A005_IRTC Example_DxP AttachmentA_StewardshipProjects.pdf

Contract Name: IRTC DxP Stewardship Attachment A

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Work Activity Items

MANDATORY STEWARDSHIP PROJECTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------

▪ Project Number 01 – Slashing (Whipfelling)

The end result is to reduce ladder fuels, increase the vigor of shade intolerant and fire resistant species, and to remove diseased and/or damaged sub-merchantable conifer species. Retain all ponderosa pine, western larch, western white pine, and Douglas fir <5.0” DBH that are healthy and free of damage. Cut all other coniferous species <5.0” DBH. Whip-felled slash depth shall be 2 feet or less. Leave a 15’ uncut buffer along all roads open to public use.

Whipfelling needs to be completed within one year from acceptance of final utilization of the subdivision.

Subdivisions to be determined post-harvest (488 acres).

▪ Project Number 02 – Mechanical Piling

The end result is to treat areas where residual slash exceeds 6 tons/acre for 0-3” diameter material and 6 tons/acre for 3-6” diameter material as determined by Brown’s Planer Transect or Photographic Series: Appraising Slash Fire Hazard in Idaho – WH, GF, RC, PP, 1989, Idaho Dept.

Lands, Boise, ID. ‘Slash’ is as defined in K-G.7.

a. Slash may be piled in small openings, on landings, or in locations as approved prior to operations.

Removal of additional live trees to provide burn bays will be approved prior to operations. Piles shall be located at least 20 feet from standing live trees.

b. Piles shall be located within the contract boundaries.

c. Piles shall not be located on the road prism of system roads, within 150 feet of a stream, or within

60 feet of a Genetic Reserve Tree.

d. Piles shall not be located next to existing snags. A snag is any standing bole greater than 20 feet in height and 10 inches at DBH.

e. Except when used to close roads and skid trials all piles shall be compact and free of dirt.

Machines used for piling shall be equipped with an excavator-mounted brush blade, rake or grapple. Equipment used for piling shall also not exceed 7 psi ground pressure.

f. Piles should be less than 10 feet in height, and 20 feet in length and width or as otherwise approved.

Mechanical piling needs to be completed within one year from acceptance of final utilization of the subdivision.

Subdivisions to be determined post-harvest (Up to 700 acres).

▪ Project Number 03 – Noxious Weed Treatment

The end result is to spray herbicide on designated roads, right-of-ways, trails, landing sites and meadows for the purpose of reducing the spread of noxious weeds. Primary area of treatment is within the High Noon DxP Stewardship contract area boundary. As directed by Contracting Officer, secondary possible areas of treatment may include the Timber Mountain Environmental Assessment boundary. All weed control measures shall comply with all herbicide labels and the applicable laws and regulations of the State of Washington as well as the Colville National Forest 1998 Environmental Assessment for Integrated Noxious Weed Treatment as amended by the Region 6 Invasive Plant Program--Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants EIS and ROD signed 10/11/05. Weeds must be sprayed when they are at the proper physiological stage of maturity, as recommended on the herbicide label.

A Daily Spray Report which includes the Washington State Department of Agriculture “Pesticide Application Record” form along with map of application areas shall be completed daily by the Contractor. It shall be available for inspection by the Contract Administrator at any time and at a minimum submitted weekly. The Contractor shall provide other Washington State applicator required forms. In addition, the Contractor shall

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The Contractor shall perform spraying by using an articulated boom spray truck equipped with a computerized injection system for all roadsides. ATVs/UTVs may be used for some non-road areas where ease of access and increased safety would result. All general areas to be sprayed are to be treated with Transline (clorpyralid) at a rate of 12-16 oz. per acre. See Specific Weed Treatments below for required use of other herbicides.

Standard Application Rates:

Tordon 22K (picloram) - shall be applied at the rate of 1 quart per acre. The Contractor shall mix the Tordon 22K at a rate of 32 ounces concentrate in not less than 20, and not more than 80, gallons of mix per acre. The use of a spreader activator may be required depending on weather conditions and species of weed being targeted.

Escort (metsulfuron) – shall be applied at a rate of 2 oz. per acre and mixed with a crop oil or silicone-based surfactant such as Sylgard.

