Visual Landscape Management

The appearance of local landscapes is important to people who live, work and recreate in the plan area. Due to terrain, most activities have the potential to affect visual quality.

Visual design principles are encouraged for use throughout the plan area. These include:

scale of alteration;
appearance of openings;
shape of openings;
fit to landform;
use of natural features and patterns;
trees left for screening; and
choice of silvicultural system.

The plan identifies two visual management zones (see map):

Zone A – areas of high visual importance along paved travel corridors and adjacent to communities;
Zone B – areas of moderate visual importance, or, areas where inventories have not been completed.

The CCLUP (The CCLUP 90-Day Implementation Process, Final Report: pages 10, 12 and 13) identifies recreation and tourism targets and strategies, which focus on the following factors:

Maintenance of backcountry recreation opportunities along regionally significant rivers and trails
Maintenance of backcountry recreation opportunities in a significant portion of the areas of the region that are presently in a backcountry condition, principally in the Special Resource Development Zone; and
Management for the retention of visual qualities over key recreation resources, including key lakes
Maintenance of visual quality surrounding existing tourism facilities and key tourism areas.
Maintenance of tourism industry development opportunities in association with backcountry areas.

The importance of recreation and visual quality is acknowledged in the CCLUP for the Special Resource Development Zones (SRDZ) with the following direction for Tourism and Recreation:

Tourism development is to be directed to the SRDZ, with a focus on the “backcountry” areas identified.
Backcountry recreation opportunities, outside of parks and protected areas, exist primarily in the South Chilcotin and Taseko Lake SRDZs of the Williams Lake Forest District.

The Interim Interpretive Guide (April 4, 1996) presented from the IAMC and the RRB as direction subsequent to the CCLUP, states: “The following principles should be used in applying visual targets:

Where recreation or tourism targets state “to maintain visual quality”, it is not assumed that the entire viewshed would automatically fall into any one category of the Visual Quality Objectives¹ (VQOs) of the Ministry of Forests Visual Management Guidelines. Rather it is assumed that further, localized planning processes will determine the appropriate mix of VQOs over a specific viewshed, while still meeting all other targets for the subzone.
It was specifically not assumed that an entire viewshed would be assigned a Retention VQO, or that no activity would ever be visible. Rather it was assumed that the viewsheds would be managed for visual quality, and that management could include some change, to varying degrees, to the existing landscape”.

¹Visual Quality Objectives (VQO): a resource management objective established by the district manager or contained in a higher level plan that reflects the desired level of visual quality based on the physical characteristics and social concern for the area.

Recreation Corridor Viewsheds

To maintain the visual quality, backcountry and recreational values of the Recreation Corridor Viewshed Polygons is the goal of visual management around the unique features in the South Chilcotin SRDZ. Direction from the CCLUP and Interim Interpretive Guide was the basis for the methodology used for establishing recreational viewshed management guidelines and objectives and subsequently, the Visual Quality Objectives (VQO’s) within the Backcountry Area and around the Recreation Corridor Viewscapes. The analysis committee, in recognition of the unique values in the South Chilcotin SRDZ, presented options to incorporate these values that would integrate well with other resource targets and objectives to the Table. This represents the Scenario 5 Final or final consensus scenario.

Methodology for Defining Recreational Viewsheds

The following section describes how the recreation corridor viewshed management guidelines and objectives were developed, and provides recommendations for monitoring the achievement of these objectives.

An extensive inventory and public input process was conducted.
Initial landscape inventory, recreation inventory, and recreation analyses were conducted:
1. A. West Landscape Architects (1994/1995, primarily Churn block), and
2. Viewpoint Recreation and Landscape Consulting (1995/1996, primarily the Western side of the SRP area).
Visibility Analysis from Big Creek Park was done in co-operation with Ministry of Small Business Tourism and Culture. The objective was to identify the views from selected points within the Big Creek Park that were outside of the Park and within the SC Plan area.
Review of high and low elevation viewpoints was conducted. High Elevation Viewpoint Guidelines were developed (March 1997).
Trails and 4x4 roads were identified, roughly plotted, viewshed estimated, and ranked. Input was received from the public regarding location, use patterns, and priority ranking.
Proposed Recreation Corridor Management Guidelines were developed.
Landscape inventory was done for the viewsheds of Roaster and Koster Lakes under the Lignum Limited Good Stewardship Program. Viewshed of Mud/Swartz Lake was estimated using site lines, until a proper inventory can be done.
Trail inventory of specific trails conducted by Fritz Mueller, J.S. Hart and Associates Ltd. (1997/1998).
Intensive review and analysis of the viewshed as seen from selected trails was completed. Digital modeling to support visual estimates of viewsheds as seen from priority viewpoints was done. Visual screening along corridors was considered as viewpoints were identified, plotted and ranked.
For analysis purposes, the viewsheds as seen from the priority routes were broken into separate polygons. Non-spatial percentages of retention, partial retention, and modification were assigned to each Recreation Corridor Viewshed Polygon depending on the priority ranking of the trail, visual screening available, back country emphasis, current and potential use, priority ranking of the viewpoints and recreation potential. (Details Section 9.3.3 pages 49 to 57) For recreation corridor viewsheds polygons 1A, 1C(a), and 1C(b) objectives have been designed to accommodate high wildlife value areas in addition to visual values.
Achievement of the objectives for polygon viewsheds 1A, 1C(a), and 1C(b) will be assessed using percent alteration from the planimetric view. The achievement of the objectives for all other recreational corridor viewshed polygons will be assessed using perspective views from identified viewpoints.

Individual Descriptions and Strategies for Recreation Viewshed Polygons

The distribution of visual quality objectives (VQOs) within each Recreation Corridor Viewshed Polygon is currently non-spatial. The percentage VQO class approximates the expected visual management required to maintain visual quality in relation to the identified recreation and tourism values within the polygon. As part of the strategy for each polygon, a description of the relative location and application of each VQO is given to guide design. This will be an interim process until such time as formal landscape inventories can be conducted in the area. The VQO designation will not result in increases in rotation or Equivalent Excluded Area.

The following information is consistent with Scenario 5 Final analysis: Polygon information is laid out in the following format:

Polygon #()

The numbers of the Recreation Corridor Viewshed Polygons correspond to Map 9 in Appendix III. The first upper case letter (A, B, etc.) of the polygon indicates its relative priority against other polygons within the SRP; i.e. Polygon 1A is a priority one polygon. The lower case letter in brackets ((a), (b) etc.) is a subdivision of the polygon, which permits individual descriptions and site specific applications of design principles.

