INSTRUCTIONS
Steps in the Sensitivity Level Analysis
1. Divide the inventory area into logical sensitivity rating units.
2. Analyze the factors which indicate visual sensitivity.
3. For each rating, rate each factor as high, moderate, or low using the following outline as a general guide:
a. Type of Users. Maintenance of visual quality is
-- a major concern for most users………………………………………………………………………………High
-- a moderate concern for most users……………………………………………………………………....Moderate
-- a low concern for most users………………………………………………………………………………….Low
b. Amount of use. Maintenance of visual quality becomes more important as the level of use increases (see table below):
-- high level of use……………………………………………………………………………………………..High
-- moderate level of use……………………………………………………………………………………Moderate
-- low level of use………………………………………………………………………………………………Low
c. Public Interest. Maintenance of visual quality is:
-- a major public issue………………………………………………………………………………………….High
-- a moderate public issue………………………………………………………………………………….Moderate
-- a minor public issue………………………………………………………………………………………….Low
d. Adjacent Land Uses. Maintenance of visual quality to sustain adjacent land use objectives is:
-- very important……………………………………………………………………………………………….High
-- moderately important……………………………………………………………………………………Moderate
-- slightly important…………………………………………………………………………………………….Low
e. Special Area. Maintenance of visual quality to sustain Special Area management objectives is:
-- very important……………………………………………………………………………………………….High
-- moderately important……………………………………………………………………………………Moderate
-- slightly important…………………………………………………………………………………………….Low
4. Determine the over-all sensitivity level for each rating unit. This is a judgmental process which requires a careful analysis of all the
above factors. Review the ratings given to each factor and analyze the relationship between factors. A high rating in any one factor
does not necessarily mean that the over-all sensitivity level rating should be high. For example, the rating for “type of users” might be
high but the “amount of use” might be low. Consequently, the over-all rating could be low or moderate. Management should be
involved in this process.
5. Record the ratings and explanation on the sensitivity level rating sheet.
TABLE FOR CLASSIFYING AMOUNT OF USE
TYPE
HIGH
MODERATE
LOW
Roads & Highways
Rivers & Trails
Recreation Sites
Greater than 45,000 visits/ yr.
Greater than 20,000 visits/ yr.
Greater than 10,000 visitor days/ yr.
5,000-45,000 visits/ yr.
2,000-20,000 visits/ yr.
2,000-10,000 visitor days/ yr.
Lesser than 5,000 visits/ yr.
Lesser than 2,000 visits/ yr.
Lesser than 2,000 visitor days/ yr.
(Form 8400-6, Page 2)