Transline (clopyralid) – shall be applied at a rate of 6-10 oz. per acre and mixed with a crop oil or silicone-based surfactant such as Sylgard.

Specific Weed Treatments:

Common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is to be treated with metsulfuron (brand names Escort, Ally, etc.)

at the rate of 2 ounces per acre mixed with a crop oil or silicone-based surfactant such as Sylgard, at the rate of 1 pint (16 ounces) per 100 gallons of spray solution.

Dalmatian Toadflax (Linaria dalmatica) is to be treated with a mixture of picloram (brand name Tordon 22K) at the rate of 2 pints (32 ounces) per acre, and 0.5 ounces of metsulfuron (Escort) per acre, mixed with a crop oil or silicone-based non-ionic surfactant such as Sylgard, at the rate of 1 pint (16 ounces) per 100 gallons (or 0.5 oz. per gallon) of spray solution.

The application environments are Forest Service roads, meadows, landing areas and public parking areas, right-of-ways and ditch lines to include cut and fill slopes as identified by Forest Service. Estimated acreage was calculated using an average of 2.5 acres per mile for main roads without vegetation in the middle of the road and 3.0 acres per mile for roads that require the road bed treatment too. All riparian areas are excluded from this requirement and need to be buffered according to label directions.

All current roads shown on Contract Area Map are to be sprayed post-harvest or before road is closed unless otherwise designated. Temp spurs to be closed by purchaser after acceptance of subdivision are not included.

Estimated acreages:

Roads: Up to 250 acres Meadows: Up to 50 acres

▪ Project Number 04 – Snag Creation

The end result is to create 54 snags by topping Forest Service leave trees with a mechanical harvester as high up the tree bole as can be safely reached or no less than 20 ft above ground level. Tops will be left on site (not harvested) to provide down wood habitat. Also, these trees will need to be marked and tagged as described below.

Project location: Snags are to be created within Units 5, 15, 18, 23, 25, 26, 130, and 195.

Minimum tree diameter and size: 14 inches DBH; 20 feet in height.

Tree species preference:

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1) Western larch (preferably with mistletoe) or Douglas-fir

2) Grand fir or lodgepole pine

Trees to avoid:

1) Species other than those listed above.

2) The most vigorous, full-crowned, dominant trees.

3) Trees with dead tops, broken tops, conks, or fading crowns (soon to be dead).

4) Trees within 200 feet of roads open to the public (to prevent their loss to firewood cutters).

Maximum number of trees/unit:

Subdivision

# of green trees to top

5 8

15 3

18 11

23 8

25 6

26 4

130 3

195 11

Total 54

Marking method: Mark a 3-inch-wide band around the tree at DBH with (Contractor supplied) orange paint.

Paint a “W” on each tree, facing the main access road to the unit, and a second “W” on the opposite side of the tree. Paint a 3-inch butt mark on the tree at ground level. Nail a metal wildlife tree sign (to be supplied by the government) to the tree near DBH with galvanized nails, leaving 1 inch of the nail not pounded into the tree. Scratch a unique tree number into the metal sign, from 1 to 54.

Tracking method: Record each tree’s latitude and longitude using a GPS - NAD83 map datum. Create a paper map of trees for each harvest unit that includes locations of each tree with their unique tree numbers.

Credits will be based on actual number of green trees marked, recorded and topped. (54 trees)

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OPTIONAL STEWARDSHIP PROJECTS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

▪ Project Number 05 – Slashing (Whipfelling)

The end result is to reduce ladder fuels, increase the vigor of shade intolerant and fire resistant species, and to remove diseased and/or damaged sub-merchantable conifer species. Retain all ponderosa pine, western larch, western white pine, and Douglas fir <5.0” DBH that are healthy and free of damage. Cut all other coniferous species <5.0” DBH. Whip-felled slash depth shall be 2 feet or less. Leave a 15’ uncut buffer along all roads open to public use.

Whipfelling needs to be completed within one year from acceptance of final utilization of the subdivision.