Location

Generally describes the location of the polygon within the SC Plan area.

Current Use

Current use describes the degree of use of the travel corridor within the polygon, or the polygon it influences if there is not travel corridor within it (in instances where the polygon comprises a portion of a viewshed). Current use estimates are based on local knowledge, field reconnaissance by recreation contractors, and public input. Use ratings are relative to the high use areas of Hungry Valley and the surrounding areas of Mud/Swartz Lakes.

Recreation Potential

Recreation Potential considers the recreational values within the polygon and the anticipated use by the public in the future.

Objective

The objective describes the relative distribution of the VQO classes and any polygon specific comments regarding corridor management.

Rationale

Rationale describes the values within the polygon and the justification for the objectives (visual prescription).

Visual Quality Objectives (VQO)

V Q O describes the resource management objective established by the Ministry of Forests District Manager or contained in a higher level plan. The VQO reflects the desired level of visual quality based on the physical characteristics and social concern for the area.

The specific VQO classes are defined as follows:

Preservation: No visible alterations
Retention: Human caused alterations are visible but not evident.
Partial Retention: Human caused alterations are evident but subordinate and not dominant.
Modification: Human-caused alterations are dominant but have natural appearing characteristics.
Maximum Modification: Human-caused alterations are dominant and out of scale.

The percent of alteration in perspective view values was derived from the Ministry of Forests Clearcutting to Meet VQOs study completed March 1996. The following table was extracted from Ministry of Forests Procedures for Managing Visual Resources to Mitigate Impacts on Timber Supply (May 1998).

VQO	% Denudation range in perspective views
Preservation	0
Retention	0-1.5
Partial Retention	1.6-7.0
Modification	7.1-18.0
Maximum Modification	18.1-30.0

