natural setting as much as possible.
Mitzelfelt also championed the County Route 66 sign program from Oro Grande to the Arizona border.
The county’s action will provide at least some protection to scenic areas along the route in the Mojave Desert, especially those that may be developed by solar-energy firms.