2. DRAFT_Dutton Hill G-Z IRSC Appendix A.pdf

Dutton Hill G-Z Stewardship IRSC Coconino National Forest Page 1 of 19 Flagstaff Ranger District

Revised 01.06.2022

APPENDIX A

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR SERVICE WORK ITEMS

SECTION I – DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

The Dutton Hill G-Z IRSC comprises three project treatment areas: Double Springs (699 acres), Dutton Hill (4,262 acres), and LO Pocket (3,868 acres). The total project area consists of 8,829 acres of ponderosa pine forest and savanna/grasslands. The intent of this project is to increase the pace and scale of forest restoration treatments by contracting project layout and preparation activities. The objectives of this project are to increase forest health and vigor, reduce hazardous fuels to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire within the Wildland Urban Interface by accomplishing the following:

1. Improve forest health by increasing residual tree growth, vigor, and crown development.

2. Reduce fuel loading and re-introduce low-intensity fire by implementing mechanical fuel treatments and preparatory work to manage the effects of the re-introduction of fire as a disturbance mechanism. Removing activity slash from FS lands when feasible.

3. Thin from below in ponderosa pine stands and restoring savanna and grassland vegetation types.

4. Remove included sawtimber and non-sawtimber from the Contract Area.

5. Mechanically remove small diameter trees to landings to be burned by FS or chipped/removed from contract area.

6. Provide wood products to local industry by utilizing timber and other forest products.

SECTION II – GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

The government will provide the following item(s) of Government property to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with FAR clause 52.245-1 Government Property incorporated by reference in the contract.

1. Tree marking paint with registered tracer and material safety data sheet (refer to accountability standards listed below).

Tree Marking Paint – Accountability and Handling (Attachment 1 – USFS Region 3 Tracer Paint Accountability Plan and Attachment 2 – Region 3 Tree Marking Contractor’s Daily Paint Accountability Log)

SECTION III – WORK ITEMS

Mandatory Item 1: Double Springs Treatment Area

Mandatory Item 1a: Cut and Remove Included Timber:

Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (699 acres)

Cut and remove from Contract Area all included products which meet the minimum specifications as identified in Appendix B. Appendix C Road Maintenance requirements are commensurate with use.

• Cut and remove all designated sawtimber, non-sawtimber, and round biomass within each cutting unit.

• All landings and skid trails shall be treated in accordance with the provisions in Appendix B.

• Construction and obliteration of created temporary roads shall be done in accordance with the provisions listed in Appendix B.

Page 2 of 19 Flagstaff Ranger District

Mandatory Item 1b: Timber Stand Improvement Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (699 acres)

The requirement for timber stand improvement involves cutting conifers greater than 6 feet tall and less than 6 inches DBH (sub-merchantable), in addition to non-merchantable trees greater than 6 inches DBH.

• Cut all trees less than 6 inches DBH and greater than 6 feet in height.

• Cutt all trees that have undesirable characteristics (See Undesirable Tree Characteristics below):

o Leaning or bent (>15 degrees from vertical axis; often related to prolonged suppression) o Any crook, sweep, or fork in stem o Poor crown form (one-sided, narrow, or sparse) o Multiple, dead, or broken tops o Presence of insects, diseases, or animal damage, including any visible evidence of dwarf mistletoe

(i.e, fruiting bodies) o Any physical or mechanical damage Note: Trees considered undesirable have ONE OR MORE of the above.

• In all cutting units except for Unit 2, retain all trees that have desirable characteristics (See Desirable Tree Characteristics below):

o Straight, vertical stem (leaning <15 degrees from vertical axis) o Well-formed crown (wide, full, symmetrical) o Live, single top with vigorous annual terminal growth o Free of animal, insect or disease damage and/or symptoms, including dwarf mistletoe Absence of physical or mechanical damage Note: Trees considered desirable have ALL the above.

• Cut all trees in areas infected with dwarf mistletoe.

• Cut all trees under the canopy of yellow pines. (insert definition of yellow pines here)

• Trees shall be either be brough into the landing to be machine piled, hand piled in the unit or lopped and scattered in accordance with Appendix B C6.7#.

Item 1b Cutting Unit Table with Prescriptions.

Cut Unit Acres Prescription

1 88 Retain only desirable trees throughout the stand. Cut all trees which are non-desirable, infected with dwarf mistletoe, in areas infected with dwarf mistletoe, or under the canopy of yellow pine.

2 24 Cut all trees less than 6” DBH

3 28 Retain only desirable trees throughout the stand. Cut all trees which are non-desirable, infected with dwarf mistletoe, in areas infected with dwarf mistletoe, or under the canopy of yellow pine.

4 41 Retain only desirable trees throughout the stand. Cut all trees which are non-desirable, infected with dwarf mistletoe, in areas infected with dwarf mistletoe, or under the canopy of yellow pine.

5 89 Retain only desirable trees throughout the stand. Cut all trees which are non-desirable, infected with dwarf mistletoe, in areas infected with dwarf mistletoe, or under the canopy of yellow pine.

6 105 Retain only desirable trees throughout the stand. Cut all trees which are non-desirable, infected with dwarf mistletoe, in areas infected with dwarf mistletoe, or under the canopy of yellow pine.

7 23 Retain only desirable trees throughout the stand. Cut all trees which are non-desirable, infected with dwarf mistletoe, in areas infected with dwarf mistletoe, or under the canopy of yellow pine.

