Learn about the critical role of visual resource inventories in protecting scenic values along Wild & Scenic Rivers. Participants will learn assessment techniques and leave with the skills to maintain and enhance the visual quality of river landscapes through a review of the value of Visual Resource Management; methods of conducting inventories, tools and techniques for assessing scenic values; and examples of inventories that have been developed. There will be ample time for questions from the audience.

Instructors

Mark Meyer joined the Air Resources Division of the NPS in 2012 as a visual resource specialist on the external energy team. He has worked with ARD staff and other experts to develop the components of a visual resource program including an inventory process, impact assessment methodology, a visual simulation review guide, and visual quality best practices. The visual resource program provides technical assistance to parks for assessment of potential visual impacts of projects. It is also working with ARD planning staff to incorporate visual resource inventory data and management activities into park planning documents.

Ksienya Taylor has been with the Air Resources Division (ARD) of the National Park Service since 2010. In addition to managing the development of reporting tools for park-specific air quality conditions and trends, she plays an integral role in shaping and advancing the division’s visual resources program. She has worked closely with parks to provide technical assistance for visual resource inventories, developing program methods and guidance documents, and evaluating the potential visual impacts of projects. She is passionate about advancing visual resource protection across the National Park Service and finding innovative ways to share visual resource science through effective communication and outreach.

About the 2025 Wild and Scenic Rivers Webinars

Sessions in this series include:

• March 26 - Scenic Vision: Tools to Inventory and Manage River and Trail Views
• May 28 - Bank Stabilization Techniques on Wild and Scenic Rivers
• June 18 - Real-World Applications of Visitor Use Management on Wild and Scenic Rivers

Materials are aligned with the vision of the Interagency Wild & Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council and the Technical Core Competencies for River Management Specialists and Non-Specialists. You can find more WSR training resources here or at rivers.gov.

Instructors will facilitate sessions using Zoom and request that participants come ready with their cameras on and microphones enabled, ready to connect and learn together. Participation in both sessions is requested but not required.

The target audience includes agency and partner staff involved in Wild & Scenic River program planning, coordination, partnership development, stakeholder communication, implementation and decision-making, visitor management and safety, natural and cultural resource management, impact monitoring and assessment, and other related activities.

Registration

This series is open to RMS members and non-members. Registration is $15 per session, or free for RMS members. RMS membership is $60 annually at the Individual level. Learn more about the features and benefits of membership and join today on our Membership page. 

Register

Questions

With questions about this series, please contact Executive Director Risa Shimoda at rms[at]river-management.org.