Thousand Iislands Regional Assessment SASS Draft Report 2014

Draft Report
Thousand Islands Regional Assessment
Towns of Hammond and Orleans and the Towns and Villages of Alexandria Bay, Cape Vincent, Clayton, and Morristown, New York
New York State Department of State
Office of Communities and Waterfronts
October, 2014
Draft Report
Thousand Islands Regional Assessment

Towns of Hammond and Orleans and the Towns and Villages of Alexandria Bay, Cape Vincent, Clayton, and Morristown, New York
New York State Department of State, Office of Communities and Waterfronts
Barbara L. Kendall, Coastal Resources Specialist
Town of Hammond
Ron Bertram, Town Supervisor
Project Advisory Committee
Valerie Johnson, Chair

Prepared by: Dodson & Flinker, Inc.

Landscape Architects and Planners
October, 2014
This report was prepared for the New York State Department of State with funds provided under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund Act.
Project Stakeholders
Municipalities:
Town of Hammond
Town of Cape Vincent
Village of Cape Vincent
Town of Clayton
Village of Clayton
Town of Morristown
Village of Morristown
Town of Alexandria Bay
Village of Alexandria Bay
Town of Orleans
Town and Village Planning Board Members
Town and Village Historians
Counties:
St Lawrence County Planning Office
Jefferson County Planning Office
St Lawrence County Legislature
Jefferson County Legislature
Organizations:
Antique Boat Museum
Thousand Island Land Trust
Save the River
Singer Castle
North Country Chamber of Commerce
St Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce
Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce
Thousand Islands Tourism Council
Seaway Trail
Table of Contents
I.
Executive Summary
Appendices:
II.
Background
A. Survey Results: Section One
III.
Landscape Inventory
B. Survey Results: Section Two
IV.
Scenic Landscapes Survey
C. Survey Results: Section Three
V.
Survey Results and Local

Involvement in the Assessment
Process
D. Survey: Demographics,
Comments
VI.
Landscape Assessment:
Evaluating
Scenic Quality
13
E. Modified Table of Scenic

Components
F. Evaluation Table
VII. Implementation
15
VIII. Potential Scenic Areas of

Significance
16
G. Maps
I. Executive Summary:
Many take for granted the scenic beauty of the Thousand Islands and the economy that it helps support. And many assume that the region will always be the
way it is today. But it wont. Change is inevitable. The question is: will change
hurt the scenery and economy of the region or can change be managed to ensure
that our children and grandchildren enjoy the landscape beauty we appreciate
today.
Scenic Landscapes: One purpose for this project is to recognize and document
what makes the region scenic and to use currently available tools to ensure that
future large scale development projects are located and designed in a way that
minimizes damage to the regions scenic character and its economy. If scenic
views are destroyed, if large towers and tall buildings are built in inappropriate
places, if wildlife habitat is destroyed and the environment is degraded, the regions tourist-based economy will suffer. Who will want to travel for hours to visit
a formerly scenic region marred by inappropriate development? Who will want
to go fishing or birding in a place whose habitats have been compromised? Who
will want to invest in businesses or real estate in a region that has lost its historic
architecture, homes that sit lightly on islands and undeveloped natural areas? A
lot is at stake. New York States Scenic Areas of State-wide Significance Program
offers a means to address these concerns..
Promotion of Tourism and Marketing of the Region: Another important purpose for the project is the promotion of tourism and the marketing of the region to the rest of the state, the country and internationally. Identifying the
Thousand Islands as one of the most scenic coastal areas in New York State will
more emphatically put the region on the map, attracting visitors and boosting
its tourist-based economy. Promoting the region based on sustainable development practices will create a unique image for the Thousand Islands as a beautiful,
carefully managed area that values its scenery and environmental quality--a place
that hasnt been spoiled yet and wont be in the future.
Grants and Funding: Another reason were doing this project is to improve
opportunities for grants related to economic development, natural and scenic
resource protection. Designation as a Scenic Area of State Wide Significance
greatly increases a regions ability to obtain public grants and private foundation
Identification and Promotion of Lesser Known Scenic Areas: While the iconic support for a range of projects. Grants including economic development, tourThousand Islands landscapes of castles on rocky islands, sweeping water views, ism promotion, land conservation, environmental restoration, historic preserand craggy, unspoiled shorelines shape the public perception of the region, many vation, downtown revitalization and sustainable transportation are among the
lesser known, less spectacular scenic areas have great potential for marketing and many potential sources of funding that will be enhanced by state-wide recognicareful stewardship. These less well known scenic areas include portions of the tion. Private investment in residential and commercial real estate, businesses,
river with fewer islands, tributary streams and their associated marshlands, bluffs and infrastructure will also be encouraged by the fact that the region has been
and hills with distant views of the Saint Lawrence, rolling woodlands dotted with officially recognized as a unique and valuable asset to the entire state.
small farms, sweeping expanses of open farmland extending inland from the river, and historic waterfront villages and boathouses with classic Thousand Islands New York States Vision: The New York State Legislature summed up compelarchitecture. These areas have great potential to blend existing land uses with ling reasons to complete projects like this when they enacted NYS Executive Law
future tourist activities.
42 in the early 1980s, stating that their goal was to achieve a balance between
Thousand Islands Scenic Resources Protection Plan
A team of volunteers took over 10 hours of video by helicopter. The

consultant team extracted video frames like the one above to create a library
of aerial photographs throughout the region.
economic development and preservation that will permit the beneficial use of
coastal resources while preventing the loss of living marine resources and wildlife, diminution of open space areas or public access to the waterfront, shoreline
erosion, impairment of scenic beauty, or permanent damage to ecological systems.
A Tradition of Conservation: The Thousand Islands have long been recognized
as an area of exceptional scenic beauty. Appreciated for centuries by local residents, the region began to attract wealthy vacationers as early as the mid-Nineteenth Century. These early visitors built spectacular homes and castles on the
islands and along the shoreline of the river. The care and creativity used by these
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early visitors in locating and designing homes and structures that fit in with the
landscape created a tradition of land stewardship and creative design that continues today. The blending of nature and culture in the Thousand Islands is unique
and can be a guiding force as the region takes steps to promote and manage its
scenic landscapes in the future.
destinations promotion of the regions tourist trade and economy will be greatly
enhanced. People and businesses may want to come to an area that has received a
major scenic designation after a rigorous review and analysis process. The SASS
designation could be cited in promotional materials and brochures. And visitors, investors, new businesses and new residents will be reassured to know that
measures have been taken to preserve and enhance the scenery for future generations.
We all know that the Thousands Islands Region is a beautiful place. But a lot of
people dont, and should. The scenery of the Thousand Islands is special: for
those who live here, summer here, visit or plan to visit. Our beautiful river and
its many islands are an important part of our quality of life and of our economy.
People live here, visit, invest because the Thousand Islands are such a scenic,
unspoiled place
Towns, villages, counties businesses and interest groups in the Thousand Islands
have decided to partner with the New York Department of States Coastal Management Program (DOS) to evaluate, promote and protect the regions unique
scenic resources. The spectacular scenery of the Thousand Islands is central to
our quality of life, many of our businesses and to our economy. Protecting this
resource for future generations and promoting the economy of the region is a
central goal of the project, called the Thousand Islands Regional Assessment.
Dodson & Flinker, a firm of landscape architects and regional planners has been
hired to work with the project team and local communities to inventory and assess the regions scenic landscapes. This will be done using a method developed
by DOS for use in the States coastal areas and already implemented in the Hudson River Valley and in the Town of East Hampton on Long Island. The process
consists of three steps:
Inventory: With the help of local residents, divide the region into separate areas
based on their visual characteristics. This step does not involve rating the scenic
quality of the areas. It is an objective process to inventory the different types of
visual features that distinguish one area from another.
Evaluation: After the inventory stage is complete, the regions landscapes are
evaluated for their level of scenic quality. The evaluation is based on state criteria
and on local opinion. The state criteria rate scenery based on natural features
such as terrain, water and vegetation; on cultural features such as villages, historic
sites, farms and estates; and on other criteria such as recognition, views, visibility and lack of discordant features. Local opinion is gauged by asking meeting
attendees and visitors to this web site to rank images of a variety of Thousand
Islands landscapes. The results of this poll are combined with the state criteria to
create a system to rank each landscape. The highest ranked landscapes are eligible for designation as Scenic Areas of Statewide Significance (SASS). The next
highest are eligible for designation as Scenic Landscapes of Local Significance.
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II. Background
Towns, villages, businesses and community groups in the Thousand Islands have
partnered with the New York Department of States Coastal Management Program (DOS) to evaluate, promote and protect the regions unique scenic resources. The spectacular scenery of the Thousand Islands is central to the regions
quality of life, and to its economy. Protecting this resource for future generations
and promoting the economy of the region is a central goal of the project, called
the Thousand Islands Regional Assessment.
SASS Implementation: Proposed SASS areas are described in detail and submitted for review and approval at the local, regional and state levels. After public
hearings and a final review at the state level, the SASS are officially designated
under federal and state laws relating to management of the New York coastline.
Any project requiring federal or state permits and/or federal or state funding will
be legally required to ensure that adverse impacts to scenic quality are avoided.
Specific recommendations for avoiding scenic impacts are included in the SASS
report.
With technical and financial support from the New York State Department of
State (DOS), Division of Coastal Resources, the Town and the Village organized a public participation process, adapted State scenic evaluation methodology to local conditions and conducted a thorough visual inventory and assessment process. The inventory and assessment process is based on standards and
criteria developed by the New York Division of Coastal Resources. Landscapes
of local, regional and State-wide significance are identified through a simple,
straight-forward process based on local participation and State scenic assessment standards.
Local Scenic Areas Implementation: Proposed Scenic Areas of Local Significance can be implemented by towns and villages through revisions to local
policies, land use ordinances, infrastructure plans and conservation programs.
Jackie Hakes, a planner from MJ Engineering will provide preliminary guidance
to local communities on ways that they can help preserve and promote both Local as well as Statewide Areas of Scenic Significance. Implementation measures
that local communities may want to consider include guidelines for minimizing
the visual impacts of small scale residential and commercial impacts in scenic
areas, preservation of open space along the river, preservation of undeveloped
islands, promoting access to scenic areas and assisting the state in promotion of
well managed scenery as a foundation of the regions tourism industry.
More than 100 distinct areas of the visual landscape (visual subunits) were analyzed using a methodology based on State coastal scenic assessment standards
that incorporate natural factors, cultural factors, views and visual perception factors. . The results of a scenic landscapes survey of more than 400 residents and
visitors helped the consultants interpret and adjust the state standards to reflect
the ways that locals value their scenic resources. The study identified 10 areas
with potential for designation as Scenic Areas of Statewide Significance (SASS)
under New Yorks Coastal Management Program. The SASS program protects
scenic landscapes through the review of projects requiring State or federal actions including direct actions, permits or funding. Detailed descriptions of the
potential SASSs were prepared, along with design and management guidelines
for reducing future visual impacts in these areas.
Promotion: For decades a central focus of promotional efforts in the Thousand

Islands has been the regions scenic beauty. Books, brochures, marketing campaigns and ads for businesses almost always feature striking photos of the areas
scenic vistas. If the Thousand Islands are designated one of the states top scenic
An additional 5 areas with potential for designation as Scenic Areas of Local Significance were identified in the study. Scenic Areas of Local Significance would
be protected through local or county measures or through other State programs.
Recommendations for local and county implementation of the scenic protection
plan were also developed as part of the study.

The visual assessment process emphasizes both natural and cultural factors in
the landscape. In historic coastal landscapes, such as the Thousand Islands, human activities over the centuries have modified and often enhanced the scenic
character of the land.
The methodology includes local public participation in the visual assessment
process. Incorporating local residents perceptions of scenery in the evaluation
process is as important as meeting State-wide scenic assessment standards. Understanding and documenting historical and cultural traditions helps in assessing
scenic character, especially in a community with a long tradition of art, painting,
photography, architecture and landscape architecture. And finally, developing
a simple, straight-forward assessment method based on solid data as well as on
public participation ensures that the plan is practical, comprehensible and usable
by both experts and the general public.
A. State Initiatives
These early efforts set a high standard for protecting and managing the aesthetic
character of the landscape that has continued to return dividends over the years.
Early conservation efforts, motivated in significant part by a desire to protect the
Thousand Islands scenic beauty, have resulted in the acquisition of significant
areas of public park and conservation land, providing the region with one of the
highest concentrations of park land in the State.
The State New York State also has long recognized the importance of scenic resources. The first broad based movement to recognize American scenic landscapes occurred in the mid-century through the work of the Hudson River
School of painters. The American Romantic Landscape Movement which expressed itself in the arts, music and literature also developed in New York State
before spreading to the rest of the nation. The Castles and stately homes of the
Gilded Age that grace the Thousand Islands are an outgrowth of this movement
that emphasized the harmonious blending of nature and culture.
In 1981, the New York State Legislature established the Division of Coastal Resources to achieve a balance between economic development and preservation
that will permit the beneficial use of coastal resources while preventing the loss
of living marine resources and wildlife, diminution of open space areas or public
access to the waterfront, shoreline erosion, impairment of scenic beauty, or permanent damage to ecological systems. (Article 42, s. 912). The State Legislature
included scenic character as a key coastal resource protected by law. The laws
Policy #24 encourages the protection of Scenic Areas of Statewide Significance
and discourages the modification or destruction of geological forms, vegetation
and structures that contribute to scenic quality. The policy also discourages the
location of inappropriate structures in scenic areas. Policy #25 encourages the

protection, enhancement or restoration of scenic areas outside of SASS that contribute to local scenic character.
B. Federal Support
The Federal Coastal Zone Management Act also recognizes the importance of
aesthetic values in managing coastal resources. The Federal Act States that it
is national policy to encourage and assist the States toachieve wise use of the
land and water resources of the coastal zone, giving full consideration to ecological, cultural, historic and aesthetic values.. (16 U.S.C. s. 1452[2]) Federal
policy therefore requires the State to protect and manage scenic resources as a
vital component of the nations coastal resources. The Federal Coastal Zone
Management agency has supported New York States work in protecting and promoting coastal scenic resources.
Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs have been established in a number of

Thousand Islands communities including Cape Vincent, Morristown, Clayton
and Alexandria Bay. Scenic protection and promotion are an important element
of the LWRPs and have laid the groundwork for the current study.
C. Local Organization and Support

Project Advisory Committee: Initial discussions between local communities
and DOS resulted in the formation of a project advisory committee. The committee included representatives from a variety of backgrounds and interests in
project decision-making. Led by Valerie Johnson, the committee has coordinated the project, reached out to involve others and has organized meetings and
special events to promote the work. Over 60 people serve on the Advisory Committee and have played a critical role as project volunteers taking photos, providing historic information and advice on the project.
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High
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Project Boundary
Visual Districts
Coastal Area Boundary
Subunit Boundaries
Digital Elevation Model

Value
Chippewa/Goose
Bay
Overview Map:
Views &
Viewsheds
Notable Views (from Spring 2014 workshop)
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This map was prepared for

the New York State
Department of State by
Dodson & Flinker, Inc. with
funds provided under
Title 11 of the Environmental
Protection Fund Act.
Clayton/Orleans
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III. Landscape Inventory
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Carleton Island
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Volunteers: Many people signed up as volunteers on the project full time residents, seasonal residents, representatives from business, local and county officials, tourism groups and non-profit organizations. More than ten hours of
aerial footage of the region was donated by towns. In addition, volunteers attended workshops and meetings, provided information on the area and assisted
the consultant team in a number of ways. Volunteers also participated in a daylong workshop in May to record valuable information on the Thousand Islands
on maps of the study area. Volunteers have also helped manage and organize
the project, providing important leadership and coordination. Volunteers will
continue to play an important role as the project gets implemented in the future. Their work will include the promotion of the Thousand Islands, assistance
with the implementation of the SASS and work on local implementation of visual
management measures.
Advisory Committee members include planning officials, local historians, members of recreational clubs, artists, business owners and others with an interest in
local planning and scenic preservation. Representatives from the DOS also attended several Advisory Committee meetings. The Advisory Committee meets
frequently during the course of the project to discuss public participation, scenic assessment and implementation. Advisory Committee members also volunteered their time to assist with field work, data collection, historical research and
public events. Numerous people and organizations have lent their support and
expertise to the project including the ten municipalities, St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties, local businesses and numerous non-profit organizations.
Clayton/Orleans
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Crooked
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Alexandria
Farm and
Forest Land
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Lake Ontario
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The goal of the landscape inventory

phase of the project was to gather informak
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tion on the location and objective
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environment. The visual inventory
consists of observing and documenting the
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relatively objective visual, physical and cultural characteristics of the landscape.
These characteristics include physical character, cultural character, views, landscape composition and public accessibility.
Research and Data Collection: The Project Advisory Committee provided numerous reports and data for the project including comprehensive plans, zoning
and subdivision regulations and open space plans. St. Lawrence and Jefferson
County Planning Offices and the Thousand Island Land Trust (TILT) provided
GIS information on resources, protected lands and sensitive habitats. The Local
Waterfront Revitalization Programs, which address scenic resource issues, were
also very useful. The Department of State provided information on its scenic assessment process and copies of the 1993 Scenic Areas of Statewide Significance
document for the Hudson River Valley.
The consultants also used recent (2010) ESRI world imagery orthophotos in project base maps. Digital versions of the 7.5 minute USGS topographic quad sheets
for the Town and the Villages, and a Digital Elevation Model from the NYS GIS
Clearinghouse was also obtained for the project area. This allowed the planimetric data in the USGS quad sheets and Digital Elevation Model to be overlain on
A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for the project area was compiled by
merging tiled DEM data obtained from the NY GIS Clearinghouse. The DEM
was used to map viewsheds in the project area.
and compared to the photographic data in the aerial orthophotos. Marine navigation charts and land use data from various local programs was also obtained.
With the help of the Advisory Committee, the consultants compiled a library of
relevant publications, historic photographs, local guidebooks and histories. The
Thousand Islands Trails Preservation Society prepared a report entitled Scenic
Views as Seen from the Thousand Islands Trails System that provided excellent
documentation on scenic quality in the more remote areas of Town accessible
GIS data from
only by foot.
ESRI and NY DOS
Inventory After extensive field work, research and data acquisition the visual inventory was completed in the office by identifying the scenic components present
in each scenic area subunit.
Base Maps: The consultants developed digital base maps of the study area using
both USGS topo quad sheets and aerial photographs. The coastal area boundary, and other important features such as parks, conservation areas, scenic roads,
historic districts and other features were identified on the maps. The base maps
were used for field work, presentations and the compilation of final scenic assessment maps.
Field Work/Photography: In order to fully document the landscapes of the

Thousand Islands, Dodson & Flinker conducted field work throughout the region in March, May and August of 2014. The purpose of the field trips was to
gather data and information about the visual characteristics of the landscape.
The consultants took extensive field notes and photographs of their observations
using the visual landscape categories described in the Table of Scenic Components and the Visual Evaluation Form. Field notes also identified the date, climatic conditions and other pertinent data relating to the field work.
Air Photos: Towns provided funding for the ten hours of high resolution digital
video of the entire region, providing the consultant team with an invaluable photographic archive of the region. Dodson & Flinker extracted key frames from
this video to create a library of aerial images from around the region. The photos
have been provided to the Town and Village in digital format. Dodson & Flinker
also made extensive use of on-line aerial photo sources such as Bing Maps and
Google Maps which provide high resolution aerial oblique photo coverage of the
region.
Car: The consultants traversed the entire coastal and interior areas of the region
by car, stopping as necessary to photograph specific sites. Roads leading to the
water as well as elevated areas providing views of the coast were carefully investigated and photographed. Major highways as well as minor local roads were
traveled to gain a complete understanding and visual record of the landscape as
seen from roadways. All of the major and most of the minor roads from Cape
Vincent to Morristown were travelled and documented over the course of three
days of continuous driving.
Boat: The consultants research vessel, the Wally D. was trailered to Thousand
Islands in May and August to conduct a visual survey of the coastline from the
water. The entire coastline of the river was visited and photographed from Cape
Vincent to Morristown at a distance of one quarter to one half mile from shore.
The Wally D. made two complete transits of the river and Lake Ontario shoreline
with frequent side trips to visit clusters of islands and major river tributaries.
Field evaluators took water level photographs of the coastline, including navigable bays and estuaries.
Hiking: The evaluators covered certain areas on foot including state park and
conservation lands, public hiking trails and accessible locations on some of the
islands. Hiking provided a close-up view of the landscape not available from the
boat, car or aircraft.
Identification of Visual Districts: Based on the preliminary site visits, Advisory
Committee meetings and research, the Thousand Islands landscape was inventoried and divided into 15 Visual Districts: large areas showing a consistent visual
character. Some visual districts were based on prominent natural features such
as Chippewa Bay, Grindstone Island or Lake Ontario. Others were shaped by a

blend of cultural and natural features such as areas of farm and forest land. Creating large visual districts based on consistent character allowed the landscape to
be divided into manageable areas for further field investigation and evaluation.
The visual districts were identified on working field maps and in the GIS data
base. Adjustments to the districts were made as a result of additional field work
and the comments of the Advisory Committee.
The visual districts include the Following:
Lake Ontario
Carleton Island
Cape Vincent Farm and Forest Land
Grindstone Island
French Creek
Clayton/Orleans Farm and Forest Land
Wellesley Island
American Narrows
Alexandria Farm and Forest Land
Chippewa Bay
Crooked Creek
Hammond Farm and Forest Land
Chippewa Creek
American Island
Morristown Farm and Forest Land
Identification of Visual Subunits: The 15 visual districts were further subdivided into 109 Visual Subunits: smaller areas of consistent visual character. The
process to determine subunits is similar to the process to determine visual districts, but occurs on a much smaller, more detailed scale. The landscape was
surveyed from the air, the water, by car and on foot to identify areas sharing
The consultants research vessel, the Wally D. was trailered to the Thousand
Islands region to conduct a visual survey of the coastline from water.
common visual characteristics. No value judgments were used during this process - only the objective visual characteristics of each area were considered. The
individual elements that make up the visual landscape, called scenic components,
were identified and described in the inventory stage of work. These components
include water, vegetation, topography, buildings and other natural and cultural
features that shape the visual environment. The Table of Scenic Components
developed by the DOS for state-wide use was used as a basis for identifying scenic
components in Thousand Islands, but modified to address unique local conditions.
Inventory notes were compiled in Microsoft Excel. The districts and subunits
were mapped as shapefiles in ESRIs ArcGIS, a geographic information system.
Inventory notes and evaluation values, tabulated in Excel, were then joined to
these shape files.
Identification of the Study Area Boundary: The New York Coastal Management Program defines the coastal boundary for the entire New York State coastline. This boundary varies in width, depending on terrain, hydrology, land use
and other jurisdiction factors. In the Thousand Islands the coastal boundary is
often located in close proximity to the river. This is due to the fact that much of
the rivers shoreline consists of steep bluffs which limit views of inland areas. But
Page 5
because tall buildings or structures can be visible from considerable distances

from the shoreline, a decision was made to move the study area boundary further
inland. The study area boundary was located from one to three miles inland
from the shores of the river and Lake Ontario for this reason. Adjustments to
the official Coastal Area Boundary map will be made during the SASS designation process to reflect this modification.
Coastal Viewshed: The coastal viewshed is defined as the area of the coastline
visible from coastal water bodies such as the ocean, the sound, bays and estuaries. Conversely, the coastal viewshed includes areas of the coastline from which
coastal water bodies are visible as well as the water bodies themselves. Viewsheds were calculated in ArcMap using the visibility tool, part of the ArcGIS 3-D
Analyst Visibility toolset. Two types of viewsheds were calculated: the primary
viewshed and the secondary viewshed. The primary viewshed map shows areas
that are visible from the river and its major tributaries today, not taking into account vegetation and buildings. Vegetation and buildings can be removed which
is why the viewshed boundary does not include them. The secondary viewshed
map shows areas in which tall structures over 100 in height would be visible
from the river. This secondary viewshed extends in a number of areas well back
from the shore of the river.
Page 6
Image Poll - Section 1 - Water Present?
74%
74%
100%
50%
Overall
Top 10
Yes
50%
100%
Bottom 10
No
Above are the top 10 and bottom 10 photos from section one of the image
poll along with the average rank of each photo. At the top left of the page is
the number one image from this section.
Input (viewpoints): Created a shape file with 87 points distributed throughout

