A02_Marbled_Murrelet_Survey_SOW_2024_2.pdf

MARBLED MURRELET SURVEYS - STATEMENT OF WORK

PROJECT SITES/LOCATIONS:

Big Weekly Elk (BWE):

There are 10 sites located east of Myrtle Point, Oregon.

Baker’s Dozen (BD):

There are 33 sites located northwest of Powers, Oregon.

Better Weatherly (BW):

There are 6 sites approximately 10 miles northwest of Elkton, Oregon.

Loon Lake (LL):

There are 6 sites approximately 13 miles southwest of Elkton, Oregon.

1.0 GENERAL

1.1 Description of Work, Objectives, and Methods - A pre-season meeting will occur annually to go over

Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) expectations, communications, site access.

1.1.1 The Contractor shall conduct surveys to locate Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) from survey stations (either established or set by contractor) and conduct intensive surveys to locate

Marbled Murrelet in survey areas in the Coos Bay District, Bureau of Land Management. The objective is to document the occurrence or probable absence of Marbled Murrelet in forest stands by conducting intensive surveys in accordance with the Pacific Seabird Group (PSG) Protocol - Methods for surveying Marbled Murrelet in forests: A revised protocol for land management and research, 7

January 2003, available at http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/publications/PSG_TechPub2_MAMU_ISP.pdf.

The BLM’s new occupied site delineation direction differs from the PSG direction, and may require continued surveys in portions of a survey site after an occupying detection. The COR may also request additional surveys to clarify earlier detections.

1.1.2 All station set-up, survey visits, and employee training/testing shall be done in strict accordance with the PSG protocol. All personnel to include crew leaders and Marbled Murrelet surveyors shall meet the minimum qualifications in order to perform work under this contract. Certificates of training completion/pass will be provided to COR.

1.1.3 The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates for each survey station will be determined using the Global Positioning System (GPS). Data, observed behaviors, and nesting activities shall be collected, recorded, and reported on all audio and visual Marbled Murrelet detections.

1.1.4 All survey visits will be conducted between May 1 and August 5. Hours outside normal office hours shall be required, including hours before sunrise. Conditions (i.e., Marbled Murrelet presence or poor environmental conditions, as described in the definitions), defined in the PSG protocol, may trigger the http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/publications/PSG_TechPub2_MAMU_ISP.pdf need for additional surveys beyond the number anticipated at the initiation of the survey season.

Additional surveys (equivalent to approximately 10% above the minimum surveys anticipated at the initiation of the survey season) will be included in the task orders to accommodate for potential additional required surveys, such as from adverse environmental conditions or increased survey load after a Marbled Murrelet detection. Station set-up can occur when the TO is issued and not confined to the survey season. However, station set-up will not occur until after the pre-season meeting.

1.1.5 Data on station set-up, survey visits, and Marbled Murrelet detections shall be collected and entered into the BLM Coos Bay District’s Marbled Murrelet database, an Access based database. All original field data forms and a summary report shall be submitted by the completion of the work on each task order, or as defined below.

1.1.6 For work completed within the Sudden Oak Death (SOD) quarantine area, the Contractor shall supply fresh water, bleach and spray bottles containing a 10% bleach solution with water for treatment of boot soles and equipment throughout the course of the contract. A fresh bleach solution shall be prepared daily. The solution shall be applied to boots and equipment each time the contractor leaves a unit and returns to the road.

1.2 General Location and Description of Survey Areas

1.2.1 All Survey Areas are on lands managed by the Coos Bay District BLM, plus 5 miles. A map of survey areas will be furnished with each task order. A sample survey map is available in Section J. Station general area is accessible by vehicle and most require access on foot to reach final station locations.

Much of the terrain is steep, covered with dense vegetation, and may be difficult to walk through.

1.2.2 Survey area boundaries will not be physically identified on the ground. Most boundaries will require interpretation of physical features on aerial photos and topographic maps and/or the use of a GPS device.

1.2.3 The COR may substitute survey stations as planning objectives change.

1.3 Access – Survey areas are accessible by roads passable with a 4-wheel drive vehicle (2-wheel drive in some cases). Survey sites and stations typically require access by foot, cross-country hiking up to or more than 0.5 miles from a road (either open or closed).

1.3.1 The BLM does not guarantee nearby road access to all survey areas. Roads closed due to natural occurrences may not be reopened or maintained solely for the purposes of providing access for the

Contractor. Some roads may be accessible only by foot due to vegetation or road closure.

