Attachment_1_-_SOW.pdf

Hay Flats

2019 Weed Spraying Contract

Blanco Ranger District

Statement of Work

Scope of the contract: The services covered in this contract are for furnishing all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, and livestock (as needed) to spray approximately 60-70 acres of noxious weeds in the specified project (bid) area of the Blanco Ranger District, White River National Forest in compliance with terms, specifications, conditions and provisions contained herein. The contract will be funded through multiple partners to include the USDA Forest Service as well as the Rocky Mountain

Elk Foundation (RMEF) and all herbicides used in completion of this contract will be provided for by the Blanco Ranger District, White River National Forest. Weed species include houndstongue

(Cynoglossum officianale), leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) and any other State Listed noxious weed species identified while in the performance of this contract. This contract may be extended 1 year beyond the 2018 season, pending budget, to include 2020. Approximately 60-70 acres of treatment is anticipated each year depending on bid price and budget, however no specific quantity of work is guaranteed nor implied. Fewer acres may be treated depending upon weather, severity of weed infestation, topography or other conditions. Actual acreage treated in the option years may reduce as treatments from previous years are successful. Work will be determined at a per “calibrated acre treated” basis (see item 4.e.).

The successful bidder will conduct the work according to these specifications, following a pre-work meeting with the District/Forest Noxious Weed Program Manager and/or the Contracting Officer’s

Representative (COR), clarifying the terms and conditions of the specifications. The COR may base contract selections on bid cost, contractor familiarity with similar type projects (previous three years), reasonable assurance to commit to a two year project, and contractors references indicating past proven ability to perform. Selection criteria will be equal in importance.

Location and Description of Project Area

This project includes herbicide treatment of houndstongue (Cynoglossum officianale), leafy spurge

(Euphorbia esula), yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa), and any other State Listed noxious weed species identified in the

Hay Flats project area located on the Blanco Ranger District, White River National Forest (Figure 1).

The total project area is approximately 5,074 acres in size with an estimated 200 acres of weed infestations (Figure 2). Approximately 60-70 acres of herbicide weed treatments are to be expected each year (depending on hand gun vs. boom nozzle acres). For efficient completion of this project, the contractor may set up a base camp off at the base of Forest Road 211, just inside the forest boundary at the established parking area. Horse/mule mounted spray equipment, backpack spray equipment, and/or motorized ATV/OHV spray equipment are anticipated for the execution of this project. With prior coordination, the contractor can anticipate administrative authorization for use of non-system trails and/or roads for accessing some noxious weed infestations; however, in the interest of preserving natural resources in the area such authorization will be given only with prior coordination for very specific areas. The number of dedicated hours/days should be estimated by the contractor for the specific spray equipment being utilized. If the contractor chooses to utilize backpack sprayers instead of horse mounted equipment and/or ATV/OHV mounted spray equipment it will take several operators to complete this project in a timely manner. A 4-gallon backpack will only treat approximately .1 acre per load. If the contractor were to choose solely backpacks, or some other hand held application method, they would need to show an adequate workforce to complete the project in the allotted timeframe in order to be awarded the contract.

The project area is shown on the attached maps (Figures 1 & 2). The terrain within the project areas varies but is primarily open grass/forb meadows, aspen, and mountain shrub community. Moderate to steep slopes can be anticipated with water for refilling available in nearby streams and springs. In accordance with the White River NF Weed Environmental Assessment (2007) no boom spraying will be allowed within 100 feet of live water. Priority for infestations being treated will be given first to infestations along established forest system roads and trails within the project area, then to infestations identified on the western portion of the project area, followed by any other infestations identified within the project area.

Technical Specifications

1. Equipment:

Multiple means of conducting noxious weed treatments, to include the use of horseback, backpack, and motorized equipment are authorized for this project within the specified area. All horse-mounted treatments will be conducted using a "Saddle-Light" Horseback Weed Sprayer, available through the

White River Soil Conservation District, or an equivalent method. The District Weed Program

Manager, prior to contract approval, will approve any application method other than the Saddle-Light sprayer. Motorized spraying is limited to being conducted along established Forest Service roads and trails unless prior coordination for administrative deviation in specific locations has been authorized by the Blanco Ranger District ranger.

