12444223R0002 Vegetative Management Solicitation.pdf

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

ATLANTA GA 30309-2449

STE 876S

1720 PEACHTREE ST NW

USDA-FS CSA EAST 4

CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

115310

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR4442

RFPIFB

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

RFQ

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NAICS:

SMALL BUSINESS

01/10/2023 latricia.robbins@usda.govLATRICIA ROBBINS (No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIME

02/03/2023 1600 CT

b. TELEPHONE NUMBERa. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

12444223R0002

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

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

1 65 OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

15. DELIVER TO

ATLANTA GA 30309-2449

STE 876S

1720 PEACHTREE ST NW

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$10.0

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULEX

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

USDA-FS CSA EAST 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.

This USDA Forest Service solicitation will result in multiple Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA) of an estimated 12 Contractors to provide Vegetative Management / Wildlife Protection Services located on the Ouachita National Forest within the States of Arkansas and Oklahoma for a five year period of performance from date of award.

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

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

XX

DATED

LATRICIA L. ROBBINS

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT:

REF.

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

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

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Expected Period of Performance

Base - Date of Award through February 28, 2024

Option 1 - March 1, 2024, through February 28, Option 2 - March 1, 2025, through February 28, Option 3 - March 1, 2026, through February 28, Option 4 - March 1, 2027, through February 28, Schedule of Items quantities shown are estimates for evaluation purposes and NOT guarantees;

individual BPA calls will be awarded on a competitive/fair opportunity basis.

Offerors may quote on any or all items and limit the total amount of work they might accept by addressing this in their Technical Proposal.

Period of Performance: 03/01/2023 to 02/28/2028

0001 Vegetative Management / Wildlife Protection

Services

Product/Service Code: F018

Product/Service Description: NATURAL

RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- OTHER FOREST/RANGE

IMPROVEMENTS (NON-CONSTRUCTION)

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

65 2 of

SECTION B – CONTINUATION OF SF-1449

BPA shall remain in effect for a period of 5 years unless terminated by either the Contractor or the Government with thirty (30) days written notice. Contractors Option may not be exercised for performance issues, unrealistic pricing, or an inactive SAM account.

The Government reserves the right to award additional BPAs from this solicitation for the duration of the BPA term. During the 5-year term of the contract, the Contracting Officer may determine a need to reduce or increase the original pool of awarded contracts for a variety of reasons. The Government may replenish on an annual basis by resoliciting the requirement for the remaining period of performance. The solicitation, term and conditions, and source selection procedures will be the same as under this original solicitation. Any new awardees will compete with the existing or remaining contractors for all subsequent BPA Calls. The period of performance for the new awardees will not exceed the overall maximum term of the original BPA, including options.

452.216-73 Minimum and Maximum Contract Amounts (FEB 1988) - During the period specified in FAR clause 52.216-18, ORDERING, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $0 (BPA), but not in excess of 7.5 million per individual contract.

Individual call orders under each agreement shall not exceed $250,000.

Requirements for amounts less than $2,500 may be acquired as micro-purchases using a Government Purchase Card.

ORDERING PROCEDURES

Individual BPA Calls will be competed among BPA awardees. The Government expressly reserves the right to limit competition if determined to be in its best interests.

1. The CO will issue a written Request for Proposal that may include:

a. Schedule of Items

b. Statement of Work

c. The Period of Performance

d. Map and/or coordinates of delivery/work

e. Department of Labor Wage Determination, as applicable

2. The Contractors will be provided a number of days to review the package and submit pricing. The Government is not obligated to accept prices and may resolicit the requirement outside this BPA.

Quantities shown are estimates for evaluation purposes and NOT guarantees; The Government reserves the right to adjust the quantity ordered on any BPA Call based on the availability of funds.

3. The CO reserves the right to:

a. Award to one contractor if the independent government estimate is less than $2,500.00.

b. Accept other than the lowest priced offer and to reject any or all offers.

The government intends to select the most advantageous, responsive, and responsible proposal, price and other factors considered. The non-price evaluation criteria are quality of work for the specific type to be performed and capacity to complete the work on schedule.

c. Award without discussion.

CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE(S) – LIAISON

a. Contracting Officer’s Representative(s) (COR) and/or Government Technical Monitor will be designated in writing at the time of contract award. A copy of the designation will be furnished to the Contractor.

b. The COR will act as liaison between the USDA Forest Service herein referred to as “FS” and the Contractor(s), and, when necessary, will provide technical direction to the Contractor(s). The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and is responsible for monitoring, assessing, recording, and reporting on the technical performance of the contractor. The COR, however, is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the contract, make decisions concerning disputes arising under the contract, or resolve differing site condition matters. Neither the presence nor absence of a government representative shall relieve the Contractor(s) of his/her/their responsibilities under the contract.

c. The Contracting Officer for this contract should be informed as soon as possible of any actions or inaction’s by the Contractor or the Government which could change any of the terms, conditions, or completion time stated in the contract. On all matters pertaining to contract terms, the Contractor must communicate with the Contracting Officer.

d. Whenever, in the opinion of the Contractor, the COR requests effort outside the scope of the Contract, the Contractor should advise the Contracting Officer immediately.

CONTRACTOR OBLIGATION:

Contractor shall provide personnel who are trained and competent to accomplish the work on this contract in a manner consistent with the highest professional standards of the industry. Contractors are required to stay in communication with the designated Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at all times. Work is to be completed during the Period of Performance listed on the BPA Call. If additional time is requested outside of acts of nature or within reason, the Contractor may be charged by deducting remaining funds from the order.

