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2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The entire site is presently under Williamson Act Contract. The applicant is proposing to cancel the contract on 336.5 acres which will accommodate the development and golf course. Cancellation will require the County Board of Supervisors to make findings for cancellation (Figure 2-6). Restoration and long-term preservation of this site is an integral part of the project, and as such, the applicant is proposing to record a deed of conservation easement over the project site to preserve and protect the biologically sensitive areas of the site in perpetuity. It is the applicant's intention to have an environmental organization or agency manage the nature preserve. The applicant proposes that the preserve would be open only to scientific and educational groups. The applicant envisions access to the nature preserve to be managed by the homeowner's association in conjunction with the land conservation organization which would be responsible for enforcement of the Conservation Easement. It is the intent of the developer that the Conservation Easement would provide for an environmentally suitable development and management of the property,thereby restricting uses of the property that could interfere with the protection of the natural features. It is the developer's intent that certain use zones be dedicated on the property. These are: Residential Zone, Golf Course Zone, Equestrian Complex Zone, Roadway and Public Utility Zone, Agriculture Zone and the Natural Zone. The Equestrian Complex Zone includes the barn and stable,pasture,fenced areas and training facilities and bridle trails throughout the property. The agriculture zone includes the existing 65-acre vineyard in the southeastern section of the property leased to the previous property owners. The natural zone incorporates the lake and marsh development and management, the Mokelumne River bank management, forest management and reforestation, and the savanna management and the reestablishment of native grasses and plants. PROJECT OBJECTIVES The applicant has stated that the major objective of the project is to develop the 26 homes permissible under existing zoning,and provide open space/recreational facilities while preserving and enhancing the existing natural and habitat values. A commitment to preserving the existing natural environment underlies the entire project throughcareful design and planning,through environmental land management, and by a deed of conservation easement. The home sites will be clustered to minimize the effects of the residential and infrastructure development. The design of the homes and the recreational facilities will be sensitive to the natural features of the property,constraining construction on environmentally sensitive areas, minimizing the use of turfed areas and controlling drainage of the golf course, using naturally occurring and drought-adapted plant species, and following specific guidelines for tree protection and archaeological feature preservation. The land management philosophy of Buckeye Ranch is environmental management based on an awareness of the interrelatedness of all the components of an ecosystem. Enlightened management of the Buckeye Ranch will be required by a recorded deed of conservation easement which will incorporate the 2-9