the area of open river. Points were distributed for even coverage and to allow
views into major bays and tributaries.
Analysis: Viewshed (no trees): Used visibility toolset with default settings unless otherwise noted above. The input DEM had x,y,z resolution in meters so no
multiplier was used to scale Z values.
Viewshed (100 structure): Created a height above analysis map in parallel
with creation of the viewshed (no trees) dataset. This maps the minimum height
that would need to be added to the elevation of a particular pixel for that pixel
to be viewed from the viewpoints input. Classified height above values with a
breakpoint at 30 meters (approximately 100).
Important Viewpoints: Four different types of viewpoints were identified: key
water views, minor water views, views from boats and views of upland areas.
Viewpoints are frequently visited locations open to the public that provide exceptional, extensive views of the coastal region. Examples include parks, estates,
bridges and sections of roads skirting the coastline or providing views from high
elevations. Viewpoints on water include areas covered by excursion boats and
other areas accessible by smaller boats. Key viewpoints can either be specific
points or linear segments of roads, paths and river channels. Key viewpoints
were first identified with the help of local residents at a workshop held in May
2014 in Clayton. The workshop provided excellent guidance to the evaluators
conducting the inventory of view points in the field. Determining the location
and extent of views involved ground level field work supplemented by analysis of
topographic maps and aerial photos. Additional field checking and input from
Advisory Committee members provided supplemental information. Key viewpoints were added to the GIS database, including information on the direction,
extent and character of the views.
Visually Prominent Structures: Visually prominent structures include both
structures and landscapes radically altered by human activity visible over a wide
area. They include tall buildings, transmission lines, wind turbines, bridges,
communications towers, large highways, road cuts and large areas transformed
Image Poll Results - Section 2
Instructions: Rank the following landscape views from most scenic (3) to least scenic (1).
ANTICIPATED RANK
Input (elevation data): Began with a digital elevation model smoothed to 40x40
meter resolution. This coarser DEM increased computation time and created a
result that was meaningful at the relatively coarse scale of site analysis without
adding unnecessary detail. Assumed viewer height of 1.7 meters. Input data spatial reference system: NAD 1927 UTM Zone 18N.
by human activity, such as landfills and very large paved areas. Visually prominent features and landscapes were added to the GIS database, including information on the extent and character of their prominence. The positive or negative
impacts of these features were not taken into consideration at this point in the
study: only their location and objective visual characteristics (height, color, material, form) were inventoried.
WATER
FEATURES
VEGETATION
STATE OF
UPKEEP
IV. Scenic Landscapes Survey
1
2
3
SHORELINE
A. Summary:
In order to be accurate and legally defensible, visual assessment must be based
on the values and perceptions of local residents. While a remarkable continuity
of visual values exists from region to region, important local variations also exist
and need to be incorporated in visual assessment methods. A major public participation process was therefore organized to ensure that the Thousand Islands
scenic assessment process was based on solid foundations. This process consisted of a web-based visual preference survey as well as a day-long brainstorming
session with stakeholders from most of the towns and villages in the study area.
LANDSCAPE
CHARACTER
LANDFORM
LAND USE
HISTORIC
CHARACTER
COASTAL
VIEWSHED
ARCHITECTURAL
CHARACTER
The goal of the image survey was to incorporate the preferences of local residents in the scenic assessment process. The results of the survey were analyzed
to determine the specific visual elements that contribute to positive or negative
perceptions of the landscape.
The Survey: Over 600 Thousand Islands residents participated in the web-based
visual preference survey in the summer of 2014. (Please see Appendix A-D for
detailed information on the survey and its results). The survey was divided into
three sections. In the first section participants rated images of typical Thousand
Islands landscapes on a scale of +3 to 3, registering their likes and dislikes. Images included a variety of landscape types ranging from natural landscapes to
historic sites to contemporary residential development and to strip commercial
development along highways.
The results of the survey are one of several factors used to determine which Thousand Islands landscapes will be rated as highly scenic. Participants voted their
gut reaction to each image. Respondents also submitted written comments
about their preferences and concerns which have been summarized in the Appendices of this report.
The results of the first section of the scenic landscapes survey have been analyzed
by breaking each image down into its individual scenic components that are described in the state-wide evaluation methodology. These include natural features
(landform, vegetation, water), cultural features (historic, landscape, architecture,
discordant, ephemeral, settlement pattern and symbolism), views, landscape
2
AVERAGE RANK
Image Poll Results - Section 2 (Shoreline Category)
Instructions: Rank the following shorelines from most scenic (3) to least scenic (1).
3
ANTICIPATED RANK
As mentioned above, the principal program used to determine the coastal viewshed was ArcGIS 3D Analyst Visibility Toolset (Visibility Tool). The details of this
procedure are below :
2.9
1.8
1.3
1
AVERAGE RANK
Page 7
composition and public value. Breaking the survey down into specific scenic
components allowed the results of the survey to be incorporated into the final
scenic evaluation.
The second section of the survey included 10 sets of three images that participants ranked 1 (least scenic) to 3 (most scenic). Together with comments solicited after the poll, this section provided a more controlled and direct way of
comparing our interpretation of the state value system to respondents values. For
example, one item in the state Table of Scenic Components is shoreline. In the
state system, more varied shoreline geometries are considered more distinctive,
while simpler shoreline geometries are considered less distinctive. We selected
three images of shorelines, taken from a similar distance from shore, on the same
partly cloudy day with slight chop in the water. One image showed a highly
varied shorelinewhat we would consider a distinctive shoreline based on the
state system, another image showed a shoreline with a little less variationwhat
we would consider a noteworthy shoreline, and a final image showed a straight
shorelinea common landscape. We found that though some people had different opinions, the overwhelming majority of participants ranked the photos in a
manner consistent with the state system.
The third section of the survey asked participants to rank the most scenic images
from section two. This section provides an additional, more controlled process
to support the kind of conclusions the consultant team drew from section one of
the poll. Together with section one, the results of this section give us insight into
Image Poll Results - Section 3
Shoreline
% OF TOTAL VOTES PER RANK
Coastal
Viewshed
8. Landscape Character
B. Image Poll Results
Landscape
Character
Vegetation
9. Vegetation
State of Upkeep
Page 8
3. Coastal Viewshed View
6. Water Feature
Architectural
Character
10
9
8
LEAST SCENIC
2. Shoreline
5. Historic Character
Historic
Character
Water
Features
3
2
1
MOST SCENIC
A. Modification of the Table of Scenic Components Based on Survey

Results.
7. Architectural Character
1. Landform
4. Land Use
Land
Use
V. Image Poll and Local Involvement in the Assessment Process
The Table of Scenic Components was modified based on the results of the image poll. As expected, the features present and visual preferences for these components in the Thousand Islands differed in some ways from other scenic areas
in the state. For example, residents in East Hampton rated recent development
in rural areas at the bottom of the scale, whereas respondents in the Thousand
Islands showed a greater tolerance for development in rural areas. In addition,
the physical characteristics of the landscape vary from region to region, requiring a modification of the Table of Scenic Components to match the features of a
particular region. For example, on Long Island beaches and sand dunes play a
major role in the visual landscape. In the Thousand Islands these features are of
minimal important or are non-existent.
Best Images from Scenic Component Categories Ranked 10-1.

Landform
what scenic components respondents feel play larger and smaller roles in scenic
quality.
10. State of Upkeep
A Preference for Blended Natural/Cultural Landscapes: A striking feature of

the survey results is the overwhelming preference for images that include both
natural and cultural landscapes. In other scenic areas across the state, natural
landscapes have tended to outweigh cultural landscapes. The difference in the
Above are two images from the landform category of the image poll. On
the left is the image that we anticipated would be ranked as most scenic
(distinctive), based on the New York State Table of Scenic Components.
On the right is the image that we anticipated would be ranked as second
most scenic (noteworthy). The survey results were consistent with our
expectations.
1000 islands may be due to the sensitive even artistic way that buildings are
integrated into the riverscape as well as due to the very high if at times quirky
character of the Gilded Age architecture that dominates the most scenic areas of
the river.
The most highly ranked image of the Rock Island light house is typical of the
regions preference for combinations of nature and culture, artistically interwoven. Seven of the top 10 images feature combinations of natural waterscapes
with historic, carefully sited structures that respect rather than overwhelm their
natural setting. Interestingly, none of the structures are contemporary and all
hark from the Gilded Age era and before. The respondents clearly appreciate
buildings carefully sited in the landscape which has interesting implications for
the design guidelines and local implementation sections of this report.
Former grazing and pasture land, active farming, historic parks and greens, historic main streets, tree-lined residential streets, trails, swimming beaches, estate
gardens all factored within the top 50 images. Clearly human alteration of the
landscape can have a positive effect on scenery, especially in a community as
rich in landscape history as Thousand Islands. Cultural landscape factors in-
clude land use, historic character, architecture, landscape character, discordant

features (eyesores), settlement patterns, ephemeral (temporary or transient)
characteristics, and symbolic meaning. Respondents overwhelmingly preferred
conservation, recreation or traditional land uses such as parks, conservation areas, farms, forests, working waterfronts and historic centers and neighborhoods.
The state-wide table of scenic components was modified to reflect this unique
regional perception.
Historic character of both landscapes and buildings had a strongly positive influence on the rating of the images. Elements such as historic farming, historic
parks and commons, historic landmarks, streets and neighborhoods featured
prominently in the highly rated images.
A Preference for Waterscapes: Natural features that factored in the survey include, above all water. Out of the top 20 images, all but two feature water landscapes. This is consistent with surveys conducted throughout the world, where
water is almost always the most highly-rated natural scenic factor. Humans
usually like views of water, our most basic life-sustaining element. The Thousand Islands region is no exception. Views of water - the river, Lake Ontario, the
tributary streams, marshes and lakes - predominated in the top-ranked images.
The top-ranked image is a view of the Rock Island Light House with water surrounding the Canadian Shield rocks and shoals. The first image without water is
#14, a view of an historic limestone house with a towering American Elm. The
presence of extensive views of water is almost always an important factor in raising the overall score of an image.
could become a foundation of future development guidelines and standards in

the region. Surprisingly, working waterfronts did not score well, the majority occurring in the bottom half of the ratings. The Thousand Islands working waterrelated industries are obviously an important economic and cultural element of
the community, but are often not perceived as highly scenic with the exception of
some historic working waterfronts.
The lowest ranked images in section one feature contemporary automotive landscapes consisting of billboards and roadside commercial strips. Development created by automobile oriented lifestyles is clearly the least scenic land use for survey
participants. It is interesting to note that advertisements for cars almost always
feature individual cars set in scenic landscapes and almost never feature groups
of cars, especially cars stuck in traffic. This is a highly negative image probably
may be due to the side effects of our vehicular lifestyle such as wide paved roads,
parking lots, sprawling land use patterns, air pollution, road rage and accidents.
The remaining 20 lowest-ranked images consisted of mobile home parks on the
waterfront, wind turbines, suburban sprawl in farmlands, boat storage, transmission towers and poorly maintained older structures. This wide range of uses was
generally united by poor site planning, poor architecture, excessive paving, lack
of landscape planting and lack of relationship to the surroundings and historic
context. The state-wide table of scenic components was modified to reflect this
unique regional perception.

Landform: Survey respondents showed a strong preference for hilly, varied terrain with rounded islands and shoreline hills. Of the top ten images, 8 include
rolling terrain with moderate relief. Since the Thousand Islands region lacks dramatic topography, moderate terrain is proportionally more significant. Flat terrain, while occasionally included in highly-rated images, tended to predominate
in the lower rankings. Of the bottom 10 images, 7 included flat terrain. Of the
remaining 3 bottom-ranked images had only low or moderately rolling relief.
Similarly, in section two of the poll, the majority of participants ranked images of
landform in a manner consistent with the statewide table of scenic components.
The image ranked most distinctive included a steep shorefront bluff in an area
with regionally high relief. The image ranked noteworthy showed a lower shorefront bluff. The common image showed a relatively flat shorefront underlain by
limestone with limited bedrock outcrops. Because of the relatively modest landforms in the Thousand Islands, moderate hills and bluffs received higher rankings and greater importance in the region compared to areas such as the Hudson
River. The state-wide table of scenic components was modified to reflect this
unique regional perception.
Terrain and Geology: Respondents showed a strong preference for the hilly
Section two of the image poll provided more detailed information about respondents preferences for specific views of water--shoreline configuration and coastal
viewshed, for example. In section two, respondents ranked an image of a varied
shoreline as most distinctive, an image of a less varied shoreline as noteworthy,
and a relatively straight shoreline as common. These visual preferences were consistent with the state table of scenic components. The distinctive image of shoreline from section two was ranked as the second most distinctive image overall
in poll section three, suggesting that not only were respondents in agreement
with the state system of values. The three images of coastal viewsheds were also
ranked by respondents in a manner consistent with the table of scenic components. As expected, respondents preferred open sweeping views of the river to
more limited views.
Land Use: By an overwhelming margin, the preferred land use in the survey consisted of small amounts of residential, especially historic residential development
carefully sited in unspoiled natural settings. This reflects a strong preference
for blending natural landscapes with limited amounts of development as long as
the underlying scenic character of nature is preserved by the siting and design of
structures. This type land use and the siting and design principles that shape it
Page 9
eral lack of vegetation. Highways, parking lots, median strips, lawns and weedy
shrubs are the predominant type of vegetation in these images. Of bottom ten
images, 5 lack vegetation or have vegetation of a scrubby or scattered character.
Where mature trees are present they are often partially obscured by development
occurring in the foreground of the view.
The foundation of the visual character of the Thousand Islands has been created by the interaction of Canadian Shield geography with the waters of the Saint
Lawrence River. The Shield covers almost half of Canada, including almost all
of Quebec and Nunavut, and most of Ontario and Manitoba. It is Pre-Cambrian
rock, some of the oldest geology in the world. Canadian Shield rock is typically
rolling with a rounded profile and a thin coating of soil and pockets of vegetation. Its only connection with the United States occurs in the Thousand Islands
where it extends to form the Adirondacks, bringing the rugged, sculpted visual
character of the north to the sedimentary terrain of the region. This is why the
Thousand Islands are geologically and visually unique. Perhaps it is no surprise,
then that respondents in section three of the poll overwhelmingly ranked their
highest rated landform image as most scenic overall. The state-wide table of scenic components was modified to reflect this unique regional perception.
shore vegetation and mature street trees was rated very highly by poll respondents. Evergreen trees bent towards the east by the strong westerly winter winds
sweeping off Lake Ontario were particularly highly rated. Open marshes along
tributary streams scored very high as well. Low scrub vegetation, successional
fields and areas of uniformly dense second growth vegetation scored lower in
the poll results. Mixed mature deciduous/evergreen forests received very high
scores. The highest-scoring vegetation in the survey featured islands or shorelines covered with dense, mature vegetation often with a preponderance of mature evergreen trees, including wend-swept pines. In section two of the survey,
respondents preferred mature vegetation with prominent evergreen trees over
younger, scrubbier vegetation--consistent with the state value system. Houses,
castles or garden structures were often tucked into the forest with trees framing
or partially screening the structures. Of the top 10 images in section one, 9 contain mature trees on islands or along the shoreline, 6 of which screen or frame
buildings tucked into the woodland. This symbiosis of buildings and trees is a
strong tradition in the Thousand Islands extending back to the Gilded Age era of
design and construction. These historic design principles can be applied today
and could become guiding principles for future development in the region. The
image poll results in the Thousand Islands were consistent with results in other
areas of the New York State coastline. The state-wide Table of Scenic Components did not have to be modified in this category.
Vegetation: Vegetation featuring mature forests, open meadows or fields, sea-
The lowest-ranked images in section one of the poll are notable for their gen-
terrain characteristic of Canadian Shield geology, especially islands with pronounced relief as well as for bluff along shorelines of the river and its tributaries.
Hilly to rolling terrain created by Canadian Shield rock formations typified most
of the highest rated images. Outcrops of the igneous and metamorphic Canadian
Shield rocks also scored very high in section one of the poll. Areas underlain
by limestone tend to be flat to moderately rolling, resulting in lower scores in the
image preference poll.
Page 10
Discordant Features: Many of the man-made visually prominent features described above were rated very low in section one of the image poll. The exceptions to this low ranking were historic bridges, castles, passing ships and historic
decorative towers and monuments. The lowest rated land uses were tall structures such as wind turbines or extensive areas of pavement such as wide highways
lined by strip commercial development. Of the bottom 10 images, all but two
contain visually prominent, man-made features such as wind turbines, industrial
style boat storage buildings, billboards and highway commercial strips. Again, a
unique aspect of visual character in the Thousand Islands is the fact that prominent, man-made features can either be viewed as eyesores (highway strips, billboards) or attractive accents to the natural landscape (castles, historic bridges).
The reasons for this dramatic contrast lies in the type of prominent feature and
the siting and design of development and construction. Again, this offers lessons from the past that may be useful in guiding development in the future. The
state-wide table of scenic components was modified to reflect this unique regional perception.
Cultural: As described above, cultural factors are strikingly present in the top
rated images. This is in marked contrast to the East Hampton SASS where they
were strikingly absent. Farming landscapes play an important role in the top rated images: pasture land, potato fields, hay fields, meadows and woodlots figure
prominently in the highest-ranked views. The role of history and traditional
architectural and landscape principles figures prominently in the regions high
esteem for cultural landscapes. Some of positive influence of cultural landscapes
is based on very old historic traditions such as the limestone houses, traditional
post-and-beam homes and the historic light houses that line the river channels.
A second and even more dominant influence was created by the architects, landscape architects and their wealthy clients who brought a unique way of locating
and designing buildings in harmony with the dramatic landscape of the Thousand Islands. These influences have shaped development in the intervening years
and continue in some new development today. Unfortunately in many new residences and developments, these principles seem to have been forgotten as the
clear cutting of vegetation and the construction of high density development on
small islands and sensitive shorelines has taken precedence in some areas. The
state-wide table of scenic components was modified to reflect this unique regional perception.
Architecture: The top-ranked images in section one included buildings tucked
into the natural landscape. Some highly prominent buildings such as the Boldt
Castle which dominate the surrounding landscape were also highly rated. Respondents in section one and two showed a very strong preference for traditional Thousand Islands architecture and a moderate dislike of modern or contemporary architecture. But Thousand Islands respondents showed a greater
affinity for recent development than residents of other areas of New York State.
This may be due to the relatively low amounts of development in the region
compared to Long Island or the Hudson River. All but two of the buildings
included in the top-ranked 50 slides featured traditional Thousand Islands architecture. The two exceptions were a very carefully designed and sited modernist home and a recently built residence above a boat house. In contrast, 9
structures built within the last fifty years were featured in the lowest ranked
second half of the survey.
Preferred architectural styles include residential, commercial and waterfront
structures dating from before the industrial revolution. The top-rated 8 buildings are all designed in traditional architectural styles (Colonial, Victorian, Classical, Eclectic Castle or carefully designed Traditional Revival styles). The architecture of the Gilded Age including castles, Edwardian era mansions, substantial
summer homes and early limestone cottages were all highly rated in the poll.
The regions famous limestone farm houses were especially highly rated and frequently mentioned in workshops and meetings. Early to mid Nineteenth Century wood frame houses as well as stone waterfront warehouse and commercial
buildings also received high ratings.
The iconic castles and large estate buildings typical of the Gilded Age in the late
Nineteenth and early Twentieth Centuries were the most highly rated as well as
the most visually prominent of all the architectural styles in the region. Less imposing and less flamboyant and eccentric estates and large summer homes dating
from the early Twentieth Century in Edwardian, Queen Anne, Edwardian and
Colonial Revival styles were also highly ranked, especially when set in carefully
designed landscapes. Architectural components of estate landscapes including
park buildings, follies, stairways and courtyards were also highly rated.
The first modern or contemporary building to be rated occurs in image #23,
showing a very carefully designed modern house tucked into a shoreline. Eight
of the bottom 10 images featured buildings and structures built after World War
II, including residences, industrial or storage buildings, roadway commercial
buildings, wind turbines and communication towers. This builds a strong case
for some measure of architectural siting and design controls, especially in historic areas and visually sensitive landscapes such as shorelines and open farmland.
It also builds a strong case for the review and modification of large utility, road
or large scale industrial projects that fall within the jurisdiction of the SASS program. The image poll results in the Thousand Islands were consistent with results
in other areas of the New York State coastline. The state-wide Table of Scenic
Components did not have to be modified in this category.
Ephemeral Characteristics: Ephemeral characteristics are transient features or

events in the landscape that are temporary, intermittent yet repetitive. These
features have a direct impact on the perception of beauty in the landscape. The
Thousand Islands are rich in ephemera due to the Saint Lawrence Seaway, extensive wildlife habitats, varied climate, the nearby presence of one of the Great
Lakes, the presence of many farms and the extensive viewpoints created by the
many islands and promontories in the river. The importance of ephemeral features was emphasized in meetings and workshops held in the region. Wildlife,
sunsets and shipping were cited as important contributors to the regions scenic
quality. Shipping in particular was mentioned as a unique feature of the landscape, unique nationally and worldwide. It is highly unusual to have ocean going
ships navigating such a narrow and scenic waterway. Sailors on the ships repeatedly mention how uniquely beautiful the Thousand Islands are compared to most
waterways they navigate.
State of Upkeep/Environmental Quality: Run down, poorly maintained and
shabby buildings and landscapes were rated poorly in the image poll, especially
if the poor condition of the structures also implied the presence of pollution or
trash. On the other hand, ruins of historic architectural styles can have an element of the picturesque that can be viewed as a positive scenic element. Section
two of the image poll compared three degrees of upkeep and environmental quality. The results of the ratings for these upkeep images showed a clear preference
Page 11
sion towers, prominent structures, roads and billboards. In rating scenic quality,
the presence of a nearby positive or negative background feature can play an important role. Important positive background elements in the Thousand Islands
include the Interstate 81 bridge, shoreline bluffs, wooded hills and Lake Ontario.
Negative background elements include the Wolfe Island wind turbine complex,
the Brockville high rise, water and communications towers.
Focal Points of Views: Focal points, while similar to background views, tend
to be more prominent objects or objects located in a more focused position in
the landscape. The most highly rated focal points include prominent natural
features such as small wooded islands, historic architecture, unique geology and
major wind swept trees. Water frequently serves as a focal point, especially when
framed or highlighted by other landscape features. Buildings and structures rate
highly in the survey almost on an equal footing with natural focal points. Prominent landmarks such as the historic lighthouses, the castles, bridges, notable
mansions and estate grounds received consistently high rankings. Negative focal
points include utility lines, transmission towers, high-rise buildings, contemporary buildings and shoreline development.
Other Factors Sited in the Legislation: Specific, tangible factors such as topography, vegetation and architecture obviously have an important role in shaping scenic quality. But more abstract factors such as variety, unity, contrast and
uniqueness also play an important role. Consideration of these factors is specifically mandated in New York States coastal scenic preservation legislation.
for well maintained, environmentally clean landscapes and buildings.

Views: A large majority of the top-scoring images consist of mid range views
over water towards islands and varied shorelines. Of the top ranked 25 views
only three consist of long range views of open water or expansive areas of farmland. The remainder are mid range views. This is in part due to the smaller
visual scale in many parts of the region and in part due to the visual preferences
of respondents. The Table of Scenic Components has been revised to reflect the
regional preference for mid range views with an emphasis on composition and
variety over length and breadth. Coastal views also predominate in the topranked images. Of the 25 top-ranked images, all but 21 include views of water.
Clearly, the presence of the Saint Lawrence River and its major tributaries are an
important scenic element in Thousand Islands.
Composition of Views: The composition of views including framing, arrangement of visual elements and the juxtaposition of form, line, color and texture play
Page 12
an important role in the perception of scenery. The multitude of islands in the

region creates numerous opportunities for a wide range of visual compositions
to occur. Perhaps as a result composition played a very strong role in the image
poll results. Of the top 10 images, 8 showed strong composition with a variety of
subjects in the near, middle and background areas of the image. Compositional
factors in the landscape can be enhanced or reduced through the skill of the photographer. This survey attempts to avoid excessively composed, highly artistic
images but no photograph can be completely neutral. The focus of this analysis
is on compositional elements such as vegetation, contrasting forms and lines,
structures and other graphic elements that predominate in a given landscape, not
in the lens of the photographer.
Background of Views: Background elements in a view have an important effect on the images overall rating. Positively ranked backgrounds include water
bodies, woodlands, fields and meadows and historic structures. Negative background elements include many types of contemporary development, transmis-
Variety can be an important contributing factor to the creation of scenic quality. Images consisting of a wide range of positive visual elements will often be
perceived as more scenic than images with few components, though this is not
always the case. The highest-ranked image is an example of rich visual variety: it
includes water, sky, diverse vegetation, unique cultural and architectural features
as well as a wide range of colors, lines, textures and patterns. Other high ranked
images have similar amounts of visual variety either in terms of subject matter
or visual variety. Of the top 10 images, 8 show a high degree of visual variety.
Variety in and of itself is not always positive: variety of negative visual elements
can create low scenic ratings. Image 48, for example shows a high degree of visual
variety but received a very low rating. This is due to the negative character of the
varied elements of the image: industrial buildings, overhead utilities, parked cars
and trucks, pavement and a single street tree.
Unity refers to the visual cohesion and consistency of an image. A highly unified image contains elements that fit well together as a scene. Unity exists both
in form (unity of shapes, lines, colors, textures and composition) as well as in
content (unity of land uses, cultural factors, lack of discordant features, management). Of the top 20 images, 12 are highly unified and 8 are unified; none
have low unity. Image #1 is highly unified both in form and in content. The
shapes, textures and lines of its visual composition weave the varied elements of
the scene together in a cohesive visual scene. The content of the view is unified
because it is a completely undisturbed natural scene whose individual components (sky, water, trees, wetlands) are compatible with each other and have a
strong interrelationship. Of the lowest 20 images, 12 have low unity and 13 have
negative unity (strong discordant factors). Image #48 is a classic example of an
image with low unity. The visual forms in the image conflict with each other,
producing a jarring pattern of forms, lines and textures. While the content of
the image: a highway commercial strip, is unified as a work of engineering, it is
highly fragmented from an environmental, architectural land use and landscape
perspective.
Contrast, like variety, can be either beneficial or detrimental to visual quality,
depending on the nature of the contrasting elements. Positive contrast creates a
strong visual dynamic in an image by creating a dynamic juxtaposition of forms,
lines and colors. Negative contrast pits conflicting and incompatible elements
against each other to create visual discord. Of the top 20 images, 14 have high or
very high positive contrast. Image #2 is a good example of strong positive contrast: the multiple small islands covered with dark evergreen trees contrast with
the light tones of the water and the sky. On the opposite end of the spectrum,
image #37 shows a lack of contrast between the various elements of the scene:
the fields, woodlands and road merge together in a uniform scene..
Uniqueness refers to the relative scarcity or special qualities of a landscape or visual feature. Highly unique landscapes are rare with few similar examples in the
surrounding area. Uniqueness is usually a positive feature, but uniquely negative
images also exist. Of the top 20 images, 16 are unique or highly unique based
on the statewide table of scenic components. Of the lowest 20 images, 14 show
either low or moderate uniqueness (common) or negative uniqueness. Images #
(wind turbine complex) and #42 (rural hamlet in disrepair) are good examples
of negative uniqueness: both images feature very unusual structures that received
very low scenic ratings.
Public Value: The extent to which a landscape is recognized by the public and
the frequency with which it is viewed have important indirect impacts on scenic
quality and on the preservation and management of scenic landscapes. Public
recognition of landscapes was determined by analyzing historic records, travel
and tourism publications and discussions with advisory committee members and
others. Visibility of landscapes was determined by the frequency of viewing: very
high for heavily traveled roads, high for other roads and frequently used pedestrian and marine areas, moderate for infrequently traveled roads, trails or marine
channels, and low for areas requiring extensive hiking, boating, off-road driving
or flight to view. Highly recognized, highly visible landscapes and landscape features can receive higher levels of designation and protection than less recognized,
less visible landscapes.
Photo Conditions: Perception of a landscape can be influenced by the conditions that exist at the time of viewing. The time of year, time of day, weather,
aspect and atmospheric conditions need to be taken into account in evaluating
a given view. The most favorable conditions include clear, sunny mornings and
afternoons in the late spring, summer or early fall. Least favorable conditions
include cloudy, hazy, rainy weather in flat (midday) or dark light. Ephemeral effects such as sunsets, sunrises, wildlife, people or cars also need to be taken into
account in evaluating an image. Every attempt was made to take all photos for
the survey under similar, positive conditions (sunny summer weather). Unfortunately, this was not always possible. Compensation will be provided for overly
enhancing or overly detracting environmental conditions. Most of the photos
of the Thousand Islands were taken during clear, sunny conditions. Some were
taken in hazy sunshine and a limited number were taken in overcast conditions.
Photos of Cape Vincent were initially taken in hazy and overcast conditions resulting in unduly negative ratings. A third visit to the site at a later date benefited
from clear, sunny conditions revealing the hidden beauty of this portion of the
Thousand Islands.
The results of the survey show that photo conditions were not a major factor in
the results. Of the top 25 images, 15 were taken in bright summer sunshine, 6
were taken in haze and 4 were taken in overcast weather. Of the lowest ranked
25 images, 17 were taken in bright sunshine, 5 in haze and 3 in overcast or cloudy
weather.
VI. Landscape Assessment: Evaluating Scenic Quality

The inventory phase of the project determined where specific types of scenery
are located and what they consist of. The public participation phase gaged how
public perception of landscapes varied from statewide norms. And in the assessment phase, this information was evaluated in order to rate the quality of various
landscape types based on a system of scenic values. The methodology is based
on local public opinion, standards established by the DOS and professional visual
Page 13
assessment standards applied by the consultants.

