Appendix 17C 2 Scenic Quality Rating Summaries

Final Environmental Impact Report / Environmental Impact Statement for the Bay Delta Conservation Plan/California WaterFix: Appendix 17C, Scenic Quality Rating SummariesAdministrative Final
Explanation of Rating Criteria
Landform Topography becomes more interesting as it gets steeper or more massive, or more severely or universally sculptured. Outstanding landforms may be monumental, as the Grand Canyon, the Sawtooth Mountain Range in Idaho, the Wrangell Mountain Range in Alaska, or they may be exceedingly artistic and subtle as certain badlands, pinnacles, arches, and other extraordinary formations. Vegetation Give primary consideration to the variety of patterns, forms, and textures created by plant life. Consider short-lived displays when they are known to be recurring or spectacular. Consider also smaller scale vegetational features which add striking and intriguing detail elements to the landscape (e.g., gnarled or windbeaten trees, and joshua trees). Water That ingredient which adds movement or serenity to a scene. The degree to which water dominates the scene is the primary consideration in selecting the rating score. Color Consider the overall color(s) of the basic components of the landscape (e.g., soil, rock, vegetation, etc.) as they appear during seasons or periods of high use. Key factors to use when rating “color” are variety, contrast, and harmony. Adjacent Scenery Degree to which scenery outside the scenery unit being rated enhances the overall impression of the scenery within the rating unit. The distance which adjacent scenery will influence scenery within the rating unit will normally range from 0-5 miles, depending upon the characteristics of the topography, the vegetative cover, and other such factors. This factor is generally applied to units which would normally rate very low in score, but he influence of the adjacent unit would enhance the visual quality and raise the score. Scarcity This factor provides an opportunity to give added importance to one or all of the scenic features that appear to be relatively unique or rare within one physiographic region. There may also be cases where a separate evaluation of each of the key factors does not give a true picture of the overall scenic quality of an area. Often it is a number of not so spectacular elements in the proper combination that produces the most pleasing and memorable scenery - the scarcity factor can be used to recognize this type of area and give it the added emphasis it needs. Cultural Modifications Cultural modifications in the landform/water, vegetation, and addition of structures should be considered and may detract from the scenery in the form of a negative intrusion or complement or improve the scenic quality of a unit. Rate accordingly.
Bay Delta Conservation Plan/California WaterFix Final EIR/EIS 17C-1 ICF 00139.14
Administrative Final
1 Scenic Quality Rating Summary
KOP Feature View Jerry Gonsalves Kristin Lantz Jennifer Stock Paul Weller Averaged Total FINAL RATING
KOP 15 Intake 2W Existing Simulated
- -
18.0 13.0
19.0 9.0
18.75 10.0
18.58 10.67
C E
KOP 34 Intake 3E: January 2012 (Alts 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 6A, 6B, 7, 8)
Existing Simulated
14.0 9.0
15.0 10.5
13.5 8.5
14.17 9.33
D E
KOP 34 Intake 3E: July 2013 (Alts 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 6A, 6B, 7, 8)
Existing Simulated
Existing Simulated
Existing Simulated
- -
18.0 12.0
19.5 13.0
18.75 10.0
18.75 11.67
C E
- -
- -
13.0 12.5
8.0 6.5
11.5 11.0
5.5 5.5
12.0 7.5
21.0 10.5
15.5 10.0
20.5 12.5
- -
11.0 8.5
12.5 8.0
12.5 8.5
12.00 8.33
E F
a = Scenic Quality Ratings: A = 29–32 C = 19–23 E = 9–13 G = 0–3 B = 24–28 D = 14–18 F = 4–8
2