On all matters that pertain to the contract terms, the Contractor shall communicate, in writing, with the Contracting Officer. Whenever, in the opinion of the Contractor, the COR requests are outside the scope of the contract, the Contractor should so advise the COR and CO immediately. Buying and using material or performing any services not listed in this contract without proper contractual modification by the Contracting Officer could result in nonpayment of these services and shall result in the Contractor performing those services at their own expense.

The Government will monitor services to ensure that the Contractor meets the performance standards.

Visual observation and physical checks will be used. The Government reserves the right, if deemed necessary, to reject service deemed unsatisfactory for this contract.

Government inspections will be documented and placed in the COR’s file. If the employee’s services do not meet the the standards as outlined in this contract, a Notice of Non-Compliance will be issued to the Contractor. The CO may issue other cure notices if services are not being provided in a timely manner or does not comply with contract specifications.

Inspection of the supplies and services under this contract shall be made by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or the designated Government Technical Monitor as the work progresses and at such intervals as are necessary to ensure compliance with the contract specifications and provisions.

Subcontracting work is not an excuse for substandard performance. If the services are not acceptable by the COR, the contractor shall perform said services to the satisfaction of the COR in accordance with this contract at no cost to the government. If rework is not possible or does not occur, deductions may be withheld from invoice(s). Upon acceptance by the COR, the contractor may submit their invoice in the IPP system.

Statement of Work and Schedule of Items.

You will NOT be required to provide pricing in all the schedule of items to be eligible for the resultant contract.

Project Vegetation Management / Wildlife Protection Services

General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

The purpose of the proposed contract is to provide an array of vegetation management/wildlife protection services to the Ouachita National Forest as detailed in the Schedule of Items and the Background Statement in item 3.0.

2.0 Background

This contract will provide two broad categories of commercial services: (1) labor intensive operations such as planting, thinning, pesticide application, release, midstory reduction and specialized felling; and (2) mechanically intensive operations normally accomplished with heavy equipment such as ripping, scarification, mulching, firelines, pond construction, and miscellaneous dozer operations. Individual construction intensive task orders (e.g., pond construction) may be subject to Davis-Bacon wage rates and additionally require payment bonds (over $35K) and performance bonds (over $150K). This work is ongoing with acres treated varying annually and by district.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

TASK/SUB-TASK UNIT Caddo

Womble Jessieville Winona Fourche

Mena Oden

Oklahoma Poteau Cold Springs

5.0 Mobilization (Basic Cost) LS

5.1 Tree Planting

5.1.1 Pine Bareroot (Ripped) Acre

5.1.2 Pine Bareroot (Unripped) Acre

5.1.3 Pine Bareroot (Replant) Acre

5.1.4 Pine Containerized (Ripped) Acre

5.1.5 Pine Containerized (Unripped) Acre

5.1.6 Pine Containerized (Replant) Acre

5.2 Pesticide Applications

5.2.1 Foliar Spray Acre

5.2.1.1 Site Preparation Acre

5.2.1.2 Release Acre

5.2.1.3 Midstory Reduction Acre

5.2.1.4 NNIS Eradication Acre

5.2.1.5 Trail Maintenance Mile

5.2.2 Cut Surface Treatment Acre

5.2.2.1 Site Preparation Cut Surface Only Acre

5.2.2.1.1 Cut Surface/Foliar Spray Acre

5.2.2.2 Release Cut Surface Only Acre

5.2.2.2.1 Cut Surface/Foliar Spray Acre

5.2.2.3 Midstory Reduction Cut Surface Only Acre

5.2.2.3.1 Cut Surface/Foliar Spray Acre

5.2.2.4 NNIS Eradication Cut Surface Only Acre

5.2.2.4.1 Cut Surface/Foliar Spray Acre

5.2.2.5 Trail Maintenance Cut Surface Only Mile

5.2.2.5.1 Cut Surface/Foliar Spray Mile

5.2.3 Hack-and-Squirt

TASK/SUB-TASK UNIT Caddo Womble

Jessieville Winona Fourche

Mena Oden

Oklahoma Poteau Cold Springs

5.2.3.1 Site Preparation Acre

5.2.3.1.1 Hack-and-Squirt/Foliar Spray Acre

5.2.3.2 Release Acre

5.2.3.2.1 Hack-and-Squirt/Foliar Spray Acre

5.2.3.3 Midstory Reduction Acre

5.2.3.3.1 Hack-and-Squirt/Foliar Spray Acre

5.2.3.4 NNIS Eradication Acre

5.2.3.4.1 Hack-and-Squirt/Foliar Spray Acre

5.3 Manual Treatments

5.3.1 Site Preparation

5.3.1.1 Manual felling < 1,600 stems per acre Acre

5.3.1.1.1 Manual felling < 1,600 stems/

girdling

Acre

5.3.1.2 Manual felling > 1,600 stems per acre Acre

5.3.1.2.1 Manual felling > 1,600 stems/

girdling

Acre

5.3.2 Release

5.3.2.1 Less than 1,600 stems per acre Acre

5.3.2.2 More than 1,600 stems per acre Acre

5.3.3 Midstory Reduction

5.3.3.1 Light--Less than 500 stems per acre Acre

5.3.3.2 Medium—500 - 1,000 stems per acre Acre

5.3.3.3 Heavy--More than 1,000 stems per acre Acre

5.3.4 Overstory Development

5.3.4.1 Less than 1,600 stems per acre Acre

5.3.4.2 More than 1,600 stems per acre Acre

5.3.5 Precommercial Thinning

5.3.5.1 Less than 1,600 stems per acre Acre

5.3.5.2 More than 1,600 stems per acre Acre

5.3.5.3 Less than 1,600 stems per acre (includes

both pine & hdwd trees)