Polygon Name	Location	Current Use	Recreation Potential	Objective	Rational
Big Creek View “A”	Steep foreground views adjacent to Big Creek	Moderate to high	Retention/Partial Retention: 200 year rotation.	Due to visual sensitivity, the % alteration will be to the restrictive end of partial retention, measured in the perspective view.
Big Creek View “B”	Dash headwaters	Moderate	High	Partial retention 100%: 180 year rotation. Due to visual sensitivity, the % alteration will be to the restrictive end of partial retention, measured in the perspective view.
Big Creek View “C”	Adjacent to Big Creek, below the western slopes of Piltz / Wales.	Moderate	High	100% partial retention VQO and 100% available in one rotation.	It is assumed that partial cutting will achieve a partial retention objective without an extended rotation. This is flat terrain with forested islands.
Polygon 1A	North facing slopes of the Hungry Mountains, visible from Hungry Valley.	High	High	50% retention VQO: primarily the upper slopes of the Hungry Mountains and recreation destinations. 50% partial retention VQO: primarily lower slopes of the Hungry Mountains. Visual screening will be tilized adjacent to the open range and wetlands of Hungry Valley.	Hungry Valley has been identified as an important recreational area and a travel corridor to the Big Creek Park. The surrounding mountains and hills provide a natural appearing environment for Hungry Valley. The area is commonly accessed in the fall by a 4x4 road from Gaspard Lake. This is part of the core backcountry area adjacent to Big Creek Park.
Polygon 1A: Details to Objective The objective is to manage polygon area 1A on a 200 year rotation, 10% removal/20 year re-entry on the planimetric basis. Planimetric view is the guide for performance assessment. Critical viewpoints must be fixed and (not added to) or adjusted. It is expected that you could achieve recommended VQOs of/retention partial retention from viewpoints predetermined in this plan. If not achievable, the planimetric takes precedence. No other constraining influences, other than those that have been modeled, will apply. It is assumed that future determination of VQOs within polygon 1A will guarantee timber access to 100% of the productive forest land base within polygon 1A (subject to other constraints as modeled by the SC Plan Planning Table) over a 200-year rotation. Where VQOs are recommended that are more constraining to operational access than that modeled, VQO recommendations for the remainder of the polygon must be relaxed to accommodate timber access targets developed by the SC Plan Planning Table. It is recommended that the above ‘VQO Relaxation Process’ be completed prior to formal VQO designations in the area.
Polygon 1B	Upper Lone Cabin Basin	Low	Moderate	15% Retention VQO: adjacent to, or close to, the trail and recreation destinations. Maintain visually effective screening adjacent to trails. 20% Partial Retention VQO: in the foreground of the trail viewshed, viewshed of major viewpoints. 65% Modification (with Design) VQO: in the mid to background viewshed, and non-visually sensitive areas.	Contains several small lakes with rugged and varied terrain, high recreational and backcountry opportunities and is used by a commercial guide. This polygon is an integral portion of the “connection backcountry” between Big Creek and Churn Parks.
Polygon 1C(a)	Upper Dash Creek	Moderate	High	20% Retention VQO: foreground views, especially steep slopes, and adjacent to Dash Valley trail, and recreation destinations. 60% Partial Retention VQO: midground viewshed 20 % Modification (with design) VQO: in the background, on upper slopes, in areas with a higher visual absorption capacity, and non-visually sensitive areas. Retention VQO: 200-metre “Recreation Corridor Segment” was identified to protect the trail from Hungry Mountain to the Dash Valley Cabins. The “Recreation Corridor Segment” is to be managed on a Retention VQO.	Polygon has high backcountry values and a more pristine setting than Hungry Valley. Maintain trail as non- motorized with emphasis on a natural recreational experience setting. Guide/outfitter camp and range camp are situated within the polygon. Important viewpoints include cabin sites and open meadows in the westerly portion.
Polygon 1C(a) Details to Objective To manage polygon area 1C(a) on a 135-year rotation, 15% removal / 20-year re-entry on the planimetric basis. Planimetric view is the guide for performance assessment. Critical viewpoints must be fixed and (not added to) or adjusted. It is expected that you could achieve recommended VQOs of/retention partial retention from viewpoints predetermined in this plan. If not achievable, the planimetric takes precedence. No other constraining influences, other than those that have been modeled, will apply. It is assumed that future determination of VQOs within polygon 1C(a) will guarantee timber access to 100% of the productive forest land base within polygon 1C(a) (subject to other constraints as modeled by the SC Planning Table) over a 135-year rotation. Where VQOs are recommended that are more constraining to operational access than that modeled VQO recommendations for the reminder of the polygon must be relaxed to accommodate timber access targets developed by the SC Planning Table. It is recommended that the above ‘VQO Relaxation Process’ be completed prior to formal VQO designations in the area.
Polygon 1C(b)	Lone (Beaver) Valley: West / Prentice Lake	High	High	20% Retention VQO: primarily in the foreground south of the Lone Valley trail (on the north facing slopes), foreground views along the Prentice Lake Trail and in the vicinity of Prentice Lake, and other recreation destinations as listed below. Maintain natural screening where possible. 60% Partial Retention VQO: upper slopes south of the Lone Valley trail and slopes north of the Lone Valley Trail. 20% Modification (with design) VQO: background and non-visually sensitive areas. Retention VQO: 200-metre “Recreation Corridor Segment”: on Dash/Lone Valley trail portion. “Corridor Segment” to be managed as a Retention VQO	Area is a popular destination for recreationalists who access the area from Lillooet Forest District. Lone Valley has an extensive network of beaver ponds and wet meadows in the valley bottom that permits unobstructed views to the south side of the valley. Important viewpoints include the Beaver Valley cabin at Panlos Creek, the intersection of Dash/Lone (Beaver) Valley and Prentice Lake trails, and Prentice Lake. Hikers access the alpine area north of Lone (Beaver) Valley.
Polygon 1C(b) Details to Objective To manage polygon area 1C(b) on a 135 year rotation, 15% removal / 20 year re-entry on the planimetric basis. Planimetric view is the guide for performance assessment. Critical viewpoints must be fixed and (not added to) or adjusted. It is expected that you could achieve recommended VQOs of/retention partial retention from viewpoints predetermined in this plan. If not achievable, the planimetric takes precedence. No other constraining influences, other than those that have been modeled, will apply. It is assumed that future determination of VQOs within polygon 1Cb will guarantee timber access to 100% of the productive forest land base within polygon 1C(b) (subject to other constraints as modeled by the SC Planning Table) over a 135 year rotation. Where VQOs are recommended that are more constraining to operational access than that modeled, VQO recommendations for the reminder of the polygon must be relaxed to accommodate timber access targets developed by the SC Planning Table. It is recommended that the above ‘VQO Relaxation Process’ be completed prior to formal VQO designations in the area.
Polygon 1D(a)	Lower Hungry Valley/Fish Lake	Moderate	High	10% retention VQO: adjacent to wetlands, meadows, travel routes, and recreation destinations as listed below. Maintain visually effective screening adjacent to the trail and adjacent to open range/timber interface unless block design allows interlock with existing openings. 90% modification VQO (with design): non-visually sensitive areas.	This polygon is part of the ‘backcountry” area adjacent to Big Creek Park and is integral to the recreational values of Hungry Valley. It is adjacent to the travel corridor to Big Creek Park. Visual design principles must be applied in this area, as it is adjacent to the park, along the corridor to the park, and within the high recreational value area of Hungry Valley. With this flat topography, it is felt that foreground management techniques can be used to mitigate visual impact in this polygon.
Polygon 1D(b)	Lower Hungry Valley, vicinity of the “Fire Road”.	Moderate	High	Maintain visually effective screening along recreation corridors and destinations as listed below. 10% retention VQO, adjacent to the trail, wetlands, meadows, Fish Lake, and recreation destinations. 90% modification VQO (with design)	As per 1D(a), this area is essentially the corridor of the “Fire Road”. It is adjacent to the Big Creek Park, and one of the potential main travel routes to the Park. This polygon also contains Fish Lake. Fish Lake is classified as a Harvesting Guideline Class “A” lake under the Lakes Classification process. The viewshed will be managed as a scenic area. Due to the flat topography, it is felt that foreground management techniques can be used to mitigate visual impact in this polygon.
Polygon 1E(a) (north)	South slopes of Piltz/Wales Mountains, adjacent to Hungry Valley	Moderate	High	100% partial retention VQO	South slopes of Piltz/Wales mountains and terrain adjacent to Hungry Valley. As per Polygon 1A, this viewshed is critical to the setting of Hungry Valley and the recreational values there. Portions of this polygon may be visible from within Big Creek Park.
Polygon 1E (a) (south)	Hillside south of Fish Lake, Fish Lake Viewshed	Moderate	High	100% partial retention VQO.	Part of the setting of Hungry Valley and the viewshed from Fish Lake. Fish Lake has been rated as a Harvesting Guideline Class “A” lake under the Lakes Classification Process. The viewshed of Fish Lake will be managed as a scenic area. Portions of this polygon are also visible from Big Creek Park.
Polygon 1E(b)	Mud/Swartz 4x4 road	High	High	Maintain trail integrity with the application of the Recreation Corridor Strategy: 60 metre trail management corridor. 100% modification with design.	Important route from Mud / Swartz recreation area to the Fraser River via Buck Mountain, Poison mountain, China Head Mountain, etc. Polygon forms part of the “connection backcountry” between Big Creek Park and Churn Protected Area. Trail maybe managed to a “roaded natural” recreational experience.
Polygon 1E(c) Big Creek Park Viewshed	Western slopes of Piltz/Wales, adjacent to Big Creek	Moderate	High	55% partial retention VQO, primarily on the upper slopes. 45% modification (with design) VQO: primarily on the lower screened slopes.	CCLUP contains direction for the maintenance of visual values for viewpoints within Big Creek Park. Upper portions of polygon are visible from Scallon Meadows, Mt. Tom, and Dil-Dil Plateau. Well-designed cutblocks with a higher visible alteration can be accepted if views are from distances beyond 8 kms.
Polygon 2F:	Dash Creek/Lone (Beaver) Valley connector trail	Moderate	Moderate	Retention VQO: 200 metre “Recreation Corridor Segment” from the intersection of Dash Creek south to the junction with the Prentice Lake Trail is to be managed to a Retention VQO for the purposes of maintaining visually effective screening along the trail. (Recreation Corridor Segment: Appendix III Map 9) 75% Modification (with design) VQO and EEA = 0.09 25% Partial Retention	This trail is the connection between Dash Creek and Lone (Beaver) Valley Creek: “core backcountry” with high recreational potential. Vegetative and topographic screening along the trail in the midsection of this polygon permits greater harvesting opportunity.
Polygon 2G(a)	Eastern Hungry Valley/West Churn Creek	High	High	20% Partial Retention VQO: Adjacent to the trail, wetlands, And meadows, eastern shoulder of the Hungry Mountains adjacent to Polygon 1A, and in the viewshed of the Hungry Valley Range cabin. 80% Modification (with design) VQO: Midground viewshed and nonvisually sensitive areas.	Contains the Eastern portion of Hungry Valley and the headwaters of West Churn Creek. This is the entrance to Hungry Valley via the Gaspard Lake 4x4 road and the 3200 Rd. High recreation and visual values exist in this area. Some modifications and trail relocation in the central portion of this polygon. Important viewpoints are the trailhead in the vicinity of the Hungry Valley Cow Camp, and Moose Lake. These are broad expansive views.
Polygon 2G(b)	Lone (Beaver) Valley east; section south of trail, including trail	High	Moderate	100% Partial Retention VQO: 200 metre trail management corridor used to maintain visually effective screening.	Contains the Lone Valley Trail from trailhead at Swartz Lake to the eastern portion of Lone Valley. Important views are to the south of the trail. Good opportunities for management of vegetative screening. An important viewpoint and camping opportunity is in the open meadow where the trail from the south intersects Lone Valley.
Polygon 2G(c)	Small detached polygon east of 2G(e)	High	High	100% Modification (with design) VQO	The polygon is visible from southern portion of the Dash-West Churn Trail as it passes over its highest point along the Hungry Mountains. The important viewpoint in this polygon is Viewpoint #9 (Appendix III Map 10). This polygon is a portion of the viewshed of the connector route to the higher recreational and backcountry values of Upper Dash Creek.
Polygon 2G(d)	Lone Valley East; section north of trail	High	Moderate	100% Modification (with design)	Views from the trail in the vicinity of this polygon are predominantly to the south. This is expected to permit a greater degree of alteration to the north of the trail.
Polygon 2G(e)	Eastern shoulder of Hungry Mountains	High	High	100% Modification (with design) VQO: Retention VQO: 200-metre “Recreation Corridor Segment” identified in this polygon. Recreation Segment is to be managed to a Retention VQO to permit visually effective screening along the trail. (Recreation Corridor Segments: Appendix III Map 9)	This is the southern portion of the Dash-West Churn Trail as it passes over its highest point along the Hungry Mountains. Connector route to the higher recreational and backcountry values of Upper Dash Creek. Good opportunities for management of vegetative screening along trail corridor. The important viewpoint is Viewpoint #9, the opening at the summit of the trail. (Viewpoints: Appendix III Map 10)
Polygon 2H(a)	Viewshed of 4x4 road to Hungry Valley from Gaspard Lake	High	High	100% modification (with design) VQO: Retention VQO: 100 metre “Recreation Corridor Segment” adjacent to 4x4 road. Recreation Corridor Segment to be managed to a Retention VQO for the purposes of visually effective screening. (Recreation Corridor Segments: Appendix III Map 9)	Main route into Hungry Valley in the fall. A “roaded modified” recreational experience is acceptable along this route.
Polygon 2H(b)	Lower Lone Cabin Creek	Low	Moderate	100% Modification (with design) VQO: 200 metre trail management corridor	Open forest along the Lower Lone Cabin Trail presents some opportunities for visual screening. A commercial guide uses the trail. Important viewpoints are at the trailhead (km 0) and km 1.8 and km 7.2. These viewpoints are primarily at the crests of ridges. This polygon forms part of the “connection backcountry” between Big Creek Park and Churn Protected Area. Mule deer winter range management strategies will contribute to visual quality in this polygon.
Polygon 2I	Windy Ridge 4x4 road	High	High	60 metre trail management corridor based on Recreation Corridor Strategy (Recreation Corridor Segments: Appendix III Map 9) Modification (with design) is acceptable for the viewshed of the road.	Popular route used by four-wheel drive clubs since it permits extended tours through a “roaded natural” environment. Maintain the integrity of the route and the road.
View from Sky Ranch looking South	View from Sky Ranch looking South (potential access into Big Creek Park)	This viewshed will be managed using visual design principles. Techniques used in the “Visual landscape Design Training Manual” will be applied here.