Adapted by ICF Int'l for: BDCP
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Date: 2172012 BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Landscape Character Unit: N/A SCENIC QUALITY RATING SUMMARY
Key Observation Point: KOP 15 on SR 160 at Scribner Road
Evaluators (names): Kristin Lantz, PLA
Scenic Quality Rating Unit (KOP): KOP 15 on SR 160 at Scribner Road – EXISTING SCENIC QUALITY
Key Factors Scenic Quality
Rating Explanation
(1) Landform 1.0 Valley floor, flat agricultural fields and river offer little to no vertical relief.
(2) Vegetation 3.0 Sparse riparian vegetation adds some seasonal interest (e.g., spring blossoms and fall color) and variety. The opposite riverbank lacks trees and shrubs and doesn’t offer as much interest. Background trees also provide variety and seasonal interest.
(3) Water 4.5 The river is a prominent feature of the landscape.
(4) Color 3.0 During the winter the contrast isn’t as apparent and the colors are more muted. During the rest of the year there is good contrast between the sky, clouds, green foliage of trees, and shrubs.
(5) Adjacent Scenery 3.5 Adjacent views of the river and riparian habitat add interest, but are somewhat obscured by metal guardrails. Adjacent ag fields offer expansive views, but are somewhat obscured by power lines. The adjacent rural residence provides historic character and has mature landscape that is of interest.
(6) Scarcity 4.0 Ag fields are common in the region, but views of the riparian habitat along the river are limited and of high visual interest. Other trees and landscape plants around rural res also add visual interest by breaking up the monotony of ag fields.
(7) Cultural Modification 1.0 While being elevated on the levee offers greater vistas, the metal guardrails detract from views of the river and riparian habitat. The roadway and signage also adds to the disharmony.
(8) Total Score 18
(9) Scenic Quality Rating D A = 2932 B = 2428 C = 1923 D = 1418 E = 913 F = 48 G = 03

Scenic Quality Inventory and Evaluation Chart
Key factors Rating Criteria and Score
Landform High vertical relief as expressed in prominent cliffs, spires, or massive rock outcrops, or severe surface variation or highly eroded formations including major badlands or dune systems; or detail features dominant and exceptionally striking and intriguing such as glaciers.
5
Steep canyons, mesas, buttes, cinder cones, and drumlins; or interesting erosional patterns or variety in size and shape of landforms; or detail features which are interesting though not dominant or exceptional.
3
Low rolling hills, foothills, or flat valley bottoms; or few or no interesting landscape features.
1
Vegetation A variety of vegetative types as expressed in interesting forms, textures, and patterns.
5
Some variety of vegetation, but only one or two major types.
3
1
Water Clear and clean appearing, still, or cascading white water, any of which are a dominant factor in the landscape.
5
3
0
Color Rich color combinations, variety or vivid color; or pleasing contrasts in the soil, rock, vegetation, water or snow fields.
5
Some intensity or variety in colors and contrast of the soil, rock and vegetation, but not a dominant scenic element.
3
1
5
3
Adjacent scenery has little or no influence on overall visual quality.
0
Scarcity One of a kind; or unusually memorable, or very rare within region. Consistent chance for exceptional wildlife or wildflower viewing, etc.
* 5+
3
Interesting within its setting, but fairly common within the region.
1
Modifications add favorably to visual variety while promoting visual harmony.
2
Modifications add little or no visual variety to the area, and introduce no discordant elements.
0
Modifications add variety but are very discordant and promote strong disharmony.
4
* A rating of greater than 5 can be given but must be supported by written justification.
INSTRUCTIONS Purpose: To rate the visual quality of the scenic resource on all BLM managed lands. How to Identify Scenic Value: All Bureau lands have scenic value. How to Determine Minimum Suitability: All BLM lands are rated for scenic values. Also rate adjacent or intermingling nonBLM lands within the planning unit. When to Evaluate Scenic Quality: Rate for scenery under the most critical conditions (i.e., highest user period or season of use, sidelight, proper atmospheric conditions, etc.). How to Delineate Rating Areas: Consider the following factors when delineating rating areas.
1. Like physiographic characteristics (i.e., land form, vegetation, etc.). 2. Similar visual patterns, texture, color, variety, etc. 3. Areas which have a similar impact from cultural modifications (i.e., roads, historical and other structures, mining operations, or other surface disturbances).
NOTE: Values for each rating criteria are maximum and minimum scores only. It is also possible to assign scores within these ranges.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Date: February 17, 2012 BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Evaluators (names): Jennifer Stock, PLA
(1) Landform 1 Generally flat agricultural landscape with topographical relief provided by levees
(2) Vegetation 3 Contrast in vegetation between agricultural crops across river, riparian vegetation, and grassy levee slopes. Evergreen and deciduous vegetation present along river and trees visible in background beyond on horizon line
(3) Water 3.5 Moving water is a very visible feature that adds to scenic quality & makes up large part of view
(4) Color 3.75
Color provided by seasonal variations such as when trees in leaf, fields planted, grass is green or brown, and fall colors Grey of roadway & orange/black sign contrasts against more natural colors of landscape Strong contrast between large visible portions of blue sky against browns and greens of ag fields. Water reflects blue of sky
(5) Adjacent Scenery 4 Views of the river to the north & south provide visual interest. Winding roadway with riparian trees provides quality views.
(6) Scarcity 3.75 View is includes a scenic vista across river and ag fields View is from a state scenic highway
(7) Cultural Modification 0 Roadway, levee, sign, and guardrail are the primary cultural modifications and fairly harmonious Wooden transmission lines barely visible across river
(8) Total Score 19
(9) Scenic Quality Rating C A = 2932 B = 2428 C = 1923 D = 1418 E = 913 F = 48 G = 03