Acre

5.3.5.4 More than 1,600 stems per acre (includes

both pine & hdwd trees)

Acre

5.3.6 Specialized Felling

5.3.6.1 Directional (Less than 9.6” DBH) Acre

5.3.6.2 Directional (Greater than 9.6” DBH) Acre

5.3.6.3 Snag felling Each

5.3.7 Girdling Acre

5.3.8 Trail Maintenance Cutting and Clearing Mile

5.4 Mechanical (Track and Wheel)

5.4.1 Shear Operations

Jessieville Winona Fourche

Mena Oden

Oklahoma Poteau Cold Springs

5.4.1.1 Heavy Acre

5.4.1.2 Medium Acre

5.4.2 Single Drum Chopper

5.4.2.1 Heavy Acre

5.4.2.2 Medium Acre

5.4.3 Mulching Acre

5.4.4 Ripping

5.4.4.1 Heavy Acre

5.4.4.2 Medium Acre

5.4.4.3 Light Acre

5.4.5 Scarification Acre

5.4.6 Firelines

5.4.6.1 Heavy (construction) Mile

5.4.6.2 Heavy (maintenance) Mile

5.4.6.3 Medium (construction) Mile

5.4.6.4 Medium (maintenance) Mile

5.4.6.5 Light (construction) Mile

5.4.6.6 Light (maintenance) Mile

5.4.7 Wildlife Openings

5.4.7.1 Heavy (construction) Acre

5.4.7.2 Medium (construction) Acre

5.4.7.3 Light (construction) Acre

5.4.7.4 Brush hogging (maintenance) Acre

5.4.7.5 Disk/Lime/Fertilize/Seed Acre

5.4.8 Pond Construction

5.4.8.1 Heavy Acre

5.4.8.2 Medium Acre

5.4.8.3 Light Acre

5.4.9 Earth Mound/Roadblock Removal &

Restoration

Each

5.4.10 Dozer Operations for Widely Scattered and

Difficult to Estimate Projects (e.g., Group selection site preparation)

5.4.10.1 Class T3 60 to 69 Horsepower Hour

5.4.10.2 Class T4 70 to 104 Horsepower Hour

5.4.10.3 Class T5 105 to 124 Horsepower Hour

5.4.10.4 Class T6 125 to 139 Horsepower Hour

5.4.10.5 Class T7 140 to 169 Horsepower Hour

5.4.10.6 Class T8 170 to 194 Horsepower Hour

5.4.10.7 Class T9 195 to 249 Horsepower Hour

5.4.10.8 Class T10 250 to 299 Horsepower Hour

Jessieville Winona Fourche

Mena Oden

Oklahoma Poteau Cold Springs

5.4.10.9 Class T11 300 to 369 Horsepower Hour

5.4.11 Mechanical Invasive Species Eradication Hour

5.4.11.1 Roadside spraying (both sides) Mile

5.4.11.2 Landscape Acre

5.4.12 Dump Truck Rental (10 CY) Hour

*Prices are for evaluation purposes (reasonableness/realism); pricing on individual task orders will be determined by competitive bid (fair opportunity).

1. TREE PLANTING - TASK NUMBER 5.1

(a) Timing of Implementation

Planting operations may begin when sufficient soil moisture is available. Annual seasonal rains normally begin in November providing sufficient soil moisture. Planting may occur anytime between mid-October to mid-March.

(b) Seedlings

The contractor shall plant all trees ordered and delivered to the planting site within twenty-four hours of delivery unless otherwise approved by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

When the COR determines that conditions are unsuitable for planting, the contractor shall return all unplanted trees to the delivery point with no penalty for delay in planting the delivered trees.

If conditions are outside the following range of preferred weather conditions, then the contractor shall take additional precautionary measures as directed by the COR in the protection, care, and handling of seedlings during transport and while on the planting site:

Air temperature: 33-75 degrees F Relative humidity: 30- 50 percent Wind speed: = or <15 miles per hour

(c) Spacing

Tree spacing may change with each planting site. Maps that are provided showing the location of planting sites shall include specific spacing for that site. Trees may be planted on the following spacing.

Spacing # Trees/Acre Spacing # Trees/Acre 6 X 8 = 908 9 X 9 = 538 7 X 8 = 778 9 X 10 = 484

6 X 10 = 726 8 X 12 = 454 8 X 8 = 681 10 X 10 = 436

7 X 10 = 622 9 X 12 = 403 6 X 12 = 605 11 X 11 = 360 8 X 10 = 544 12 X 12 = 302

(d) Planting Standards for Bareroot and Containerized Seedlings

Seedlings shall be carried in seedling bag or other suitable container allowing the seedlings to be kept moist and protected.

Seedlings shall not be carried in the tree planter’s hand with the root or soil medium exposed but rather the seedlings shall be removed from the seedling bag one at a time as each seedling is planted.

One pine seedling shall be planted in a trash-free hole.

Trash such as leaves, litter, duff, etc. will be removed in a one-foot square area surrounding the planting hole.

Do not plant seedlings in frozen ground, during freezing weather, or other unsatisfactory conditions as determined by the COR.