Polygon Name

Location

Current Use

Recreation Potential

Objective

Rational

Big Creek View “A”

Steep foreground views adjacent to Big Creek

Moderate to high

Retention/Partial Retention: 200 year rotation.

Due to visual sensitivity, the % alteration will be to the restrictive end of partial retention, measured in the perspective view.

Big Creek View “B”

Dash headwaters

Moderate

High

Partial retention 100%: 180 year rotation.

Due to visual sensitivity, the % alteration will be to the restrictive end of partial retention, measured in the perspective view.

Big Creek View “C”

Adjacent to Big Creek, below the western slopes of Piltz / Wales.

Moderate

High

100% partial retention VQO and 100% available in one rotation.

It is assumed that partial cutting will achieve a partial retention objective without an extended rotation. This is flat terrain with forested islands.

Polygon 1A

North facing slopes of the Hungry Mountains, visible from Hungry Valley.

High

50% retention VQO: primarily the upper slopes of the Hungry Mountains and recreation destinations.

50% partial retention VQO: primarily lower slopes of the Hungry Mountains. Visual screening will be tilized adjacent to the open range and wetlands of Hungry Valley.

Hungry Valley has been identified as an important recreational area and a travel corridor to the Big Creek Park. The surrounding mountains and hills provide a natural appearing environment for Hungry Valley. The area is commonly accessed in the fall by a 4x4 road from Gaspard Lake. This is part of the core backcountry area adjacent to Big Creek Park.

Polygon 1A: Details to Objective

The objective is to manage polygon area 1A on a 200 year rotation, 10% removal/20 year re-entry on the planimetric basis. Planimetric view is the guide for performance assessment. Critical viewpoints must be fixed and (not added to) or adjusted. It is expected that you could achieve recommended VQOs of/retention partial retention from viewpoints predetermined in this plan. If not achievable, the planimetric takes precedence. No other constraining influences, other than those that have been modeled, will apply.

It is assumed that future determination of VQOs within polygon 1A will guarantee timber access to 100% of the productive forest land base within polygon 1A (subject to other constraints as modeled by the SC Plan Planning Table) over a 200-year rotation. Where VQOs are recommended that are more constraining to operational access than that modeled, VQO recommendations for the remainder of the polygon must be relaxed to accommodate timber access targets developed by the SC Plan Planning Table. It is recommended that the above ‘VQO Relaxation Process’ be completed prior to formal VQO designations in the area.

Polygon 1B

Upper Lone Cabin Basin

Low

Moderate

15% Retention VQO: adjacent to, or close to, the trail and recreation destinations. Maintain visually effective screening adjacent to trails.

