ABSTRACT
The point from which the general public views the highwall is very important. Each of high vantage points presents different highwall screening problems. This chapter considers the situation as it appears to a person viewing a highwall from below the mined area. Two conditions affect the percentage of the total highwall height that can be seen. One is sighting distance, and the other is vertical distance below the level of the bench. Proposals for screening the highwall must account for the need to reduce the percentage exposed as quickly as possible. Planted trees and shrubs will become more effective as they grow, but even the fastest growing species will require several years’ growth before they significantly reduce the percentage exposed. Several rows of trees should be planted parallel to the highwall along the highest points on the bench. Screening the highwall from vantage points at the same elevation or at a higher one will be the most difficult to accomplish.
