2023_InvasivePlantTreatmentServices_ITB.pdf

SUWANNEE RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

INVITATION TO BID

NO. 22/23-011 OPS

EXOTIC-INVASIVE PLANT TREATMENT SERVICES

Table of Contents

Section Title Page 1 Introduction 2 2 Proposed Schedule 2 3 Instructions to Bidders 2 4 Key Points 3 5 Scope of Work 8 6 Response Form 11

Suwannee River Water Management District

9225 CR 49

Live Oak, FL 32060 386.362.1001

800.226.1066 (Florida only) www.mysuwanneeriver.com http://www.mysuwanneeriver.com/

SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION

The Suwannee River Water Management District (District) is requesting bids for invasive plant control services on the Jennings Bluff, Big Pine, Alligator Lake, Santa Fe Swamp, Edwards Bottomlands and Peacock Slough tracts in Hamilton, Columbia, Alachua, Bradford, and Suwannee Counties. Additional work areas with similar conditions may be identified and added to the scope of work. Work will be done to help control and eradicate invasive plant species on the identified treatment areas and facilitate the natural community restoration and maintenance goals identified in the District’s Land Management Plan. This work will be a follow-up to initial treatments in some areas and is required on areas that have high density and/or persistent infestations. Infestations at Jennings Bluff and Alligator Lake will be treated for the first time.

SECTION 2 – PROPOSED SCHEDULE

March 1, 2023 Release of Invitation to Bid March 15, 2023* Bids due prior to 10:00 a.m. at District Headquarters. Opening will occur at this time. * March 21, 2023 Tentative execution of contracts April 3, 2023 Anticipated start date.

* Denotes a public meeting. All times denote Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). All times denote Eastern Standard Time

(EST).

SECTION 3 - INSTRUCTION TO BIDDERS

Delivery of Bid:

Submit Bids Electronically through DemandStar.

https://www.demandstar.com/app/agencies/florida/suwannee-river-water-management-district/procurement

For articles and videos to assist you through the DemandStar registry and uploading of documents visit the DemandStar business support page at:

https://network.demandstar.com/business-support/

If you are unfamiliar with DemandStar, please submit your bid far enough in advance to work through any complications you may have with the system.

Bids are to be uploaded to the platform prior to 10:00 a.m. on March 15, 2023. Bids received after this time, for any reason, will be rejected.

ADA Compliance: All bids submitted in electronic/digital format must include a certification by the Vendor that the electronic submission and all supporting documents are accessible according to 282.603 Florida Statutes and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 relating to the creation and use of electronic documents. This requirement applies to editable formats, such as Microsoft Word, as well as portable document formats (PDF).

Additional Bid packages may be obtained by logging on to www.mysuwanneeriver.com.

Bidders should submit the forms provided in Sections 6. Additional pages of documentation may be submitted to further clarify the information in Sections 6, but no bid will be considered that https://www.demandstar.com/app/agencies/florida/suwannee-river-water-management-district/procurement https://www.demandstar.com/app/agencies/florida/suwannee-river-water-management-district/procurement https://network.demandstar.com/business-support/ does not include a complete Equipment List. All entries on the bid form shall be typed or legibly printed in ink.

SECTION 4 – KEY POINTS

Evaluation by District: In accordance with subsection 287.057(1)(a) 4, the contract shall be awarded to the responsible and responsive vendor who submits the lowest bid.

Challenge of Solicitation Process: If a potential Bidder protests any provisions of this ITB, a notice of intent to protest shall be filed with the District in writing within 72 hours after the posting of the invitation to bid on the District’s website. “Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Section 120.57(3) Florida Statutes shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120 of Florida Statutes.”

Challenge of District’s Intent to Award Contract: If a Bidder intends to protest District’s intent to award a contract, the notice of intent to protest must be filed in writing within 72 hours after posting of a notice of intent to award a contract and the Bidder shall file a formal written protest within ten (10) days after filing of a notice of intent to protest. Any Bidder who files a formal written protest pursuant to Chapter 28-110, Florida Administrative Code, and Section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes shall post with the District at the time of filing the formal written protest, a bond pursuant to Section 287.042(2) (c), Florida Statutes (2013).

