The analysis area is located within the BLM planning area that is managed under the guidance and direction of the LVRMP and conservation easements. The LVRMP provides visual resource guidance applicable to the analysis area using the BLM ’s visual resource management (VRM) system.

The BLM ’s VRM system defines scenic quality as the degree of harmony, contrast, and variety that influences the overall impression of a landscape (BLM 1986). VRM objectives are generally aimed at protecting the scenic quality of public lands (under BLM jurisdiction), especially those most often viewed by the public. The LVRMP designates the Walking Box Ranch and approximately one mile to the east and south as Class II. A VRM Class II area typically has a very high scenic quality, is highly visible to a large number of visitors, and tends to be in the foreground of viewsheds. The outstanding scenic quality of the Walking Box Ranch, as well as the potential high levels of use that may be anticipated in the future (upon completion of the proposed project), make the analysis area “very sensitive to impacts that could affect scenic quality” (BLM 1998). The objective of VRM Class II is “to retain the existing character of the landscape. The level of change to the characteristic landscape should be low. Management activities may be seen, but should not attract the attention of the casual observer. Any changes must repeat the basic elements of form, line, color, and texture found in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape” (BLM 1986). A VRM Class III area begins approximately one mile east and south of the ranch, extending to Searchlight, Nevada.

In addition to the BLM , visual resources in the analysis area are also protected by conservation easements held by TNC . TNC holds two conservation easements at Walking Box Ranch: 1) the 40-acre headquarters parcel, and 2) the 120-undeveloped parcel (actually 2 parcels combined for easement purposes). The purpose of both conservation easements is “to preserve and protect in perpetuity the natural, historic, scenic, and open space features and values” of the ranch (TNC 1994). The easement on the 40-acre headquarters parcel allows for the development of an interpretive facility, requiring the property be used in a manner that perpetuates the setting of the historic site, a working ranch and agricultural operation, and specifically restricts subdivision of the property, extraction of minerals, geothermal development, industrial or commercial activity, and use of the property for public utility purposes. The easement on the 120-acre parcel prohibits all development and is focused on protecting vital desert tortoise habitat. As a result, all activities associated with the proposed project at the analysis area must be compliant with the terms of the TNC conservation easements.