1240LP23Q0014-Timber Marking RFQ.pdf

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40LP

OGDEN UT 84401-2310

324 25TH ST

USDA-FS CSA INTERMOUNTAIN 4

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X

X

X

115310

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RFPIFB

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

RFQ

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NAICS:

SMALL BUSINESS

01/06/2023 1700 MT

12/09/2022

CURTIS LANDRETH

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FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBERa. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

1240LP23Q0014

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SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 67 See ScheduleOFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

CUSTER SD 57730-8214

1019 N FIFTH ST

BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST

USDA FOREST SERVICE - BLACK HILLS N

15. DELIVER TO

OGDEN UT 84401-2310

324 25TH ST

9. ISSUED BY

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2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$10.0

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THIS CONTRACT IS A

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VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

USDA-FS CSA INTERMOUNTAIN 4

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Black Hills National Forest

Tree Marking Services Period of Performance: 01/16/2023 to 04/14/2023

0001 Hell Canyon, Prep Lost Timber Marking Requisition No: 1084744

0002 Hell Canyon Timber Prep-Tree Marking 2 Continued ...

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

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OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

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FINALPARTIAL

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CORRECT FOR

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COMPLETE

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41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

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UNIT

21.

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19.

ITEM NO.

Requisition No: 1085635

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

67 2 of

SECTION B – CONTINUATION OF SF-1449

Schedule of Items/Price Schedule

Schedule of Items

Project Description: Hell Canyon Ranger District- Prep Lost Timber Marking

Vendor Name: __________________________________Vendor UEI:___________________

Item Supplies/Services Qty Unit of Issue

Unit Price Total Price

001 Tree Marking Services 1,795 acres $_____/Acre $

Total Price $

Description of Requirement

1.1 SCOPE OF WORK.

The contractor will provide all labor, equipment, supplies, services, permits, and licenses necessary to perform portions of an estimated Forest effort. This statement of work consists of completing the tasks in Section 5 to the performance requirements of Section VII. Specifications are provided in this contract, specific to the Timber Sale Areas described. The work required falls into the task category of Tree Marking:

1.2 LOCATION DESCRIPTION.

This project area is located on the Hell Canyon Ranger District of the Black Hills National Forest in all or parts of T.4S., R.2E., Sections 13, 23, 24, and 25, as well as T.4S., R.3E., Sections 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 30, 31, and 32, BHM, Surveyed. It includes units from the Lost Timber Sale. All purchase order unit boundaries have been designated with orange tracer paint. See detailed project maps (Attachments).

1.3 ACCESSIBILITY.

Forest maps of the Black Hills National Forest are available from the Supervisor's Office in Custer, SD or the Ranger District Offices located in: Rapid City, Spearfish, and Custer, SD; or Sundance and Newcastle WY. It is the responsibility of the contractor to determine the most suitable route to the project areas.

(a) The Government is not obligated to do unscheduled road maintenance. Most work units are accessible by standard or 4-wheel-drive vehicle. If wet/muddy road conditions result in road damage (defined as vehicles creating > 3-inch ruts for a distance of > 300 feet), contractor will not be allowed to operate vehicles on roads. In these cases, options to walk in, access via 4- wheeler or lower impact vehicle that would not create this amount of disturbance or counting missed workdays as “weather days” may be considered.

(b) Use of motorized equipment by the general public on designated roads and closed off road areas is prohibited as referenced on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) of the Black Hills National Forest Travel Management Plan. The MVUM will be modified and published annually and made available, free of charge, at the offices listed above. If the Contractor is performing marking tasks under the terms of this contract, use involving autos, pickups, and ATVs of these closed roads and off-road areas will be permitted in most cases as long as the use is directly involved in accomplishment of the tasks. In these situations, the need to have access to these areas will be addressed during the pre-work meeting for the contract and the Contractor will be issued a “special permit” detailing the roads, areas, and timeframe of use in which MVUM restrictions are waived for administrative purposes in accomplishing the contract. Copies of this permit must be displayed in the windshield of the contractor’s vehicle and be carried with the operator of an ATV to assist law enforcement personnel in confirming the Contractor’s authorized use of these resources. Contractor will be required to provide information including year, make, model, color, and license number of any vehicles that will be used in the accomplishment of marking activities in these areas. In some instances, walk-ins of up to 1 mile may be required due to unexpected reasons of inaccessibility.

(c) Some roads accessing the work area may be under seasonal or permanent closure via a locked gate placed across the traveled way. In these instances, Contractor will be allowed vehicular access via “special permit” as identified in part (b) above. In addition, the Contractor will be required to provide their own padlock for purposes of gaining access. The Contractor’s padlock will be locked in tandem with that of the Forest Service lock to allow access to either party. It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that their personnel keep these gates locked at all times after passing through.

(d) Unexpected reasons for inaccessibility due to fallen trees, slides, washouts on roads, etc., may or may not be corrected at the option of the Government. If access is blocked causing walk-ins in excess of 1 mile, the Government may provide an alternate access route or delete the inaccessible unit(s).

(e) Unit maps may show spur roads into work units. The spur roads shown may not be passable or may not have been constructed yet. Contractors should not rely on spur roads for access to units.

1.4 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL.