8 96 Retain only desirable trees throughout the stand. Cut all trees which are non-desirable, infected with dwarf mistletoe, in areas infected with dwarf mistletoe, or under the canopy of yellow pine.

9 30 Retain only desirable trees throughout the stand. Cut all trees which are non-desirable, infected with dwarf mistletoe, in areas infected with dwarf mistletoe, or under the canopy of yellow pine.

10 102 Retain only desirable trees throughout the stand. Cut all trees which are non-desirable, infected with dwarf mistletoe, in areas infected with dwarf mistletoe, or under the canopy of yellow pine.

Commented [BJFA1]: Alex- re-check RX. Once you guys get App B to me lets re-visit this.

Page 3 of 19 Flagstaff Ranger District

Mandatory Item 1c: Road Maintenance (7.4 miles)

See Appendix C for Road Maintenance requirements.

Mandatory Item 2: Dutton Hill Treatment Area (1,730 acres)

Mandatory Item 2a: Repaint Cut Unit Boundaries and Deferrals All Units (311,629 feet)

Contractor shall re-paint all boundary trees and interior deferral areas for an estimated 311,629 feet.

• Paint all previously painted boundary and deferral trees for all units. Trees were previously painted with orange tracer paint. All previous marks on boundary trees should be covered with fresh paint.

• If previously-marked boundary tree(s) cannot be located, contractor shall paint a new boundary tree located along established boundary using a GPS device such that each boundary tree shall be visible from one tree to the next.

• All painted bands/lines shall be 2 to 3 inches wide, and all unit numbers shall be painted in block form with double-digit number stacked vertically. Unit numbers shall be large enough to be easily read at 100 feet.

• The Contractor shall only use Government furnished paint.

• Painting shall be done in accordance with manufacturer’s directions.

• The Contractor shall follow the attached Tracer Paint Accountability Plan (Attachment 1).

Mandatory Item 2b: Repaint Leave Tree Mark Units Units 2, 6, 9, 12, 21, 25, 27, 29, 31 (619 acres)

The Dutton Hill Treatment Area was previously marked and leave tree units identified in for this item requiring re-painting.

• Re-paint all individual “leave” trees.

o Stump mark may be painted over or painted on the downhill side of the tree if not covering existing mark.

o The diagonal mark around the bole of the tree shall be located above or below the previous mark to allow COR to inspect.

• All marks shall be 1.5 to 2 inches wide and sufficiently visible for an operator to differentiate between trees to be left and those to cut.

• The Contractor shall only use Government furnished paint.

Mandatory Item 2c: Leave Tree Marking - Convert DxP Units to Leave Tree Mark Units 8, 10, 13, 14, 24, 28, 30 (2,639 acres)

Use existing silviculture prescriptions/marking guides (Attachment 3) to convert units previously designated as Designation by Prescription to Leave Tree Mark units. Digital prescription guides are available for use at Contractors request.

• Each designated leave/cut tree shall be marked with tracer paint.

• Paint diagonal slash marks on the bole of each designated tree:

o Each diagonal slash shall be painted at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees and located between 4.5 feet and 7 feet above ground level.

Commented [BJFA2]: What if they cannot find the old paint?

Maybe add a bullet that says if they cannot find old paint on a particular tree, to try and recreate the line by line of sight from tree to tree while utilizing GPS or other digital mapping method to determine the best tree to use to complete the boundary or deferral.

Commented [BJFA3R2]: Alex- work on some draft language for this and let me know when you get it in.

Commented [AL4R2]: Done

Page 4 of 19 Flagstaff Ranger District o Diagonal slash marks shall be painted so they are clearly visible from all sides of the tree, with the tail end of one slash located directly above or below the tail end of the next slash.

• Paint horizontal stump marks on each tree.

o Horizontal stump marks shall be painted at ground level, ensuring the paint penetrates the nooks, crevices, and fissures of the bark.

o Each stump mark shall be 6-9” long and painted on the downhill side of the tree.

• All marks shall be 1.5 to 2 inches wide and sufficiently visible for an operator to differentiate between trees to be left and those to cut.

Mandatory Item 2d: Timber Cruise Implementation

The Dutton Hill Treatment Area cruise will consist of 40 nested plots where trees in four strata will be measured. The table below provides further details of the cruise design:

Stratum Plot Size Sample Group No. of Plots

1 10 BAF Sawtimber (14”+ DBH) 40 2 1/10 ac. Fixed

Plot Non-Sawtimber (9.0”-13.9”

DBH)

3 1/10 ac. Fixed Plot

Biomass (6.0”-8.9” DBH) 40

All “cut” trees on each plot will be measured. The contractor shall provide Region 3 Basic Qualified Cruisers. The cruise design and instructions will be provided by the Forest Service. Timber to be cruised will be designated using a combination of LTM and DxP. Coordination with the cruise designer shall occur prior to and during the cruising effort. The intent of the cruise is to provide the Forest Service with cruise data to facilitate the timber appraisal process. All cruising performed under this task order shall follow meet the accuracy requirements set forth in Forest Service Handbook 2409.12; which can be viewed at:

https://www.fs.fed.us/forestmanagement/products/measurement/handbooks.shtml. Work will be accepted on the basis of a formal inspection by a Forest Service Zone Check Cruiser following procedures set forth in the Timber Cruising Handbook FSH 2409.12, Chapter 60 and associated Region 3 and Forest supplements.

