1240LT23R0061 0003 Questions and Answers Package.pdf

ELIZABETH RATCLIFF

Digitally signed by ELIZABETH

RATCLIFF

Date: 2023.08.10 15:40:08 -07'00'

The purpose of this modification is to post the final questions/answers to the above referenced project.

COUNCIL MOUNTAIN TRAIL RE-ROUTE ANSWERS & QUESTIONS

The project to reroute the Council Mountain Trail in the Council District of the Payette National Forest is scheduled to commence on August 28, 2023, and conclude on October 5, 2024. This project aims to shift the trailhead nearer to Cabin Creek Campground to enable access without trespassing private land. The scope of work entails equipment mobilization, excavation, clearance and grubbing, brushing, seeding, the creation of fords, climbing turns, and drain dips, as well as all related tasks. This project will be executed as a firm fixed price contract.

Questions Due Date to 8/9/2023 1630 MDT.

Solicitation Due/Close Date to 8/11/2023 1630 MDT.

COUNCIL MOUNTAIN TRAIL RE-ROUTE (1240LT23R0061)

CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. What is the condition and width of tread on trail 198, in order to use upper elevation access from Forest Road 51444?

The condition is relatively good. It is single track trail approx. 18-24” in width with a concrete barrier preventing vehicles over approx. 36” from entering. These could be moved for construction, but the trail may not be accessible to vehicles (i.e., mini excavator) depending on its size – at least without additional clearing. As of my last visit, there were no windfalls or other obstructions to the segment of existing trail that connects to the new construction from 51444. There is very limited parking/loading area at this location. Land in the vicinity is mostly private (DF Development Corp) though the road is public (USFS easement or cost-share).

2. The construction team set up a spike camp at the Cabin Creek Campground with 2

- 30' Travel trailers for the duration of the project.

Cabin Creek Campground is likely to be closed during summer of 2024 for a reconstruction project. The trailers can be parked at dispersed sites in the area including the new trailhead.

3. Please clarify expected construction methodology- Sheet 3 of 20 of Trail Plans Set says "Location of Drivable Dips will be decided by COR after initial excavation."

This is outside SOP for linear trail construction. Are contractors expected to bench and excavate the entire length of tread, wait for the COR and then return to finish final tread work?

That is correct. The COR would stake the location of the dips after the clearing, brushing and rough excavation for a section is complete. The location of the dips was not previously selected so the COR will stake them as the project progresses.

4. Will USFS and ranger district be providing the seed mixture for seeding of trail construction? Or does the contractor need to procure this specific mixture?

The contractor will be responsible for purchasing the seed.

5. For planning and estimating purposes, is there an equipment width and weight restriction? For example, a SWECO would be relatively fast, but is 48" wide and 8- 10K lbs. Can it safely access trail 198?

There is not a limit on the equipment width or weight, so long as the finished tread is the proper width. There are a few rocky areas on the upper end of the trail that may be difficult for a SWECO dozer to pass.

6. Requested seed sources in the area:

Provided attached seed source document. Stated that the list is from 2020 and may not be all inclusive and that the Forest has worked with Benson Farms and L&H within the last year. See “Sources for Idaho native Seeds and Plants Colson” attachment.

7. Can’t find upper connection to existing trail.

See “Trails 198 Hansen” attachment.

8. Trail 24” width spec confirmation This is the minimal width and we would prefer wider due to sloughing and would not be adverse at all to wider tread (32-36”)

9. Shoulder width specification confirmation

This is a standard drawing and not critical – what is critical is an angle of the shoulder close to 45 degrees.

10. How is the trail construction marked?

It is marked with a flag line. The line had been surveyed broadly and was not indicative of inside or outside trail edge but general alignment with reasonable flexibility.

11. Does the bidding date & time remains the same?

The solicitation (RFP) closes on 08/11/2023 at 1630 MDT.

12. Can I ask for a copy of the plant holders list?

See “Sources for Idaho native Seeds and Plants Colson” attachment.

13. Are addendums issued to date?

Please see the attached documents, three modifications have been released.

14. When would be the best time to follow up for the preliminary bid tabulation/result?

We will review/compare all bids, and reach out to the bidders that did not win the bid as well as the winner via email in the next few weeks.

