2. Mosquito View DxP_Appendix A.pdf

Mosquito View DxP Stewardship IRSC San Isabel National Forest Page 1 of 21 Leadville Ranger District

Revised 01.06.2022

APPENDIX A

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR SERVICE WORK ITEMS

SECTION I – DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

The objectives of this project are to create conditions in treated forest stands that are less favorable for mountain pine beetle infestation for the next 20 – 30 years, reduce the risk of high intensity wildfire through the reduction of hazardous fuels, reduce the negative impacts that wildfire could have on watersheds, including the municipal watershed reserves and water system infrastructure for the cities of Aurora, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and other local municipalities by accomplishing the following:

1. Thinning and group selection harvests in lodgepole pine and aspen forest stands.

2. Clearcut w/reserves harvests of lodgepole pine stands.

3. Thinning and decking of non-sawtimber.

4. Precommercial thinning of biomass.

5. Piling and lopping and scattering of slash.

6. Removing included sawtimber from the Contract Area.

SECTION II – WORK ITEMS

Mandatory Item 1: Cut and Remove Sawtimber, Units 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 (231 acres)

Unit Acres 3 54 4 18 5 13 6 18 7 29 8 16 9 7 10 21 11 9 12 14 13 10 14 6 15 3 16 4 17 3 18 6

TOTAL 231

Cut and remove from Contract Area sawtimber trees which meet the minimum tree specifications as identified in Appendix B.

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Mandatory Item 2: Non-Commercial Thinning, Units 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 18 (176 acres)

3 54 4 18 6 18 7 29 9 7 10 21 11 9 12 14 18 6

TOTAL 176

For treatment of all non-sawtimber and biomass material outlined in Appendix A. All designated non-sawtimber trees shall be cut, yarded, processed, and decked at approved landing locations and slash shall be piled at the landings. All designated biomass trees shall be cut and lopped and scattered in the unit. Treatment and slash specifications are listed below.

A. Non-sawtimber Treatment, Slash, and Decking Specifications

1. Treatment Specifications

See Appendix B, C2.355# Designation by Prescription, for non-sawtimber treatment specifications.

2. Slash Specifications

a) Pile at Landings –All slash from designated non-sawtimber trees in units 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 18 will be piled at landings to the following specifications:

• Piles shall be reasonably compact and free of soil.

• Piles will not be greater than 20 feet in height and 30 feet in width.

• Piles will not be less than 12 feet in height and 20 feet in width.

• Piles shall be located at least 30 feet from residual timber and 100 feet from protected stream courses. If conditions make it impractical to locate pile so that damage to residual green trees can be avoided, an area will be designated by the Forest Service.

• Piles shall be located a minimum of 200 feet from any utility poles or overhead lines and located a minimum of 100 feet from private property.

• Piles shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from decked non-sawtimber.

• All objects that extend for more than 4 feet in any direction from the pile profile will be cut off and returned to the pile.

• Piling will be accomplished with a grapple type machine that will cause minimal damage to residual timber.

3. Decking of Non-sawtimber and Sawtimber Tops Specifications

a) Non-sawtimber boles and sawtimber tops 6 inches diameter inside bark to a 4 inch diameter inside bark with a minimum length of 6 feet must be stacked parallel to each other with a maximum deck height of 5 feet. Decks will be placed along the perimeter of the landing and in a fashion that allows public access for firewood gathering, or as agreed to with Forest Service.

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B. Biomass Treatment and Slash Specifications

a) Thin biomass trees to a residual spacing of 12’-15’ between biomass boles. Favor the best formed, most vigorous individuals of desired species that are free of insects and disease.

b) Cut all biomass trees within 10 feet of road’s edge.

c) Only cut lodgepole pine. Leave all other species uncut.

d) Do not count aspen in spacing guidelines and do not thin any aspen.

e) Cut all trees with a Dwarf Mistletoe Rating (DMR) ≥ 2. Cutting of lodgepole pine trees with DMR

> 2 would take priority over spacing requirements.

a) Lop and Scatter – All designated biomass trees and slash from designated biomass trees in units 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 18 will be lopped and scattered in the unit to the following specifications:

• Contractor shall cut all exposed limbs from included product to a top diameter of approximately 4 inch diameter inside bark, at which point the top will be cut from the remainder of the stem. The top and boles will not extend over 24 inches in height above the ground.

• Slash should be scattered to reduce slash concentrations with slash left within 24 inches of the ground and not in piles.

