Laserfiche WebLink
4 Environmental Analysis <br /> 4.1 Aesthetics <br /> VRI classes are assigned to each area of BIM-administered lands based on visual sensitivity <br /> level (high, medium, and low), scenic quality, and distance. These four VRI classes represent the <br /> relative values of the existing visual resources. VRI Classes I and II represent the highest visual <br /> value, Class III represents moderate value, and Class IV represents relatively low visual value. <br /> Specific terminology used in describing the existing visual environment is provided below. <br /> oo Contrast. Opposition or unlikeness of different forms, lines, colors, or textures in a <br /> landscape. <br /> oo Contrast rating. A method of analyzing the potential visual impacts of proposed <br /> management activities. <br /> oo Form. The mass or shape of an object or objects that appears unified, such as a <br /> vegetative opening in a forest, a cliff or mountain formation, a water tank, or a highway <br /> overpass. <br /> oo Key Observation Point(KOP). One or a series of points on a travel route or at a use area <br /> or potential use area, where the view of a management activity would be most revealing. <br /> oo Landscape Visibility. Perception of details (e.g., form, line, color, and texture) diminishes <br /> with increasing distance. The distance zone is dependent on the location of the observer <br /> relative to the Project. These distance zones are: <br /> o Foreground and middle ground: zero to 5 miles from point of interest <br /> o Background: remaining area up to 15 miles away from the point of interest <br /> o Seldom seen: over 15 miles from the point of interest <br /> oo Scenic quality. A measure of the visual appeal of a tract of land. In the visual resource <br /> inventory process, the apparent scenic quality is determined using seven key factors: <br /> landform, vegetation, water, color, adjacent scenery, scarcity, and cultural modifications. <br /> 0o Sensitivity level. Sensitivity levels are a measure of public concern for scenic quality. <br /> Public lands are assigned high, medium, or low sensitivity levels by analyzing the <br /> various indicators of public concern. <br /> oo Simulation. A realistic visual portrayal that demonstrates the perceivable changes in <br /> landscape features caused by a proposed management activity. This is done using <br /> photography, artwork, computer graphics, and other such techniques. <br /> oo Texture. The visual manifestations of the interplay of light and shadow created by the <br /> variations in the surface of an object or landscape. <br /> oc Viewshed. A landscape unit seen from a KOP. <br /> oo Visual quality. The relative worth of a landscape from a visual perception point of view. <br /> oc Visual resource. The visible physical features on a landscape (e.g., land, water, <br /> vegetation, animals, structures, and other features). <br /> Scenic quality is a measure of the visual appeal of a tract of land. The apparent scenic quality of <br /> the land is determined using seven key factors: landform, vegetation, water, color, adjacent <br /> scenery, scarcity, and cultural modifications. During the rating process, each of these factors is <br /> ranked on a comparative basis with similar features within the project area. The BLM Visual <br /> Resource Management approach allows the various landscape elements that comprise visual <br /> Griffith Energy Storage Project 4.1-2 Tetra Tech/SCH 2022120675 <br /> Draft Environmental Impact Report August 2023 <br />