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Ecological Evaluation of Brovelli Woods P.C. Muick and moles will be necessary on the turfed areas which Bart Robertson estimated at 90 acres . Some pesticides appropriate for killing gophers and moles may be carried up the food chain and result in non- target species mortality. Herbicide use is less likely to have carry over effects although the use of fungicides may warrant further investigation by TNC. I recommend investigating least toxic methods for control of pest species ( Integrated Pest Management - IPM) . Management of Vegetation The two most important, existing ecological values of Brovelli Woods are the forest and the vernal pools . I recommend that literally all of the closed canopy forest be considered for protection in the easement. In order to protect the areas fragmented by the fairways , I suggest delineation of buffer zones along the fairways . The buffer zone would correspond with the "rough" and measure about 25 yards along each side of the fairway. In the "rough" poison oak and grape vines could be eradicated and some restricted weeding and maintenance carried out. Past this buffer zone the woods would be untouched. The buffer zone would provide both TNC and the landowners with a margin for error, while protecting the main values of the property. Conflicts regarding management of vegetation can be divided into two phases , the construction phase and the management phase . The construction phase includes design and construction of the homes, clubhouse , fairways , roads and paths , utility corridors and water management structures and landscaping. The management phase includes : controlling undesirable native vegetation (poison oak, grape, etc. ) , weed control on the golf course, around homes , roads and utilities, landscape maintenance such as irrigation, fertilization , and disease control . Bart Robertson said the livestock will be removed permanently from Brovelli Woods in May of. 1989 . It is important to consider how the changes in the grazing regime may affect the vernal pools . In addition, cessation of grazing will result in a significant change in the species composition of the herbaceous portion of the oak-buckeye savanna , and an increase in fire danger due to the buildup of dried grass and forbs . Firebreaks, maintained by mowing, disking or herbicide will all have some kind of effect on the remaining vegetation. Several of the vernal pools are located along the fencelines and are likely to be directly affected by whatever management system is employed . Phase 1 : Protection of Vegetation during Design and Construction Roads , paths and utility corridors Utilizing existing roads , combining utilities into a minimum number of trenches and avoiding trees and vernal pools are the priorities relating to roads . Roading in the forest should be avoided. The perimeter horse trail will follow the property boundary and existing forest roads , will necessitate clearing of some vegetation and will require ongoing maintenance. j 14