C. Additional Specifications: Specifications that apply to slash from all products.

1. Tops and limbs that break off or are lost on the way to the landing during felling, skidding, and yarding operations shall be lopped and scattered according to the following specifications:

• Contractor shall cut all exposed limbs from included product to a top diameter of approximately 4 inch diameter inside bark, at which point the top will be cut from the remainder of the stem. The top and boles will not extend over 24 inches in height above the ground.

2. Roads shall be kept free of slash. Slash should be scattered to reduce slash concentrations with slash left within 24 inches of the ground and not in piles.

3. Slash should be pulled back 15 feet from National Forest Service Roads, trails, and ditches and 15 feet from land survey monuments.

Mandatory Item 3: Clearcut w/Reserves, Units 5, 8, 14, 15, 16 and 17 (45 acres)

5 13 8 16

14 6 15 3 16 4 17 3

TOTAL 45

For treatment of all non-sawtimber and biomass material outlined in Appendix A. All non-sawtimber trees not marked with orange paint shall be cut, yarded, processed, and decked at approved landing locations and slash shall be piled at the landings. All lodgepole pine biomass trees not marked with orange paint shall be cut and lopped and scattered in the unit. Treatment and slash specifications are listed below.

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a) Cut all lodgepole pine non-sawtimber trees not marked with orange paint.

b) Only cut lodgepole pine. Leave all other species uncut.

a) Pile at Landings – Slash from designated non-sawtimber trees in units 5, 8, 14, 15, 16 and 17 will be piled at landings to the following specifications:

• Piles will not be less than 12 feet in height and 20 feet in width.

• Piles shall be located at least 30 feet from residual timber and 100 feet from protected stream courses. If conditions make it impractical to locate pile so that damage to residual green trees can be avoided, an area will be designated by the Forest Service.

• Piles shall be located a minimum of 200 feet from any utility poles or overhead lines and located a minimum of 100 feet from private property.

• Piles shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from decked non-sawtimber.

• All objects that extend for more than 4 feet in any direction from the pile profile will be cut off and returned to the pile.

a) Non-sawtimber boles and sawtimber tops 6 inches diameter inside bark to a 4 inch diameter inside height of 5 feet. Decks will be placed along the perimeter of the landing and in a fashion that allows public access for firewood gathering, or as agreed to with Forest Service.

B. Biomass Treatment and Slash Specifications

a) Cut all lodgepole pine biomass trees not marked with orange paint.

a) Lop and Scatter – All biomass trees and slash from designated biomass trees in units 5, 8, 14, 15, 16 and 17 will be lopped and scattered in the unit to the following specifications:

• Contractor shall cut all exposed limbs from included product to a top diameter of approximately 4 inch diameter inside bark, at which point the top will be cut from the remainder of the stem. The top and boles will not extend over 24 inches in height above the ground.

• Slash should be scattered to reduce slash concentrations with slash left within 24 inches of the ground and not in piles.

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• Contractor shall cut all exposed limbs from included product to a top diameter of approximately 4 inch diameter inside bark, at which point the top will be cut from the remainder of the stem. The top and boles will not extend over 24 inches in height above the ground.

2. Roads shall be kept free of slash. Slash should be scattered to reduce slash concentrations with slash left within 24 inches of the ground and not in piles.

3. Slash should be pulled back 15 feet from National Forest Service Roads, trails, and ditches and 15

Mandatory Item 4: Clearcut w/Reserves and Biomass Decking, Unit 13 (10 acres)

13 10

For treatment of all non-sawtimber and biomass material outlined in Appendix A. All non-sawtimber trees not marked with orange paint shall be cut, yarded, processed, and decked at approved landing locations and slash piled at the landings. All lodgepole pine biomass trees not marked with orange paint shall be cut. Lodgepole pine biomass trees 3.0 - 4.9 inches DBH not marked with orange paint shall be yarded, processed, and decked at approved landing locations and slash piled at landings. All lodgepole pine biomass trees less than or equal to 2.9 inches DBH not marked with orange paint shall be lopped and scattered in the unit. Treatment and slash specifications are listed below.

a) Cut all lodgepole pine non-sawtimber trees not marked with orange paint.

a) Pile at Landings – Slash from designated non-sawtimber trees in unit 13 will be piled at landings to the following specifications:

• Piles will not be less than 12 feet in height and 20 feet in width.