5
3
1
5
3
1
5
3
0
5
3
1
5
3
0
* 5+
3
1
2
0
4

Evaluators (names): Paul Weller, PLA
Rating Explanation
(1) Landform 1.0 Valley bottom Visible changes in landform are of a humanmade nature including levee slopes
(2) Vegetation 2.25 Thin riparian vegetation is present on levees along with some ruderal vegetation Some trees are visible towards horizon
(3) Water 3.5 The Sacramento River dominates the view and reflects light up from the Earth’s surface
(4) Color 3.0
During certain seasons leaf colors could provide visual interest The highway pavement, paint markings, signage, and guardrail colors all detract from the other colors present The expanse of water reflects the color of the sky on the ground
(5) Adjacent Scenery 2.0 Views of adjacent agricultural fields contribute to an agrarian aesthetic Views are dominated by pavement, highway markings/signs, and traffic
(6) Scarcity 2.5 The view offered is fairly common within the Sacramento Delta or agricultural valley floors of California The region is located fairly close to two large metro regions where a view such as this is rare
(7) Cultural Modification 0.5 Humanmade structures and elements detract from the view dominating the foreground Humanmade levees provide visual interest and a platform for viewing, vegetation, and change of landform
(8) Total Score 13.75

5
3
1
5
3
1
5
3
0
5
3
1
5
3
0
* 5+
3
1
2
0
4

Scenic Quality Rating Unit (KOP): KOP 15 on SR 160 at Scribner Road – SIMULATED SCENIC QUALITY
Rating Explanation
(2) Vegetations 2.0 Sparse riparian vegetation adds some seasonal interest (e.g., spring blossoms and fall color) and variety. The opposite riverbank has had all vegetation removed and doesn’t offer any interest. Background trees provide some variety and seasonal interest.
(3) Water 4.5 The river is a prominent feature of the landscape.
(4) Color 2.5 During the winter the contrast isn’t as apparent and the colors are more muted. During the rest of the year there is good contrast between the sky, clouds, green foliage of trees, and shrubs. The intake building adds a pop of color.
(5) Adjacent Scenery 2.0 Adjacent views of the river and riparian habitat add interest, but are somewhat obscured by metal guardrails. Adjacent ag fields offer expansive views, but are somewhat obscured by power lines. The adjacent rural residence provides historic character and has mature landscape that is of interest.
(7) Cultural Modification 3.5 The intake building is highly visible and in direct contrast with the rural character and agricultural fields. The transmission lines and steel towers are a prominent feature and also detract from the view. The roadway also adds to the disharmony.
(9) Scenic Quality Rating E A = 2932 B = 2428 C = 1923 D = 1418 E = 913 F = 48 G = 03

5
3
1
5
3
1
5
3
0
5
3
1
5
3
0
* 5+
3
1
2
0
4

Rating Explanation
(1) Landform 1 Generally flat agricultural landscape with topographical relief provided by levee road. Landform added by raised land on which pump house is located
(2) Vegetation 1 Agricultural crops barely visible and large portion of grassy levee slopes no longer present. Trees and shrubs removed from levee. Reduces visual interest. Evergreen and deciduous vegetation present along river and trees visible in background beyond.
(3) Water 3.5 Moving water is a very visible feature that adds to scenic quality & makes up large part of view
(4) Color 2.5
Reduction in seasonal color variations because of veg removal. Grey of roadway contrasts against more natural colors of landscape. Pump house introduces large solid color mass is a focal point and visually discordant. Grey of intake a stark color contrast against more natural colors. Blue sky and river that reflects sky still prominent. Sky interrupted by transmission lines and pump house
(5) Adjacent Scenery 3 Views of the river to the west would still provide visual interest. Intake and pump house detracts from adjacent views of river.
(6) Scarcity 1.5 View is from a state scenic highway is drastically impaired by introduction of transmission lines, large warehouse type of building, and concrete structure along riverbank
(7) Cultural Modification 3.5 Prominent change to landscape. Pump house and intake introduces large scale building that is a focal point and visually discordant in scale and mass. Very industrial and disrupts rural harmony Transmission lines introduce tall vertical steel structures that look industrial into the landscape
(8) Total Score 9

