12363N26Q4052_A001_Site Visit Notes_Leroux East IRSC.pdf

Leroux East Site Visit Meeting Questions:

Q: Can we get a .pdf map that is geo-referenced?

A: Thr Leroux East CAM .pdf, which is part of the contract package, is geo-referenced.

Q: Do you have to bid on all items to be considered responsive?

A: Yes, in order for a bid to be considered responsive, all bid items must have a bid rate.

Additional bids will be considered for responsive bids.

Q: [Regarding Bid Item 2] Are we estimating based on stumpage or based on what we take to the mill? Is this deducted from our work?

A: Bid Item 1A and 2A are the assumed costs that the logger takes on during the project to include profit margin. 1B and 2B are a total combination of cash the logger is paid for the value of the delivered logs (gate costs). 1C and 2C are the total of 1A minus 1B. This value is then divided out across the sale area acres to determine the cost per acre the logger is bidding to do this project work. The timber is bid on in the Product Removal Table and is not intended to be the same value as the delivered pricing in the Schedule of Items.

Q: [Regarding Bid Item 2] What happens if the amount we’d receive from the mill for timber is negative (as in, the contractor pays for disposal of timber)?

A: Account for that in your costs and clearly show values in the subsections of Items 1 and 2. You still need to put a minimum offer (ie. bid) in the Timber Products in the Removal Schedule.

Q: [Regarding Bid Item 3] Why does the map say “Machine Pile” for all units?

A: To keep the landings clean – very public-facing area. We don’t plan on burning any piles, they must be removed.

Q: [Regarding Spec. Road] Do we have to patch any holes in the highway before we start harvesting?

A: Yes, holes are to be patched before and after hauling.

Q: Where is the pit?

A: Wing Mountain Snowplay area located off Hwy 180.

Q: [Regarding Optional Item 6] How long have the piles been there?

A: Two years.

Q: [Regarding Optional Item 8] Are we pruning and removing the pruned limbs?

A: Yes, removal is required, although alternate ideas are welcome if proposed through an alternate proposal.

Q: How does MSO impact timing of operations?

A: There are units that are not impacted by MSO, and the operations plan was built around completing those units prior to the restrictions being lifted. There are no timing restrictions on hauling on Snow Bowl Rd which travels through the restricted area. Our wildlife staff is actively surveying the area to try to determine if the restrictions can be lifted or adjusted sooner.

Q: Are culverts and pad work affected by MSO restrictions or can we start that now?

A: Culvert installation and padding construction along Snowbowl road are not subject to MSO restrictions.

Q: Can we install culverts after completing harvest work?

A: No, the purpose of the culverts is to protect resources from the potential damage caused by work. Culverts must be installed before work begins and removed after it is completed.

Q: Why can’t we just use logs instead of culverts?

A: You are welcome to propose this as an alternative. However, you must bid on all work in the contract as written first (in order to be considered responsive), and then you can propose alternatives in addition.

Q: If we want to eliminate a few culverts, do we just propose that as an alternative?

A: Yes but make sure to still bid on all work in the contract as written first.

Q: Does the USFS want the salvaged culverts after they are uninstalled?

A: No.

Q: Why is slash measured in CCF/acres instead of tons?

A: The Unit of Measure for slash removal locally is acres because of the way in which we pay for that item. Its much easier to account for completed work by the acre than it is by the ton. Volume measurement would require load tags or other forms of tracking which is more difficult and isn’t of particular benefit..

Q: [Regarding the use of Hot Shot Ranch] Will all seven acres need to be seeded?

A: The areas that require seeding are those that will be impacted by operations. This does not include the areas affected by over-the-road trucks; just in woods equipment (loaders, skidders, etc.) If you intend to use all acres, then all acres need to be seeded and slashed.

Q: [Regarding the use of Hot Shot Ranch] Can we work at this location after the November termination date?

A: The termination date (ie. Period of Performance) is set with the expectation that work will be completed by this date (November 15, 2026). This requires starting promptly after award and a good faith effort is implemented to complete the work on time. If an “Act of God” or some other unforeseen/uncontrollable situation arise like a forest closure, conversations will take place to remedy accordingly. It is not recommended to plan to work beyond the November 15th Period of Performance date as this end date is firm, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Q: [Regarding the use of Hot Shot Ranch] Are we required to work on top of the slash mat?

A: Yes. Slash mat isn’t required where trucks are driving, but otherwise yes.

Q: [Regarding the use of Hot Shot Ranch] Are we required to use this area?

A: No , it’s just an option.

Q: Are landings already picked out?

