Attach_2_Appendix_A_Handcrews_and_Herbicides_-_rv_1_0001.docx

APPENDIX A

Fuels Reduction Prescription for Handcrews and Herbicide Treatments

APPENDIX A

Fuels Reduction Prescription for Handcrews and Herbicide Treatments

B. TREATMENT PRESCRIPTION (ATTACHMENT A*)

The contractors and/or partnering agencies would remove vegetation and apply herbicides in an area approximately 600-feet wide starting at the federal boundary line and into the APL at the WUI following an SFB prescription. The following treatments shall be applied throughout the project area and may be modified by the Project Manager to reflect on-the-ground conditions. Refer to Exhibit B: Project Area Maps.

*Reclamation is utilizing a prescription that is slightly modified from the 2019 ASFB prescription. The primary change to the prescription involves increasing the dbh from 6 to 10. Reclamation discussed this slight change with the Project Manager (forester) overseeing the ASRA, and it was highly recommended that the dbh for projects going forward in the APL be increased to 10 dbh to give flexibility to the ground crews allowing removal of key ladder fuels and trees under taller canopies. This practice is common in other SFB projects within similar forested areas and will help create an improved SFB.

Manual Removal of Vegetation. Project activities consist of thinning overgrown trees, shrubs, brush, and other vegetative overgrowth within the project area to reduce the intensity and spread of potential wildfires. The lower limbs on trees would be trimmed 8 to 10 feet from the ground, and brush and other ladder fuels would be removed so that tree canopies have less opportunity to ignite. Vegetation would be cut at ground level to avoid ground disturbance. Cut vegetation would be chipped and broadcasted on-site or stacked in small piles for later disposal, as deemed appropriate by Reclamation on a case-by-case basis. All work would be accomplished by handcrews. The tools to be utilized include but would not be limited to chippers, string trimmers, weed wrenches, chainsaws, and loppers.

Hand Thin Hand thinning should be accomplished by a hand crew of no more than 10 people on one site (negotiable) with chainsaws, string trimmers, pole saws, weed whackers, and loppers as necessary.

a) Hand Cutting

· Brush and other understory fuels less than 10 inches DBH are eligible for removal.

· Brush and trees less than 10 inches in DBH located within the dripline of an overstory tree shall be removed.

· Brush and trees more than 10 inches in DBH shall generally be retained, unless otherwise specified on a case-by-case basis by the Project Manager.

· A thin-from-below tactic will be employed, meaning that smaller trees will be removed and larger, more vigorous trees shall be retained. The ideal spacing between residual trees is 20 feet between trunks or 8-15 feet between tree crown driplines.

· No more than 50% of the total overstory canopy cover shall be removed during fuel break construction.

· After ensuring appropriate spacing, trees and brush will be retained in the following order of priority (in descending order):

Native Brush:

1. Dogwood

2. Redbud

3. Toyon

4. Buckeye

5. Coffeeberry

6. Lemmon ceanothus

7. Buck brush

8. Whitethorn

9. Deer brush

10. Manzanita

11. Chamise

12. Yerba Santa

13. Scrub oak Conifers

1. Sugar pine

2. Ponderosa Pine

3. Douglas-fir

4. Incense cedar

5. Gray pine

6. White fir Hardwoods

1. Valley oak

2. Big leaf maple

3. Blue oak

4. Black oak

5. Madrone

6. Live oaks

· Non-native species (olive, fig, broom, etc.) will be targeted for removal.

· Some trees smaller than 10 inches DBH are marked with fluorescent green flagging. These trees shall be retained.

· Dead trees/brush

· All dead understory trees/brush shall be removed.

· Snags that are 18 inches DBH or larger and not more than 30 feet in height which are not capable of reaching a road, trail, or structure shall be retained IF the snag is at least 100 feet from another snag that meets the same criteria. All other snags should be removed and chipped or piled for burning.

b) Pruning

· Prune ‘leave trees’ to a height of 10-12’. No more than 50% of the live crown of each tree shall be removed.

· If tree limbs are touching the ground but emerge from the bole above a height of 10 feet, these limbs shall be removed or trimmed so that they are at least 8 feet from the ground.

· The live crown ratio of residual trees shall not be reduced below 50% of the original canopy.

· Limbs shall be cut to minimize the surface area of the resulting limb scar to allow for faster healing.

c) Chipping

· CONTRACTOR shall provide a tracked chipper and chipper operator and may provide a towbehind chipper as desired for use on established roads within the project area. Chippers should accommodate material at least 14 inches in diameter. The use of a masticator is not permitted.

· All cut material will be chipped using tracked/tow-behind chippers and broadcast (with the exception of invasive weeds).