2. Spraying Specifications:

a) Herbicide shall be applied in accordance with manufacturers and EPA label instructions and specifications. All applications will be in compliance with the White River National Forest Invasive

Plant Species Management Environmental Assessment (2007). A minimum of 20 gallons of water per acre must be applied with the recommended acre rate of herbicide and surfactant. It is the contractor's responsibility to comply with all requirements of the Pesticide Applicator's Act (Sec.35-10-101 et seq.

C.R.S.). The contractor shall comply with all federal, state, and local rules, regulations, and laws pertaining to the work required by this contract. Herbicide choices and application rates for treatment will be determined by the District/Forest Weed Program Manager, prior to start of work.

b) Timing of applications will be consistent with factors such as target species, growth stage, product formulation, and weather. Treatments will be conducted between July 1 and September 30.

c) Weeds will be treated by spot spraying. Spraying must be done in a site-specific manner to minimize impacts on non-target vegetation and address any environmental concerns. The application rate will be at a minimum 20 gallons of spray mix per acre. Boom nozzle apparatuses will not be used within 100 feet of live water. No applications will be applied directly to water.

d) Cleaning of all spray equipment and disposal of herbicide containers shall be done in accordance with State and Federal law.

e) Herbicides to be used under this contract include only EPA approved products and those specified and furnished by the COR. These may include, but are not limited to; Telar XP, Milestone, Tordon

22K, and 2,4-D.

f) Surfactant will be utilized in all applications, and added to the mix at the rate of no less than .16% by volume. Surfactant for yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) will be @ .32% by volume. Surfactant will be furnished by the COR.

g) Dye will be added into all mixtures to insure uniform treatment and also to minimize the number of patches of weeds that could be accidentally missed. Dye will be furnished by the COR.

h) To enable follow-up monitoring by the contracting officers representative, the Contractor shall accurately mark the areas which were treated on topographic maps provided by the COR, collect GPS coordinates, if applicable, and submit these with billing statements. All GPS coordinates will be in the form of NAD 83, UTM coordinates.

i) If necessary, the contractor will supply their own CO2.

j) Only State Qualified Supervisors, Certified Applicators, or Trained Technicians will be allowed to apply herbicides.

3. Reporting Requirements

The contractor shall maintain daily records and logs containing all applicable information as required by the State of Colorado, and shall provide a copy of the daily application record for the District Weed

Program Manager’s review and records at time of invoice. Blank daily pesticide application record sheets will be supplied by the COR (see copy attached). Only Forest Service application records will be accepted unless otherwise agreed upon with the District Program Manager and the Contractor at the pre-work meeting. In addition, treatment areas must be shown on topographic maps supplied by the

COR (digital preferred). Application record forms shall be completed in full, along with mapped treatment locations, as specified under clause 2(h.) This information, along with a field inspection, will be the basis of payment. Treatment acreage will be determined on a total gallon per acre (GPA) rate of herbicide mixture used. Example attachment enclosed.

4. Other Requirements

a) Weed-free Equipment: The contractor shall ensure all camp equipment, tack, blankets and stock hooves will be checked for weed seeds prior to entering the Forest.

b) Livestock Use

1. Any authorization to graze livestock is temporary and will not establish a priority for future use of the range. Any grazing that occurs must be authorized by the COR in the pre-work meeting.

2. The contractor shall comply with grazing instructions as issued by the Forest Service and shall require all employees to do likewise. Illegal grazing of livestock used in conjunction with this contract will be grounds for termination of the contract.

3. Only the number of livestock necessary to complete the spraying operation will be authorized to graze. (Usually two per sprayer, one saddle and one pack animal) Livestock numbers will be determined in the pre-work meeting.