20% Partial Retention VQO: in the foreground of the trail viewshed, viewshed of major viewpoints.

65% Modification (with Design) VQO: in the mid to background viewshed, and non-visually sensitive areas.

Contains several small lakes with rugged and varied terrain, high recreational and backcountry opportunities and is used by a commercial guide. This polygon is an integral portion of the “connection backcountry” between Big Creek and Churn Parks.

Polygon 1C(a)

Upper Dash Creek

Moderate

High

20% Retention VQO: foreground views, especially steep slopes, and adjacent to Dash Valley trail, and recreation destinations.

60% Partial Retention VQO: midground viewshed

20 % Modification (with design) VQO: in the background, on upper slopes, in areas with a higher visual absorption capacity, and non-visually sensitive areas.

Retention VQO: 200-metre “Recreation Corridor Segment” was identified to protect the trail from Hungry Mountain to the Dash Valley Cabins. The “Recreation Corridor Segment” is to be managed on a Retention VQO.

Polygon has high backcountry values and a more pristine setting than Hungry Valley. Maintain trail as non- motorized with emphasis on a natural recreational experience setting. Guide/outfitter camp and range camp are situated within the polygon. Important viewpoints include cabin sites and open meadows in the westerly portion.

Polygon 1C(a) Details to Objective

To manage polygon area 1C(a) on a 135-year rotation, 15% removal / 20-year re-entry on the planimetric basis. Planimetric view is the guide for performance assessment. Critical viewpoints must be fixed and (not added to) or adjusted. It is expected that you could achieve recommended VQOs of/retention partial retention from viewpoints predetermined in this plan. If not achievable, the planimetric takes precedence. No other constraining influences, other than those that have been modeled, will apply.

It is assumed that future determination of VQOs within polygon 1C(a) will guarantee timber access to 100% of the productive forest land base within polygon 1C(a) (subject to other constraints as modeled by the SC Planning Table) over a 135-year rotation. Where VQOs are recommended that are more constraining to operational access than that modeled VQO recommendations for the reminder of the polygon must be relaxed to accommodate timber access targets developed by the SC Planning Table. It is recommended that the above ‘VQO Relaxation Process’ be completed prior to formal VQO designations in the area.

Polygon 1C(b)

Lone (Beaver) Valley: West / Prentice Lake

High

20% Retention VQO: primarily in the foreground south of the Lone Valley trail (on the north facing slopes), foreground views along the Prentice Lake Trail and in the vicinity of Prentice Lake, and other recreation destinations as listed below. Maintain natural screening where possible.

60% Partial Retention VQO: upper slopes south of the Lone Valley trail and slopes north of the Lone Valley Trail.

20% Modification (with design) VQO: background and non-visually sensitive areas.

Retention VQO: 200-metre “Recreation Corridor Segment”: on Dash/Lone Valley trail portion. “Corridor Segment” to be managed as a Retention VQO

Area is a popular destination for recreationalists who access the area from Lillooet Forest District. Lone Valley has an extensive network of beaver ponds and wet meadows in the valley bottom that permits unobstructed views to the south side of the valley. Important viewpoints include the Beaver Valley cabin at Panlos Creek, the intersection of Dash/Lone (Beaver) Valley and Prentice Lake trails, and Prentice Lake. Hikers access the alpine area north of Lone (Beaver) Valley.

Polygon 1C(b) Details to Objective

To manage polygon area 1C(b) on a 135 year rotation, 15% removal / 20 year re-entry on the planimetric basis. Planimetric view is the guide for performance assessment. Critical viewpoints must be fixed and (not added to) or adjusted. It is expected that you could achieve recommended VQOs of/retention partial retention from viewpoints predetermined in this plan. If not achievable, the planimetric takes precedence. No other constraining influences, other than those that have been modeled, will apply.

It is assumed that future determination of VQOs within polygon 1Cb will guarantee timber access to 100% of the productive forest land base within polygon 1C(b) (subject to other constraints as modeled by the SC Planning Table) over a 135 year rotation. Where VQOs are recommended that are more constraining to operational access than that modeled, VQO recommendations for the reminder of the polygon must be relaxed to accommodate timber access targets developed by the SC Planning Table. It is recommended that the above ‘VQO Relaxation Process’ be completed prior to formal VQO designations in the area.

Polygon 1D(a)

Lower Hungry Valley/Fish Lake

Moderate

High

10% retention VQO: adjacent to wetlands, meadows, travel routes, and recreation destinations as listed below. Maintain visually effective screening adjacent to the trail and adjacent to open range/timber interface unless block design allows interlock with existing openings.

90% modification VQO (with design): non-visually sensitive areas.

This polygon is part of the ‘backcountry” area adjacent to Big Creek Park and is integral to the recreational values of Hungry Valley. It is adjacent to the travel corridor to Big Creek Park. Visual design principles must be applied in this area, as it is adjacent to the park, along the corridor to the park, and within the high recreational value area of Hungry Valley. With this flat topography, it is felt that foreground management techniques can be used to mitigate visual impact in this polygon.

Polygon 1D(b)

Lower Hungry Valley, vicinity of the “Fire Road”.

Moderate

High

Maintain visually effective screening along recreation corridors and destinations as listed below.

10% retention VQO, adjacent to the trail, wetlands, meadows, Fish Lake, and recreation destinations.

90% modification VQO (with design)

As per 1D(a), this area is essentially the corridor of the “Fire Road”. It is adjacent to the Big Creek Park, and one of the potential main travel routes to the Park.

This polygon also contains Fish Lake. Fish Lake is classified as a Harvesting Guideline Class “A” lake under the Lakes Classification process. The viewshed will be managed as a scenic area. Due to the flat topography, it is felt that foreground management techniques can be used to mitigate visual impact in this polygon.

Polygon 1E(a) (north)

South slopes of Piltz/Wales Mountains, adjacent to Hungry Valley

Moderate

High

100% partial retention VQO

South slopes of Piltz/Wales mountains and terrain adjacent to Hungry Valley. As per Polygon 1A, this viewshed is critical to the setting of Hungry Valley and the recreational values there. Portions of this polygon may be visible from within Big Creek Park.

Polygon 1E (a) (south)

Hillside south of Fish Lake, Fish Lake Viewshed

Moderate

High

100% partial retention VQO.