The contractor shall provide a contract representative for the performance of the work. The name of this person, and an alternate(s) who shall act for the contractor when the contractor is absent, shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contractor representative, or alternate, shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contractor representative and alternate(s) must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

1.4.1 Key Personnel Qualifications– First Line Supervisor (Crew Leader of forestry workers) First-Line Supervisor shall directly supervise and coordinate the activities of forestry and related workers. First-Line Supervisor shall have two to three years or more of National Forest or private lands tree marking experience. Demonstrates to have used a prism or other measuring device to determine the required residual basal area stocking level in a treatment unit.

Demonstrates to have used a diameter tape or other measuring device to determine tree diameters at 4 and ½ feet. Demonstrate knowledge and capability to follow marking guides.

Demonstrate capability to select good phenotypical trees that exhibit good leave tree characteristics that include, straight boles, healthy vigorous crowns with live crown ratio over 40% and pyramidal shaped crowns with healthy foliage. Demonstrates capability to read topographical maps, use a GPS or compass. Demonstrates capability to be proficient in English(Written and verbal proficiency).

The First-Line Supervisor will have access to and reference an organized written QUALITY CONTROL PLAN (QCP) document used for monitoring contract performance. The document contains specific methods the Contractor will use to self-inspect performance to meet the ACCEPTABLE QUALITY LEVEL (AQL) for the required tasks in the contract.

1.4.2 – Work Plan/Schedule

The Work Plan shall include a list of all employees/personnel working on this contract identifying each by their Occupational Code/ Job Title for work as it applies to this contract under the applicable Service Contract Act wage rate. The initial Work Plan shall be provided at the pre-work meeting and be updated whenever any personnel changes occur. All Subcontractors must also provide a list of all employees/personnel working on this contract identifying each by their Occupational Code/ Job Title as it applies to this contract under the applicable Service Contract Act wage rate.

SECTION II – DEFINITIONS

2.1 STANDARD DEFINITIONS

ACCEPTABLE QUALITY LEVEL (AQL). The maximum allowable deviation from perfect performance that may occur before the Government will invoke payment deduction.

An AQL does not allow a contractor knowingly to offer defective service, but limits reduced payment to circumstances in which defective performance results in a measurable reduction in the value of services rendered.

CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE (COR). A Government person appointed by the Contracting Officer to help the Contracting Officer with contract administration, inspection of services, and surveillance/monitoring of the contract performance.

DEFECTIVE SERVICE. A unit of service, which contains one or more defects, or nonconformance with specified requirements.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS). Identifies the key service outputs under the contract that will be evaluated by the Government on a regular basis, the surveillance methods to be used for these outputs, and the performance requirements of the listed outputs. These evaluation methods will ensure that contract performance standards are met by the contractor.

PERFORMANCE WORK SUMMARY (PWS). Main body of contract, encompassing Sections I-VI and describing the nature of the tasks to be accomplished.

PLANNED SAMPLING. A predetermined plan for inspecting part of the work is established, using subjective judgment and analysis of agency resources, to decide what work to inspect and how frequently it is to be inspected.

QUALITY ASSURANCE. Those actions taken by the Government to assure services meet the requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP). An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance. The document contains specific methods the Government will use to perform surveillance of the contractor.

QUALITY CONTROL. Those actions taken by a contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the PWS.

QUALITY CONTROL PLAN (QCP). An organized written document used for monitoring contract performance. The document contains specific methods the Contractor will use to self-monitor performance to meet the AQL for the required tasks in the contract.

RANDOM SAMPLING. A sampling method in which each service output in a unit has an equal chance of being selected.

SUSTAINABLE ACQUISTIONS (FAR Part 23.4 – Use of Recovered Materials and Biobased Products)

a. Biobased Products: Managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the goal of the Bio Preferred program is to increase the purchase and use of biobased products. The Bio Preferred program was created by the 2002 Farm Bill and reauthorized and expanded as part of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (the 2014 Farm Bill). The program's purpose is to spur economic development, create new jobs and provide new markets for farm commodities. The increased development, purchase, and use of biobased products reduce our nation's reliance on petroleum, increase the use of renewable agricultural resources, and contribute to reducing adverse environmental and health impacts. Information on biobased/bio preferred products can be found at the Bio Preferred Site. The Contractor shall comply with the clause at FAR 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts and the provision at FAR 52.223-1, Biobased Product Certification.

b. EPA-designated items: Products that are or can be made with recovered material. The Comprehensive Procurement Guideline (CPG) program is part of EPA's continuing effort to promote the use of materials recovered from solid waste. Buying recycled-content products ensures that the materials collected in recycling programs will be used again in the manufacture of new products.

UNUSUALLY SEVERE WEATHER. For the purposes of this contract, unusually severe weather in excess of contract days allowed for weather will be considered as follows: Air temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, snow depths making roads impassable with standard 4-wheel drive vehicles, and wind speeds in excess of 15 mph in areas with concentrations of snags. Heavy rain events saturating the boles of trees and snow in direct contract with the bases of trees requiring marking will not apply because rain resistant paint is available to mark under these field conditions. Significant snow depths in direct contact with the bases of trees requiring marking may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but will not automatically qualify.