Soil moisture should be present at least six inches deep.

All planting areas in and adjacent to obstacles such as windrows, tree tops, and/or rocks shall be planted.

Do not plant within clearing limits of any designated system road or powerline right-of-way or within fifteen feet of fence or existing tree line.

Do not plant in standing water.

Seedlings shall not be planted within twelve inches of large mounds of dirt or stump holes large enough to hamper root growth of seedling.

Containerized shortleaf pine seedlings must be planted level with the soil surface. The S curve must be below the soil.

(e) Disposal of Seedling Boxes/Bags and Other Debris

It will be the contractors’ responsibility to dispose of seedling bags/boxes, binding straps and contractor generated debris and litter from National Forest lands.

(f) Resource Protection

Improvements such as fences, gates, property boundaries, corner monuments, and trees that are marked or identified with paint, signs, tags, and/or blazes shall be protected by the contractor.

The contractor will notify the COR immediately of any damaged structures and repair damages that have resulted from the contractor’s operations.

BARE-ROOT SEEDLINGS

5.1.1 - Ripped Site Prep

5.1.2 - Unripped Site Prep

5.1.3 - Replant

Pine seedlings will be planted following the procedures shown in the attached exhibits, “How to Plant Forest Tree Seedlings” and “Trees Planted in an Unsatisfactory Manner.” Preferred hand planting tools will be dibble bars, mattocks, hoedads, etc. The penetrating portion of the blade will not be less than ten inches long and two and three- fourths inches wide. Lean of planted seedling shall not exceed forty-five percent.

Soil should be firmly packed around each planted seedling, and the planting hole should be closed at the bottom as well as at the top. Seedlings must be planted so as to withstand being pulled by the terminal group of needles.

The ideal pine seedling should be a balanced, sturdy stemmed, medium-sized seedling measuring between seven and thirteen inches in height with a well developed, fibrous root system.

Minimum Quality Measure Stem Length 5 inches Root Collar Diameter 1/8 inch Root Length 5 inches Lateral Roots Abundant Winter buds Present

Cull seedlings that do not meet the minimum criteria listed in the table above as well as seedlings with forked tops, having evidence of fusiform rust, or other noted undesirable traits will not be

Seedling roots have been root-pruned in the nursery. Taproots should range from five to ten inches in length with abundant lateral roots. Roots should not be pruned in the field. However, if the nursery fails to prune seedling-root systems sufficiently for proper planting, as determined by the COR, then root-pruning in the field will be permitted.

When seedlings are being separated, do not beat seedlings against objects to loosen the roots. Do not shake off or remove moisture retentive root coatings.

Lateral roots are the primary source of water and nutrient uptake. Protect and keep them intact.

Shortleaf pine seedlings should be planted with the S-shape in the stem below the ground line.

Seedlings should be planted in a manner to prevent “J-rooting,” “L-rooting,” twisted, or balled roots.

To avoid possible root damage, do not use planting tools to maneuver roots of seedling into the planting hole.

Proper planting procedure for bare-root seedlings

Planting holes should be constructed according to the attached pictures.

After a proper planting slit is made, insert the seedling until the taproot reaches the bottom of the planting slit. Then raise the seedling to the proper planting depth. After the seedling is raised to the proper planting depth, and it is in a vertical position without leaning; close the planting slit at the bottom and top.

Then pack the soil around the planting hole.

Proper planting can be determined for pines by grasping four of the terminal needles and pulling.

If the seedling moves up when the four needles are pulled, then the seedling is improperly packed. If the seedling remains still when the four needles are released, then packing is suitable.

Standards for replanting bareroot seedlings are the same as for 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 except for spacing between seedlings.

The COR will designate spacing of bareroot seedlings based on the distance between surviving planted stocking and acceptable natural stocking.

Exhibit 1. How to Plant Forest Tree Seedlings

Exhibit 2. Trees Planted in an Unsatisfactory Manner

CONTAINERIZED SEEDLINGS

5.1.4 -- Ripped Site Prep

5.1.5 -- Unripped Site Prep

5.1.6 -- Replant

The soil medium within which the containerized seedling was grown in the nursery, called a seedling plug, will remain intact with the root system. The seedling plugs shall be kept moist but not water soaked to ensure a healthy seedling.

The shortleaf seedling plugs must be planted at or below the ground line so that the “S” curve is below the ground. However, they must be planted no more than one half inch below the ground line. None of the plug should be above the ground line.

The native soil around the seedling plug should be firmed up. However, be careful not to step on the seedling. Seedlings must be planted to withstand being pulled by the terminal group of needles.

Containerized seedlings will be planted using a tool that will prepare a planting hole the same shape and size as the seedling plug.

The ideal pine seedling should be a balanced, sturdy-stemmed, medium-sized seedling measuring seven to thirteen inches in height and having a well-developed, fibrous root system contained within the seedling plug.

Do not shake off or remove soil that is contained within the seedling plug.

Minimum Quality Measure Stem Length 5 inches Root Collar Diameter 1/8 inch Plug Length 3.5 inches Lateral Roots Abundant Winter buds Present

Cull seedlings that do not meet the minimum criteria listed in the table above as well as seedlings with forked tops, having evidence of fusiform rust, or other noted undesirable traits will not be

Standards for replanting containerized seedlings are the same as for 5.1.4 and 5.1.5 except for spacing between seedlings. The COR will designate spacing of containerized seedlings based on the distance between surviving planted stocking and acceptable natural stocking.