A. Refine Table of Scenic Components: The results of the Thousand Islands
Scenic Landscapes Survey were analyzed and incorporated into the scenic landscape evaluation method developed by the DOS for use in New York States coastal zone. A cornerstone of this method is the Table of Scenic Components, a
description of scenic features (such as vegetation, terrain, land use, views, water,
cultural features, etc.) that together create the visual character of the landscape.
Each of the scenic features is defined according to three levels of scenic quality:
distinctive (scenery of national or statewide significance), noteworthy (scenery
of regional or local significance) and common (not considered scenic).
Developed by DOS for use on the entire New York coastline and tested in the
Hudson River Valley, the Table of Scenic Components is fine tuned to suit the
unique conditions and perceptions of each region of the coast. In the Thousand Islands, the Table was modified based on the results of the image survey.
The preferences expressed in the public opinion poll influenced the way that the
consultant applied the language of the table of scenic components to specific elements of the landscape..
The DOS Table of Scenic Components was modified to reflect Thousand Islands
local preferences as follows:
High scenic quality often created by the interplay of natural and cultural features
Ephemeral characteristics were seen as an important part of the visual experience.
Historic architecture is seen as especially important in enhancing the scenery.
Recent residential development along shorelines found not as objectionable
as in other regions.
Natural Features
Cultural Features
Views
Complex Features
Landform
Relative Relief
Geology
Bluffs
Vegetation
Shoreline Configuration
Water Features
Great Lakes
Lakes & Sounds
Major Rivers
Streams
Ponds
Wetlands
Historic Character
Architecture
Landscape Character
Settlement Pattern
Designed Landscapes
State of Upkeep
Land Use
Wilderness
Forestry
Parks & Open Space
Farmland
Estates
Exurban Development
Recreational Resorts
Suburbs
Villages
Town Centers
Cities
Industry
Mineral Extraction
Transportation Networks
Bridges, Towers, Lighthouses and
Elevated Structures
Harbors & Waterfronts
Coastal Viewshed
View Length
View Width
View Background
View Composition
View Focal Points
Contrast
Uniqueness
Public Recognition
Visibility
Ephemeral Character
Symbolic Value
State of Upkeep
Discordant Features
Variety
Unity
The architectural extravagance of the Gilded Age contrasts with the more
challenging economic times of the present day, enhancing the symbolic value of
expensive historic buildings and landscapes.
Playfulness in architecture and landscape is an important scenic feature as
seen in the high ratings received by extravagant castles, whimsical towers and
garden follies.
A strong awareness of iconic landscape features such as seaway ships, light houses and limestone farm houses.
Please see Appendix E for the revised Table of Scenic Components.
Residents of the area are highly attuned to the scenic beauty of their region.
A preference for waterfront as opposed to inland farm and forest landscapes.
Water plays and even greater role in the perception of scenic quality in the
region.
An awareness of the stark geological contrasts that underlie the visual landscape.
B. Visual Assessment: With the completion of the inventory of the visual landscape and the determination of the publics perception of scenic values, the actual
scenic assessment process begins. The process is based on statewide assessment
criteria development by DOS as modified by the results of local perceptions as
expressed in the image poll. Using the modified Table of Scenic Components,
evaluators filled out the Visual Evaluation Form. The Form consists of a spread
sheet listing all the visual elements of the Table of Scenic Components. The Visual Evaluation Form includes categories for natural and cultural features as well
as the visual criteria from the New York State SASS legislation.
Not surprisingly, islands play a dominant role in the appreciation of scenery.
A muted appreciation of the visual character of certain farm landscapes.
The scenic components identified in each subunit are rated based on the values
Landform and terrain is appreciated on a more subtle level than hilly regions
such as the Hudson River Valley
Page 14
A tolerance for recent waterfront development on islands and the mainland.
described in the modified Table of Scenic components on a scale ranging from

highest scenic quality (Distinctive), moderate scenic quality (Noteworthy)
and low scenic quality (Common). A composite score for each subunit was
determined by adding the individual scores for each scenic component found in
the subunit. The basic premise of the method is to base the scenic rating system
on the results of the public participation process and the state-wide evaluation
methodology.
The assessment of the subunits was completed in ArcView, a geographic information system program that links data to maps and aerial photographs. A data
table for each of the 109 subunits was created in ArcView (see the Table of Scenic
Components in Appendix E). The scenic components in the table on the opposing page, described in detail in the Table of Scenic Components, were rated on a
scale of +1 to +3 in the data table.
The GIS data table for each subunit also includes a subunit identification number,
a brief description of the landscape and information on the visual absorbtiveness
and visual vulnerability of the subunit (see Appendix F). If a particular scenic
component was not present in a given subunit, it received a neutral rating. This
ensures that landscapes containing only a few, spectacular scenic features will not
be overshadowed by landscapes containing many mediocre components.
(zoning, subdivision regulations, special districts or other measures) or though

County or other State and federal programs.
From our maps of rated visual subunits overall patterns of scenic quality began to
emerge. While isolated pockets of scenery in individual subunits do exist, more
typically, larger scenic areas consisting of several subunits tend to become apparent. Areas that predominantly featured distinctive visual subunits or groupings
of distinctive visual subunits were designated as SASS areas. Visual subunits outside of these SASS areas were aggregated into Scenic Areas of Local Significance
and named for the Visual District within which they are located.
In deciding the ultimate boundaries of the SASS and local scenic areas, difficult
decisions need to be made concerning areas to include and exclude. A strict numeric interpretation is not undertaken because some less scenic areas may need
to be included within designated scenic districts to ensure contiguous boundaries, continuity or unity of the scenic district. Likewise, small areas of scenic quality may not be included in designated scenic districts because of their isolation,
small size or local context. The following guidelines are used:
Because water is such a major element in the visual landscape, both in the statewide methodology as well as in the regional image poll, a multiplier of 2 was
applied to subunit scores in areas where water predominates the visual environment and where shoreline configuration is a factor. This includes the Saint Lawrence River and its major tributaries.
SASS need to be relatively large (generally greater than 1 square mile) areas
of consistently high, but not necessarily uniform, scenic quality meeting statewide criteria.
A data analysis was conducted on the completed ArcView Data Table to determine the overall scenic rating (score) for each subunit. The frequency that each
rating was applied to the scenic components within a subunit was determined by
counting the number of distinctive, noteworthy, and common ratings within
each subunit. That is, visual subunits with more distinctive scenic components
than noteworthy or common components were rated distinctive overall. Visual
subunits with more noteworthy components than distinctive or common scenic
components were rated noteworthy. Visual subunits with more common components than noteworthy or distinctive components were rated common.
The scale of visual analysis must be regional in nature and focus on larger
landscape districts, not specific individual views or scenic sites. Small areas of
low scenic quality will, therefore, be included in larger scenic districts and small
areas of high scenic quality may be left out of scenic districts.
C. Determining Scenic Areas: After each subunit was evaluated and given a
scenic score, the results were mapped using ArcGIS. The highest-scoring subunits could be eligible as Scenic Areas of Statewide Significance under the Coastal Management Program. These subunits meet stringent State criteria for scenic
quality in the coastal zone. The next level of scenic scores are appropriate for
designation as scenic areas of local concern. These areas could be given a measure of recognition and protection through local action of the Village or Town
Boundaries need to be logical and consistent.
More detailed future studies should identify and include smaller scenic areas
or focus on a much more fine-grained scale of inquiry.
A detailed description of each of the 9 proposed SASS is included in the following chapter of the report. The descriptions detail the location, extent, character and individual scenic components of each SASS. They also will allow the
scenic resources data base to continue to grow and evolve over the years. As
conditions change, new information is made available and future studies are
conducted at greater levels of detail, this new information can be added to the
existing data base. Scenic data can be compared with other types of information such as property ownership, zoning districts, utility districts, and conservation land.
VII: Implementation
After revisions are made to this draft report and final report is prepared, DOS
will begin the formal designation process for the Thousand Islands Scenic Area of
Statewide Significance. This process involves preparing narratives of each SASS
including siting and design requirements in order to minimize or eliminate the
visual impacts of large scale projects. Additional public hearings will be held
to ensure that the communities and the public are informed of and support the
SASS designations.
Local implementation measures can also be undertaken by communities willing
to explore this approach. Jackie Hakes of MJ Engineering will have prepared
outline recommendations for participating communities as a part of this report.
Further implementation of local protections could include the drafting of specific
local land use policies and regulations to ensure that small scale development will
not cause incremental degradation of the scenic character of the region.
On-going coordination with local authorities and departments will ensure that
scenic issues are taken into account on both local and regional projects ranging
from highway improvements to health codes to infrastructure improvements.
One possibility would be to transform the volunteers and administrators who
have made this project a success into a permanent advocate for the scenic character of the region. This friends of river scenery group could become an advocate for the promotion and protection of the regions beauty and could speak on
behalf of the rivers landscapes and the economy that they help support.
Page 15
VIII. Potential Scenic Areas of Statewide Significance Narratives

(to be completed at a later date under separate contract)
1. Lake Ontario Scenic Potential Area of Statewide Significance
2. Carleton Island Potential Scenic Area of Statewide Significance
4. Grindstone Island Potential Scenic Area of Statewide Significance
5. French Creek Potential Scenic Area of Statewide Significance
7. Wellesley Island Potential Scenic Area of Statewide Significance
8. American Narrows Potential Scenic Area of Statewide Significance
10. Chippewa Bay Potential Scenic Area of Statewide Significance
11. Crooked Creek Potential Scenic Area of Statewide Significance
13. Chippewa Creek Potential Scenic Area of Statewide Significance
14. American Island Potential Scenic Area of Statewide Significance
Appendix A: Image Poll Results | Section One
Rank
Avg Score
Image
Rank
Avg Score
2.816
2.603
2.730
2.526
2.695
2.677
10
2.639
11
2.607
12
Appendix A
Page 18
Image
Rank
Avg Score
13
2.137
14
2.076
15
1.954
16
1.952
17
1.908
18
1.898
Image
2.401
2.399
2.264
2.151
Rank
Avg Score
19
Image
Rank
Avg Score
1.873
25
20
1.719
21
Rank
Avg Score
1.434
31
0.919
26
1.376
32
0.892
1.614
27
1.183
33
0.824
22
1.552
28
1.105
34
0.744
23
1.458
29
1.021
35
0.731
24
1.456
30
0.986
36
0.704
Image
Image
Appendix A
Rank
Avg Score
37
Rank
Avg Score
0.665
43
-0.536
38
0.598
44
-0.603
39
0.076
45
-0.746
40
-0.176
46
-0.754
41
-0.321
47
-0.928
42
-0.507
48
-1.563
Appendix A
Image
Image
Rank
Avg Score
49
-1.731
50
-2.320
Image
Appendix B: Image Poll Results | Section Two
Scenic Component Category Name
Highest Ranked Image
Middle Ranked Image
Lowest Ranked Image
Landform
Vegetation
Shoreline Configuration
Water Features
Land Use
Appendix B
Scenic Component Category Name
Highest Ranked Image
Middle Ranked Image
Lowest Ranked Image
Historic Character
Architectural Character
Landscape Character
State of Upkeep
Coastal Viewshed
Appendix B
Appendix B
Appendix C: Image Poll Results | Section Three
Rank
Category
Rank
Category
Land Form
Water Features
Shoreline
Architectural Character
Coastal Viewshed
Landscape Character
Land Use
Vegetation
Historic Character
10
State of Upkeep
Appendix C
Highest Ranked Image from Section Two
Highest Ranked Image from Section Two
Appendix D: Image Poll Demographic Data, Comments
Frequency
of Activities
Mentioned
# of Times Recreational
Activities
Mentioned
in Comments
Image Poll Participant Demographics
450
400
Survey Completion
350
1200
1000
117
1004
168
Type of Residence
Full time resident of the
Thousand Islands Region
Part time resident of the
Thousand Islands Region
Visitor to the Thousand
Islands Region
Other/not answered
800
629
600
520
490
497
400
200
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
205
boating
(kayaking,
sailing,
paddling)
shing
hiking
golf
biking
camping
Image Poll Participant Comments
Gender
200
Male
Female
Other/not answered
Do you live
within 300' of the
St. Lawrence River?
234
256
21
35
Age
Under 18
186
Preserving old buildings and obvious maintenance. Outcrops of rock are

beautiful as well along with clear water and trees.
N
Other/not answered
better river views
Many of these depend on the time of year and angle of the photo.
Some of the vegetation may change completely spring, summer, winter,
fall. When more water is included in the picture, it is much more
attractive.
"For the most part I favor leaving 'as is' except for the aging falling down
buildings. I do not approve of the Condo appearance. The talk again
about the Gambling/Race Track is a definite NO NO. Bike Week/drinking
in the streets etc should be done away with. That does not promote
family fun.
I prefer things specific and typical to the area over the more generic,
thus my choice in land use. I also think wealthy properties should not
necessarily be valued over working folks' cottages, thus my choice in
Landscape character. I State of Upkeep, the first picture may have fading
paint on the foreground building, but that does not trouble me unless
it is lead-based. It adds character, and the rest of the scene is so iconic.
By the way, you have included too few pictures of campsites and small
cottages.
More nature, more upkeep, more historical architecture appeals to me.
Time of Residence
145
less than 5 years

5-10 years
31-40
more than 10 years

all of my life
41-60
60+
197
Other/not answered
Appendix D
31
18-30
204
The natural beauty is more appealing than man-made alterations.
281
49
not applicable, I am a
visitor
Other/not answered
96

8
points of interest, not boring
Generally, I found views that were not consistently one thing more
appealing.
10
11
12
I like good framing. Some of these pics look like they were taken from
a moving vehicle. I down-graded those pics just because they look bad.
Others were just very boring pictures.
Some reminded me of the 1000 island beauty I see when we are there
and others are plain, drab, and common sights that can be seen any
where...stores, run down buildings, etc....not unique to the islands
I love water views and being by the water, but also like un-obstructed
farm and rural views - but mostly water views. I don`t like congested
areas.
13
They are representative of what I believe would be the most or least

appealing to someone who has never seen the Thousand Islands region
14
Closeness to the water. The closer I am to the water, the more intimate I
am with the water.
15
The photo I chose as the most scenic gives the best idea of the Thousand
Islands beauty and composition.
16
17

22
The greater the extent of the vista the more opportunity for discordant
intrusions. To my way of thinking the greater the unsullied vista the
more unique it is.
23
24
37
I love the trees and the view of the water and the old homes , it looks
natural to the area . I don't like that mobile homes are allowed right
next to homes it should be in a separate place because I think it brings
value down .
I liked the photos that had the most diversity (in colors, textures, types
of landscape & plants, etc.)
38
The diverse landscapes of the Thousand Islands area are part of its
charm. Thus I found it difficult to choose between wavy waters or mirror
flat, between pine trees or more deciduous.
The most scenic, appealing images had good views of the river. If there
was architecture, I rated it higher if it was maintained and unique. The
more natural landscape, the better.
39
Beautiful river scenes, lots of history.
40
I like the natural landscape look as much as possible. The more signs
of humanity" there are the less appealing it is. The more "developed"
a place is the less appealing it is. I would rather spend my time with
beautiful natural landscapes than trailer parks and power lines."
41
I am suspicious as to why you show the following down buildings and

obvious industrial uses. I hope that this designation will not be unduly
burdensome to the people who live here. Protection is good but dont go
overboard on restrictions.
42
My opinion of what should be considered scenic, and thus preserved.
43
The residential areas without billboards or neon lights are more

desirable. Coastal views shed views are about equal.
44
natural landscapes where more important to me.
45
The ones with 3 are more historic
46
The images that I chose truly project my feeling about the area while
others lacked that vision that I see
47
I picked the one I found as most appealing as most scenic.
48
Gut feeling
49
Having lived in the areas for 30years, The highest rankings brought back
good memories.
50
You can not Imagine the pleasure to wake up on the river, take a cup of
coffee out on the veranda and just sit and look out on the water. The
stress just melts away. Traveling to the river also gives you a sense of
excitement as the scenery changes gradually to calm you and get you
to you ultimate destination, the river. Site and sound are now your
companions. Thank you
51
My own judgment.
25
Scenic to me means more rural and less development - sometimes

showing historic locations.
26
I love the beauty of the Thousand Islands from both land and water.
I also love the gorgeous farm fields and hills. Part of the character of
this area is that it is historic, without being completed gentrified and
overdeveloped. The Thousand Islands are an international treasure.
27
Unspoiled views of the river and its shoreline are the most scenic.
Panoramic views of the rural landscape follow, with poorly designed, ill
maintained business and residential areas the least. Obviously the views
of industrial wind turbines are inappropriate for such an area.
28
I find the Queen Ann style of architecture more appealing.
I love the natural beauty that the river has to offer, not the more
developed views or run down ones
29
The human impact, and when there was buildings, those buildings had
character" that in my opinion added to the scenery"
"I don't mind man made things as long as they are done right and fit
with the historic or classic nature of the location. Generally I prefer less
man made stuff but I understand we also have to live in this world.
30
I like the look of very old structures in good condition. I like water views
more than land views.
"
The ones that wee totally natural and no man made objects were most
scenic.
18
manmade structures are less desireable than Mother Nature; historic

structures have more substance; vistas with islands are more
picturesque
31
After being a part of the Thousand Islands for many years I chose the
pictures that spoke to the true essence of the area
32
when I visit an area, I look at the photos supplied on a website, pick the
area based on the photos.
33
Where my eye was first drawn received my best response. Would have
been nice to see photos from all seasons and more professionally done.
I believe there is beauty in every scene provided if photographed in a
unique and interesting way.
19
The ones that wee totally natural and no man made objects were most
scenic.
20
Historical factor - keeping things as they were and preserving history.
34
21
i liked the photos that showed variety in color. Shoreline was tough
since it was just distances. Land use and landscape character is also
subjective. I know that you have to have some residences close together
in a seasonal town, but that does not necessarily detract from the value
of the location.
unobstructed viewshed ranks very high. Wind turbines,towers or

excessive powerlines(within 10 miles of river), congested village or
industrial looking ranks very low.
35
The water and open spaces are our National Treasures.
36
Your kidding right?
Appendix D

52
i love the sense of open vastness that you get in the 1000 islands so that
is how i ranked my preferences. what impressed me most coming from
WNY was the scale and the sense of a different type of water energy
that has the sens of leading to the ocean.
53
Contrast. The pictures that are uniform are less interesting than those
that have contrasting bits.
54
I have lived in the north country all my life and ranked the above on an
appealing basis, what I like to see or what I would like to see more of.
55
those without cell towers and signs were most scenic.
56
water photos with tall structures got less than the others.
57
Photos with subjects that had more interest or texture" were ranked
higher e.g. photo 1 and 2 of coastal viewshed are similar but the "wild"
grass vs. mowed is more interesting/textural." but the "wild" grass vs.
mowed is more interesting/textural."
58
"These photo's do not sell the region. Nothing in Landform is

outstanding. Truly this is not an outstanding collection of photos.
Sorry, but true. Photos with subjects that had more interest or texture
were ranked higher e.g. photo 1 and 2 of coastal viewshed are similar
but the wild grass vs. mowed is more interesting/textural. but the
wild grass vs. mowed is more interesting/textural. A better job can
be done. You want seperate rankings but truly is is not possible to do so.
Vegetation. Poorly designed its se-up so avg examples get points You
can do better.
59
Water scenes with marinas might not be as scenic, but they are crucial
to the economy. any pictures with tall structures are not as nice.

