S01 12FPC122R0003.pdf

12FPC122R0003

(i) This is a request for quotes per FAR 13.

(ii) This solicitation number 12FPC122R0003 is issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP), and the acquisition procedures at FAR Part 13 is being utilized. This is a Firm-Fixed Priced requirement with a period of performance of Three years. The Government plans to make award without negotiations. The period of performance is from 01 June 2022 to 01 October

2025.

(iii) This is a 100% SMALL BUSINESS SET ASIDE and the applicable NAICS code is

115310, Natural Resources Support Activities for Forestry-Forest Fire Suppression. $20.50 size standard is the largest that a concern can be and still qualify as a small business for

Federal Government programs. Size standards are the average annual receipts of a firm. How to calculate average annual receipts of a firm can be found in 13 CFR § 121.104. For more information on these size standards, please visit http://www.sba.gov/size.

(iv) PROJECT/DESCRIPTION: The vendor shall provide all supervision, labor, tools, equipment, transportation, supplies, and materials necessary to perform the work. All activities shall be in accordance with U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and

Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

Site Visit:

87000 285th St

Hollandale, MN 56045

10:00 March 11, 2022

Contracting Office: US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Farm Production and

Conservation (FPAC), Acquisitions Division, Operations Branch.

Responses are due by 08:00 a.m. EST, 18 March 2022.

Quotes must be submitted email to Howard.Stover@usda.gov.

Contracting Officer: Kristina Baker, Kristina.Baker@usda,gov

Contact Howard Stover, Contracting Specialist via email at Howard.Stover@usda.gov for information regarding this request for quotes. No questions concerning this request will be responded to after 2:00 pm EST, 4 March 2022.

Award will be made on Lowest Price Technically Acceptable http://www.sba.gov/size http://www.sba.gov/size http://www.sba.gov/size

Bid Schedule

Bid Schedule is attached

Statement of Work

USDA-NRCS

Freeborn WRP Management (Freeborn County, MN)

(66-6322-09-00WB8, 66-6322-02-G6X, 66-6322-12017V3, 66-6322-1301DJJ, 66-6322-9800G6X, 66-

6322-0700GPD, 66-6322-0500GJ8, 66-6322-0800MSH, 66-6322-9800GXJ)

STATEMENT OF WORK

1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND

The USDA-NRCS is conducting management activities of brush control, herbaceous weed control and prairie establishment in Freeman and Newry Townships in Freeborn County, Minnesota.

The activity required for these sites will include scouting and spot treatment of woody vegetation and herbaceous weeds, seeding site preparation, seeding grasses in specified areas, and providing post-seeding maintenance

(mowing/spraying). Site preparation may include chemical and/or mechanical treatment (mowing).

1.2 PROJECT LOCATIONS

The Newry project area consists of 4 parcels and is located in sections 28, 29 & 32, Newry TWP (T104N R19W).

The Newry project area is approximately 2.0 miles Northeast of Maple Island, Minnesota. See attached maps.

The Freeman project area consists of 5 parcels and is located in sections 14, 23, 24, 25, 26 Freeman TWP

(T101N R21W). The Freeman project area is approximately 3 miles South of Glenville, Minnesota. See attached maps.

1.3 MATERIALS

A. Supply seed, herbicides, maintenance tools and equipment as indicated in plans and specifications.

B. Certification of materials by NRCS required before installation.

1.4 EXECUTION

A. Pre-implementation conference with NRCS B. Staking and Layout

a. Staking and layout refers to locating and verifying all treatment locations and planting locations as shown on the plans and specifications.

b. Prairie Establishment

1. Site prep operation

2. Inspection and pre-planting conference

3. Post seeding weed control C. Certification of materials

a. Seed source, PLS, Seed tags D. Execution of activities

a. Summer 2022 - The contractor, (upon notice to proceed by Contracting Officer), will inventory/map areas to be treated for weeds and brush within areas shown in the maps, plans and specifications. Develop a treatment plan and begin spot treatment of weeds and brush.

Contractor will mow ragweed and poison hemlock areas to prevent seed production.

b. Late Summer/Fall 2022 - Contractor will spray hemlock area with appropriate herbicide to treat poison hemlock rosettes as shown on the plans and specifications.

c. Fall 2022 - Evaluate effectiveness of Brush Control and Weed Treatment on treated areas. Inventory/map areas to be further treated for weeds and brush.

d. Winter/spring 2022-2023 - Develop a treatment plan based on fall evaluation and continue spot treatment of weeds and brush.

e. Spring 2023 - Contractor will treat ragweed and poison hemlock areas to facilitate seeding.

f. May/June 2023 - Plant grass seed mix as shown on the plans and specifications.

g. Spring/summer 2023 - Evaluate prior treatments, inventory/map areas to be retreated for weeds and brush. Continue spot treatment of weeds and brush.

h. Summer 2023 - Implement post establishment (seeding) mowing and spraying on areas that were planted.

i. Fall 2023 – Evaluate effectiveness of Brush Control and Weed Treatment on treated areas. Inventory/map areas to be further treated for brush.

j. Fall 2023 - Spray hemlock area with an appropriate herbicide to treat hemlock.

k. Spring/summer 2024 - Continue spot treatment of brush if needed, continue post seeding weed control (mowing) of seeded areas to prevent weed seed production.

