2021-05-03_REVISION - M1997054 (6)

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Chapter 3 Issues Analysis Visual Resource Management (VRM) classes along with the corresponding VRM Objectives were established in the Royal Gorge Field Office (RGFO) in 1996 with the approval of the Royal Gorge Resource Area Resource Management Plan (RMP). Visual Resource Management objectives corresponding to the various management classes provide standards for analyzing and evaluating proposed projects. Projects are evaluated using the Contrast Rating System to determine if it meets VRM objectives established by the RMP. The VRM class established in the 1996 Royal Gorge Resource Area RMP (BLM 1996) for the proposed Sale Area is Class II. The objective for Class II is 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. Five key observation points (KOPs) have been identified in the visual resources study area. Factors considered in selecting the KOPs include angle of observation, number of viewers, length of time the proposed Sale Area is in view, relative Sale Area size, season of use, and light conditions. These KOPs were used for conducting the characteristic landscape, impacts, and VRM compliance analysis. KOP locations are shown in Figure 3.8-1 (Appendix C), and described below: • KOP 1 was chosen as a vantage point for vehicles traveling west on Highway 50, while being far enough away from KOP 4 to provide a different viewpoint. • KOP 2 was chosen for vehicles traveling east on Highway 50. Its location on the curve of Highway 50 would provide a vantage point to the Sale Area for those traveling east. • KOP 3 was chosen as an in-river vantage point for recreationists traveling down the Arkansas River, a very popular recreational activity in the area. • KOP 4 was chosen as a vantage point for recreationists gathering at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, Parkdale site. Visitors here would likely be in that parking area putting kayaks/rafts into the river, pulling kayaks/rafts out of the river, getting gear organized, etc. (CPW 2019f). It is expected that recreationists would be at KOP 4 for a longer time period than the other KOPs, and it provides a clear vantage point of the Sale Area. • KOP 5 was chosen as the Arkansas Canyonlands ACEC location because it sits high on the hillside, it looks down on the Sale Area so it has an unobstructed view, and it is still within two miles of the Sale Area. However, access to KOP 5 is poor and therefore has few visitors. Parkdale Quarry Expansion Project Final Environmental Impact Statement 3-63