The Southern Interior sites are in the vicinity of many manmade modifi- 

 cations. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System is near the West Fork Tolovana River 

 and Phelan Creek sites, with State highways, rural communities, and recrea- 

 tional facilities present in the vicinity of all Southern Interior sites. 

 These facilities, with their modifications of landform and vegetation pat- 

 terns, detract from the overall scenic quality of the surrounding natural 

 I andscape. 



Southern Interior sites, with the exception of Phelan Creek, have minimum 

 or common scenic qualities because landforms are not unique and there are a 

 relatively high number of cultural intrusions. Phelan Creek has more landform 

 variety and in some sections is highly distinctive. 



Visual Sensitivity and Degree of Visibility 



The Southern Interior sites are located in the vicinity of some of the 

 most heavily used recreation, tourist, and scenic areas in Alaska. In addi- 

 tion, most sites are close to major Alaskan highways connecting the largest 

 population centers in the state. Increasing recreational use of rivers (lead- 

 ing to increased view area) is facilitated by convenient road access. Nearby 

 campgrounds and waysides increase the viewing time in the landscape. All 

 of these factors contribute to high visual sensitivity in the Southern 

 I n ter i or . 



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