REQUEST FOR QUOTATION PAGE OF PAGES

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER) THIS RFQ IS X IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET- ASIDE 1

1. REQUEST NO. 2. DATE ISSUED 3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO. 4. CERT. FOR NAT.DEF. RATING

12363N26Q4076 03/16/2026 UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG. 1

5a. ISSUED BY 6. DELIVER BY (Date) National Stewardship Team 1400 Independence Ave. SW

MS-1138

Washington DC 20250-1138; Email Return to: cynthia.horwitz@usda.gov

Date of Award through 11/30/2026

5b. FOR INFORMATION 7. DELIVERY FOB DESTINATION NAME X OTHER (See Schedule)

9. DESTINATION

Cynthia Horwitz cynthia.horwitz@usda.gov a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

8. TO: Ottawa National Forest

a. NAME b. COMPANY b. STREET ADDRESS

c. STREET ADDRESS c. CITY

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE d. STATE e. ZIP CODE

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO THE

ISSUING OFFICE IN BLOCK 5a ON OR

BEFORE

IMPORTANT: This is a request for information, and quotations furnished are not offers. If you are unable to quote, please so indicate on this form and return it to the address in BLOCK 5a.

This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the

04/01/2026 at 11:00 am CT submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or services. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotations must be completed by the quoter.

11. SCHEDULE (Include applicable Federal, State and local taxes)

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) National Forest

Region 9 Timber Mark & Cruise BPA

RFQ 12363N26Q4076

Please place your price quotation in the Schedule of Items.

Furnishing Quotation: Complete Standard Form 18, the Schedule of Items, and provide a response to the other Evaluation Criteria identified herein. Return to the email address shown in Block 5a. Please place “Solicitation No. 12363N26Q4076 in email Subject.

a. 10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) b. 20 CALENDAR DAYS c. 30 CALENDAR DAYS d. CALENDAR DAYS

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT (%) (%) NUMBER PERCENTAGE

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations are X are not attached.

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER 14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO 15. DATE OF

a. NAME OF QUOTER SIGN QUOTATION QUOTATION

UEI No._____________

b. STREET ADDRESS 16. SIGNER

a. NAME (Type or print) b. TELEPHONE

c. BPA Number AREA CODE

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE c. TITLE (Type or Print) NUMBER

NSN 7540-01-152-8084

Previous edition not usable

18-121 STANDARD FORM 18 (Rev. 6-95) Prescribed by GSA-FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

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Schedule of Items

Item No. Unit Name Estimated

Quantity Unit of

Measure Unit Price Total

1. Kangaroo Stewardship T.S. (Final Acres) – Contract Term Date: 11/30/2026

1-a Selection [PUs 01-09, 11, 13 & 14]

332 acre $_________ $___________

1-b Clear Cut 100% Count [PUs 10 & 12] 36 acre $_________ $___________

Total Price Quote: $____________

1. Description of Work: This marking and cruising contract is for 368 acres in Selection & Clearcut harvest units within a single Sale Area. The Sample Tree Cruising Method (STR) will be applied to all included payment units.

The requirements outlined in the parent BPA award are specific to this Call, and supplemental to the requirements of the parent agreement. The specifications in this Call may supersede or replace contract specifications in the parent contract, when allowed by the parent contract agreement.

2. Project Location. Kangaroo Stewardship is located within Gogebic County on the Ottawa National Forest. T46N R42W, Sections 22, 23, 24, & 26. The sale can be accessed from the following directions:

a. From Watersmeet, travel west on US-2 for 18.2 miles. Turn north on Stage Coach Rd and travel 0.8 miles.

You will have reached the sale and all payment units will found to the west side of of Stage Coach Rd.

3. Government-Furnished Property.

a. Tree marking paint

b. R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Card & Instructions Sheet

c. Marking guides that include: cruise plan, marking prescriptions, designation method, and resource maps.

4. BPA Call Specifications. Refer to Attachment 01: Kangaroo Stewardship Statement of Work and Attachment 03:

Kangaroo Stewardship Section C for detailed specifications for each item.

a. Kangaroo Stewardship SOW – Cruise Design, Marking Instructions, Prescriptions, & Sale Map

b. Kangaroo Stewardship Section C

5. Performance Requirements Summary.

a. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, tools, instruments, supplies, transportation, professional services, personnel, and supervision EXCEPT that which is designated in the Government Furnished Property clause to perform the Statement of Work/Specifications referenced in this contract.

Additionally, the contractor shall abide by the Ottawa National Forest's Timber Theft Prevention plan (TTPP)

– including, but not limited to, reconciling ALL paint (both empty & full paint cans) at the appropriate Forest Service office within 10 business days of issuance.

b. The Contractor shall GPS the location of ALL sample trees and provide a digital copy of these GPS locations on a payment unit-by-payment unit basis in a format that is useable by Forest Service personnel. GPS locations are required to be submitted to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) when the cruise cards are submitted for the completed unit.

6. BPA Call Contract Time and Required Rate of Progress.

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a. Estimated Start Work Date: Upon Award of Contract.

b. Summer and/or Winter Project: Work may occur in either summer and/or winter months. Work completed in CTM units is subject to weather conditions and may be halted temporarily due to snow conditions if stump marks are not able to be adequately applied.

c. Contract Time: The Contractor shall complete work on this Call Order in accordance with the following…

i. Kangaroo Stewardship Contract Due Date: 11/30/2026

7. Attachments.

a. Attachment 01: Kangaroo Stewardship Statement of Work (Cruise Design, Marking Instructions, & Silviculture Prescriptions)

b. Attachment 02: Kangaroo Stewardship TS RFCA Map

c. Attachment 03: Kangaroo Stewardship Section C

d. Attachment 04: Ottawa National Forest's Timber Theft Prevention plan (TTPP)

e. Attachment 05: Wage Determination

8. BPA Call Evaluation Criteria – Instructions to Quoters.

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

FAR 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998) This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far (FAR clauses begin with 52) Department of Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) Clauses: https://www.acquisition.gov/agar (AGAR clauses begin with 452) Deviations to provisions may be viewed at: https://www.dm.usda.gov/procurement/policy/ FARClassDeviations.htm FAR 52.216-1 Type of Contract. (APR 1984) The Government contemplates award of a firm fixed price contract resulting from this solicitation.