Timing and Deliverables to Contractor from Forest Service When final cruise for each Treatment Area has been completed and accepted, the FS will complete an independent Timber Sale Appraisal to determine the Advertised Timber Rate and Bid Premiums to be collected according to the “Timber Appraisal and Bid Premium” notes section on page 4 of the Solicitation. Maps, plans, and quantities accepted from Mandatory Items 1-5 will be used for appraisal data entries to calculate logging costs.

Mandatory Item 3: LO Pocket Treatment Area (3,868 acres)

Mandatory Item 3a: Repaint Cut Unit and Deferral Boundaries All Units (288,152 feet)

Contractor shall re-paint all boundary trees and interior deferral areas for an estimated 288,152 feet.

• Paint all previously painted boundary and deferral trees for all units. Trees were previously painted with orange tracer paint. All previous marks on boundary trees should be covered with fresh paint.

Commented [BJFA5]: This is a placeholder, Alex will get this completed in the near future.

Commented [AL6R5]: This is now updated with accurate cruise design.

Commented [AL7]: Re-calculate and edit.

https://www.fs.fed.us/forestmanagement/products/measurement/handbooks.shtml

Page 5 of 19 Flagstaff Ranger District

• If previously-marked boundary tree(s) cannot be located, contractor shall paint a new boundary tree located along established boundary using a GPS device such that each boundary tree shall be visible from one tree to the next.

• All painted bands/lines shall be 2 to 3 inches wide, and all unit numbers shall be painted in block form with double-digit number stacked vertically. Unit numbers shall be large enough to be easily read at 100 feet.

• The Contractor shall only use Government furnished paint.

• The Contractor shall follow the attached Tracer Paint Accountability Plan (Attachment 1).

Mandatory Item 3b: Repaint Leave Tree Mark Units Units 13, 27, 29, 30 (606 acres)

The LO Pocket Treatment Area was previously marked and leave tree units identified in for this item requiring re-painting.

• Re-paint all individual “leave” trees.

o Stump mark may be painted over or painted on the downhill side of the tree if not covering existing mark.

o The diagonal mark around the bole of the tree shall be located above or below the previous mark to allow COR to inspect.

• All marks shall be 1.5 to 2 inches wide and sufficiently visible for an operator to differentiate between trees to be left and those to cut.

Mandatory Item 3c: Convert DxP Units to Leave Tree Mark Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 20, 24, 26, 33 (2,304 acres)

Use existing silviculture prescriptions/marking guides (Attachment 4) to convert units previously designated as Designation by Prescription to Leave Tree Mark units. Digital prescription guides are available for use at Contractors request.

• Each designated leave/cut tree shall be marked with tracer paint.

• Paint diagonal slash marks on the bole of each designated tree:

o Each diagonal slash shall be painted at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees and located between 4.5 feet and 7 feet above ground level.

o Diagonal slash marks shall be painted so they are clearly visible from all sides of the tree, with the tail end of one slash located directly above or below the tail end of the next slash.

• Paint horizontal stump marks on each tree.

o Horizontal stump marks shall be painted at ground level, ensuring the paint penetrates the nooks, crevices, and fissures of the bark.

o Each stump mark shall be 6-9” long and painted on the downhill side of the tree.

• All marks shall be 1.5 to 2 inches wide and sufficiently visible for an operator to differentiate between trees to be left and those to cut.

Mandatory Item 3d: Timber Cruise Implementation The LO Pocket Treatment Area cruise will consist of 45 nested plots where trees in four strata will be measured. The table below provides further details of the cruise design:

Commented [BJFA8]: Same as other cruise item, will be completed soon.

Commented [AL9R8]: This has been updated.

Page 6 of 19 Flagstaff Ranger District

Stratum Plot Size Sample Group No. of

Plots 1 1/10 ac. Fixed

Plot Sawtimber (14”+ DBH) 45

2 1/10 ac. Fixed Plot

Non-Sawtimber (9.0”-13.9”

DBH)

3 1/10 ac. Fixed Plot

Biomass (6.0”-8.9” DBH) 45

All “cut” trees on each plot will be measured. The contractor shall provide Region 3 Basic Qualified Cruisers. The cruise design and instructions will be provided by the Forest Service. Timber to be cruised will be designated using a combination of LTM and DxP. Coordination with the cruise designer shall occur prior to and during the cruising effort. The intent of the cruise is to provide the Forest Service with cruise data to facilitate the timber appraisal process. All cruising performed under this task order shall follow meet the accuracy requirements set forth in Forest Service Handbook 2409.12; which can be viewed at:

https://www.fs.fed.us/forestmanagement/products/measurement/handbooks.shtml. Work will be accepted on the basis of a formal inspection by a Forest Service Zone Check Cruiser following procedures set forth in the Timber Cruising Handbook FSH 2409.12, Chapter 60 and associated Region 3 and Forest supplements.

Timing and Deliverables to Contractor from Forest Service When final cruise for each Treatment Area has been completed and accepted, the FS will complete an independent Timber Sale Appraisal to determine the Advertised Timber Rate and Bid Premiums to be collected according to the “Timber Appraisal and Bid Premium” notes section on page 4 of the Solicitation. Maps, plans, and quantities accepted from Mandatory Items 1-5 will be used for appraisal data entries to calculate logging costs.

