Visual Resources Inventories in U.S. Natural Resources Management Agencies and Implications to China

The evaluation of visual resources constitutes a significant basis of sustainable resources management. Since the 1960s, the United States Natural Resources Management Agencies have initiated the review of visual resources for large-scale landscapes such as forests, lands, and national parks. These practices have been internationally recognized and adopted by other countries. This paper delineates the origins and evolution of visual resources evaluation in the United States. It mainly investigates and analyzes the evaluation processes, characteristics, and innovations of the Forest Service's Scenery Management System, the Bureau of Land Management's Visual Resources Management, and the National Park Service's Visual Resources Inventory. Furthermore, from the perspective of institutional responsibilities, this paper compares the management objectives, public attention, applicable land types, and the application of new technologies among the three visual resources evaluation methods. The Forest Service's Scenery Management System is more focused on the aesthetic value of forests. The Bureau of Land Management aims to minimize the visual impact caused by all resources development through Visual Resources Management. The National Park Service's Visual Resources Inventory excels at identifying important landscapes rich in historical and cultural significance viewed from specific locations. Building upon this foundation, this paper, in conjunction with China's national conditions and current situation, proposes recommendations for managing visual resources within the system of natural reserves. Establishing a graphic resource evaluation system for different types of nature reserves is necessary. Secondly, it is essential to utilize new technologies to construct databases and monitor resources. Furthermore, enhancing public participation can be more conducive to evaluating the importance and aesthetic value of resources.