Technical Package addressing the following evaluation factors and subfactors:

1. Past Performance. Determined by SAM.gov and CPARS databases. Formal submission to address this factor has been completed under FAR 17.2 Options renewal and modification issuance. Source Selection Authority shall submit all Vendor Unique Entity Identifiers to SAM.gov and CPARs to form a basis for responsibility and prior past performance. Each file shall be kept under vendor name at time of selection for an accurate and complete document of record.

2. Price. Price will be evaluated on the basis of reasonableness and total cost to the Government and shall be used to determine the comprehension and evaluation of the understanding of the work to be completed.

a. Quoters shall submit their quote(s) by submitting the following:

i. 1 copy of completed, signed SF-18 Request for Quotations form;

ii. 1 copy of completed Schedule of Items; and

iii. Quoter response(s) to technical (non-price) evaluation criteria.

b. Technical (non-price) evaluation criteria instructions. Quoters shall submit a response to the following non-price evaluation factor:

i. Contract Time and Schedule.

12363N26Q4076 Ottawa NF Kangaroo Mark and Cruise Page 3 of 56 https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.acquisition.gov/agar https://www.dm.usda.gov/procurement/policy/FARClassDeviations.htm

1. Quoters shall submit a proposal concerning how they intend to conform to the contract requirements concerning contract time and schedule.

2. Quoters may submit an alternate proposal that contains more specific and restrictive contract time requirements that the Contractor is willing to commit to as a condition of Call Order Award. For example, Quoters may consider proposing elements such as:

a. Specific start work date(s), completion dates, or performance timeframes for various phases of the work;

b. Specific minimum production rates that the Contractor is willing to commit to;

c. Proposed sequence of project execution; and/or

d. Other specific contract time commitments that the Contractor is willing to commit to.

9. Evaluation Criteria and Award Statement.

a. Technical / Non-Price Evaluation Factors.

i. Contract Time and Schedule. The Government will evaluate the Quoter’s proposal(s) concerning how they intend to conform to the contract time requirements of the Call Order. A Quoter response containing details that convincingly demonstrate to the Government that the Quoter will complete the Call Order within the minimum contract time requirements is highly desirable and will have a positive effect on the evaluation. Quoter proposals that propose completing all or part of the work faster than required by the Call Order as presented will be considered by the Government, and the ratings of such proposals will depend on the nature of the proposal and its anticipated benefit to the Government.

b. Price Quote. The Government will evaluate the Quoter’s proposed price(s) for price reasonableness.

c. Award Statement. Award will be made to the Quoter(s) whose response(s) represent the best value to the Government, technical and price factors considered. Evaluation factors other than cost or price, when combined, are approximately equal to cost or price in the award decision(s). The critical factor in making any price/technical trade-offs is not the spread between the technical ratings, but rather the significance of that difference. The significance of the difference in ratings will be determined on the basis of what that difference is and what it would cost the government to take advantage of it. Award may not necessarily be made for technical capabilities that would appear to exceed those needed for fulfilling the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to make price/technical trade-offs that are in the best interest and advantageous to the Government.

Quotations should contain the quoter’s best technical and price terms. The Contracting Officer may reject any or all quotations. The Contracting Officer may issue a call order to other than the quoter with the lowest priced quotation. It is the Government’s intent to award without holding discussions. Technical Packages should be submitted initially on the most favorable terms, from a price and technical standpoint, which the quoter can submit to the Government. After the evaluation of quotations, the Contracting Officer may negotiate final terms with one or more quoters of the Government’s choice before issuing any order. The Contracting Officer will not negotiate with any quoters other than those of the Government’s choice and will not use the formal source selection procedures described in FAR 13. The government will evaluate information based on the following evaluation criteria.

The Government may reject any or all quotes if such action is determined to be in the best interest of the Government.

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Sale Number: 21029 Estimated Sale Value: $80,000 Estimated CV Ranges: 15-45% Maximum Sampling Error: 14% Based on Cruise Data: Pre-Cruise plots Cruise Methods: Sample Tree (STR) [Reference attached Minimum Tree and Piece Utilization Standards, dated 11/02/2015] [Total Sale Acres = 369 Acres including 1 acre ROW)]

Kangaroo Payment Unit & Acreage Summary Table

P.U. # Estimated Acres

Final Acres

Strata Marking Method Species

P.U. 01 - 13 1 CTM All Species P.U. 02 - 12 1 CTM All Species P.U. 03 - 31 1 CTM All Species P.U. 04 - 61 1 CTM All Species P.U. 05 - 38 1 CTM All Species P.U. 06 - 30 1 CTM All Species P.U. 07 - 16 1 CTM All Species P.U. 08 - 41 1 CTM All Species P.U. 09 - 26 1 CTM All Species P.U. 10 - 21 1 DxSpd* 100% Count P.U. 11 - 13 1 CTM All Species P.U. 12 - 15 1 DxSpd* 100% Count P.U. 13 - 22 1 CTM All Species P.U. 14 - 29 1 CTM All Species P.U. 15 R.O.W

- 1 #dummy#

1 CTM (USFS) All Species

* In PU's 10 and 12, all Oak, Elm, Cedar, Hemlock, White Pine, Red Pine, Paper Birch, Yellow Birch, and ANY orange-banded trees will be retained.