65
66
67
68
For me it's about the view of the River, and the uncluttered the better. I
especially love the wide expanses. Seeing RVs and trailer parks along the
water's edge simply depresses me. For land use, I gave the farm photo a
three. Who wouldn't think a photo of a big red barn isn't picturesque?
However, from a realistic point of view, I do wish more of them were
small, organic farms, rather than many of the CAFOs that have sprung
up. They ruin this landscape much more than a dock that is missing
some boards, or a cottage that needs a coat of paint. So I have a love/
hate relationship with the large farms that are anywhere near this
water. So that was a tough one for me to rate.
77
Eye of the beholder. I've come here all my life like my father before me
and my daughter and grandchildren now loving this magical place. I love
the old but appreciate those who are trying to make our beautiful area
come alive.
78
I like scenic places. I do not like unkept places.
79
Whoever designed this survey is not from the region. Most of these are
all significant and one should not judge a view in this manner. I tried to
make more than one in a section the same value, and it was rejected.
Personally, I don't like to see power lines (Land Use), but love to see
stone buildings or unique buildings. Would prefer some wildlife in the
nature pictures.
80
Eye appeal
81
Love the old cottage charm, love the island views
I have taught photography to 4-H groups and know how to compose

a picture to make it the most appealing to the eye of the viewer. The
way something is photographed has a lot to do with if someone likes it
or not. It influenced my choice on a lot of the first ones. The groups of
3 were childish choices. No one would place a collapsing dock as a 3!
If the historic category had been one -chose the most scenic-- I would
have chosen the small cottages on an angle over the ones from 1000
Island park boathouses which were taken straight on and dead center
and left Alster tower as last. How the scene was photographed has a big
influence on a persons choice.
82
I like more water with some islands or bridges, older buildins-Victorian,

less crowded growth so you can see through, fewer townhouses and
such, no windmills in view of the river, open farmlands, less crowding
both with buildings and greenery.
83
By what I found most or least visually appealing. Also, if historical

integrity has been maintained.
84
Honestly, I think there are so many prettier photos and images then
these out there... is it too late to submit any?
85
Rather obvious!!
86
our land along the river is beautiful everywhere. Of course things that
are left neglected are not majestic, but in some cases there are family
circumstances that do not allow upkeep. Our family owns property in
Blind Bay and we do our best to keep it maintaained
87
I like to take into account the fact that some places that we have to
rate are peoples homes and up in the north country there isnt a lot
of funding to help upkeep some peoples houses. Why i ranked them
mediocre rather than in the negatives. Only because some people
cannot help the situation.
Areas with tall structures less appealing. Run down boathouses were on
scenic land, but less appealing. Areas with variety and in natural state
most appealing.
69
tall or falling down structures make water scenes less attractive.
70
Some are ugly and some are boring
60
Tried to avoid clutter. Didn't like village landscapes . like to use river w/
islands...but simple. Didn't have many.
71
The islands themselves
61
The nature of the regions environment and history
72
I always like structures located along the river the best. Every cottage is
unique and original just like the river.
62
"I ranked the images due to the way the pictures looked. Personally, I
dont like to see power lines (Land Use), but love to see stone buildings
or unique buildings. Would prefer some wildlife in the nature pictures.
73
Variety
88
The River is a wonderful and diverse place
74
Unobstructed views of the beautiful St. Lawrence. Known historical

venues. Uncluttered landscapes...hate wires!
89
Natural beauty of the River
75
I rated highly those images that I feel bring out the character of the
1,000 Islands -- the calmness, the historical significance, the beauty of
The River.
90
76
view appeal
Preservation of natural and historic scenery is most important. It doesn't

have to be grand, even the smaller homes in Alex Bay and Chippewa
Bay, when well maintained, add greatly to the scenic value. I love the
mix of pines, deciduous trees and granite outcrops. That to me is 1000
Islands.
63
river, island views, historic character, pastoral qualities
64
my favorites include the images that combine landscape with the River,
especially the more panoramic views.
Appendix D
91
Some photo quality extremely poor, e.g.: dairy cow landscape not even
in focus. Technically, very amateur composition in many photos.
105
Views of the river and the islands and old well-kept structures are my
favorites.
92
For a few of the comparisons, an objective rating was difficult simply

because some photographs were better composed than others.
106
I don't like the comercial builds or condos on river.
93
Aesthetics and what I would want to see as someone who was seeing
the area for the first time.
107
ranked as they first visually hit me
108
I picked the pictures in the order that I liked.
94
view and if well maintained received the higher mark.
109
The best or least 'eye appeal' to me
95
There's a balance in between scenic character and accessibility. I love

the views that the 1000 islands afford and I want to be able to keep
them and enjoy them but I don't want to create rules that will exclude
everyone but the most affluent.
110
Some of the town scenes got lower score due to advertisements in

them, but that is part of everyday life. The water scenes that had towers
in them were less scenic.
96
yes
97
Some are sights I've become accustomed to over the years. I don't enjoy
too much development but it don't enjoy rundown modern buildings
and garbage. I enjoy the character over the natural land/river scape.
Love the rocks and sholes.
98
A multi generational owner of property in Chippewa Bay, I prefer the old

classic water scenes and property.
99
A multi generational owner of property in Chippewa Bay, I prefer the old

classic water scenes and property.
100
Images with more variation appeal to me more. Also, I grew up in

Alexandria Bay, so some images I liked because I recognized them!
101
my vote on historic character should be discounted because one of the

boathouses pictured belongs to my family :-)
102
Wider views of more natural, or 'historic' sites are more attractive to

me, particularly when there is variety in the view.
103
These are the worst representions of the beautiful 1000 Islands I have
ever seen in my 70 years in the area. Farmland is nice everywhere
in upstate NY along with dreary run down towns. The river is what
is unique and will always draw people if they know about it. This
presentation was put together by someone that wants to discourage
tourism and would discourage me.
104
I enjoy the historical buildings on the river that are well kept. I also
enjoy expansive views and unique land formations. New construction
in keeping with the architectural integrity of historic homes and 'river
style' is enjoyable.
111
112
I love the natural world, and I enjoy seeing things that are characteristic
of the area. Human involvement should be discreet and well thought
out.
natural, rugged beauty abounds in this region. agricultural and historical
natural" settings appeal to me much more than "urban-ish". Yes. the
region should be shared but not like an amusement or theme park.
nature needs to be perserved for posterity."

119
Appearance
120
I find this survey rather scewed. I have a lovely home in a trailer park on
the river. What I see from here is beautiful everyday. The landscaping
is ok as far as having big trees, green spaces, amazingviews, etc. but
looking at the park is not what anyone would consider scenic. I have
taken hundreds of gorgeous pictures during all seasons from my porch
and dock. Amazing sunsets, ships, the bridge, birds, wildlife, treed with
bare limbs in winter and colorful in the fall, etc. Somehow the choice of
pictures makes me think this survey was not very scientifically prepared.
I mean the picture with the best water view above is obviously the best
but simiiar photos could probably be shot at the other spots if you got in
the right place.
121
Ranked them by how picturesque they looked. I have been coming

to the Thousand Islands for over 40 years on vacation camping on
Wellesley Island - always have to have good view of the river.
122
Visual not limited to surface; looked for healthy" - support ecosystem."
123
nope
124
Water views and old homes were more scenic to me than others.
113
Preference was made to more natural settings.
125
114
My husband and I have been a seasonal residents of this area for

over 40 years and LOVE the St. Lawrence River views-some are more
pleasing than others. It is too bad the fishing has declined with all the
POLLUTION into the river....my in-laws were great fisherman and caught
great fish (northerners/pike)that are RARELY seen today..???REASON.....
POLLUTION. thank you for the opportunity to comment.
I tend to lean toward scenery that favors natural as opposed to manmade features, and if it is man made, I favor man made structures
that seem to blend into the scenery, seem to fit" with it. and/or have
historic value."
126
I love everything about the SLR and the 1000 islands area. Grew up in
Ogdensburg, but have lived many states away for past fifty years. Miss it
all.
127
windmills, marinas and trailers are an eyesore. This survey is annoying

because it is redundant too hard to figure out
128
View not obstructed by vegetation in higher rated photos.
129
I love to look at history and nature. Historic architecture abounds in

Jefferson County but is overshadowed sometimes by its poverty.
130
Even though I gave a bad rating to the picture with the wind turbines in
it, they are in Canada and I think that Cape Vincent is a beautiful place.
131
All of the region is special and sometimes building are necessary to

sustain the area. But this does not take away from the scenic value.
115
116
I ranked the images according to what I enjoy seeing as we drive in our

boat in the St. Lawrence River/ Thousand Islands. I am most interested
in how the land has been developed to enhance the use of the water
and access by people. Use of stairs that allow the families to walk to the
River and enjoy swimming or boating foe example.
"
Keep the River pristine and slow down industrial invasion.
117
Keep the River pristine and slow down industrial invasion.
118
Can never please everybody, understood. But having just re-read the
purpose of this, I would argue that most of these photos are neither
very good nor put the best foot forward in their category. Cropping
would help.
Appendix D

132
"I have lived here most of my 65 years and having traveled the US A
and Canada I fell we have the most diverse and beautiful scenery. Our
vistas at different times of the day are ever changing with the seasons.
This area never fails to awe me.
146
The hardest set of picture are the Boldt children's playhouse. All three
pictures are beautiful.
147
house camps not junky good design land woods most points of interest
133
I prefer waterscapes and natural settings.
148
keep it natural private
134
The photos with more water visible are more appealing. I assume they
are taken on higher ground than the photos with little water showing.
149
I value the natural aspects of each photo. The upkeep of the 1000
Island region is very important to me, yet I do not want the area to lose
its historical essence. Newer buildings are nice, but there is value in
preserving past architecture. Views of the water are enhanced by the
preservation of the fauna and flora around the river. Too much preening
takes away from the natural beauty of the region.
162
I love The River.
163
A sense of esthetics and openness
164
Interesting formations - not ordinary.
165
166
The more natural" the better I liked the image."
167
The beauty of the river, rock and classic river scenes are breathtaking
and remind me that watching this magnificent river never gets old.
Pictures with phone lines, water towers, cluttered with buildings or
poorly maintained buildings distract from the amazing beauty of this
area.
135
"I pretended I was looking out my office window and ranked like that.
136
Color, contrast in colors, & uniqueness were all factors in my decisions
137
enjoy the open water and natural landscape.
150
Variety of land formations in proximity to water is most scenic to me.
138
Longer range vistas appear to be more attractive.
151
Viewing the beauty of St. Lawrence area as a photographer
163
A sense of esthetics and openness
139
Looked more natural, unique, or characteristic for the 1000 islands
152
164
140
The River and islands, camps, cottages, beautiful homes, even some that
may not be in the best condition are the biggest draw for sightseeing.
The history behind it all is fascinating, and there is such a variety of
beautiful sights, we are blessed to have such a great area to live in. I
was not particularly impressed with many of the actual photographs as
it seemed little attempt was made to get good lighting and composure
to many of them. Some emphasis must have been made to include
highway signs, traffic lights, utility poles, small camps in congested areas
and such. But as we travel the river and the roads there is significant
beauty to obscure much of that from our memory or even draw our
eyes away from that which may not be ideal in the eyes of the beholder.
The more natural and unspoiled views were the most appealing.
However, beautiful well maintained homes and other structures that
reflect the history of the area were also appealing to look at.
165
153
Better photographic composition
166
The more natural" the better I liked the image."
154
The varied nature of the St Lawrence scenery is important to me.
167
155
I love the outdoors and not developed areas, etc.
156
I love the water. I like open, unadulterated scenes. So the less busy" a
scene appears to me the more I find it scenic"
The beauty of the river, rock and classic river scenes are breathtaking
and remind me that watching this magnificent river never gets old.
Pictures with phone lines, water towers, cluttered with buildings or
poorly maintained buildings distract from the amazing beauty of this
area.
157
More open space seems more appealing.
158
I just ranked them according to the way you asked.For example the
picture immediatley above this box is a rt 12 overlook that has its view
obstructed by trees that grew up over the years,compromising it's scenic
value.
159
The water and historical beauty is the most important as well as the
natural beauty of the rural areas. We need to protect the beauty and
preserve the valuable historical sites.
160
The natural look appeals more to me than modern or commercial

images. Even if a building is well kept I like the older styles of buildings
in this area more than newer styles that don't seem to fit the rural area.
161
I love the pictures of the ships, Boldt Castle, light houses . Did not see
Tibbits point light house
141
142
water views, classic architecture, and rural woods and meadows are
appealing.
Some pictures displayed the unique character of the region more
profoundly. Large rock formations, certain types of trees along the
water and beautiful homes on the waterfront. What I didn't see
were the bird and animals that frequent this area...especially loons! I
honestly did not think the pictures were the best of the area...rather
disappointing if this is what is being represented as the best" of the
1000 islands. Also all the specialized local shops."
143
"Some had more charachteristis of the 1000 islands, ex. large rocks and
144
Like the the views that are not run of the mill.
145
Looked for natural landscape preserved, or if built on, for balanced

design and obvious upkeep.
Appendix D
Appendix E: Modified Table of Scenic Components
Thousand Islands Regional Assessment: Modified Table of Scenic Components

Class a: distinctive
Class b: noteworthy
Class c: common
Landscape Element
1. Landform: the shape and

configuration of the land .
Distinctive: dramatic
contrasts and changes in topography. Unique form and
outline of the land, harmonious shape and composition of landforms.
Noteworthy: undulating land,

some topographic variety.
Common: little topographic

variety.
Distinctive: varied and

dramatic shoreline form,
C) Lakes & sounds: large
bodies of water, but opposite landform, vegetation and
ephemeral characteristics.
shoreline is visible.
Opposite shoreline provides
dramatic backdrop.
Noteworthy: some variety and

Common: monotonous landprominence of shoreline form,
scape with barely visible or flat
landform, vegetation and ephem- opposite shore.
eral characteristics. Opposite
shore contains visual contrast and
variety .
A) Relative relief: relative

changes in elevation of the
land within the subunit. The
amount of elevation change
within a mile of the point
of reference.
Distinctive: relative relief

greater than 80.
Noteworthy: relative relief from

30-80.
Common: relative relief less

than 30
D) Major rivers: rivers greater Distinctive: rivers and

than 20 miles in length or
streams with no visible pol100 in breadth.
lution. Exceptionally varied
stream bank configuration,
landform, water flow.
Noteworthy: unpolluted streams

with some variation in stream
bank configuration, landform,
water flow . Inappropriate development does not detract from
visual character.
Common:
streams suffering from pollution,
inappropriate development, lack of
visual variety.
B) Geologic features:
bedrock, surficial geologic
features, fluvial, marine and
glacial features .
Distinctive: unique and dramatic geologic formations,

bedrock outcrops or glacial
features. Especially Canadian Shield outcrops.
Noteworthy: unusual geologic

formations, bedrock outcrops or
glacial features.
Common: typical formations or

lack of formations.
E) Streams: flowing bodies of

water of less than 20 miles
in length and 100 feet in
breadth.
Distinctive: streams with

no visible pollution. Exceptionally varied stream bank
configuration, landform,
water flow .
Noteworthy: unpolluted streams

with some variation in stream
bank configuration, landform,
water flow . Inappropriate development does not detract from
visual character.
Common: streams suffering

from pollution, inappropriate
development, lack of visual
variety.
D) Bluffs: high banks or cliffs

lining a body of water.
Distinctive: very high,

prominent bluffs with varied
configuration, dramatic
backdrop and shoreline, lack
of incompatible development.
Noteworthy: high bluffs with

moderately varied configuration,
strong backdrop and shoreline,
minor incompatible development.
Common: low, uniform bluffs

with monotonous backdrop &
shoreline, major presence of
incompatible development .
F) Ponds: small lakes and

ponds of less than one
square mile.
Distinctive: varied shoreline,

vegetation and landform;
rich wildlife and ephemeral
features; relatively lacking in
development.
Noteworthy: some variation in

shoreline form, vegetation and
ephemeral characteristics; some
intruding development.
Common: intruding shoreline

development overwhelms the
pond; lack of variety in landform, vegetation, ephemeral
characteristics.
Distinctive: a variety of
open meadows, mature
woodlands, specimen trees,
unique vegetation, mature
and well-maintained urban
vegetation and street trees
planted in cohesive masses.
Noteworthy: a variety of vegetation with woodlands dominating.
Common : monotonous second

growth woodland and scrub
growth .
G) Wetlands: swamps, bogs,

fresh and saltwater marshes,
tidelands.
Noteworthy: significant areas of

undisturbed wetlands, little intrusive development, surrounded by
varied upland areas .
Common: wetlands marred

by intrusive development or
filling, surrounded by monotonous uplands, lack of variety in
configuration, wildlife habitat.
Distinctive : varied 1 diverse

shoreline form. Numerous
coves 1 islands iinlets and
peninsulas.
Noteworthy: moderately varied,

undulating shoreline form.
Common: straight, monotonous, featureless shoreline

form.
Distinctive: extensive areas

of undisturbed wetlands
rich in wildlife habitat,
variety and configuration.
Wetlands free of intrusive
development . Topography,
vegetation and cultural
features of surrounding
uplands provide a diverse
backdrop.
5. Landuse:
Human use of the land.
Distinctive: use of the land

that harmonizes with and/
or enhances scenic quality.
Especially within blended
natural/cultural landscapes.
Noteworthy: use of the land that

blends with complements existing scenic quality.
Common: use of the land that

detract from scenic quality
For example, excessive paving,
lack of landscape planting and/
or uses not compatible with
the surroundings and historic
context.
Landscape Element
I. Physical character
2. Vegetation:
The diversity, maturity and
condition of the vegetation.
3. Shoreline configuration:
the complexity, variability and general form of the
shoreline .
4. Water features: the role of water features (ocean,

estuaries, rivers and streams) in the visual environment
Distinctive: water is dominant feature in the landscape: full views

of major rivers lakes, ocean.
A) Ocean, great lakes: bodies of water so large that the opposite shore is out of sight.
Distinctive: complex shoreline form, dramatic topography, extensive bluffs beaches or other scenic coastal features; strong ephemeral features such as dramatic surf, wildlife; human activity.
Appendix E
Class b: noteworthy
Class c: common
Landscape Element
Class b: noteworthy
Class c: common
Landscape Element
Class b: noteworthy
Class c: common
A) Wilderness: the lack of

visual evidence of past or
present human use of the
land.

of wilderness. Strong sense
of isolation, integrity of
natural systems, peace and
quiet. Distinctive natural
settings.

wilderness with some sense of
isolation, integrity of natural systems, peace and quiet. Noteworthy natural setting.
Common: small, isolated

areas of wilderness marred by
discordant features, noise and
intrusions of development and
human activity.
Distinctive: exurban development blends in with or

complements rural landscape.
Noteworthy: exurban development generally compatible with

rural landscape .
Common: exurban development detracts from the visual

character of the rural landscape .
B) Forestry: the use of

the land for managed and
unmanaged woodlots and
forests.
Distinctive: extensive old

growth or carefully managed forestland rich in plant
variety and wildlife. Variety
in forest cover and configuration. Landform and clearings provide views.
Noteworthy: some old growth

timber; forest management present in certain areas. A degree of
variety in forest type, landform
and clearings.
Common: uniform new growth

forest; scrub vegetation; unmanaged abandoned land; low
quality vegetation.
F) Exurban development: recently developed suburbantype growth in rural regions

beyond the commuter - shed
of metropolitan areas. Both
year -round and summer
homes.
G) Recreational resorts,
hotels large structures or
groups of structures devoted
to recreational uses .
Noteworthy: structures and

facilities blend in with and/or
somewhat improve the visual
character of their setting .
Common: structures and

facilities detract from the visual
character of their setting.
C) Parks & open space: parks, Distinctive : exceptionally

conservation areas, cemeter- well planned, designed and
ies, recreation areas.
maintained parks, open
spaces and waterfronts that
play a central role in establishing the visual character of
the community and defining
and strengthening its physical and social environment.
Noteworthy: generally well

planned, designed and maintained parks and open spaces
that play a significant role in the
visual character of the community, improving its physical and
social environment.
Common: few or poorly designed and maintained urban

parks, open spaces and waterfronts.
Distinctive: structures and

facilities harmonize in with
and/or dramatically enhance the visual character
of their setting through
creative siting and architectural design.

of active farmland, including
a variety of farm uses, historic farm structures, variety
of vegetation, landform and
water features.

active farmland with some variety of uses, historic structures,
vegetation, landform and water
features .
Common: little farmland,

abandoned farmland, farmland
damaged by intrusive development, large expanses of uniform farmland. Lack of variety
or monotony in farmland structures, vegetation, landform and
water features .
Distinctive: high level of site

planning and community
design. Integration of the
built environment with the
natural and cultural features
of the site. High level of
historic integrity of the community. High diversity and
quality architecture.
Noteworthy: competently
planned and designed communities that respect the natura1
environment , significant historic
elements, diversity and quality of
architecture.
D) Farmland: active working

agriculture or farmed estates
. Dairy, crop, orchard, nursery or other types of farming.
H) Suburbs: communities of
moderate population density
surrounding urban areas.
Primarily residential communities developed as a result
of expanded commuter rail
and automobile transportation capability within the
last century.
Common: poorly planned

and designed built environment imposes uniform pattern
of low-quality development
across the landscape. Suburban
sprawl, strip development,
commercial blight . Little or no
historic value. Lack of diversity
and quality in architecture.
Distinctive: estates of high

historic, design and environmental value in an excellent state of preservation .
Excellent layout and design
of grounds and structures,
historically significant landscapes and architecture, located in a distinctive natural
setting, excellent views and
vistas, strong relationship to
the shoreline.
Noteworthy: estates of moderate historic, design and environmental significance in a generally sound state of preservation.
Good layout and design of
grounds and structures, some
historical significance, noteworthy natural setting with some
strong vistas, relationship to the
shoreline:
Common: estates of low historic, design and environmental significance in a poor state
of preservation or damaged
through inappropriate development . Low quality landscape
and architectural design,
undistinguished natural setting,
poor views and vistas marred
by visual intrusions.
Distinctive: tightly -knit traditional villages containing a

variety of uses and excellent
examples of village form,
layout, design, historic value
and visual relationship to
their natural setting.
Noteworthy: villages containing

good examples of village form,
layout, design, historic value and
relationship to their natural setting.
E) Estates: mansions set in

extensive grounds. Monasteries and religious retreats .
I) Villages: compact, often

traditional groupings of
buildings, generally numbering between several dozen to
several hundred structures
with a mix of residential and
small commercial uses .
Common: sprawling villages

lacking in form with sprawling layout, poor design, little
historic value and weak or
conflicting relationship to their
natural setting.
J)Town Centers: the compact

centers of communities of
moderate population density
(several hundred to several
thousand structures). Generally, but not always, the majority of town centers were
built before the growth of
commuter rail and automobile transportation during the
past century.
Distinctive: high level of historic integrity, architectural

quality, cohesive streets and
other public open spaces,
sympathetic relationship
of built form to the natural
settings.
Noteworthy: moderate level of

historic integrity, architectural
quality and relationship of built
form to the natural setting. Occasional inappropriate development
does not detract from overall
quality of town.
Common: little historic integrity, poor architectural quality,

eyesores, sprawl, destruction
of historic town fabric through
inappropriate demolition and/
or development.
Appendix E
Landscape Element
Class b: noteworthy
Class c: common
Landscape Element
Class b: noteworthy
Class c: common
K) Cities: the centers of large

metropolitan areas, usually more than ten thousand
structures.
Distinctive: vibrant, dramatic, exciting urban areas located in impressive natural

settings. Exceptional skyline,
compact and imposing urban form, outstanding architecture and urban spaces,
high levels of preservation
and maintenance.
Noteworthy: dynamic urban

areas located in pleasant natural
settings with generally high quality skyline, urban form, architecture and urban spaces.
Common: undistinguished or
dull urban areas, located in
bland natural settings. Poorly
.defined skyline, sprawling and
vague urban form, mediocre
architecture and urban spaces
i urban stagnation, decay and
abandonment.
P) Harbors & waterfronts:

the commercial waters edge
of city, town and village
centers.
Distinctive: intact natural

and cultural environment,
water -related activity &
businesses, abundance of
shipping .
Noteworthy: moderate degree

of waterfront historic character,
activity, revitalization i natural
features. Some derelict, abandoned areas. Discordant features
do not detract from overall scenic
quality.
Common: waterfront cut off

from city. Derelict, disjointed
uses, abandonment, pollution
predominate.
Distinctive: industrial structures or districts of historic

value, or newer facilities
with a compatible relationship to their environment
and visual setting. Facilities
that either blend in with
their visual surroundings or
contain understandable or
dynamic sculptural forms
that interact creatively with
their visual surroundings.
Noteworthy: moderately historic

industrial uses or new facilities
that blend in with or interact creatively with their surroundings .
1.
Ephemeral characteristics: transitory visual
effects produced by local
climate, atmosphere, clarity or color of natural light,
artificial lighting, human
activity, tides, winds, motion
of water, fog, etc. That recur
consistently.
Distinctive: unique quality

and quantity of ephemeral
characteristics consistently
observed in the field or
mentioned in public or
advisory panel testimony.
This includes ocean-going
shipping vessels, wildlife,
and sunsets.
Noteworthy:
some ephemeral effects present.
Some ephemeral effects present.
Common: lack of positive

ephemeral effects or presence
of negative ephemeral effects
(e.g . Lurid glare of sodium vapor lights, smog 1 dismal skies,
ill humors, etc.)
M) Mineral extraction: mines

of all types, including gravel
pits,traprock quarries, limestone quarries, and other
types of surface mining.
Distinctive: carefully reclaimed mined lands, mines

operating with minimal
visual and environmental
disturbance, mines creating
features of historic, artistic
or topographic {earth form)
interest.
Noteworthy: mines operating

with some on-going reclamation,
visual and environmental mitigation and a degree of historic,
artistic or topographic interest.
Common: mines creating

open, un-reclaimed visual and
environmental scars on the
land.
2 . Historic character: the

quality, value, state of Preservation and authenticity of
historic structures, landscapes and districts.
Noteworthy: some historic heritage preserved districts, sites ,

structures and spaces scattered
within the city. Some disturbance
of historic integrity. Historic integrity of certain districts .
Common: little historic interest

in the city with only minor, isolated preserved sites . Historic
integrity of urban districts and
waterfronts minimal or lacking
N) Transportation networks:
construction relating to automobile, rail and air transportation.
Distinctive: streets, freeways, scenic roads, and

rail lines blend in with or
- complement and enhance
the coastal landscape.
Designated scenic roads,
highways and railways.
Noteworthy: streets, freeways,

rail lines that blend in with the
waterfront landscape .
Common: streets, freeways,

rail lines that mar the waterfront landscape by obliterating
shorelines, introduce eyesores,
block the city from the water.
Distinctive: rich historic heritage preserved in a variety

of well-maintained historic
districts, sites, structures
and spaces. Widespread
historic integrity: historic
districts relatively intact.
Strong sense of historic
character and continuity
expressed in architecture
and the landscape . National
register districts and sites.
Location of major historic
events .
Distinctive: dynamic, wellproportioned structures

that interact creatively with
the waterfront landscape.
Historic lighthouses and
bridges.
Noteworthy: soundly designed

structures that relate well to the
waterfront landscape.
Common: poorly designed

structures that detract from,
overwhelm or destroy the
waterfront landscape.
Distinctive : strong, positive

symbolic value attributed to
the landscape as evidenced
in public survey, discussions with project review
panel, literature review and
data collection. Symbolic
characteristics have positive
effect on public perception
of the visual quality of the
landscape.
Noteworthy: significant symCommon: lack of symbolic

bolic value of landscape creates
character or presence of negaenhanced public perception of its tive symbolic character.
visual quality.
O) Bridges, towers, lighthouses and elevated structures:

high engineered structures
dominating the visual environment.
3. Symbolic value/meaning:
symbolic characteristics of
landscapes or communities
that influence the publics
perception of
their visual
quality. Symbolic value can
result from historic events,
myths and fables, literature, .
Painting, folklore, unique use
or activity , association with
an historic or popular figure
or
special cultural significance of the landscape.
L) Industry: industrial uses

of all types, including heavy
industry, power plants, light
industry, assembly, warehousing and construction.
Appendix E
Common: polluting i chaotic,

sprawling, monotonous or
poorly maintained facilities that
obliterate the natural setting or
introduce discordant elements
into the landscape.
II. Cultural character
Landscape Element
Class b: noteworthy
Class c: common
Landscape Element
Class b: noteworthy
4. Architectural character:
the character of the architecture of communities; both
vernacular and designed by
professionals. Quality of the
proportions , massing, materials, fenestration, roof lines
and siting of buildings.
Distinctive: high quality

architectural design expressive of a particular location,
architectural style, and
historical era.
Noteworthy: consistent quality

vernacular or professional architectural planning and . Design
settlement pattern linked to a
particular location, architectural
style and historical era.
Common : poor quality

vernacular or professional architectural planning and design
settlement pattern, inconsistent, clashing styles, lack of
recognizable connection to a
particular location, architectural style or historical era.
7. Discordant features:
features which, due to siting, form, scale, materials or
usage visually interrupt the
overall scenic quality of the
landscape.
Distinctive: no discordant
features visible.
Noteworthy: occasional discordant features visible but repreCommon: discordant feasent a minor element in an other- tures dominate the landscape.
wise visually intact landscape.
These include tall structures
(except for historic bridges,
castles, passing ships, and
historic decorative towers and
monuments) and extensive
areas of pavement.
5. Landscape character:
the visual character of the
greater landscape, including
large-scale patterns of cities,
towns, villages, and rural
areas. The visual quality of
open spaces and the buildings and structures included
in them. Includes both vernacular and/orprofessionally
designedspaces, or acombination of the two.
Distinctive: exceptionally
well-planned, designed and
maintained landscapes that
play a central role in establishing the visual character
of the area and in defining
and strengthening its relationship to its natural
and cultural setting. This
includes estates and other
buildings carefully sited to
avoid dense development
on small islands and sensitive shorelines.
Noteworthy: generally wellplanned, designed and maintained parks, open spaces and
waterfronts that play a significant
role in the visual character of the
city, linking it to its natural and
cultural setting.
Common: few or poorly designed and maintained parks,

open spaces and waterfronts
with little or negative impact
on the visual character of the
area. Especially landscapes
characterized by clear cutting and dense development
on small islands and sensitive
shorelines.
A) Coastal Viewshed: (water

views_ land areas visible
from the river. Conversely,
areas of the coastline providing views of the river.
Distinctive: full, unobstructed views of the water.

