Pre-quote_Notes.docx

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Railroad Bed Removal Solicitation No. 12-52B1-18-Q-0037 April 20, 2018 Attendees: (See Attached) Hosted By:

Robert Hommes, USDA Forest Service Midewin

The meeting started in the office with a general review of the documents in the solicitation package and a review of the site specific Midewin access policies. Midewin in a non-motorized recreational area with locked gates across road access points. Keys and placards will be issued to the successful contractor but approved access routes must be followed, key holders are not allowed access outside of the contract area.

In addition to the normal access control on the prairie, this project takes place within an active bison pasture which has its own unique set of access control policies which must also be followed. The attached document titled “Midewin Bison Pasture Protocol” explains in detail how the contractor is expected to meet access control expectations within this highly sensitive area.

The group then travelled to the site for the remainder of the meeting. The following items were discussed and clarified:

1. Work shall start on the east end of the project area and proceed to the west. Contractor is to balance the cuts and fills as best as possible to match surrounding grade. It is not anticipated that there will be excess ballast or fill material, but if any is generated, it will be hauled out from the west end of the project area to a location within approximately 0 .5 miles.

2. As stated in the solicitation documents, railroad ballast cannot be used as the top two feet of fill when matching surrounding grade. The soil to be used for the top two feet, or more, of fill is located within the raised rail beds. Once the ballast is stripped off the raised beds, the soil beneath shall be used as fill material. Although this material may be high in clay content we will accept its use in this location. It is not required that any soil be brought in from off-site. There should be enough material along the length of the project area to adequately re-establish a more natural grade across the pasture.

3. Trees to be preserved have been marked with pink ribbon. Contractor will work around these trees and contour the soil around the trees without disturbing the roots or branches.

To the best of my knowledge, these were the main topics covered at the meeting.