12363N26Q4076 Ottawa NF Kangaroo Mark and Cruise Page 5 of 56

Single-Tree Selection Payment Units: 01-09, 11, 13, 14 (332 Acres).

100% Count Clearcut Payment Units: 10 & 12 (36 Acres).

Payment Unit 15 (R.O.W.) (1 acre) will be marked and cruised by USFS.

Sample Group

Species/Product (Unit) DBH Range Sample Interval

HS Small Hardwood/Pulpwood (02) 5.0”-10.99” 1:500 HL Large Hardwood/Pulpwood (02) 11.0”+ 1:75 SS Small Sugar Maple/Sawtimber (01) 11.0”-14.99” 1:40 SL Large Sugar Maple/Sawtimber (01) 15.0”+ 1:20 OS Small Other Hardwood/Sawtimber (01)

[includes Red Maple, Basswood, Black Cherry, Yellow Birch, White Birch, & Red Oak]

11.0”-14.99” 1:40

OL Large Other Hardwood/Sawtimber (01) [includes Red Maple, Basswood, Black Cherry, Yellow Birch, White Birch, & Red Oak]

15.0”+ 1:20

FP Ash/Pulpwood (02) [includes Black Ash & White Ash]

5.0”+ 1:150

FS Small Ash/Sawtimber (01) [includes Black Ash & White Ash]

11.0”-14.99” 1:75

FL Large Ash/Sawtimber (01) [includes Black Ash & White Ash]

15.0”+ 1:35

AS Small Aspen/Pulpwood (02) 5.0”-14.99” 1:100 AL Large Aspen/Pulpwood (02) 15.0”+ 1:100 CS Small Mixed Conifer/Pulpwood (02)

[includes Balsam Fir, Tamarack, Cedar, Hemlock, White Pine, Scots Pine, White Spruce, Black Spruce, & Norway Spruce]

5.0”-14.99” 1:50

CL Large Mixed Conifer/Pulpwood (02) [includes Balsam Fir, Tamarack, Cedar, Hemlock, Scots Pine, White Spruce, Black Spruce, & Norway Spruce]

15.0”+ 1:20

PP Pine/Pulpwood (02) [includes Red Pine & Jack Pine]

5.0”+ 1:1

PW Pine/Sawtimber (01) [includes Red Pine & White Pine]

9.0”+ 1:1

Note: Cruise all Aspen, Balsam Fir, Spruce, & Jack Pine as pulpwood.

12363N26Q4076 Ottawa NF Kangaroo Mark and Cruise Page 6 of 56

Marking Instructions

Hardwood Selection/Sample Tree Cruising (STR): Payment Units: 01-09, 11, 13, 14 (332 Acres).

ALL merchantable trees to be removed from this Payment Unit require two paint marks at DBH on opposite sides of the tree AND a corresponding stump mark (see specific Marking Instructions for this Payment Unit). Cruise marked trees using the Sample Groups and Sample Intervals above.

A random start should be used for each sample group at the start of marking in each payment unit. Select a random interval that is less than the required sample interval for the first tally in each sample group, thereafter, sample at the specified sample interval.

Maintain an accurate tree count by payment unit for each sample group. Original field records used for tracking tree counts must be with the tally cards or data recorder sheets when each unit is completed. Do not recopy field notes of tree counts or tally cards.

Clearcut/Sample Tree Cruising (STR, 100% Count): Payment Unit: 10 & 12 (36 Acres).

ALL merchantable trees within these Payment Units are designated for removal EXCEPT Oak, Elm, Cedar, Hemlock, Red Pine, White Pine, Paper Birch, Yellow Birch (which are designated retain tree species) AND Leave Trees (LTs). Merchantable trees (except Oak, Elm, Cedar, Hemlock, Red Pine, White Pine, Paper Birch, Yellow Birch) to be removed from these Payment Units only require a paint mark at DBH to verify the tree has been counted; a stump mark is not required. Designated retain species (Oak, Elm, Cedar, Hemlock, Red Pine, White Pine, Paper Birch, Yellow Birch) require a paint mark at DBH AND at the stump only when chosen for removal (operability, disease/insect, or other conditions that may be described in the Marking Guides). Any designated retain trees marked with Cut Tree designation will be documented. Any and all LTs will be marked by USFS. LTs are to be marked with a single orange band at DBH and a corresponding orange stump mark.

As stated in the “REMARKS” and “MARKING GUIDE” section, no lone Elm or Oak are to be left. LTs will need to be marked around the lone oak or elm, if there is not a designated retain species adjacent to the elm/oak. LTs may also include healthy groups of hardwoods as stated in the Marking Guides. All banded LTs are to be counted and recorded by species and by payment unit during the cruise, preferably with provided Leave Tree Form and turned in with Tally Cards for each payment unit (see specific Marking Instructions for these Payment Units). Cruise marked trees using the Sample Groups and Sample Intervals above.

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Right-of-Way Clearing (USFS mark)/Sample Tree Cruising (STR): Payment Unit 15 (1 acre)

ALL merchantable trees to be removed from this Payment Unit require paint marks at DBH on opposite sides of the tree AND a corresponding stump mark. Cruise marked trees using the Sample Groups and Sample Intervals above.

NOTE: Refer to Marking Guides for specific marking instructions for these Payment Units.

* USFS personnel will be marking Payment Units 15- road R.O.W. at a later date.

NOTE: Government furnished tree marking paint (TMP) will be issued or returned by appointment only, at the WATERSMEET RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE. The primary point of contact for all TMP transactions will be the paint custodian. This person will be identified at the pre-work meeting. BLUE paint has been designated for this sale.