A: Generally, yes. There are some less sensitive areas where we did not map landings in advance, but several units already have preferred landing locations identified. It’s desired to have landings under .5 acre in size. Use of meadows is prohibited.

Q: Are archeological sites on roads?

A: There are sites located along roads and where these occur, it is required to lift your blade when doing road work. These will also be provided on a map to the awarded contractor.

Q: How could fire season affect timing? Is there possibility for an extension?

A: Fire season or any restriction (Not MSO) imposed on this contract not made by the awarded contractor will allow for additional days to be added to the end of the contract.

Generally speaking, the number of days lost are usually counted and similar amount of days are extended to the end of the POP.

Q: If a Contract Term Extension were granted, would we have to come back next season to complete the work?

A: Likely yes. Also, this is why we recommend starting your operations higher up Snow Bowl Rd. and working your way down. The FS and contractor will work in close coordination to figure out timelines. It is the FS desire to complete this work as quickly as possible.

Q: Can we close Snow Bowl Rd. during the day?

A: No. You will have to use standard logging operation signage. There is the possibility of closing the road at night, upon agreement. We strongly encourage the use of road crews and additional signage along roads and trails. We cannot keep the public out completely and all attempts by the contractor should be made to keep a clean and safe job sight.

Q: Are any other sales going to be operating in the area at the same time? If so, how might that affect our own operations?

A: There are 2 units from the Wing East IRSC that are located at the bottom of Snow Bowl road and adjacent to Leroux Units. Contractor’s shall work together to make sure that operations do not negatively impact one another.

Q: [Regarding the trail at Lamar Haines] Are we able to put a dozer here to complete roadwork?

A: Minimal work can be done to the trail in Lamar Haines. It is recognized that some work may be completed to allow for hauling and operations but it’s expected that the minimum amount of work necessary to be completed. And all work completed must be returned to original form as agreed to by the FS.

Q: What are the specifications (decay class & size) for dead & down that are required to be removed?

A: This information is located in Appendix A of the contract package.

Q: Are we able to remove trees in the Lamar Haines State Trust area for operational needs/safety?

A: It is expected that no trees are to be removed/cut from the Lamar Haines Area. Work closely with the FS to determine what work on the ground can occur to facilitate a safe and productive project area.

Q: Will the Forest Service conduct a broadcast burn or other type of burn in the sale area after the work is completed?

A: Highly unlikely.

Q: Why didn’t the Forest Service burn the hand piles?

A: We strongly prefer removal of piles over burning. Burning of piles will not be permitted by contractors. Risk of spread on slopes is of particular concern. Also the smoke from this area descends to Fort Valley and can remain there for long periods, disturbing residents.

Q: Is the 9008U road accessible?

A: A portion is accessible. However, you cannot go West or connect to the 522 Rd.

Q: What is the difference between an MSO “Nest Core” and seasonal restrictions?

A: The Nest Core is the protected area and the seasonal restrictions are in place during breeding season in hopes of not negatively impacting the success of the breeding.

Q: Can I bring my Can Am, or other motorized vehicle, down the Lamar Haines trail to scope out the sale area prior to bidding?

A: No, the Lamar Haines trail is not open to motorized vehicles. This will be waived for the contractor after the contract is awarded, but not prior.

Q: Is dead and down removal mandatory everywhere?

A: No. It is mandatory is some units and optional in others. It is required in Mandatory Item 1 (295 acres) and Optional Item 6 (311 acres).

Q: Are we allowed to remove dead and down that is smaller than required?

A: Coarse woody debris <6” diameter at the large end and/or logs <8 feet long may be removed but it is not required. This is an attempt to help reduce the workload of DWD removal. Any and all DWD is desired to be removed but because of machine limitations and time constraints it is understood that the smaller material is more complicated to remove and is not required. If smaller material is desired to be removed, the FS may agree to such in writing.

Q: Who is administering the contract and how?

A: A USFS, Flagstaff RD Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and a Contracting Officer (CO) will be administering this contract, as well as a Government Technical Monitor (GTM) to oversee the timber product removal/accountability. POC information will be provided to the awarded bidder at the time of contract award.

Q: What is the maximum slope within the sale area?

A: Similar to a standard timber sale (35 deg.) This may vary in a few places but not considerable amount of acres. IT IS STRONGLY encouraged to walk the entire project area and understand all of the requirements in the call letter and contract package.

Q: Are we expected to remove dead and down from unusually difficult places (i.e. atop a mound of high rocks)?

