Landscape Design in Mined Land Reclamation

Home , Land reclamation

United States La dscap itect Note ~. . JJ) Department of n e Arch ure Agriculture Soil Conservation Service 1 Landscape Design in Mined Land Reclamation

.. \ United States Department of Agricu Iture

Soil Conservation Service

Issued Seplember 1983

2 Landscape Architecture Note 1

Introduction

Introduction 3 Reclamation of mined land offers Landscape landowners the opportunity to re Planning Considerations 4 store drastically disturbed lands to Design beneficial uses. Careful manage in Mined Land Design Principles 6 ment of the landscape resources on mined land can improve the quality of Reclamation Design Alternatives 7 the environ ment both onsite and offsite (figs. 1 and T2). The principles Conclusion 19 of design and the techniques intro duced in this technical note apply to References 19 the reclamation of mined land and by Carolyn Adams other land areas that have been dis Landscape Architect, SCS Field Worksheet 20 turbed.

3 La ndscape Desig n in LA Note 1 Mined Land Reclamation

Planning Considerations

The landscape resource of an area includes all visible features on a site: water, vegetation, rock outcroppings, landforms, and struc tures (figs. 3, 4, 5). Consideration of these features shou Id hel p the landowner decide how to use the land. Regardless of the uses select ed, decisions about landscape resources should be included in the reclamation plan. Begin planning for landscape resource management by making a preliminray field investigation using the worksheet shown in the back of this publication. Such an investiga• tion is useful in noting potential problems and opportunities associ ated with site conditions, determin ing priorities and alternatives, and

3 4

4 Landscape Design in LA Note 1 Mined Land Rec lamation

deciding if more detailed planning or 2. Identify potential problems such The detailed investigations and professional help is needed. as disruption of established uses planning of landscape resources The extent of the investigations adjacent to a residential area (fig. can be summarized in a narrarive depends on the scope of the 6), or opportunities such as rehabili description to be in c luded in the planned reclamation and the physi tation of open dumps or retention of reclamation plan or environmental cal characteristics of the site. a culturally or historically significant evaluation. This becomes part of the The following is a suggested pro mining structure. working reclamation plan and is cedure for considering landscape used as a guide for final design. The resources throughout site-specific 3. Determine planning and design data can also be used to develop planning and design. This procedure objectives such as retaining a corri landscape management sketches can be varied to suit the required dor of natural vegetation or provid that are incorporated into design level of investigation. ing an opportunity for recreation. sheets for planting, grading, or overall site planning. 1. Inventory and evaluate the 4. Identify alternatives that would landscape resource conditions accomplish stated objectives and (visual resource, visibility, and indicate specific landscape meas landscape use) at the site. ures for each alternative.

5. Assess the effects of each alter native.

5 Landscape Design in LA Note 1 Mined Land Recla mation

Design Principles

The following principles should be • Space. landscape elements can considered in reclaiming abandoned be designed to increase the percep mined lands: tion of spaciousness or of enclosure (fig. A). • Variety. Landscape elements can be designed to increase variety (fig. or to maintain uniformity.

• Visual contrast. Landscape ele ments can be designed to increase visual contrast or to reduce conspicuousness. (fig. 8: vegetation reduces the apparent height of a highwall.)

• Beneficial uses. The landscape can be designed to enhance or to limit its value for direct and indirect uses and its capacity for multiple uses (fig. g)

8 9

A Before After

6 Landscape DeSign in LA Note 1 Mined Land Reclamation

Design Alternatives

All landscapes are composed of one Bodies of water at the base of or more visual elements-water, highwalls are characteristically ir landforms, vegetation, and struc regular in depth, still, isolated, and tures. The landowner should be hidden from view by surrounding made aware of the possible ways spoil piles. There may be windrows these elements can be used to be of spoil material at the water's edge compatible with each other and or in the water itself. The land near serve the intended land use. the water is often harsh, steep, rugged, and unsightly. Water clarity Water ranges from cloudy, silt-laden water Two basic types of water features to extremely clear, acidic water. remain after surface mining: pools Clarity should be assessed in rela at the base of highwalls (fig, 10) tion to that of other water in the sur and slow-moving or stagnant rounding countryside. water in shallow, widespread Water in drainageways is general drainageways (fig. 11) These ly characterized by stagnation or in features have scenic value even if termittent flow, shallowness, and they are unsafe for contact use confinement to linear ditches in low such as swimming or wading. Con areas. Drainageways generally have sider all opportunities for retaining or introducing water in the landscape.

