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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 3
<br />230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Affected Environment
<br /> PAGE 3-187
<br />used on a regular basis for going to and from work, are less sensitive than others used for scenic drives or
<br />as a route to a recreation destination of particular importance.
<br />Views with longer duration are typically more sensitive than those with shorter duration. For example,
<br />residents viewing the landscape from their homes every day (long duration) are more sensitive than a
<br />tourist viewing the landscape while traveling through the area on a highway (short duration). Refer to
<br />Appendix C-1 – Sensitive Viewpoints: Definitions, Criteria and Viewpoint Summary Table.
<br />Each viewpoint or area was assigned a value of high, moderate, or low for the volume of potential
<br />viewers who may be viewing a given area. While views seen by large numbers of people may potentially
<br />be more sensitive, a high volume of viewers who have no concern for the change would not warrant an
<br />increase in the visual sensitivity level. Using these criteria, views were assigned a final sensitivity level of
<br />high, moderate, or low on all non-BLM lands.
<br />Scenic Quality Determination
<br />Scenic quality is a measure of the visual appeal of a natural landscape (landscapes that are not dominated
<br />by development). Scenic quality is classified in terms of visual diversity, cohesion, harmony of landform,
<br />water, and vegetation. Scenic quality is based on the evaluation of seven key factors: landform,
<br />vegetation, water, color, adjacent scenery, scarcity, and cultural modifications and is expressed as Class
<br />A, Class B, or Class C. During the rating process, each of these factors is ranked on a comparative basis
<br />with similar features within the physiographic province. The sum of the numeric values for these elements
<br />determines the scenic quality class. Ratings of Class A (distinctive or unique), B (above average), or C
<br />(common or representative) were assigned. Scores of 25 or more receive Class A ratings, scores of 18 to
<br />24 receive Class B ratings, and scores below 17 receive Class C ratings. Scenic Quality Classes as defined
<br />by the BLM are as follows:
<br />Class A - Outstanding areas where characteristic features of landform, rock, water, and vegetation are
<br />distinctive or unique in the context of the surrounding region. These features exhibit
<br />considerable variety in form, line, color, and texture.
<br />Class B - Above average areas in which features provide variety in form, line, color, and texture and,
<br />although the combinations are not rare in the surrounding region, they provide sufficient
<br />visual diversity to be considered moderately distinctive.
<br />Class C - Common areas where characteristic features have little variation in form, line, color, or
<br />texture in relation to the surrounding region.
<br />Existing scenic quality classes established by the BLM were used for the scenic quality analysis and data
<br />gap areas were identified. The analysis of scenic quality in undeveloped areas not previously inventoried
<br />by the BLM during the 2010 VRI began with a review of existing topographic maps, aerial photographs,
<br />and other environmental data (vegetation, water features, etc.). Preliminary rating units were developed
<br />based on similar landform, vegetation, and water features and were mapped at 1:24,000 scale. These maps
<br />were used in the field to verify, and adjust if necessary, unit boundaries, and to rate scenic quality using
<br />BLM Form 8400-1. Final scenic quality was documented and mapped as Class A, B, or C.
<br />Scenic Classifications based on the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Visual Impact Assessment
<br />for Highway Projects (FHWA 1981) were provided by WSDOT, and were utilized in areas adjacent to
<br />Interstate (I) 82 and State Route (SR) 243. The Utilities Accommodation Policy Technical Manual M 22-
<br />86.03 summarizes scenic classes along WSDOT managed highways and is based on a 1989 Scenic
<br />Classification inventory. Classes that have been recently revised from the 1989 evaluation in the Project
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