Vantage to Pomona FEIS Index 34 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 3 230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Affected Environment PAGE 3-202 RMP (1985) and ROD (BLM 1987) and the 1992 RMP Amendment and ROD (Spokane District 1985/1987 RMP and 1992 RMP Amendment/ROD) also state that: “Recreational activities and visual resources will be evaluated as part of the specific activity plans and will be evaluated to determine their appropriateness in relation to the land use allocations made by the Resource Management Plan;” and “The evaluation of visual resources will consider the significance of proposed projects and the visual/scenic sensitivity of the affected area. Stipulations will be attached as appropriate to assure compatibility of projects with management objectives for visual resources.” In preparation for the RMP update, a VRI was conducted during 2010 and VRI Classes were established. VRI Classes; however, only establish baseline visual resource values. The inventory classes represent the relative value of visual resources and provide the basis for considering visual values in the RMP planning process. VRM Classes are established though the RMP process, which may or may not reflect the VRI. Resource allocations decisions made in the RMP will determine final VRM Classes. Interim VRI Classes were developed by the BLM based on the VRI and desired management direction pending the development of the forthcoming revised RMP. The Interim VRM Classes were established in the Project study area as detailed in BLM Memo 285003-OR WAOR 65753 and Memo 285003-OR W020 developed for the Project’s DEIS and SDEIS. The Interim VRM Classes established by the BLM (Interim Class III) in the Project study area are shown in Appendix A - Visual Resources Map. As established by BLM Manual H-8410 (BLM 1986a), VRM Class Objectives are as follows: Class I: The objective of this class is to preserve the existing character of the landscape. This class provides for natural ecological changes; however, it does not preclude very limited management activity. The level of change to the characteristic landscape should be very low and must not attract attention. Class II: The objective of this class is to retain the existing character of the landscape. The level of change to the characteristic landscape should be low. Management activities may be seen, but should not attract the attention of the casual observer. Any changes must repeat the basic elements of form, line, color, and texture found in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape. Class III: The objective of this class is to partially retain the existing character of the landscape. The level of change to the characteristic landscape should be moderate. Management activities may attract attention but should not dominate the view of the casual observer. Changes should repeat the basic elements found in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape. Class IV: The objective of this class is to provide for management activities which require major modifications of the existing character of the landscape. The level of change to the characteristic landscape can be high. These management activities may dominate the view and be the major focus of viewer attention. However, every attempt should be made to minimize the impact of these activities through careful location, minimal disturbance, and repeating the basic elements.