Visual Resource Contrast Rating

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Date Published: 
January 1986
Authors: 
Bureau of Land Management

The contrast rating system is a systematic process used by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to analyze potential visual impact of proposed projects and activities. It is primarily intended to assist Bureau personnel who are not formally trained in the design arts to apply the basic principles of design in the resolution of visual impacts. It is not intended to be the only means of resolving these impacts. It should be used as a guide, tempered by common sense, to ensure that every attempt is made to minimize potential visual impacts.

Reference Information: 

Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 1986. BLM Manual 8400, Chapter 8431 Visual Resource Contrast Rating. Rel. 8-30. Updated Jan 17, 1986. Washington, D.C.

Cited In: 
Land Exchange

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Temporary Contact Update

The Tonto Supervisor’s Office in Phoenix remains temporarily closed in July 2019 due to a building renovation project. As a result, questions from the media and general public regarding the Resolution Copper Project and Land Exchange should be e-mailed to John Scaggs at: john.scaggs@usda.gov

EIS Timeline - Feb 2019

  1. Proponent submits revised Plan of Operations [Sep 2014]
  2. Federal Register Notice of Intent to prepare EIS [Mar 2016]
  3. Public scoping period and scoping meetings
    [5 meetings between Mar-Jun 2016; comment period extended from 60 days to 120 days, closed Jul 18, 2016 ]
  4. Compile and review existing data
  5. Prepare project description and identify project alternatives
  6. Publish Alternatives Evaluation Report [Sep 2017]
  7. We Are Here
    Validate Baseline Information; analyze environmental effects
  8. Prepare Draft EIS
  9. Federal Register Notice of Availability of Draft EIS
  10. 90-day public review and comment period, with public meetings
  11. Respond to public comments and prepare Final EIS
  12. Federal Register Notice of Availability of Final EIS and Draft ROD
  13. 45-day Public Objection Period
  14. Resolve objections to Final EIS and draft ROD
  15. Issue Final Record of Decision

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Forest Points of Contact

Media & General Info
John Scaggs
jscaggs@fs.fed.us

Project Manager
Resolution Copper
Mary Rasmussen
mcrasmussen@fs.fed.us

Apache Leap Special Management Area
Apache Leap SMA website