A viewscape is all of the land and water seen from a point or along a series of points (a road or trail). Viewscape management includes describing, planning, and designing the visual aspects of all aspects of the area. All resource activities or management practices are included. Activities typically will include on the ground and computer-aided analyses of visual influences at least before construction or action. Actions, wherever possible, will be harmonized within the viewscape.

Stillman (1966:5) said:

"One thing is true, I am sure -- and that is that the scenery of a view is irrelevant. A view offers a chance to look away at nothing much; to see variety in distance, shape, color, and texture. One thinks about anything but what one sees at such a time. We all need the chance to look with unseeing eyes; we all need the chance freely to restructure our world as we see fit."

Preliminary Viewscape management distance zones (foreground, middleground, and background) have been established. The viewing points are typically: shore from lake positions; roads, trails, peaks, streams, recreational areas, viewing towers or platforms, and major entrance and exit areas.

The area provides points, linear views, and vast areas or vistas judged differently as interesting, beautiful, and awe-inspiring. The natural components of the area are attractions for many. Changes in where people live and increased urbanization will likely increase interest in the scenic values of the area.

Minor changes in a viewscape can cause significant outcry and concern for the scenic resource or overall viewscape of the area.

Sensitivity zones will be mapped. Level I zones have great importance or sensitivity to visual change. The levels are closely related to the risk of being viewed as "ugly" or, conversely the probability of falling from a class of "beautiful."

Size and location of forest operations (if any) are an example of a viewscape problem of concern.

All future developments will use the viewscape analyses of Guidance.

Other significant aspects of the planned action:

1. Consistent use of color.
2. Consistent use of texture.
3. Consistent use of golden-section proportions.
4. Minimum signs.
5. Scaled signs.
6. View point management.
7. Air quality management or emphases.
8. Interpretive aids to scenes (names or ridges; time to hike to point x).
9. Roadside view (corridor view) protection.
10. Trail location to include viewpoints.
11. We plan to evaluate the potential visual impact of all management activities (recreation, timber, water, wildlife, and mineral activities, road, trail, and facility construction and species uses.) Trained personnel will make evaluations. If the evaluation shows an unacceptable contrast rating, or if a feature or focal landscape is involved, efforts will be made to reduce effects or alter the project.