Optional Item 4: Dutton Hill Treatment Area (4,262 acres)

Optional Item 4a: Road Maintenance (44.11 miles)

Optional Item 4b: Cut and Remove Included Timber All Units (1,730 acres)

Cut and remove from Contract Area all included products which meet the minimum specifications as identified

• Cut and remove all designated sawtimber, non-sawtimber, and round biomass within each cutting unit.

• All landings and skid trails shall be treated in accordance with the provisions in Appendix B.

Optional Item 4c: Timber Stand Improvement Units 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 34, 35 and 36 (4,262 acres)

The requirement for timber stand improvement involves cutting conifers 6 feet tall or greater and less than 6 inches DBH (sub-merchantable), in addition to non-merchantable trees greater than 6 inches DBH.

Commented [BJFA10]: When do we expect to get this info?

Can we use old plans???

Commented [BJFA11R10]: Should be getting this info sometime this week

Commented [AL12R10]: Road maintenance estimates have been updated.

Commented [BJFA13]: This is a place holder, Alex will be going through RXs to finalize these https://www.fs.fed.us/forestmanagement/products/measurement/handbooks.shtml

Page 7 of 19 Flagstaff Ranger District

• In cutting Unit 9B, and C, 25A, 31C, cut all trees less than 6 inches DBH and greater than 6 feet in height.

• In all remaining cut units except Unit 13, retain all trees that have desirable characteristics less than 6”

DBH and greater than 6 feet tall (See Desirable Tree Characteristics below):

o Straight, vertical stem (leaning <15 degrees from vertical axis) o Well-formed crown (wide, full, symmetrical) o Live, single top with vigorous annual terminal growth o Free of animal, insect or disease damage and/or symptoms, including dwarf mistletoe Absence of physical or mechanical damage Note: Trees considered desirable have MOST, if not all the above.

• And, Cut all trees 6 feet tall or greater and less than 6” DBH that have undesirable characteristics (See Undesirable Tree Characteristics below):

o Leaning or bent (>15 degrees from vertical axis; often related to prolonged suppression) o Any crook, sweep, or fork in stem o Poor crown form (one-sided, narrow, or sparse) or <40% live crown ratio o Multiple, dead, or broken tops o Presence of insects, diseases, or animal damage, including any visible evidence of dwarf mistletoe

(i.e, fruiting bodies) o Any physical or mechanical damage Note: Trees considered undesirable have ONE OR MORE of the above.

• In cutting Unit 13, retain all desirable ponderosa pine 6 feet tall or greater and less than 6” DBH, except cut all within 50’ a live aspen and cut all trees 6 feet tall or great and less than 6” DBH with undesirable characteristics as described above.

• In all cutting units, Trees shall be either be brough into the landing to be machine piled, hand piled in the unit or lopped and scattered in accordance with Appendix B C6.7#.

Item 1b Cutting Unit Table with Prescriptions.

Cut Unit Acres Prescription

2 119 Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

4 190 Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

6 34 Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

7 19 Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

8 128 Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

9 46 A, D-Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. B, C- Cut all ponderosa <6” dbh.

10 430 Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

11 29 Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

12 22 ?

13 569 Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh, except cut all ponderosa <6” dbh w/in 50’ of live aspen. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

14 135 Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

21 53 Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

22 178 Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

23 98 Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

24 500 Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

25 48 A-Cut all ponderosa <6” dbh. B- Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

26 127 Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

27 47 Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

28 103 Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

Commented [AL14]: Alex: unit 9 has different rx for a few subunits, get clarification

Page 8 of 19 Flagstaff Ranger District

29 65 Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

30 774 Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

31 163 A, B, D-Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. C- Cut all ponderosa <6” dbh.

34 140 Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

35 223 Retain all desirable ponderosa <6” dbh. Cut all non-desirable ponderosa <6” dbh.

36 22 ?

Optional Item 5: LO Pocket Treatment Area (3,868 acres)

Optional Item 5a: Road Maintenance (25.88 miles)

Optional Item 5b: Cut and Remove Included Timber All Units (3,868 acres)

Cut and remove from Contract Area all included products which meet the minimum specifications as identified

• Cut and remove all designated sawtimber, non-sawtimber, and round biomass within each cutting unit.

• All landings and skid trails shall be treated in accordance with the provisions in Appendix B.

Optional Item 5C: Timber Stand Improvement All Units (3,868 acres)

The requirement for timber stand improvement involves cutting conifers greater than 6 feet tall and less than 6 inches DBH (sub-merchantable), in addition to non-merchantable trees greater than 6 inches DBH.

• Cut all trees less than 6 inches DBH and greater than 6 feet in height.

• Cutt all trees that have undesirable characteristics (See Undesirable Tree Characteristics below):

o Leaning or bent (>15 degrees from vertical axis; often related to prolonged suppression) o Any crook, sweep, or fork in stem o Poor crown form (one-sided, narrow, or sparse) o Multiple, dead, or broken tops o Presence of insects, diseases, or animal damage, including any visible evidence of dwarf mistletoe

(i.e, fruiting bodies) o Any physical or mechanical damage Note: Trees considered undesirable have ONE OR MORE of the above.