2.2 TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS

ADEQUATELY STOCKED UNDERSTORY. Regeneration established at a minimum of 600 seedlings/saplings per acre. Usually associated with an Overstory Removal prescription or Overstory Removal in combination with another prescription. Numbers required to meet minimums may vary and will be specified in the Section 5.1 “Tree Marking”.

ASPEN INCLUSION. Any occurrence of aspen trees within a unit.

BASAL AREA (BA). The area in square feet of the cross section of a single tree’s stem at DBH, or of all trees in a site, expressed in square feet per acre. Generally measured via a basal area gauge device such as a Basal Area Factor (BAF) prism, BAF gauge or rela-skop.

BASAL AREA CREDIT. A credit given by the inspector under certain inspection conditions so as not to penalize the contractor for falling below the required residual basal area requirement. Basal area credits may be given when no tree exists to mark or when it is desired to maintain a uniform stocking level adjacent to opening in the stand. See definition for “Ghost Tree Concept”.

BLACKBARK. An “immature ponderosa pine” tree whose bark is very dark, appearing black.

CODOMINANT TREES. Trees with crowns that form the general level of the crown canopy, receiving full light from above, but comparatively little from the sides; usually with medium sized crowns slightly crowded on the sides.

COMMERCIAL THIN (CT). A harvest prescribed so that residual (post-harvest) trees are retained at a prescribed spacing or square feet of basal area per acre (BA).

CUT TREE MARKING (CTM). Trees to be harvested will be marked by contractor.

DEFECT. Any kind of deformity or damage in the tree, i.e. forked top, porcupine damage, crook, sweep, rot, etc.

DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT (DBH). Diameter of a tree’s bole measured outside the bark at a point 4.5 feet above ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

DOMINANT TREES. Trees with well-developed crowns, extending above the general level of the crown canopy, and receiving full light from above and partial light from the sides.

EVEN-AGED STAND. A stand of trees where all the trees are about the same age or within 20 percent of the rotation age of each other. The canopy of the stand is generally even, and the majority of stems are the same diameter.

GHOST TREE CONCEPT. A marking and inspection concept in which a basal area credit is utilized to reduce the prescribed residual BA to account for an opening in the stand. It is designed to maintain the average stocking level as opposed to crowding extra leave trees adjacent to an opening to meet a basal area requirement.

GROUP SELECTION (GS). A prescribed harvest identifying scattered clumps or groups of trees for removal from a site. Clumps or groups of trees may number anywhere from several isolated trees to all the merchantable trees in an area, up to a maximum of 2 acres in size.

Groups selected for removal are usually expressed as an overall percentage of the total basal area of the trees on a site.

GROUP SHELTERWOOD (GRSH). This is a shelterwood system treatment that is applied within pine sites which are not homogenous, but rather have patches or groups of trees of various age classes throughout the stand. A GRSH prescription may include all phases of a shelterwood system such as a commercial thin, shelterwood seed cut or overstory removal.

Contractor shall vary their marking to meet the stand conditions corresponding to each phase of the system at a scale of not less than 1 acre.

HARDWOOD INCLUSIONS. Any occurrence of hardwood trees within a unit.

IMMATURE PINE. Pine trees younger than rotation age. These trees generally have deeply furrowed and dark or black colored bark and usually have the greatest potential to maintain long-term growth in a residual (post-harvest) site. Usually associated with a Commercial Thin prescription.

INCLUSIONS. Areas within a unit or site, having uniform characteristics differing from those of the site in general and creating a distinct division between the adjacent vegetation types.

Inclusions can be of differing species, density, age, diameter, height, etc. and may require a different tree marking prescription than that of the rest of the site, if identified in the Marking Guidelines for an individual site.

INDIVIDUAL TREE SELECTION (ITS). Individual trees of all size classes are removed, more or less, uniformly throughout the stand to promote growth of remaining trees and to provide space for regeneration.

INOPERABLE AREAS. Undesignated areas, within a unit, where logging equipment cannot operate due to adverse topography or ground conditions and therefore should not have timber designated for harvest. Inoperable areas may include but are not limited to: rock promontories, steep rocky slopes, sandy or boggy areas. If unclear, Contractor and COR should agree as to what constitutes an inoperable area prior to beginning of marking activities.

INTERMEDIATE THIN (IT). A cut generally prescribed in immature, “black bark” sites for the purpose of thinning the canopy to provide growing room for residual trees. A specified basal area/acre or spacing is utilized as a guide for determining the proper number of residual trees to leave.

LEAVE TREE MARKING (LTM). Trees that will not be harvested will be marked by contractor.

MARKING GUIDELINES. The specific direction for marking each site/inclusion within a unit. Provided in Section 5.1 “Tree Marking”.

MATURE PINE. Pine trees nearing, at, or just over rotation age.

MEADOW RESTORATION. A cut prescribed to remove commercial sawtimber from historic meadows.

MERCHANTABILITY STANDARD. Minimum sized DBH, top diameter, and stem length present in a tree for it to be considered a merchantable product and eligible for marking under the conditions of this contract. The merchantability standard may vary and has been identified in Section 5.1 “Tree Marking”.

NO TREATMENT AREA (NTA). Areas within a unit/site where commercial silvicultural treatments are not currently planned. No Treatment Areas will be designated on the ground and, also, on maps provided with Section 5.1 “Tree Marking”.

