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archaeological sites in California does not reduce the significance of the Tracy Lakes complexes as determined by the DEIR archaeologists. C90: The DEIR on page 4.9-7 specifically states that, "The Tracy Lake complex is one of the few aggregates of sites in Central California that qualifies as an important archaeological resource." Neither the DEIR nor the Technical Appendix state that Tracy Lake is the last relatively intact prehistoric site in San Joaquin County. The EIR authors are well aware of the cultural resources in the Foothills and the Delta. We maintain that the Tracy Lake site was always a transitional zone between the Delta and the valley floor. The Tracy Lake complexes require ancillary studies, as recommended on page 4.9-12. C91: The EIR authors concur that older sites may be buried under current alluvium. Please refer to Moratto (1984),page 214 and to Phase 11 recommendations in the DEIR. C92: Refer to Figures F 1 and F2 in Appendix G of the DEIR. C93: As discussed in Appendix G of the DEIR, the Tracy Lake site is so large that even where disturbance has occurred, in most part, the site remains intact. C94: The commenter should be aware that the mitigations are recommended on the basis of a Phase I survey. In order to delineate building sites, roadways,etc.,a Phase II study would be required. Without the benefit of an in-depth survey, only "general" mitigation measures can be recommended. Please refer to pages 4.9-10 and 4.9-11 of the DEIR, in which cultural resources in relationship to the proposed development are defined. The DEIR archaeologists maintain the importance of the interconnectivity of the complexes at Tracy Lakes and their location in the natural environment(page 4.9-8 of the DEIR). As provided on page 4.9-11 of the DEIR, the project area has been classified by the DEIR archaeologists into areas of high,moderate& low archaeological sensitivity. C95: The Native American Heritage Commission was contacted in November 1991. At that time, a representative listed five Native American contacts for the Buckeye Ranch project. These individuals were contacted by mail and phone in November 1991. The commenter should read Attachment B of the technical report. Members of the Ione Band of Miwoks accepted an invitation to the site and were present with the DEIR archaeologists in November 1991. C96: The DEIR states that a "qualified" archaeological monitor should be used and "at a minimum" should have a BA or equivalent, one year field experience and answer to a professional archaeologist. This is a realistic request, based upon the DEIR archaeologists' knowledge of field monitoring. C97: Refer to response C87. Mitigation measures called for in the EIR respond to CEQA Guidelines (refer to Appendix K of CEQA Guidelines). It is understood that a Phase II study would determine final mitigation procedures. C98: This is a statement of opinion. The recording of sites has been accepted by the Central Information office and the SHPO. Commenter should review revised site maps on file at the Central Information Center. 11I-172