• In all cutting units except for Unit 2, retain all trees that have desirable characteristics (See Desirable Tree Characteristics below):

o Straight, vertical stem (leaning <15 degrees from vertical axis) o Well-formed crown (wide, full, symmetrical) o Live, single top with vigorous annual terminal growth o Free of animal, insect or disease damage and/or symptoms, including dwarf mistletoe Absence of physical or mechanical damage Note: Trees considered desirable have ALL the above.

• Cut all trees in areas infected with dwarf mistletoe.

Commented [BJFA15]: Same as for 4a, this info will be coming in sometime this week.

Commented [AL16R15]: Estimate for previous road maintenance inserted here until final roads package is received

Commented [AL17R15]: Road maintenance estimates have been updated.

Commented [BJFA18]: This is a place holder, Alex will be going through RXs to finalize these

Page 9 of 19 Flagstaff Ranger District

• Cut all trees under the canopy of yellow pines. (insert definition of yellow pines here)

• Trees shall be either be brough into the landing to be machine piled, hand piled in the unit or lopped and scattered in accordance with Appendix B C6.7#.

Item 1b Cutting Unit Table with Prescriptions.

Cut Unit Acres Prescription

1 373

Retain only desirable trees throughout the stand. Cut all trees which are non-desirable, infected with dwarf mistletoe, in areas infected with dwarf mistletoe, or under the canopy of yellow pine.

2 92

Retain only desirable trees throughout the stand. Cut all trees which are non-

3 314

4 849

5 128

7 124

8 35

9 76

10 295

11 77

13 291

17 24 Retain only desirable trees throughout the stand. Cut all trees which are non-

Commented [BJFA19]: Can reference attachment

Page 10 of 19 Flagstaff Ranger District

19 141

23 16

24 184

25 78

26 122

27 202

28 140

29 15 Retain desirable and acceptable pine < 6” dbh throughout the unit. Vary spacing between trees from 5 to 20 feet, leaving no more than 20 trees per 1/10th acre.

30 98

Retain only desirable trees throughout the stand. Cut all trees which are non-

33 116

SECTION III – CONTROL OF WORK

The Contractor agrees to conduct its operations under this contract and other related business activities in compliance with Federal, State, and local statutes, standards, orders, permits and other regulations.

The Contractor shall meet all State and local environmental quality laws applicable to National Forest system lands.

Page 11 of 19 Flagstaff Ranger District

Work may be done any time during the term of the contract, except under the following conditions:

(1) When conditions are such that operations shall be restricted or ceased due to increased fire risk.

(2) When seasonal operating restrictions for active raptor nests are in effect. All active nest sites and areas of restriction are shown on CAM and listed in the solicitation under Protection Measures Needed for Plants Animals, Cultural Resources, and Cave Resources. Restrictions would apply:

(3) If new nests are discovered,

(4) When soil moisture conditions create excessive risk of damage to the soil,

(5) When snow depth creates a situation where requirements cannot be met and/or work cannot be inspected, as determined by the COR.

(6) The government reserves the right to prioritize the order in which Units are treated.

(7) If any cultural or archeological sites are discovered during operations of this contract, work will be suspended in the immediate vicinity of the site until a reconnaissance survey is completed by the Forest Archeologist.

Areas excluded from treatment shall be deleted from the contract.

SECTION IV – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

For All Work Items:

At any point during the project, the Contractor and/or Project Manager may request (documented through email, text, or hand-written request) an in-the-field consultation with the Forest Service to inspect work progress, review contract specifications, or clarify issues. The Forest Service shall respond to Contractor’s request within 5 working days, excluding weekends and federal holidays.

GOVERNMENT QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

Government Inspection Procedures - The COR, or a designated inspector (GTM), will make periodic inspections while work is in progress, usually daily at first, as needed to assure work is proceeding satisfactorily. The Contractor shall notify the COR when units are started, when problems are encountered and when contract work needs government oversight.

1. Each unit will be inspected as a separate unit. Unit will not be averaged with other units for acceptance or payment.

2. When units are completed and ready for government inspection, Contractor’s designated Project manager shall request unit inspection in writing, prior to moving out of the general area.

3. The COR, or designated inspector, will determine compliance with contract specifications through informal visual inspections. In the event visual inspection indicates work to be in non-compliance with specifications, prompt corrective action and/or rework shall be required.

Government Inspection Procedures – Formal Plots (Items 2c, 3c)

Work will be accepted on the basis of visual or formal inspection by the CO through the COR or designated inspector. The Contractor’s inspection data shall be provided to the COR before the U.S. Forest Service begins its inspection. If formal inspection is used, Table 1 describes the minimum number of random or systematic plots to be inspected per cutting unit (or group of cutting units). Plots may be fixed or variable radius.

Table 1. Minimum No. Plots per Cut Unit

Commented [BJFA20]: I still need to go through this in finer detail

Page 12 of 19 Flagstaff Ranger District

Cut Unit Size Minimum No. Plots Up to 40 acres 15

40 to 100 acres 30

Over 100 acres

30 plots plus an additional plot for every 10 acres over 100 acres (e.g. 420 acres would require 30 plots for first 100 acres and 32 plots for remaining 320 acres for a total of 62 plots

Typical performance elements to be inspected include residual basal area; proper placement of groups, interspaces, and regeneration openings; distribution and size of groups; distribution and width of interspaces and/or regeneration openings; tree removal within regeneration openings, residual tree quality; designation of mandatory reserve trees; and proper paint application.