NOTE: **Contractor will provide gap locations on a map and coordinate with Contracting Officer Representative on location's.**

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Cruise Design Prepared by: Hayley Jardeen, Forestry Technician Date:12/2/2025 Final Acres Updated by:Hayley Jardeen, Forestry Technician Date:12/2/2025

Cruise Design Reviewed by: Brandon Pertile, Silviculture Technician Date:

Cruise Design Reviewed & Updated by: Date:

Marking Contract Narrative by: Hayley Jardeen Date: 12/02/2025

Cruise Design & Marking Instructions Approved by: Jesse Cox Date:

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MINIMUM TREE AND PIECE UTILIZATION STANDARDS (11/02/2015 revision)

Minimum Tree Specifications

Minimum Piece Specifications

SPECIES PRODUCT DBH (inches) Length (feet)

DIB

(inches)

Minimum Net Scale in % of Gross

Hardwoods (except aspen)

Sawlogs 11.0 8 9.6-11.5 95% 1/

Hardwoods Sawlogs 11.0 8 11.6+ 50% 1/ Softwood Sawlogs 9.0 8 7.6 40 All Species Pulpwood 5.0 8 4.0 70 and reasonably straight 2/

1/ In Timber Sale Contracts, all hardwood sawlogs will use 50% minimum net scale in gross %, due to limitations in TIM. Cruising will use 95% minimum net scale for small diameter logs (9.6 – 11.5 DIB).

2/ Seventy percent applies to rot, voids, and char. Mechanical type defects such as sweep, crook, spider heart, and ring shake will not be considered.

Reasonably straight - When the true line of a minimum length piece does not deviate more than ½ the inside diameter of the small and plus two inches from a straight line drawn between the centers of the ends of a piece.

The maximum deflection allowed is what will fit in a 20-inch cylinder.

A minimum tree must include at least one piece that meets minimum specifications.

** Product heights are now measured to the nearest foot. All heights are measured in feet from the ground on the high side of the stump.

1. Conifers – measure total height (to the tip) in feet and the cruise program will calculate the 4” cut-off.

2. Hardwoods (includes Aspen) – measure the height in feet to the 4” top.

3. Sawtimber – cut-off point or “stoppers” will follow our regular practices. Measure sawtimber height in feet. Secondary product height will be measured as described in item 1 or 2 depending on the species.

4. Default dib’s are already built into the equations;

pulpwood = 4.0” sawtimber = 9.6” (hardwood) = 7.6” (mixed conifers, pine)

5. On trees with a broken, dead, or deformed top, record the height to the point where the

4” top or the tip would have been if the tree were still growing normally, then record defect to account for the missing volume.

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OTTAWA NATIONAL FOREST

SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION / MARKING GUIDES

STAND INFORMATION

PU -

Ranger District

Comp- Stand

Acres MA LTA ELTP Habitat

Type Cover Type LSC Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA

10-02 157-27 21 2.1 11 429B ATD 91 500 1928 9 66 135

157-28 2.1 11 429B ATD 91 840 1928 9 66 110

12-02 157-08

2.1 11 420B/

423A ATD/TMC 91 500 1928 9 69 150

157-31 2.1 11 420B/

416A ATD/AVO 89 500 1928 9 64 120

STAND DESCRIPTION

These stands consist of aspen throughout the overstory, with some hardwood species scattered throughout.

Hardwood species generally consist of maple, some yellow and paper birch, and very few red oak. Maple is generally the most abundant midstory species, with occasional other species like yellow/paper birch, ash, balsam fir and spruce. Understory species consist of aspen shoots, maple, red oak, balsam fir, spruce, and ash. Basal area will vary, generally between 110ft2/ac – 160ft2/ac with an average of 130ft2/ac. Diameter’s will range from 6”-20”, with an average DBH of 14”.

DESIRED CONDITION

An even-aged aspen stand that is growing vigorously and free of competing vegetation. Long lived conifer species will be present but subordinate to the dominant aspen forest type. Accept mixed hardwood species in areas where aspen fails. Maintain small, dense patches of sapling-sized balsam fir, spruce, and hemlock when practicable.

Patches should not exceed 20 percent of the unit acreage.

SHORT AND LONG TERM OBJECTIVES

• Apply silvicultural treatments to regenerate and restore a healthy even-aged aspen/birch stands.

• Retain remnant long-lived conifer that are healthy and tolerate the changing environment.

• Accept that native pathogens occur in retained trees to provide unique habitat niches for cavity nesting birds, insects, and mammals.

• Attention is given to maintaining ecological processes and functions in and around riparian areas where they occur in the sale area.

• Acceptable stocking would achieve approximately 3200 seedlings per acre for native species.

REMARKS

There are scattered, small, poorly drained pockets, seeps, steep slopes, perched water tables, or shallow bedrock areas; do not designate any trees for removal in these areas.

100% of spruce and balsam volume should be considered due to signs of spruce decline. 15% of hardwood volume should be considered salvage due to overstocked conditions. 60% of aspen volume should be considered salvage due to age. All other contract groups follow collection rate letter dated 1/27/2025.

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Grosbeck TIMBER SALE: Kangaroo PU: 10 & 12

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MARKING GUIDE:

Name of Treatment - 4117 (Clearcut w/ reserves)

Residual BA/Ac – see below

Acres - see table

The resultant stand appearance should have most acres having 0-10% canopy cover. This will ensure adequate sunlight to warm the ground to encourage suckering and provide a long-term free to grow condition for long term establishment of aspen.

• Don’t cut species such as hemlock, white pine, red pine, cedar, oak, birch (paper & yellow), and elm species unless necessary to facilitate timber harvest operations. The oak and elm need to have adjacent trees retained to maintain the micro site surrounding the targeted reserve tree, this may include high risk aspen.