OPENING. An opening in a site or stand occurs when the diameter or dimension of a non-forested area is two or more times greater than the height of the surrounding conifer stand.

OVERMATURE PINE. Pine trees, over rotation age, with characteristics that indicate that the tree is declining in vigor and growth. Indications of this condition are "Yellow Bark" appearance, flat-topped crowns with poor foliage condition, and large branches. Generally, >120 years of age.

OVERSTORY REMOVAL CUT (OR). The overstory dominant and co-dominant seed trees are removed from a two or more storied site. When an Overstory Removal is prescribed, the residual adequately stocked understory may require marking if the trees meet the merchantability standard.

PATCH CLEARCUT. Harvesting of all trees from an area exceeding 2 acres in size, during one entry, to create specific vegetative conditions.

PHENOTYPIC TRAITS. Visual, physical appearance of an adult tree that causes one to believe that offspring from that tree will also have similar characteristics. Preferred phenotypic traits are full symmetrical crowns, strait bole, small branch size, dense dark foliage, and evidence of being prolific cone producers.

PINE ENCROACHMENT REMOVAL (ER). A cut prescribed to remove commercial sawtimber from meadows.

RELEASE. An intermediate cutting aimed at improving growth of individual trees within a site or regulating the site composition by favoring one tree species over another as leave trees.

Also, release refers to a response of increased growth by residual trees after harvest.

ROTATION AGE. The age established, for a site of trees, at which time the site is prescribed for regeneration. Usually at CMAI (culmination of mean annual increment), a point in time at which the width of annual growth rings of trees that are free to grow, peaks. Annual increments after that point in time show a trend of reduction in width.

SAMPLE TREE CRUISING. A method of timber cruising for which it is essential to know the number of trees that have been designated for harvest and for timber cruisers to be able to identify cruise trees that occurred at a specified count interval, at a later date.

SEED TREE. A tree, capable of producing cones, preferably vigorous, with a full, well-developed crown. Both black bark and yellow bark trees may eligible when selecting a seed tree, depending upon the prescription, and marking requirements.

SHELTERWOOD PREPARATORY CUT (PC). A partial harvest prescribed to correct some unfavorable condition in the site such as poor crown development or improving wind firmness in preparation for a future regeneration cut.

SHELTERWOOD SEED CUT (SC). A regeneration harvest prescribed to open the overall canopy of the site, leaving only seed trees, to allow for the regeneration of a desired species.

SINGLE TREE SELECTION CUT (ST). A cut prescribed to correct some unfavorable condition in the site, such as wind damaged or insect infested trees. Differs from a shelterwood preparatory cut in that different site objectives are being sought. Usually a lighter harvest than prescribed for a PC prescription.

SNAG. A standing dead tree, in any phase of decomposition.

SNAG RECRUITMENT. A live tree retained in a site for the purpose of becoming a snag at some time in the future. Recruits preferably exhibit features such as flat, broken, or dead tops, large horizontal branching, or internal rot, which make them desirable for wildlife trees and future snags. If no others are available, healthy trees may also qualify.

SITE. A contiguous group of trees sufficiently uniform in condition, species composition, and arrangement of age classes to be a homogenous and distinguishable unit. Individual sites may require a different tree marking prescription from that of an adjacent site in the same unit.

Often used synonymously with the term “stand”.

STOCKING LEVEL. For the purposes of this contract, the total basal area, of conifers only, meeting the merchantability standards identified in Section 5.1 “Tree Marking” found on a particular site. The stocking level will be measured in square feet of basal area per acre.

THINNING FROM ABOVE. Removal of trees from the upper crown classes of a site, designed to favor codominant trees in the lower crown classes. Usually associated with the Commercial Thin prescription, with specifics being identified in Section 5.1 “Tree Marking” for an individual site/inclusion.

THINNING FROM BELOW. Removal of trees from the lower crown classes of a site, designed to favor codominant trees in the upper crown classes. Usually associated with the Commercial Thin prescription, with specifics being identified in Section 5.1 “Tree Marking” for an individual site/inclusion.

TURKEY ROOST SITES. A group of mature trees with an average DBH of 10-14 inches, displaying widely spaced branches. To qualify as leave trees, groups must be located in sites with a minimum of 90 square feet of basal area per acre, be at least ¼ acre in size, and not be isolated from adjacent forest cover. An exception to the above criteria is an existing roost site, identified by evidence of actual roosting, and not meeting some or all of the above criteria.

UNEVEN-AGED STAND. A stand of trees consisting of at least three distinct age classes with distinct gaps between the age class distributions. The canopy of the stand is generally broken and uneven. The smallest trees are represented by young seedlings and saplings that have filled gaps recently vacated by older trees. Most stems are in the smallest diameter class with the stem numbers decreasing as diameter increases, reducing even further until there is only a scattering of the largest size trees.

WHIP. A tree, which has had its growth suppressed causing poor form, small crown formation, limited diameter growth (usually less than 8" DBH), and spindly appearance. A whip tree will not respond to release.

YELLOW BARK. Mature and over-mature ponderosa pine whose reduced vigor and growth rate is partially evident by the tendency of its bark to turn from a black appearance to a more yellow appearance.

