Aesthetics:
Vista clearing is a designed operation, not "eye-balling" as
some folks accuse us of practicing. First, decide on what features
you want to interpret along the roadway (the nature of the mature
forest, for instance) and then decide on those features which will
enhance the scenic quality beyond the roadway (the snowpeaks of a
mountain range, for example). Prepare a plan showing the locations
of these "openings" along the roadway. Flag those dominant trees
to be removed. Step back to the motorists' travel path to study
the trees selected. Consider the effects of the scene, the consequence
of removal on the remaining vegetation. Make the final
decision based on your best aesthetic judgment and your knowledge
of silviculture. Vista clearing is a combination of the two arts:
aesthetics and silviculture.
