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4.12 Visual Resources r variation in color, with muted color schemes throughout; therefore the area would receive a lower than average rating for this category. Adjacent Scenery r This category considers the degree to which scenery outside the scenery unit being rated enhances the overall impression of the scenery within the rating unit. The distance which adjacent scenery ` would influence scenery within the rating unit would normally range from 0 to 5 miles, depending upon the characteristics of the topography,the vegetative cover, and other such factors. The views of the Coastal Range to the south and west of the project area improve the � scenic value of the area dramatically; therefore the site would receive an above-average rating for this category. L. Scarcity This factor provides an opportunity to give added importance to one or all of the scenic features that appear to be relatively unique or rare within one physiographic region. There may also be cases where a separate evaluation of each of the key factors does not give a true picture of the overall scenic quality of an area. Often it is a number of not so spectacular elements in the proper combination that produces the most pleasing and memorable scenery—the scarcity factor can be W. used to recognize this type of area and give it the added emphasis it needs. Taken as a whole, valley bottom/mountain range intersections would be considered scarce landforms; however, the project site itself would be considered similar to other landscapes within the San Joaquin County/ Coastal Range frontier and would therefore receive an average scarcity rating. Cultural Modifications Ir Cultural modifications in the landform/water, vegetation, and addition of structures should be considered and may detract from the scenery in the form of a negative intrusion or complement or improve the scenic quality of a unit. Existing man-made structures within the project area include dirt roads,power lines, and one residence. In addition, the project area is planted with orchards and row crops. The cultural modifications related to farming generally enhance the visual quality of the landscape,and therefore the site would receive a slightly above-average rating for this category. State r_ California Scenic Highway Program Many state highways are located in areas of outstanding natural beauty. California's Scenic Highway Program was created by the Legislature in 1963 to preserve and protect scenic highway corridors from change which would diminish the aesthetic value of lands adjacent to highways. The state laws governing the Scenic Highway Program are found in the Streets and Highways Code, Section 260 et seq. The State Scenic Highway System includes a list of highways that are either eligible for designation as scenic highways or have been so designated.These highways are identified in Section 263 of the Streets and Highways Code. A highway may be designated scenic depending upon how much of the natural landscape can be seen by travelers, the scenic quality of the landscape, and the extent to which development intrudes upon the traveler's enjoyment of the RMC Pack Vernalis Quarry Mining and Reclamation Project 4.12-9 ESA 1203015 Draft Environmental Impact Report May 2006 r