F. Maintenance

a. 2024 - Perform establishment mowing as indicated in plans and specifications.

1.5 PROTECTION

All materials and equipment shall be properly protected against harm from normal weather conditions and the public.

1.6 CLEANUP

Work areas are to be kept clean during progress of work and until completion. Equipment will be cleaned to remove seeds and vegetation prior to leaving sites. Remove surplus materials and rubbish from areas.

Reclaim access roads and staging areas to pre-seeding conditions after installation and maintenance. (If needed)

END OF STATEMENT OF WORK

NATURAL RESOURCES

CONSERVATION SERVICE

MINNESOTA

CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS

SPECIFICATIONS

FOR

Freeborn WRP Management Project

66-6322-09-00WB8

66-6322-02-00G6X

66-6322-12-017V3

66-6322-13-01DJJ

66-6322-98-00G6X

66-6322-07-00GPD

66-6322-05-00GJ8

66-6322-08-00MSH

66-6322-98-00GXJ

Wetland Management activities

Sections 28, 32 Newry Township T104N R19W

Sections 14, 23, 24, 25, 26 Freeman Township 101N 21W

Section 30 Shell Rock Township T101N R20W

FREEBORN COUNTY

Freeborn WRP Management

Project

66-6322-09-00WB8

66-6322-02-00G6X

66-6322-12-017V3

66-6322-13-01DJJ

66-6322-98-00G6X

66-6322-07-00GPD

66-6322-05-00GJ8

66-6322-08-00MSH

66-6322-98-00GXJ

[Type here] 12FPC122R0003 [Type here]

NRCS-Minnesota (210-VI-NEH, May 2005) MN5-1

CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS

MN-5 Pollution Control

5/05

MN-8 Mobilize-Demobilize

5/05

Minnesota Construction Specification 5—Pollution Control

1. Scope

The work consists of installing measures or performing work to control erosion and minimize the production of sediment and other pollutants to water and air from construction activities.

2. Material specification

All material furnished shall meet the requirements of the material specifications listed in section 7 of this specification.

3. Erosion and sediment control measures and works

The measures and works shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

Staging of earthwork activities—The excavation and moving of soil materials shall be scheduled to minimize the size of areas disturbed and unprotected from erosion for the shortest reasonable time.

Seeding—Seeding to protect disturbed areas shall occur as soon as reasonably possible following completion of that earthwork activity.

Mulching—Mulching to provide temporary protection of the soil surface from erosion.

Diversions—Diversions to divert water from work areas and to collect water from work areas for treatment and safe disposition. They are temporary and shall be removed and the area restored to its near original condition when the diversions are no longer required or when permanent measures are installed.

Stream crossings—Culverts or bridges where equipment must cross streams. They are temporary and shall be removed and the area restored to its near original condition when the crossings are no longer required or when permanent measures are installed.

Sediment basins—Sediment basins collect, settle, and eliminate sediment from eroding areas from impacting properties and streams below the construction site(s). These basins are temporary and shall be removed and the area restored to its original condition when they are no longer required or when permanent measures are installed.

NRCS-Minnesota (210-VI-NEH, May 2005) MN5-2

Sediment filters—Straw bale filters or geotextile sediment fences trap sediment from areas of limited runoff. Sediment filters shall be properly anchored to prevent erosion under or around them. These filters are temporary and shall be removed and the area restored to its original condition when they are no longer required or when permanent measures are installed.

Waterways—Waterways for the safe disposal of runoff from fields, diversions, and other structures or measures. These works are temporary and shall be removed and the area restored to its original condition when they are no longer required or when permanent measures are installed.

Other—Additional protection measures as specified in section 7 of this specification or required by Federal, State, or local government.

4. Chemical pollution

The contractor shall provide watertight tanks or barrels or construct a sump sealed with plastic sheets to dispose of chemical pollutants, such as drained lubricating or transmission fluids, grease, soaps, concrete mixer washwater, or asphalt, produced as a by-product of the construction activities. At the completion of the construction work, sumps shall be removed and the area restored to its original condition as specified in section 7 of this specification. Sump removal shall be conducted without causing pollution.

Sanitary facilities, such as chemical toilets, or septic tanks shall not be located next to live streams, wells, or springs. They shall be located at a distance sufficient to prevent contamination of any water source. At the completion of construction activities, facilities shall be disposed of without causing pollution as specified in section 7 of this specification.

5. Air pollution

The burning of brush or slash and the disposal of other materials shall adhere to state and local regulations.

Fire prevention measures shall be taken to prevent the start or spreading of wildfires that may result from project activities. Firebreaks or guards shall be constructed and maintained at locations shown on the drawings.

All public access or haul roads used by the contractor during construction of the project shall be sprinkled or otherwise treated to fully suppress dust. All dust control methods shall ensure safe construction operations at all times. If chemical dust suppressants are applied, the material shall be a commercially available product specifically designed for dust suppression and the application shall follow manufacturer's requirements and recommendations. A copy of the product data sheet and manufacturer's recommended application procedures shall be provided to the engineer 5 working days before the first application.