Subdivisions to be determined post-harvest (up to 487 acres)

▪ Project Number 06 – Mechanical Piling

Photographic Series: Appraising Slash Fire Hazard in Idaho – WH, GF, RC, PP, 1989, Idaho Dept.

Lands, Boise, ID. ‘Slash’ is as defined in K-G.7.

a. Slash may be piled in small openings, on landings, or in locations as approved prior to operations.

Removal of additional live trees to provide burn bays will be approved prior to operations. Piles shall be located at least 20 feet from standing live trees.

b. Piles shall be located within the contract boundaries.

c. Piles shall not be located on the road prism of system roads, within 150 feet of a stream, or within 60 feet of a Genetic Reserve Tree.

d. Piles shall not be located next to existing snags. A snag is any standing bole greater than 20 feet in height and 10 inches at DBH.

e. Except when used to close roads and skid trials all piles shall be compact and free of dirt. Machines used for piling shall be equipped with an excavator-mounted brush blade, rake or grapple.

Equipment used for piling shall also not exceed 7 psi ground pressure.

f. Piles should be less than 10 feet in height, and 20 feet in length and width or as otherwise approved.

Subdivisions to be determined post-harvest (Up to 200 acres).

▪ Project Number 07 – Machine Fuelbreak and Fireline Construction

The end result is to provide a fireline and fuelbreak on the boundary of proposed prescribed burn units.

Locations are to be determined post-harvest. The Contract Area Map shows general locations. Fuelbreak:

Remove brush and remove slash greater than 2” diameter and 6’ length for a width of 15’ to 20’. Fireline:

From the outside edge of the fuelbreak, construct an 18”-24” wide line to mineral soil.

Subdivisions: 6, 8, 16, 17, 124, 154 and 254; (0.5 – 6 miles)

Credits will be based on miles of fuelbreak/fireline constructed. (up to 6 miles)

▪ Project Number 08 – Mechanical Piling

Photographic Series: Appraising Slash Fire Hazard in Idaho – WH, GF, RC, PP, 1989, Idaho Dept.

Lands, Boise, ID. ‘Slash’ is as defined in K-G.7.

a. Slash may be piled in small openings, on landings, or in locations as approved prior to operations.

Removal of additional live trees to provide burn bays will be approved prior to operations. Piles shall be located at least 20 feet from standing live trees.

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b. Piles shall be located within the contract boundaries.

c. Piles shall not be located on the road prism of system roads, within 150 feet of a stream, or within 60 feet of a Genetic Reserve Tree.

d. Piles shall not be located next to existing snags. A snag is any standing bole greater than 20 feet in height and 10 inches at DBH.

e. Except when used to close roads and skid trials all piles shall be compact and free of dirt. Machines used for piling shall be equipped with an excavator-mounted brush blade, rake or grapple.

f. Piles should be less than 10 feet in height, and 20 feet in length and width or as otherwise approved.

▪ Project Number 09 – Mechanical Piling

Photographic Series: Appraising Slash Fire Hazard in Idaho – WH, GF, RC, PP, 1989, Idaho Dept.

Lands, Boise, ID. ‘Slash’ is as defined in K-G.7.

a. Slash may be piled in small openings, on landings, or in locations as approved prior to operations.

Removal of additional live trees to provide burn bays will be approved prior to operations. Piles shall be located at least 20 feet from standing live trees.

b. Piles shall be located within the contract boundaries.

c. Piles shall not be located on the road prism of system roads, within 150 feet of a stream, or within 60 feet of a Genetic Reserve Tree.

d. Piles shall not be located next to existing snags. A snag is any standing bole greater than 20 feet in height and 10 inches at DBH.

e. Except when used to close roads and skid trials all piles shall be compact and free of dirt. Machines used for piling shall be equipped with an excavator-mounted brush blade, rake or grapple.

f. Piles should be less than 10 feet in height, and 20 feet in length and width or as otherwise approved.

▪ Project Number 10 – Mechanical Piling

Photographic Series: Appraising Slash Fire Hazard in Idaho – WH, GF, RC, PP, 1989, Idaho Dept.

Lands, Boise, ID. ‘Slash’ is as defined in K-G.7.

a. Slash may be piled in small openings, on landings, or in locations as approved prior to operations.

