Appendix H 257

The overall objective of visual resource management is to manage public lands 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 (FLPMA). The Bureau of Land

Management (BLM) Visual Resource

Management (VRM) system is a methodical

approach to inventorying and managing the

scenic resources of the public lands.

The visual resource inventory process (BLM

Manual Section H-8410-1) provides the agency

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, as well as

legislative or administrative mandates, one of

four VRM Classes is assigned to BLM-administered lands.

Class I, the most highly valued visually, is

assigned to those areas where decisions have

been made to maintain a natural landscape. This

includes areas such as a national wilderness, the

wild component of a Wild and Scenic River

(WSR), Areas of Critical Environmental

Concern (ACEC) designated for scenic values,

and other congressionally and administratively

designated areas where decisions have been

made to preserve a natural landscape. Classes II,

III, and IV are assigned to areas based on a

combination of scenic quality, sensitivity level,

and distance.

The specific objective(s) of each VRM Class

provide(s) the standards for planning, designing

and evaluating actions. The Contrast Rating

System (BLM Manual Section 8431) provides a

methodical means to evaluate activities and

determine whether they conform with the

approved VRM objectives. The degree of contrast is measured by assessing how much a proposed activity stands out when viewed from key

observation points and compared with the predominant natural landscape elements of form,

line, color and texture.

The VRM Classes and their corresponding

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 very 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 repeat 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

repeat 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

Appendix H:

VISUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CLASSES AND OBJECTIVES FOR BUREAU

OF LAND MANAGEMENT–ADMINISTERED LANDS
258 APPENDIXES/GLOSSARY/A SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

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 landscape elements.

The VRM System, therefore, provides a means

to identify visual (scenic) values; establish

objectives through the Resource Management

Planning process or on a case-by-case basis for

managing these values; and provide timely input

into proposed surface-disturbing projects to

ensure the assigned objectives are met.
See 

Maps 4A, 4B, 4C, and 5