1.3.2 Private Lands – Due to mixed land ownership, travel through private lands is typically needed to access BLM lands. As a result, access may be restricted through private lands and may include locked and unlocked gates, access agreements, and notification requirements. Private land owners may require any or all of the following: notification prior to crossing their lands, a gate key deposit, and/or an access agreement. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to gain and maintain access through private lands by following the terms of agreement, by following all public laws, and by maintaining a good working relationship with land owners.

1.3.3 Gates - Some areas and roads may be behind locked gates. Locked gates shall remain locked at all times other than when the Contractor is passing through them. Access is granted only to complete tasks within the scope of the task order. BLM keys, for access to gates locked with a BLM lock, will be signed by the Contractor on a DI- 105 form, Receipt for Property. The keys shall be returned to the

COR in a usable condition before final payment is made. The Contractor will be charged actual cost for replacement of a lost key or a key returned in an unusable condition.

1.3.4 It is the responsibility of the Contractor to determine local conditions affecting access to each area.

Snow and adverse weather can affect access. The access should be verified before the survey takes place to ensure access, timing of surveys, and remaining on schedule.

2.0 DEFINITIONS

Most definitions are derived from the PSG Protocol dated 6 January 2003 at:

http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/publications/PSG_TechPub2_MAMU_ISP.pdf. Further information can be found there.

Additional Surveys - An additional survey visit required because of a non-protocol survey (definition below), to determine occupancy in a stand, or as needed to clarify site status.

Bureau Sensitive Species – Agency designated sensitive and special status species which, if heard or observed, will be recorded on Wildlife Observation Forms.

Database – A relational database compatible with BLM operating systems in which survey and detection data shall be entered by the contractor. The database provided under this contract requires

Microsoft Access 2019 or newer.

Detection - Visual or adiuble recognition of one or more Marbled Murrelet or Sensitive Species.

Further details pertaining to detections are included in the PSG protocol.

FTTP Site: A secure file transfer site, allowing the contractor and COR to exchange large file format information in real time. The COR will provide the contractor with access information to a BLM supported fttp site.

Nest Site - A site with an active nest or evidence of a nest, including eggs, eggshell fragments, or a downy chick.

Non-Protocol Survey - A survey visit that does not meet the daily time constraints in the PSG protocol

(begins less than 45 minutes before sunrise and/or ends less than 75 minutes after sunrise), or is conducted during twelve (12) minutes or more of cumulative poor environmental conditions (defined below). Sunrise times will come from: https://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/grad/solcalc/.

Occupying Behavior- Marbled Murrelet detection that includes behavior attributed to nesting, such as sub-canopy flight and stationary calling. Further descriptions are available in the PSG Protocol.

Occupied Site – A site where Marbled Murrelet have been observed exhibiting behaviors that strongly indicate that the site has some importance for breeding, such as sub-canopy behaviors. Occupied sites include nest sites.

Platform - A relatively flat surface at least 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter and at least 33 feet (10 m) high in the live crown of a coniferous tree, containing mossy or detritus material suitable for creating a nest cup.

Poor Environmental Conditions - Conditions where a surveyor is unable to hear birds and subtle sounds greater than 200 meters away, and/or is unable to see 100 meters through the canopy opening.

https://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/grad/solcalc/

Examples are heavy fog, moderate to heavy rain, moderate to high winds, logging equipment, loud creek noise or vehicles. An accumulation (continuous or discontinuous) of twelve minutes or more of poor environmental conditions creates a non-protocol survey and the station will require an additional survey. Additional descriptions of poor environmental conditions can be found in the PSG survey protocol.

Potential Habitat - any younger forested area with a residual tree component, small patches of residual trees, or one or more platforms.

Presence - is a site of potential habitat where there has been a minimum of one visual or auditory

Marbled Murrelet detection that does not include occupying behavior (definition above).

Protocol Site - A survey site that meets the number of survey visits, time of year, distribution of visits, and time of day constraints as outlined in the PSG protocol. This consists of a minimum of 5 protocol surveys (definition below) for the season, and 9 protocol surveys if Marbled Murrelet presence occurs.

Protocol Survey - A survey that meets the daily time constraints per the PSG protocol and was conducted with fewer than twelve (12) minutes (cumulative) of poor environmental conditions.

PSG - Pacific Seabird Group (http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org).

