from the site or is at a similar elevation (ground level with respect to the 

 site) . 



Visual prominence of a site tends to increase where vegetative clearing 

 occurs along straight, long lines. This pattern is generally true in regions 

 of both high and low landscape character diversity. Less visual contrast 

 results where irregular clearing patterns have been accomplished. Site visi- 

 bility is further reduced where natural vegetative recovery has occurred on 

 sites cleared on irregular patterns. 



Four different regions of Alaska were included in this study and each 

 region evokes a different public response to visual resources. The regions 

 that appear to be the most publicly sensitive to change are the Northern 

 and Southern Interior regions because of exceptional scenic quality or inten- 

 sive public use. The visual effect of gravel mining activities is expected 

 to be more scrutinized by the public in those areas. Visual standards for 

 gravel removal areas should recognize this public sensitivity. 



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