4. Grazing utilization will be determined by stubble height of the grasses and sedges. Grazing utilization will not exceed a 4-inch forage stubble height. Note: Measurements are average of plant heights within grazed area. Once maximum utilization has been reached, the stock will need to be moved or fed certified weed free hay or pellets. Any new grazing location must be approved by the District Range Staff or the COR.

5. The contractor shall not allow horses to run at large. Unless grazing, horses shall be tied to a high line or kept in a temporary pasture when being fed and watered or when not being used.

Animals will be tied to removable hitch racks, or other holding devices rather than tied to individual trees. Any tying to trees will be for very short time durations only and done in a manner so that no tree damage occurs. All pasture locations and materials must be approved in advance by the District Range Staff or COR. Any pasture will be constructed out of temporary electic fence or other approved material. Animals being picketed must be routinely moved to avoid excessive grazing use. The use of hobbles or electric fences is preferred. Stubble height utilization applies in all cases.

6. Grazing of wet meadows is not allowed.

7. Once grazing use has reached the maximum amount, you must find a new area to allow your stock to graze.

8. No authorization for grazing use will be approved which results in overuse of the grazing resource.

9. The contractor is responsible for tracking and complying with the allowable forage use levels.

10. Pack and unridden saddle stock must be led and controlled while using trails except where conditions make this practice unsafe. The purpose is to protect trails, people, and livestock.

11. Manure will be routinely raked and spread to reduce odors, flies, resource damage, and unsightly conditions.

12. Livestock, owned or controlled by the contractor, that die on NFS lands, shall be removed or otherwise disposed of in a manner acceptable to the COR.

13. All public lands within the State of Colorado require the use of certified weed free hay, mulch or straw.

14. Livestock will be secured a minimum of 100 feet from all lakes, streams, and trails, unless otherwise restricted by local regulations.

15. When salt is provided for livestock, it shall be in block form and contained to a tub to prevent soil contamination.

16. If motorized equipment is being utilized, such equipment is directed to be used only on established Forest Service system roads and trails unless prior administrative approval for specific deviations has been provided by the district ranger. Hose reels can be utilized on such equipment to maximize the distance on foot from such equipment for treating noxious weed infestations while minimizing the impact of utilizing motorized equipment off road.

c) Licensing: It will be the responsibility of the contractor to obtain the proper certification and or licensing by the State of Colorado. It is the contractor’s responsibility to comply with all requirements of the Pesticide Applicator’s Act (Sec.35-10-101 et seq. C.R.S.). Only contractors certified by the state of Colorado will be considered.

d) Liability/Safety: The Forest Service is not responsible for the safety of the Contractor or any of their employees. The Forest Service is not liable for damage to adjacent crops, water aquifers or human and animal contamination. The Forest Service is not responsible for damage to equipment or livestock provided by the contractor, or for damage caused to property or individuals as a result of negligence of the contractor or damage caused by his animals.

e) Payment: Payment will be on a per calibrated acre treated basis, per a voucher to be submitted by the contractor, along with daily application records, as specified under item 2(h) above. Following a field inspection by the COR, and review of records kept as specified above, payments will be made according to the calibrated acres treated.

Daily Pesticide Application Record

Ranger District: ______________________ Date: _______________

Location of Application Drainage: _________________________ Specific Location: _____________________ Township: ________ Range: ______ Section(s): ____________________________ Township: ________ Range: ______ Section(s): ____________________________ Township: ________ Range: ______ Section(s): ____________________________

Land Ownership: FS___BLM___State___PVT___Other___________

Job Code: _______________

Application Information Time: Start _______ End _______ Start _______ End _______

Initial Treatment _____ Re-treatment _____ Weather Conditions: Clear _____ Cloudy ______ Partly Cloudy _____

Wind Speed: ________mph, from __________ Temperature _________

Target Weeds (List most abundant weed first)

Stage of Growth: Bud _____ Flowering _____Seeding _____

Site of Application:

Rangeland___ Campground___ Trailhead___ Right of Way___ Other______________

Herbicides Used:

Name: __________________ EPA number: _________________ Rate (AI) per acre: _______ Name: __________________ EPA number: _________________ Rate (AI) per acre: _______ Name: __________________ EPA number: _________________ Rate (AI) per acre: _______ Name: __________________ EPA number: _________________ Rate (AI) per acre: _______

Dilutant Used:________ Gallons per Acre:______ Total Gallons Mix applied:______

Application Method: ____________________Calibrated Acres Treated: __________

Empty Containers Triple Rinsed: Yes _____ No _____ Disposal Site: ________________________________

Affected Acres Treated:________ Acreage Justification/Comments:_____________________________________________

Applicator’s Signature: _________________________________________________

Certified Applicator’s Signature: __________________________________________

SPRAYER CALIBRATION MADE EASY

(No-Math Version)

Step 1. Establish a calibration plot that is exactly 18.5 feet wide by 18.5 feet long.

Note: This is 1/128 acre and there are 128 ounces in a gallon

Step 2. Spray calibration plot uniformly with water. Note number of seconds required.

Time Required = ____________Seconds

Step 3. Spray into bucket or other container for the same number of seconds.

Step 4. Measure the number of ounces of water collected in the bucket.

Volume Sprayed=____________Ounces

Step 5. Ounces collected equals the number of gallons per acre the sprayer is delivering.

Gallons Per Acre =____________

Note: Each individual's spraying habits will be enough different that everyone’s Gallons Per Acre (GPA) will be slightly different. This makes it imperative that each person using the sprayer must calibrate individually, in order to determine the proper rate of herbicide in the spray mixture.

Tank Mix Based on Calibrated Application Volume

Procedure: Determine the ratio of total spray volume for 1 acre of land.

(Amount of herbicide: gallons of spray per acre)

Example 1: An herbicide label says to apply 2 quarts of product per acre.

Through the 18.5 square feet calibration method you have determined how many gallons per acre (GPA) you apply with this sprayer.

Note: Each individual will be different for each apparatus.

This is why it is extremely important for everyone to calibrate on every piece of spray equipment they use.

For our example we'll say you apply 40 GPA. This means for every 40 gallons of total spray solution you apply, you need 2 qt. (64 oz.) in that mix. Our sprayer utilizes four 5-gallon canisters. 5 divided by 40 equals .125 acres per can. You need 64 oz. per acre times .125 acres per can equals 8 ounces of herbicide in each 5-gallon can. Thus you put 8 oz. of herbicide in your 5 gallon can and then top it off with surfactant and water.

Example 2: One commonly used mix for Leafy Spurge is 2 qt. Tordon 22K, and 1 lb. 2,4-D

Low Vol. per acre. Surfactant at .25% by volume (32 oz/100 gal or .32 oz/gal) This would come out on a per canister basis at 40 GPA as follows:

64 oz (2 qt) Tordon times .125 equals 8 oz.

21.3 oz. (1 lb) 2,4-D times .125 equals 2.7 oz.

.32 oz. Surfactant times 5 equals 1.6 oz.

Total amount of product for each 5 gallons of spray: 12.3oz.

You should check your calibration periodically as the season progresses to make sure your spraying habits have not changed, thus throwing off your application rate.

Fluid Measure Conversion Table

1/6 fluid ounce = 1 teaspoon (tsp.)

1/2 fluid ounce = 1 tablespoon (tbs.) = 3 teaspoons

1 fluid ounce = 2 tablespoons = 1/8 cup

8 fluid ounces = 1 cup = 1/2 pint

16 fluid ounces = 2 cups = 1 pint

32 fluid ounces = 4 cups = 2 pints = 1 quart

64 fluid ounces = 8 cups = 4 pints = 2 quarts = 1/2 gallon

128 fluid ounces = 16 cups = 8 pints = 4 quarts = 1 gallon

Figure 1. Vicinity map of the Hay Flats Noxious Weed Treatment project area.

Figure 2. Lost Park/South Fork Williams Fork Noxious Weed Treatment Project Area