D-1

APPENDIX D 

VISUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CLASSES AND OBJECTIVES

The overall objective of Visual Resource Management (VRM) is to manage public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 

in a manner that will protect the quality of the visual (scenic) values in accordance with Section 

102(a)(8) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. The VRM system uses a 

methodical approach to inventory and manage the 

scenic resources of the public lands. It provides a 

way to identify visual (scenic) values, to establish 

management objectives through the Resource 

Management Planning process or on a case-bycase basis, and to provide timely input into proposed surface-disturbing projects. 

The visual resource inventory process (BLM Manual H-8410-1) provides the BLM with a means of 

determining visual values. The inventory consists 

of a scenic quality evaluation, a sensitivity level 

analysis, and a delineation of distance zones. 

Based on these factors, BLM-administered lands 

are placed into one of four VRM classes. 

Class I, the most highly valued, is assigned to 

those areas where decisions have been made to 

maintain a natural landscape. This includes areas 

such as national wilderness, the wild component of 

a Wild and Scenic River, scenic Areas of Critical 

Environmental Concern, and other congressionally 

and administratively designated areas. 

Classes II, III, and IV are assigned based on a 

combination of scenic quality, sensitivity level, 

and distance. The specific VRM class objectives 

provide the standards for planning, designing, and 

evaluating actions. 

The Visual Contrast Rating System (Manual Section 8431) provides a methodical way to evaluate 

activities and determine whether they conform 

with the approved VRM objectives. The degree of 

contrast is measured in terms of the basic elements 

of form, line, color, and texture in the predominant 

natural features of the characteristic landscape. 

The VRM classes and their management objectives 

are as follows. 

Class I To preserve the existing character of the 

landscape. This class provides for natural ecological changes; however, it does 

not preclude limited management activity. The level of change to the characteristic landscape should be very low 

and must not attract attention. 

Class II 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 

mimic the basic elements of form, line, 

color, and texture found in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape. 

Class III 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 mimic the basic elements found in the predominant natural 

features of the characteristic landscape. 

Class IV To provide for management activities 

that require major modification 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 a major focus of viewer attention. However, every attempt should be 

made to minimize the impact of these 

activities through careful location, 

minimal disturbance, and repetition of 

the basic landscape elements.