Located within the primary
viewshed of the river (visible areas within mile of
the shore). Distinctive
views include an emphasis
on composition and variety
over length and breadth.
Noteworthy: partial or middle

ground views of the water.
Located within the secondary
viewshed of the river (visible
areas from mile to 1 mile of the
shore).
B) Length: the average distance of the views available

within a subunit.
Distinctive: long views great- Noteworthy: moderately long

er than 5 miles to distant
views across meadows or water
mountains or horizon line.
bodies.
Common: short views cut off

by trees, hills, or structures.
A) Settlement pattern:
the character
of
the layout of structures,
roads and open spaces
on the land.
Distinctive: strongly cohesive, historically significant

settlement pattern with
harmonious relationship to
natural setting, shoreline.
Noteworthy: cohesive, historically

significant settlement pattern
with relationship to natural setting, shoreline.
C) Breadth: width of views

available within a given
subunit.
Distinctive: widest views,

generally greater than 180
degrees.
Noteworthy: view widths between 90 and 180 degrees.
Common: narrow views less

than 90 degrees.
well-planned, designed and
maintained parks, open
spaces, waterfronts, and art
exhibits that play a central
role in establishing the visual character of the area and
in defining and strengthening its relationship to its
natural and cultural setting.
Noteworthy: generally wellplanned, designed and maintained parks, open spaces and
waterfronts that play a significant
role in the visual character of the
city, linking it to its natural and
cultural setting.
Common : few or poorly designed and maintained parks,

open spaces and waterfronts
with little or negative impact
on the visual character of the
area .
Distinctive: mountains,
dramatic sky lines or other
prominent features clearly
visible in the background.
Noteworthy: high hills or water

bodies visible in the distance.
D) Designed landscapes:
landscapes consciously
formed, shaped and planted
by professional designers.
Parks, estate grounds, waterfronts, conservation areas,
cemeteries, recreation areas,
sculpture gardens
D) Background: the character

of the views of surrounding
landscapes or of distant features outside the subunit.
Common: no background views

available. Bland or discordant
features visible in background.
E) Composition: the overall

quality and quantity of views
from specific viewpoints
located within the viewshed
of the coastline.
Noteworthy: satisfactory balance

of fore, middle and background
views. Some elements present to
create opportunities for strong
compositions.
Common: few site features creating opportunities for strong

composition. Lack of a blend of
foreground, middle ground and
background elements .
6. State of upkeep:the relative state of maintenance,

repair, management and
preservation of buildings and
the land.
The relative state of maintenance, repair, management
and preservation of buildings
and the land.
well maintained and managed properties. High state
of preservation. Historic
ruins and picturesque abandoned historic structures.
Noteworthy: generally high level

of maintenance and repair. Well
managed and preserved properties. Ruins of moderate historic
value.
Common: buildings and

grounds in disrepair, poorly
maintained, neglected and
abandoned structures and
landscapes.
Distinctive: dynamic balance of foreground, middle

ground and background
elements. Abundance of
site features, landform and
other compositional elements that create numerous
opportunities for strong
visual compositions within
the subunit. Elements that
frame, outline, punctuate or
enclose the views available
from a given subunit.
F) Focal points: objects

which dominate a composition by virtue of size, height,
or placement.
Distinctive : striking focal

object(s) visible from most
places.
Noteworthy:
objects visible.
Common: no focal objects

visible .
Common: sprawling, ill-defined

or uniform contemporary
settlement pattern with poor
relationship to natural setting,
shoreline. Lacking in historical
value.
Class c: common
III. Views
some focal
Common: no views of the water or very distant, obstructed

views. Located within the
background viewshed of the
river (areas visible at greater
than 1 mile from the shore).
Appendix E
Landscape Element
Class b: noteworthy
Class c: common
Landscape Element
1. Variety: degree of variety

of major visual components.
The diversity of the visual
environment. Lack of visual
monotony.
Distinctive: unusual variety

of positive visual features
unified within a consistent
visual framework.
Noteworthy: variety of positive

visual features.
Common: lack of visual variety,

variety of negative visual features or variety without unity.
7. Visual sensitivity: a funcHigh: high scenic quality and Moderate: moderate scenic qualtion of the visibility, the
high visibility and frequency ity and moderate visibility and/or
frequency of viewing and the of viewing.
frequency of viewing.
relative scenic quality of the
landscape.
Low: low scenic quality and low

visibility and/or frequency of
viewing.
2. Unity: degree of visual

unity of major visual components. The cohesion, coherency and compositional harmony of the visual landscape.
Distinctive: visual elements

form a unified whole . A
harmonious and consistent
visual theme or framework
unifies the area.
Noteworthy: visual elements

generally consistent.
Common: clashing, inharmonious contrast of incompatible

visual elements or the presence of a bland, theme less
quality in the visual environment .
Distinctive: high degree of

striking contrast between
form, line, color and texture
in the visual environment.
Strong regularity and simplicity of form, consistent
continuity and direction
of line, rich and harmonious combinations of color,
strong clarity and grain of
texture present.
Noteworthy: moderate degree

of contrast between forms, lines,
colors and textures. Regularity
and simplicity of form, continuity and direction of line, pleasing
contrasts of color, clarity and
grain of texture present .
Common: low degree of contrast or harsh contrast between

form, line, color and texture .
Irregular and chaotic forms,
discontinuous and conflicting
direction of line, glaring and
gaudy contrasts of color, lack of
clarity and grain of texture.
High: an area which is under Moderate: an area in which some

imminent threat of develop- development may occur.
ment or change in land use
due to private ownership,
strong development pressures and lack of development constraints.
Low: area is not likely to undergo change due to protected

status, lack of development
pressures or major physical
constraints.
3. Contrast: the degree of

contrast between form,
line, color and texture in the
visual environment . Line:
boundary between two elements . Form: mass or shape
of an object . Color: the
hue and value of an object.
Texture: the visual surface
characteristics of an object.
8. Visual vulnerability:
The likelihood of change
Occurring in the landscape as
A function of ownership
Status, development
Pressures and development
Constraints.
Low: open, exposed, steeply Moderate: areas containing some

sloping, highly visible areas. woodland, buildings, ore other
Steep banks sloping up
screening elements, rolling land.
away from the river, ridgelines and summits, historic
areas.
High: areas of low visibility containing dense woods or existing

buildings, and flat topography,
relatively low scenic quality.
4. Uniqueness: the relative

Distinctive: rare, .very few
scarcity or special quality of other examples exist in the
an area or visual feature, coastline of the state.
measured in the context of
regional, state and national
visual quality.
Noteworthy: uncommon, few

examples exist within the coastal
region.
Common: commonly found in

the coastal region.
9. Visual absorbtiveness: the

relative ability of the visual
landscape to absorb change
without suffering visual
degradation. A function of
visibility, the availability of
existing screening elements
(woods, buildings, etc.) And
relative scenic quality.
10. Replaceability: the ability
of an areas visual quality to
be restored or enhanced on
site or recreated elsewhere .
5. Public recognition the

degree to which the area
is widely recognized by the
general public for its scenic
quality as evidenced in publications, paintings, literature,
photographs, public testimony, advisory panel recommendation, travel publications, tourism statistics and
visitation.
Distinctive: widespread
enthusiastic public recognition as exhibited by the
existence of high visitation
historic sites, parks, and
tourism.
Noteworthy: generally positive

public recognition.
Common: little or no public recognition; negative recognition.
Low: the area contains irreplaceable scenic quality

which cannot be enhanced
or replaced. Negative effects of new development
could be mitigated only
with great difficulty. Scenic
features could not be reproduced elsewhere due to
time or expense.
Common: the area contains

low scenic quality that could
easily be improved or enhanced on site or the essential
visual elements of the site
could be recreated elsewhere.
6. Visual accessibility: the

degree to which the area
is visually accessible to the
general public.
Distinctive: high degree of

visual and physical access
for large numbers of the
general public on a very
frequent basis. Subunit is
clearly visible to more than
1i 000 people a day from
public property, roads paths,
publicly accessible buildings
and waterways.
Noteworthy: subunit is moderately visible to fairly high numbers of the public . The area is
partially visible to an average of
250 to 1,000 people a day.
Common: little public access. The area is visible to few

people on an infrequent basis
. Very limited visibility to less
than 250 people a week .
Appendix E
Class b: noteworthy
Moderate: the area contains

scenic quality that could be
restored, enhanced or replaced
with difficulty.
Class c: common

Appendix F: Evaluation Notes and Ratings

Appendix F
Physical and Cultural Components

DRAFT
SUBUNIT
ID
GENERAL NOTES
LANDFORM INV
NOTES (max. relief
over ~ .25 mile,
unless noted)
LANDFORM
RATING
VEGETATION INV
NOTES
Narrow section of the St. Lawrence

between Alexandria Bay and Boldt
Castle.
~20 hills on river

banks, ~40-60
hills on islands;
minimal outcrops
on river bank; more
significant outcrops
on island shoreline
A narrow section of the main St.

Lawrence channel, characterized by a
number of small-medium islands with
large estates on them.
~30-50 rolling hills

on river banks; some
rocky bluffs with
exposed outcrops
Very narrow portion of St. Lawrence

river immediately around the I-81 bridge,
characterized by golf course and Mixed
deciduous/evergreen-use development,
parkland, and highway infrastructure.
Views to farm on west side of bridge and
marshlands are striking.
Cluster of islands off of Fishers landing.

Historic Rock Island light house, ship
channel very close to islands, shoreline
development along mainland including
modest homes and marinas. Sparsely
developed Wellesley Island shoreline.
Appendix F
VEGETATION
RATING
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
INV NOTES
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
RATING
WATER FEATURES WATER

INVENTORY NOTES FEATURES
RATING
LAND USE INVENTORY

NOTES
LAND
USE EVAL
RATING
EPHEMERAL
CHAR
INVENTORY
NOTES
Moderately dense 2
urban plantings
and street trees
on shoreline;
diverse mature
plantings with
speciment trees
on islands
Varied- coves,
islands, inlets,
and small
peninsulas;
some variations
are the result
of designed
and engineered
shoreline
structures
Full views of
St. Lawrence
River ~3,0006,000 width;
river narrows
upstream, widens
downstream
Historic castles,
designed landscapes,
working waterfront,
residential, tourism,
commercial
development (historic
and post-WWII)
Shipping/
recreational
boating; night
lights on castle
and in marina
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen
mature forest;
estate landscape
plantings
Varied- coves,
islands, inlets
and peninsulas
Full views of St.

Lawrence River
~1,000-3,000
width
Island estates;
shoreline residential
development
Shipping/
recreational
boating
~10-20 gently
sloping river bank;
several 40 rocky
bluffs on NW river
bank
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen mature
forest; open
lawn and street
plantings near
bridge
Varied- coves,
3
inlets and
penisulas; several
small islands
Full views of St.

Lawrence River
~1,000-3,000
width
Dense trailer
2
development on SE
shoreline; S bank
exurban development;
N bank largely
undeveloped with
limited low density
residential
Shipping/
recreational
boating; I-81
Bridge and
traffic; large
recreational
boats in
Pinehurst Resort
~10-30 gently
sloping southern
river bank; flat
islands with
prominent outcrop
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen
mature forest;
unvegetated
islands; lawn and
street trees on
shoreline
Varied shallow
sloping banks;
small, low rocky
islands; inlet,
cove
Full views of St.

Lawrence River
~3,000-4,500
width
Fisher Landing/Mullen 2
Creek Bay modest
to dense cottage/
marina development.
Houses on islands;
some well sited others
with visual impacts.
Natural shoreline
on Wellesley Island.
Historic light house.
Shipping/
recreational
boating; birds on
rocks
EPHEMERAL
RATING
CULTURAL/HISTORIC
INVENTORY
CULTURAL/
HISTORIC
RATING
SYMBOLIC
VALUE/MEANING
INVENTORY
SYMBOLIC DESIGN OF
VALUE/
STRUCTURES INV
MEANING NOTES
RATING
Historic Boldt Castle
Boldt Castle is
symbolically used
on commercial
materials in Upstate
NY
Boldt castle; Mixed

3
deciduous/evergreen
commercial and marina
structures; distant view
of an estate
Late 19th-mid/late
20th century estates
on shorelines and
islands
Queen Anne style,

fanciful Romanticism
estates; some modest/
large residences on
islands and shoreline
Historic I-81 Bridge
Historic I-81 Bridge
Historic estate and

light house on small
island
Well known light

house and estatemaritime, guilded
age symbolism
DESIGN OF
DESIGN OF
STRUCTURES LANDSCAPES INV
RATING
NOTES
DESIGN OF
LANDSCAPES
RATING
STATE OF UPKEEP INV STATE OF

NOTES
UPKEEP
RATING
Boldt castle island

landscape and
shoreline is expansive
and professionally
designed; hard
engineered shoreline
of Alexandria Bay is a
prominent feature
High on island estate

landscapes; variable
in developed areas of
river bank
Professionally designed
turn of the century
estate landscapes
on islands; more
recent and modest
development on
shoreline; rustic siting
and modest shoreline
improvements on
islands;
Historic bridge;
shoreline has dense
camp cottage
development
Open camp/trailer
landscapes visible
on river bank; some
areas of professional
designed estate
landscapes on islands/
shore.
Dense mid-20th
century housing on
shoreline; larger
cottage residences
on islands, historic
lighthouse
Designed estate
landscape, historic
lighthouse landscape,
extensive suburban
lawns around trailers,
small ranch houses
STATE OF
UPKEEP EVAL
NOTES
DISCORDANT
FEATURES INV
NOTES
DISCORDANT
FEATURES
RATING
tourist signs, cell

tower
High on island estate

landscapes; variable
in developed areas of
river bank
condo complex;
marina
Moderate
Clear cut dense

campground;
bridge/highway
High
Trailer park;
storage building
Appendix F
Physical and Cultural Components (continued)

DRAFT
SUBUNIT
ID
GENERAL NOTES
LANDFORM INV
NOTES (max. relief
over ~ .25 mile,
unless noted)
LANDFORM
RATING
VEGETATION INV
NOTES
River widens with small and medium

sized islands along its edges. Historic
Thousand Islands Park Victorian era
hamlet. Development along Round Top
Island shoreline.
~10-20 river bank,

10-60 relief; ~15
sloping bluffs; one
prominent island
and some small low
islands
~5-30 sloping river

3
bank; rocky shoreline
with a few 30-40
bluffs with Canadian
Shield outcrops
10
Screened views of the river, dense Mixed

deciduous/evergreen use development
village/suburban landscape. Near water
more historic buildings. Marinas and
other marine land use extend from
shoreline back to 12 in pockets. Rolling
terrain.
11
Wide section of the river with small

islands, Grindstone Island shoreline and,
om thje mainland shore: woodlands and
recent development on farmland.
12
13
Appendix F
River narrows between American

shoreline with steep wooded bluffs and
Wolfe Islands easternmost tip on the
Canadian side.
VEGETATION
RATING
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
INV NOTES
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
RATING

RATING
LAND USE INVENTORY

NOTES
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen mature
forest; areas of
lawn, pastures
and speciman
trees
Varied- multiple
sized islands,
coves, inlets and
peninsulas
Full views of St.

Lawrence River
~6,000-10,000
width
Dense residential/
2
trailer/cottage/marina
development on river
bank, islands have
light to moderate
development.
Moderately to sparsely
developed islands.
Shipping/
recreational
boating and
ferry
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen mature
forest on north
bank; lawn and
street plantings
on south bank
Varied- a few
small islands,
coves, inlets
and peninsulas;
engineered
shoreline
structues
Full views of St.

Lawrence River
~4,000-10,000
width
Little development
on northern bank;
urban waterfront on
southern bank
Shipping/
recreational
boating
Waterfront tourism
(nice), marina
Full views of St.

Lawrence River
~10,000- 30,000
width
Half developed
half undeveloped;
moderately dense
residential on
southern bank
Partial to full
views of St.
Lawrence River
screened by
islands ~1,000
width in bay
Low density residential 3

development;
undeveloped farm/
pasture, woodland
and marsh
Recreational
boating; water
fowl
Screened views of
St. Lawrence River
7,000 width

development to east;
high density cottage/
camp development on
Cedar/Breeze Point,
farmland on Canadian
island.State parks
provide recreation and
access to river
Shipping/
recreational
boating
Varied
30-120 high trimount hills, very

unique drumlin
terrain, high steep
bluffs on mainland
shoreline
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen mature
forest
Moderately
varied to straight
~10-30 gently
sloping hills with
marsh fringed river
banks
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen mature
forest; marsh
grass
Vaired- coves,
islands, inlets
and peninsulas
~60-80 verticle rock

cliffs SE river bank;
100 relief gently
sloping hills on SW
bank
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen mature
forest; lawn and
street trees to
east
Undulating
LAND
USE EVAL
RATING
EPHEMERAL
CHAR
INVENTORY
NOTES
Shipping/
recreational
boating and
ferry
EPHEMERAL
RATING
CULTURAL/HISTORIC
INVENTORY
DESIGN OF
DESIGN OF
RATING
NOTES
DESIGN OF
LANDSCAPES
RATING

NOTES
UPKEEP
RATING
Thousand Islands
3
Park historic vacation
village, estates at
western end of
western island
Thousand Island Park 3

symbolic meaning,
estates bygone era
meaning
Mid-late 20th century

large houses, earlier
estates, Thousand
Islands Park 19th
C vacation village,
extensive trailers
and ranch house
development along
south shore
Residential lawns and

sparse planted trees
Low to moderate on
river bank; high on
islands
Historic commercial
buildings; Calumet
Island
St. Marys Church

steeple
Less dense
development; fanciful
Romanticism on
Calumet Island; new
hotels
Pre-development forest 2
and shoreline preserved
on islands and northern
bank
High
Historic comm.
buildings
Comm., new hotels
20th century modest

cottages; large estates/
hotel; mobile homes.
Residential properties
screened from river
High
Modest rural cottages

and park buildings
Undeveloped,
protected park land
Mid-20th century
houses/estates; cliff
stairs and docks
Forest largely preserved 2

on bluff screening
residences
Cliff-side estates
CULTURAL/
HISTORIC
RATING
SYMBOLIC
VALUE/MEANING
INVENTORY
SYMBOLIC DESIGN OF
VALUE/
STRUCTURES INV
MEANING NOTES
RATING
STATE OF
UPKEEP EVAL
NOTES
DISCORDANT
FEATURES INV
NOTES
DISCORDANT
FEATURES
RATING
Engineered
shorelines;
sparse planting
and dense
development
Marina
A few engineered
shorelines
Protected
Few to none
Moderate to high in
developed areas
Staircases to river
Appendix F

DRAFT
SUBUNIT
ID
GENERAL NOTES
LANDFORM INV
NOTES (max. relief
over ~ .25 mile,
unless noted)
LANDFORM
RATING
VEGETATION INV
NOTES
VEGETATION
RATING
15
Includes Millen Bay. Road moves inland

slightly. Area adjacent to the river has
modest houses with views to th river.
Marina and residential development
at Millens bay is notable. Farmland on
Canadian shore (Wolfe Island).
~50 gradually
sloping river banks
wiuth some low
bluffs.
Varied residential
streetscape and
pasture plantings;
Mixed deciduous/
evergreen mature
forest on Beadles
Point
16
Carleton Island and surrounding waters.

Densely developed mainland shoreline.
~10-40 gently
sloping river banks,
pronounced hills on
Carleton Island
Open lawn
and pasture
with scrubby
residential
plantings and
street trees on
southern bank;
open pasture and
old growth forest
on Carlton Island
17
Village of Cape Vincent with water views, ~5-20 gently sloping

shoreline on either side of the village,
river banks; ~20
waters out to Canadian border, Wolfe
limestone outcrops
Island.
Mature street
trees in village,
lawn and pasture
along riverfront
road,residential
plantings.
Lake Ontario and western shores of the

mainland and western edge of Grenadier
Island. Pastureland with low density
residential extending down to the lake
shore with views of the lake screened by
forest in some areas.
~20-40 gently
sloping bank to
viewshed
~20-60 gently
sloping bank to
viewshed
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
INV NOTES
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
RATING

RATING
LAND USE INVENTORY

NOTES
LAND
USE EVAL
RATING
EPHEMERAL
CHAR
INVENTORY
NOTES
Partial to full
views of St.
Lawrence River
~9,000 width
from roadway,
full views from
Cedar Point State
Park and private
residences.
Moderate to dense
residential/cottage/
camp development.
Extensive farmland,
pastures on Canadian
side and inland on
American side. State
parks.
Shipping in
the distance/
recreational
boating
Moderate to
straight with few
coves
Full views of St.

Lawrence River
~6,000-15,000
width. Water
views from road.
Dense residential/
3
cottage/trailer
development on
southern bank; historic
village waterfront,
scenic shoreline
roadway
Shipping /
recreational
boating, eagle
nests on Carlton
Island
Moderate with
coves, piers and
harbors.
Full view of St.