2. PESTICIDE APPLICATIONS - TASK NUMBER 5.2

Foliar spray treatments shall be implemented during the leaf-on period of the year. Normally, leaf-on starts about the middle of April and ends at the first frost in October.

Cut-surface and hack-and-squirt methods of herbicide application may be completed throughout the year except during freezing temperatures or heavy spring sap flow. These methods are normally scheduled from April through October.

Some invasive species such as Chinese privet may be chemically treated in the winter. Herbicide application shall be within 20 minutes of felling the tree.

(b) Herbicide Standards Common to All Methods of Application

The contractor shall apply herbicides in accordance with the label directions.

The specific herbicide that will be used within a treatment area shall be determined by the Forest Service and provided to the contractor for application.

Herbicides will not be applied within the immediate vicinity of individual or clumps of existing Ozark chinquapin stems.

Do not broadcast herbicides within one-hundred feet of private property unless otherwise advised by the COR. Whenever possible, use individual-stem treatments, directed foliar treatments, and crop-tree release rather than broadcast applications. Herbicides will not be applied within 100 feet of perennial drains or within 30 feet of intermittent drains.

(c) Resource Protection

Treatment applications shall not be applied within Streamside Management Zones that are comprised of a minimum one hundred feet either side of a perennial stream and thirty feet either side of a defined stream.

Treated vegetation will be removed from all rights-of-way unless otherwise directed by the COR.

Protect residual seed trees from fire through the removal of slash that lies within three feet of the tree bole or unless specified by the COR.

Trees that are located adjacent to roads, fire lines, fences, private property, rights-of-way, or other structures and are designated for treatment shall be severed and felled so as not to damage, lean on, clog, or otherwise obstruct existing structures or facilities.

All treated vegetation shall be lopped and scattered to lie within two foot of the ground for approximately one hundred feet either side of a highway or trail that has been designated as having a scenic integrity objective of moderate, high or very high unless otherwise directed by the COR.

Lead off and wing ditch structures that have been constructed for system roads shall be protected.

(d) Vegetation Targeted for Treatment

Treat all pine and hardwood stems not designated for retention that are located within the clearing limits of permanent wildlife openings. Retain existing large hardwoods stems up to thirty square feet of basal area per acre.

Treat all trees that are deformed, stunted, broken, bent over, and/or otherwise damaged.

Areas that are designated for the manual felling method of treatment shall have the cut trees completely severed from the stump as close to the ground as is practical but not higher than six inches from ground level on the uphill side of the tree unless otherwise specified by the COR.

The severed stems shall not lean against or hang in leave crop trees but rather they shall lie within two feet of the ground. This may require the cut trees to be bucked up into shorter segments.

Areas that are designated for a girdling method of treatment may complete the operation using any mechanical or manual hand tool so long as the tool girdles a stem to the following standard:

Girdling will form a closed circle around the stem being treated, no higher than three feet above the ground. Girdles shall go through the bark and penetrate into the cambium and solid wood a minimum of one half inch deep. That section of bark, cambium layer, and wood shall be removed completely encircling the stem forming a two-inch wide by one-half inch deep girdle into the solid wood portion of the treated stem.

If an inadequate number of snags exist within a treatment area, then girdle two twelve-inch or larger trees per acre. Smaller trees may be girdled to serve as snags when there are no existing larger stems.

(e) Vegetation Not Targeted for Treatment

Leave crop trees that are characterized as being the best-formed stems within the dominant or co-dominant crown classes that are spaced about ten feet apart consisting of approximately 436 stems per acre.

Painted or flagged boundary trees that mark unit boundaries, streamside zones, or exclusions, and the vegetation that is contained within the exclusions.

Wildlife den trees that are recognized as having at least one hole in the trunk of a tree. Existing snags and trees that are marked for retention.

Retain pine stems that are undamaged and are five inches or greater diameter at breast height (DBH) except when those pine stems are contained within an area designated for a site-preparation treatment.

Maintain, when available, two mature trees or two clumps of vine harborages per acre consisting of healthy non- competing vegetation of the following species: dogwood, mulberry, plum, redbud, serviceberry, black cherry, hawthorn, persimmon, grape and muscadine vines.

Areas designated for site preparation, release, and/or precommercial thinning method of treatment will list an acceptable percentage of residual hardwood stems on the project map.

The desired ratio of hardwoods will vary among treatment areas. However, the objective is to retain between ten and thirty percent of the total residual in hardwood species. One suggested approach to achieve the objective is retaining approximately five to ten square feet of basal area per acre in large, healthy hardwood trees along with some developing hardwood regeneration.

5.2.1 Foliar Spray

5.2.1.1 Site Preparation

5.2.1.2 Release

5.2.1.3 Midstory Reduction

5.2.1.4 Non-native Invasive Species Eradication

5.2.1.5 Trail Maintenance

Apply herbicide to the foliage of competing vegetation. The leaves must be at least three-quarter full and the treated stems six feet or less in height.

Foliar application of herbicides should be made only when there is little or no hazard from spray drift as directed by the label. For trail maintenance, existing grasses, weeds, and brush that are three-feet tall should be at a distance of three feet from centerline of the trail.

A waiting period of 10 to 15 days after contractor work completion will be required before the COR completes the Government’s inspection and acceptance of work to allow for brown-up.