NRCS-Minnesota (210-VI-NEH, May 2005) MN5-3

6. Maintenance, removal, and restoration

All pollution control measures and temporary works shall be adequately maintained in a functional condition for the duration of the construction period. All temporary measures shall be removed, and the site restored to near original condition.

7. Measurement and Payment

Method—For items of work for which lump sum prices are established in the contract, payment is made as the work proceeds and supported by invoices presented by the contractor that reflect actual costs. If the total of all progress payments is less than the lump sum contract prices for this item, the balance remaining for this item will be included in the final contract payment. Payment of the lump sum contract price will constitute full compensation for completion of the work.

7. Construction details

NPDES Permit, Fees, implementation, and record keeping contractor will:

a. Submit the application, and the SWPPP(prepared and provided by NRCS) and pay the fee for the MPCA “General Storm Water Permit for Construction Activity, MN

R100001 Permit.

b. Designate and inspector to carry out the required NPDES Permit inspections and record keeping. Designate and individual certified as a construction installer of erosion and sediment control devices (BMPs) as required in the NPDES permit and construction plan. These person(s) shall be certified in accordance with MNR100001 Sec 21. Training credentials of the individual(s) shall be submitted to NRCS prior to beginning work.

c. Manage emergency BMP installation, grading and site maintenance as may be required due to rainfall runoff events or inspections.

In Section 3, Erosion and sediment control measures and works, the following will apply:

a. Silt fence shall be installed wherever storm water runoff downstream of construction activity will readily flow into moving water and as shown on the drawings. Silt fences shall be installed prior to the start of construction activity.

In Section 6, Maintenance, removal, and repair, the following will apply:

a. Install and maintain erosion and sediment control BMP during project construction according to the SWPPPP and construction plan sheet and permit requirements.

b. Contractor is responsible to have BMP corrective materials available within 24 hours of observation or notification of ESC issues that may develop during construction.

c. Contractor is responsible to correct and repair ESC breaches that occur during construction until temporary seeding is established.

Measurement shall be lump sum to include all NPDES, SWPPP, inspection, installation, and recording keeping requirements, fees, and materials.

314-CPS-2

NRCS, MN

April 2019

Construction Specification 8—Mobilization and

Demobilization

1. Scope

The work consists of the mobilization and demobilization of the contractor's forces and equipment necessary for performing the work required under the contract. It does not include mobilization and demobilization for specific items of work for which payment is provided elsewhere in the contract. Mobilization will not be considered as work in fulfilling the contract requirements for commencement of work.

2. Equipment and material

Mobilization shall include all activities and associated costs for transportation of contractor's personnel, equipment, and operating supplies to the site; establishment of offices, buildings, and other necessary general facilities for the contractor's operations at the site; premiums paid for performance and payment bonds including coinsurance and reinsurance agreements as applicable; and other items specified in section 4 of this specification.

Demobilization shall include all activities and costs for transportation of personnel, equipment, and supplies not required or included in the contract from the site; including the disassembly, removal, and site cleanup of offices, buildings, and other facilities assembled on the site specifically for this contract.

This work includes mobilization and demobilization required by the contract at the time of award. If additional mobilization and demobilization activities and costs are required during the performance of the contract as a result of changed, deleted, or added items of work for which the contractor is entitled to an adjustment in contract price, compensation for such costs will be included in the price adjustment for the item or items of work changed or added.

3. Payment

Payment will be made as the work proceeds, after presentation of paid invoices or documentation of direct costs by the contractor showing specific mobilization and demobilization costs and supporting evidence of the charges of suppliers, subcontractors, and others. When the total of such payments is less than the lump sum contract price, the balance remaining will be included in the final contract payment. Payment of the lump sum contract price for mobilization and demobilization will constitute full compensation for completion of the work.

Payment will not be made under this item for the purchase costs of materials having a residual value, the purchase costs of materials to be incorporated in the project, or the purchase costs of operating supplies.

314-CPS-3

NRCS, MN

April 2019

4. Items of work and construction details

Mobilization/Demobilization is a single lump sum bid item. The contractor and NRCS representative will identify an onsite staging area prior to mobilization.

(210-VI-NEH, May 2001)

7. Items of work and construction details

All grading area footprints shall be cleared of stumps and root-balls left after tree removal and grinding. Upon completion of excavation, earthfill, and topsoiling, the grubbed rootballs and stumps shall be placed within the planned pool areas or borrow areas as determined by the Engineer.

8. Biosecurity

Vehicles and equipment must be free of vegetative debris and seed upon arrival at the easement. The contractor must do everything possible to clean all vegetative debris and seed off of equipment and vehicles before moving to a different site. Vegetation and seed pieces should be removed, while paying special attention for plant debris on bumpers, radiators and underneath the equipment or vehicle.

NRCS-Minnesota (210-VI-NEH, May 2005) MN2-2

314-CPS-4

NRCS, MN

April 2019

314-CPS-1

Natural Resources Conservation Service

CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD

BRUSH MANAGEMENT

CODE 314

(ac)

DEFINITION

The management or removal of woody (nonherbaceous or succulent) plants including those that are invasive and noxious.