DESIGN CRITERIA AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Highlighted Design Criteria, see NEPA for all the criteria

• If any stick nests are found (A1) the wildlife biologist should be consulted.

• Reserve snags and den trees according to Forest Plan guidelines (p. 2-32); focus on retaining trees with features beneficial to the NLEB such as shaggy bark and cavities.

• If any archaeological sites are located during layout or implementation the Archaeologist should be consulted.

• Aspen stands with an objective to regenerate aspen with less than 30 ft2/acre of aspen basal area, harvesting will be restricted to the dormant season December 15 through March 15.

• Within harvest units with an objective to regenerate aspen (including aspen inclusions within non-clearcut units), harvesting operations and site preparation shall maintain small, dense patches of sapling-sized balsam fir, spruce, hemlock, or other conifer species when practicable.

POST HARVEST TREATMENTS

FACTS Code Name of Treatment Prescription 4493 Site Preparation for Naturals Remove all residual sub-merchantable material except some patches of low to the ground conifer and retain species noted above 4341 Stocking Survey Survey to ensure adequate regeneration of 3200 TPA on 40% 1/1000th ac plots. Evaluate diversity planting opportunities 4341 Stocking Survey Survey to ensure adequate regeneration of 3200 TPA on 40 % 1/1000th ac plots 4381 Certification for Naturals w

S/P Enter certification once regeneration goal is met

ACTIVITIES SUMMARY

Year Facts Activity Code Description 2033 4117 Clearcut harvest with leave trees 2033 4493 Site preparation for natural regeneration 2034 4341 1st year stocking survey 2036 4341 3rd year stocking survey 2036 4381 Certification for natural regeneration w/ SP

Prepared by: Eric Lane

Reviewed by:

Reviewed by:

Approved by: Eric Lane

Title: Silviculture Forester

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 11/10/2025

Date:

Date:

Date: 11/10/2025

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Grosbeck TIMBER SALE: Kangaroo PU: 10 & 12

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SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION / MARKING GUIDES

STAND INFORMATION

PU -

Ranger District

Comp- Stand

Acres MA LTA ELTP Habitat

Type Cover Type LSC Year of

Origin Size

Density SI BA

1 - 02 147-07 13 2.1 11 427C ATD 89 500 1937 6 60 175

2 - 02 147-25 2.1 11 420B/

423A ATD/TMC 71 500 1947 6 53 145

147-09 2.1 11 427C/

428D ATD/AVO 89 500 1936 6 60 140

3 - 02

147-06 2.1 11 427B/C ATD 89 500 - 8 64 165

147-08 2.1 11 426C/

427B AVO/ATD 85 500 - 6 60 145

147-25 2.1 11 420B/

423A ATD/TMC 71 500 1947 6 53 145

147-09 2.1 11 427C/

4 - 02

147-24 2.1 11 432F AVO 89 740 1900 6 60 170

147-09 2.1 11 427C/

147-26 2.1 11 427C ATD 89 500 1935 6 64 165

5 - 02

147-27 2.1 11 420C/

428D ATD/AVO 85 500 1900 8 58 125

147-31 2.1 11 423A/

432E TMC/AVO 85 500 1931 6 60 145

147-12 2.1 11 429D/

432E ATD/AVO 85 500 1931 6 35 205

6 – 02 157-03 2.1 11 420C/

432D ATD/AVO 89 500 - 9 58 140

7 – 02 147-30 2.1 11 420C/

432F ATD/AVO 81 500 1936 6 42 145

147-15 2.1 11 420C/

426C ATD/AVO 89 500 1936 6 59 150

8 – 02 147-17 2.1 11 420C/

427B ATD 20 500 1880 9 73 145

157-04 2.1 11 423A/

427B TMC/ATD 20 500 - 9 73 155

9 – 02 157-29 2.1 11 420C/

425 ATD/TMC 85 500 - 9 62 130

157-30 2.1 11 420C ATD 85 500 - 9 62 130

11 – 02 157-06 2.1 11 420B/

428D ATD/AVO 85 500 1922 6 65 140

13 – 02 157-11 2.1 11 430C/D

422 ATD/PO 89 500 1924 6 64 115

14 – 02 157-34 2.1 11 430D ATD 89 500 1924 6 76 125

157-12 2.1 11 423A TMC 89 500 1924 9 76 120

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Grosbeck TIMBER SALE: Kangaroo PU: see below

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STAND DESCRIPTION

These northern hardwood stands consist of maple throughout the overstory with components of yellow birch, basswood, ash, and hemlock. Black cherry, paper birch, red oak, and aspen are present throughout the overstory but are generally less abundant. Aspen will occur singularly, and in groups. The midstory heavily consists of maple, with some scattered yellow birch, spruce, cedar, and ash. The understory varies but generally consists of maple, yellow birch, black cherry, red oak, ash, balsam fir, and spruce. Elm and ironwood are found throughout the midstory and understory as well. PU 14 consists of some larger diameter red oak, with a fair amount of oak regeneration. The understory varies in density and size throughout the stands. The average basal area is 145 ft2/ac across these stands with stocking in all diameter classes.

Figure 1. Northern Hardwoods Stocking Chart (Leak et el 2014)

DESIRED CONDITION

Uneven aged northern hardwood stands with the current species diversity maintained or increased. There will be minor amounts of clearcut inclusions, but selection can be applied to areas where the stocking is high and there is no need to regenerate a new age class. In areas where the objective is to regenerate aspen, maintain small, dense patches of sapling-sized balsam fir, spruce, and hemlock when practicable. Patches should not exceed 20 percent of the unit acreage.