SECTION III - GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, MATERIALS, SERVICES

The Government will furnish the necessary tree marking paint and any flagging or tags required to complete the project. Notice will be given if the location at which the contractor will check out paint is different from the district on which the contract is located. Paint accountability is considered a very serious aspect of successful completion of contract requirements and will be handled according to the methods outlined in Attachment 2, Black Hills National Forest Tracer Paint Accountability Plan (annotated for use in Forest Tree Marking Contract). Both the COR and the Contractor must immediately follow the steps in the Plan any time paint or cans are missing. Paint accountability and tracking system for checkout, check-in, and location used will be established during the contract pre-work conference. All Government tree marking paint cans, full or empty, not in immediate use by the contractor are required to be in locked storage. Tree marking paint remains the property of the United States. Any unused quantities will be returned to the Government upon completion of the contract. All empty paint cans must be rinsed clean before returning to the Government. Final payment invoices will not be processed until all paint is accounted for as described above and completed “BHNF Standardized Tree Marking Contractor Daily Paint Log” forms for the entire purchase order are provided to the COR.

An investigation by Forest Service Law Enforcement personnel will be carried out involving any number of missing cans or cases of paint whether full or empty. If it is determined that the contractor willfully sold or transferred possession of any paint or cans to unauthorized parties, the contractor may be held criminally liable. If findings are that negligence on the part of the contractor is involved in the loss of any paint or cans, the contractor will be held financially liable to the limits described in Section G.3.3.

SECTION IV - CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS/SERVICES

The contractor will provide any and all labor, equipment, supplies, services, permits, and licenses necessary to perform portions of an estimated Forest effort of this purchase order issued.

SECTION V - PERFORMANCE WORK SUMMARY TASKS AND CRITICAL SUBTASKS

5.1 Tasks

All tree marking, tallying, cruise tree designations and re-marking tasks must be performed according to the following technical specifications and the quality performance requirements shown on the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) table in Section VII.

TASK: TREE MARKING

The Forest Service will pre-designate exterior unit boundary trees with orange paint.

All purchase order unit boundaries have been designated with orange tracer paint.

GENERAL MARKING GUIDES: Over the entire area, the following marking guides will apply:

1. This is a sawtimber and non-saw timber sale. Any sawtimber size live tree, > 9 inch DBH to

6.0 inch diameter top, or any non-saw timber size live tree, 5.0 inch DBH to 8.9 inch DBH to a

4.0 inch diameter top, and containing a straight 8.0 foot piece will be eligible for harvest as sawtimber or as a pole.

2. An adequately stocked understory shall be defined as a minimum of 600 seedling/sapling trees per acre (TPA), between 5 and 6 feet tall. They should not be poorly formed or suppressed.

3. For this contract a mature tree is approximately 100 years old.

4. In all units, any mature or overmature tree displaying evidence of wildife nesting, cavity nesting, or with dead spike tops will be left, and will be considered part of the residual basal area. If a raptor nest is found, immediately cease work in the area, and report the location to the COR as soon as possible. Retain all trees within 10 feet of squirrel caches.

5. In all units, any tree that exhibits signs of fresh Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) attacks shall not be marked to leave. Signs of MPB attack include pitch tubes on the trunk and associated boring frass in the bark crevices and around the base of the tree.

6. Do not mark spruce to leave.

7. All units will be marked LTM with ORANGE or PINK paint.

8. Visual Marking is NOT to be done in any units.

9. Remove insect infested trees (mountain pine beetle, ips beetle, and red turpentine beetle) in ALL units.

PRESCRIPTIONS

This contract applies various phases of the shelterwood system (commercial thinning, shelterwood seed cut, overstory removal) and individual tree selection. In addition, some stands are designated for group shelterwood harvest. Group shelterwood includes two or more phases of the shelterwood system. Stands designated for treatment typically contain some combination of mature and immature ponderosa pine sawtimber and non-saw timber at 60-200 BA. Remnant overmature pines may be present, individually or in small groups, and some stands have seedling/sapling understories. Meadow release (pine encroachment removal) shall be accomplished in meadows and grasslands where conifers have encroached. Stands may be infested with mountain pine beetle, ips, red turpentine beetle, and western gall rust in small groups. Some stands may contain significant amounts of beetle killed timber.

Pine looper, a defoliator, may be present on a much less significant level.

Commercial Thins shall be marked as follows:

In areas larger than 1 acre, dominated by immature sawtimber (9.0” DBH and larger), thin from below to 60 BA (as specified in the Unit Description) leaving “acceptable leave trees”. This includes both “most desirable leave trees” and “less desirable leave trees” (see 5.2.2 1 and 2). The Contractor shall first select the most desirable leave trees, and in areas where there are not enough trees with the most desirable characteristics available to meet 60 BA, the Contractor shall select less desirable leave trees. Favor larger diameter black bark trees over smaller diameter black bark trees. Strive to attain even spacing between leave trees.

In areas larger than 1 acre, dominated by small diameter trees and lacking any trees 9.0” DBH and larger, thin from below to a variable spacing of 14’ – 18’ wherever possible. Do not mark trees closer than 14 feet apart and select trees with the most desirable tree characteristics as leave trees.

Strive to attain even spacing between leave trees.

Overmature and suppressed trees are not desirable leave trees. Do not mark to leave any remnant overmature (yellow barks) unless for wildlife purposes.