10 11

B Before After

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7 Landscape Design in LA l\late 1 Mined Land Reclam ation

smooth side slopes and are more length or width to create the illusion Peninsulas or islands can be likely than highwall pools to be of greater surface area. The ar formed to create interest (fig. C). Ir discolored from mine waste rangement of trees and shrubs can regular shapes with smooth, flowing seepage. also affect traffic patterns and fur shorelines generally are more com Treatment of the areas where land nish shade. patible with the lines of countryside and water meet is a critical factor in In western landscapes where landscape.. creaiing a visual impression. People drainageways maintain flow only Also important is the proportion of are naturally drawn to water in the during rainstorms and snowmelt, the the water element to its surround landscape. A viewing area near water darker, lusher appearance of vege ings (fig. D). A body of water can is desirable even though direct tation near these surface drains is be reshaped to reflect sky, landform access may not be encouraged for an important consideration . This (highwalls and boulders), or vegeta safety or hea Ith reasons. color contrast forms distinctive pat tion. Vegetation at the water's edge c an terns and should be considered provide interesting reflections (fig. when designing new drainageways Landforms 12) , gu ide views toward or away or modifying existing ones (fig. 13). Landforms are usually the visual from the water, enframe water as a Landforms adjacent to water can elements most drastically modified feature (fig. B) , or emphasize its be manipulated to serve a variety of by mining. Landforms may vary func tions. Earth mounds, like vege tation, can guide or enframe views, create traffic patterns, and em phasize the water's edge.

12 13

c D Before After Spoil mounded and planted •.r~ at base o~_h.ighwall ::;-~~T~tM~~--..--

". ! ~., I ""'r"-j;.rL-... ' A~ ,II ' . 4,4" ~ .... , l ,.,o,'"'ii'" ,I "- -:,-~-·~~9t'·,,,£. '\. il ,.,'- 9.'~ II ~ Pools connected 10 create attractive wa te r fe a ture

8 Landscape Design In LA Note 1 Mined Land Reclamation

considerably, depending on the ex • General earth shaping. In general, Steep cut slopes can be stabilized traction process, the terrain, and the three types of landforms remain by retaining walls, although this is a type of earthmoving equipment after surface mining: cut slopes costly alternative. The cost can be used. Such diversity offers a range resulting from mineral extraction, fill reduced by using boulders or cobble of opportunities for improving the areas made from overburden remov fou nd onsile. appearance of the site and increas al and deposition, and undisturbed Areas of spoil usually contrast ing its value for the intended use. land. with natural landforms (fig. 15) and Landforms can serve many func Earth cut slopes in surface mines sometimes req uire exle nsive reg rad tions: they can control the direction often exceed 50 percent and are ing. Total regrading is best to form and intensity of surface water badly eroded (fig. 14). Such the flatter surfaces needed for crop runoff, enframe visual features, steep slopes may be incompatible land or sport fields. Other land uses direct movement of people and vehi with landforms in the surrounding such as natural areas, pastureland, cles, screen undesirable views, landscape; however, it may be more open space, wildlife habitat, and buffer noise, deflect wind, guide desirable to retain steep slopes than passive recreation are compatible views, accentuate other visual ele to flatten them at the expense of with a wide range of gradients. ments, provide visual diversity, and disrupting existing vegetation. Ter Study the spoil piles carefully before reduce the effects of driftin!:j snow. races and benches can break up deciding to regrade them. Where it steep slopes and provide planting areas to introduce vertical lines in a setting otherwise dominated by hor izontal lines (fig. E).

E Before After F

Existing vegetation Existing vegetation ThiS selective treatment retains Undisturbed not disturbed desirable landscape elements ~!. r'-, . I,~ rZ;-~;Ct-~'!:~»--, ...... One tree ~ ttY~ """-p \I_l- r / removed , -1- -' -'. - f

" ~ ~ New trees planted in terraces ---'---¥'-./ Fill (potential area lor planting)

9 Landscape Design In LA Note 1 Mined Land Reclamation

G Slope Rounding Slope Warping

I I

Rounded form Angular more frequently configuration This Not this blends with may not blend Varying hOrlzontat surrounding with surrounding and vertical pitch topography topography