Lawrence River
~6,000-15,000
width
historic town center,

riverfront cottage/
trailer residential,
riverfront estates,
riverfront roadways
Shipping/
recreational
boating and
ferry; vehicle
traffic
Open pasture;
second growth
woodland on
Tibbets Points
Varied- coves,
peninsulas
Lake Ontario,
inlets and coves
Farmland, woodlands,
residential
development along
shoreline, historic
lighthouse
Shipping close to
Tibbetts Point,
bay and weather
features,
wind turbine
movement
when windy.
Sunsets from
Tibbetts Point.
Open pasture
with focal trees,
woodland along
shoreline.
Varied- coves,
islands, inlets
and peninsulas
Lake Ontario,
waters between
grenadieer Island
and mainland
Agriculture; mid
to high density
residential and trailer
development along
shoreline.
Wildlife,
waterfowl,
18
19
20
Appendix E
EPHEMERAL
RATING
CULTURAL/HISTORIC
INVENTORY
CULTURAL/
HISTORIC
RATING
SYMBOLIC
VALUE/MEANING
INVENTORY
SYMBOLIC DESIGN OF
VALUE/
STRUCTURES INV
MEANING NOTES
RATING
DESIGN OF
DESIGN OF
RATING
NOTES
DESIGN OF
LANDSCAPES
RATING

NOTES
UPKEEP
RATING
preserved in some
areas
High
STATE OF
UPKEEP EVAL
NOTES
DISCORDANT
FEATURES INV
NOTES
DISCORDANT
FEATURES
RATING
Dense modest
shoreline
development,
Engineered
shoreline
structures
(rip-rap/steel
bulkhead)
Carleton Island
agriculture; Historic
Neo-gothic estate
ruins, War of 1812,
early settlement
by the French, Fort
Haldiman
Carleton Island
historic agricultural
structures and
extensive colonial
history, American
Indian history and
archaeology.
Dense 20th century

modest residential;
farm structures; neogothic estate ruins
Open cottage/trailer
landscapes visible on
river bank; residential
lawns and trees
planted. Sweeping
agricultural meadows,
crumbling abandoned
estate landscapes
Moderate on
southern bank; high
on Carleton Island.
Abandoned ruins
of gothic estate are
pictoresque in a
haunted way
Open, dense
residential
development
Historic waterfront
buildings, stone
homes and
warehouses, Horne
Ferry, underground
railroad terminal.
Historic waterfront,
links to Canada,
French heritage,
public access to
waterfront.
Historic waterfront
buildings, historic
stone homes,
recent residential
development along the
river.
parks and streetscape
in Cape Vincient, scenic
shoreline road leading
to Tibbetts Point Light.
High; low in some

marina and industrial
areas
Wind turbines;
powerlines; road;
marinas
Tibbets Point
lighthouse, War of
1812 significance
on Grenadier
Island, Doblon Point
Monument, stone
farm houses.
Tibbets Point
lighthouse regional
symbol, War of 1812
significance
Estates; agricultural
structures; mid-20th
century residential
park and landscape at
Tibbets Point
High
Shoreline
residential
development,
wind turbines
on Wolfe Island,
Canada.
Grenadier Island and

Fox Island residential
ruins. War of 1812
sites
Lake Ontario; historic 2

island residences,
farmland, wind
turbines in
distance, shoreline
development.
Historic light house,

20th century
residential and trailer/
campground; historic
estate ruins on islands
Mixed forest
abandoned and
professionally
designed landscapes
on Gredanier and Fox
Islands
Moderate to High in
currently maintained
areas; some areas
abandoned
Shoreline
residential
development,
wind turbines
on Wolfe Island,
successional farm
fields.
Appendix E

DRAFT
SUBUNIT
ID
GENERAL NOTES
LANDFORM INV
NOTES (max. relief
over ~ .25 mile,
unless noted)
LANDFORM
RATING
VEGETATION INV
NOTES

RATING
LAND USE INVENTORY

NOTES
LAND
USE EVAL
RATING
EPHEMERAL
CHAR
INVENTORY
NOTES
DELETE
SUBUNIT
21
Northern bank of Carleton Island
~20-50 moderately
to steeply sloping
river banks; 20
exposed limestone
cliffs2
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen mature
woodland; open
pasture
Moderate to
3
straight shoreline
with cove
Full views of the

St. Lawrence River
~6,000-15,000
width
Boating
~50-80 rocky hills

on river bank; 10-30
bluffs with Canadian
Shield outcrops
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen mature
forest; marsh;
lawn/pasture
Varied- coves,
islands, inlets
and peninsulas
Partial to full
views of the St.
Lawrence River
~15,000 width
Largely undeveloped;
limited residential and
agricultural land use
Recreational
boating, wildlife
~20-50 gently
sloping rocky
river bank; 30
steep shoreline on
surrounding islands
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen mature
forest; marsh;
lawn/pasture
Varied- coves,
islands, inlets
and peninsulas
Partial to full
views of the St.
Lawrence River
~15,000 width
limited residential and
agricultural land use
Wildlife, boating
24
~40-100 moderately
steep shore, medium
whale back islands
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen mature
forest; marsh
along shore;
mainly deciduous
forest East
Varied, moderate 3
Full views of Eel

Bay ~15,000 width
Very little
development. Canoe
Point State park archaeology. Grand
View state park.
Wildlife
25
~30 moderately
sloping rocky banks
on 100 tall large
islands
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen forest;
mainly evergreen
forest to north,
becoming
deciduous south
Steeply sloping
rocky bluffs
Partial views due

to narrow ~1,000
passages opening
up to expansive
views north and
south ~15,000
width
Little development
on larger islands,
small cottages denser
development on
Grenell Island.
Eel bay sunsets.

Wildlife
26
~30-60 gently
sloping shorelines
with 5 rocky edges
on islands
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen mature
forest
Varied
Partial to full
views of the St.
Lawrence River
~3,500 width;
200-500 between
islands
Mainly undeveloped
Shipping/
recreational
boating
28
~10-30 shoreline
with moderate
granite outcrops on
island shoreline
Mature sculpted
trees, dense
forest, marsh
grass edge
Varied, including
small whale back
islands
29
Canadian shield
hillocks and island
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen mature
and (some)
younger vegetaion
near development
Highly varied,
elliptical bay
22
23
Appendix E
Largely islands (much like the coast of

Maine), ((most beautiful yet!))
VEGETATION
RATING
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
INV NOTES
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
RATING
Full views of
Goose Bay ~3,50010,000 eliptical
bay
3
elliptical bay
Moderate sign develop

shoreline, one estate,
small houses on island
Fishing boats
Moderate sign develop 3

shoreline, one estate,
small houses on island
Weeds, millefoil
eutrophication,
fishing
EPHEMERAL
RATING
CULTURAL/HISTORIC
INVENTORY
CULTURAL/
HISTORIC
RATING
SYMBOLIC
VALUE/MEANING
INVENTORY
SYMBOLIC DESIGN OF
VALUE/
STRUCTURES INV
MEANING NOTES
RATING
DESIGN OF
DESIGN OF
RATING
NOTES
Historic estates/
cottages
Carleton Island
historic agricultural
structures
Neo-gothic and rustic

estate structures and
shoreline cottages
preserved on some
estates
High
Agricultural land
Rustic cottage and

agricultural structures
Largely undeveloped,
3
pre-development forest
Moderate to high in
developed areas
Few to none
Agricultural land
State park buildings

and camping facilities
Largely undeveloped,
2
pre-development forest
Moderate to high in
developed areas
Active residential
construction
Grandview
Park - recreation
archaeology,
symbolism
Wellesley Island State

Park facilities
Rustic shorelines
Moderate in
developed areas
Ephemeral
construction
activities
Grenell and Wellesley 3

Island historic
development
Wellesly Island
Mid/late 20th c.
Rustic shorelines
Moderate to high
Some unsightly
rocks (few)
Historic island estates 3
Estates
Gothic, Neo-gothic,
Romantic castles and
estates on islands
Professionally
designed estates; some
undeveloped islands
High
Ruins
Some clear cutting for

new houses, Mid 20th
c. upscale homes
2
DESIGN OF
LANDSCAPES
RATING
Park landscape; open

residential lawn and
tree planting
2

NOTES
UPKEEP
RATING
STATE OF
UPKEEP EVAL
NOTES
DISCORDANT
FEATURES INV
NOTES
DISCORDANT
FEATURES
RATING
3
Moderate
Appendix E

DRAFT
SUBUNIT
ID
GENERAL NOTES
LANDFORM INV
NOTES (max. relief
over ~ .25 mile,
unless noted)
LANDFORM
RATING
VEGETATION INV
NOTES
VEGETATION
RATING
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
INV NOTES
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
RATING

RATING
LAND USE INVENTORY

NOTES
LAND
USE EVAL
RATING
EPHEMERAL
CHAR
INVENTORY
NOTES
30
~10-30 rocky granite

cliffs on smaller
islands; mainly open
water
Mature evergreen
forest on island
shorelines
Varied- coves,
islands, inlets
and peninsulas
Full views of the

St. Lawrence River
~8,500 width
Residential
development at
northeast corner of
subunit. Rest natural
Shipping/
recreational
boating
31
~40 verticle rocky

cliffs on ironsides
island; ~10-30 rocky
granite cliffs on
smaller islands
Mature evergreen
forest on island
shorelines
Varied- coves,
islands, inlets
and peninsulas
Full views of the

St. Lawrence River
~8,000 width
Nature Conservancy
Island, little new
development. State
Park with scenic
campground in Shield
rock area
Shipping
32
~30-80 gently to
moderately sloping
hills with few
outcrops on island
shorelines
Mature pine and

evergreen forest;
marsh
Varied- coves,
islands, inlets
and peninsulas
Full views of
Chippewa Bay
~3,500 width
Moderate dense
development. Marina
and slips
Recreational
boating; wildlife
Varied- coves,
islands, inlets
and peninsulas
Full views of
Chippewa Bay and
the St. Lawrence
River ~6,00020,000 width
Largely undeveloped
with some areas of
light development
Shipping/
recreational
boating; wildlife
Singer Castle on Dark

Island; Estates and
large cottages on
Cedar and Temagami
Island
Shipping/
recreational
boating
33
Chippewa Bay: many small to medium

sized islands, sweeping views within bay
and to the main river, high bluffs and hills
at the eastern end of the bay, route 12
parkweay provides dramatic views of the
bay and the river.
~100-130 prominent 3
relief on river bank,
~20-50 rocky sloping
islands shorelines
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen mature
forest; marsh;
some visible clear
cutting
34
Wide expanses of the river with groups

of small to medium sized islands
including Jorstadft Island, site of the
famous Singer Castle.
~30-40 relief on
Cedar and Dark
Island; mainly open
water
Mixed deciduous/ 2
evergreen
mature forest;
professional
estate plantings
and lawns
35
Large tributary creek with extensive

marshlands and steep, wooded banks.
Very little development.
~10-40 steep
wooded banks.
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen mature
forest border the
extensive open
marsh lands wich
border the creek.
Varied: extensive 3
river meanders
and tributary
brooks.
Large creek 30-50

feet in width with
wider sections
Several rustic cottages. 3

Nature conservancy
island.
Wildlife
36
Wide, somewhat undifferentiated section ~80-120 steep bluffs

of the river with a small group of small
islands. High bluffs on the mainland.
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen mature
forest
Straight to
moderate with
islands; a few
small coves
andOak Point
peninsula
Full views of the

St. Lawrence River
~6,000-8,000
width

development
Shipping/
recreational
boating
Appendix F
EPHEMERAL
RATING
CULTURAL/HISTORIC
INVENTORY
CULTURAL/
HISTORIC
RATING
SYMBOLIC
VALUE/MEANING
INVENTORY
SYMBOLIC DESIGN OF
VALUE/
STRUCTURES INV
MEANING NOTES
RATING
DESIGN OF
DESIGN OF
RATING
NOTES
DESIGN OF
LANDSCAPES
RATING

NOTES
UPKEEP
RATING
STATE OF
UPKEEP EVAL
NOTES
DISCORDANT
FEATURES INV
NOTES
DISCORDANT
FEATURES
RATING
Mid 20th century

residential;
dense discordant
camp/residential
development at Kring
Point
Dense open residential

development visible
at Kring Point;
Kring park landscape
Varied low to high
Decks and marina 3

structures at Kring
Point
Mid 20th century

residential
some open residential
landsacpes
Moderate to high
20th century rustic

residential
Structures screened by
preserved forest
High
Few to none;
marina at
Schermerhorn
Landing
Scenic overlooks
Rustic cottages;
condominium
Designed park and

overlook landscapes,
clear cutting for views
High
Condominium
Singer Castle
Castle, estates/cottages 3
estate landscapes on
islands
High
Dock structures
Natural area,
unspoiled wild lands
Little development,
some scattered houses
Natural landscapes,
small residential
landscapes
Moderate
20th century residential 2
Moderate to high
Singer Castle
Largely pre2
development forest and
shoreline preserved;
some professionally
designed estate
landscapes
Clear cut banks
Appendix F

DRAFT
SUBUNIT
ID
GENERAL NOTES
LANDFORM INV
NOTES (max. relief
over ~ .25 mile,
unless noted)
LANDFORM
RATING
VEGETATION INV
NOTES
37
Group of small to medium sized islands

with considerable recent residential
development along the shoreline and on
some of the islands. Mary Island State
Park and Fairland Island feature steep,
rugged wooded hills.
~20-50 steeply
sloping granite bluffs
on medium sized
islands
38
A long wide bay in Moderate/dense

~20-50 steeply
development on North side near US/CAN sloping granite bluffs
boarder
on medium sized
islands
VEGETATION
RATING
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
INV NOTES
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
RATING

RATING
LAND USE INVENTORY

NOTES
LAND
USE EVAL
RATING
EPHEMERAL
CHAR
INVENTORY
NOTES
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen mature
forest; marsh
grass
Varied- coves,
islands, inlets
and peninsulas
Full views of the

St. Lawrence River
~1,000 width;
~1,000 wide
channels
Exensive recent
waterfront
development, Marys
Island State Park
Recreational
boating, wildlife,
shipping
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen mature
forest
Varied- coves,
islands, inlets
and peninsulas
Full views of
3
Lake of the Isles
~18,000 long
rectangular bay,
narrow ~200 wide
river mouth
Undeveloped;
2
one pocket of
development eastern
end of Wellesley Island
(37) and another (38)
Winding channel
<100 width
Mainly undeveloped,
several docks/
cottages/cabins
Recreational
boating
39
<5 rocky outcrops;

small wetland/
marsh/river inlet
Brownish catails
grass; mixed
deciduous/
evergreen mature
forest, specimen
pines
Winding small
marshy channel,
lilly pads
(sparsely)
40
~20-40 steep rocky

bluffs on narrow
channel between
bays
Mainly evergreen
mature forest
Straight to
moderate
variation
Winding channel
~20-40 width
Some development
41
~10-30 steeply
sloping roche
moutonnee islands
and river banks
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen mature
forest on river
banks; mainly
evergreen forest
on islands
Varied- coves,
islands, inlets
and peninsulas
Partial to full
views of the St.
Lawrence River
~6,000 width
Some low density

development;
Grandview Park, park
development
Recreational
boating
43
~30 rolling hills
Second growth
deciduous/
evergreen
forest; lawn;
highway median
vegetation
N/A
Highway Rt. 12; rural/

exurban residential
development to the
west of stream valley
Highway traffic
Undeveloped;
protected
Wildlife
Highway; low density

residential
Traffic
44
Well defined marshland with little

development; framed by hills.
~30 gently sloping

banks to marshy
creek
Catail grass;
mixed deciduous/
evergreen forest
Varied- creek
channels
45
Parkway-like road with views

and designed pulloffs; otherwise
development limited. Roadcuts exhibit
sedimentary sequence. Wetlands on
river side.
~60 relief
Evergreen with
some deciduous
mature forest;
second growth
forest
N/A
Appendix F
Marshy ponds
Winding creek
<100 width
EPHEMERAL
RATING
CULTURAL/HISTORIC
INVENTORY
CULTURAL/
HISTORIC
RATING
SYMBOLIC
VALUE/MEANING
INVENTORY
SYMBOLIC DESIGN OF
VALUE/
STRUCTURES INV
MEANING NOTES
RATING
DESIGN OF
DESIGN OF
RATING
NOTES
DESIGN OF
LANDSCAPES
RATING

NOTES
UPKEEP
RATING
STATE OF
UPKEEP EVAL
NOTES
DISCORDANT
FEATURES INV
NOTES
DISCORDANT
FEATURES
RATING
Modest mid-late 20th

century architecture
Lawn to Well-Sited
Rustic Shoreline
High

century architecture
Lawn to Well-Sited
Rustic Shoreline
High
US/Canadian
2
border tower, I-81
corridor
Small rustic cabins and

docks
Minimal
Low to undeveloped
Docks at river
mouth
Rustic cottage
architecture
Decks adorn bluffs
Moderate
I-81 bridge
Undeveloped; High in 3
developed park
Few to none
Power lines;
highway;
billboards
US/Canadian border
tower
Minna Anthony
Common Nature
Center
A few rustic cottage

2
structures, a few newer
homes, park buildings,
parking lots, picnic
areas
Undeveloped;
professionally designed
park landscape
War of 1812 site
Modest residential;
industrial/utilitarian
structures
Utilitarian highway
1
right-of-way; open lawn
Low
Black dot on
workshop map.
Feature?
N/A
Woodland meandering
river. N/A
Undeveloped N/A
Modest residential;
industrial/utilitarian
structures
Utilitarian highway
1
right-of-way; open lawn
Moderate
Highway
Highway
Appendix F

DRAFT
SUBUNIT
ID
GENERAL NOTES
LANDFORM INV
NOTES (max. relief
over ~ .25 mile,
unless noted)
LANDFORM
RATING
VEGETATION INV
NOTES
46
Parkway-like road with high ponds/

wetlands on either side. Mixed
deciduous/evergreen forest and larger
outcrops of granite/canadian shield.
~10-50 rolling hill

with large granite
Canadian Shield
outcrops; wetlands
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen forest;
marsh grass
47
Marshland with gracefully curving river.

Small amounts of development inland
(i.e. Lees Bait Shop). Marshland framed
by small/moderate relief with some
minor outcrops.
flat marshland with

occasional woody
rocky hills 20-40
high
Marsh grass with

mature mixed
deciduous/
evergreen forest
borders
49
Agricultural area, relatively flat; great

mature elm trees create a figure on the
side of the road. Old barn structures.
Medium views in length and width.
Farms appear to be in fairly poor
condition/repair in some places. Views
to north end of subunit begin to have
expansive views into Canada (though the
angle is wrong for views of water).
<10 relief, flat
Argricultural
1
vegataion; mature
elm trees CHECK
GROUND LEVEL
PHOTOS
50
Forested drainage with scrubby wetland <10 flat highlands

grass, little development; scrubby
shrubs and Mixed deciduous/evergreen
second growth forest and some patches
of mature forest. Several small ponds.
Telephone poles are a discordant feature.
Mixed deciduous/ 1
evergreen second
growth and
matute forest;
marsh grass with
forest drainage
51
View at 18:45 of water (north side

of subunit). Broad and long views of
pastureland with river in the distance.
Flat to lightly rolling. Cell tower provides
a discordant feature. Historic stone
farmhouses and some barns in disrepair.
Little kelso Settled 1831 by WM Rodger
Family. Named after a farm they left
in Scotland. Nicely formed wind rows
frame views.
<10 mostly flat

1
gently rolling land,
surrounded by a ~2040 buff
Agricultural
vegetaion with
wind rows.
CHECK GROUND
LEVEL PHOTOS
52
Framed by higher topography, mix of

forest types and small farms. Rolling hills
with ponds and small ponds/wetlands.
Canadian shield outcrops. Small view
breadth and length. Mix of small housing
associated. Northereastern wall is a
shear bluff, very distinctive. One of the
most unique landcapes in the project
area. Small scale farms.

with Canadian Shield
outcrops; ~50-80
shear bluff in NW
Appendix F
VEGETATION
RATING
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
INV NOTES

RATING
LAND USE INVENTORY

NOTES
LAND
USE EVAL
RATING
EPHEMERAL
CHAR
INVENTORY
NOTES
Many small ponds

in rolling, rocky
terrain similar to
Canadian Shield
landscapes in
northern Canada
Largely in a natural
state with a highway
and sparse residential
at the edges.
Wildlife habitat,
waterfowl,
beavers
River
Natural landscape
with a few homes in a
compact settlement at
a road crossing
Wildlife habitat,
waterfowl,
beavers, raptors
N/A
Farmland, traditional
and modern farm
buildings, farmsteads
Farm activities,
wildfowl,
raptors
N/A
Small ponds
Mainly undeveloped,
2
little residential
development, some
ex-urban development
N/A
N/A
Farmland; low density 2

residential settlements
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen forest;
marsh grass
N/A
N/A
Small scale farmland;

3
low density residential
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
RATING
Wildlife
EPHEMERAL
RATING
CULTURAL/HISTORIC
INVENTORY
CULTURAL/
HISTORIC
RATING
N/A
Historic farmsteads
and two historic
limestone houses
SYMBOLIC
VALUE/MEANING
INVENTORY
SYMBOLIC DESIGN OF
VALUE/
STRUCTURES INV
MEANING NOTES
RATING
A southerly outlier
of the vast northern
Canadian Shield
pond landscapes
Unspoiled woodland 2
river. Lees Bait Shop
DESIGN OF
DESIGN OF
RATING
NOTES
Very few structures and

residences N/A
Highway designed as
a parkway with no
roadside development
A few homes at road

crossing
N/A
Farm and old barn

structures, modern
farm complexes
Farmland
Modest 20th century

residential structures
Largely undeveloped
wetland/forest N/A
Farmland; manicured
wind rows
Little Kelso- WM
Rodger Family
Farm; historic farm
structures, limestone
houses
20th century
residential/farm
structures; historic
ruins of stone
farmhouses and barns
Stone house, historic

cemetary, traditional
small farmsteads
Modest 20th century

residential/farm
structures
DESIGN OF
LANDSCAPES
RATING

NOTES
UPKEEP
RATING
N/A
STATE OF
UPKEEP EVAL
NOTES
DISCORDANT
FEATURES INV
NOTES
DISCORDANT
FEATURES
RATING
3
Low
Low
Telepohine poles
Moderate
Cell tower
Moderate
Appendix F

DRAFT
SUBUNIT
ID
GENERAL NOTES
LANDFORM
RATING
VEGETATION INV
NOTES
VEGETATION
RATING
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
INV NOTES
56
Amish farms tilled by horse, potential

for views of horse drawn carriages.
from eastern edge;
Scrubbier wind rows. Mix of farm
second escarpment
buildings. Expansive views east from
eastern portion of subunit with no water.
Rolling hills from eastern edge. Eastern
edge of subunit, farms become smaller,
closer in scale to those of pleasant
valley. Impacted by power lines. Some
debate about boundary between unit 55
and 56. Second escarpment.
Agricultural
vegetation with
wind rows
N/A
58
Mixed deciduous/
evergreen mature
forest; agricultural
vegetation
59
Highway median
vegetation
N/A
60
Mixed deciduous/ 2
evergreen mature
forest; swamp
vegetation
N/A
61
Agricultural
vegetation with
wind rows
N/A
62
Mixed deciduous/ 2
evergreen
secondary growth
and mature
forest; swamp
vegetation
N/A
Mixed deciduous/ 2
evergreen secondgrowth and
mature forest;
lawn
Straight
Straight
63
64
Appendix F
LANDFORM INV
NOTES (max. relief
over ~ .25 mile,
unless noted)
~60-100 moderately
sloping river banks
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
RATING
N/A

RATING
Ponds; swamps
Ponds; swamps
LAND USE INVENTORY

NOTES
LAND
USE EVAL
RATING
Small to moderate
scale farmland; low
density residential
settlements
Moderate scale
farmland
Route 37/58/12
junction
Low density
1
residential/commercial
development
Small scale farmland;

2
Swamps
Partial to full
views of the St.
Lawrence River
~5,500-6,000
width
Partial to full
views of the St.
Lawrence River
~5,500-6,000
width
Moderately dense
residential
EPHEMERAL
CHAR
INVENTORY
NOTES
Traffic
Shipping
EPHEMERAL
RATING
CULTURAL/HISTORIC
INVENTORY
CULTURAL/
HISTORIC
RATING
Amish farms,
numerous historic
stone houses
SYMBOLIC
VALUE/MEANING
INVENTORY
SYMBOLIC DESIGN OF
VALUE/
STRUCTURES INV
MEANING NOTES
RATING
DESIGN OF
DESIGN OF
RATING
NOTES
DESIGN OF
LANDSCAPES
RATING

NOTES
UPKEEP
RATING
20th century
residential/farm
structures
Low to moderate
20th century
residential/farm
structures
Moderate scale farms;

unmanicured wind
rows
STATE OF
UPKEEP EVAL
NOTES
DISCORDANT
FEATURES INV
NOTES
DISCORDANT
FEATURES
RATING
Power lines
Race course
Modest to large 20th

century residential
development
Highway landscape
Engineered shorelines;
clear cut areas
and lawns around
development; several
professionally designed
residential landscapes
with specimen trees
Moderate
Docks; clear
cutting
Appendix F

DRAFT
SUBUNIT
ID
GENERAL NOTES
LANDFORM INV
NOTES (max. relief
over ~ .25 mile,
unless noted)
LANDFORM
RATING
VEGETATION INV
NOTES
65
Narrower section of the river with a

large grouping of middle sized islands
on the Canadian side abutting the
subunit. Mopst of the Canadian islands
are undeveloped and protected as open
space by the city of Brockville.
Varies ~20-30 gently

sloping banks, ~60
steep rocky bluffs
67
Flat to moderately rolling farmland with

occasional forest and no views of the
river.
~30-80 hills with flat

lowlands
68
Small farms in woodland patches

and deciduous windrows with hilly,
rocky, scrubby terrain on the edge of
a significant cut down to shield/marsh
lowland.
~60-100 rocky hills
69
Swampy terrain, bordered by strong

~30 relief around
topographic relief. Very light agricultural <10 marsh terrain
land, ponds and marshgrass, Mixed
deciduous/evergreen forest. Very limited
views, significant sense of enclosure.
70
View at 18:45 of water (north side

of subunit). Broad and long views of
pastureland with river in the distance.
Flat to lightly rolling. Cell tower provides
a discordant feature. Historic stone
farmhouses and some barns in disrepair.
Little kelso Settled 1831 by WM Rodger
Family. Named after a farm they left
in Scotland. Nicely formed wind rows
frame views.
72
Medium scale farming, town of Omar,

patches of Mixed deciduous/evergreen
mature and significant Mixed deciduous/
evergreen second growth woodland. A
steep bluff in this area is largely masked
by forest forest. Small creeks and ponds
become focal points.
74
Marshland with limited development.