Seed/Establishment Cuts shall be marked as follows:

In areas larger than 1 acre, dominated by mature sawtimber and lacking an adequately stocked understory, thin from below to a 40 BA, leaving “acceptable leave trees” (see 5.2.2 1 and 2). This includes both “most desirable leave trees” and “less desirable leave trees”. The Contractor shall first select the most desirable leave trees, and in areas where there are not enough trees with the most desirable characteristics available to meet 40 BA, the Contractor shall select less desirable leave trees.

Desirable leave trees in seed cuts should exhibit good form and good seed production potential.

Large, full crowns and evidence of recent cone production are indicators of good seed production potential. Smaller trees may be preferentially retained if they exhibit these characteristics. Overmature and suppressed trees are not desirable leave trees. Strive to obtain even spacing between leave trees.

Overstory Removals shall be marked as follows:

In areas larger than 1 acre, dominated by mature or overmature sawtimber and having an adequately stocked understory, remove all conifers 9.0” DBH and greater. Adequately stocked is defined as; having at least 600 seedlings/saplings per acre that are between 5 and 6 feet in height, and are good quality and form. Trees exhibiting evidence of wildlife nesting, caching, or with dead spike tops shall be marked to leave.

Group Shelterwood shall be marked as follows:

This is a shelterwood system treatment that is applied within pine sites which are not homogenous, but rather have patches or groups of trees of various age classes throughout the stand. A GRSH prescription may include all phases of a shelterwood system such as a commercial thin, shelterwood seed cut or overstory removal. Contractor shall vary their marking to meet the stand conditions corresponding to each phase of the system at a scale of not less than 1 acre.

Individual Tree Selection shall be marked as follows:

A cut generally prescribed in immature, “black bark” sites for the purpose of thinning the canopy to provide growing room for residual trees. A specified basal area/acre or spacing is utilized as a guide for determining the proper number of residual trees to leave.

In areas larger than 1 acre, dominated by immature sawtimber (> 9” DBH), thin from below to 60 BA, leaving the best quality and most vigorous trees. The dominant and codominant trees in these areas are the preferred leave trees if they are of good quality.

In areas larger than 1 acre, dominated by overmature sawtimber (> 9” DBH) with adequate regeneration present (at least 600 seedlings/saplings per acre and between 5 and 6 feet tall), remove the overmature, but leave 2 reserve trees per acre anywhere an adequately stocked understory of any size exists.

In areas larger than 1 acre, dominated by overmature sawtimber (> 9” DBH) without adequate regeneration seed cut to 40 BA, unless they are needed to meet other Forest Plan standards and guidelines. Where non-saw timber (5” – 8.9” DBH) dominants the stand, leave the healthiest, most vigorous trees to a variable spacing of 14 – 18 feet.

Meadow Release (Pine Encroachment Removal) shall be marked as follows:

All conifers shall be removed from meadows and grasslands. Generally, determined on the ground by a break in slope and/or change in vegetation type.

LOST UNITS

Sale Unit Acres Unit Acres

Lost

1 39 21 16

2 33 22 28

3 178 23 32

4 54 24 39

5 65 26 21

6 24 27 58

7 8 28 88

9 33 30 21

10 9 31 48

11 152 32 121

12 145 33 102

13 61 34 21

14 92 35 35

15 51 36 18

19 29 37 44

20 54 40 76

Total 1,795

UNIT DESCRIPTIONS

UNIT 1 LTM Group Shelterwood

Site 229: group shelterwood contains overstory removal, seed cut to 40 BA, and commercial thin to 60 BA. Do not remove overstory unless there is at least 600 seedlings/saplings per acre between 5 and 6 feet tall. If there is not adequate regeneration, thin sawtimber (> 9” DBH) to 60 BA where possible. If the initial stand is 70 BA or less, without adequate regeneration, seed cut to 40 BA. Where the non-saw component (5” – 8.9” DBH) dominates the stand leave the heathiest, most vigorous trees to a variable density spacing of 14 – 18 feet. Leave a seed source if necessary (opening larger than 1 tree length).

Remove all conifers (pine encroachment removal) within the meadow along the southern edge (site 230).

Unit 2 LTM Commercial Thin

Commercial thin to a 60 BA. There is a non-saw component (5” – 8.9” DBH) in the southwest portion.

Leave the healthiest, most vigorous trees to a variable spacing of 14 – 18 feet. If a sawtimber tree (> 9” DBH) is the healthiest, most vigorous tree AND fits the spacing, that tree may be kept in lieu of a less desirable non-saw size tree. Sawtimber is a little sparse along the eastern boundary; try to at least keep 40 BA. Do not remove overstory unless there is at least 600 seedlings/saplings per acre between 5 and 6 feet tall. Remove all conifers (pine encroachment removal) within the meadows along the southwest and northern edges (sites 230 & 231).

Unit 3 LTM Commercial Thin

Commercial thin to 60 BA. Sites 275 and 332 have a strong non-saw component (5” – 8.9” DBH).