• Piles shall be located at least 30 feet from residual timber and 100 feet from protected stream courses. If conditions make it impractical to locate pile so that damage to residual green trees can be avoided, an area will be designated by the Forest Service.

• Piles shall be located a minimum of 200 feet from any utility poles or overhead lines and located a minimum of 100 feet from private property.

• Piles shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from decked non-sawtimber.

• All objects that extend for more than 4 feet in any direction from the pile profile will be cut off and returned to the pile.

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a) Non-sawtimber boles and sawtimber tops 6 inches diameter inside bark to a 2 inch diameter inside height of 5 feet. Decks will be placed along the perimeter of the landing and in a fashion that allows public access for firewood gathering, or as agreed to with Forest Service. Decks can be the same for biomass, non-sawtimber, and sawtimber tops in unit 13.

B. Biomass Treatment, Slash, and Decking Specifications

a) Cut all lodgepole pine biomass trees not marked with orange paint.

a) Pile at Landings – Slash from designated biomass trees 3.0 - 4.9 inches DBH in unit 13 will be piled at landings to the following specifications:

• Piles will not be less than 12 feet in height and 20 feet in width.

• Piles shall be located at least 30 feet from residual timber and 100 feet from protected stream courses. If conditions make it impractical to locate pile so that damage to residual green trees can be avoided, an area will be designated by the Forest Service.

• Piles shall be located a minimum of 200 feet from any utility poles or overhead lines and located a minimum of 100 feet from private property.

• Piles shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from decked non-sawtimber.

• All objects that extend for more than 4 feet in any direction from the pile profile will be cut off and returned to the pile.

b) Lop and Scatter – All designated biomass trees less than or equal to 2.9 inches DBH and slash from designated biomass trees in unit 13 will be lopped and scattered in the unit to the following specifications:

• The boles will not extend over 24 inches in height above the ground.

• Slash should be scattered to reduce slash concentrations with slash left within 24 inches of the ground and not in piles.

3. Decking of Biomass Specifications

a) Biomass boles 3.0 - 4.9 inches DBH to a 2 inch diameter inside bark with a minimum length of 8 feet must be stacked parallel to each other with a maximum deck height of 5 feet. Decks will be placed along the perimeter of the landing and in a fashion that allows access for post and pole gathering, or as agreed to with Forest Service. Decks can be the same for biomass, non-sawtimber, and sawtimber tops in unit 13.

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• Contractor shall cut all exposed limbs from included product to a top diameter of approximately 4 inch diameter inside bark, at which point the top will be cut from the remainder of the stem. The top and boles will not extend over 24 inches in height above the ground.

2. Roads shall be kept free of slash. Slash should be scattered to reduce slash concentrations with slash left within 24 inches of the ground and not in piles.

3. Slash should be pulled back 15 feet from National Forest Service Roads, trails, and ditches and 15

Mandatory Item 5: Precommercial Thinning, Units 1 and 2 (11 acres)

1 5 2 6

TOTAL 11

For treatment of all non-sawtimber and biomass material outlined in Appendix A. All designated non-sawtimber and biomass trees shall be manually cut and lopped and scattered in the unit. Treatment and slash specifications are listed below.

A. Non-sawtimber and Biomass Treatment Specifications

1. In general, thinning from below will be used to accomplish spacing. Thin non-sawtimber and biomass trees to a residual spacing of 12’-15’ between non-sawtimber and biomass boles. Favor the best formed, most vigorous individuals of desired species that are free of insects and disease.

2. Cut all biomass trees within 10 feet of road’s edge.

3. Only cut lodgepole pine. Leave all other species uncut.

4. Do not count aspen in spacing guidelines and do not thin any aspen

5. Cut all trees with a Dwarf Mistletoe Rating (DMR) ≥ 2. Cutting of lodgepole pine trees with DMR > 2 would take priority over spacing requirements.

B. Non-sawtimber and Biomass Slash Specifications

Lop and Scatter – All designated non-sawtimber and biomass trees and slash from non-sawtimber and biomass trees in units 1 and 2 will be cut and lopped and scattered in the unit according to the following specifications:

1. Contractor shall cut all exposed limbs from included product to a top diameter of approximately 4 inch diameter inside bark, at which point the top will be cut from the remainder of the stem. The top and boles will not extend over 24 inches in height above the ground.

2. Slash should be scattered to reduce slash concentrations with slash left within 24 inches of the ground and not in piles.