SHORT AND LONG TERM OBJECTIVES

• Apply silvicultural treatments to regenerate and restore a healthy uneven-aged northern hardwood stand.

• Retain or increase species diversity by retaining species other than sugar maple.

• Maintain and protect ecological processes and functions in and around riparian areas where they occur within the sale area.

• Promote and maintain aspen inclusions to maintain the health and vigor of the aspen clones.

• Achieve a stocking level of 3,000 seedlings per acre of native species.

REMARKS

There may be scattered, small, poorly drained pockets, seeps, steep slopes, perched water tables, or shallow bedrock areas; do not designate any trees for removal in these areas.

100% of conifer volume should be considered salvage due to spruce decline and I&D issues within the stands. 60% of aspen volume should be considered salvage due to the aspens age class/quality. 15% of hardwood volume should be considered salvage due to overstocked stands and stressed trees. (in reference to collection rate letter dated 1/27/2025).

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MARKING GUIDE:

Name of Treatment - 4151 (Single Tree Selection)

Residual BA/Ac – 90ft2/ac

Acres - see table

MARKING GUIDE STANDARDS:

• GENERALLY RETAIN: Most hemlock, white pine, red pine, elm, paper birch, oak and cedar unless needed for logging operations.

• GENERALLY FAVOR ALL SPECIES OTHER THAN MAPLE AND IRONWOOD. Favor less common species but not at the expense of the best quality trees. If most conditions are relatively equal, continue to improve the relative spacing by marking ironwood, red and sugar maple to meet desired BA.

• Ash trees that exhibit signs/symptoms of EAB should be marked for removal (canopy dieback/thinning leaves, D shaped exit holes, galleries under the bark, etc). Healthy ash (all diameter classes) can be managed throughout the units to preserve the genetic resource on the landscape.

• If advanced regeneration of yellow birch, black cherry, or red oak is present, perform a release to increase sunlight availability (this may include the removal of a large tree, or multiple smaller, poor-quality trees).

• Consider all aspen, spruce and balsam high risk and remove all. Where groups of aspen exist, expand opening by one tree length (75’) to improve stand diversity.

• Create medium size canopy gaps (100’x100’), measured bole to bole to encourage natural regeneration of shade intolerant/mid tolerant tree species (adjacent to black cherry and yellow birch).

Canopy gaps can be incorporated by the removal of large diameter and/or groups of smaller, poor-quality trees. Canopy gaps shouldn’t exceed 1 per 3 acres. Work with the COR when determining location of canopy gaps.

• Look to perform a crown release (ideally 3-4 sided) where healthy red oak occur – this will generally pertain to PU 14

• Resultant stand should have similar diameter distribution to the original stand with stocking throughout all diameter classes.

• Drop zones will be necessary when removing large diameter trees.

MARK BY ORDER OF REMOVAL

1. HIGH RISK: Remove trees of any size class that are diseased/structurally damaged that will die within the next 15 years that still contain merchantable products (unless needed for other resource value ie. cavity tree). Identify the best crop trees in the stand and provide a release by marking one or two main competing trees of lesser quality. If BA still higher than desired…

2. DENSITY/SPACING: Improve stand quality and growing space by marking fair – marginal quality trees (mostly 6-10” DBH class). Identify trees that are:

• Unacceptable Growing Stock: Trees that are likely to survive for a decade but have structural/growth/disease issues, exhibit signs of marginal improvement or significant volume loss, signs of suppression and are less likely to develop sawlog potential. If BA is still higher than desired...

• Acceptable Growing Stock: Saw log potential trees but possess slight quality issues to form, structure, and soundness (sweep, low branching, old branch stubs, epicormic sprouting). This also includes trees at biological maturity (black cherry > 15”, sugar maple and yellow birch > 19”, basswood > 21”)

NEPA DECISION DOCUMENT: Grosbeck TIMBER SALE: Kangaroo PU: see table

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DESIGN CRITERIA AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Highlighted Design Criteria, see NEPA for all of the criteria

• Cull trees should be left for wildlife, do not remove trees with little or no value unless they pose a safety hazard. If cull trees need to be marked the silviculturist should be notified to look at the risk.

• If any stick nests are found the wildlife biologist should be consulted.

• Reserve snags and den trees according to Forest Plan guidelines (p. 2-32); focus on retaining trees with features beneficial to the NLEB such as shaggy bark and cavities.

• If any archaeological sites are located during layout or implementation the Archaeologist should be consulted.

• Within all harvest units except aspen clearcuts, favor hemlock, white pine, cedar, elm, and oak by retaining and crown releasing these species as directed in the stands’ silviculture prescription. These species may be cut to facilitate harvest operations where necessary, or to improve growing space and vigor among these same species that may occur within inclusions. The objective for retaining these species is to improve and/or maintain structural and compositional diversity (Forest Plan, p. 2-2).

POST HARVEST TREATMENTS

FACTS Code Name of Treatment Prescription

4494 Site prep for natural regeneration

Soil scarification in gap openings to prepare seedbed for regeneration

4341 Stocking survey 1st year stocking survey to ensure adequate regeneration of 3000 TPA on 70% of plots – determine tree weed/release timing

4511 Tree release and weed Release desirable hardwood regeneration that established within canopy gaps by removing all undesirable species

4341 Stocking survey 3rd year stocking survey to ensure adequate regeneration of 3000 TPA on 70% of plots – determine tree weed/release timing

4381 Certification of naturals w/Sp Enter certification once regeneration goal is met

ACTIVITIES SUMMARY

Year Facts Activity Code Description 2033 4151 Single tree selection harvest 2033 4494 Site preparation for natural regeneration 2034 4341 1st year stocking survey 2035 4511 Tree release and weed 2036 4341 3rd year stocking survey 2036 4381 Certification for naturals w/Sp