Leave the healthiest, most vigorous trees to a variable spacing of 14 – 18 feet. If a sawtimber tree (> 9” DBH) is the healthiest, most vigorous tree AND fits the spacing, that tree may be kept in lieu of a less desirable non-saw size tree. Do not remove overstory unless there are at least 600 seedlings/saplings per acre and between 5 and 6 feet tall. Mark a commercial thin to 60 BA except within 50 feet of road 274 then mark a commercial thin to 40 BA. Remove all conifers (pine encroachment removal) within the meadow along the southeast and southern edges (site 276).

Unit 4 LTM Commercial Thin

Commercial thin to 60 BA. Leave the healthiest, most vigorous trees. Remove all conifers (pine encroachment removal) within the meadow along the northern edge (site 307). Where the non-saw component (5” – 8.9” DBH) dominates the stand leave the heathiest, most vigorous trees to a variable density spacing of 14 – 18 feet.

Unit 5 LTM Commercial Thin

Commercial thin to 60 BA. Leave the healthiest, most vigorous trees. Remove all conifers (pine encroachment removal) within the meadows along the western, northern, and eastern edges (sites 345, 347 & 348). Where the non-saw component (5” – 8.9” DBH) dominates the stand leave the heathiest, most vigorous trees to a variable density spacing of 14 – 18 feet.

Unit 6 LTM Commercial Thin

Commercial thin to 60 BA. Leave the healthiest, most vigorous trees. Remove all conifers (pine encroachment) within the meadow along the northern edge (site 352). Where the non-saw component (5” – 8.9” DBH) dominates the stand leave the heathiest, most vigorous trees to a variable density spacing of 14 – 18 feet.

Unit 7 LTM Commercial Thin

The west corner has a strong non-saw component (5” – 8.9” DBH). Leave the healthiest, most vigorous trees to a variable spacing of 14 – 18 feet. If a sawtimber tree (> 9” DBH) is the healthiest, most vigorous tree AND fits the spacing, that tree may be kept in lieu of a less desirable non-saw size tree. The northeast corner has less existing BA so it should be seed cut to 40 BA but is surrounded by commercial thinning to 60 BA. There is less existing BA in the south portion and should be seed cut to

40 BA.

Unit 9 LTM Commercial Thin

Commercial thin to 60 BA. Leave the healthiest, most vigorous trees. Remove all conifers (pine encroachment removal) within the meadow along all edges (site 457). Where the non-saw component (5” – 8.9” DBH) dominates the stand leave the heathiest, most vigorous trees to a variable density spacing of 14 – 18 feet.

Unit 10 LTM Overstory Removal

Remove all sawtimber if there is at least 600 seedlings/saplings per acre between 5 and 6 feet tall. If there is not adequate regeneration, thin sawtimber (> 9” DBH) to 60 BA where possible. If the initial stand is 70 BA or less, without adequate regeneration, seed cut to 40 BA. Where non-saw timber (5” – 8.9” DBH) dominants the stand, leave the healthiest, most vigorous trees to a variable spacing of 14 – 18 feet. Leave a seed source if necessary (opening larger than 1 tree length).

Unit 11 LTM Commercial Thin

Commercial thin to 60 BA. Leave the healthiest, most vigorous trees. Where non-saw timber (5” – 8.9” DBH) dominants the stand, leave the healthiest, most vigorous trees to a variable spacing of 14 – 18 feet. There is a cutout on the northern edge of the unit along road 274. Around the western edge of the cutout commercial thin to 50 BA within 50 feet of road 274. Around the eastern edge of the cutout commercial thin to 40 BA within 50 feet of road 274. Remove all conifers (pine encroachment removal) within the meadows in the central portion of the unit, and along the western and northeastern edges (sites 53, 66 & 260).

Site 58: commercial thin to 70 BA except within 50 feet of road 274, then mark a commercial thin to

40 BA.

Unit 12 LTM Individual Tree Selection

In the areas of immature sawtimber, thin from below to 60 BA, leaving the best quality and most vigorous trees. The dominant and codominant trees in these areas are the preferred leave trees if they are of good quality. In areas of overmature trees with adequate regeneration present, at least 600 seedlings/saplings per acre between 5 and 6 feet tall, remove the overmature, but leave 2 reserve trees per acre where an adequately stocked understory, of any size, exists. In areas where overmature trees dominate the area without adequate regeneration seed cut to 40 BA. Where non-saw timber (5” – 8.9” DBH) dominants the stand, leave the healthiest, most vigorous trees to a variable spacing of 14 – 18 feet. Remove all conifers (pine encroachment removal) within the meadows in the central portion of the unit (along FSR 274.1A), and along the northern edge (sites 231 & 290).

Unit 13 LTM Individual Tree Selection

In the areas of immature sawtimber, thin from below to 60 BA, leaving the best quality and most vigorous trees. The dominant and codominant trees in these areas are the preferred leave trees if they are of good quality. In areas of overmature trees with adequate regeneration, at least 600 seedlings/saplings per acre between 5 and 6 feet tall, remove the overmature, but leave 2 reserve trees per acre where an adequately stocked understory, of any size, exists. In areas where overmature trees dominate the area without adequate regeneration seed cut to 40 BA. Where non-saw timber (5” – 8.9” DBH) dominants the stand, leave the healthiest, most vigorous trees to a variable spacing of 14 – 18 feet. Remove all conifers (pine encroachment removal) within the meadow along the southwestern edge (site 307).

Unit 14 LTM Group Shelterwood

A group shelterwood contains overstory removal, seed cut to 40 BA, and commercial thin to 60 BA.