PSG Protocol - “Methods of Surveying for Marbled Murrelet in Forests: A Revised Protocol for Land

Management and Research” as published by the Pacific Seabird Group, 6 January 2003. Located on the internet at:

http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org/publications/PSG_TechPub2_MAMU_ISP.pdfSurvey - A single visit to a station for the purposes of determining Marbled Murrelet occupancy, presence, or absence within the stand that meets the requirements of the PSG protocol.

Survey Area - The entire area that is under observation as described in the Northwest/Coastal Oregon

Resource Management Plan.

Survey Season – May 1 through August 5.

Survey Site – The unit by which survey visits are designed and carried out, and the unit to which the requisite number of visits (5 minimum) applies.

Survey Station - The location where the observer stands when conducting a survey visit. Stations ideally include a gap in the canopy and have a view of potential nesting platforms. Stations should target gaps in the canopy and sight-lines of suitable nesting habitat. Descriptions for station set-up and layout are included in the PSG protocol.

Cross-country Hike – This involves hiking on natural terrain, which may include maneuvering through tripping hazards, harmful plants and rough landscape. Examples: loose rocks, down wood, thorned bushes, poison oak, steep slopes, etc.

3.0 CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

3.1 The Contractor shall furnish all labor, transportation, supervision, tools, equipment, materials (except those designated as Government-furnished) and incidentals to perform the work identified in these specifications.

3.2 Contractor-furnished items may include but are not limited to:

A. Recorders - Digital recorders, capable of downloading recordings for file transfer, for each crew member (including batteries).

B. Data Forms- Station, survey, and detection field data forms copied onto Rite-in-the-Rain paper

(for use in the field), and standard bond paper (for use in the office).

C. Compass with azimuth settings and correct declination set. Correct declination available at

NOAA’s National Geophysical Center:

http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag-web/#declination

D. Clinometers or dendrometer (to estimate tree heights during station set-up).

E. Binoculars.

F. Watches.

G. Head lamps and flashlights.

H. Machetes or appropriate brushing tools.

I. Thermometer- to collect temperature during surveys.

J. Permanent Markers – Black, permanent, waterproof markers for writing on flagging.

K. GPS unit – Unit will be capable of differential corrections of raw data to achieve an accuracy of 10 meters or less, including when under heavy tree cover. All GPS data will be collected in

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) zone 10, based on the North American Datum of 1983.

L. Computer hardware and with Microsoft Access 2019 database software or newer which is compatible with the BLM operating system (Windows 10), and internet access for file transfer.

3.3 Crew Requirements

3.3.1 The Contractor shall maintain an adequately skilled work force to ensure timely completion of the work. Before or at the pre-work conference, the Contractor shall appoint a crew leader and provide a specific work schedule. This list of personnel shall be acceptable to the Government and provided at the pre-work meeting, along with certifications

3.3.2 Crew Positions

3.3.2.1 Crew Leader

A. The crew leader shall have at least one year of experience leading a survey crew, including completing duties outlined in 3.3.2.1.B, and two years of completed Marbled Murrelet surveys according to the 2003 PSG protocol.

B. The crew leader shall be qualified and act in that capacity. The crew leader will, therefore, effectively direct the crew by (1) ensuring that all crew members are properly trained and conduct follow-up evaluations and mid-season refresher training as outlined as outlined in the 2003 PSG protocol and in Section 3.3.5 and provide a copy to the COR; (2) scheduling station set-ups and ensuring they meet protocol specifications; (3) scheduling surveys and ensuring they meet protocol; and (4) making daily inspections of the crew’s work includes checking for accurate mapping of station locations and accurate completion of all forms and data sheets required by the

Government.

C. The crew leader shall also perform and/or oversee all data entry of survey forms into the BLM

Marbled Murrelet database, including quality checking the accuracy of the entered data.

D. This person shall be capable of speaking English in a way that insures good communication with the inspector and the crew.

E. No more than eight (8) crew members are to be supervised by one crew lead.

3.3.2.2 Murrelet Surveyors shall set-up stations, conduct Marbled Murrelet surveys, and collect data.

3.3.2.3 Key Personnel (crew leader)

A. Key personnel assigned to this contract shall not be removed or replaced without prior approval of the COR. Approval/disapproval of replacement key personnel is the responsibility of the

Contracting Officer (CO).

B. The Contractor shall immediately notify the COR when key personnel are unavailable for work under this contract for a continuous period exceeding five (5) field survey days.