15. Is the project duration 90 calendar days, or 90 working days? Is this timeline negotiable?

The period of performance is 8/28/2023 to 10/5/2024, which is more than 90 days.

16. Is there designated camping on site? or where do you recommend our crews camp/lodge? Is there a town near the project site?

Please review the solicitation documents, information on campsites is included there. We cannot make recommendations on whether you should camp/lodge. Please research the location, to find the nearest town, etc.

17. Is the project magnitude a budget or just an estimate?

Please review the solicitation documents, this information is included in the first page of the 1442 document.

Sources for Idaho Native Seeds and Plants Updated 4-15-20

Business Name Website or Address Phone/Email Location Clearwater Seed, Inc. http://www.clearwaterseed.com 509-343-3108 Spokane, WA

Benson Native Seeds (BFI) www.bfinativeseeds.com 509-765-6348 Mosses Lake, WA Big Flat Nursery http://www.bigflatnursery.com 208-756-7602 Carmen, ID

BLM Regional Seed Warehouse* 208-373-3802 Boise, ID Twin Peaks Native Plant Nursery

(formerly Buffalo Berry Farm) http://twinpeaksnursery.com 208-634-3062 McCall, ID

*Cedera Seed Inc. http://www.growseedsswanvalley.com 208-483-3683 Swan Valley, ID College of Western Idaho**

Horticulture Sale http://cwi.edu/news/news-room/early-season-plant-sale-connections-project 208-562-3000 Nampa, ID

Derby Canyon Natives http://www.derbycanyonnatives.com 509-548-9404 Peshastin, WA Desert Jewels Nursery http://desertjewelsnursery.com 509-893-3771 Spokane, WA

Draggin’ Wing High Desert Nursery http://waterthriftyplants.com 208-345-4199 Boise, ID Dye Seed Ranch 203 Connell Hill, Pomeroy, WA 99347 509-843-3591 Pomeroy, WA Fiddler’s Ridge 1001 Fiddlers Ridge Loop Potlach, ID 83855 208-875-1003 Potlach, ID

Firewise landscaping College of Western Idaho brett@idahofirewise.org Brett Van Paephegam

Nampa, ID

Frank Pitkin Nursery https://www.uidaho.edu/cnr/center-for-forest-nursery-and-seedling-research/pitkin

208-885-3888 Moscow, ID

Granite Seed Company https://graniteseed.com/ 801-768-4422 Lehi, UT Grassland West http://www.grasslandwest.com 509-758-9100 Clarkston, WA

Great Basin Seeds https://greatbasinseeds.com/ 435-283-1411 Ephraim, UT High Country Gardens*** https://www.highcountrygardens.com 800-925-9387

Hollyberry Nursery http://www.hollyberrynursery.com 866-817-8861 Hansen, ID Idaho Botanical Garden http://idahobotanicalgarden.org/ 208-343-8649 Boise, ID Idaho Grimm Growers http://www.idahogrimmgrowers.com/ 208-785-0830 Blackfoot, ID

Idaho Native Plant Society** Annual Plant Sale https://idahonativeplants.org/pahove/ 208-867-6188 Boise, ID

Landmark Seed http://www.landmarknative.com 800-268-0180 Spokane, WA L&H Seeds http://www.lhseeds.com/ 509-234-4433 Connell, WA http://cwi.edu/news/news-room/early-season-plant-sale-connections-project http://cwi.edu/news/news-room/early-season-plant-sale-connections-project mailto:brett@idahofirewise.org https://idahonativeplants.org/pahove/

Lucky Peak Nursery (Boise National Forest) https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/boise/about-forest?cid=STELPRDB5038921&width=full

208-343-1977 Boise, Idaho

McLean Seed Co. P.O. Box 815, Coulee City, WA 99115 509-632-8709 Coulee City, WA Mosman Seed Ranch Rt. 2, Box 43, Craigmont, ID 83523 208-937-2552 Craigmont, ID Native Seed Network http://www.nativeseednetwork.org/ 541-753-3099 Corvallis, OR

Northfork Native Plants http://www.northforknativeplants.com/ 208-354-3691 Rexburg, ID Pawnee Buttes Seed Inc. https://greatbasinseeds.com/ 800-782-5947 Greeley, CO