PURPOSE

This practice is used to accomplish one or more of the following purposes:

• Create the desired plant community consistent with the ecological site or a desired state within the site description

• Restore or release desired vegetative cover to protect soils, control erosion, reduce sediment, improve water quality, or enhance hydrology

• Maintain, modify, or enhance fish and wildlife habitat

• Improve forage accessibility, quality, and quantity for livestock and wildlife

• Manage fuel loads to achieve desired conditions

• Pervasive plant species are controlled to a desired level of treatment that will ultimately contribute to creation or maintenance of an ecological site description “steady state” addressing the need for forage, wildlife habitat, and/or water quality

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

On all lands except active cropland where the removal, reduction, or manipulation of woody

(nonherbaceous or succulent) plants is desired.

United States Department of Agriculture

314-CPS-5

NRCS, MN

April 2019

This practice does not apply to removal of woody vegetation by prescribed fire (use Conservation

Practice Standard (CPS) Prescribed Burning (Code 338)) or removal of woody vegetation to facilitate a land-use change (use CPS Land Clearing (Code 460)).

CRITERIA

General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes

Brush management will be designed to achieve the desired plant community based on species composition, structure, density, and canopy (or foliar) cover or height.

Brush management will be applied in a manner to achieve the desired control of the target woody species and protection of desired species. This will be accomplished by mechanical, chemical, burning, or biological methods, either alone or in combination. When prescribed burning is used as a method, CPS Prescribed Burning (Code 338) will also be applied.

When the intent is to manage trees for silvicultural purposes, use CPS Forest Stand Improvement

(Code 666).

NRCS reviews and periodically updates conservation practice standards. To obtain the current version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service State office or visit the Field Office Technical Guide online by going to the NRCS website at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ and type FOTG in the search field.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

NRCS will not develop biological or chemical treatment recommendations except for biological control utilizing grazing animals. In such cases, CPS Prescribed Grazing (Code 528) is used to ensure desired results are achieved and maintained. NRCS may provide clients with acceptable biological and/or chemical control references.

In cases where there is insufficient understory vegetation to provide a seed source to result in the desired plant community, use CPS Range Planting (Code 550) or CPS Forage and Biomass Planting (Code 512) to ensure the desired results are achieved and maintained.

Follow-up treatments may be necessary to achieve objectives.

Additional Criteria for Creating the Desired Plant Community Consistent with the Ecological Site

Use applicable ecological site description (ESD) state and transition models to develop specifications that are ecologically sound and defensible. Treatments must be congruent with dynamics of the ecological site(s) and keyed to state and plant community phases that have the potential and capability to support the desired plant community. If an ESD is not available, base specifications on the best approximation of the desired plant community composition, structure, and function to support resilience.

Additional treatments are planned and will be applied to achieve effective control of pervasive plant species through reapplication.

Additional Criteria for Restoring or Releasing Desired Vegetative Cover to Protect Soils, Control

Erosion, Reduce Sediment, Improve Water Quality or Enhance Hydrology

314-CPS-6

NRCS, MN

April 2019

Choose a method of control that results in the least amount of soil disturbance if soil erosion potential is high and revegetation is slow or uncertain leaving the site vulnerable to long-term exposure to soil loss.

In conjunction with other conservation practices, the number, sequence, and timing of soil-disturbing operations must be managed to maintain soil loss within acceptable levels using the most current approved erosion prediction technology.

When a chosen alternative has significant potential to negatively impact important water resources (for example WIN-PST “Extra High,” “High” or “Intermediate” soil / pesticide human risk ratings). See

Considerations below: CPS 595 Integrated Pest Management.

Clients shall be encouraged to pay special attention to pesticide label instructions for limiting pesticide residues in soil that may negatively impact non-target plants, animals and humans.

Additional Criteria to Maintain, Modify or Enhance Fish and Wildlife Habitat

Brush management will be planned and applied in a manner to meet the habitat requirements for wildlife species of concern as determined by an approved habitat evaluation procedure.

Conduct treatments during periods of the year that accommodate reproduction and other life-cycle requirements of target wildlife and pollinator species, and in accordance with specifications developed for

CPS Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management (Code 644) and CPS Upland Wildlife Habitat Management

(Code 645).

Additional Criteria to Improve Forage Accessibility, Quality and Quantity ro Livestock and Wildlife

Timing and sequence of brush management must be planned in coordination with specifications developed for CPS Prescribed Grazing (Code 528).

Additional Criteria for Control of Pervasive Plant Species to a Desired Level of Treatment That Will

Ultimately Contribute to Creation or Maintenance of an Ecological Site Description “Steady State”

Addressing the Need for Forage, Wildlife Habitat, and/or Water Quality

Additional treatments are planned and will be applied to achieve effective control of pervasive plant species through reapplication.

Additional Criteria to Manage Fuel Loads to Achieve Desired Conditions

Control undesirable woody plants in a manner that creates the desired plant community, including the desired fuel load, to reduce the risk of wildfire, and facilitate the future application of prescribed fire.

CONSIDERATIONS

Consider using CPS Integrated Pest Management (Code 595) in support of brush management.

Consider the appropriate time period for treatment. Some brush management activities can be effective when applied within a single year; others may require multiple years of treatment(s) to achieve desired objectives.

314-CPS-7

NRCS, MN

April 2019

Consider impacts and consequences to obligate species (species dependent on the target woody species) when significant changes are planned to existing and adjacent plant communities.