The Contractor shall notify the COR upon completion of each cutting unit or group of cutting units (as defined on the task order), at which point the U.S. Forest Service shall complete the inspection and inform the Contractor of the inspection results within fourteen (14) calendar days.

Government Inspection Procedures – (Items 2a, 3a)

Work will be accepted on the basis of visual inspection by the CO through the COR or designated inspector. The Contractor’s inspection data shall be provided to the COR before the U.S. Forest Service begins its inspection.

The U.S. Forest Service will check a minimum of 10 percent of the total distance of each treatment unit to be inspected. This will constitute a minimum inspection for determining satisfactory performance.

Government Inspection Procedures – Formal Plots (Items 2b, 3b)

Work will be accepted on the basis of visual or formal inspection by the CO through the COR or designated inspector. The Contractor’s inspection data shall be provided to the COR before the U.S. Forest Service begins its inspection. If formal inspection is used, Table 1 describes the minimum number of random or systematic plots to be inspected per cutting unit (or group of cutting units). Plots will be fixed or variable radius, with additional specifications provided in the task order. The inspection will evaluate the extent to which previously marked trees were remarked (including boundary trees) and proper paint application. The Contractor shall notify the COR upon completion of each cutting unit or group of cutting units (as defined on the task order), at which point the U.S.

Forest Service shall complete the inspection and inform the Contractor of the inspection results within fourteen

(14) calendar days.

Government Inspection Procedures – Formal Plots (Items 2d and 3d)

Work will be accepted on the basis of a formal inspection by the Zone Check Cruiser, following procedures set forth in the Timber Cruising Handbook FSH 2409.12, Chapter 60 and associated R3 and forest supplements.

Inspections are cumulative and regardless of the completion date will contribute to the final inspection results.

The following describes the phases of the inspection process:

a) At any point during the cruise, the Contractor may request an initial field check of 1-5 cruise plots to ensure that cruise specifications and procedures are being followed. Upon receipt of all of the Contractor’s cruise data by the COR, the U.S. Forest Service shall complete the partial inspection and inform the Contractor of the inspection results within fourteen (14) calendar days.

b) Unless a previous inspection has already been requested and completed, the Contractor shall notify the COR and supply the U.S. Forest Service with completed cruise data at or near the time when 30 percent of the cruise plots have been completed. Upon receipt of all of the Contractor’s cruise data by the COR, the U.S. Forest Service shall complete a field check of 1-5 cruise plots and inform the Contractor of the inspection results fourteen (14) calendar days.

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c) Upon completion of the cruise, the Contractor shall notify the COR and supply the government with all completed cruise data. Upon receipt of all data, the U.S. Forest Service shall complete the formal check cruise and inform the Contractor of the results within thirty (30) calendar days. Calculations of the accuracy of the cruise shall be based on a comparison of the Zone Check Cruiser’s data and the Contractor's data.

d) Handwritten work will only be accepted if completely legible. This includes, but is not limited to paperwork and information recorded on ribbons, stakes, and trees.

Government Inspection Procedures – Deliverables (Items 2d and 3d)

Cruise data provided by the Contractor to the U.S. Forest Service shall be in a format which will load into the current version of FSCruiser and Cruise Processing (National Cruise System). This will be accomplished by using Timber Cruise Cards (currently Form R3-2400-28A Rev.5/2007) or the FSCruiser program for field data recorders. Timber Cruise Cards will be furnished, if necessary, by the U.S. Forest Service prior to commencing work. Data recording procedures will be covered at the pre-work meeting.

Government Inspection Procedures – Formal Plots (Items 1a-b, 4b-c, 5b-c)

1. In the event visual inspection indicates work and / or rework to be in non-compliance with contract specifications, a series of verification plots shall be installed by the Government to determine compliance with specifications and percent of satisfactory work for treatment of each unit not meeting specification as observed with visual inspection.

2. Government verification plots will consist of a series of fixed area plots and variable radius plots along transects to record whether density, basal area, best tree selection, and other requirements are being met and to what extent.

3. Plots and grid will be distributed so that a representative sample is obtained.

4. The COR or designated inspector will mark the center of each plot on the ground using flagging, stakes, or pin flags. Additional flagging will be hung near the plot center so that it may be seen from a distance. The inspector will include the plot number, their initials and date on the flagging.

5. Plots will be numbered to correlate with the inspection form and transects on a unit map.

6. The minimum number of verification plots, per treatment unit, shall be as follows:

Unit Acreage Minimum No. of Plots 1 – 9 1 plot 10 – 29 2-3 plots 30 – 59 4-6 plots 60 – 99 7-10 plots 100 11 plots

7. Determination of acceptability of the work performed will be based on Government verification inspections and will be considered conclusive.

8. At each plot, the Government will examine the plot area and record findings on the items listed below:

a. Plot number

b. Number of trees to be left on plot.

c. Number of trees left on plot.

d. Number of satisfactory trees.

e. Number of deficient trees.

Commented [BJFA21]: I am assuming we are running the cruise or are we asking them to? I will most likely move these around but we need to have a discussion on cruising so I know what you are really looking for.

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f. Number of excess trees.

- Stumps containing live limbs which are not in accordance with specifications herein will be counted as excess trees.

