Topeka ? Two natural characteristics not generally associated with Kansas – hills and wetlands – have landed the first ever National Scenic Byways designation for the Sunflower State.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta on Thursday announced the designation of the Flint Hills Scenic Byway, which runs along Kansas Highway 177 from Council Grove to Cassoday, and the Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway, which includes parts of Kansas Highways 4 and 156 and county roads connecting Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.

National byway status could mean more federal scenic byway grants and make the roads part of the National Scenic Byway Program’s international and national marketing activities, officials said. The two Kansas roads were among 45 designated Thursday.

State officials said they hoped the byway designation would increase tourism.

“How fitting these beautiful areas get national recognition, confirming what we’ve always known in Kansas. Anyone who has driven either of these routes knows about the picturesque scenery and wildlife,” Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said.

The Flint Hills Scenic Byway traverses the Tallgrass Prairie, one of the last large areas of untouched prairie in North America.

The Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway focuses attention on important migration points for hundreds of thousands of birds.

A third Kansas route – the Post Rock Scenic Byway along Kansas Highway 232 between Wilson and Lucas – was submitted for the national designation but was not selected.