In addition, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and Haul Road are within II km and 

 1.5 km, respectively, of the Ivishak and Sagavan i rk tok River sites. These 

 features are visible from the floodplain banks at both sites. The dominant 

 visual feature of elevated sections of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline consists of 

 the vertical pipe supports and the horizontal pipe. The rigid lines of both 

 elements contrast sharply with surrounding undulating landscape. 



The North Slope scenery is unusual and intriguing. This vast landscape 

 with its subtle variety provides a sustaining viewer interest and, therefore, 

 yields a fairly high scenic quality rating. 



Visual Sensitivity and Degree of Visibility 



At the present time, there is little visitor or public use near the 

 North Slope study areas. However, several sites are located within or adjacent 

 to areas identified by various groups as lands of national interest. The 

 Ivishak River, for instance, has been recommended as a wild and scenic river. 

 These designations do not guarantee increased public use, but they are an 

 expression of public concern for preservation of scenic quality. Increased 

 use could result if and when the Haul Road is opened for public access. Mater- 

 ial sites within view of the Haul Road would have increased degree of visi- 

 bility and therefore higher visual sensitivity. 



NORTHERN INTERIOR 



Seen i c Qua I i t y 



The landscape of the Northern Interior is among the most spectacular 

 scenery in Alaska. It includes the Dietrich River (two study sites). Middle 

 Fork Koyukuk River (two study sites), Jim River, and Prospect Creek. The 

 sites on the Dietrich River and Middle Fork Koyukuk R i ver-Ups tream are located 

 in flat glaciated val leys surrounded by steep, rugged mountainous terrain 

 (Figure 87). The steep angular mountain walls are often crested with massive 

 light colored rock outcrop and cut by jagged ravines. Near the Middle Fork 

 Koyukuk River-Downstream site and the Jim River and Prospect Creek sites 



297 