~30-40 relief along
Bordered by beautiful rolling farmland
marshy creek
with views down to the marshland.
Near Clayton marinas and poorly
sited development dominate wetland.
Significant views of the st. Lawrence from
the developed portion.
Appendix F
VEGETATION
RATING
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
INV NOTES
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
RATING

RATING
LAND USE INVENTORY

NOTES
LAND
USE EVAL
RATING
EPHEMERAL
CHAR
INVENTORY
NOTES
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen mature
forest; lawn
Straight to
moderate river
bank; small
islands and inlet
Partial to full
views of the St.
Lawrence River
~5,500 width
Low density
residential; water
front village; park
Shipping
Forest;
agricultural
vegetation
N/A
Farmland
Forest; shrubs;
3
agricultural
vegetation with
deciduous wind
rows; clear cutting
near marsh
N/A
Small scale farmland
Marsh grass;
agricultural
vegetaion; mixed
deciduous/
evergreen forest
N/A
Low density small

scale farmland
<10 mostly flat

1
gently rolling land,
surrounded by a ~2040 buff
Agricultural
vegetaion with
wind rows.
CHECK GROUND
LEVEL PHOTOS
N/A
<10-30 gently rolling

hills; steep ~80 bluff
Agricultural
2
vegetation;
mixed deciduous/
evergreen secondgrowth and
mature forest
Marsh grass;
agricultural
vegetaion
N/A
Marsh; ponds
N/A
Farmland; low density 2

residential settlements
Small creeks and

ponds
Medium scale
farmland; town of
Omar
Limited development
near marsh; farmland
Partial to full
views of the St.
Lawrence River;
marsh
EPHEMERAL
RATING
CULTURAL/HISTORIC
INVENTORY
CULTURAL/
HISTORIC
RATING
Morristown,
Chapman Point
mansion?
SYMBOLIC DESIGN OF
VALUE/
STRUCTURES INV
MEANING NOTES
RATING
DESIGN OF
DESIGN OF
RATING
NOTES
Modest structures;
estate
Watervillage residential 2
and street plantings;
professionally design
estate
20th century farm

structures
Farmland
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
No human features
N/A
20th century
residential/farm
ruins of stone
Little Kelso- WM
Rodger Family
Farm; historic farm
structures, limestone
houses
SYMBOLIC
VALUE/MEANING
INVENTORY
Farmland; manicured
wind rows
20th century
residential/farm
structures
N/A
DESIGN OF
LANDSCAPES
RATING

NOTES
UPKEEP
RATING
Low to moderate
Moderate
Farmland; undeveloped
marsh
STATE OF
UPKEEP EVAL
NOTES
DISCORDANT
FEATURES INV
NOTES
Marina;
condominiums in
Morris Town
Cell tower
Moderate
DISCORDANT
FEATURES
RATING
N/A
Clayton marina/
development
Appendix F

DRAFT
SUBUNIT
ID
GENERAL NOTES
LANDFORM INV
NOTES (max. relief
over ~ .25 mile,
unless noted)
LANDFORM
RATING
VEGETATION INV
NOTES
VEGETATION
RATING
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
INV NOTES
77
Raised wooded area with steep bluffs on

either side. These landforms have been
mined for gravel extraction. Mine/pit
creates a significant discordant feature in
this area.
<10-30
highlands,~100
steep relief on S and
E edge
Forest
N/A
Mine/gravel extraction 1
78
Flat farmland to the south of the forest

patches with moderately maintained
agricultural land and a mix of historic
farmhouses and recent modest to lowend houses. Hedgerow fields. Several
clusters of trailers.
<10 mostly flat to

moderately sloping
Mature forest;
agricultural
vegetation
N/A
Farmland; low density

residential/trailer
development
81
Mouth of marshland and river with a

moderately developed marina landscape
in a rectangular bay.
~30-80 relief along

3
marshy creek and
river/rectangular bay
Marsh grasses
Marina, farmland,
residential homes,
trailer park. Eastern
half consists of
successional farmland
and undeveloped tree
and shrub wetlands
82
Farmland on slight to moderately rolling

topography with forest areas and
windrows. Farmland becomes more
maintained closer to the St. Lawrence.
Some distant views of the river and Lake
Ontario from higher ground close to the
river in this area.
Gradual, steady
2
slopes down towards
the river and lake;
rolling hills
Agricultural
vgetation with
wind rows; mixed
deciduous/
evergreen mature
forest
N/A
Farmland
83
Small pastureland with low density

residential extending down to the lake
shore with views of the lake screened by
forest.
Gently inclining
down to shoreline.
N/A
84
Low marshland with little development

on either side extending to the lake.
Moderate topographic relief on either
side creates some enclosure. Road
creates a levee or small dam on the lake
side of this area blocking views of the
ocean from this subunit
~10-40 relief
surrounding marsh/
lake
Rounded
peninsula with
even shoreline
Undeveloped
marshland with
densely wooded
shoreline with second
growth forest/scrub
located behind.
85
Tibbetts Point light house. Pastureland

and low woodlands and successional
fields with low density residential
extending down to the lake shore with
views of the lake screened by forest.
Rollig terrain
extending down to
the shorelie.
Curving shoreline 3
with multiple
points and bays
86
Historic river road close to waterfront

with mix of historic estate an more
recent residential development on the
south (inland) side of the road.
Flat to gently rolling.
Appendix F
Marsh grasses
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
RATING

RATING
Very distant views

of river, lake
LAND USE INVENTORY

NOTES
LAND
USE EVAL
RATING
EPHEMERAL
CHAR
INVENTORY
NOTES
Farm activity,
wildlife along
edges of
woodlands/
fields
Sunsets, wildlife,
butterflies
(ample
milkweed)
EPHEMERAL
RATING
CULTURAL/HISTORIC
INVENTORY
CULTURAL/
HISTORIC
RATING
SYMBOLIC
VALUE/MEANING
INVENTORY
Historic farmhouses.
Rosiere and Saint
Lawrence villages
Site of first French

settlements by
Chaumont, French
culture and
traditions
SYMBOLIC DESIGN OF
VALUE/
STRUCTURES INV
MEANING NOTES
RATING
DESIGN OF
DESIGN OF
RATING
NOTES
Forest; industrial mine/

gravel pit

NOTES
UPKEEP
RATING
Low
Trailers, Industrial
farm buildings
and modern barn
yards.
Farmland, residential
gardens
Marina
Marina
Farmland
N/A
N/A
Recent homes on
south side of road.
Some older homes and
estates.
Low to high (toward

the St. Lawrence
River), abandoned
farmland
DISCORDANT
FEATURES INV
NOTES
Mine/gravel pit
20th century
residential/farm
STATE OF
UPKEEP EVAL
NOTES
DESIGN OF
LANDSCAPES
RATING
DISCORDANT
FEATURES
RATING
Prison,
quarries
N/A
N/A
wild land
Abandoned
successopmal
farmland.
Appendix F

DRAFT
SUBUNIT
ID
GENERAL NOTES
LANDFORM INV
NOTES (max. relief
over ~ .25 mile,
unless noted)
LANDFORM
RATING
VEGETATION INV
NOTES
VEGETATION
RATING
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
INV NOTES
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
RATING

RATING
LAND USE INVENTORY

NOTES
LAND
USE EVAL
RATING
87
Historic village center. Mature elm

street trees create a pleasant main
street. Dynamic pedestrian oriented
village streets with active businesses,
restaurants, museums.
<5 to 10 relief
Mature street
trees overhang
Main Street
N/A
N/A
This subunit does

not have water
views.
Historic, walkable
village center:
residential, small
scale traditional
commercial,
restaurants, historic
sites.
88
Road along the river is a very attractive

parkland setting with low-end to modest
residential houses on the landward side.
Multiple river views from a very well
maintained edge. Houses have created
small walkways down to the river.
~15 to 30 relief
along river bank
Mature trees line

the roadway
Linear shoreline
Partial to full
views of the St.
Lawrence River
Mix of historic and

modern residential
development; park,
farmland, historic
cemetary along
waterfront roadway.
93
<10-40 rolling hills
Residential
tree and lawn
plantings; second
growth forest;
pasture
N/A
Commerical/
1
residential/agricultural
development
94
~10-20 gently
sloping hills
Highway median
vegetation;
residential
tree and lawn
plantings; mixed
deciduous/
evergreen second
growth and
mature forest;
pasture; swamp
N/A
No views of water
Highway I-81;
commerical
development;
undeveloped
95
~20-40 genly sloping

hills in E; ~80 steep
hill surrounded by
~40 steep hills in W
with some Canadian
Shield outcrops
Mixed deciduous/ 2
evergreen
secondary growth
and mature
forest; swamp
vegetation; trail
grass
N/A
Ponds
occasional residential/
agricultural
development; motor
vehicle trails
Appendix F
EPHEMERAL
CHAR
INVENTORY
NOTES
Sunrises
and sunsets,
shipping,
wildlife are
visible from
the roadway
which hugs
the shoreline.
Waerfowl.
Traffic
EPHEMERAL
RATING
CULTURAL/HISTORIC
INVENTORY
Historic village with

3
historic homes, stone
houses, historic
sites and traditional
tree-lined residential
streets. Possible
Underground
Railroad terminal.
One of the most

3
historic villages
in the study area.
Residents are
very proud of the
village and town.
Traditional village
center symbolises
small town living and
the historic origins of
the area.
Many historic
residential,
commercial, and
cultural uses of high
quality design.
Historic cemetary,
farmland, river
overlooks
One of the few

roads that line the
riverfront providing
full visual access to
the river from the
roadway.
Low-end to modest
2
20th century residential
structures. Some
historic structures,
overlooks and an
historic cemetary.
20th century
1
commercial/
residential/trailer/farm
structures
20th century
commercial structures
Highway landscape;
swamp

century residential/
farm structures
Forest and swamp with

trail system N/A
Parkway
N/A
CULTURAL/
HISTORIC
RATING
SYMBOLIC
VALUE/MEANING
INVENTORY
N/A
SYMBOLIC DESIGN OF
VALUE/
STRUCTURES INV
MEANING NOTES
RATING
DESIGN OF
DESIGN OF
RATING
NOTES
3
DESIGN OF
LANDSCAPES
RATING

NOTES
UPKEEP
RATING
STATE OF
UPKEEP EVAL
NOTES
Historic village center

3
landscapes of mature
street trees, parks,
pedestrian features and
well tended gardens.
High
A neat,
No discordant
dynamic and features of any
well cared for magnitude
village center.
park, cemetary,
roadway verge.
High
DISCORDANT
FEATURES INV
NOTES
Residential
walkways to river
DISCORDANT
FEATURES
RATING
Moderate to high in
devevloped areas
low to moderate
Appendix F

DRAFT
SUBUNIT
ID
GENERAL NOTES
VEGETATION INV
NOTES
VEGETATION
RATING
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
INV NOTES

2
with ~50 relief S side
Mature evergreen
forest; mixed
deciduous/
evergreen
secondary growth
N/A
99
~20-70 steep
hills with granite
Canadian Shield
outcrops
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen second
growth and
mature forest;
swamp vegetation
N/A
100
~30-80 steep hills

with steep bluff in
the N
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen second
growth and
mature forest;
swamp vegetation
N/A
Flat to gently rolling

terrain. Wetlands
are in low-lying
depressions.
Mixed deciduous/ 2
evergreen second
growth and
mature forest.
Open marshaland
and farm fields at
the edges of the
subunit.
N/A
~10-40 gently
sloping hills
Old growth mixed 3

forest; open fields
N/A
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen
second growth
and mature
forest; swamp
vegetation; lawn
N/A
97
LANDFORM INV
NOTES (max. relief
over ~ .25 mile,
unless noted)
LANDFORM
RATING
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
RATING

RATING
LAND USE INVENTORY

NOTES
LAND
USE EVAL
RATING
EPHEMERAL
CHAR
INVENTORY
NOTES
Scattered farms, older

residences
Traffic
Swamps
Largely undeveloped
with low density
residential
development
N/A
Large stream,
meadows, fields,
open marshland,
ponds.
Largely undeveloped
with occasional
residential
development
Wildlife
Open marshland,
small streams,
beaver ponds.
Largely undeveloped
with low density
residential
development
Wildlife,
waterfowl,
extensive tracts
of undeveloped
woodlands,
marshes and
open fields.
Indiana bats in
wetlands areas.
Abandoned/
undeveloped
Bald eagle nest
Largely undeveloped; 3
development; pastures
and meadows, mature
woodlands, farmland
and grazing.
98 (see 73)
101
104
105
Appendix F
Wetland forests, open marsh, upland

successional hardwood forests and farm
fields and meadows around the edges
of the subunit. Subunit consists of two
separate sections north of St. Lawrence
and Rosiere.
Interior of Grindstone Island: meadows, <10-20 relief with

rocky hills, mature forests . Varied views Canadian Shield
of the meadows and distant screened
outcrops
views of the river from the higher
elevations or from the meadows;
Swamps; ponds
Loon nesting
sites
EPHEMERAL
RATING
CULTURAL/HISTORIC
INVENTORY
CULTURAL/
HISTORIC
RATING
SYMBOLIC
VALUE/MEANING
INVENTORY
N/A
DESIGN OF
DESIGN OF
RATING
NOTES
DESIGN OF
LANDSCAPES
RATING
Undeveloped

century residential
structures

century residential/
farm structures
Undeveloped
N/A
N/A
N/A Undeveloped
N/A
Modest 20th century

residential/farm
structures
Historic small farm

landscape
N/A
N/A
American Indian
grave site,
abandoned mansion
SYMBOLIC DESIGN OF
VALUE/
STRUCTURES INV
MEANING NOTES
RATING
St. Lawrence Union

Cemetery
Unique large,
undeveloped
natural and farming
islands with some
public accessibility.
Symbolizes the
traditional, sparsely
developed publicly
accessible Thousand
Islands.
N/A
N/A
Forest; pasture

NOTES
UPKEEP
RATING
DISCORDANT
FEATURES INV
NOTES
DISCORDANT
FEATURES
RATING
Moderate in
developed areas
Low to moderate in
developed areas
A few roadside
residences
Fields mowed/Grazed 3
STATE OF
UPKEEP EVAL
NOTES
High
Sand pits
Appendix F

DRAFT
SUBUNIT
ID
GENERAL NOTES
LANDFORM INV
NOTES (max. relief
over ~ .25 mile,
unless noted)
LANDFORM
RATING
VEGETATION INV
NOTES
107
Interior of Wellesley Island consisting

of large open meadows and fields
surrounded by steep, wooded hills some
of which are within the subunit itself.
The subunit is bisected by Route 81
which resembles a scenic parkway as it
crosses the Thousand Islands.
~40-90 bluffs along

N/W/S edges;
~10-40 hills with
Canadian Shield
outcrops and marsh.
Dramatic rift gorge
north of Route 81 on
the Canadian border.
~1-40 highway
corridor
109
Appendix F
VEGETATION
RATING
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
INV NOTES
SHORELINE
CONFIGURATION
RATING

RATING
LAND USE INVENTORY

NOTES
LAND
USE EVAL
RATING
EPHEMERAL
CHAR
INVENTORY
NOTES
Mixed deciduous/ 3
evergreen second
growth and
mature forest;
marsh grasses;
lawn
Dramatic
shoreline in
rift gorge
and in ponds
throughout the
subunit.
Marsh; ponds,
narrow rift
gorge
Park development/
protected landscape;
many parks including
Grand View,
Waterson Point parks
and Boldt Farm.
Occasional residential
development
Wildlife. Varied
vegetation types
and extensive
edges between
successional
fields and
woodlands.
Sunsets over Eel
Bay, traffic on
Route 81.
Highway median
3
vegetation; marsh
grasses
N/A
Marsh
Parkway/Freeway
Traffic
EPHEMERAL
RATING
CULTURAL/HISTORIC
INVENTORY
CULTURAL/
HISTORIC
RATING
SYMBOLIC
VALUE/MEANING
INVENTORY
SYMBOLIC DESIGN OF
VALUE/
STRUCTURES INV
MEANING NOTES
RATING
DESIGN OF
DESIGN OF
RATING
NOTES
DESIGN OF
LANDSCAPES
RATING

NOTES
UPKEEP
RATING
Minna Anthony
Common Nature
Center, Boldt
Farmstead
Nature conservation
and education.
Undeveloped,
natural Thousand
Islands.
20th century
residential/farm
structures, modest
homes, modernist
cultural building
park landscape;
pasture, active farm
and meadow lands,
parkway landscapes
Low; high in park
Parkway to
International Border
Highway/Boarder
Patrol complex
Highway landscape
Moderate
STATE OF
UPKEEP EVAL
NOTES
DISCORDANT
FEATURES INV
NOTES
DISCORDANT
FEATURES
RATING
Canadian border
observation
tower, rock cuts
for Route 81,
customs buildings
and parking lots.
Parking lot/
storage building
(Otter Point Rd/
CR-191)
Appendix F
Views and Public Recognition/Accessibility

DRAFT
SUBUNIT ID
COASTAL
COASTAL
LENGTH INV LENGTH BREADTH
BREADTH
VIEWSHED INV VIEWSHED NOTES
RATING INV NOTES RATING
NOTES
RATING
BACKGROUND
INV NOTES
BACKGROUND COMPOSITION COMPOS.

RATING
INV NOTES
RATING
FOCAL
FOCAL VARIETY UNITY
POINTS
POINTS RATING RATING
INV NOTES RATING
CONTRAST
RATING
UNIQUENESS PUBLIC
RATING
RECOG.
RATING
VISUAL
ACCESS.
RATING
Full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Moderate
to Long
Widest180+ from
islands
Historic
structures;
estate
landscapes;
developed
shorelines
Numerous/
diverse site
features,
landforms
and other
compositional
elements
Castle,
3
island
estate
landscapes
Partially
screened to
full views of
water; primary
viewshed
Small
Varies2
180+ from
estate
islands, 90180 from
shoreline/
vegetated
islands
Mixed
deciduous/
evergreen
forest/islands
Numerous/
diverse site
features,
landforms
and other
compositional
elements
Island
2
estate
landscapes
Full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Small
Narrowest 2
river
channel
near
bridge; 90180 from
shoreline
Bridge;
campground
development
Bridge and
narrow
channel
I-81 Bridge 3
Full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Small to
moderate
Widest180+ from
islands
Mostly
developed
shoreline
with lighter
development
on northern
bank
Numerous low 3
islands and
outcrops
Rocky
islands;
lighthouse
Full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Long
Widest180+ from
islands
Low rocky
2
islands; historic
homes
Variety of
discordant
features limit
composition
on river bank;
diverse views
on islands
Full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Long
Wide- 180
Undeveloped
3
northern bank;
Clayton
Numerous/
diverse site
features,
landforms
and other
compositional
elements
Appendix F
Pine
Island;
Calumet
Island; St.
Marys
Church
steeple
Composite Scores
COUNT
(Water and Shoreline
Count 1x)
SUM
(Water and
Shoreline
2x)
AVG. SCORE
(Water and
Shoreline
2x)
COUNT 1
(Water and
Shoreline Count
2x)
COUNT 2
(Water and
Shoreline Count
2x)
COUNT 3
(Water and
Shoreline
Count 2x)
WGT. COUNT
Count 2x)
% COMMON
% NOTEWORTHY
% DISTINCTIVE
OVERALL
RATING
24
69
2.875
18
26
27
69
24
69
2.875
17
26
35
65
24
70
2.917
19
26
23
73
24
69
2.875
17
26
35
65
24
66
2.75
10
15
26
38
58
24
75
3.125
24
27
11
89
Appendix F
Views and Public Recognition/Accessibility (continued)

DRAFT
SUBUNIT ID
COASTAL
COASTAL
BREADTH
NOTES
RATING
10
BACKGROUND
INV NOTES

RATING
INV NOTES
RATING
FOCAL
FOCAL VARIETY UNITY
POINTS
INV NOTES RATING
CONTRAST
RATING
UNIQUENESS PUBLIC
RATING
RECOG.
RATING
VISUAL
ACCESS.
RATING
Church
steeple
11
Screened to
full views of
water; primary
viewshed
Long
Wide- 180
Lightly
developed to
undeveloped
river bank
Moderately
varied
shoreline
with few focal
points
12
Screened to
full views of
river; primary
viewshed
Limited to
Moderate
Moderate90-180 on
river bank
Undeveloped,
wooded
shoreline
Varied
3
undeveloped
shoreline,
marshland and
pasture
Marsh
points
and inlets;
farm
and park
structures
13
Screened
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Long
Wide- 180
from clifftop
Distant
Canadian river
bank
Structures and
forest of cliff
Cliff stairs;
cascading
tree roots
15
Screened to
full views of
water; primary
viewshed
Very Long
Widest180+
Distant
Canadian river
bank
Few focal
points and
relatively
homogenous
shoreline
features
16
Full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Very Long
Widest180+
Distant
Canadian
river bank,
Wolfe Island,
Carleton
Island, trailer
park/modest
residential
shoreline on
mainland.
Historic
agricultural
structures;
relatively
homogenous
southern
shoreline
features
Carleton
Island
structures
17
Full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Very Longlimited
by flat
topography
Widest180+
Wolfe Island
farmland wind
turbines; lake.
Variety of
3
village, historic
waterfront,
residential,
commercial,
estate and
agricultrual
features
Wind
turbines;
Appendix F
Composite Scores (continued)

COUNT
Count 1x)
SUM
(Water and
Shoreline
2x)
AVG. SCORE
(Water and
Shoreline
2x)
COUNT 1
(Water and
Shoreline Count
2x)
COUNT 2
(Water and
Shoreline Count
2x)
COUNT 3
(Water and
Shoreline
Count 2x)
WGT. COUNT
Count 2x)
% COMMON
% NOTEWORTHY
% DISTINCTIVE
OVERALL
RATING
23
31
1.348
20
25
80
16
24
63
2.625
15
11
26
58
42
22
62
2.818
17
23
22
74
23
56
2.435
11
26
23
35
42
23
49
2.130
12
25
28
48
24
24
64
2.667
12
13
26
46
50
24
68
2.833
18
26
23
69
Appendix F

DRAFT
SUBUNIT ID
COASTAL
COASTAL
BREADTH
NOTES
RATING
BACKGROUND
INV NOTES

RATING
INV NOTES
RATING
FOCAL
FOCAL VARIETY UNITY
POINTS
INV NOTES RATING
CONTRAST
RATING
UNIQUENESS PUBLIC
RATING
RECOG.
RATING
VISUAL
ACCESS.
RATING
19
Full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Very long
Widest180+
Lake horizon,
Grenadier
Island, Charity
Shoal Light
House
Lake Ontario
Tibbets
Point
lighthouse
20
Full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Long to very 3
long
Widest180
Undeveloped
islands; lake
horizon
Numerous/
diverse site
features,
landforms
and other
compositional
elements
Tibbetts
1
Point and
Charity
Shoal light
houses,
Chimney
ruins
visible on
low islands
DELETE
SUBUNIT 21
Full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Very Long
Widest180+
Distant
Canadian river
bank
Variety of
3
residential and
agricultural
landscapes/
structures
and geologic
features
provide
compositional
opportunities
NeoGothic
estates;
cliffs
22
Screened
to full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Long;
moderate
between
islands
Widest180+
Distant
Canadian
river bank and
islands
Topographic
3
relief, outcrops
and forest on
islands
Cottages;
Canadian
Shield
outcrops
23
Screened
to full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Long;
moderate
between
islands
Widest180+
Distant
Canadian
river bank and
islands
Topographic
3
relief, outcrops
and forest on
islands
Cottages;
Canadian
Shield
outcrops
Appendix E

COUNT
Count 1x)
SUM
(Water and
Shoreline
2x)
AVG. SCORE
(Water and
Shoreline
2x)
COUNT 1
(Water and
Shoreline Count
2x)
COUNT 2
(Water and
Shoreline Count
2x)
COUNT 3
(Water and
Shoreline
Count 2x)
WGT. COUNT
Count 2x)
% COMMON
% NOTEWORTHY
% DISTINCTIVE
OVERALL
RATING
24
70
2.917
19
26
23
73
24
66
2.75
10
15
26
38
58
24
72
23
27
85
24
73
3.042
22
26
12
85
24
70
2.917
20
27
19
74
Appendix E

DRAFT
SUBUNIT ID
COASTAL
COASTAL
BREADTH
NOTES
RATING
BACKGROUND
INV NOTES

RATING
INV NOTES
RATING
FOCAL
FOCAL VARIETY UNITY
POINTS
INV NOTES RATING
CONTRAST
RATING
UNIQUENESS PUBLIC
RATING
RECOG.
RATING
VISUAL
ACCESS.
RATING
24
Screened
to full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Very long
Widest180+
Deciduous
trees on half
(east) Mixed
deciduous/
evergreen on
half (south)
Open bay
provides a
frame for
several islands
Islands
(several
small
ones) to
the NE,
Large
whaleback
form on
shoreline
SE
25
Screened
to full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Moderate
to Long
(varies)
Expansive
N/S,
limited in
passages
Distant
Canadian (N)
and US (S)
shoreline
26
Screened
to full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Long
Widest180+
Islands; historic 3
structures and
low density
development
Medium
29
Striking
3
island figures;
development
on Grenell is
heterogenous/
cluttered
Tower on
3
long rock is
dominent
Variety of
landscape and
architectural
features
Estate
30
Screened
to full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Long
Widest180+
US and distant
Canadian river
banks
Varied island
shoreline,
river bank and
topographical
features
Kring Point 1
parks
bridge
31
Full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Long
Widest180+
Largely
undeveloped
river banks
Varied
shoreline and
topographical
features
Ironsides
Island
32
Full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Moderate
Widest180+
Undeveloped
marsh/
woodland
islands;
low density
residential
development
Strong sense
of enclosure
within Bay
Indian
Point;
islands
Appendix E

COUNT
Count 1x)
SUM
(Water and
Shoreline
2x)
AVG. SCORE
(Water and
Shoreline
2x)
COUNT 1
(Water and
Shoreline Count
2x)
COUNT 2
(Water and
Shoreline Count
2x)
COUNT 3
(Water and
Shoreline
Count 2x)
WGT. COUNT
Count 2x)
% COMMON
% NOTEWORTHY
% DISTINCTIVE
OVERALL
RATING
24
75
3.125
24
27
11
89
24
73
3.042
22
26
12
85
24
71
2.958
20
26
19
77
24
70
2.917
19
27
30
70
24
61
2.542
15
26
23
19
58
24
71
2.958
21
26
12
81
24
70
2.917
18
26
31
69
Appendix E

