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seasonal emergent marsh, 22 acres of permanent emergent marsh) and grasslands (intense managementof 400 acres)restoration programs,and subsequentintensivemanagementin perpetuity will mitigate for this loss. Mitigation through design: This impact will be reduced by implementingthe following measures: a) Golf course > The developmentof a "sanctuary"golf course which includes innovative ways of balancing the various needs of golf— such as playability, challenge,aesthetics— with open space values— such as self-sustaining and interacting native plant communities and habitat for indigenous wildlife(Section 8, RMP). > The development of an adaptive management program for the golf course, including environmentallysafe use of pesticides and fertilizers(Section 8). > The restrictive use of the golf course. Other than occasional use for tournament events, the golf course will not be heavily utilized. Golf will be a low impact activity at Buckeye Ranch with use intensity approximating 20 golfers per day. This is comparable to various other activities,walking on well-definednational park trail systems. Furthermore,golfing, from a wildlife perspective,is predictable:humans tend to be concentrated along certain pathways and their movements are similar. The greater distances between fairways at Buckeye Ranch should give many species of wildlife a sense of safety compared to more compact courses. > The use of signs to direct traffic away from sensitive areas. If signage fails, last resort solutionswill be considered,such as post-and-cable,split-rail fencing,or some othertype of protection that alerts course users to sensitive areas. > Water conservation measures include the use of drought tolerant species and/or cultivars and water application strategies to reduce water loss. Mowing, timing of fertilization, timing and duration of irrigation,the use of antitranspirants and growth regulators,and soil cultivation techniques can favorably improve water conservation. Practices that reduce water consumption include increasing mowing frequency. Using as little nitrogen as absolutely necessary reduces water needs also, as growth rate, amount of nutrients available,and water consumption are positivelycorrelated. Fine-tuningirrigationfrequency based on state-of-the-art moisture-sensing methods that are based on observed need rather than calendar scheduling can reduce water use. > A survey will be conducted of golfing impacts to the natural areas on a six and twelve month basis following the opening of the course, after which recommendations for additional protective measures will be developed,if necessary. b) Restrictionson House Lots and Humans > The use of native species around the residential homes, golf course and other facilities, as well as state-of-the-art techniques for tree preservation. The use of restrictions on human activities,including exotic plants, pets, motorized boating, etc. (Section 5, RMP). > Restrict the use of certain plants (Table 8, RMP) from Buckeye Ranch landscapes and natural areas. > Landscape with plans that are compatible with oaks (Appendix IV, RMP). > A set of rigid herbicide use regulations will be developed and distributedto homeowners. 2