1. Roads shall be kept free of slash. Slash should be scattered to reduce slash concentrations with slash left within 24 inches of the ground and not in piles.

2. Slash should be pulled back 15 feet from National Forest Service Roads, trails, and ditches and 15

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General Specifications That Apply to All Mandatory Work Items

a) Non-sawtimber cut tree diameter is from 5.0 inches DBH to 6.9 inches DBH. Biomass cut trees include conifer trees > 1 foot in height to < 4.9 inches DBH.

b) Stump height of non-sawtimber and biomass cut trees shall be no higher than 6 inches above ground level. Non-sawtimber and biomass stumps shall be cut parallel to the ground.

c) Trees shall be completely severed from the stump.

d) All live limbs shall be completely severed from the stump.

e) No cut tree shall be left suspended in or leaning against a leave tree or tree outside the unit boundary.

f) Place piles of slash approximately 8 feet by 8 feet by 5 feet along temporary roads every 30 – 50 feet to be used for temporary road closures post contract.

g) No thinning and/or logging slash shall be allowed outside the contract boundary, unless otherwise approved by the Contracting Officer.

h) Trees which must be cut for landings, skid trails or other approved clearings will have the same slash treatment requirements as existing cut trees.

i) Contractor has the option of removing the designated non-sawtimber products as timber subject to agreement in units 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18.

j) Units 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 also require sawtimber cutting and product removal. Treatments are described in Appendix B.

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.

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 winter road closures in the Turquoise Lake Recreation Area would be disrupted by operations. As a result, No operations will occur from the time Lake County closes Lake County Road 4, 9, and 9C, (typically the first substantial snowfall around November 15th) to when Lake County plows and reopens Lake County Roads 4, 9, and 9C, (typically around May 1st).

(3) When major recreation events on the Leadville Ranger District would be disrupted.

(4) If new wildlife sites are discovered. All new nesting and denning sites for threatened, endangered, or Forest Service sensitive species observed prior to or during implementation would be reported immediately to the District Wildlife Biologist and appropriate protection measures would be implemented.

(5) When soil moisture conditions create excessive risk of damage to the soil.

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

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

(8) 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.

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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)

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 at least one plot per two acres. Each cutting unit will have a minimum of two plots.

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

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Work Quality

Work quality percentages are derived from data developed from inspection plots. The total number of satisfactory plots divided by the number of plots inspected determines the quality rate. This rate multiplied by 100 provides the work quality percentage.

Example: Number of plots inspected 25 Number of satisfactory plots 23 23 divided by 25 .92 Work Quality Percentage 92%

Acceptance of work will be based on compliance with all Appendix A, Section II Work Items and Appendix B, C2.355# Designation by Prescription that corresponds to the treatment. A minimum basic quality of 90 percent is required to meet the Acceptable Quality Level.

Unsatisfactory Work

If the work quality falls below 90 percent, the COR will immediately notify the Contractor in writing and direct the Contractor to improve the quality of work. If the quality of work is not raised to an acceptable level within 30 working days after written notification, the Contracting Officer may issue a Suspend Work Order to resolve the problem, during which time contract performance time will continue to run. All work that does not meet contract requirements shall be reworked at no cost to the government until it meets contract specifications. If the contractor does not make the necessary corrections, the Contracting Officer may reduce payment based on the percentage of unacceptable work. Disagreement between the parties will be subject to the clause entitled “Disputes”.

1. When the work quality falls below 90 percent, the Government may elect to do one of the following:

(a) Order rework to be performed and withhold payment until the results of a post-rework Government inspection show work quality to be at least 90 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 Inspection Report.

2. In the event that work is performed that is contrary to the requirements in the task order the Government is not liable for costs incurred by the contractor during negligent performance that is without the fault or negligence of the Government.

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.

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Government Inspection Procedures – Mandatory Item 2

1. For sawtimber and non-sawtimber trees, the method of inspecting contractor cutting will be done using 20 BAF variable plots with at least one plot per two acres. Each cutting unit will have a minimum of two plots. Plot locations will be distributed so that a representative sample is obtained across each cutting unit.

2. For biomass trees, the method of inspecting contractor cutting will be done by 1/50th acre (16.67 feet radius) fixed plots with at least one plot per two acres. Each cutting unit will have a minimum of two plots. Plot locations will be distributed so that a representative sample is obtained across each cutting unit.