· Winching and dragging of material is required. No material shall be piled within watercourse protection zones (see Item F – Watercourse Protections).

· If there is an area where material cannot be chipped due to topographic variables, safety, environmental barriers, etc., CONTRACTOR shall alert the Project Manager and the material will be considered for piling instead. See “Piling” below.

· Chips shall not be broadcast onto roads, trails, or into the water or dry channel of any streams. Hauling of cut material out of stream zones to be chipped and broadcast is required (see Item F – watercourse protections).

· Chips shall be broadcast as widely as possible to avoid large chip piles.

· Existing dead and downed woody material that exceeds a height of 18 inches from the ground shall also be chipped. If dead/downed material is too large for the chipper branches should be lopped off so as not to exceed a depth of 18 inches.

d) Piling

· Steep areas or areas with heavy populations of invasive species (i.e. Scotch or French Broom) may be more suited to piling of cut material for burning at a later date.

· Piles shall be built only in those areas where invasive species preclude the use of chipping, or where challenges in slope, topography, or environmental compliance preclude the use of the tracked chipper. Every effort shall be made to chip material where safety precautions and environmental factors allow.

· Piles shall not exceed 6x6x6 feet and shall be created in areas where they do not pose a threat of igniting residual overstory trees.

· Piles shall be compact to assure appropriate consumption of woody material.

· Piles shall be covered with plastic prior to November 1st.

· Piles shall not be created within stream buffer zones (see item F – watercourse protections).

· Piles shall not be created within 25 feet of a communication or power line.

· Piles shall not be created within the protection zone of an archaeological resource.

f) General Instructions

· Trees and brush shall be cut as close to the ground as possible. Residual brush stumps shall not be taller than 4 inches. Residual tree stumps should be as low as possible, but not taller than 6 inches.

· All cut vegetation shall be kept within the project boundaries. Vegetation falling into ditches, streams, roads, road banks, adjacent properties, or trails shall be immediately removed.

· All equipment, including chainsaws and hand tools, must be cleaned before entering the Project area to prevent spread of noxious weeds and pathogens. This also applies when moving from an area with a large population of weeds to an area where noxious weeds have not yet colonized.

· Equipment shall be free of leaks, in good operating condition, and have spark arresting equipment or a supercharger.

Herbicide Use. Herbicide would be used to assist with maintaining the SFB after the dense vegetation has been removed. Unwanted vegetation would be treated using EPA registered and Reclamation approved herbicides, following label guidelines. Only certified applicators, and those working under a certified applicator are authorized to apply herbicides and pesticides. Vegetation could be treated with Triclopyr, Tmazapyr, and/or Glyphosate or other suitable herbicides. These herbicides are classified as general use products that can be purchased by the public. Herbicides would be applied by hand using backpack sprayers or by the “hack and squirt” method. The hack and squirt method means workers would carry a small bottle of concentrated herbicide, make a small incisions in the vegetation, and then squirt a few milliliters of spray into the plant. Herbicides would not be applied near water or drainages, and no one project area would be treated more than three times during the calendar year.

Treatment Prescription:

The herbicide application will consist of spot spraying of oaks, toyon, and broom within the project area (see map). The project work shall be accomplished by crews using backpack sprayers for spot spray application. Broadcasting of herbicide is not permissible under this project. A chemical prescription shall be provided by a licensed Pest Control Advisor. Every precaution shall be taken to prevent drift of chemical to desirable vegetation or across property lines.

Hand work to lop dead vegetation shall occur after the plant has had adequate time to absorb the herbicide, ideally 3-4 weeks after application. Vegetation shall be lopped/scattered on site to a height of no more than 4 inches with a piece size of no more than 18 inches. Contractor shall be responsible for coordinating with Project Manager to ensure that all sprayed vegetation can be lopped within the budget of this Agreement. Material sprayed by the Contractor shall not be left standing upon the termination of this Agreement.

Herbicide Application:

· Vendor is responsible for the cost of all labor, materials, supplies and resources used for the application of herbicides.

· Vender is responsible for all cost associated with hiring supporting staff related to herbicide treatment program (i.e., Pest Control Advisor (PCA))

· Vendor is responsible purchase of all Herbicides

· Vendor shall apply herbicide in accordance with PCA’s recommendations, but not to exceed 30 Gallon Per Acre, Per Treatment

· If additional treatment are need, they will be coordinated and approved by BOR’s Contracting Officer Representative prior to the start of work.

· Herbicide Treatment shall have a staff of no more than 10 personnel

· Licensed Applicators: Vendor is responsible for Licensed Applicator to apply and report herbicide use.

· Method of Application: Ground/Backpack – direct spot spray unto target brush.

