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Ecological Evaluation of Brovelli Woods P.C. Muick Irrigation applied directly to the greens may have limited negative effects on some isolated trees depending upon drainage and soils. Conservative irrigation methods will reduce possible problems . The Lakes If the one or both lakes are filled to and maintained at the twenty foot contour line some of the trees along the margins will be flooded and are likely to die . It is also likely that riparian species will eventually regenerate naturally along the new margin of the lake. ALTERATION OF THE DYNAMIC PROCESSES SHAPING THE NATIVE VEGETATION One of the most serious and far reaching concerns is alteration of the dynamic processes shaping the native vegetation. These processes include grazing, fires, flood, droughts and wind storms . The advent of homes and a golf course onto Brovelli Woods will significantly alter these processes . Grazing by livestock which has been the dominant use of the site for at least the past 40 years is probably ending. Fire which occasionally occurred in the forest based on fire scars visible on many trees will occur less frequently. Flood events have apparently been less intense and less frequent since the construction of the Pardee and Comanche Dams. A new higher levee is being considered for the south side of the Mokelumne and the construction of management structures will reduce the occasional flood events of the lakes . The lakes have a history of filling and draining completely for many decades. Filling and maintenance of the northern lake will alter the vegetation dynamics , although the southern lake may occasionally be permitted to dry out. The effects of wind storms or snow on the vegetation structure is unknown and cannot be avoided. One possible management strategy to maintain some dynamic processes in the forest was discussed with Tom Zuckerman and Bart Robertson. It may be possible and desirable to pump water from the Mokelumne River into the forest to coincide with high water releases of the upstream dams . The feasibility of this idea and its possible effects on the vegetation are worth investigating. AREAS FOR RESTORATION DISCUSSED BY VEGETATION TYPE Closed Canopy Oak Forest Existing Oak Forest The existing closed canopy forest is not a candidate for restoration or exotic weed removal , however, Tom and Bart were 1 interested in the possibility of a flooding regime linked to flood water releases from Comanche Resevoir. This idea needs much more fleshing out, but has the potential to restore one of the dynamic processes that shaped the forest. Restoration of natural processes such as fire are unlikely to take place under the new management system. Fire signs were numerous throughout the forest, but I have little information on the role of fire in riparian forest ecology. 16