Part of the setting of Hungry Valley and the viewshed from Fish Lake. Fish Lake has been rated as a Harvesting Guideline Class “A” lake under the Lakes Classification Process. The viewshed of Fish Lake will be managed as a scenic area. Portions of this polygon are also visible from Big Creek Park.

Polygon 1E(b)

Mud/Swartz 4x4 road

High

Maintain trail integrity with the application of the Recreation Corridor Strategy: 60 metre trail management corridor.

100% modification with design.

Important route from Mud / Swartz recreation area to the Fraser River via Buck Mountain, Poison mountain, China Head Mountain, etc. Polygon forms part of the “connection backcountry” between Big Creek Park and Churn Protected Area. Trail maybe managed to a “roaded natural” recreational experience.

Polygon 1E(c) Big Creek Park Viewshed

Western slopes of Piltz/Wales, adjacent to Big Creek

Moderate

High

55% partial retention VQO, primarily on the upper slopes.

45% modification (with design) VQO: primarily on the lower screened slopes.

CCLUP contains direction for the maintenance of visual values for viewpoints within Big Creek Park. Upper portions of polygon are visible from Scallon Meadows, Mt. Tom, and Dil-Dil Plateau. Well-designed cutblocks with a higher visible alteration can be accepted if views are from distances beyond 8 kms.

Polygon 2F:

Dash Creek/Lone (Beaver) Valley connector trail

Moderate

Retention VQO: 200 metre “Recreation Corridor Segment” from the intersection of Dash Creek south to the junction with the Prentice Lake Trail is to be managed to a Retention VQO for the purposes of maintaining visually effective screening along the trail. (Recreation Corridor Segment: Appendix III Map 9)

75% Modification (with design) VQO and EEA = 0.09

25% Partial Retention

This trail is the connection between Dash Creek and Lone (Beaver) Valley Creek: “core backcountry” with high recreational potential. Vegetative and topographic screening along the trail in the midsection of this polygon permits greater harvesting opportunity.

Polygon 2G(a)

Eastern Hungry Valley/West Churn Creek

High

20% Partial Retention VQO: Adjacent to the trail, wetlands, And meadows, eastern shoulder of the Hungry Mountains adjacent to Polygon 1A, and in the viewshed of the Hungry Valley Range cabin.

80% Modification (with design) VQO: Midground viewshed and nonvisually sensitive areas.

Contains the Eastern portion of Hungry Valley and the headwaters of West Churn Creek. This is the entrance to Hungry Valley via the Gaspard Lake 4x4 road and the 3200 Rd. High recreation and visual values exist in this area. Some modifications and trail relocation in the central portion of this polygon. Important viewpoints are the trailhead in the vicinity of the Hungry Valley Cow Camp, and Moose Lake. These are broad expansive views.

Polygon 2G(b)

Lone (Beaver) Valley east; section south of trail, including trail

High

Moderate

100% Partial Retention VQO: 200 metre trail management corridor used to maintain visually effective screening.

Contains the Lone Valley Trail from trailhead at Swartz Lake to the eastern portion of Lone Valley. Important views are to the south of the trail. Good opportunities for management of vegetative screening. An important viewpoint and camping opportunity is in the open meadow where the trail from the south intersects Lone Valley.

Polygon 2G(c)

Small detached polygon east of 2G(e)

High

100% Modification (with design) VQO

The polygon is visible from southern portion of the Dash-West Churn Trail as it passes over its highest point along the Hungry Mountains. The important viewpoint in this polygon is Viewpoint #9 (Appendix III Map 10). This polygon is a portion of the viewshed of the connector route to the higher recreational and backcountry values of Upper Dash Creek.

Polygon 2G(d)

Lone Valley East; section north of trail

High

Moderate

100% Modification (with design)

Views from the trail in the vicinity of this polygon are predominantly to the south. This is expected to permit a greater degree of alteration to the north of the trail.

Polygon 2G(e)

Eastern shoulder of Hungry Mountains

High

100% Modification (with design) VQO:

Retention VQO: 200-metre “Recreation Corridor Segment” identified in this polygon. Recreation Segment is to be managed to a Retention VQO to permit visually effective screening along the trail. (Recreation Corridor Segments: Appendix III Map 9)

This is the southern portion of the Dash-West Churn Trail as it passes over its highest point along the Hungry Mountains. Connector route to the higher recreational and backcountry values of Upper Dash Creek. Good opportunities for management of vegetative screening along trail corridor. The important viewpoint is Viewpoint #9, the opening at the summit of the trail. (Viewpoints: Appendix III Map 10)

Polygon 2H(a)

Viewshed of 4x4 road to Hungry Valley from Gaspard Lake

High

100% modification (with design) VQO:

Retention VQO: 100 metre “Recreation Corridor Segment” adjacent to 4x4 road. Recreation Corridor Segment to be managed to a Retention VQO for the purposes of visually effective screening. (Recreation Corridor Segments: Appendix III Map 9)

Main route into Hungry Valley in the fall. A “roaded modified” recreational experience is acceptable along this route.

Polygon 2H(b)

Lower Lone Cabin Creek

Low

Moderate

100% Modification (with design) VQO:

200 metre trail management corridor

Open forest along the Lower Lone Cabin Trail presents some opportunities for visual screening. A commercial guide uses the trail. Important viewpoints are at the trailhead (km 0) and km 1.8 and km 7.2. These viewpoints are primarily at the crests of ridges. This polygon forms part of the “connection backcountry” between Big Creek Park and Churn Protected Area. Mule deer winter range management strategies will contribute to visual quality in this polygon.

Polygon 2I

Windy Ridge 4x4 road

High

60 metre trail management corridor based on Recreation Corridor Strategy (Recreation Corridor Segments: Appendix III Map 9)

Modification (with design) is acceptable for the viewshed of the road.

Popular route used by four-wheel drive clubs since it permits extended tours through a “roaded natural” environment. Maintain the integrity of the route and the road.

View from Sky Ranch looking South

View from Sky Ranch looking South (potential access into Big Creek Park)

This viewshed will be managed using visual design principles. Techniques used in the “Visual landscape Design Training Manual” will be applied here.

Map Reference: Appendix III Map 10

The Ministry of Forests manages visual quality on public forestlands through a system called visual landscape management. Visual landscape inventory has been geared to address views from main travel corridors such as roads, recreation trails and main water corridors - all are ‘valleybottom’ views. The management process culminates in a resource management objective for visuals called a visual quality objective (VQO). The District Manager, under the Forest Practices Code Act may establish VQOs. Visual impact assessments are required to satisfy Visual Quality Objectives (VQO). This assessment procedure works well for views with well-defined visual landscape units as seen from particular viewpoints looking horizontally, or upwards. The boundaries of these units are defined by the uniformity of physical or viewing characteristics of the terrain; one unit is separated from another because of well-defined breaks in the landform, or viewing conditions.