· Pest(s) to be Controlled: Undesirable brush/ladder fuels including live oak, blue oak, poison oak, toyon, berries, madrone, broom, fig, and other invasive and landscaping ornamental plants. Do not treat any trees over 10’ DBH.

Identification of Protected Species or Other Critical Resources

There are no known protected species within the project area. With all environmentally sensitive areas, identification and avoidance during project implementation is important. Should any additional sensitive resources be found during project implementation, work in the affected area shall cease and the Project Manager shall be notified immediately. Contractor is responsible for working with PCA to develop prescriptions with aquatic formulations of chemical to be used within watercourse protection zones. Herbicide shall not be applied within the channel of any watercourse.

Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies governing the funds and scope under this agreement.

Best Management Practices (Standard Operating Procedures)

Exposure to Smoke, Dust and Fumes:

· No visible dust transport shall be permitted outside of project boundaries. Operations shall be suspended at the direction of the Project Manager if that occurs.

· All equipment shall conform to California emission standards.

Impacts on Special Status Species:

· There are no known locations of Special Status Species within the Project Area.

· If a special status species is found within the project area, the Project Manager shall be notified immediately; buffers and/or limits on location and timing of operations will be implemented as recommended by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Watercourse Protections:

All streams and riparian vegetation shall be protected through implementation of Watercourse and Lake Protection Zones (WLPZ). Protections are as follows:

· Class II streams (other aquatic wildlife present):

· 50 ft. buffer if side slopes <30%, 75 ft. buffer if side slopes between 30% and 50%, 100 ft. buffer if slopes >50%, flagged in BLUE

· Treatment of the understory shall not reduce vegetative cover below 50%

· Class III streams (capable of sediment delivery to class II):

· 25 ft. buffer if side slopes <30%, 50 ft. buffer if side slopes >30% flagged in BLUE

· Contractor is responsible for working with PCA to develop prescriptions with aquatic formulations of chemical where necessary per PCA’s discretion.

· No drafting of water from natural watercourses is permitted.

Noise:

· N/A

Transportation and Traffic:

· If project activities are expected to take place on or near public roads and trails, warning signs shall be posted in work areas to alert oncoming traffic and recreational users to the safety hazards associated with the operation. Signs shall be provided by Contractor.

· Contractor is responsible for ensuring that Restricted Entry Intervals for chemical prescriptions are posted to alert public of chemical usage.

Cumulative Impacts:

· To the degree possible, the locations and timing of project activities shall be coordinated with projects on neighboring lands to avoid simultaneous impacts on noise, air quality and traffic. The Project Manager shall advise the Contractor on any limitations on operations to avoid cumulative impacts.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

A. It is not the intent of the Scope of Services to cover each and every detail. Any problems that may arise must be promptly reported to the District and shall be subject to the decision of the District. The Contractor is expected to carefully examine the size and scope of the proposed work prior to executing this Agreement, and by signing this Agreement certifies they have checked carefully all the quantities, specifications, and maps, and understands that the RCD shall not be responsible for any errors or omissions on the part of the District with respect to quantities, specifications and maps.

B. The Contractor agrees that they will provide the materials and/or perform the work herein under the terms and conditions set forth in the awarded contract and/or purchase order; and shall furnish and be responsible for all the labor, materials, tools, equipment, transportation, insurance, notifications, licenses, permits, and all other services and facilities necessary, including all incidental work and appurtenances as may be reasonably implied and as described in this Agreement. All costs incidental to these requirements will not be paid for separately but shall be included in the work, including testing, if needed. Contractor shall be responsible to pay all costs for permits, licenses, fees and insurance which may be required to perform the work required.

C. Work areas will be outlined by the Project Manager prior to beginning work. Work shall not occur outside of project boundaries. If there is a question on location of project boundaries, Contractor shall contact the Project Manager prior to working in an area where the boundary is not clearly delineated.

D. Equipment, including pickup trucks, shall be free of leaks, in good operating condition, and have spark arresting equipment or a supercharger where applicable.

E. Contractor is responsible for ensuring protection of residual trees, desirable native vegetation, structures, property improvements, fences, power lines/other utilities, and recreational areas including but not limited to: roads, trails, and signage.

F. Roads, trails, and other improvements, including but not limited to gates, fences, culverts and/or drainage structures, or signs damaged by Contractor shall be repaired to a like or better condition as that found prior to the start of work. Repairs may include repairing or replacing drainage control features. Significant damage to existing roads, trails or other improvements, caused by Contractor, must be repaired by Contractor at Contractor’s expense within ten (10) working days of notification by the District.

G. The work site should be left in a safe manner at the end of every workday, and the Contractor will take all reasonable precautions to avoid injury to the public.