5.2.2 Cut-Surface Only and Cut-Surface/Foliar Spray Treatments

5.2.2.1 Site Preparation Cut-Surface Only

5.2.2.1.1 Site Preparation Cut-Surface/Foliar Spray

5.2.2.2 Release Cut-Surface Only

5.2.2.2.1 Release Cut-Surface/Foliar Spray

5.2.2.3 Midstory Reduction Cut Surface Only 5.2.2.3.1 Midstory

Reduction Cut-Surface/Foliar Spray

5.2.2.4 NNIS Eradication Cut-Surface Only

5.2.2.4.1 NNIS Eradication Cut-Surface/Foliar Spray

5.2.2.5 Trail Maintenance Cut-Surface Only

5.2.2.5.1 Trail Maintenance Cut-Surface/Foliar Spray

Clarification of Cut-Surface/Foliar Spray Treatments:

Foliar spray target vegetation should be less than 6 feet tall.

Target vegetation 6 feet or taller will receive cut surface treatment.

The timing of NNIS Eradication in 5.2.2.4.1 (cut-surface/foliar spray) will be determined by the COR depending upon the species to be controlled.

In addition to the treatments listed under “5.3.8--Trail Maintenance: Cutting and Clearing,” the following herbicide work will be accomplished: 5.2.2.5 Trail Maintenance Cut-Surface Only

• Existing vegetation measuring three inches DBH and less shall be cut as close to ground level as possible and stump-treated with herbicide. The clearing limit for this treatment is four feet on either side of the trail centerline.

• 5.2.2.5.1 will include work listed under 5.2.2.5 and require existing grasses, weeds, and brush measuring less than three feet tall to be foliar sprayed. The clearing limit for foliar treatment is three feet on either side of the trail centerline.

Midstory reduction pesticide cut-surface treatments shall follow guidelines designated under “5.3.3 Midstory Reduction,” but chemically treat stumps, also.

All stumps will be no higher than 6 inches above ground level on the uphill side unless otherwise directed by the COR or Inspector.

5.2.3 Hack-and-Squirt Only and Hack-and-Squirt/Foliar Spray Treatments

5.2.3.1 Site Preparation Hack-and-Squirt Only

5.2.3.1.1 Site Preparation Hack-and-Squirt/Foliar Spray

5.2.3.2 Release Hack-and-Squirt Only

5.2.3.2.1 Release Hack-and-Squirt/Foliar Spray

5.2.3.3 Midstory Hack-and-Squirt Only

5.2.3.3.1 Midstory Hack-and-Squirt/Foliar Spray

5.2.3.4 NNIS Eradication Hack-and-Squirt Only

5.2.3.4.1 NNIS Eradication Hack-and-Squirt/Foliar Spray

5.2.3.5 Trail Maintenance Hack-and-Squirt Only

5.2.3.5.1 Trail Maintenance Hack-and-Squirt/Foliar Spray

Stems that are too small for an herbicide treatment using a hack-and-squirt method of application shall be severed, and herbicide will be applied according to label directions for the cut-surface method of application.

The order of work and timing of NNIS Eradication treatments will be determined by the COR.

Midstory hack-and-squirt treatments shall follow guidelines listed under “5.3.3 Midstory Reduction” for “Timing of Operations,” “Vegetation Targeted for Treatment,” and “Vegetation Not Targeted for Treatment.”

3. MANUAL TREATMENTS - TASK NUMBER 5.3

(a) Resource Protection

Trees that are located adjacent to roads, fire lines, fences, private property, right-of-ways, or lean on, clog or otherwise obstruct existing structures or facilities.

Treated vegetation will be removed from all right-of-ways unless otherwise directed by the COR.

Protect residual leave crop trees from fire through the removal of slash that lies within three feet of the bole or by a distance specified by the COR.

All treated vegetation shall be lopped and scattered to lie within two foot of the ground for approximately one hundred feet either side of a highway or trail that has been designated as having a scenic integrity objective of moderate, high or very high unless otherwise directed by the COR.

Where needed, stream crossings shall be designated by the COR.

Lead off and wing ditch structures that have been constructed for system roads shall be protected.

(b) Vegetation Targeted for Treatment

Treat all pine and hardwood stems not designated for retention that are located within the clearing limits of permanent wildlife openings. Retain existing large hardwoods stems up to thirty square feet of basal area per acre.

Treat all trees that are deformed, stunted, broken, bent over and/or otherwise damaged.

Areas that are designated for the manual felling method of treatment shall have the cut trees completely severed from the stump as close to the ground as is practical but not higher than six inches from ground level on the uphill side of the tree unless otherwise specified by the COR.

The severed stems shall not lean against or hang in leave crop trees but rather they shall lie within two feet of the ground. This may require the cut trees to be bucked up into shorter segments.

the cambium and solid wood a minimum of one half inch deep. That section of bark, cambium layer, and wood shall be removed completely encircling the stem

If an inadequate number of snags exist within a treatment area then girdle two twelve inch or

(c) Vegetation Not Targeted for Treatment

Painted or flagged boundary trees that mark unit boundaries, streamside zones, or exclusions and

Wildlife den trees that are recognized as having at least one hole in the trunk of a tree. Existing snags and trees that are marked for retention.

Retain pine stems that are undamaged and are five inches or greater diameter at breast height except when those pine stems are contained within an area designated for a site prep treatment.

of healthy non- competing vegetation of the following species; dogwood, mulberry, plum, Areas designated for herbicide application, release and/or precommercial thinning method of treatment will list an acceptable percentage of residual hardwood stems on the project map. The desired ratio of hardwoods will vary among treatment areas. However, the objective is to retain between ten and thirty percent of the total residual in hardwood species. One suggested approach to achieve the objective is retaining approximately five to ten square feet of basal area per acre in large, healthy, hardwood trees along with some developing hardwood regeneration.

