A05_CHIC_PerformanceWorkStatement_tree_Perimter_REVISED_6_16_25_0002.pdf

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS):

Tree Removal On Perimeter Drive to Bison Trailhead

DATED:

January 2025

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Introduction:

Chickasaw National Recreation Area (CHIC) is located 100 miles south of Oklahoma City, in Murray County, Oklahoma. Elevation is approximately 1,000 feet above sea level in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a.

In April 2024, a tornado damaged several historic features with the greatest extent of the damage occurring to the vegetation. It is estimated that this area of the park has lost up to 20% of the trees, with an even greater impact to overall canopy. Initial response included some removal of heavily damaged trees, hazard limbs, and dead and downed. However, a subsequent survey by the Urban Forest Strike Team/Oklahoma Division of Forestry Services determined that there are still roughly 270 additional hazard trees in these landscapes that require removal. There are health and safety risks to the public and park staff that are critical to address including fire loading next to Maintenance Buildings, the Bison Pen and in close proximity to the City of Sulphur.

Objective:

The work of this PWS includes tree removal and removal of debris using Hand and Mechanical methods (see definitions below). The work is to be accomplished according to the Work Area Outcomes and Specific Requirements sections below.

Numbers of affected trees and areas are estimates and actuals shall be confirmed by the contractor-areas depicted in maps and SOW are estimated to be within 80-90% accuracy.

The work of this contract consists of providing all labor, equipment, supervision, and materials to accomplish tree removal and chipping as budget allows. Order of work areas shall be prioritized by the park.

Definitions:

1. Work Areas: Locations requiring service of this PWS shall include:

• Northwest perimeter road

• Bromide Ravine

• Bison Trail

2. Mechanical Methods- includes use of chainsaws, power shovels, compact track and skid-steer-type machinery, and tub woodchipper. No machines shall exceed 8’ in overall machine width with exception to woodchipper. Woodchipper shall remain on paved surfaces unless prior approval is provided by COR.

3. Manual Methods- includes use of hand saws, shovels, brooms, backpack blowers, and other hand-held compact powered tools.

4. Mulch- Trees that are sufficient for grinding may be chipped into mulch for easier removal from park.

5. Soil Amendments- Shall be bulk premium garden soil type amendment containing compost, sandy loam, and pumice. Shall be approved by CO through CM-16 Submittal

General Tasks and Conditions:

This PWS shall include, but is not limited to the following tasks:

1. Perform tree removal to the Work Areas of this PWS per the Outcome Standards detailed for each

Work Area.

2. Contractor shall provide all material, utilities, equipment, parts, and labor required to perform all the work of this PWS.

3. All machinery/equipment shall be approved by CO. Any limitations on equipment will be those to ensure that too large of machines, or those that may have unnecessary or unwanted impact on the site’s local environment, are not to be used. No ground disturbance is authorized in this PWS.

4. Contractor shall verify the number of trees and the extent they need to be addressed in the Work Areas to complete the task identified in this PWS. This assessment will be guided by the work previously carried out by the Urban Forest Strike Team/Oklahoma Division of Forestry Services, with tree priority determined by park. Species for removal may include, but are not limited to:

winged elm, American elm, mulberry, post oak, bur oak, black walnut, hackberry, red cedar, soapberry, cottonwood, white ash, catalpa.

5. Contractor shall provide a work site and environment that is safe for all individuals that may pass through the project areas and shall remain free of obstructions for safe passage. If necessary, Work Areas shall be cordoned off and secure while under performance.

6. Contractor shall provide vehicle traffic control for work where it falls along roadways, walkways, and parking lots to ensure visibility of project work so no collisions, and/or off-asphalt driving occurs.

Road must be maintained clear for at least one-way vehicular traffic while performing work that poses above risks.

7. Contractor shall leave the worksite clean and free of project related litter and/or debris. All trash and debris generated by contractor or performance of the PWS shall be packed out daily and disposed of properly; use of Government waste receptacles is not permitted.

8. Contractor parking, dumpster placement, and staging areas shall be designated by Park COR.

9. All work shall be performed Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm. No work shall be performed on weekends or federal holidays without prior approval from CO.