- Cut trees which are still attached at the stump will be counted as excess trees

- Trees meeting cut specifications will be counted as excess trees

- Trees in excess of trees to be left will be counted as excess

9. Work quality will be calculated on the form as follows:

No. Trees Deficient + No. Excess Trees -------------------------------------------------- = % Unsatisfactory work No. Trees to be left

100% – % Unsatisfactory work = % Work Quality

Unsatisfactory Cutting

1. If the work quality falls below 85 percent, the COR will immediately notify the Contractor, in writing, and order him to improve the quality of subsequent tree cutting. If the quality of subsequent tree cutting is not raised above the 85 percent minimum acceptable standard within 24 business hours after receipt of such written notice, the Contractor’s right to proceed may be terminated and the contract considered in default.

2. When the work quality falls below 90 percent as a result of excess trees, the Government may elect to do one of the following:

(a) Order rework to be performed and withhold payment until excess trees are cut and the results of a post-rework Government inspection show work quality to be at least 85 percent or more. No rework shall be performed unless ordered or authorized by the COR.

(b) Order that no rework be performed and payment will either be made at a reduced rate, or not at all, as determined from the Thinning Inspection Report.

3. Repeated failure to produce work quality at or above the 85 percent minimum acceptable standard will be considered reason for contract termination and default action.

Reinspection Upon Contractor Request

1. If Government inspection results are unacceptable to the Contractor, a reinspection may be requested, in writing, within 5 business days after receipt of notice of said inspection results. The same inspection procedure will be used; however, the inspection pattern will be shifted so that new inspection plots will not overlap previously inspected plots.

2. If reinspection results – rounded up to the nearest whole percent – indicate a variance of more than 5 percent from the first inspection, the results of the second inspection will be used to calculate work quality and payment, and the Government will bear the cost of reinspection.

3. If reinspection results – rounded up to the nearest whole percent – are within 5 percent of the first inspection, plots from the initial inspection and the reinspection will be combined and used to calculate work quality and payment, and the Contractor shall bear the cost of reinspection.

Government Inspection Procedures – Items 1-5

Table 1 – Minimum Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL) of Work

ITEM DESCRIPTION SCHEDULE UNIT Min AQL

Commented [BJFA22]: Josh - This will need to be adjusted if AQL is used for Cut and Remove. If an AQL is not used leave it.

Commented [BJFA23]: I added a 6th item but we can talk about that.

Commented [BJFA24]: Alex- check on these from your past contracts

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1a Cut and Remove Included Timber

MANDATORY

ACRE N/A 4b OPTIONAL

5b OPTIONAL

1b Timber Stand Improvement

MANDATORY

ACRE 95% 4c OPTIONAL

5c OPTIONAL

1c Road Maintenance

MANDATORY

MILE 100% 4a OPTIONAL

5a OPTIONAL

2a Repaint Cut Unit Boundaries & Deferrals MANDATORY FEET 100%

3a

2b Repaint LTM Units MANDATORY ACRE 95%

3b

2c Leave Tree Marking MANDATORY ACRE 95%

3c

2d Timber Cruise Implementation MANDATORY PLOT 95%

3d

SECTION V – PAYMENT METHODS

Method of Measurement for Acreages Acreages were determined by using Global Positioning Systems (GPS). The acreage for each work item will be rounded to the nearest acre and is final unless:

a. The contract is modified or,

b. The Government makes a determination to remeasure or,

c. The Contractor exercises his/her option under the following Remeasurement provisions:

Remeasurement

1. The Contractor may request, in writing, remeasurement of any units under this contract if he/she feels that acreage stated on the project maps is incorrect. The remeasurement must be within the existing perimeter of the respective unit. No variance of the unit perimeters as laid out on the ground for this contract will be allowed.

All requests for remeasurement must be made prior to payment for each completed unit. Remeasurement will be performed by the Government.

2. If remeasurement indicates that a variance of ten percent or less exists on units of 1 to 5 acres, five percent or less exists on units of more than five but less than 20 acres, or if three percent or less exists on units of 20 acres or larger, the Contractor shall pay for the actual costs of the remeasurement. Under this condition, payment will be made on the acreage stated on the project maps. If the remeasurement indicates the actual acreage varies by more than the above factors from that stated on the project maps, the payment will be made on the remeasured acreage and the Forest Service will pay for the cost of the remeasurement.

Acceptance and Payment

1. Percentages as calculated herein shall be rounded to the nearest whole percent.

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2. No allowance for variation or portion of a variation will be added which will create a percentage greater than 100 percent.

Acceptance and Payment:

Items 1c, 4a, and 5a - Road Maintenance Items 2a and 3a - Repaint Cut Unit Boundaries & Deferrals

1. If informal visual inspection indicates acceptable work quality, the Contractor will be paid 100 % of their bid rate.

2. Contractor shall rework any areas or entire units at no additional cost to the Government, when work is deemed to be unacceptable by visual inspection.

3. If after rework, the work quality is measured with informal inspection to be 100%, the Contractor will be paid 100 % of their bid rate. If the percentage is less than 100%, the work is unacceptable, and no payment will be made.

Acceptance and Payment:

Items 1b, 4c, and 5c - Timber Stand Improvement Items 2b and 3b - Repaint LTM Units Items 2c and 3c - Leave Tree Marking Items 2d and 3d - Timber Cruise Implementation

1. If informal visual inspection indicates acceptable work quality, the Contractor will be paid 100 percent of their bid rate.