5.3.1 Site Preparation

5.3.1.1 Manual felling--Less than 1,600 stems per acre

5.3.1.1.1 Manual felling –Less than 1,600 stems with manual girdling

5.3.1.2 Manual felling--More than 1,600 stems per acre

5.3.1.2.1 Manual felling –More than 1,600 stems with manual girdling

Site preparation treatments are scheduled during the drier portions of the year which normally occur between the months of June and October. This treatment manually fells all stems not designated as leave trees. Review contract sections for resource protection, vegetation targeted, and vegetation not targeted for treatment.

5.3.2 Release

5.3.2.1 Less than 1,600 stems per acre

5.3.2.2 More than 1,600 stems per acre

(a) Timing of Implementation

Release treatments may be implemented during anytime of the year. Normally, the treatments are scheduled for completion from April through October.

(b) Release Standards

Pine is the primary crop tree to be released on the Ouachita National Forest. Treat all competing vegetation that is at least one-half the height of the crop trees unless designated as leave trees.

Retain at least 10 to 30 percent hardwood when possible. Priority of selecting hardwood species for retention shall be red oak, white oak, hickory, blackgum, and ash. Maple, ironwood, sweetgum, and elm shall not be selected as retention trees except where no other hardwood species are available.

5.3.3 Midstory Reduction

5.3.3.1 Light --Less than 500 stems per acre

5.3.3.2 Medium – 500 to 1,000 stems per acre

5.3.3.3 Heavy – More than 1,000 stems per acre

Normally, midstory reduction treatments are conducted between the months of May and November.

Treatments shall not be implemented within an active red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) cluster during the March 1st through July 31st nesting season. RCW nesting season is subject to change based on site-specific surveys of activity status.

Treatments shall not start until thirty minutes after sunrise and will stop sixty minutes before sunset within an active RCW cluster.

Cutting activity cannot occur during Northern Long Eared Bat pup season which occurs from May 15 to July 31 in known NLEB zones.

Pine trees measuring less than five inches DBH or eight inches DBH in Oklahoma, will be cut.

Hardwood stems measuring 1-10 inches DBH will be cut, leaving a maximum stump height of six inches.

Two trees per acre, twelve inches DBH or larger, that is not designated as reserve trees with paint marks on bole or butt, will be girdled with two complete parallel cuts two to four inches apart and cut a minimum of one-half inches into the cambium layer. That section of bark, cambium, and wood shall be removed completely, encircling the stem and forming a two-inch wide by one-half-inch-deep girdle into the solid wood portion of the treated stem.

Any tree that is marked with paint or flagging and a color determined by the COR is to be left undamaged and untreated.

All pine trees with a DBH of five inches or eight inches in Oklahoma, and larger will be retained.

All hardwood trees, regardless of DBH, that are designated as leave trees by marking paint such as blue, orange or yellow paint on the bole or butt of the tree shall be retained.

Trees bearing paint, such as the United States Forest Service (USFS) red that designate property ownership boundaries shall be retained.

Marker trees bearing survey information and USFS land ownership signs. Trees marked with green paint that lie directly in or on the banks of streams. Trees that are recognizable as den trees shall be retained.

Naturally occurring or created snags.

All fruiting and flowering trees to include but not limited to: black cherry, dogwood, mulberry, plum, Ozark chinquapin, redbud, serviceberry, blueberry, hackberry, hawthorn, persimmon, blackgum, farkleberry, and grape and muscadine vines shall be retained.

Other trees and plant species or size classes that have been designated by the COR/Inspector as the contract work progresses shall be retained.

Trees marked with paint of other colors that are either boundary trees, leave trees, or are trees that have been sold to timber purchasers shall be retained. If a contractor’s operation unnecessarily or negligently results in damage or destruction of these marked trees, the contractor shall pay liquidated damages which are equal to the stumpage value of tree and/or the cost of reestablishing the affected property boundary.

(d) Midstory Treatment Relative to Stem Densities

Some midstory treatment areas will have a greater or lesser density of cut live stems per acre.

Stem density, when completing a midstory treatment on the Ouachita National Forest, is described in the following relative terms for descriptive purposes:

“High Density” is equal to or greater than 1,000 cut, live

“Moderate Density” is equal to 501 to 999 cut, live stems per acre.

“Low Density” is equal to or less than 500 cut, live stems per acre.

The number of cut live stems per acre is relative recognizing that some areas have a greater or lesser density than other areas. But stem density is hereby given a relative density designation for illustrative purposes only.

(e) Tree Felling Procedures

All trees selected to be felled or treated by contract, COR, or inspector, will be felled with chainsaws, brush hooks, axes, or other applicable cutting tool.

Trees designated for treatments that occur adjacent to roads, pipelines, fire lines, fences, and trails will be felled away from those structures. Slash felled in ditches, roadways, or on any of the structures mentioned above will be removed.

All trees designated for treatment will be completely severed from the stump by use of chainsaw, brush hook, axe or other applicable cutting tool.

Trees felled will be cut as close to ground level as practical, but no higher than six inches from ground level on the uphill side of the tree. Do not leave felled trees hanging in or lodged on nearby leave trees.