H. Before daily acceptance, all areas occupied by the Contractor in connection with the work shall be cleaned of all Contractor garbage, excess materials, temporary structures, and equipment, and all parts of the work area shall be left in a neat and presentable condition. Contractor shall be responsible for renting an outhouse if necessary. No human waste shall be left on site.

I. Coordinate all work as necessary to complete the project, avoid damages to utilities and maintain utility service with each affected utility company.

J. Contractor shall be responsible for application of herbicides according to the label. Transport, handling, and use of all herbicides shall be in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s label instructions and all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

C. Identification of Protected Species or Other Critical Resources

There are no known protected species within the project area. Protections for cultural resources present within the project area shall be reviewed with the CONTRACTOR prior to the start of work. With all environmentally sensitive areas, identification and avoidance during project implementation is important. Should any additional sensitive resources be found during project implementation, work in the affected area shall cease and the Project Manager shall be notified immediately.

CONTRACTOR shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies governing the funds and scope under this agreement.

D. Inspections

COR will conduct inspections to ensure that the services are acceptable. Inspections do not relieve the CONTRACTOR of the responsibility for maintaining quality control. Compliance inspections will be made on a sporadic basis. Such inspections are not final, and do not constitute acceptance by the District. Final inspections for payment will be made on completed items only. CONTRACTOR is encouraged to break the job out into logical measurable units.

E. Best Management Practices (Standard Operating Procedures) (ATTACHMENT)

Exposure to Smoke, Dust and Fumes:

· No visible dust transport shall be permitted outside of project boundaries. Operations shall be suspended at the direction of the Project Manager if that occurs.

· All equipment shall conform to California emission standards.

Impacts on Special Status Species:

· There are no known locations of Special Status Species within the Project Area.

· If a special status species is found within the project area, the Project Manager shall be notified immediately; buffers and/or limits on location and timing of operations will be implemented as recommended by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Impacts on Cultural Resources:

· Any and all cultural resources will be designated on the ground with flagging by the Project Manager and reviewed with CONTRACTOR prior to the start of work. Within these protection zones, the following shall apply:

· Pile burning and use of the tracked chipper are prohibited within these zones EXCEPT on existing roads and trails.

· The same prescription for vegetation removal shall occur within the protection zones.

· Wood chips may be cast into protection zones from existing roads or outside of the exclusion zone boundary, but they should not be cast on historic-era buildings.

· If operations discover previously unknown archaeological sites, operations shall cease within 100 feet of the site. The Project Manager shall be notified immediately.

Watercourse Protections:

All streams and riparian vegetation shall be protected through implementation of Watercourse and Lake Protection Zones (WLPZ). Protections are as follows:

· Class II streams (other aquatic wildlife present):

· 50 ft. buffer if side slopes <30%, 75 ft. buffer if side slopes between 30% and 50%, 100 ft. buffer if slopes >50%, flagged in BLUE

· No equipment may enter the zone except on existing roads and trails. Vegetative material shall be hauled by hand out of stream protection zones to be chipped.

· Residual trees shall be pruned to a height of 8-10 feet.

· Treatment of the understory shall not reduce vegetative cover below 50%

· Dead fuels ≤5 inches in diameter shall be removed

· Class III streams (capable of sediment delivery to class II):

· 25 ft. buffer if side slopes <30%, 50 ft. buffer if side slopes >30% flagged in BLUE

· No equipment may enter the zone except on existing roads and trails. Vegetative material shall be hauled by hand out of stream protection zones to be chipped.

· The full fuel break prescription shall be implemented within these zones.

· No equipment operations shall be permitted on slopes of 45% or greater if the slope leads continuously to a watercourse unless approved by the Project Manager.

· No equipment operations are permitted on saturated soils, as determined by the Project Manager. Saturated soil conditions may be indicated by potential for significant sediment discharge or equipment inoperability under its own power.

· No burn piles shall be created within protection zones for any stream.

· The CONTRACTOR is required to remove processed material from roadside ditches where it impedes flow or any water conveyance systems.

· No drafting of water from natural watercourses is permitted.

Noise:

· To mitigate noise impacts to neighbors, equipment operating within 200 feet of a residence may only operate between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

· If necessary, equipment operations around occupied wildlife habitats such as nest sites shall be subject to restrictions on timing and location.

Transportation and Traffic:

· If project activities are expected to take place on or near public roads and trails, warning signs shall be posted in work areas to alert oncoming traffic and recreational users to the safety hazards associated with the operation. Signs shall be provided by CONTRACTOR.

Cumulative Impacts:

· To the degree possible, the locations and timing of project activities shall be coordinated with projects on neighboring lands to avoid simultaneous impacts on noise, air quality and traffic. The Project Manager shall advise the CONTRACTOR on any limitations on operations to avoid cumulative impacts.