3.3.3 Training - Before the completion of the first survey, the Contractor shall provide written proof that the crew lead and all crew members meet the training and qualifications outlined in PSG Protocol

Appendix C. Written proof may consist of a statement from the training course evaluator or any other proof found acceptable to the CO.

3.3.4 Hearing Tests - Crew lead and crew members must also pass a hearing test (0-25 dB Hearing Limit in both ears) as defined in the PSG Protocol Appendix D. Before the completion of the first survey, a copy of the original audiogram for crew lead and crew members must be submitted to the COR, or noted by the certifier that he/she verified hearing records prior to certifying the surveyor.

3.3.5 Follow-Up & Refresher Surveys – At mid-season, a refresher survey shall be submitted in accordance with the PSG Protocol Appendix C.

4.0 GOVERNMENT-PROVIDED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4.1 The Government will provide the following:

A. Maps (paper or electronic files) to perform the contract (District Road Maps, Survey Area Detail

Maps (Section J), variable scale). Any substitute maps created by the Contractor for field use shall be approved by the COR.

B. Relevant GIS shapefiles will be made available to the Contractor, upon request.

C. Reproducible copies of the Oregon BLM Marbled Murrelet survey form (Section J).

D. A blank copy of the Coos Bay BLM Marbled Murrelet database.

E. Reproducible copies of the Wildlife Observation Form and a list of Bureau Sensitive Species to report.

F. Keys for BLM gates.

G. Access and instructions to a secure BLM FTTP site for file transfer.

H. Flagging: white & white with red dots for stations and reflective silver/orange striped for trails; or other color provided and approved by the COR.

I. Reflective Tape.

4.2 All Government-provided items will remain property of the Government. All maps, forms, aerial photocopies, flagging and reflective tape, which have not been used to complete the contract shall be returned to the Government.

4.3 The Contractor shall be liable for all loss or damage of Government-provided items until completion and final acceptance of work required under this contract. All items will be available from the COR at the Coos Bay District Office, 1300 Airport Lane, North Bend, OR 97459, during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday). Notify COR two business days prior to picking up supplies.

5.0 SPECIFIC TASKS

5.1 Work Sequence

5.1.1 The Contractor shall get approval for sequence of work from the COR prior to the beginning work, at the pre-work meeting and then throughout the season. Certain survey areas or portions of survey areas may be designated by the COR as higher priority, however all work will be required to be completed to protocol.

5.1.2 A minimum of 25 percent of survey stations, by survey area, shall be set-up and approved by the COR by May 1 (if a task order is in place for this work.) The rest of the stations must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to scheduled survey, allowing time for the COR to approve prior to survey date.

5.1.3 All stations and the order in which the stations are surveyed shall be approved by the COR.

5.1.4 During the survey season, the Contractor shall notify the COR of all visual or auditory Marbled

Murrelet detections on the day which they occurred, through email, or a phone call/text if email is unavailable.

5.1.5 The Contractor may elect to substitute survey stations as planning objectives change. However, the

Contractor shall get approval from the COR prior to making any substitutions at least 24 hours in advance.

5.2 Survey Schedule - The proposed survey schedule shall be approved by the COR (see 5.2 B- Survey

Schedule) and the Contractor shall perform the following:

A. On a weekly basis, the Contractor shall provide the daily log, completed data forms (including forms from non-protocol surveys), digital recordings of field session (in a WAV, MP3, or WMA format), and the GPS data collected by the surveyors (i.e. station set-up and survey visit data).

Digital information in the weekly submissions will be uploaded to the provided FTTP site.

B. On the Monday prior to each week’s survey work, Contractor shall give the COR a schedule of the

Marbled Murrelet surveys planned for the week (i.e. the surveys for the week of May 4-8, 2022 are due to the COR by May 3, 2022.) Changes to the survey schedule shall be reported to the

COR a minimum of 24 hours before the change is to occur.

C. Station Information Forms and a map of the station with its trail shall be emailed, faxed, uploaded to the FTTP site, or delivered to BLM at least one week prior to that station being surveyed (e.g.

form for stations to be surveyed on a Monday shall be delivered to the BLM by close of business the prior Monday). This will allow BLM personnel adequate time to inspect the station and provide the Contractor adequate time to move the station if the station did not pass inspection.