Pineview Horticultural Services http://pineviewhorticulturalservices.com/ 208-772-7294 Hayden, ID Plants of the Wild http://www.plantsofthewild.com 509-284-2848 Tekoa, WA Pleasant Hill Farm Anderson Rd. Troy, ID 83871 pdmason@moscow.com 208-877-1434 Troy, ID

Rainier Seeds, Inc http://www.rainierseeds.com/ 509-725-1235 Davenport, WA River Refuge Seed Company LLC www.riverrefugeseed.com 541-466-5309 Brownsville, OR

Seeds, Inc. P.O. Box 866, Tekoa, WA 99033 509-284-2848 Tekoa, WA Seed Specialists 568 W. Buckles, Hayden Lake, ID 83835 jack@seedspecialists.com 208-762-8308 Hayden Lake, ID

Snake River Seed Cooperative https://www.snakeriverseeds.com/ 208-996-3531 Sun Mountain Natives http://www.sunmountainnatives.com/ 208-883-7611 Moscow, ID

Thorn Creek Native Seed Farm http://www.nativeseedfarm.com/ 208-596-9122 Genesee, ID

* The BLM Regional Seed Warehouse system is for agency use only and financial instruments would need to be developed to obtain seed from the warehouse. However, the public can obtain the seed testing samples which can equal to a pound or more of PLS seed. Please contact Derek Conn to request those samples (dconn@blm.gov or 208-384-3277).

**Check websites for dates/times/availability ***They have local native wildflower seed mixes available or they can have one of the local nurseries (for example Plants of the Wild) mix them.

https://www.snakeriverseeds.com/

New and On-line Tools for Seed Selection

Native Seed Network (Directory of native plant nurseries and producers) https://nativeseednetwork.org/

The Native Seed Network connects people and organizations involved with all aspects of native seed, from collection, development, production, and use in restoration. Vision is for restoration and rehabilitation projects to be supported by an abundance of quality seed that is both appropriate for the site and affordable.

TRM Seed Zone Mapper (Desktop and mobile apps that help visualize various seed zone layers including Provisional Seed Zones, Ecoregions Level III, PSZ General basin grass/forb, Empirical seeds zones for various species) https://www.fs.fed.us/wwetac/threat-map/TRMSeedZoneMapper.php

This site allows end-users to view and acquire data on seed zones for use in plant material development, gene conservation and native plant restoration activities. Users can also evaluate seed zones in relation to other map services and wildland threats published by WWETAC such as climate change projections or wildfire risk. You can even upload your own points.

Ecoregional Revegetation Application (Species selection tool that generates a list of species by ecoregion. Focuses on “workhorse’ plants, restoration plants, pollinator plants) http://www.nativerevegetation.org/era/

The ERA Tool is a map-based, searchable application to select native plants for restoration and pollinator habitat enhancement by US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Level III Ecoregions. Since ecoregions are areas of similar climate and topography that contain characteristic, geographically distinct assemblages of natural communities and species, they are an ideal organizing unit for selecting plants for restoration. State floras, on the other hand, have many species that only occur in some ecoregions and are not appropriate choices for restoration elsewhere.

https://nativeseednetwork.org/ https://www.fs.fed.us/wwetac/threat-map/TRMSeedZoneMapper.php http://www.nativerevegetation.org/era/

“Climate Smart” Seedlot Selection Tool (Identifies locations from which seeds may be moved to new sites to match current or future climate scenarios) https://seedlotselectiontool.org/sst/

The Seedlot Selection Tool (SST) is a GIS mapping program designed to help forest managers match seedlots with planting sites based on climatic information. The climates of the planting sites can be chosen to represent current climates, or future climates based on selected climate change scenarios.

Seed Selector (Matches climate of seed accession to planting locations) https://seedmapper.shinyapps.io/seed_selector/

The purpose of this app is to aid seed selection efforts of restoration and revegetation practitioners by matching the climate of georeferenced seed sources to potential target sites.

https://seedlotselectiontool.org/sst/ https://seedmapper.shinyapps.io/seed_selector/

51144¯

0 0.075 0.15 0.225 0.30.0375 Miles

Contour Interval = 200'

Upper trailhead begin reroute