10 Landscape Design In LA Note 1 Mined Land Reclamation

is not desirable to disturb vegeta earthwork should be kept to a Onsite lands that have not been tion, selective filling may help minimum to reduce costs and disturbed by mining activities should smooth landforms by eliminating minimize disruption of existing vege remain undisturbed if possible. Like harsh edges and providing an addi tation and undisturbed lands. The wise, areas of transition from undis tional growing medium for other results of system grading (ditches, tu rbed to disturbed (both onsite and vegetation (fig. Fl. swales, etc.) should be compatible offsite) should receive special atten If you decide to regrade the land with the landscape. If possible, use tion. Undisturbed areas are some form, consider the variety of design natural drainageways to minimize times defined by contrasting edges opportunities available. Techniques disturbance. created by both landforms and such as rounding edges and warp Disposal of debris may be re vegetation. Gradations of landforms ing or laying back slopes can all be quired for some land uses such as and vegetation from tall (in undis used to achieve the desired results cropland. Burial of debris is not al turbed areas) to low (in transition (figs. 16 and G). Generally, earth ways the best solution, and some areas) can help to blend these moving should result in landforms items commonly buried may be use areas. that blend into the surroundings, ful. For example, non-acid avoid sharp transitions, and are in producing boulders can be retained • Highwalis Highwalls remaining scale with their setting (figs. 17 and or relocated to a part of the site after surface mining vary widely, 18). At some sites, however, focal where they add diversity. depending on the rock strata, type points may be a part of the design of mining (contour, area, open pit) and contrasting landforms could and the method used to remove the contribute to the desired effect. The rock face. Highwalls are generally

19 20

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Fence not visible -.l from below because of selback Swale and planting Fence and planting (\~~./__). Ci() '~t:: l~'~,}' \...~71 ~. ~ -=-:;;.r ;;>:.h-,. .¥i~~~~~~~ ..:.:- ~"-::"~l'r7I%ln III ~ if'- -- - 1 ~ I I II I Ii --"1 'j'cll'li 11111 . ';',' "I ,.1 . I, I' I I' I \ I" II .. __ ,,-'-' .!I i I .---,,------. -~._---_.-.------, --- .~_.--- -~- - -

11 Landscape Design In LA Note 1 Mined Land Reclamation

characterized by a variety of surface sites with human activity than on re Visibility is another important fac textures, weathering, various colors mote sites reclaimed for open tor in establishing design objectives of rock, vertical or horizontal lines space. If safety is an objective, for highwall treatment. There are formed by rock patterns, and asso structural and nonstructural treat two design approaches in highly ciated vegetation (figs. 19 and 20). ments should be considered. Struc visible areas: (1) reduce contrast As a result of contour mining, tural treatments are fences, walls, and blend the highwall into the highwalls range from several feet to guardrails, signs, or other construc landscape or (2) emphasize the con about a hundred feet in height. In ted barriers. Nonstructural alterna trast of the highwall and create a fo heavily vegetated areas they appear tives are earth mounding, vegetation cal point or feature. as a continuous, almost infinite line barriers and, if drainage conditions To reduce contrast, vertical lines in the landscape when viewed from permit, swales (fig. H). Combina of vegetation planted at the highwall a higher position. These strong tions of these alternatives may be base can subdue the horizontal lines may be emphasized by similar feasible. In some places a visual lines of the highwall. Mounding lines of vegetation. barrier may be as effective as a combined with vegetation can furth The safety and visibility of physical barrier. Any element intro er deemphasize horizontal lines (fig. highwalls must be considered in re duced for safety will probably be I). Vegetation is most effective lation to onsite and adjacent offsite elevated and highly visible and thus where highwalls are moderate in land uses (fig. 21). Protection should be designed to fit into the height and major viewing is from eye against sheer highwall drops is a surrounding landscape. (See later level or lower positions. more important design objective on section on structures for specific design considerations.)