5.3 Survey Protocol

A. Survey sites and stations shall be set-up and surveyed for Marbled Murrelet in strict compliance with techniques detailed in the PSG Protocol.

B. Each Survey Site shall be surveyed according to the PSG protocol, which requires a minimum of five (5) surveys per year. If Marbled Murrelet are detected at a site, surveys will increase to nine

(9) for the survey season. In the case of an occupying detection, the COR will notify the

Contractor about sites or portions of sites that no longer require surveys.

5.4 Station Set-Up

A. Station numbering system will be provided by the COR prior to station set-up to prevent duplicate numbers.

B. Survey station placement should optimize the survey quality of the survey site by providing adequate coverage of the site and utilizing available gaps and sight lines of suitable habitat. Maps provided may include tentative survey station locations and shall be checked in the field, by the

Contractor, to assess habitat quality and insure topography or vegetation that do not interfere with full visual and audio coverage of all potential habitats. The highest quality habitat within each site shall have the highest priority for a station set-up. Detailed descriptions of station placement are included in the PSG protocol. COR will approve final station set-up to ensure the site is covered adequately, and may request a station be moved to achieve quality site coverage.

C. Stations shall be in drainages, rather than on ridge-tops whenever possible. This may require surveying stations during dry periods to reduce the interference from stream noise. Stations shall contribute to the complete coverage of a survey site, and will be spaced accordingly.

D. The Contractor shall be required to set-up these stations in areas with good visibility of the sky

(i.e., canopy openings) (preferably < 50% canopy cover), available nesting platforms (when possible), and away from high noise sources, as outlined in the protocol.

E. Trails to all stations shall be well flagged with white flagging, hung in combination with reflective tape (reflective tape may be attached to flagging or to adjacent trees.) Trails shall be cleared with a machete (or an appropriate hand tool) to ensure that project inspectors and surveyors can safely and easily find stations in the dark. This may require 3 to 4 feet of flagging placed at intervals as little as 5 feet apart, especially in areas of heavy brush. Flagging shall be placed on live trees or branches above the reach of browsing animals (deer, elk, and cows) whenever available. Two-three inches of silver or white reflective tape shall be placed in addition to the flagging to facilitate nocturnal travel. Reflective tape is not required on every flagged tree, but at an interval that allows the surveyor to see the next taped flag from the current location. This is generally every 3-

4 flags, more often with the trail turns and in dense vegetation.

F. All survey stations shall be flagged in three visible locations with white and white with red dots flagging, hung in combination. Additionally, each set of flagging shall be marked with three strips of white or silver reflective tape (a strip at least three inches long). Each set of flagging should have the complete station identification number legibly written on them with a black, permanent, waterproof marker.

G. When a trail services more than one station, all trail junctions shall be double flagged, and reflective taped, in a minimum of two visible locations at the junction. The complete station identification number shall be written on those four flags and the direction to the stations (e.g. flag

#1& #2 reads "75° to A-1 & A-3" and flag #3 & #4 reads "200° to #A-3")

H. Trailheads shall be marked with two strips of white flagging, with two strips of white or silver reflective tape on each. Flagging shall be attached to the tree nearest both the road or access point and the trail itself. Both strips shall be labeled with the stations accessed from the trailhead (e.g.

A-1, A-2 and A-4.)

I. All stations shall be mapped and GPSed, and recorded on Survey Station forms. In areas of heavy canopy cover, averaging the position may be necessary and several attempts may be required, including returning on a different day. Coordinate locations shall be reported in Universal

Transverse Mercator (UTM) zone 10, based on the North American Datum of 1983.

5.5 Survey Visits

5.5.1 Surveys are required to begin 45 minutes before sunrise and continue at least for 75 minutes after sunrise, as per protocol, whichever is longer. The surveyor is required to be at the station prior to survey start time, these times should come from: https://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/grad/solcalc/. The nearest town should be used for calculating sunrise and start times for the season and can be requested from the COR, prior to the season..

5.5.2 Intensive surveys shall be conducted by listening for vocalizations and visual observation of Marbled

Murrelet. All surveys shall be conducted from a standing position only, unless safety dictates otherwise (e.g. if the station requires standing on a log to achieve the best visibility, sitting is acceptable). The visible sky shall be scanned for Marbled Murrelet(s) throughout the survey period.

At no time is lying down acceptable during the official survey period.