However, the procedure for delineating landscape units, assigning a VQO and designing cutblocks to meet the allowable alteration percentage does not transfer effectively to high elevation viewpoints. For high elevation viewpoints, a different approach is required.

For the purposes of the SC Plan, high elevation viewpoints are viewpoints from which a vast panorama can be seen. These viewpoints are located above the tree line encompassing a panoramic viewing area.

The following viewpoints are recognized as high elevation viewpoints for the plan area (Appendix III Map 10 Viewpoints and Lake Viewsheds). The viewpoints marked with an asterisk * are currently used by commercial tourism operators.

Alpine ridge north of the Black Dome road
Red Mountain*
French Mountain*
Poison Mountain*
Buck Mountain*
Quartz Mountain*
Height of land, south of Lone Valley Creek
Hungry Mountain
Piltz Peak
Dash Hill*, Mount Tom* and Dil-Dil Plateau* within Big Creek Park
Alpine ridge north of Lone Valley

Map Reference: Appendix III Map 10 Viewpoints and Lake Viewsheds

It is recommended that the following be established as scenic areas under the Forest Practices Code Act:

Koster Lake Viewshed
Roaster Lake Viewshed
Swartz Lake Viewshed
Clear Lake viewshed (adjacent to Churn Protected Area)

The Visual Quality Objectives that were recommended in the visual landscape inventories and at the Table should become the established Visual Quality Objectives for the above viewsheds, to be consistent with the Lakes Classification as modeled for the Scenario 5 Final analysis.

Gaspard Lake Viewshed

View from Gaspard Lake into the South Chilcotin SRDZ. Only a narrow fringe of the Gaspard viewshed is within the SC Plan area, and it is approximately 6 kilometres from Gaspard Lake. For this reason Visual Quality Objectives will not be established. The portion of the viewshed in the SRDZ will be managed through visual design principles.

CCLUP Subunit	Landscape Unit	Lake Name or Mapsheet & Polygon	Lake Size (hectares)	Lake Mgmt. Goal	Harvesting Guideline Class	Boating Regulation	Fishing Regulation	Commercial Land Development	Access management Within Lakeshore Management Zone	Lake Viewshed
South Chilcotin SRDZ	Koster – Lone Cabin	Koster	13	Quality	B	General	General	No new tenures	Temporary/Reclaimed	Partial Retention
	Koster – Lone Cabin	Roaster	9	Wilderness	A	General	General	No new tenures	No new roads	Retention and partial retention
	Upper Churn	Swartz	9	Quality	B	General	General	No new tenures	Temporary/Reclaimed	Retention and partial retention
	Upper Churn	920.027-290	12	Quality	B	Restricted	Restricted No power boats	No new tenures	Motorized restricted	No concern
	Churn	920.037-504	3+	Quality	B	General	General	No new tenures	No new roads	Overlaps Big Basin No Harvest
	Churn	920.037-572	6	Quality	B	General	General	No new tenures	Walk-in / Fly-in	Overlaps East Basin Retention Within MDWR
	Upper Big Creek	Fish Lake 092.036-555	96	Wilderness	A	General	General	No new tenures	ATV / walk-in	Overlaps Within recreation corridor viewshed
	Upper Big Creek	Mud	44	General	B	General	General	No new tenures	Temporary / Reclaimed	Overlaps within recreation corridor viewshed
	Upper Big Creek	920.036-716	8	General	B	General	General	No new tenures	Walk-in / Fly-in	No concern
	Upper Big Creek	920.035-216	11	Quality	C	General	General	No new tenures	Walk-in / Fly-in	Overlaps Within recreation corridor viewshed Partial Retention
	Big Creek	920.045-942	10	General	C	General	General	Enhanced referral	Temporary / Reclaimed	No concern
	Big Creek	920.055-131								Unclassified
Gaspard ERDZ	Dash	920.027-253	14	General	D	General	General	Development permitted	Temporary	No concern
	Dash	920.036-97 (Moose Lake)	6	General	D	General	General	Development permitted	Temporary / Reclaimed	No concern overlaps within recreation corridor viewshed
	Gaspard	920.27-34	5	General	D	General	General	Development permitted	Temporary	No concerns

Refer to Appendix XI for definitions of the lake management goals and harvesting classes.
Note – stock watering will be as determined in Range Use Plans (under authority of the FPC) regardless of the lake classification.

Issues:

Forest and non-forest development activities can reduce visual quality
Visual inventories are incomplete

Goals:

Attractive landscapes that promote enjoyment of the natural surroundings, while balancing visual design with economic and environmental considerations