A: We have reasonable expectations. We will not expect you to remove anything we consider unreasonable or unsafe. We aim to work very closely with the contractor’s and expect that reasonableness from both parties is what will determine the success of the implementation of this contract.

Q: Do we remove standing dead aspen?

A: Where applicable, refer to Appendix A.

Q: Do we remove snags under 8 ft after cutting?

A: Where applicable, refer to Appendix A..

Q: What does “wet” mean in the context of Wet-Mixed-Conifer?

A: This was discussed at the site visit. Wet Mix-Con is a forest type that is comprised of mostly shade tolerant species and can be expected to have physically wet soil. Wet Mix- Con generally has an absence of Ponderosa Pine. In AZ, Fir and Spruce with Aspen make up the overstory population. Because of the wet nature of the understory, fire generally has a lower impact and varying effects that allow for suppression efforts to be more successful. The removal of the DWD will decrease the likely of fire reaching the canopy via ladder fuels and this is why this is such a important component of this project.

Q: Can live aspen be cut for operational needs and/or safety?

A: Where applicable, refer to the solicitation.

Q: How will we address the lack of market and/or mills willing to accept non-ponderosa wood?

A: This is the responsibility of the awarded contractor.

Q: What is a “skip”? What is the difference between an untreated and a treated skip

A: See solicitation for explanations.

Q: Is there a preference for machine felling or hand thinning within skips?

A: There is no preference , however, it is recognized that hand thinning and accumulating may be faster and easier.

Q: Can we get a handbook to put in the cab of the feller?

A: Prescriptions and Appendices are available at time of award.

Q: Can we put landings in a MSO buffer or next to the Snowbowl Road?

A: Likely no. We are trying to be sympathetic to the public and aesthetics in this high recreation use area. Snowbowl Road is considered a Scenic Highway and doesn’t allow for landings to be within a certain distance of the road. This is why predetermined landings were identified. Work with FS personnel if necessary or submit this is your alternate proposal.

Q: How long is the anticipated maximum skid distance across aspen corner?

A: Skid distance varies significantly in this project. Skids can get as long as ¾ of a mile.

Potential bidders should evaluate this in the field and work this into their technical proposals.

Q: Are there pictures available of what 30 tons/acre looks like?

A: Yes, this will all be available at time of award.

Q: Are squirrel middens marked on the ground?

A: No, but they are marked on the Sale Area Map.

Q: Will any trails be closed during operations? If not, how do we handle safety in high recreation use areas?

A: No trails will be closed. We recommend that the contractor’s sign these areas well for safety of the public. All system trails are outside of the units or may be along unit boundaries. Trails interior to the units especially in Aspen Corner are social trails and not expected to be maintained or protected. Refer to the CAM for the location of all system trails that must be protected/maintained.

Name Company / Agency Email Address Phone Number Keith Perkins Perkins Timber keith.perkins@live.com 928-607-2522 James Perkins Perkins Timber jamesperki9@aol.com 928-607-3860 Dave Maggard Perkins Timber maggard030@gmail.com 928-853-2165 Kevin Williams Forest Fitness allogging@yahoo.com 406-696-0973 Jesus Oseguera Reddin Tree Growers facevedo@rtgrowerscorp.com 559-594-9299 Joe Hinz Coconino County jhinz@coconino.az.gov 928-679-0595 Jay Smith Coconino County jaysmith@coconino.az.gov 928-607-0321 Courtney Maxwell Coconino County comaxwell@coconino.az.gov 928-863-4776 Preston Green Miller Timber preston@millertimber.com 541-740-1591 Tom Olden Pine Marten Logging pinemartenlogging@yahoo.com 970-471-5647 Dale Lee Bob Lee and Sons timberfallerlee@icloud.com 928-978-1282 Mark Tobin Markit! Forestry Management marktobin@markitforestry.com 928-814-6479 Mark Brehl Markit! Forestry Management markbrehl@markitforestry.com 928-310-4596 Kevin Duerin(?) Miller Timber kevinduerin@millertimber.com 541-740-1591

Leroux East Stewardship IRSC- Site Visit Attendance mailto:keith.perkins@live.com mailto:jamesperki9@aol.com mailto:maggard030@gmail.com mailto:allogging@yahoo.com mailto:facevedo@rtgrowerscorp.com mailto:jhinz@coconino.az.gov mailto:jaysmith@coconino.az.gov mailto:comaxwell@coconino.az.gov mailto:preston@millertimber.com mailto:pinemartenlogging@yahoo.com mailto:timberfallerlee@icloud.com mailto:marktobin@markitforestry.com mailto:markbrehl@markitforestry.com mailto:kevinduerin@millertimber.com