5
3
1
5
3
1
5
3
0
5
3
1
5
3
0
* 5+
3
1
2
0
4

Evaluators (names): Paul Weller, PLA
Rating Explanation
(1) Landform 0.75 Valley bottom leveled agricultural field Visible changes in landform are of a humanmade nature including levee slopes and utility infrastructure
(2) Vegetation 2.0 Thin riparian vegetation is present on levees along with some ruderal vegetation Views towards vegetation on the horizon are obscured by wires and large utility infrastructure The opposite bank is void of vegetation
(3) Water 3.5 The Sacramento River dominates the view and reflects light up from the Earth’s surface
(4) Color 1.75
During certain seasons leaf colors could provide visual interest The highway pavement, paint markings, signage, and guardrail colors all detract from the other colors present The expanse of water reflects the color of the sky on the ground Utility infrastructure colors provide large amount of visual dominance
(5) Adjacent Scenery 2.0 Views of adjacent agricultural fields contribute to an agrarian aesthetic Views are dominated by pavement, highway markings/signs, and traffic
(6) Scarcity 2.0 The view offered is fairly common within the Sacramento Delta or agricultural valley floors of California The region is located fairly close to two large metro regions where a view such as this is rare
(7) Cultural Modification 3.0 Humanmade structures and elements detract from this view Humanmade structures detract from the agrarian aesthetic of the place Above ground high voltage wiring detracts from vistas and clear sky
(8) Total Score 9.0

5
3
1
5
3
1
5
3
0
5
3
1
5
3
0
* 5+
3
1
2
0
4

Alternatives: 4 SCENIC QUALITY RATING SUMMARY
Key Observation Point: KOP 34 on SR 160 north of Hood
Scenic Quality Rating Unit (KOP): KOP 34 (2012) on SR 160 north of Hood – EXISTING SCENIC QUALITY
Rating Explanation
(2) Vegetation 2.5 Agriculture fields offer a mix of annual textures provided by the rotation of crops, harvesting, and plowing. Background riparian trees and shrubs provide variety and seasonal interest (e.g. fall color).
(3) Water 0.5 The river is not noticeable from this vantage point. Water is visible after rains and when fields are irrigated, in the form of spray, and some standing water on soil or droplets on crops.
(4) Color 3.0 During the winter the contrast isn’t as apparent and the colors are more muted. During the rest of the year there is good contrast between the sky, clouds, green foliage of trees, shrubs, and ag fields.
(5) Adjacent Scenery 2.5
Adjacent views of the river and riparian habitat add interest, but are somewhat obscured by metal guardrails. The opposite riverbank is covered in riprap and doesn’t offer as much interest. Adjacent ag fields offer expansive views, but are somewhat obscured by power lines. When haze is minimal, views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range offer interest.
(7) Cultural Modification 0.5 While being elevated on the levee offers greater vistas, the metal guardrails adjacent to the roadway detract from views of the river and riparian habitat. The roadway also adds to the disharmony.

5
3
1
5
3
1
5
3
0
5
3
1
5
3
0
* 5+
3
1
2
0
4

Alternatives: 4 SCENIC QUALITY RATING SUMMARY
Key Observation Point: KOP 34 on SR 160 north of Hood
Scenic Quality Rating Unit (KOP): KOP 34 (2012) on SR 160 north of Hood – EXISTING SCENIC QUALITY
(1) Landform 1 Generally flat agricultural landscape with topographical relief provided by levees
(2) Vegetation 3 Contrast in vegetation between agricultural crops, newly planted orchards, and grassy levee slopes. Evergreen and deciduous vegetation present along river and trees visible in background beyond
(3) Water 0.5 Water not immediately visible, but present on other side of levee. Water would be visible when field are irrigated
(4) Color 3.5
Color provided by seasonal variations such as when orchards in bloom, trees in leaf, grass is green or brown, and fall colors Grey of roadway contrasts against more natural colors of landscape Strong contrast between large visible portions of blue sky against browns and greens of ag fields
(5) Adjacent Scenery 3.5 Views of the river to the west provide visual interest. Continued views of the vista out over the fields to the east add to the scenic quality.
(6) Scarcity 3.5 View is somewhat similar to others in the region but includes a scenic vista across ag fields View is from a state scenic highway
(7) Cultural Modification 0 Roadway, levee, and a small number of residents are the primary cultural modifications and fairly harmonious
(8) Total Score 15

Appendix 17C 2 Scenic Quality Rating Summaries

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Transcript of Appendix 17C 2 Scenic Quality Rating Summaries