Objectives	Management Direction/Strategies	Measures of Success/Targets	Intent
1 Manage areas within Zone A as known scenic areas; and manage areas within zone B to reduce the visual impact of harvesting activities (see map)	1.1 Establish visual quality objectives for Zone A (see map)	Formal establishment of scenic areas and visual objectives within one year of confirming boundaries for Zone A Visual quality objectives for Zone A achieved	These areas will be managed under provisions of the Forest and Range Practices Act, as known scenic areas with established visual quality objectives. Visual impact assessments will be required. Developments must borrow from natural line and form and follow natural boundaries (creeks, ridges, draws, topography breaks, natural types) and look natural in shape and scale
	1.2 In Zone B (see map), attempt to achieve visual quality classes	Formal establishment of scenic areas and visual objectives within one year of confirming boundaries for Zone B Forest development incorporates visual design principles Visual landscape inventories completed	Areas of high visual importance that have not been inventoried. Manage areas with broad visual quality classes to provide general management targets while maintaining operational flexibility. Visual simulations from key viewpoints will be required. Developments must borrow from natural line and form and follow natural boundaries (creeks, ridges, draws, topography breaks, natural types) and look natural in shape and scale
	1.3 Use visual design principles throughout the rest of the plan area to borrow from natural line and form		It is anticipated that future harvesting which is based more on visual design principles will appear more natural and may require shorter green-up periods to blend back in
	1.4 During forest development planning and activities, outside of Zones A and B, and within areas associated with recreation trails and sites specified by the District Manager, maintain the appearance of a diverse landscape		Cascades Forest District, in consultation with MSRM, will determine the location of identified recreation trails and sites to be managed (see Table 1 in Tourism and Recreation)
2. Manage nonforest development to achieve attractive landscapes	2.1 Incorporate consideration of visual resources into nonforest resource developments (e.g. urban developments, recreation and tourism facilities, utility corridors, mine development) Consider using visual impact assessment as a tool to assist in evaluating impacts to visual resources		To consider appropriate provisions (e.g., visual screening, utilizing landscape design principles) for visual resource management in planning and development for non-forest development activities
3. Develop a visual management strategy that can be utilized and measured for use in forest and other resource development planning processes. This strategy will reflect varying levels of visual quality objective mixes that will address the goals of the recreation corridor viewsheds and other visual areas.	3.1 Viewpoints were identified, numbered and ranked.
	3.2 On areas with high visual sensitivity and backcountry values the recommended visual quality objective mixes are more restrictive.
	3.3 In areas with lower visual sensitivity, the recommended visual quality mix is less restrictive but will still achieve the intent of the backcountry and visual objectives.
	3.4 These areas may be established as “Scenic Areas” at the discretion of the District Manager.
4. Complete visual landscape inventories.	4.1 Ensure adequate funding is made available to complete the landscape inventory as soon as possible.
5. Establish visual quality objectives in visually sensitive areas as identified in the completed landscape inventories.	5.1 The results of the completed landscape inventories and final recommended visual quality objectives are expected to be consistent with the results of Scenario 5 Final analysis. Any variation from the Scenario 5 Final analysis will require a review by the IAMC and the RRB. Recommend that visual quality objectives be established by August 2002.
	5.2 Define a visual strategy for the Recreation Corridor Viewshed Polygons, which includes approved Visual Quality Objectives.
	5.3 Process to develop visual strategy: Establishment of a “scenic area” without VQO’s over the visual areas identified. Conduct landscape inventories, as funding permits Review and analyze inventories, establishment of visual quality objectives. The target date for the establishment of VQOs is August 2002.
6. Proposed harvesting prescriptions will be evaluated to ensure that visual values and quality identified for the Recreation Corridor Viewshed Polygons are considered.	6.1 Blocks will be designed and evaluated primarily from the identified viewpoints. Digital Terrain Models, or other appropriate tools, will be used to aid in design. If the identified viewpoints are not appropriate, alternate viewpoints will be recommended for establishment by mutual agreement between Agencies and Licensees.
	6.2 For visually sensitive areas not yet inventoried, licensees and agency staff will work together to ensure that appropriate viewpoints are established. Priority will be given to areas where harvesting is approved in current forest development plans.
	6.3 Review visual design proposals to ensure the objectives of recreation viewshed corridor polygons are achievable and consistent with the results of Scenario 5 analysis.
	6.4 Until Visual Landscape Units are defined through on-the-ground inventories and visual quality objectives (VQOs) are established, there will be a heavier reliance on the intent of each VQO class definition.
7. Maintain the backcountry visual experience for the trail adjacent to Big Creek.	7.1 A more detailed visual landscape inventory may be completed along the trail subject to funding. This inventory may identify some sensitive areas within this viewshed. At this time current visual management may be adjusted to accommodate the new information. There will be no impact to modeled equivalent excluded areas (EEAs).
	7.2 In the interim, visual management will be based on the recommendations for the “Big View” polygons as agreed at the Planning Table.
	7.3 Manage to the objectives defined for the Big Creek viewshed polygons: Newly constructed access must consider the visual sensitivity of the area. Minimize road density to the greatest extent possible. Grass-seeded road right-of-ways as soon as possible. Road beds should be ripped and seeded.
	7.4 Construct roads to minimum required standard i.e. narrow.
8. To maintain the special scenic values of visually sensitive areas identified in the zone.	8.1 Consider the use of alternative silviculture systems to achieve visual quality objectives where size, stand and ecological conditions are appropriate.
9. Maintain a natural looking landscape with minimal geometric shapes and maintain natural flow patterns.	9.1 The management strategies following will be applied to cutblocks within 16 kilometres of the identified high elevation viewpoints. Techniques from the Visual Landscape Design Training Manual will be applied here. The Table recommends that Visual Quality Objectives not be established.
	9.2 Design of cutblocks is critical and essential: Cutblocks need to have organic shapes and mimic the pattern of natural openings in the area (e.g. lakes, rock outcrops, meadows, and fire history). The shapes should be asymmetrical, interlocking, and organic and have varying size consistent with the naturally occurring patch size distribution for the area. Avoid repetition and similarity.
	9.3 Visual landscape design may also be applied to main haul road rights-of-way, recreation corridors, and riparian management zones that are visible from high elevation viewpoints. If possible, avoid creating a straight-edged, narrow, ribbon effect.
	9.4 Where a viewshed from a high elevation viewpoint overlaps with a viewshed from a low elevation viewpoint, design considerations from the low elevation viewpoint will take precedence.
	9.5 Cutblocks beyond 16 kilometres that may be visually dominant should follow visual landscape design management principles.
10. Classify lakes, set standards for management of surrounding Lakeshore Management Zone, and define scenic area (if applicable).	10.1 Lakes and their surrounding lakeshore will be managed as per the assumptions used for Scenario 5 final analysis.
	10.2 Ministry of Forests and Ministry of Environment established Lakes Classification Committee to solicit public and stakeholder input to process.
	10.3 Consensus recommendations were reached by the Lakes Classification Team regarding classification of lakes in the SC Plan area.
	10.4 Recommend that approval of lake management goals and direction be given by District Manager as per Operational Planning Regulations.
	10.5 Recommend that lake management criteria in the “Lake Classification Process: Williams Lake Forest District (WLFD) Procedures” be applied to operational plans in the SC Plan area (see Appendix XI).
	10.6 All classified lakes within the SC Plan area have been assigned a 200-metre Lakeshore Management Zone (LMZ). For Class A lakes, this LMZ is considered a reserve and contributes in its entirety to the “no harvest” area.
	10.7 The LMZ for Class B lakes is to be managed via a partial cutting silvicultural system (e.g. patch, group, or single tree selection) over a 160 year rotation. A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the basal area is to be retained on-site post-harvest and a maximum of twenty five percent (25%) of the LMZ is to be impacted per pass.
	10.8 Class C, D, and E lakes are to be managed as per the WLFD procedures. Both clear cutting and partial cutting are acceptable silvicultural practices within these LMZs. These lakes are to be managed over a normal rotation.

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