10. No company signs shall be installed on government property. Smoking and eating shall be performed in areas designated by the Park. Employees shall be dressed in professional work attire, always including appropriate PPE.

11. Contractors shall notify NPS staff of scheduled performance dates at least seven (7) calendar days in advance to ensure access to secure areas.

12. While performing the tasks of this PWS, the Contractor shall be responsible for the protection of the Park’s natural and physical resources including: historical/significant buildings and structures (including features such as stone curbing), grass, trees/shrubs, walkways, and utilities within the work sites.

13. Contractor shall conduct walkthrough with Park for approval upon completion of each identified Work Areas in the following section.

Work Areas: Outcome Standards and Timeframes:

• October 15 – First snowfall or December 1, whichever is sooner. February 15 – April 1 as second period of work if needed and as weather permits – tentatively.

• The outcomes identified for each Work Area shall be maintained throughout the performance date range.

• All measurements are estimates and contractor shall be responsible for their confirmation.

• Percentages are used to show the amount of free/clear space in comparison to the space containing debris when the surface area is totaled. Example: “75% free from debris” implies that if the entire Work Area surface was considered only 10% of it could contain debris, when totaled.

1. Perimeter Drive: Remove all downed trees. Use Manual and Mechanical Methods as appropriate. Approx. 14 acres

i. Felled trees shall be removed. Site will be cleaned, leaving site % free of debris, and trucked off site. Contractor to provide all equipment for chipping (if used) and transport of waste.

2. Bromide Ravine: Remove all downed trees. Use Manual and Mechanical Methods as appropriate. Approx. 5.5 acres

i. Felled trees shall be removed. Site will be cleaned, leaving site 75% free of debris,

3. Bison Trail: Remove all downed trees along trail. Use Manual and Mechanical Methods as appropriate. Approx. 7 acres

i. Felled trees shall be removed. Site will be cleaned, leaving site 75% free of debris, Specific Requirements:

1. Contract team will include an ISA-certified arborist who will guide tree work.

2. Contractor is responsible for understanding the significance of the Park’s natural or cultural resources, and their irreplaceable value. Any handling or collection of them is prohibited. All staff performing services on this project, including any subcontractor staff, shall be educated, by the prime contractor of the criminal penalties for illegally handling or collecting cultural artifacts and/or natural products.

3. Contractor and staff performing duties of this project shall not disturb wildlife on or adjacent to Work Areas. This includes but is not limited to nests, burrows, animals, and intersecting game trails.

4. All removed tree waste material shall be disposed of off-site using contractor’s waste receptacles.

5. In the cultural landscapes, only trees marked by park staff, with flagging tape, are to be removed.

Contractor will verify effective marking with Park COR prior to the work.

6. For full tree removal, all stumps should be left flush cut. Herbicides are not authorized for this contract.

7. No excavation or ground disturbance is authorized for this contract.

Surface Preparation:

1. Each Work Area shall be litter free before removal begins; contractor shall coordinate with Park so that CHIC may perform this work in advance.

2. Contractor shall report any bird nests or non-rodent animal burrows encountered during the work and will halt work in the immediate area until Park COR can assess.

Submittals:

Contractor will submit the following documents with a CM-16 to the CO material approval prior to use for the following items:

1. Safety Plan to include

• Public/visitor safety (traffic, signage, etc…)

• PPE to be used

• Emergency response protocols

2. Fire Safety Plan showing the manner to operate equipment that may ignite a fire

3. Equipment Specification (chainsaws, chippers, etc.)

Period of Performance:

Base Contract: Estimated 180 days – dates to be approved by COR upon review of work schedule Actual performance dates will be determined at time of award.

Safety:

All work performed on government property shall be accomplished in accordance with OSHA, EPA, Federal, State and local regulations and requirements.

The contractor shall be responsible for the safety and security of the site to ensure unauthorized personnel (park visitors & employees) do not enter the project area.

Security and Work Hours:

Contractor shall only perform this work during normal operating hours (8:00am – 4:00pm) Monday through Friday, unless approval is given by CO.

NPS public restrooms are available at the Bromide Area or Veterans Lake. Contractor parking will generally be located in the Bromide Overlook or as designated by Park COR.

MAPS:

Map 1. Overview of Work Areas (in blue):