5.5.3 Surveyors will use the Contractor-provided GPS to capture a waypoint at or before the survey start time, and a second waypoint at or after the survey end time, to record surveyor presence at station for duration of survey. In the event that the GPS cannot find satellites, or the GPS does not function properly, a strip of white flagging shall be hung at the station with the survey date, survey start and end times, and the surveyor’s initials. All visits that are not GPS will be identified in the Daily Log.

5.5.4 Should weather conditions deteriorate before or during the survey and an accumulation of twelve (12) minutes or more of poor environmental conditions create a non-protocol survey then the survey shall be repeated on a different date. Since establishing Marbled Murrelet occupancy under these conditions is still possible, surveys are to be completed for the minimum time as outlined in the protocol (except when conditions are extremely hazardous, e.g., high winds.)

5.5.5 The Marbled Murrelet is listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a threatened species. The

Contractor shall not divulge (and shall take all reasonable steps to insure that no member of its staff or organization divulges) information on specific Marbled Murrelet sites or locations to any person other than the duly authorized representative of the BLM.

5.6 Reports

5.6.1 Daily Log - A daily activity log of all station set-ups and all surveys shall be maintained by the

Contractor. This log should include date, station numbers, station UTMs, the name of persons setting-up or surveying, a description of that day’s weather, notes about all visibility and hearing problems at the station, notes about the quality of the habitat, any Marbled Murrelet detection(s) seen or heard, whether the survey met protocol, and any other information that may be of significance.

5.6.2 Data Forms – On a weekly basis, the Contractor shall provide to the COR copies of the daily log, station maps, UTMs, completed data forms, and digital recordings of the field sessions. This includes completed forms for non-protocol surveys. Forms are available in Section J, and digital copies will be made available to the Contractor.

5.6.2.1 Survey Station Form:

https://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/grad/solcalc/

For each station set-up, a Station Information - Data Entry Form shall be completed electronically and delivered or emailed to the COR. The form shall include clear and accurate directions and mileages to the station trail head and a topographic map of the station’s location. In addition, each station’s UTMs

(differentially corrected), slope position, station placement, distance to edge, estimated canopy cover, and canopy height shall be included on the form.

5.6.2.2 Marbled Murrelet Survey Form (Oregon)

For each protocol and non-protocol survey, a Marbled Murrelet Survey Form shall be completed. This is a standard from used across the state of Oregon.

For all survey visits with Marbled Murrelet detections, the Survey Form shall include a map of detections. Directions for completing the map are found in Appendix G of the PSG protocol under

“Mapping Marbled Murrelet Detections.”

5.7 Reporting Requirements

5.7.1 Electronic data shall be completed by the Contractor using compatible format. The system shall have the capability of producing a virus free electronic file to submit on a thumb drive, an email, or

Government approved secure transfer site.

5.7.2 All survey visits with Marbled Murrelet detections shall be reported to the COR within 24 hours of the detection. The report may consist of an email, phone call, text or in-person visit. The following information needs to be transmitted to the COR:

A. Date and time

B. Name of observer

C. Time of detection(s)

D. Station identification number and UTMs

E. Behavior(s) observed

F. Location of behavior(s), relative to the survey station.

5.7.3 The survey form and map of all survey visits with Marbled Murrelet detections shall be provided to the

COR as within 48 hrs, or as soon as the surveyors are able to send the data to the Project Lead, but no later than 5 days after the detection.

5.7.4 Data Entry: The COR will enter the station information, within one week of the station being approved, into the database, and upload database versions to the secure fttp site. Within two weeks of the survey completion date, all survey and detection data shall be entered by the Contractor into a

Government-provided copy of the BLM Marbled Murrelet database, thoroughly proofread to insure accuracy, and submitted through an secure government approved FTTP site to the BLM.

5.7.5 Final Data Submission - By August 31st all station information (electronic format), site summary, and occupied site data forms shall be submitted to BLM. All data fields shall be correct.

5.8 Final Reports – By August 31 a draft of the annual summary report shall be provided to the COR for approval. By September 7, the Contractor shall provide to the COR:

A. A hardcopy and electronic version (electronic data shall be submitted in a format compatible with

Microsoft Word or Adobe and shall be submitted on a thumb drive, an email, or government approved fttp site) of a final annual summary report containing:

1. A typed description of methodology used to complete surveys.

2. Author and contact information plus a table of all surveyors’ names and their initials

(include middle initial if available) (as used on data forms).

3. A narrative description for each survey site with the habitat conditions, survey results, issues, and potential future survey needs. Include the number of stations, surveys, detections, and the most significant behavior observed.

