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~1) =1 3i 6 a r.esult of the impacts of activities of other programs bemg mitigated to the extent practical. Impacts from Locatable and Saleable Minerals M.a~agement. The surface disturbance caused by ~g operations and exploration, and the disposal of mmeral materials, and the associated access and haul ro.utes from both activities would potentially cause mmor to severe changes to visual resources depending on the extent and location of operations: These impacts would be most apt to occur on 110,528 acres with a high probability for the occurrence of locatable minerals. Most of these lands are in VRM Class II areas. Impacts from Forest Management. The harvest of commercial timber, and firewood in some areas would have minor to moderate negative impacts to visual resources. These impacts would be greatest in clear cut areas and lands affected by access and haul routes. Stands where selective cutting is used would undergo minimal disturbance to visual resources. Most stands of commercial timber selected for sale or harvest are located in VRM Class III and IV areas which allow for substantial modification of the naturai environment. Impacts from Rights-of-Way Management. The development of some facilities in rights-of-way would cause minor to major impacts to visual resources depending on the extent and location of disturbance. The greatest impact would probably occur from large electrical transmission lines, pipelines, or other linear facilities in VRM Class I or II areas. Impacts from Witbdrawals and Classilications. The continuation of the 'Loop Road' withdrawal C- 0125423, the Powder horn Primitive Area withdrawal , and other BLM 'protective" withdrawals, would maintain scenic resources within those areas. CUMUUlTIVE IMPACTS ON VISUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Continuing to manage public lands according to existing VRM Class objectives (VRM Class I 43590 , , acres; VRM Class II, 173,510 acres; VRM Class III, 126,645 acres; VRM Class IV, 236,845 acres; and VRM Class IIR, IIIR, and IVR, 4,422 acres) would CURRENT MANAGEMENT IMPACTS maintain the overall visual character of the Planning Area, but would permit changes from projects or developments that result in varying degrees of visual contrast in localized viewsheds in VRM Class III and IV lands. These changes would be most adverse where major transportation or utility facilities are located, or where large mining operations occur. IMPACTS ON WILDERNESS STUDY AREAS IMPACTS FROM PROPOSED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS Impacts from Wilderness Study Area Management. Managing WSAs under BLM's Interim Management Policy for Lands under Wilderness Review would continue to help reduce disturbance from non- conforming uses and maintain wilderness values on 114,247 acres of public land. Any lands designated as wilderness would be managed as such and a management plan would be prepared. Impacts from Soil and Water Resources Management. Pursuing water rights where appropriate, and soils and water resources management, could maintain or enhance wilderness values in WSAs. Impacts from Livestock Grazing Management. Domestic livestock on lands authorized for grazing in WSAs would have a minor negative impact on the wilderness experience for backcountry users especially in alpine areas where large sheep bands ~ significantly alter the visitor's experience. Impacts from Visual Resource Management. Managing WSAs according to existing VRM o~jectives would have a minor positive impact on wilderness values by reducing the visual contrast and dis~ban~ of uses, especially mineral development, grazmg rmprovements, and visitor management facilities that could alter natural character. Impacts from Transportation and Access. The maintenance of existing hiking trails would provide a ~~derate po~itive impact on the public's ability to VlSlt and enJoy WSAs. The pursuit of access 4-11