Specifications_0002.docx

Amendment 0002 – Updated SOW to RFQ: 140F0220Q0025 Specifications/Work Statement Project: 87.6 acres of Tree and Vegetation Mastication/Mulching Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge Milepost 6 Maui Veterans Hwy Kihei, HI

BACKGROUND

In July 2019 a large wildfire burned through the Maui Central Valley burning over 10,000 acres, including approximately 87.6 acres on the Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge (KPNWR). Dead and partially burned trees are now scattered across KPNWR, and will continue to pose an increased fire risk and potential human safety hazard. After the fire, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) drafted a Burned Area Rehabilitation (BAR) plan following Department of the Interior guidelines. The primary goal of the BAR plan is to guide the Refuge staff’s efforts to repair and improve KPNWR’s burned landscape. The plan consists of a series of steps including masticating the burned trees and spreading the shredded material, controlling invasive plants reinvading the landscape, and planting native plants. The first step is key to the success of the other steps. Leaving a layer of mulched material in place will help suppress weeds and provide an enhanced substrate for native plants. This SOW outlines the tasks and requirements for submitting a contract to complete the mastication of the large standing and felled trees remaining in the 84-acre burned area.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The Refuge needs mastication of all large trees and various vegetation within the 87.6 acres burned area and spreading the shredded material evenly to create a layer of mulch on the surface. This will include all woody vegetation taller than 5 feet or larger than 12 inches diameter approximately beginning September 15, 2020 through March 31, 2021. *See attached Performance Work Statement (Attch #7) for details.

Scope:

The Project Area includes approximately 87.6 acres of land along the north boundary of KPNWR (Attachment 10). All woody vegetation in this area should be mulched regardless of size. It is dominated by non-native vegetation including kiawe, Indian fleabane (Pluchea indica), and guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus). The trees to be masticated include mostly kiawe and monkey pods (Samanea saman) with the largest trees reaching over 40 feet tall and 3 feet diameter. The density and size of the trees varies across the project area. There are some areas that have no trees, while other areas are very densely covered (see photos attachment 2). While the majority of large trees are dead standing, there also are live trees and fallen trees in the project area. The area is covered in fine sediment with little or no ground cover vegetation. It can become very dusty when working in the area. The Project Area is adjacent to sensitive wetlands that provide habitat for endangered Hawaiian waterbirds. The transition zone from upland to wetland will be delineated by Refuge staff. The stand is adjacent to the Maui Electric Company’s Maalaea Power Plant and includes mostly kiawe trees. This area differs from the burned area in that the trees were not damaged by wildfire. However, the stand is very dense, the trees are entangled together, and many are quite large (1-2 feet diameter and 50+ ft tall). This is a continuous stand with no bare areas. All woody vegetation in this area should be mulched regardless of size.

The Project Area will be delineated by red and white flagging tape tied around trees or posts, except where bounded by roads, streams, or fences. There are two intermittent streams in the Project Area with established crossings for trucks and equipment.

The area can be accessed via the Maui Electric Company (MECO) access road that runs along the north side of the refuge. This road is routinely travelled by 2x4 trucks and heavy equipment and is passable even in muddy conditions.

*See attached Performance Work Statement (Attch #7) for full details and expectations.

NOTE: When quoting, please provide cost per acre. For example, total mastication/mulching is 87.6 acres at $__________per acre = $___________ total.