Prepared by: Eric Lane

Reviewed by:

Reviewed by:

Approved by: Eric Lane

Title: Silviculture Forester

Title:

Title:

Title: Certified Silviculturist

Date: 11/10/2025

Date:

Date:

Date: 11/10/2025

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FDR7214

FD

R7 4-A

0215724

0215814

FD

R

F D R

FDR7227

FD

R

FD

R

54 FD

R7

-C

FD

R

FD

R -D

FDR

0215723

FDR7248-A

F D R

FD

R

G O G -525

US-2

Kangaroo Stewardship # Payment Unit & Vicinity Map - Final Acres

0 10.5 Miles

Scale: 1:24,000

FINAL ACRES

Pu - ACRES

01 - 13 (CTM)

02 - 12 (CTM)

03 - 31 (CTM)

04 - 61 (CTM)

05 - 38 (CTM)

06 - 30 (CTM)

07 - 16 (CTM)

08 - 41 (CTM)

09 - 26 (CTM)

10 - 21 (CC)

11 - 13 (CTM)

12 - 15 (CC)

13 - 22 (CTM)

14 - 29 (CTM)

15 - 01 (R.O.W./USFS)

SALE ACRES

(01 - 15) = 369 ac

CONTRACT ACRES

(01 - 14) - 368 ac T46N R42W

Gogebic

BESSEMER

RANGER

DISTRICT

Stage CoachRd

US-2

Vicinity Map (Not to Scale)

Kangaroo Sale Area

Hayley Jardeen 11/10/2025

Survey Corner

KangarooSMA

KangarooPU's

New Construction

Decommission

No Maintenance

Reconstruction

Regular Maintenance

NON-FS

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SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT

Scope of Contract This is an updated Section C document for the following timber sale:

- Kangaroo Stewardship T.S. (Final Acres) – Payment Units 01-14; 368 acres

This timber sale marking project involves timber marking and volume estimation of approximately 368 acres in Northern Hardwoods & Aspen forest types, broken down by the following descriptions:

(1) HARDWOOD SINGLE-TREE SELECTION (uneven-age) (Marking & Cruising)

Payment Units 01-09, 11, 13 & 14; approximately 332 acres

Uneven aged stands or even-aged stands with uneven-aged or even-aged objectives consisting of a mixture of Northern Hardwood types of various size classes. These stands contain both pulpwood and sawtimber Species/Product/Unit mixes. Marking objectives are to remove trees considered high risk, defective, poor form, or mature and to maintain or develop size class structure with optimum growing stock, per the specific marking instructions.

(2) CLEARCUT/REMOVAL CUT (Marking & Cruising - where all trees are counted)

Payment Units 10 & 12; approximately 36 acres

Generally, in a clearcut or removal cut, where all LIVE and/or DEAD trees that meet minimum specifications for size or species are designated for removal EXCEPT for trees marked as RESERVE TREES, LEAVE TREES, or trees within PROTECTED

AREAS.

In Payment Units where designated Species are too variable for Area Estimate Cruising methods, trees designated for removal will be marked with an intentional and discernable paint spot at eye level no smaller than 1 square inch to verify the tree was counted. Minimize over spray on non-designated species to avoid confusion. A stump mark is not generally required. Paint spots will face in generally the same direction. If any designated leave species (per marking instructions) are marked with a CTM designation, contractor will indicate this on tally card.

(3) SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD

Applies to ALL Payment Units within the Kangaroo Stewardship T.S.

The Sample Tree cruising method (STR) involves measuring a specified proportion (Sample Interval) of trees in the defined sub-population. The remaining trees included for removal are tallied as count trees. With this cruising method, every tree included for removal must be visited and marked.

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NOTE: USFS has not marked the Road R.O.W. units for this sale yet. This will be done by USFS at a later date. For units that have a road running through them, contractor should still mark/cruise trees up to the edge of the existing road clearing.

NOTE: Government furnished tree marking paint (TMP) will be issued, or returned, by appointment only at the WATERSMEET RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE. The primary point of contact for all TMP transactions will be the paint custodian. This person will be identified at the pre-work meeting. BLUE paint has been designated for this sale.

NOTE: USFS will mark any and all Leave Trees.

NOTE: **Contractor will supply all gap locations on a map and coordinate this with the Contracting Officer Representative. **

This sale can be accessed from the following directions:

From Watersmeet, travel west on US-2 for 18.2 miles. Turn north on Stage Coach Rd and travel

0.8 miles. You will have reached the sale and all payment units will found to the west side of of Stage Coach Rd.

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TIMBER THEFT PREVENTION PLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

INTRODUCTION

OBJECTIVES

OPERERATING PROCEDURES

1. Organization and Staffing

2. Cross-Training and Coordination

3. Timber Sale Preparation

4. Timber Sale Administration

5. Regulatory Inspections

6. Documentation

7. TM—LEI Timber Theft Protocol

LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS

1. General

2. Crime Scene Protection

3. Issuance of Violation Notices

SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT

1. Mandatory Referral

2. Exception to Mandatory Referral

3. Case Documentation and Submission

PREVENTION

1. Theft Prevention Plots

2. Sale Area Layout

3. Tracer Paint Security

4. Theft Prevention Outside Sale Area

ACCOUNTABILITY

Responsibility

Appendix

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INTRODUCTION

The intent of the Ottawa National Forest (ONF) Timber Theft Prevention Plan (TTPP) is to improve and standardize theft prevention and detection measures by gaining consistency at the Forest level. All employees of the Forest Service share in the responsibility for the prevention, detection, reporting, and investigation of timber theft.

