648 CONFERENCE ON NATURAL BEAUTY 



concepts so that highway planners and, indeed, all of us, can deal 

 with the problems of making highways more aesthetically attractive 

 and compatible with the environment. 



The beautification of our country through the highway program 

 requires not only increased attention to aesthetics in new rural high- 

 way construction, but a major program to improve existing high- 

 ways. This should include where necessary the acquisition of addi- 

 tional rights-of-way for buffer zones alongside the highway, the 

 creative regrading and landscaping of the roadside and the screening 

 or removing from sight of objectionable views. 



It has been said that the highway in a rural setting, should fit the 

 landscape like a deer in the forest rather than a bull in the china shop. 



The results of our panel's discussion and the questioning of the 

 participants can be summarized briefly. Highways are built for 

 people those who use them and those who live alongside them. 

 They must not be a scourge upon the landscape. They must serve 

 and enhance the areas through which they pass as well as serve 

 traffic. 



If I might speak as a highway administrator for a moment, I 

 think that serious consideration should be given to more adequate 

 funding so that this program which must become a reality, can be- 

 come a reality. 



Scenic Roads and Parkways 



The Chairman, Senator FARR. The panelists on Scenic Roads and 

 Parkways by way of a preliminary statement point out that, since the 

 average American spends approximately two months of his life each 

 year behind the steering wheel, not counting his vacation (which 

 is also behind the wheel), they believe that the American motorist 

 deserves the very best view from the road of "A More Beautiful 

 America." 



We wish to point out that in no domestic Federal program is 

 more money expended than on our highway program, and this 

 program is solely supported by the highway user. 



Our panel recommends that a national policy and program for 

 scenic roads and parkways must now be formulated, authorized, 

 and funded. We believe that after 1972, when the National System 

 of Defense Interstate Highways is completed, a major portion of 