_____ Viewpoint at same ~.I,~levatlonas base

- \. ~- -, ;~¥I\~\ i,~~==--_ 11 r ------~

12 Landscape Design In LA Note 1 Mined Land ReclamatIon

Physical reduction of the highwall tion. Rock faces with high reflectivi • Boulders and cobble. Boulders itself may be desirable in some ty can be artificially weathered with and cobble left from past mining ac places. Benching the face or mak emulsions or hydroseeded to estab tivities may have a variety of lorms ing "pockets" can visually reduce lish vegetation and reduce contrast. (fig. 23). Soil and rocks are in the size and serve as a platform for Another approach is to enhance discriminately placed during over planting (fig. 22). A vertical highwall the highwall as a focal point in the burden removal, and boulders and can be altered to a flatter angle by landscape. Rock faces that are cobble may be buried under or ex removing additional rock. When weathered, moss-covered, or irregu posed on spoil piles. Boulders are altering the face of a highwall, sur larly surfaced may be attractive in usually exposed because rock is face irregularities and staggered some landscape settings. Some uncovered after the soil is removed. benches should be introduced (fig. highwalls can be modified with Boulders in contact with mine J). Alterations to the rocklace vegetation and earth shaping to drainage may be discolored and un should be guided by a geologist who make them desirable landscape suitable lor landscape use. can place the blasting charge to leatures, or surface water can be Boulders and cobble can be used achieve a nonuniform appearance redirected to create intermittent to direct movement of people and and ensure stability. waterfalls. vehicles; stabilize slopes; construct A highwall can be reduced physi walls for slope retention, tree wells, cally by placing fill against the base safety, or boundary definition; im and covering the face. This can be prove fish habitat in streams; and done to a variety of heights and combined with boulders or vegeta-

13 Landscape Design ;n LA Note 1 MIned Land Reclamation

reduce water velocity and scouring In designing drainageways, boul materials or to highlight the lines, in drainageways. ders and cobble can be integrated form, color, and texture of boulders. The use of rock should be with water to create small waterfalls The use and arrangement of boul compatible with the intended land and ripples and generally add diver ders and cobble in the landscape use. For example, exposed boulders sity (fig. U. Boulders with surface should simulate characteristics in may be desirable in informal recrea irregularities can be placed selec adjacent undisturbed surroundings. tion or natural areas (fig. K) but un tively at water's edge to produce re desirable for cropland or sport flections and shadows. • Subsidence depressions and pits. fields. Walls, tree wells, and bould Boulders should be placed ran Underground mining often does not ers used for informal seating require domly, often clustered, and never visibly disturb the overlying terrain sound, nontoxic rock. Boulders used spaced at regular intervals (fig. M). for many years, particularly in areas in open space or natural areas can Most large boulders should be par where overburden depths are sub decompose and disintegrate with lit tialty buried, with one-fourth to stantial. In areas where the overbur tle effect on landscape uses. If the one-third of the boulder's mass den is shallow, however, the surface desired kinds of rock are not found below ground level. If partially may be dotted with depressions or onsite, consider importing rock from buried boulders must be moved, the open pits resulting from subsidence another site. original ground line on the boulders or collapse (fig. 24). These areas is a good gauge for reburial. detract from the landscape and, It is often desirable to blend rock more important. are safety hazards. material and vegetation. Vegetation can be used to subdue reflective

M Not This This

14 Landscape Design In LA Note 1 Mrned Land Reclamalion

In reclaiming these areas, the pri Vegetation unnatural landforms, may control mary landscape considerations are Removing vegetation during erosion, stabilize slopes, and pro modifications of the landform, estab preparation for mining creates a vide wildlife habitat and acceptable lishment of vegetation, and surface drastic visual effect, especially in visual variety. drainage. Regardless of the con landscapes with nearly continuous With few exceptions, naturally es struction method used to reclaim cover. Introducing new vegetation tablished vegetation on mined lands subsidence pits, the final treatment can mitigate this effect, but early should be retained during reclama is backfilling and revegetating. Gen mining operations left the land in a tion (fig. 26). This vegetation erally, the area is shaped to direct disturbed state that is not always may screen an undesirable view, surface drainage away from entering conducive to plant growth. reduce noise, or prevent snow the underground mine works. The The growth of vegetation on mine or wind damage. Replacing existing shaping should also consider the sites is directly related to soil fertili vegetation is an unnecessary ex surrounding undulations and land ty and moisture retention, appropri pense and may take years. forms in the landscape. ate slopes, and the presence of In areas not revegetated by natur nearby vegetation for natural re al succession, plan appropriate growth (fig. 25). Some sites measures to restore the site to a have these necessary elements and condition that will sustain plant thus have mature grasses, under story, or trees surviving on spoil piles. Such gr<;>wth, even if it is on

