Visual Resources

Objectives

Manage all BLM-administered lands to meet the following visual resource quality objectives:

VRM Class I areas	-	preserve the existing character of landscapes.
VRM Class II areas	-	retain the existing character of landscapes.
VRM Class III areas	-	partially retain the existing character of landscapes.
VRM Class IV areas	-	allow major modifications of existing character of landscapes.

Emphasize management of scenic resources in selected high-use areas to retain or preserve scenic quality.

Land Use Allocations

VRM Class		Approx. BLM Acres
I		14,100
II		22,800
III		59,600
IV		301,600

See map 6 for the location of visual resource management classes.

Management Actions/Direction

Address visual resource management issues when preparing watershed analyses.

Use the visual resource contrast rating system during project-level planning to determine whether or not proposed activities will meet visual resource management objectives. Use mitigation measures to reduce visual contrasts.

Provide for natural ecological changes in visual resource management class I areas. Some very limited management activities may occur in these areas. The level of change to the characteristic landscape should be very low and will not attract attention. Changes should repeat the basic elements of form, line, color, texture, and scale found in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape.

Manage visual resource management class II lands for low levels of change to the characteristic landscape. Management activities may be seen but should not attract the attention of the casual observer. Changes should repeat the basic elements of form, line, color, texture, and scale found in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape.

Manage visual resource management class III lands for moderate levels of change to the characteristic landscape. Management activities may attract attention but should not dominate the view of the casual observer. Changes should repeat the basic elements of form, line, color, texture, and scale found in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape.

Manage visual resource management class IV lands for moderate levels of change to the characteristic landscape. Management activities may dominate the view and be the major focus of viewer attention. However, every attempt should be made to minimize the effect of these activities through careful location, minimal disturbance, and repeating the basic elements of form, line, color, and texture.