2. For work quality measured to be 95% or higher with formal plots, Contractor will be paid 100% of their bid rate.

3. Contractor shall rework any areas or entire units at no additional cost to the Government, when work is deemed to be unacceptable by visual or formal inspection.

4. If after rework, the work quality is measured with formal inspection to be between 95% and 100%, payment will be made by the actual percentage. If the percentage is less than 95%, the work is unacceptable, and no payment will be made.

* Stewardship Credits will be earned first, whenever practical. Forest Service Funds will be used if the availability of Stewardship Credits is exhausted or if appropriated dollars are obligated to a specific item.

SECTION VI – DEFINITIONS

ACCEPTABLE QUALITY LEVEL (AQL): Acceptance of work will be based on compliance with all specifications corresponding to the appropriate task(s). A minimum AQL is required for all service work – hand or mechanical. The minimum AQL will receive a satisfactory performance rating.

BIOMASS TREES: Any conifer material 2 feet in height to 4.9 inches DBH.

BOLE SPACING: The horizontal distance in feet from the edge of one leave tree bole to another leave tree bole, measured from the outside bark of each tree.

CIRCULAR PLOT: A sample plot within a thinning unit that is used to determine the number of desirable trees and other contract specifications.

COARSE WOODY DEBRIS: Woody material left on the ground to meet wildlife habitat requirements.

Commented [BJFA25]: Could add yellow pines with pictures in here. Plus any photos referencing desirable and non-desirable trees for TSI. You could also add those as attachments.

Commented [AL26R25]: Added separate document to use as attachment.

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CROWN RATIO: The ratio of live crown length (tip of leader to base of the crown) to total tree length/height.

CROWN SPACING: The horizontal distance in feet between the dripline of a live crown to another live crown.

CLEARCUT: A cutting prescription in which all trees within a boundary are designated to be cut.

CROWN RATIO: The ratio of live crown length (tip of leader to base of the crown) to total tree length/height.

CROWN SPACING: The horizontal distance in feet between the dripline of a live crown to another live crown.

CUT TREES: Trees that do not possess the characteristics of desirable leave trees and are required to be cut. As described by the contract or otherwise marked to be cut.

CUTTING UNIT: See Treatment Unit definition

DAMAGED TREES: Trees damaged beyond recovery. A tree that is larger than 2 feet in height, and has the top knocked out, is leaning more than 10 degrees, has less than one half of its original limbs, or has approximately 50% of bark removed from the circumference of the bole.

DBH: Diameter at breast height, measured at a point of 4.5 feet above the ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

DECKING: Stockpiling of trees in a designated area.

DEAD/DYING TREES: Trees with the crown foliage changing from green to red, yellow, or needleless. Any tree that has pitch tubes indicating Mountain Pine Beetle infestation.

DESIGNATION BY SPECIES AND DIAMETER (DXSD): A cutting prescription in which species and diameter are used to determine which trees will be left and which will be cut.

DIB: Diameter inside bark.

HANG-UP TREE: Any cut tree suspended above ground level.

HEALTHY REGENERATION: Young, healthy, dwarf mistletoe free conifers, less than 4.9 inches in diameter, free of defect or characteristics listed in Section II, 2.2.2.

LEAVE TREE: Trees that possess desirable characteristics and that serve to create the basis for designated spacing requirements or are otherwise designated to be left.

NON-SAWTIMBER TREE: For all conifer species, minimum diameter of 5 inches DBH to minimum diameter by species identified in Appendix B, Division A.

OVERSTORY REMOVAL: A cutting prescription where all trees greater than a specified size are cut. Trees less than the specified size are protected.

PAYMENT UNIT: See Treatment Unit.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS): Identifies the key service outputs of the contract that will be evaluated by the Government to assure contract performance standards are met by the Contractor.

PILING: Material moved to an agreed upon location shall be piled for future treatment by Forest Service.

PROGRESSION OF WORK: Work conducted in a progressive, workmanlike and orderly manner by the Contractor.

RESERVE CLUMPS: Groups of trees within a treatment area that are protected from cutting, may also include Individual Reserve trees.

SAWTIMBER TREE: Included timber meeting sawlog size specifications as defined in Appendix B, Division A.2.

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SLASH: Woody material existing or created that has accumulated on the forest floor. Woody material includes logs, pieces of logs, tops, and branches.

UNIT: See Treatment Unit.

TEMPORARY ROADS: Non-permanent roads that are constructed by Contractor for the purpose of treatment unit access.

TREATMENT UNIT: An individual area on the ground in which activities will be performed and which may appear as a separate pay item in the Schedule of Items.

UNSATISFACTORY WORK: If work quality falls below the AQL, the COR will issue a work order or notice of noncompliance to the Contractor in writing. Untreated or unsatisfactory treated areas shall be reworked to obtain satisfactory work quality.

WHOLE TREE YARDING: Whole tree logging includes cutting tree and removing the entire tree, including tops and branches, to the landing.

WILDLIFE TREE: Standing tree marked to be reserved as a wildlife tree. Used by birds and small mammals for shelter, nesting, perching, etc.

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Exhibit 1 - Dwarf Mistletoe Rating System

Hoffman, James T. “Management Guide for Dwarf Mistletoe”. Forest Health Protection and State Forestry Organizations, May 2004. Web.

Commented [BJFA27]: Check the RX

Commented [AL28R27]: RXs reference DMR so I guess we should keep this.