N ~•• ThiS ~---- A 6-a 4----

15 Landscape Design in LA Note 1 Mined Land Reclamation

growth. Vegetation planted should screen derelict (abandoned) land Vegetation can be used to define be able to survive under the prevail from major viewpoints (stationary outdoor space by providing a sense ing condit"lons with minimum mainte points from which to view). Masses of enclosure. For example, an area nance. Varieties that grow naturally of trees and shrubs can act as a planned for noncommercial recrea in the surrounding landscape are physical enclosure, provide privacy, tion can be entirely or partially en good choices for new plantings and shade, and wildlife habitat. They can closed with trees to separate it from will not look artificial. For example, define a site boundary, collect snow, adjacent land uses. introducing woody vegetation into a reduce glare and reflection, control prairie landscape, which is charac foot or wheeled traffic and attenuate' Structures teristically grassland, could create noise (fig. 0) They can also deflect Manmade Physical elements in the an artificial, undesirable effect. For wind, filter dust, and absorb solar landscape are often visually dom a natural appearance, install plants radiation. inant because their line, form, color, in groups that vary in species, den A variety of visual effects can be texture, and scale were not con sity. and configuration. Do not plant achieved with vegetation. Plants can sidered in design and placement. them in uniform rows (fig. N). provide a smooth visual transition This dominance should be recog Plantings may serve functional or from undisturbed to reclaimed land nized and evaluated in terms of scenic purposes. or both. Vegeta (fig. p) and can screen changes in compatibility with proposed land tion, often in combination with land- grade (fig. Q). Adjacent landforms uses, safety, cultural value, or use form modification, can be used to . can be visually related by the place potential. ment of similar forms of vegetation (fig, Rl.

o Existing Residential Area Reclaimed Recreation Area

Wind buffer

Unreclalmed Area

16 Landscape Design in LA Note 1 Mined Land Reclamation

Structures on mine sites may in Other structures such as fences, consider the kind of material to be clude abandoned extracting and walls, abandoned buildings, etc., used and the height, length, and processing equipment (fig. 27). Gen must be evaluated individually for placement of the barrier. The erally, these structures are incom visual compatibility and landscape barrier's conspicuousness can be patible with adjacent landscape ele use. A major factor in determining reduced by selecting a material that ments and must be screened or re whether to remove a structure is its blends into the surrounding moved. potential threat to the safety of site landscape. For example, typical post Some structures, however, have users. and wire livestock fences are con visual interest and may be valued Fences, gates, and livestock structed with natural-appearing ma for cultural or historical significance. guards are frequently included in terials that are generally earthtone For example, tipples, fan buildings, reclamation plans to accommodate and blend into most countryside stone powder houses, and portal en livestock, define boundaries, control landscapes. This makes an effective trances associated with mines have snowdrift, reduce noise, or limit ac barrier that is not highly visible to been listed on many State and Na cess to highwalls as a safety meas offsite viewers. tional Registers of Historic Places ure. All barriers should be designed The height and length of barriers (fig. 28). Every effort should be to be visually compatible with the can be varied as appropriate to made to preserve important cultural surrounding landscape, but special solve the safety problem. For exam features. attention should be given to highwall ple, a length of fencing may be bro- barriers because of their elevation. After determining that a construct ed barrier is needed on a highwall,

p Not This This

./ /

R Not This This

17 Landscape Design in LA Note 1 Mined Land Reclamalion

ken with occasional plantings (fig. S) top of a highwall would contrast sig In surburban areas, signs for ac In surburban settings where a nificantly with surroundings and cess roads, pedestrian trails, and more distinctive fencing may be further accentuate the visually dom other structures should be designed desirable, variations in height and inant horizontal lines created by with visual and functional con interrupted length can be used. In highwalls. siderations. Many abandoned mine some surburban areas, more formal The visibility of a highwall barrier sites have existing haul roads used fencing such as solid boards, can also be affected by its proximity for removing coal. These routes panels, board and batten, etc., may to the edge of the highwall or other should be used during reclamation be appropriate. vegetation. A barrier does not have and thereafter if feasible to avoid Chain-link fencing is an alterna to be placed on the highwall edge to disturbing other areas. tive, but must be used with discre be effective. For example, if there is tion because exposed wire mesh is vegetation on the area beyond the extremely reflective. Vinyl-coated highwall, fencing can be placed chain-link fence materials in black along this vegetated edge to reduce and natural colors are very effective visibility. Fencing not associated in reducing this visual contrast. An with highwalls, such as post and unscreened chain-link fence at the wire, split rail, or other fencing, can be constructed of native or natural appearing materials that blend into rural landscapes.