Consider impacts to wildlife food supplies, space, nesting, and cover availability when planning the method and amount of brush management.

State-issued licenses may be required when using chemical pesticide treatments.

For air quality purposes, consider using chemical methods of brush management that minimize chemical drift and excessive chemical usage, and consider mechanical methods of brush management that minimize the entrainment of particulate matter.

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Plans and specifications for the treatment option(s) selected by the decisionmaker will be recorded for each field or management unit where brush management will be applied.

Prepare brush management plans and specifications that conform to all applicable Federal, State, and local laws. These documents will contain the following data as a minimum:

1. Goals and objectives clearly stated.

2. Pretreatment cover or density of the target plant(s) and the planned post-treatment cover or density and desired efficacy.

3. Maps, drawings, and/or narratives detailing or identifying areas to be treated, pattern of treatment (if applicable), and areas that will not be disturbed.

4. A monitoring plan that identifies what should be measured (including timing and frequency) and that documents the changes in the plant community (compare with objectives) will be implemented.

Mechanical Treatment Methods

Plans and specifications will include items 1 through 4, above, plus—

• Types of equipment and any modifications necessary to enable the equipment to adequately complete the job.

• Dates of treatment to best effect control.

• Operating instructions (if applicable).

• Techniques or procedures to be followed.

Chemical Treatment Methods

Plans and specifications will include items 1 through 4, above, plus—

• Acceptable chemical treatment references for containment and management or control of target species.

• Evaluation and interpretation of herbicide risks associated with the selected treatment(s).

• Acceptable dates or plant growth stage at application to best effect control and reduce reinvasion.

• Any special mitigation, timing considerations or other factors (such as soil texture and organic matter content) that must be considered to ensure the safest, most effective application of the herbicide.

• Reference to product label instructions.

314-CPS-8

NRCS, MN

April 2019

Biological Treatment Methods

Plans and specifications will include items 1 through 4, above, plus—

• Acceptable biological treatment references for containment and management or control of target species.

• Kind of grazing animal to be used, if applicable.

• Timing, frequency, duration, and intensity of grazing or browsing.

• Desired degree of grazing or browsing use for effective control of target species.

• Maximum allowable degree of use on desirable nontarget species.

• Special mitigation, precautions, or requirements associated with the selected treatment(s).

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Operation

Brush management practices must be applied using approved materials and procedures. Operations will comply with all local, State, and Federal laws and ordinances.

Success of the practice shall be determined by evaluating post-treatment regrowth of target species after sufficient time has passed to monitor the situation and gather reliable data. Length of evaluation periods will depend on the woody species being monitored, proximity of propagules (seeds, branches, and roots) to the site, transport mode of seeds (wind or animals), and methods and materials used.

The operator will develop a safety plan for individuals exposed to chemicals, including telephone numbers and addresses of emergency treatment centers and the telephone number for the nearest poison control center. The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) telephone number in Corvallis, Oregon, may also be given for nonemergency information: 1-800-858-7384, Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Pacific Time. The national Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTRAC) telephone number is 1-800-424-9300.

• Follow label requirements for mixing/loading setbacks from wells, intermittent streams and rivers, natural or impounded ponds and lakes, and reservoirs.

• Post signs, according to label directions and/or Federal, State, Tribal, and local laws, around fields that have been treated. Follow restricted entry intervals.

• Dispose of herbicides and herbicide containers in accordance with label directions and adhere to

Federal, State, Tribal,and local regulations.

• Read and follow label directions and maintain appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

MSDS and pesticide labels may be accessed on the Internet at: http://www.greenbook.net/.

• Calibrate application equipment according to recommendations before each seasonal use and with each major chemical and site change.

• Replace worn nozzle tips, cracked hoses, and faulty gauges on spray equipment.

• Maintain records of brush/shrub control for at least 2 years. Herbicide application records shall be in accordance with USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s Pesticide Recordkeeping Program and

State-specific requirements.

Maintenance

Following initial application, some regrowth, resprouting, or reoccurrence of brush may be expected. Spot treatment of individual plants or areas needing retreatment should be completed as needed while woody vegetation is small and most vulnerable to desired treatment procedures.

314-CPS-9

NRCS, MN

April 2019

Review and update the plan periodically in order to—

• Incorporate new integrated pest management technology.

• Respond to grazing management and complex plant population changes.

• Avoid the development of plant resistance to herbicide chemicals.

REFERENCES

Branson, F.A., G.F. Gifford, K.G. Renard, R.F Hadley, and E.H. Reid, ed. 1981. Rangeland Hydrology, 2nd ed., Society for Range Management, Colorado.

Heady, H.F. and D. Child, 1994. Rangeland Ecology and Management, Westview Press, Colorado.

Holechek, J.L., R.D. Pieper and C.H. Herbel. 2000. Range management principles and practices, 5th edition. Prentice Hall, New Jersey.

Krausman, P.R., ed. 1996. Rangeland Wildlife. Society for Range Management, Colorado.

Monsen, S.B., R. Stevens, and N.L. Shaw, comps. 2004. Restoring Western Ranges and Wildlands, Volume 1. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-136-1, USDA, Forest Service, Fort Collins, Colorado.

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook. Washington, DC.

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2008. General Manual:

Title 190 – Ecological Sciences: Part 404 – Pest Management. Washington, DC.

