October 9, 2014 at 12:55 pm

In 1968 Vermont Banned Billboards. Here’s Why

by twistedsifter

 

In 1968 the state of Vermont passed a landmark anti-billboard law and the landscape has been billboard-free ever since. The law was the result of the extraordinary efforts of one man, Ted Riehle (1924 – 2007), who was determined to preserve the natural beauty of Vermont.

According to John Kessler, chair of the Travel Information Council, the law’s original goals remain the same today:

“We need to provide information to the traveler, but do not want to compromise our natural scenery. Tourism is the number one industry in the state. And the lack of advertising is one of the most commonly reported things that visitors appreciate about Vermont.” [source]

 

Nathaniel Gibson continues:

“Businesses may display an on-premise sign up to 150 square feet… Off-premise signs — the official name for billboards — are not allowed, unless TIC grants an exemption. Exemptions are typically granted for reasons of public safety and convenience.” [source]

 

Below you will find 15 compelling reasons why Vermont (along with Alaska, Hawaii and Maine) banned billboards.

[Sources: AdWeek, VPR, Nathaniel Gibson]

 

1. Stowe

Aerial view of fall foliage in Stowe, Vermont

Photograph by Don Landwehrle

 

2. Equinox Pond, Manchester

vermont-bans-billboards-this-is-why-(3)

Photograph by Ben Saren

 

3. West Dover

vermont-bans-billboards-this-is-why-(1)

Photograph by Len Radin

 

4. Stowe

Rainbow over a golden field of corn.

Photograph by Don Landwehrle

 

5. Moss Glen Falls, Granville

vermont-bans-billboards-this-is-why-(7)

Photograph by johnandersonphoto

 

6.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Photograph by Maudib

 

7. Lake Dunmore

vermont-bans-billboards-this-is-why-(4)

Photograph by RonBlekicki

 

8. Killington

vermont-bans-billboards-this-is-why-(6)

Photograph by mjbs

 

9. Mount Mansfield

vermont-bans-billboards-this-is-why-(2)

Photograph by Pail Moody

 

10. Stowe

Country barn on an autumn afternoon.

Photograph by Don Landwehrle

 

11. Quechee

Hot Air Balloon in Flight

Photograph by BrianBrownImages

 

12.

Spectacular fall landscape

Photograph by ogergo

 

13. Mount Mansfield

Sunset over Mt. Mansfield in Stowe Vermont

Photograph by Don Landwehrle

 

14. Stowe

Horses in an early morning foggy field, Stowe, Vermont, USA

Photograph by Don Landwehrle

 

15. Hubbarton

vermont-bans-billboards-this-is-why-(8)

Photograph by GaryRBenson

 

 

 

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