18 landscape Design in LA Note 1 Mined land Reclamation

Conclusion References

Surface-mined land can be re Baxter, John G. 1969. Site planning for U.S. Department of Transportation, claimed to become compatible with sand and gravel operations. Project No. Federal Highway Administration, and U.S. the surrounding landscape (fig. 29). 4. Natl. Sand and Gravel Assoc., Silver Department of Agriculture, Forest Ser Creative use of resources in the Spring, Md. 20910. vice. 1978. 1-70 in a mountain environ ment, Vail Pass, Colorado. Colorado Dep. design of the landscape can Hackett, Brian. 1972. landscape of Highways. transform abandoned mine sites into development of steep slopes. Oriel Press, useful and attractive land for rec Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8LH, England. Untermann, Richard E. 1973. An intro ductory course in the principles and reation, wildlife habitat, agricultural Jensen, David R. 1967. Selecting land practices of grading and drainage. In production, and many other uses use for sand and gravel sites. Project Grade easy. Am. Soc. Landscape Archit. (fig. T). Mined land that was once a NO.3. Natl. Sand and Gravel Assoc., Found., McLean, Va. 22101. liability to the well-being of humans Silver Spring, Md. 20910. and the environment can become a Johnson, Craig. 1966. Practical operating posi1ive asset through careful plan procedures for progressive rehabilitation ning and design. of sand and gravel sites. Project NO.2. Natl. Sand and Gravel Assoc., Silver Spring, Md. 20910. Shellie, Kennefh L., and David A. Rogier. 1963. Site utilization for progressive rehabilitation practices for sand and gravel operations. Natl. Sand and Gravel Assoc., Silver Spring, Md. 20910.

19 Field Worksheet: landscape Design in Reclamation alternatives to be considered after field investigation and Mined land Reclamation during detailed planning and design

Planning evaluation Field evaluation Remarks Questions Responses & Design considerations I. Visual resources A. Landform on reclamation site Cut slopes (includes highwalls) ) N/A Go to question 5 1. Established cover of ) Yes Disturbance can have vegetation adverse effect ) No Vegetation can screen or enhance

2. Exposed rock with textured ) Yes Retain and/or enhance surfaces or other visual features interest ) No Modify by earth shaping or adding vegetation

3. Exposed cut slopes contrast ) Yes Reduce contrast with with surrounding surface colors vegetation. boulders, cobble, etc. ) No Disturbance can expose contrasting soil colors

4. Size of cut slope affects } Yes Extensive grading or its visibility screening can reduce visibility; selective grading or placement of vegetation can accent slopes

) No Disturbance can increase visibility

Spoil areas (includes gob piles) ) N/A Go to question 11 5. Extensive rills or gullies } Yes Shaping and grading and adding cover or vegetation can improve visual quality ) No Disturbance of spoil areas can affect existing drainage patterns and cause rills or gullies 6. Established cover of ) Yes Disturbance can have vegetation adverse visual effects ) No Vegetation can cover or screen spoil area

7. Boulders or cobble ) Yes Retain for surface uses to maintain visual diversity ) No Import for surface uses to add visual diversity

8. Exposed soil or coal refuse ) Yes Reduce contrast by treat- contrasts with surface ment of vegetation and colors in surrounding soil, or by other methods undisturbed areas ) No Disturbance of spoil can expose contrasting soil colors

9. Height of the spoil ) Yes Regrade to provide smooth disrupts the horizon with lines that blend into abrupt, angular lines surrounding topography ) No Regrading can change relationship to horizon

10. Size of spoil significantly ) Yes Grading or screening affects its visibility can reduce visibility ) No Regrading can increase visibility

Subsidence or col/apse areas ) N/A 11 . Established cover of ) Yes Disturbance of vegetation vegetation in surface can have adverse visual depressions resulting from effect subsidence or collapse ) No Reclamation can include filling, establishment of vegetation, or placement of boulders to improve visual quality I\) I\) Planning evaluation Field evaluation Remarks Questions Responses & Design considerations Undisturbed landforms ) N/A Reclamation site does not abut undisturbed lands but is a small portion of a large disturbed area (do not respond to 12 and 13) 12. Reclamation site contains ) Yes Undisturbed lands should or abuts undisturbed lands generally be left intact ) No Disturbed lands should ultimately blend into surrounding undisturbed landscape