Valentine, J.R., 1989. Range Developments and Improvements, 3rd ed. Academic Press, Massachusetts.

Vavra, M., W.A. Laycock, R.D. Pieper, eds. 1994. Ecological Implications of Livestock Herbivory in the

West. Society for Range Management, Colorado.

Briske, D.D. [ed]. 2011. Conservation Benefits of Rangeland Practices: Assessment, Recommendations, and Knowledge Gaps. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 429 pages.

315-CPS-1

CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD

HERBACEOUS WEED TREATMENT

CODE 315

(ac)

DEFINITION

The removal or control of herbaceous weeds including invasive, noxious, prohibited, or undesirable plants.

PURPOSE

This practice is used to accomplish one or more of the following purposes:

• Enhance accessibility, quantity, and/or quality of forage and/or browse

• Restore or release native or desired plant communities for wildlife habitat

• Protect soils and control erosion

• Reduce fine fuel loads and wildfire hazard

• Control pervasive plant species to a desired level of treatment

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

This practice applies on all lands except active cropland where removal, reduction, or manipulation of herbaceous vegetation is desired.

This practice does not apply to removal of herbaceous vegetation for a land use change or by prescribed fire. Refer to NRCS Conservation Practice Standards (CPSs) Land Clearing (Code 460) or Prescribed

Burning (Code 338), repectively.

CRITERIA

General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes

Apply herbaceous weed treatment to achieve the desired control of the target species and protection or enhancement of desired species. Desired species contribute positively to land use objectives and site potential. Use mechanical, chemical, or biological methods either alone or in combination.

Control pervasive and undesirable herbaceous vegetation to the desired level of treatment that contributes to the desired state of an ecological site.

315-CPS-2

NRCS, MN

October 2021

NRCS will not develop insect biological control recommendations or chemical treatment recommendations.

NRCS can provide clients with acceptable biological and/or chemical control references to achieve desired management objectives.

NRCS can provide recommendations for biological control to manage herbaceous weeds utilizing grazing animals. Use NRCS CPS Prescribed Grazing (Code 528) to ensure desired results are achieved and maintained.

NRCS reviews and periodically updates conservation practice standards. To obtain the current NRCS, MN version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service State office or visit the Field Office Technical Guide online by going to the NRCS website at October 2021 https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ and type FOTG in the search field.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Nonchemical weed management techniques such as mowing, manually removing, or spot-flaming infestations can be effective.

When using herbicides, follow all environmental hazards and site-specific application criteria listed on herbicide labels and contained in extension service and other approved pest management references.

Access the most recent herbicide labels at the Greenbook Web site (http://www.greenbook.net).

Include post-treatment measures to achieve resource management objectives.

Control livestock and human access based on management methods applied and restrictions listed on the herbicide labels.

Manage and/or dispose of treated weed species that prevents the spread of herbaceous weeds to new sites.

When the herbaceous weed treatment of undesirable species results in the need to reestablish desired herbaceous species, follow details in the appropriate vegetation establishment practices such as NRCS

CPSs Pasture and Hay Planting (Code 512), Cover Crop (Code 340), Conservation Cover (Code 327), Range Planting (Code 550), Critical Area Planting (Code 342), Tree /Shrub Establishment (Code 612), or

Wildlife Habitat Planting (Code 420).

Incorporate weed prevention strategies that include—

• Minimizing soil disturbance.

• Minimizing movement of equipment through weed infested areas.

• Inspecting and cleaning equipment to prevent spread of undesired vegetation.

Apply treatments during periods of the year when weed species are most vulnerable and when restoration of the native or desired plant communities have the best chance of recovery.

Adjacent land uses must be considered before chemicals are used. Also consider the residual effects of chemical use. Follow label and State guidelines on setbacks and other precautions from sensitive areas and surface water bodies or karst topography.

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October 2021

Additional Criteria to Enhance Accessibility, Quantity, and Quality of Forage and/or Browse

Apply herbaceous weed treatments that minimize negative impacts to forages and/or other nontargeted plants. Plan timing and sequence of treatment in coordination with specifications developed for NRCS

CPS Prescribed Grazing (Code 528) or Forage Harvest Management (Code 511).

Additional Criteria to Restore or Release Native or Desired Plant Communities for Wildlife Habitat

Apply herbaceous weed treatments that protect the health and vigor of native or desired plant species to preserve and enhance habitat for pollinator insects and wildlife. Time treatments to periods of the year that accommodate reproduction and other life cycle requirements of target wildlife and pollinator species.

Select treatments that maintain or enhance plant community composition and structure to meet the requirements of target wildlife and pollinator species.

Use applicable ecological site description (ESD) state and transition models, or other suitable information, to develop specifications that are ecologically sound and defensible. Treatments must be congruent with dynamics of the ecological site(s) and keyed to states and plant community phases that have the potential and capability to support the desired plant community. If an ESD is not available, base specifications on the best approximation of the desired plant community composition, structure, and function.

Use native vegetation to preserve and enhance pollinator insects as well as wildlife.

Additional Criteria to Protect Soils and Control Erosion

Herbaceous weed species shade out desired plants exposing more soil for potential erosion. Use caution when applying herbaceous weed treatments to minimize soil disturbance and soil erosion.