4. Maps of all survey sites and survey stations with legends which indicate all stations and survey results (presence or occupancy).

5. A comprehensive table of all surveys and their results.

6. A comprehensive table of survey status for each survey site.

7. An itemized list of each new occupied Marbled Murrelet site and the rationale used to reach this designation (provided by the COR).

8. All tables, maps, and summaries shall be accurate, clear, and legible with dates, locations, and descriptions of survey areas, survey sites, survey stations, Marbled Murrelet detections, and occupied Marbled Murrelet sites.

B. All field notebooks of the crew members and all remaining forms and data not previously submitted.

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1.0 INSPECTION PLAN

E.1.1 All work is subject to inspections by the Government at periodic intervals. Inspections are for the sole benefit of the Government and shall not release the Contractor of the responsibility of providing quality control measures to assure that the work strictly complies with specifications.

E.1.2 The COR will conduct on-the-ground field inspections of a minimum of five (5) percent of survey stations/trails and five (5) percent of the survey visits to evaluate the work quality and insure compliance with contract specifications. Inspections may include the COR arriving at the survey station any time before, during, or after a survey or refresher without prior notification. Inspections will be based on achieving the specific tasks in Section C- Statement of Work, summarized as follows:

A. Survey Stations are located according to PSG Protocol and in such a manner that coverage of suitable habitat is achieved; including use of the largest available canopy opening within 50 meters of the BLM identified preliminary station location. Any deviation from this shall be approved by COR.

B. Survey Stations are clearly brushed (as needed), flagged, accurately mapped, and GPSed to within an accuracy of 10 meters.

C. Trails to access Survey Stations are clearly brushed (as needed or requested by COR), flagged, accurately mapped, and GPSed within an accuracy of 10 meters.

D. Surveys are conducted according to PSG Protocol and to the specifications herein. Flagging was dated, begin and end time, and initialed at the time of the survey.

E. Survey site was surveyed according to PSG Protocol.

F. Mid-season refresher surveys were conducted, compared, and evaluated by the Crew Leader per PSG latest Protocol. This could include a comparison with all or part of the COR’s or PIs survey results, if present.

E.1.3 All station set-up, survey, detection, and occupied site information was properly and completely gathered and documented on the appropriate forms. Locations shall be accurately mapped to within 10 meters.

E.1.4 The COR may use a audio recorder, placed at the station prior to survey to determine whether it was satisfactory or not, based on the recording of the survey.

E.2.0 ACCEPTANCE - WORK QUALITY

E.2.2 Unsatisfactory Work Quality

A. Incomplete, illegible, contradictory, or otherwise unsatisfactory documentation shall be returned to the

Contractor for rework. All data forms in the rework packet shall be proof-read for errors, be initialed and dated that they have been re-checked, and have all corrections marked in the margin. The entire data forms rework packet shall be returned to the COR within two (2) business days of receipt for re-inspection.

B. If station inspection reveals the need for relocating a station (e.g. inadequate canopy opening, on a road or located outside of the survey site without prior approval, or poor placement that will unnecessarily require the need for additional stations), the COR will notify the Contractor immediately by phone or in writing. The station shall be relocated within two (2) business days to allow for immediate re-inspection, the Contractor shall notify the COR and furnish a corrected station data form with UTMs.

C. If the survey coverage of the Survey Area is found not to be in accordance with these specifications, the

Contractor may be required to survey additional stations during subsequent visits in order to bring the overall survey effort into compliance.

D. All required documentation, data forms, manual reports shall be properly completed before acceptance, or payment.

H.10.0 FIRE DANGER SEASON

If the COR allows the Contractor to continue work during periods of declared fire danger or season, the

Contractor shall comply with all applicable state laws relating to fire prevention and with all special conditions of work as directed by the COR and outlined in the attachment at the end of this section

FIRE REQUIREMENTS PROCEDURES OUTLINE

This outline covers the fire protection requirements of a contractor or private party who performs service or construction contracts on BLM land. In western Oregon, the BLM allows Oregon Forest Law (ORS) and Oregon

Administrative Rules (OAR) to apply to these operations on BLM lands rather than develop similar rules applicable only to BLM lands.

1. CLOSED FIRE SEASON

The closed fire season means that fire season has been declared. ORS 477.505 gives the State Forester the authority to establish the fire season. The authority has been delegated to the District Foresters around the state who issue public notices through the newspapers and radio when fire season will be closed for their individual districts.

