EFFECTS OF GRAVEL REMOVAL ON VISUAL RESOURCES 



Gravel removal activities caused alterations in the landscape that in 

 many cases were not visual ly harmonious with the surrounding landscapes. 

 These alterations are discussed in this section in terms of contrast. Contrast 

 is determined by the change in the form, line, color, and texture of character- 

 istic landscape features such as landform, water, vegetation, and structures. 

 The degree of contrast can vary widely; however, the significance of each 

 contrast will depend upon the scenic quality and visual sensitivity of the 

 characteristic landscape. The contrasts presented in the following sections 

 generally denote a negative effect unless otherwise stated. Similar contrasts 

 frequently exist at separate study sites in each region, hence discussions 

 have been grouped by region with exceptions noted. 



SEWARD PENINSULA 



Gravel removal activities in the Seward Peninsula created the most signif- 

 icant contrasts in local landform and water features of all study areas. 

 The uneven texture or angular lines, or both, of gravel stockpiles and over- 

 burden piles present at most Seward Peninsula sites, visually disrupt the 

 existing smooth lines of the surrounding homogeneous landscape. 



Scraping and pit excavation have left contrasting rigid, rectangular 

 lines at several site locations. The presence of water located throughout 

 much of the gravel removal areas in unnatural shapes and configurations ac- 

 centuates this contrast. The construction of access roads has introduced 

 an additional contrasting form and line in this landscape. These features are 

 particularly disruptive if there are several at one site (Nome River, Oregon 

 Creek). Landform contrasts are more evident in this region because the vegeta- 

 tion is relatively low growing and cannot effectively screen gravel removal 



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