Removal of additional live trees to provide burn bays will be approved prior to operations. Piles shall be located at least 20 feet from standing live trees.

b. Piles shall be located within the contract boundaries.

c. Piles shall not be located on the road prism of system roads, within 150 feet of a stream, or within 60 feet of a Genetic Reserve Tree.

d. Piles shall not be located next to existing snags. A snag is any standing bole greater than 20 feet in height and 10 inches at DBH.

e. Except when used to close roads and skid trials all piles shall be compact and free of dirt. Machines used for piling shall be equipped with an excavator-mounted brush blade, rake or grapple.

f. Piles should be less than 10 feet in height, and 20 feet in length and width or as otherwise approved.

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GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR ALL PROJECTS

The Contractor may use yarding equipment, mechanical treatments, hand treatments, or other methods to reduce slash.

DEFINITIONS

Calendar Days: Every day shown on the calendar, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Contract Administrator: The delegated on-site inspector. The duties and responsibilities of the CA are defined in the letter of designation issued by the Contracting Officer.

Contract Time: See Period of Performance.

DBH (Diameter at Breast Height): A point on the bole of a tree 4.5 feet above the ground measured on the uphill side.

Dominant Tree: Trees with crowns extending above the general level of the main canopy of even-aged stands or, in uneven-aged stands, above the crowns of the trees’ immediate neighbors, and receiving full light from above and partly from the sides.

IRTC: Integrated Resource Timber Sale Contract

Ladder Fuel Reduction: Cutting and/or removal of small diameter (generally <4.0 DBH) trees growing under other more desirable trees to reduce risk of fire moving from the ground to the tree crowns.

Leave Trees: Trees not designated for removal or other prescribed treatment.

Live (green) Snags: Trees that have broken or missing tops >10” diameter at the point of breakage and yet have live limbs remaining on the stem.

Period of Performance: (also Performance Period or Contract Time). The number of calendar days allowed in the contract for completion of contract work.

Piling: Use of mechanized equipment to concentrate slash for fall/winter burning.

Quality Assurance: The actions taken by the Government to assess the results to determine that they meet contract requirements. The methods for quality assurance are described in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

Quality Control: Those actions taken by a Contractor to control the production of outputs to ensure that they conform to the contract requirements.

Slash (created): Boles, branches and limbs produced by the Contractor’s operations.

Stream course: The area along a stream with riparian vegetation and other riparian characteristics. Stream courses are noted on the Contract Area Map. Protection of streamcourses is outlined in the IRTC.

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CONTRACTOR WORK REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS

Locked gates: In cases where units are behind locked gates, the Contractor shall close and lock gates after entering or exiting each gate and will be subject to all other restrictions of administrative use. The Contractor shall be permitted to drive from the locked gate to the unit with only the minimum number of vehicles necessary for efficient transport of the crew and equipment as well as product removal. All entrances into closed areas shall be clearly signed “For Logging Use Only” during periods of active operations.

Leave trees: 1) all snags that do not pose a hazard to operations as defined by the Washington State Labor and Industry standards, or are not identified for removal in the fireline construction end products specifications shall be considered leave trees and left uncut. 2) All designated leave trees both in the treatment units and in the Optional Units shall be left uncut and undamaged. Operations shall be conducted in such a manner so as to minimize damage to any leave trees during operations. See the IRTC for details related to damage and/or cutting of commercial timber within the project area.

Unless otherwise approved by the Contracting Officer, green biomass trees removed under the Mandatory and Optional work items shall be completely severed below the lowest live limb and within six (6) inches of the ground at an angle parallel to the slope, except when prevented by natural obstacles. A live limb is a limb of any size that has green needles attached. Cut trees shall be secured so they do not roll down hill and shall not be hung up on other trees or vegetation.

Slash Treatment: Treatments of slash is to include slashing, bucking, dispersion, commercial off-site removal, chipping, or piling. Slash created and/or trees dropped by the Contractor’s operations outside the unit boundaries will be pulled back onto Forest Service property unless agreed to in writing by the Forest Service.

Resource Protection: The Contractor shall exercise extreme care to prevent damage to existing facilities, developments, and resources in all aspects of the contract work.