Closed fire season depends upon the drying of forest fuels, rainfall, and time of year. During the closed fire season, the following requirements must be met:

• Fire tools must be on site;

• Fire extinguisher must be in all vehicles;

• Chainsaws must have a .023-inch mesh screen installed in the exhaust;

• Only unmodified saws are to be used in the forest;

• Approved spark arresters must be on all internal combustion engines;

• Watchman service must be provided for 3 hrs after shutdown of power equipment for the day;

• No smoking is permitted while working or traveling through any operations area in the forest;

• No use of explosives is permitted unless approved by the State Forester's representative;

• Permits to burn are required unless waived by a representative of the State Forester.

• Permits to operate power-driven machinery shall be obtained by the Contractor prior to commencing operations unless waived by a representative of the State Forester (ORS 47.625).

Changes or modifications to the above requirements are possible depending upon changes in State of Oregon law and requirements of the State Districts and Protective Associations.

2. FIRE PRECAUTION LEVELS

There are 4 fire precaution levels that begin with level 1 at the start of the closed fire season and can go through level 4 if conditions warrant. The fire precaution levels restrict certain forest operations as the fire danger increases.

It is the responsibility of the individual operating on forest land to know the precaution level for the day and take the correct fire precautions. There are no precaution levels prior to the closed fire season. Each fire precaution level requires adherence to the restrictions applicable to all lower levels in addition to the limits placed by that level.

Level 1 is the lowest level of fire danger usually occurring early in the season and perhaps again after significant rainfall during the season. All requirements listed above apply. Waivers may be issued by the State Districts or

Protective Associations and these MUST be approved by the BLM. Waivers will only be considered if the conditions on the work site are not as severe as predicted. The requirements for fire tools on site, screens installed in saws, and fire extinguishers with saws will not be waived.

Level 2 is the partial shutdown where saws can operate from first light in the morning until 1:00 p.m. in the afternoon. From 1:00 p.m. until the end of the day saws are to be shut down. Waivers for operating beyond the 1:00 p.m. shutdown will be evaluated on a site-by-site basis.

Level 3 is the partial shutdown of all forest industrial operations and shuts down contractor operations with few exceptions. Waivers may be issued on a site-by-site basis.

Level 4 is the general shutdown of all contractor operations. Waivers will not be issued. Landowners are permitted entry into their lands.

ORS. 477.066 requires that an operator on forest land take immediate action to control and extinguish a fire on forest land. The contractor shall take this action and notify the BLM and the nearest State of Oregon District office immediately.

OAR. 629-43-030 requires watchmen to be:

• Physically capable and experienced in operating any firefighting equipment on site.

• On duty for 3 hours after the shutdown of the last power-driven equipment for the day.

• Furnished adequate facilities for transportation and communications in order to summon assistance if needed.

• Patrolling and visually inspecting all sites where work was done during the day.

3. FIRE TOOLS REQUIRED DURING CLOSED FIRE SEASON

The operator/contractor shall furnish fire tools to all personnel on site using the following combinations.

NUMBER OF PERSONNEL_______________________________

1- 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

KIND OF TOOLS NUMBER OF TOOLS REQUIRED_________________________

Pulaskis 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2

Shovels 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5

Hazel hoes 1 2 3 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 6

In addition to the above handtools, the operator/contractor must provide a backpack pump can filled with water located with the tool box in a readily available area.

All shovels are to be size 0 or larger, long handled. All tools shall be sharp and ready for service. Fire extinguishers as follows:

For chainsaws - 8 oz. capacity by weight.

For vehicles - UL rating of at least 4 BC.

4. ADDITIONAL WATER SUPPLY

Contractor shall comply with ORS 477.615 during fire season when inside or within one-eighth of one mile of a state forest protection district and furnish additional water supply and equipment for use in fire suppression in conformity with the rules promulgated by the Oregon State Forester, when directed by the Oregon State Forester in writing. When required, all water supply and equipment components shall be maintained and ready for immediate use.

During fire season when operating a stationary internal combustion engine inside or within one eighth of one mile of a state forest protection district, Contractor shall comply with ORS 477.650 and provide a water supply, with equipment for its use in fire suppression for each engine, in conformity with the rules promulgated by the Oregon State Forester. All water supply and equipment components shall be maintained and ready for immediate use.