This plan is intended to promote effective coordination and communication with Timber Management

(TM), Law Enforcement & Investigations (LEI) and other staff groups when addressing violations of laws and regulations, noncompliance with timber sale contract provisions resulting in resource degradation, special forest products program administration, and unlawful cutting or removal of timber on adjacent public and private lands within National Forest boundaries.

The TTPP will also address the prompt detection, apprehension and prosecution of individuals entering the National Forest for the purpose of stealing timber or other forest products. Timber theft prevention on the ONF is a joint effort between TM and LEI. Involvement of State and Local law enforcement agencies and the public is welcomed to assist in observation and reporting of all unlawful activity affecting the National Forest System.

All direction in the R9 TTPP is incorporated by reference and shall be adhered to on the ONF. The

ONF TTPP will be reviewed annually and amended as needed to comply with any new or revised regulations or agency policies, including the R9 TTPP.

OBJECTIVES

This plan was developed to deter or prevent timber theft and improve our ability to detect, apprehend, and prosecute violators when theft does occur. The objectives of this plan are to:

Provide the skills and coordination necessary to prevent timber theft and prosecute timber theft when it does occur.

Promote and develop positive employee perceptions and attitudes regarding law enforcement and regulatory responsibilities in order to enhance and maintain timber and forest products accountability.

Develop and use processes and procedures that will reduce vulnerability and increase our ability to identify and detect product loss and theft.

Strengthen coordination between timber management and law enforcement so legal action can be aggressively and effectively pursued when theft does occur.

Promote and encourage coordination between National Forests for the prevention and detection of collusive bidding and market manipulation.

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OPERATING PROCEDURES & ACTIONS

1. Organization and Staffing

As Forest Service budgets continue to be influenced by other national priorities; it is critical that the agency continue to explore ways to be more efficient in both TM and LEI program areas. Every opportunity to develop and maintain efficiencies and will be explored. Timber sale operations cannot be managed using shortcuts or deviations from existing policies or prescribed processes, nor can we accomplish desired objectives with untrained or understaffed organizations. It is recognized that we cannot sacrifice standards of professionalism or accountability to achieve the desired efficiency.

The Forest Supervisor and Patrol Captain will take the necessary steps to ensure qualified personnel are in place to effectively accomplish timber management and regulatory compliance program objectives. Training and certification standards for all TM and LEI personnel will meet the intent of

Forest Service Manual and Forest Service Handbook directives. The Forest Supervisor and Patrol

Captain will also insure that Forest Protection Officers (FPO) are trained and available for compliance and accountability work with Special Forest Product permits at appropriate times of the year.

The Forest will be committed to providing ground floor training and other opportunities that will provide a replacement workforce as key personnel leave the timber management program. When an individual has been selected for a future position as a timber sale administration team member, completion of the formal training required will be scheduled and completed within two years.

Experience plus training will lead to certification within four years.

A timber sale administration team consisting of the following positions will be established for each timber sale:

Contracting Officer

Forest Service Representative

Sale Administrator

Harvest Inspector (as needed)

Engineering Representative

Construction Inspector (as needed)

Contracting Officer’s Representative or Service Work Inspector (Stewardship Contracts)

In addition to the timber sale administration team, the Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) assigned to that

Ranger District or other administrative unit will serve as an ad hoc team member and will receive timely notification of sale activity and pre-work meeting dates. It is recommended that the district TM financial assistant provide the LEO with a copy of the timber sale map and prospectus upon each contract award. The LEO and Sale Administrator will serve as primary liaison between TM and LEI.

The Forest Contracting Officer will maintain training and certification records for all members of the timber sale administration team. The Forest Check Cruiser will maintain training and certification records for all certified timber cruisers and scalers. The Patrol Captain will maintain all training and certification records for LEI personnel including all LEO’s and FPO’s. The Forest Engineer will maintain all training and certification records for civil engineering personnel. Training records will include all refresher and recertification requirements and satisfactory accomplishment.

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2. Cross-Training and Coordination

Law Enforcement will be represented on all formal ONF timber sale reviews/audits. They will focus on all aspects of timber theft prevention, report findings and recommend actions.

Both LEI and TM personnel shall receive ongoing cross-training and updates to familiarize each with timber sale and forest products administration and regulatory compliance and law enforcement. This is intended to provide a basis of understanding for each to assist the other in a successful resolution of timber and forest products violations.

TM—LEI cross-training and coordination meetings will be held a minimum of every two years. These meetings will require at least four hours of timber theft prevention training as well as an evaluation of the integration between TM and LEI personnel. All LEI personnel and timber sale administration team members assigned to the ONF will be required to attend. Affected Line Officers and other TM personnel are encouraged to attend. LE&I personnel shall attend at least one quarterly Ottawa Timber

Sale Administration Team meeting per year.

It is strongly recommended that Timber Sale Administrators and Harvest Inspectors be trained and certified as Forest Protection Officers.

3. Timber Sale Preparation

Standards of timber sale preparation shall be consistent with all regulations, Forest Service Manual and

Forest Service Handbook policy directives. All training and certification standards for timber measurement and timber measurement personnel will be met without exception.

Supplemental timber sale preparation standards for the ONF are as follows:

Timber Cruising

All contract markers will be certified by a Forest Check Cruiser before they are allowed to cruise

National Forest timber. They will meet the same standards and frequency of certification as Forest

Service personnel.

Only tracer paint with a tracer element registered to the USDA shall be used for timber sale cruising applications.

When conducting a sample tree cruise in units where trees are to be harvested by designation; all designated trees will have a spot of paint put on them to insure accurate tree counts between sample trees (no stump marks).

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Paint Application

The ONF will follow the National paint color scheme for tree marking paint as found in WO FSH

2409.12, 71.21 – Exhibit 1. Any deviation shall be coordinated with LEI and documented in the sale folder.