5.3.4 Overstory Development

5.3.4.1 Less than 1,600 stems per acre

5.3.4.2 More than 1,600 stems per acre

5.3.5 Precommercial Thinning

5.3.5.1 Less than 1,600 stems per acre

5.3.5.2 More than 1,600 stems per acre

5.3.5.3 Less than 1,600 stems per acre; includes both pine and hardwood trees

5.3.5.4 More than 1,600 stems per acre; includes both pine and hardwood trees

Precommercial thinning operations should be completed between October 1 and May 1.

Treatments are normally scheduled from October through April unless otherwise approved by the COR.

(b) Precommercial Thinning Standards

The contractor shall select and mark or otherwise designate leave crop trees on an average ten foot by ten-foot spacing consisting of about 436 trees per acre. Because of topography or other existing conditions, the number of leave trees may vary. The spacing of leave trees shall be no less than eight feet or more than twelve feet. The maximum number of residual trees will not exceed six hundred and eighty-one per acre.

The COR will make final determination of the crop tree species in a defined treatment area.

The leave crop tree shall have all competing vegetation such as vines and woody stems within a ten-foot radius of the stem completely severed by cutting tools.

Completely severe all competing vegetation within 10 feet of the crop tree and beyond that those that are at least one-half the height of the crop trees unless designated as leave trees.

Retain at least 10-30 percent hardwood when possible. Priority of selecting hardwood species for retention shall be red oak, white oak, hickory, black cherry, black gum, and ash. Maple, ironwood, sweetgum, and elm shall not be selected as retention trees except where no other hardwood species are available.

All stumps will be no higher than 6 inches above ground level on the uphill side unless otherwise directed by the COR.

5.3.6 Specialized Felling

5.3.6.1 -- Directional (Less than 9.6 inches DBH)

5.3.6.2 -- Directional (Greater than 9.6 inches DBH)

5.3.6.3 -- Snag Felling

Felling operations may be conducted during any period of the year. The treatments are normally scheduled for completion between the months of April and December.

(b) Vegetation Designated for Treatment

Fell all designated hazard or damaged trees along the roadsides, in and around campgrounds and structures. Remove all lodged or hanging trees.

Fell all designated pest infested trees toward the center of the infestation. Infested crowns of felled trees that extend outside the cutting boundary shall be cut and then drug back inside the infested area.

5.3.7 Girdling

As defined under “Vegetation Targeted for Treatment….” Under 5.3.6 the cambium and solid wood a minimum of one-half inch deep. That section of bark, cambium layer, and wood shall be removed completely encircling the stem

If an inadequate number of snags exist within a treatment area then girdle two twelve inch or

5.3.8 Trail Maintenance Cutting and Clearing

Post warning signs with flags on each end of the trail segment being cleared.

Clearing involves trimming back the intruding vegetation and removing other obstacles such as fallen trees from within the trail corridor. The trail corridor is a zone including the trail tread and the area above and to the sides of it. The clearing limits are ten feet in vertical height above the tread centerline and ten feet wide measured five feet each side of the tread centerline. The tread is 24 inches wide. Brush extending into the clearing limits shall be cut within one inch of the main stem or at a branch fork. Live trees will be left in the outer sides of the corridor; only the intruding limbs will be trimmed back.

Note: In sparse areas with little to no canopy leave preferred species such as oaks, dogwoods, and hickories within the outer three feet of the clearing limits. Maples, sweetgums and elms shall not be left. In areas of thick tree sprouts, thin to a three-foot spacing, selecting the healthiest and largest sprouts of the preferred species. All debris (existing and newly cut) will be disposed of by scattering outside the clearing limits. Debris shall be deposited in a manner where it lays parallel to the ground.

Clearing Limit 10’

All snags that have fallen into the clearing limits shall be cut and removed from the clearing limits (corridor) of the trail. Snags within the clearing limits shall be cut leaving a stump height no greater than 12 inches unless they are within 1 foot of the tread, then they shall be cut leaving a stump height of 4 inches or less. All snags that are in danger of falling into the trail corridor shall be cut and removed from the corridor.

4. MECHANICAL (TRACK AND WHEEL) - TASK NUMBER 5.4

(a) Resource Protection

Tracked equipment shall be loaded or unloaded onto unimproved roads or within the area to be treated. Where needed, stream crossings shall be designated by the COR.

Lead-off and wing ditch structures that have been constructed for system roads shall be protected.

Trees that are located adjacent to roads, fire lines, fences, private property, rights-of-way, or lean on, clog, or otherwise obstruct existing structures or facilities.

Treated vegetation will be removed from all rights-of-way unless otherwise directed by the COR.

Protect residual seed trees from fire through the removal of slash that lies within three feet of the tree bole or as otherwise specified by the COR.

All treated vegetation shall be lopped and scattered to lie within two feet of the ground for approximately one hundred feet either side of a highway, trail, or public-use area that has been designated as having a scenic integrity objective of moderate, high or very high unless otherwise directed by the COR.

Treat all pine and hardwood stems not designated for retention within the clearing limits of permanent wildlife openings. Retain existing large hardwoods stems up to thirty square feet of basal area per acre.

Treat all trees that are deformed, stunted, broken, bent over, and/or otherwise damaged.

If an inadequate number of snags exist within a treatment area, then girdle two twelve inch or

Painted or flagged boundary trees that mark unit boundaries, streamside zones, or exclusions, and

Wildlife den trees that are recognized as having at least one hole in the trunk of a tree.

Existing snags and trees that are marked for retention.

of healthy non- competing vegetation of the following species: dogwood, mulberry, plum,…