13. Smooth visual transition ) Yes Retain this characteristic between disturbed and undis- tu rbed lands ) No Regrade landforms and introduce vegetation, water, or bO(Jlders for smooth transition

B. Vegetation on reclamation site Woody species ) N/A Go to question 6 1. Site has woody vegetation ) Yes Disturbance of vegetation can have adverse visual effects ) No Introduce woody species for visual diversity or other functional uses

2. Foliage dense or difficult ) Yes Dense foliage can serve to see through as a screen ) No Introduce evergreens for more effective screening

3. Woody vegetation contrasts ) Yes Modify for visual compati- significantly in shape, bility or retain for accent size, color, or texture with native species ) No Retain existing vegetation compatibility or introduce contrasting vegetation for accent 4. Woody species controlling ) Yes Disturbance of vegetation erosion or stabilizing can have adverse effects slopes ) No Consider installing woody vegetation to serve that purpose

5. Reclamation activities will ) Yes Assess plant function and disrupt existing vegetation consider extensive disruption of vegetation ) No Minor modifications may be possible

Herbaceous species ) N/A Do not respond to 6-8 6. Site is vegetated with ) Yes Disturbance of vegetation herbaceous species could have adverse visual effects ) No Introduce herbaceous species for visual diversity or other functions

7. Herbaceous plants contrast ) Yes Modify for visual compati- in shape. size, color, or bility or retain for accent texture with other vegetation ) No Introduce contrasting vegetation for accent or retain existing vegetation for compatibility

8. Herbaceous species control ) Yes Disturbance of vegetation erosion or stabilize slopes can have adverse effects ) No Consider installing herbaceous species to serve that purpose I\,) .j:>. Planning evaluation Field evaluation Remarks Questions Responses & Design considerations

C. Water Marshes (includes only ) N/A Go to question 3 allowable wetland types) 1. Marshy areas make visual ) Yes Retain landscape elements transition with adjacent aiding visual transition landforms or vegetation ) No Reshape landform and introduce vegetation to provide visual transition

2 Reclamation activities ) Yes Avoid disruption and retain disrupt marshy areas marshy areas as permanent landscape features ) No Minor modifications may be possible without loss of marshes

Pools ) N/A Go to question 10 3. Clarity or color of the water ) Yes Does not require modifica- is similar to that in nearby tion for visual quality bodies of water not affected improvement by mining ) No Modify water color or clarity to improve visual quality

4. Overall shape of the pool is ) Yes Reshape to provide smooth, narrow and linear with irregular configuration rigid configuration ) No Retain smooth, irregular edgelines

5. Pool has riparian vegetation ) Yes Retain or clear selectively for v isual diversity ) No Introduce vegetation for visual diversity

6. Pool has associated landforms ) Yes Retain or modify landforms (islands, peninsulas) to maintain visual diversity ) No Introduce landforms to add visual diversity 7. Pool is accessible to people ) Yes Retain accessibility as or livestock required for land use objectives ) No Provide accessibility if needed

8. Land/water transition is ) Yes Reshape landform and/or abrupt water and introduce vegetation to provide smooth visual transition ) No Retain landscape elements that contribute to smooth transition

9. Size of the pool relates ) Yes Retain overall size; shape well to the highwall may need modification ) No Modify size of pool for good scale with highwall

Orainageways ) N/A Do not respond to 10-14 10 Clarity or color of the water ) Yes Does not require modifica- is similar to that in area tion for visual quality drainageways not affected by improvement mining ) No Modify waler color or clarity to improve visual quality

11 . Drainageways have riparian ) Yes Retain or clear selectively vegetation for visual diversity ) No Introduce vegetation for visual diversity

12. Drainageways usually have ) Yes Retain or enhaf)ce this standing water characteristic for visual interest ) No Introduce pools as part of modification of drainageways t\) (J) Planning evaluation Field evaluation Remarks Questions Responses & Design considerations

13. Land/water transition is ) Yes Reshape landform and/or abrupt water body and introduce vegetation for smooth visual transition ) No Retain landscape elements that contribute to smooth transition

14. Drainageway's alignment ) Yes Retain this characteristic appears to be natural for visual interest ) No Introduce curving or irregular alignment to new or modified drainageways

D. Structures ) N/A Do not respond to 1-3 1. Site structures have ) Yes Retain for local use; scientific or cultural consider relocation value ) No Introduce landscape elements with scientific or cultural value