3. Each landing will be inspected for slash and non-sawtimber decking specifications as a separate plot.

Government Inspection Procedures – Mandatory Items 3 and 4

1. For sawtimber and non-sawtimber trees, the method of inspecting contractor cutting will be done by 1/20th acre (26.34 feet radius) fixed plots with at least one plot per two acres. Each cutting unit will have a minimum of two plots. Plot locations will be distributed so that a representative sample is obtained across each cutting unit.

2. For biomass trees, the method of inspecting contractor cutting will be done by 1/50th acre (16.67 feet radius) fixed plots with at least one plot per two acres. Each cutting unit will have a minimum of two plots. Plot locations will be distributed so that a representative sample is obtained across each cutting unit.

3. Each landing will be inspected for slash and non-sawtimber decking specifications as a separate plot.

Government Inspection Procedures – Mandatory Item 5

1. For non-sawtimber and biomass trees, the method of inspecting contractor cutting will be done by 1/50th acre (16.67 feet radius) fixed plots with at least one plot per two acres. Each cutting unit will have a minimum of two plots. Plot locations will be distributed so that a representative sample is obtained across each cutting unit.

Contractor Inspection Procedures

To provide quality control to assure that work complies with requirements of contract specifications, the contractor shall maintain a plot system that provides an unbiased sample of thinning and slash treatment quality representing the entire area treated.

The Government may observe or re-inspect the Contractor’s plots at any time. Plots shall be marked and identifiable on the ground. Contractor shall provide written inspection data by unit that meets contract requirements and a sketch map with plot locations. The Contractor shall use the forms included in Exhibit 2 - Plot Inspection Forms for inspections, unless an alternate form proposed by the Contractor is approved in advance by the CO.

The minimum number of verification plots, per treatment unit shall be at least one plot per two acres. Each cutting unit will have a minimum of two plots.

Each plot will be evaluated for compliance with all contract specifications as stated in Appendix A, Section II Work Items and Appendix B, C2.355# Designation by Prescription.

Contractor Inspection Procedures – Mandatory Item 2

1. For sawtimber and non-sawtimber trees, the method of inspecting contractor cutting will be done using 20 BAF variable plots with at least one plot per two acres. Each cutting unit will have a minimum of two plots. Plot locations will be distributed so that a representative sample is obtained across each cutting unit.

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2. For biomass trees, the method of inspecting contractor cutting will be done by 1/50th acre (16.67 feet radius) fixed plots with at least one plot per two acres. Each cutting unit will have a minimum of two plots. Plot locations will be distributed so that a representative sample is obtained across each cutting unit.

3. Each landing will be inspected for slash and non-sawtimber decking specifications as a separate plot.

Contractor Inspection Procedures – Mandatory Item 3 and 4

1. For sawtimber and non-sawtimber trees, the method of inspecting contractor cutting will be done by 1/20th acre (26.34 feet radius) fixed plots with at least one plot per two acres. Each cutting unit will have a minimum of two plots. Plot locations will be distributed so that a representative sample is obtained across each cutting unit.

2. For biomass trees, the method of inspecting contractor cutting will be done by 1/50th acre (16.67 feet radius) fixed plots with at least one plot per two acres. Each cutting unit will have a minimum of two plots. Plot locations will be distributed so that a representative sample is obtained across each cutting unit.

3. Each landing will be inspected for slash and non-sawtimber decking specifications as a separate plot

Government Inspection Procedures – Mandatory Item 5

1. For non-sawtimber and biomass trees, the method of inspecting contractor cutting will be done by 1/50th acre (16.67 feet radius) fixed plots with at least one plot per two acres. Each cutting unit will have a minimum of two plots. Plot locations will be distributed so that a representative sample is obtained across each cutting unit.

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

ITEM DESCRIPTION SCHEDULE UNIT Min AQL

1 Cut and Remove Sawtimber MANDATORY ACRE NA 2 Non-Commercial Thinning MANDATORY ACRE 90% 3 Clearcut w/Reserves MANDATORY ACRE 90% 4 Clearcut w/Reserves and Biomass Decking MANDATORY ACRE 90% 5 Precommercial Thinning MANDATORY ACRE 90%

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.

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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.

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 – Mandatory Items 2, 3, 4, and 5

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

2. In the event that formal inspections are used, the rate of payment to the Contractor will be calculated as follows:

(a) For work quality of 90 percent or higher, the Contractor will be paid 100 percent of their bid rate.

