Completion of this plan through mid-term and long-term time frames is heavily dependent on income derived from residential lot development. It is possible that this plan's insistence on using native vegetation for residential landscaping purposes may run counter to existing planning regulations, but it is hoped that the rationale for doing so (sensitive species habitat, aesthetics, forest fuel management, water conservation, etc.), may allow--or even encourage--some experimentation in this regard.
This photograph was taken looking northward by John Luna, around noon, March 31, 2005. The current road system has been highlighted. Douglas-fir, oak, maple and cottonwood are all recognizable at this scale and time of year.
Management of the residential area following short-term conversion tasks will depend largely on development plans and lot sale schedules. Street trees, shrubs, and other perennials may end up being planted in accordance with development regulations (rather than animal populations) in mind. Burning may be eliminated in the area once the piles have been burned. Mowing may be used to control fuel build-ups and other unwanted growth instead of herbicides or fire. People may want to water lawns to keep them green in late summer.
Recommendations:
1) No more than 20 or 25 residences to be built on 22 acres, allowing sufficient habitat for sharp-tailed snakes, western bluebirds, and western gray squirrels, and development of open-grown oak, madrone, and bigleaf maple tree structures. Kincaid's lupine may be introduced at landowner's discretion, depending on laws and regulations.
2) Existing native trees and understory vegetation left in place. Trees removed only if a potential threat to structures. Open meadows retained.
3) All new plantings limited to (rapidly expanding) Relict List and Add List, with tree plantings limited to streets.
4) Participate in common efforts to eliminate new conifer growth, Brachypodium, poisonoak, and other Control List weed species from local environment.
5) Participate in common efforts to conserve and measure fuel and water used for local landscaping purposes.
6) Participate in common efforts to correctly identify and preserve precontact and early historical artifacts.