Apply additional treatments to protect soils and prevent erosion.

Additional Criteria to Reduce Fine Fuel Loads and Wildfire Hazard

Treat weed species to create a native or desired plant community that reduces the potential for accumulating excessive fuel loads and wildfire hazards.

Apply treatment methods that minimize the potential for unintended impacts to air resources (e.g., dust, chemical drift, etc.) that could also damage or kill plants, thereby contributing to wildfire hazard.

Additional Criteria to Control Pervasive Plant Species to a Desired Level of Treatment

When specific pervasive plant species cannot be controlled with one treatment, plan and apply additional treatments to achieve effective control through reapplication which may be more than once per growing season or multiple years.

CONSIDERATIONS

Consider using NRCS CPS Pest Management Conservation System (Code 595) in support of herbaceous weed treatment.

Consider soil erosion potential and difficulty of vegetation establishment when choosing a method of control that causes soil disturbance.

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October 2021

Consider the appropriate time period for treatment. Some herbaceous weed treatment activities can be effective when applied within a single year; others may require multiple years of treatments to achieve desired objectives.

Consider impacts to wildlife species. In general, weed treatments that create a mosaic pattern may be the most desirable. Leaving native grasses, forbs, and woody vegetation encourages a higher variety of wildlife and pollinators. When using selective herbicides, leaving other desired plant species also benefits wildlife and pollinators.

Consider impacts to wildlife food supplies, space, and cover availability when planning the method and amount of herbaceous weed treatment.

State-issued licenses may be required when using chemical pesticide treatments.

For air quality purposes, consider using chemical methods of herbaceous weed treatment that minimize chemical drift and excessive chemical usage. Consider mechanical methods of herbaceous weed treatment that minimize the entrainment of particulate matter.

Design and execute a plan using adaptive management to apply knowledge gained from earlier treatment applications.

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Prepare plans and specifications for each field or treatment unit according to the criteria included in this standard. At a minimum, the herbaceous weed treatment management practice plan shall include—

• Goals and objectives statement.

• Plan map and soil map for the site.

• Pretreatment cover or density of the target plants and the planned post-treatment cover or density.

• Maps, drawings, and/or narratives detailing or identifying areas to be treated, pattern of treatment (if applicable), and areas that will not be disturbed.

• A monitoring plan that identifies what shall be measured (including timing and frequency) and the changes in the plant community (compare with objectives) that occur.

• Apropriate revegetation conservation practice standard(s) needed following treatment (if applicable).

• For mechanical treatment methods, the first five bulleted items above, plus—

• Type of equipment to use for management.

• Dates of treatment for effective management.

• Operating instructions (if applicable).

• Techniques and procedures to be followed.

• For chemical treatment methods, the first five bulleted items above, plus—

• Acceptable chemical treatment references for containment and management of target species.

• Documented techniques to be used, planned dates, and rates of application.

• Evaluation and interpretation narrative of herbicide risks associated with the selected treatment(s) using Windows Pesticide Screening Tool (WIN-PST) or other approved tools.

• Consideration of any special mitigation, timing, or other factors (such as soil texture, distance to water, and organic matter content) to ensure the safest, most effective application of the herbicide.

• Reference product label instructions.

• For biological treatments methods, the first five bulleted items above, plus—

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October 2021

• Acceptable biological treatment references for the selected biological control livestock used to contain and manage the target species.

• Documentation of release date, kind, and number of livestock.

• Timing, frequency, duration, and intensity of grazing or browsing.

• Desired degree of grazing or browsing use for effective management of target species.

• Maximum allowable degree of use on desirable nontarget species.

• Special mitigation, precautions, or requirements associated with the selected treatment(s).

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Operation

Herbaceous weed treatment methods shall be applied using approved materials and procedures.

Operations will comply with all local, State, Tribal, and Federal laws and ordinances. The landowner is responsible for obtaining any permits prior to practice implementation. Observe State and Federal restricted-use pesticides and certified pesticide applicator’s license requirements.

Develop a safety plan for individuals exposed to chemicals, including telephone numbers and addresses of emergency treatment centers and the telephone number for the nearest poison control center.

The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) telephone number in Corvallis, OR, may also be given for nonemergency information: 1-800-858-7384, Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Pacific Time.

The national Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTRAC) telephone number is: 1-800-

4249300.

• Follow label requirements for mixing/loading setbacks from wells, intermittent streams and rivers, natural or impounded ponds and lakes, and reservoirs.

• Post signs according to label directions and/or Federal, State, Tribal, and local laws, around fields that have been treated. Follow restricted entry intervals.

• Dispose of herbicide and herbicide containers in accordance with label directions and adhere to

Federal, State, Tribal, and local regulations.

• Read and follow label directions and maintain appropriate safety data sheets. Safety data sheets and herbicide labels can be accessed at the Greenbook Web site (http://www.greenbook.net).

• Calibrate application equipment according to recommendations before each seasonal use and with each major chemical and site change.

• Replace worn nozzle tips, cracked hoses, and faulty gauges on spray equipment.

• Maintain records of plant management for at least 2 years. Herbicide application records shall be in accordance with USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s Pesticide Recordkeeping Program and

State-specific requirements.