Do not remove overstory unless there is at least 600 seedlings/saplings per acre between 5 and 6 feet tall. If there is not adequate regeneration, thin sawtimber (> 9” DBH) to 60 BA where possible. If the initial stand is 70 BA or less, without adequate regeneration, seed cut to 40 BA. Leave a seed source if necessary (opening larger than 1 tree length). Remove all conifers (pine encroachment removal) within the meadows along the southern, western, and northern edges (sites 283 & 352). Where the non-saw component (5” – 8.9” DBH) dominates the stand leave the heathiest, most vigorous trees to a variable density spacing of 14 – 18 feet.

Unit 15 LTM Group Shelterwood

A group shelterwood contains overstory removal, seed cut to 40 BA, and commercial thin to 60 BA.

Do not remove overstory unless there are at least 600 seedlings/saplings per acre between 5 and 6 feet tall. If there is not adequate regeneration, thin sawtimber (> 9” DBH) to 60 BA where possible. If the initial stand is 70 BA or less, without adequate regeneration, seed cut to 40 BA. Leave a seed source if necessary (opening larger than 1 tree length). Remove all conifers (pine encroachment removal) within the meadows along the southern and northwestern edges (sites 96 & 352). Where the non-saw component (5” – 8.9” DBH) dominates the stand leave the heathiest, most vigorous trees to a variable density spacing of 14 – 18 feet.

UNIT 19 LTM Overstory Removal

Site 24: overstory removal. Remove all sawtimber (> 9” DBH) if there is at least 600 seedlings/saplings per acre between 5 and 6 feet tall. If there is not adequate regeneration, thin sawtimber (> 9” DBH) to 60 BA where possible. If the initial stand is 70 BA or less, without adequate regeneration, seed cut to 40 BA. Where non-saw timber (5” – 8.9” DBH) dominates the stand, leave the healthiest, most vigorous trees to a variable spacing of 14 – 18 feet. Leave a seed source if necessary (opening larger than 1 tree length).

Site 23: group shelterwood contains overstory removal, seed cut to 40 BA, and commercial thin to 60 BA. Do not remove overstory unless there is at least 600 seedlings/saplings per acre between 5 and 6 feet tall. If there is not adequate regeneration, thin sawtimber (> 9” DBH) to 60 BA where possible. If the initial stand is 70 BA or less, without adequate regeneration, seed cut to 40 BA. Where the non-saw component (5” – 8.9” DBH) dominates the stand leave the heathiest, most vigorous trees to a variable density spacing of 14 – 18 feet. Leave a seed source if necessary (opening larger than 1 tree length).

Unit 20 LTM Group Shelterwood

Site 13: group shelterwood contains overstory removal, seed cut to 40 BA, and commercial thin to 60 BA. Do not remove overstory unless there is at least 600 seedlings/saplings per acre between 5 and 6 feet tall. If there is not adequate regeneration, thin sawtimber (> 9” DBH) to 60 BA where possible. If the initial stand is 70 BA or less, without adequate regeneration, seed cut to 40 BA. Where the non-saw component (5” – 8.9” DBH) dominates the stand leave the heathiest, most vigorous trees to a variable density spacing of 14 – 18 feet. Leave a seed source if necessary (opening larger than 1 tree length).

Site 14: overstory removal. Remove all sawtimber (> 9” DBH) if there is at least 600 seedlings/saplings per acre between 5 and 6 feet tall. If there is not adequate regeneration, thin sawtimber (> 9” DBH) to 60 BA where possible. If the initial stand is 70 BA or less, without adequate regeneration, seed cut to 40 BA. Where non-saw timber (5” – 8.9” DBH) dominates the stand, leave the healthiest, most vigorous trees to a variable spacing of 14 – 18 feet. Leave a seed source if necessary (opening larger than 1 tree length).

Site 15: contains areas of non-saw timber (5” – 8.9” DBH) and seedlings/saplings (<5” DBH). In areas dominated by non-saw timber, leave the healthiest, most vigorous trees to a variable spacing of 14 – 18 feet. In areas dominated by seedlings/saplings, do not mark any leave trees.

Site 87: Remove all conifers (pine encroachment removal) within the meadow.

Unit 21 LTM Commercial Thin

Commercial thin to 60 BA. Leave the healthiest, most vigorous trees. Where non-saw timber (5” – 8.9” DBH) dominates the stand, leave the healthiest, most vigorous trees to a variable spacing of 14 – 18 feet.

Unit 22 LTM Overstory Removal

Remove all sawtimber (> 9” DBH) if there is at least 600 seedlings/saplings per acre between 5 and 6 feet tall. If there is not adequate regeneration, thin sawtimber (> 9” DBH) to 60 BA where possible. If the initial stand is 70 BA or less, without adequate regeneration, seed cut to 40 BA. Where non-saw timber (5” – 8.9” DBH) dominates the stand, leave the healthiest, most vigorous trees to a variable spacing of 14 – 18 feet. Leave a seed source if necessary (opening larger than 1 tree length).

Unit 23 LTM Group Shelterwood

A group shelterwood contains overstory removal, seed cut to 40 BA, and commercial thin to 60 BA.

Do not remove overstory unless there is at least 600…