DRAFT
SUBUNIT ID
COASTAL
COASTAL
BREADTH
NOTES
RATING
33
Full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Long
Widest180+
34
Full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Very long
35
Full
unobstructed
views of
creek; primary
viewshed
Moderate
36
Screened
to full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
37
Full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
38
Full
unobstructed
views of
Lake of the
Isles; primary
viewshed
39
40
Appendix F

RATING
INV NOTES
RATING
FOCAL
FOCAL VARIETY UNITY
POINTS
INV NOTES RATING
CONTRAST
RATING
UNIQUENESS PUBLIC
RATING
RECOG.
RATING
VISUAL
ACCESS.
RATING
Islands
Widest180+
Dark Island 3
and Singer
Castle
Narrow
Canadian
Shield river
banks
Creek
meanders,
varied
shoreline
enhance
composition
Moderate
Widest180
Canadian river
banks
Little variety
A few
1
small
island; Oak
Point
Moderate
Widest180+
Variety of
developed and
undeveloped
islands
Gracefull
curving island
masses
Large
residences
and
estates
Small to
moderate
Moderate90-180
Forested
shoreline
Gracefull
curving island
masses
US/
Canadian
border
tower;
points and
islands in
bay
Marsh channel 3
opening up to
bay; secondary
viewshed
Small
Small- 90
Striking
contrast
between
marsh grass
and wooded
shoreline
Specimen
trees
Narrow
passage
Small
Small- <90
Narrow
passage
accentuates
shoreline
variation
Staircases
BACKGROUND
INV NOTES
Narrow, steep
bluffs opening
up to bay

COUNT
Count 1x)
SUM
(Water and
Shoreline
2x)
AVG. SCORE
(Water and
Shoreline
2x)
COUNT 1
(Water and
Shoreline Count
2x)
COUNT 2
(Water and
Shoreline Count
2x)
COUNT 3
(Water and
Shoreline
Count 2x)
WGT. COUNT
Count 2x)
% COMMON
% NOTEWORTHY
% DISTINCTIVE
OVERALL
RATING
24
76
3.167
24
26
92
23
68
2.957
18
25
28
72
21
57
2.714
13
13
27
48
48
24
56
2.333
10
10
26
23
38
38
24
57
2.375
11
10
26
19
42
38
24
59
2.458
15
27
11
56
33
23
56
2.435
13
24
17
29
54
24
55
2.292
15
26
15
58
27
Appendix F

DRAFT
SUBUNIT ID
COASTAL
COASTAL
BREADTH
NOTES
RATING
BACKGROUND
INV NOTES

RATING
INV NOTES
RATING
FOCAL
FOCAL VARIETY UNITY
POINTS
INV NOTES RATING
CONTRAST
RATING
UNIQUENESS PUBLIC
RATING
RECOG.
RATING
VISUAL
ACCESS.
RATING
41
Screened
to full
unobstructed
views of
water; primary
viewshed
Canadian
islands and
river bank
Variety
3
of islands
provides many
beautiful
scenes
Small
wooded
islands
framed by
43
Secondary
viewshed;
limited to no
views
Second growth 1
forest
Variety of
discordant
features
Billboards
44
Screened
views of
marshy creek;
secondary
viewshed for
St. Lawrence
River
Forest and
marsh
Creek features
45
Goose Bay
Proximity to
1
Goose Bay and
encompassing
features
Islands and 1
structures
in Goose
Bay
46
47
Wind row
framed views
Higher
topography
frames views
of diverse
landforms
49
Secondary
viewshed;
full views of
Canada in NE
50
51
Full views of
pastures and
water in NE;
secondary
viewshed
Long
Widest180+
Small- <90
2
Cell tower
52
56
58
59
Small
60
61
Appendix F

COUNT
Count 1x)
SUM
(Water and
Shoreline
2x)
AVG. SCORE
(Water and
Shoreline
2x)
COUNT 1
(Water and
Shoreline Count
2x)
COUNT 2
(Water and
Shoreline Count
2x)
COUNT 3
(Water and
Shoreline
Count 2x)
WGT. COUNT
Count 2x)
% COMMON
% NOTEWORTHY
% DISTINCTIVE
OVERALL
RATING
24
72
21
26
15
81
21
33
1.571
11
21
52
38
10
22
55
2.5
13
24
54
38
22
29
1.318
16
22
73
23
20
44
2.2
11
21
19
52
29
21
52
2.476
11
23
13
48
39
22
33
1.5
13
22
59
32
21
27
1.286
15
21
71
29
22
37
1.682
10
22
45
41
14
22
43
1.955
11
22
27
50
23
21
34
1.619
11
21
52
33
14
22
32
1.455
15
23
65
30
21
27
1.286
16
21
76
19
23
33
1.435
16
24
67
29
23
36
1.565
14
24
58
33
Appendix F

DRAFT
SUBUNIT ID
COASTAL
COASTAL
BREADTH
NOTES
RATING
62
63
1
Screened
to full
unobstructed
views of water
64
1
Small to
moderate
1
Moderate90-180
3
3
1
Canadian river
bank
3
Moderate90-180

RATING
INV NOTES
RATING
Low to
moderate
variety in
structural and
landscape
features
2
Canadian river
bank
Low to
moderate
variety in
structural and
landscape
features
FOCAL
FOCAL VARIETY UNITY
POINTS
INV NOTES RATING
CONTRAST
RATING
UNIQUENESS PUBLIC
RATING
RECOG.
RATING
VISUAL
ACCESS.
RATING
65
Screened
to full
unobstructed
views of water
67
No views
68
Small to
moderate
BACKGROUND
INV NOTES
Low rocky
islands
69
Limited views
70
Full views of
pastures and
water in NE;
secondary
viewshed
77
78
72
74
Screened
to full
unobstructed
views of water
Wind row
framed views
Numerous/
diverse site
features,
landforms
and other
compositional
elements
Cell tower
81
Mouth of
creek provides
full views of
the lake and
islands
82
Very distant
2
glimpses of the
lake and river
83
Appendix F

COUNT
Count 1x)
SUM
(Water and
Shoreline
2x)
AVG. SCORE
(Water and
Shoreline
2x)
COUNT 1
(Water and
Shoreline Count
2x)
COUNT 2
(Water and
Shoreline Count
2x)
COUNT 3
(Water and
Shoreline
Count 2x)
WGT. COUNT
Count 2x)
% COMMON
% NOTEWORTHY
% DISTINCTIVE
OVERALL
RATING
23
33
1.435
16
24
67
29
24
46
1.917
13
26
50
23
27
24
59
2.458
15
26
58
35
23
55
2.391
10
10
25
20
40
40
22
53
2.409
12
23
52
39
23
54
2.348
15
25
12
60
28
21
43
2.048
14
23
26
61
13
22
37
1.682
10
22
45
41
14
22
41
1.864
13
22
27
59
14
23
59
2.565
14
23
35
61
21
33
1.571
14
22
64
23
14
23
45
1.957
24
38
38
25
24
44
1.833
10
14
26
38
54
23
41
1.783
14
25
36
56
2.5
50
50
Appendix F

DRAFT
SUBUNIT ID
COASTAL
COASTAL
BREADTH
NOTES
RATING
BACKGROUND
INV NOTES

RATING
INV NOTES
RATING
FOCAL
FOCAL VARIETY UNITY
POINTS
INV NOTES RATING
CONTRAST
RATING
UNIQUENESS PUBLIC
RATING
RECOG.
RATING
VISUAL
ACCESS.
RATING
84
Dirt road along 1

shoreline,
trees block
views of the
lake.
85
88
93
94
Screened
1
views of water;
primary and
secondary
viewshed
95
97
Screened
1
views of water;
primary and
secondary
viewshed
Little variety
99
Tertiary
viewshed
Moderate
variety of
landscape
featuers
Low to
moderate
variety in
landscape
features
86
87
No coastal
viewshed
views
100
101
Appendix F
Not in
viewshed
Views
down
village
streets to
tall street
trees,
historic
Hedge
maze
Swamp;
outcrops
Cemetery

COUNT
Count 1x)
SUM
(Water and
Shoreline
2x)
AVG. SCORE
(Water and
Shoreline
2x)
COUNT 1
(Water and
Shoreline Count
2x)
COUNT 2
(Water and
Shoreline Count
2x)
COUNT 3
(Water and
Shoreline
Count 2x)
WGT. COUNT
Count 2x)
% COMMON
% NOTEWORTHY
% DISTINCTIVE
OVERALL
RATING
24
45
1.875
11
23
22
48
30
23
69
21
27
22
78
28
3.111
11
27
64
24
59
2.458
15
24
17
21
63
23
67
2.913
20
26
15
77
24
34
1.417
19
26
73
23
23
34
1.478
15
24
63
33
20
39
1.95
10
21
48
19
33
22
36
1.636
11
11
23
48
48
22
41
1.864
10
23
39
43
17
23
54
2.348
11
25
20
44
36
23
36
1.565
21
43
43
14
Appendix F

DRAFT
SUBUNIT ID
COASTAL
COASTAL
BREADTH
NOTES
RATING
104
Screened
3
to full
unobstructed
views of water;
primary and
secondary
viewshed
Little variety
105
Screened
2
to full
unobstructed
views of water;
primary and
secondary
viewshed
High variety of 3
landscape and
site features,
Irregular
pattern of
meadows and
forests creates
extensive
visual variety.
107
Screened
1
views of water;
primary and
secondary
viewshed
Moderate
variety of
landscape
featuers
109
Screened
2
views of water;
primary and
secondary
viewshed
Moderate
variety of site
and landscape
featuers
Appendix F
BACKGROUND
INV NOTES

RATING
INV NOTES
RATING
FOCAL
FOCAL VARIETY UNITY
POINTS
INV NOTES RATING
CONTRAST
RATING
UNIQUENESS PUBLIC
RATING
RECOG.
RATING
VISUAL
ACCESS.
RATING

COUNT
Count 1x)
SUM
(Water and
Shoreline
2x)
AVG. SCORE
(Water and
Shoreline
2x)
COUNT 1
(Water and
Shoreline Count
2x)
COUNT 2
(Water and
Shoreline Count
2x)
COUNT 3
(Water and
Shoreline
Count 2x)
WGT. COUNT
Count 2x)
% COMMON
% NOTEWORTHY
% DISTINCTIVE
OVERALL
RATING
22
65
2.955
19
24
13
79
24
70
2.917
18
26
31
69
24
64
2.667
10
14
26
38
54
23
52
2.261
14
24
13
58
29
Appendix F
Appendix G: Maps
Overview Map
Detail Map Areas

Project Boundary
Thousand Islands
Visual Assessment
Project
Visual Districts
Visual Subunits
American
Island
63
62
64
59
60
65
36
38
24
Grindstone Island
72
13
10
15
77
Carleton Island
100
17
87
82
Cape Vincent
78
101
95
11
16
94
12
74
99
97
95
Clayton/Orleans
Farm and Fores Land
95
October 13, 2014
49
Hammond Farm
and Fores Land
47
29
44
Chippewa
Creek
50
32
46
67
25
105
43
93
109
22
39 107
107
23
26
37
41
51
31
30
56
52
33
American
Narrows
Wellesley
Island
Morristown Farm
and Forestland
35
34
Chippewa/Goose
Bay
58
61
45
Crooked
Creek
70
Alexandria
Farm and
Forest Land
69
68
French
Creek
101
84
19
81
Lake Ontario
82
20
1
GIS data from
ESRI and NY DOS
0
0
10,000 20,000
8
Miles
Feet
40,000
Sources: Esri, DeLorme, HERE, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, and the GIS User Community

the New York State
Overview Map:
Visual Ratings
Potential Scenic Area of Local Significance

Potential Scenic Area of Statewide Significance
Common Visual Subunit (more scenic components rated common than any other rating)
Thousand Islands
Visual Assessment
Project
Noteworthy Visual Subunit (more scenic components rated noteworthy than any other rating)
Distinctive Visual Subunit (more scenic components rated distinctive than any other rating)
Project Boundary
October 24, 2014
GIS data from

ESRI and NY DOS
0
0
10,000 20,000
Miles
Feet
40,000

the New York State
Area 1: Ratings
Cape Vincent
(West)
Potential SASS:
Lake Ontario
Thousand Islands
Visual Assessment
Project
Potential SASS:
Carleton Island
Cape Vincent
16
17
Cape Vincent
87
Broa
dway
St
Nys Rte 12E
October 13, 2014
15
19
Nys Rt
e 12E
Sunnybank
Millen Bay
Nys Rte 1
82
2E
84
State
1
Hwy
Cape Vincent
101
78
2E
81
Rosiere
Nys R
Cape Vincent
te 12E
20
82
Potential SALS:
Cape Vincent Farm and
Forest Land

o
Lyme

Sa
101
GIS data from

ESRI and NY DOS
0
0
0.5
2,000 4,000
2
Miles
Feet
8,000
Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community

the New York State
Area 2: Ratings
Cape Vincent,
Clayton,
Orleans
Potential SASS:
Grindstone Island
16
Grindstone
Potential SASS:
Carleton Island
Potential SASS:
Wellesley Island
22
23
Clayton
15
41
Grandview Park
105
12
24
13
Upper Town Landing

Lower Town Landing
Nys Rte 12E
11
Nys Rte 12E
Ny
sR
78
te
1
25
2E
12E
Cape Vincent
Sta
te H
wy
Clayton
12E
74
10
Stat
Jame
s
Saint Lawrence
78
e St
100
Fineview
Frontenac
State H
w y 12
Nys R
94
97
Lyme
Clayton
Potential SALS
Clayton Farm
and Forest Land
72
Omar
I- 81
Potential SASS:
American Narrows
Potential SALS:
Alexandria Farm
and Forest Land
GIS data from

ESRI and NY DOS
0
0
Alexandria
0.5
2,000 4,000
69
94
Orleans

95
180
1
te
Poin
Pinehurst Resort
Meadow Lane Mo
y
Hw
sR
Ny
Collins Landing
Fishers Landing
te 12
95
99
Moore Landing
te
Sta
Potential SALS:
Cape Vincent Farm
and Forest Land
Orleans
Thousand Island Park
Nys Rte
77
101
107
Grenell
St
82
October 13, 2014
I- 8
Sunnybank
Millen Bay
Thousand Islands
Visual Assessment
Project
68
2
Miles
Feet
8,000

the New York State
Area 3: Ratings
Orleans,
Alexandria Bay,
Hammond
Potential SASS:
Wellesley Island
Grandview Park
41
24
Thousand Islands
Visual Assessment
Project
107
40
109
Orleans
Potential SASS:
American Narrows
Potential SASS:
Chippewa/Goose Bay
38
34
Westminster Park
39
and Island Park

107
Fineview
37
Alexandria
Moore Landing
4
Collins Landing
Pinehurst Resort
Orleans
Chippewa Bay
Alexandria Bay
32
Edgewood Park
29
67
I8
72
Point Vivian
93
94
95
October 13, 2014
33
1
2
I- 81
hers Landing
31
30
26
46
Goose Bay
Stat
y1
e Hw
Schermerhorn Landing
2
50
44
47
95
43
69
Omar
49
Hammond
45
50
70
68
Potential SASS:
Crooked Creek
Alexandria
Potential SALS:
Alexandria Farm
and Forest Land
Orleans
GIS data from

ESRI and NY
DOS
Theresa
0
0
0.5
2,000 4,000
2
Miles
Feet
Rossie
8,000

the New York State
Area 4: Ratings
Hammond,
Morristown

Thousand Islands
Visual Assessment
Project
Potential SASS
American Island
Oak Point
36
63
64
65
Morristown
State
Hwy
1
58
State Hwy 12
34
State Hwy 37
59
Hwy 5
8
60
October 13, 2014
Terrace Park
62
61
State
Morristown Center
St
at
e
Hw
y3
56
North Hammond
33
35
Chippewa Bay
52
49
Potential SASS
Chippewa Creek
51
49
50
Potential SASS
Chippewa/Goose Bay
GIS data from
ESRI and NY DOS
0
0
0.5
2,000 4,000
2
Miles
Feet
8,000

the New York State
Area 1: Views
& Viewsheds
Cape Vincent
(West)
k
Bald eagle nest
k k Cape Vincent
k
k k
Old forest
Fort Haldiman
Carleton Island
Horne Ferry
17
St. Lawrence Seaway - Onterio

Tibbetts Pt. lighthouse
k k
Wilson Bay
Doblon Pt. Momument
84
Trailers
October 13, 2014

15
te
1
2E
Nys Rt
e 12E
Indiana bats in wetlands
k
101
Nys
78
Rte 1
81
Trailer Parks
w
ate H
2E St
War of 1812 Significant Area
Cape Vincent Farm and Forest LandScenic drives
Public lake vew & Blanding Turtle Sancuary
Mud Bay
Sunnybank
82
Black Tern nesting
k
k
Ny
sR
Millen Bay
Cape Vincent
Cape Vincent
2E
Lake Ontario
Nys Rte 1
Panoramic View
Cape Vincent
Historic stone homes & Underground RR terminal?

Water views from road
kk
Stone Farmhouse
k StonekFarmhouse
16
87
Sunset view
19
Ship wrecks
Thousand Islands
Visual Assessment
Project
101
Rosiere
Scenic drive
y 12E
20
82
Notable Views (from workshop maps)

Project Boundary
Visual Districts
Subunit Boundaries
Not Visible
Visible (w earth curvature and no vegetation)
100' Structure Visible from River (w/ earth curvature and no vegetation)
o
Lyme
GIS data from

ESRI and NY DOS
0
0
0.5
2,000 4,000
2
Miles
Feet
8,000

the New York State
Scenic view of Canadian islands
Loon nesting
22
Muskie fishing
Scenic channel views
Grindstone
Potters beach
Scenic views from Wellesley Island
23
k
15
12
Sunnybank
Millen Bay
Nys Rte
Stone home & lilacs
78
12E
Scenic views of Eel Bay
Lower Town Landing
11
Sta
te
Hw
y
12
Cape Vincent Farm and Forest Land
Scenic views of water
Stat
Thousand Island Park (victorian houses)

7
Frontenac
e St
State H
w y 12
10
St
French Creek
100
Nys R
Clayton/Orleans Farm and Forest Land
72
Omar
Project Boundary
Visual Districts
Subunit Boundaries
Water
Visible (w/ earth curvature and no vegetation
69
94
Not Visible
Point Vi
Pinehurst Resort
Meadow Lane Mobile
Rails to Trails
I- 81
Collins Landing
94
180
Distant water view
s
Ny
American Narrows
Fishers Landing
95
y
Hw
12
Rte
Moore Landing
4
te
Sta
99
Rock Island house
te 12
95
97
Fineview
Scenic view of French Creek
107
James
78
74
Wellesley Island
Grenell
Clayton
Saint Lawrence
Eel Bay sunset
k
Bartkett Point & views of Clayton
October 13, 2014
& trailers
k Parks
k
25
77
101
24
kUpper Town Landing
Grindstone Island
Palisades
82
Public docks and roads on Grindstone Island
Thousand Islands
Visual Assessment
Project
Public pavilion
Scenic view of bay
Views from State Park
13
41
105
Carleton Island
Trailers
Wellesley
Island
Grandview
Park
Canoe Point State Park (archeology) & views
Scenic view of Grindstone Island
I- 8
16
Area 2: Views
& Viewsheds
Cape Vincent,
Clayton,
Orleans
GIS data from

ESRI and NY DOS
68
0
0
0.5
2,000 4,000
2
Miles
Feet
8,000

the New York State
Area 3: Views
& Viewsheds
Orleans,
Alexandria Bay,
Hammond
k
Grandview Park
41
Waterson Point State park
24
107
40
109
k k
Orleans 38 lake of the Isles

Wellesley Island
Views from Dark Island
k
State Park & views
Noteably narrow passages
39
Collins Landing
I- 81
Fishers Landing
Coast Guard Historic Land
Pinehurst Resort
Point Vivian
Orleans
Historic Homes
American Narrows
Arcadia Island
30
Chippewa/Goose Bay
Summerland Island
46
Goose Bay
12
Crooked Creek
43
eagles nest
32
October 13, 2014 k

33
Chippewa Bay
Views of water
kk
Schermerhorn Landing
Macsherry Trail
k
Rock cuts
View of Oak Island
k
Views of water
Cedar Island State Park
Saint Margarettes Island
29
k
War of 1812
95
44
Sister Island light
31
Kring Point
Hw
y
k
SGOW ship wreck k
Ironsides Island & Nature Conservancy
26
Sta
te
67
34
Edgewood Park
95
Omar
Osprey
93
Balloon festival site location
kk
Bridge
37
94
72
Water views & Eagle Island
Westminster Park
k
k
k Dive sitek Deer Island
Alexandria
k Bay
Keewadin State Park
ark
Scenic road
k kk
Deer Island
I8
Moore Landing
Boldt barn and farm
Alexandria
107
Fineview
Thousand Islands
Visual Assessment k
Project
k
50
47
Hammond
Crooked Creek Preserve
49
Stone house
45
69
50
70
Alexandria
68
Project Boundary
Water
Subunit Boundaries
Visible (w/ earth curvature and no vegetation)
Orleans
Visual Districts
Not Visible
GIS data from

ESRI and NY
DOS
Theresa
0
0
0.5
2,000 4,000
2
Miles
Feet
Rossie
8,000

the New York State
Area 4: Views
& Viewsheds
Hammond,
Morristown
Legend

Project Boundary
Visual Districts
Visual Subunits
Thousand Islands
Visual Assessment
Project
Not Visible
Visible (w/ earth curvature and no vegetation)
Brockvill sunset & 1st 1,000 island
k
Views from American Island
k
1
Hwy
State
Views from River Road
64
Windmill
59
State Park
58
Historic Morristown houses
63
October 13, 2014
State Hwy 37
62
Bayside Park
Morristown Farm and Forest Land

56
61
View from road entering M-ville

y3
Hw
church
Castle
Chippewa/Goose BayWater views from roadsidelookout
60
St
at
e
36
American Island
k
k
Views from Old Man Island
Light house view
34
65
Crossover light house
33
k
k
Views from cliff side road
35
k kView of Chippewa Bay from Road
Chippewa Creek
52
Stone houses West and South

51
49
50
GIS data from

ESRI and NY DOS
0
0
0.5
2,000 4,000
2
Miles
Feet
8,000

the New York State

Thousand Iislands Regional Assessment SASS Draft Report 2014

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Thousand Iislands Regional Assessment SASS Draft Report 2014

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Draft Report

Thousand Islands Regional Assessment

Thousand Islands Regional Assessment

Prepared by: Dodson & Flinker, Inc.

A. Survey Results: Section One

B. Survey Results: Section Two

Scenic Landscapes Survey

C. Survey Results: Section Three

Survey Results and Local

E. Modified Table of Scenic

VIII. Potential Scenic Areas of

Thousand Islands Scenic Resources Protection Plan

A team of volunteers took over 10 hours of video by helicopter. The

Promotion: For decades a central focus of promotional efforts in the Thousand

Thousand Islands Scenic Resources Protection Plan

plan were also developed as part of the study.

Thousand Islands Scenic Resources Protection Plan

location of inappropriate structures in scenic areas. Policy #25 encourages the

Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs have been established in a number of

C. Local Organization and Support

Digital Elevation Model

Notable Views (from Spring 2014 workshop)

October 17, 2014

This map was prepared for

III. Landscape Inventory

The goal of the landscape inventory

ESRI and NY DOS

Thousand Islands Scenic Resources Protection Plan

Field Work/Photography: In order to fully document the landscapes of the

Thousand Islands Scenic Resources Protection Plan

as Chippewa Bay, Grindstone Island or Lake Ontario. Others were shaped by a

because tall buildings or structures can be visible from considerable distances

Image Poll - Section 1 - Water Present?

Thousand Islands Scenic Resources Protection Plan

Input (viewpoints): Created a shape file with 87 points distributed throughout

Thousand Islands Scenic Resources Protection Plan

Image Poll Results - Section 2

IV. Scenic Landscapes Survey

Image Poll Results - Section 2 (Shoreline Category)

Image Poll Results - Section 3

% OF TOTAL VOTES PER RANK

B. Image Poll Results

3. Coastal Viewshed View

A. Modification of the Table of Scenic Components Based on Survey

V. Image Poll and Local Involvement in the Assessment Process

Best Images from Scenic Component Categories Ranked 10-1.

10. State of Upkeep

A Preference for Blended Natural/Cultural Landscapes: A striking feature of

Thousand Islands Scenic Resources Protection Plan

clude land use, historic character, architecture, landscape character, discordant

could become a foundation of future development guidelines and standards in

unique regional perception.

Thousand Islands Scenic Resources Protection Plan

Vegetation: Vegetation featuring mature forests, open meadows or fields, sea-

Thousand Islands Scenic Resources Protection Plan

Thousand Islands Scenic Resources Protection Plan

Ephemeral Characteristics: Ephemeral characteristics are transient features or

for well maintained, environmentally clean landscapes and buildings.

an important role in the perception of scenery. The multitude of islands in the

Thousand Islands Scenic Resources Protection Plan

Thousand Islands Scenic Resources Protection Plan

VI. Landscape Assessment: Evaluating Scenic Quality

assessment standards applied by the consultants.