(b) For work quality from 80 to 89 percent, the Contractor will be paid 80 percent of their bid rate.

(c) For work quality from 70 to 79 percent, the Contractor will be paid 70 percent of their bid rate.

(d) For work quality 69 percent or less, the Contractor will be paid 25 percent of the unit cost multiplied by the actual level achieved.

Table 2 – Performance Requirements Summary

Task Performance Standard

Quality Assurance

Process

Acceptable Quality Level

(AQL)

Monitoring Method

Treatment of Non-sawtimber and Biomass

Cut all trees identified in the treatment descriptions and deck non-sawtimber boles, biomass boles, and sawtimber tops at landing; Appendix A and Appendix B.

Contractor records and reports and Government Random Verification.

90% of all cut trees will meet the Quality Standard.

• Review Contractor’s written record of Plot Inspections

• Visual inspection— walk through Units

• Verification of compliance—Plot Inspections

Slash Treatment Treatment of all slash to contract specifications;

Appendix A and Appendix B.

Contractor records and reports and Government Random Verification.

90% of all slash treated to meet Quality Standard.

• Review Contractor’s written record of Plot Inspections

• Visual inspection— walk through Units

• Verification of compliance - Plot Inspections

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Task Performance Standard

Quality Assurance

Process

Acceptable Quality Level

(AQL)

Monitoring Method

Prevention of Damage to Physical Improvements, and Resources to Protect

Any damage to physical improvements is repaired to meet Government Standards.

Visual Inspection by Government

100%, unless otherwise permitted by contract requirements.

Written documentation of visual inspection

Contractor Data, Reports, and Plans

Contractor Treatment Plan, Quality Control Plan, and Safety Plan are followed, and Inspection Data is accurate.

Random Verification by the Government

90% Compliance with Contractors Plans and Reports.

Random Verification by the Government

Acceptance of Work

Mandatory Item 2 - Units 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 18

Non-sawtimber and Biomass Treatments

For sawtimber and non-sawtimber, in lodgepole pine stand type, trees that range in diameter from 5.0 inches DBH and greater should have the existing basal area reduce by approximately 30% (20%-40% range) resulting in an average residual basal area of 80-120 (60-140 BA range) square feet of live conifer basal area.

For biomass trees, in lodgepole stand type, trees will be spaced so no more than 3 - 7 trees remain on each plot.

All specifications in Appendix A, Section II Work Items and Appendix B apply.

Mandatory Item 3 - Units 5, 8, 14, 15, 16 and 17

For non-sawtimber and biomass, Leave Tree Marking, no trees not marked with orange paint shall remain on each plot.

All specifications in Appendix A, Section II Work Items and Appendix B apply.

Mandatory Item 4 - Units 13

Non-sawtimber and Biomass Treatments

For non-sawtimber and biomass, Leave Tree Marking, no trees not marked with orange paint shall remain on each plot.

All specifications in Appendix A, Section II Work Items and Appendix B apply.

Mandatory Item 5 – Units 1 and 2

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Non-sawtimber and biomass trees will be spaced so no more than 3 - 7 non-sawtimber or biomass trees remain on each plot.

All specifications in Appendix A, Section II Work Items apply.

The Government expects to receive quality services. The minimum AQL is required to achieve a satisfactory performance rating. Full payment will be made for final work meeting at least identified AQL, as identified in the Performance Requirements Summary.

If the work deliverable cannot be reworked to achieve the minimum required AQL, a reduction in payment of the Unit price will be applied as shown below.

PAYMENT REDUCTIONS

QUALITY LEVEL PERFORMANCE LEVEL

ACHIEVED

PERCENT PAYMENT APPLIED TO

UNIT PRICE

Minimum AQL 90% - 100% Performance 100% Payment 1% - 10% below AQL 80% - 89% Performance 80% Payment 11% - 20% below AQL 70% - 79% Performance 70% Payment

More than 21% below AQL 69% or Less Performance 25% of the Unit Cost multiplied by the actual level achieved

SECTION VI – DEFINITIONS

ACCEPTABLE QUALITY LEVEL (AQL): Acceptance of work will be based on compliance with all specifications corresponding to the appropriate task(s); refer to the Performance Requirements Summary in Section E.4 of the contract. A minimum AQL is required for all service work – hand or mechanical. The minimum AQL will receive a satisfactory performance rating.