2. Existing site structu res ) Yes Remove structures, retain contrast in line, form, structures with screening, color, or texture with the or enframe as focal point surrounding landscape ) No Retain for local use; consider relocation

3. Existing site structures ) Yes Remove structures or modi- are hazards to safety fy to reduce safety hazard ) No Retain structu res for cultural or historic value

II. Landscape use A. Direct use ) N/A Do not respond to 1-3 1. Onsite direct uses of the ) Yes Evaluate possibility of landscape (hiking, hunting, retaining direct-use ORV's, camping, etc.) opportu nities ) No Direct use may be desirable to some landowners 2. Existing uses have adverse ) Yes Remove or modify use effects on the landscape opportunities through reclamation activities ) No Reclamation can provide acceptable opportunities for direct use

3. Direct uses of the landscape ) Yes Consider compatibility of are adjacent to the reclamation results with reclamation site these use patterns ) No Reclamation can provide acceptable opportunities for joint uses

B. Indirect use ) N/A Do not respond to 1-6 1. landforms or vegetation are ) Yes landscape elements may screening views to and from be blocking undesirable the reclamation site views ) No Introduce vegetation or landform elements to block undesirable views

2. Reclamation activities will ) Yes Consider alternatives that disrupt these screens will not disrupt screening ) No Minor modifications may be possible

3. Reclamation activities will ) Yes Develop views into and improve visual quality so within reclamation site that screening is not necessary ) No Avoid developing views into and within reclamation site

4. Vegetation separates ) Yes Consider alternatives that incompatible uses, abates will not disrupt these noise, filters dust, or functions provides other environmental controls for onsite or ) No Introduced vegetation can adjacent uses provide important environmental functions

5. landforms separate incom- ) Yes Consider alternatives that patible use, buffer noise, will not disrupt these deflect wind, or prOVide fu nctions other environmental controls for onsite or adjace nt uses ) No Landform modification can provide environmental f\) -...J controls I'\) 0:> Planning evaluation Field evaluation Remarks Questions Responses & Design considerations

6. Existing landscape elements ) Yes Consider alternatives that have scientific, cultural, preserve or relocate these or educational value elements ) No Introduce elements that have these values

Ill. Visibility A. Viewpoint number, position, and location 1. Multiple viewpoints are ) Yes Numerous viewpoints make established within and reclamation results highly adjacent to the reclamation visible site ) No Few viewpoints make reclamation results relatively isolated from view

2. Viewpoints are associated with: Roadways ) Yes The landscape can be viewed sequentially while moving ) No Reclamation activities can create views from roadways

Residences ) Yes The landscape can be viewed over long periods of ti me ) No Reclamation activities can create views from residences

Community areas ( ) Yes The landscape can be viewed by many over long periods of time ) No Reclamation activities can create views from com- munityareas 3. The viewer's position relative to the site is: Elevated ) Yes Landscape elements are more visible ) No Reclamation activities can alter viewer positions

Same elevation ) Yes Perimeter landscape elements can be critical ) No Reclamation activities can alter v iewer positions

Depressed ) Yes Consider sight lines and determine whether mined area is seen from viewpoint ) No Reclamation activities can alter viewer positions

B. Visibility of reclamation site 1 . Landscape elements within reclamation site are visible from identified viewpoints Landforms ) Yes Landforms should blend visually into surroundings ) No Introduce landforms to increase visual diversity

Vegetation ) Yes Vegetation should be retained or removed selectively for la nd use functions ) No Introd uce vegetation to increase visual diversity

Water ) Yes Retain water in the landscape ) No Introduce water in the landscape to increase visual diversity

Structures ) Yes EXisting structures should blend with the landscape ) No Introduced structures should blend into surroundings

I\) co (.,) 0 Planning evaluation Field evaluation Remarks Questions Responses & Design considerations

2. Possible to see into ) Yes Screen undesirable views or the site from identified enframe desirable views viewpoints ) No Open desirable views into site

3. Reclamation activities ) Yes Screen undesirable views or will make parts of the enframe desirable views site more visible ) No Open desirable views into site

C. Visibility of adjacent areas 1. Adjacent areas are ) Yes Screen undesirable views or visible from within enframe desirable views the reclamation site ) No Open desirable views into adjacent areas

2. Reclamation activities will ) Yes Screen undesirable views or make offsite areas visible enframe desirable views from within the reclamation site ) No Open desirable views into adjacent areas