Maintenance

Success of the practice shall be determined by evaluating regrowth or reoccurrence of target and desired species after sufficient time has passed to monitor the vegetation and gather reliable data. Length of evaluation periods depend on the herbaceous weed species being monitored, proximity of propagules

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October 2021

(seeds, plant materials, and roots) to the site, transport mode of seeds (wind or animals), and methods and materials used.

Following initial application, regrowth, resprouting, or reoccurrence of herbaceous weeds can be expected.

Complete spot treatments of individual plants or areas needing retreatment when weed vegetation is most vulnerable to desired treatment procedures.

Review and update the herbaceous weed treatment plan periodically to—

• Incorporate new integrated pest management technology,

• Respond to grazing management and complex weed population changes, and

• Follow cooperative extension service guidance to avoid the development of weed resistance to herbicide chemicals.

REFERENCES

Bamka, W., B. Barbour, L. Gladney, and C. Williams. 2013. Poisonous Weeds in Horse Pastures.

Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet FS938. Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ.

https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs938/

Coombs, E., J. Clark, G. Piper, and A. Cofrancesco, Jr. (Eds). 2004. Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the United States. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, OR.

Cornell University. 2019. “Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Other Animals.” Department of Animal

Science, Ithaca, NY. Accessed September 8, 2020. http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/

Evers, R.A. and R.P. Link. 1972. Poisonous Plants of the Midwest and their Effects on Livestock. Special

Publication 24. University of Illinois, College of Agriculture, Urbana, IL.

Lingenfelter, D. and W.S. Curran. 2001. Weed Management in Pasture Systems. Penn State Extension, State College, PA. https://extension.psu.edu/weed-management-in-pasture-systems

Oliver, L.B., J.P. Stovall, C.E. Comer, H.M. Williams, and M.E. Symmank. 2019. Weed Control and

Overstory Reduction Improve Survival and Growth of Under-planted Oak and Hickory Seedlings.

Restoration Ecology Vol. 27, Issue 1. DOI: 10.1111/rec.12826

Peachey, E., A. Hulting, T. Miller, D. Lyon, D. Morishita, and P. Hutchinson. 2020. Pacific Northwest Weed

Management Handbook. Oregon State University, Corvallis. OR.

Peischel, A. and D.D. Henry, Jr. 2006. Targeted Grazing: a Natural Approach to Vegetation Management and Landscape Enhancement. American Sheep Industry Association. Englewood, CO.

Radosevich, S.R., J.S. Holt, and C.M. Ghersa. 2007. Ecology of Weeds and Invasive Plants –

Relationship to Agriculture and Natural Resource Management, Third Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Sheley, R., J. James, B. Smith, and E. Vasquez. 2010. Applying Ecologically Based Invasive-Plant

Management. Rangeland Ecology & Management 63(6): 605-613. DOI: 10.2307/40961070

USDA Agricultural Research Service. 2011. Plants Poisonous to Livestock in the Western States.

Agriculture Information Bulletin Number 415. Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, Logan, UT.https://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/poisonousplants/poisonousplants.pdf

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Whitson, T.D., L.C. Burrill, S.A. Dewey, D.W. Cudney, B.E. Nelson, R.D. Lee, and R. Parker. 2012. Weeds of the West, 11th Edition. Western Society of Weed Science in cooperation with the Western United

States Land Grant Universities Cooperative Extension Services and the University of Wyoming.

342-CPS-1

CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD

CRITICAL AREA PLANTING

CODE 342

(ac)

DEFINITION

Establishing permanent vegetation on sites that have, or are expected to have, high erosion rates, and on sites that have physical, chemical or biological conditions that prevent the establishment of vegetation with normal practices.

PURPOSE

This practice is used to accomplish one or more of the following purposes:

• Stabilize stream and channel banks, pond and other shorelines – Resource concern (SOIL

EROSION– Excessive bank erosion from streams shorelines or water conveyance channels)

• Stabilize areas with existing or expected high rates of soil erosion by wind or water – Resource concern (SOIL EROSION – Concentrated flow erosion and/or SOIL EROSION - Sheet, rill, & wind erosion and/or SOIL QUALITY DEGRADATION – Concentration of salts or other chemicals)

• Stabilize areas, such as sand dunes and riparian areas – Resource concern (SOIL EROSION –

Concentrated flow erosion and/or SOIL EROSION - Sheet, rill, & wind erosion)

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

This practice applies to highly disturbed areas such as—

• Active or abandoned mined lands.

• Urban restoration sites.

• Construction areas.

• Conservation practice construction sites.

• Areas needing stabilization before or after natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, tornados, and wildfires.

• Eroded banks of natural channels, banks of newly constructed channels, and lake shorelines.

• Other areas degraded by human activities or natural events.

CRITERIA

General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes

October 2021

Site Preparation

A site investigation shall be conducted to identify any physical, chemical, or biological conditions that could affect the successful establishment of vegetation.

Areas to be planted will be cleared of unwanted materials and smoothed or shaped, if needed, to meet planting and landscaping purposes.

NRCS reviews and periodically updates conservation practice standards. To obtain the current NRCS, MN version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service State office or visit the Field Office Technical Guide online by going to the NRCS website at October 2016 https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ and type FOTG in the search field.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

A suitable seedbed shall be…