ACCEPTABLE SERVICE: A job performed to the standard and within the AQL. The Contractor must do the specific job, and meet the standard, and meet the AQL before one can say that performance has been acceptable and that the Contractor should be paid.

ASPEN STAND (AREA): Aspen areas are defined as an area where aspen reaches a diameter of 8.0 inches or greater DBH and there are 30 or more stems on 0.25 acre.

BASAL AREA : The area, per acre, that is occupied by the cross-section of tree trunks and stems at DBH, expressed in square feet per acre.

BIOMASS TREES: Any conifer material > 1 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.

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

CLEARCUT W/RESERVES: A cutting prescription in which the cutting of all trees except for a small number of trees retained for seed production and to produce a new age class in fully exposed microenvironment or to attain goals other than regeneration.

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

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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.

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.

CUT TREE MARKING: A method of timber designation whereby all trees marked above and below stump height with blue paint are designated for cutting.

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 PRESCRIPTION: A method of timber designation whereby a description of the outcome of timber cutting is used to prescribe the outcome of stand treatments. A sample area may be marked for demonstration.

DIB: Diameter inside bark. Diameter measurement of a standing tree or log in which the estimated or actual thickness of the bark is discounted.

DMR (DWARF MISTLETOE RATING): A standardized system called the Hawksworth 6-class mistletoe rating system (DMR) used to determine how much dwarf mistletoe has infected a tree. To use this system, the living part of the tree crown needs to be broken up into 3 sections, (top, middle, bottom). Each section is then rated either 0, 1, or 2 with a score of 0 being assigned for an uninfected section, 1 for light infection with less than half of the branches infected, or 2 for heavy infection with over half of the branches infected. The 3 numbers are then added together to give the total rating for the tree.

EROSION CONTROL: Activities designed to prevent/reduce the delivery of sediment to area streams as a result of road building and/or timber harvest. Activities typically include grass seeding and/or installation of structures to trap moving sediment.

HAND PILE: A method of piling slash with the use of manual labor. Piling may also be done by other methods.

HAND TREATMENT: A method of treatment completed using manual labor and equipment such as power saws.

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.

LEAVE TREE MARKING: A method of timber designation whereby all conifer trees >5.0” DBH that are not marked with Orange paint above and below stump height are designated for cutting.

LIMB AND TOP REMOVAL – The moving, during yarding/skidding, of cut tree and tops to a designated location at the landing.

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MACHINE PILE: A method of piling slash with the use of mechanized equipment. Piling may also be done by other methods.

MANUAL TREATMENT: A method of treatment completed using manual labor and equipment such as power saws.

MECHANICAL TREATMENT: A method of treatment using machinery such as feller bunchers, harvesters, processors etc.

NFSR: National Forest Service Road.

NON-SAWTIMBER TREE: For all conifer species, minimum diameter of 5 inches DBH to minimum diameter by species identified in Appendix B, Division A. or Trees that are > 5.0” DBH to < 6.9” DBH for lodgepole pine, excluding aspen.

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.

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

STREAMCOURSE: The area along a stream that has riparian vegetation and other riparian characteristics.

Streamcourses are noted on the project maps. They typically require special treatment which may include alteration to the tree cutting, slash treatment, vehicle travel, or fueling of saws.

STUMP HEIGHT: A point on the bole of the tree from the uphill side that is 12” above the ground for Sawlog trees and 6” above the ground for non-saw and biomass trees.

UNIT: See Treatment Unit.

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

THINNING: The cutting of trees in excess of those to be left for future management.

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.

TREE CROWN: The total of an individual tree's above ground parts, including stems, leaves, and reproductive structures.

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.

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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.

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Exhibit 2 – Plot Inspection Forms

Flag plot center – Write on flagging the plot number, date, and initials of inspector. Mark plot number on map.

PLOT FORM FOR THINNING AND SLASH TREATMENT QUALITY

Unit

Plot

Coordinates Acceptable Thinning:

Yes or No

Acceptable Slash:

Yes or No

Acceptable Plot:

Yes or No

Acceptable Cutting Quality:

Yes or No

Comments Ex. BA, #trees, irregularities

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PLOT FORM FOR LANDING, NON-SAWTIMBER, AND SLASH TREATMENT

Unit

Landing

Coordinates Acceptable Slash Treatment:

Yes or No

Acceptable Decking Treatment:

Yes or No

Acceptable Plot:

Yes or No

Comments

Acceptance and Payment