Failure to file a notice of intent to protest or failure to file a formal written protest within the time prescribed in Chapter 28-110, Florida Administrative Code and Section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes. More specifically, “Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Section 120.57(3) Florida Statutes shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120 of Florida Statutes.”

Americans with Disabilities Act: The District does not discriminate upon the basis of any individual’s disability status. This nondiscrimination policy involves every aspect of the District’s functions including one’s access to, participation, employment, or treatment in its programs or activities. Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact Sharon Hingson, Records and Contracts Manager, at

386.362.1001 or 800.226.1066 (Florida only).

Minority Business Enterprises: The District recognizes fair and open competition as a basic tenet of public procurement. Bidders doing business with the District are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, handicap, age, or sex. The District encourages participation by minority business enterprises. Whenever two or more service providers are ranked equally, a minority business enterprise shall be given preference in the award process.

Veteran’s Preference: In the absence of a minority business enterprise, whenever two or more service providers are ranked equally, a veteran-owned business enterprise shall be given preference in the award process.

Drug Free Workplace Act: The selected bidder(s) shall certify that it has established a drug free workplace.

Public Entity Crime: Section 287.133(2)(a), Florida Statutes, states “A person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for a public entity crime may not submit a bid on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity, may not submit a bid on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, may not submit bids on leases of real property to a public entity, may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a contract with any public entity, and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in s.287.017 for CATEGORY TWO for a period of 36 months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list.”

Scrutinized Company: Section 287.135, Florida Statutes, states “A company is ineligible to, and may not, bid on, submit a proposal for, or enter into or renew a contract with an agency or local governmental entity for goods or services of:

a. Any amount if, at the time of bidding on, submitting a proposal for, or entering into or renewing such contract, the company is on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List, created pursuant to s. 215.4725, or is engaged in a boycott of Israel; or

b. One million dollars or more if, at the time of bidding on, submitting a proposal for, or entering into or renewing such contract, the company:

1. Is on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List or the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List, created pursuant to s. 215.473; or

2. Is engaged in business operations in Cuba or Syria.”

Insurance Requirements: If awarded, BIDDERS shall represent and guarantee that all employees, agents, servants, or representatives of the Bidder, and all employees, agents, servants, or representatives of subcontractors are covered by workers' compensation insurance.

Prior to entering into a contract with the District, Bidder agrees to furnish the District certificates of insurance on all insurance, naming District as additional insured for items 2 and 3 below, providing evidence that Bidder has in full force and effect the following minimum insurance with insurers authorized to do business in the State of Florida:

1) Workers' compensation insurance as required above.

2) Motor vehicular liability insurance with limits of not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit which insurance shall be applicable to any and all vehicles utilized by Bidder to provide the services requested by District.

3) General liability insurance for all services rendered by Bidder for the requested services with a minimum of $1,000,000 personal and advertising injury and $1,000,000 general aggregate.

The certificate of insurance shall also provide that District shall be notified in writing by the carrier at least 30 days prior to any cancellation of said insurance.

Rejection of Responses: The District reserves the right to reject any and all bids or other bids submitted in response to the District invitation. The District also reserves the right to waive any minor deviations or obvious scrivener’s errors in an otherwise valid bid.

Qualifications of Bidders: *To Submit with Bid*: It is the Bidder’s responsibility to completely fill in all items in Section 6 with an Equipment List with the information listed below in the response. Items that are in bold will be used to determine the low-price component of assessment where applicable. Other items that can be provided should be filled in and can be included in the contract at the option of the District. Failure to provide these items may result in the Bid being considered non-responsive.

The minimum requirements necessary to meet the qualifications for this contract are as follows:

a) Have three (3) years’ experience for the task(s) being proposed (project experience must be by the individual(s), firm, or project manager(s) assigned to the project). Bidders shall include information that demonstrates their ability to meet this requirement; and

b) Have completed at least four (4) projects of the nature specified in the applicable Scope of Services over the past three (3) years. (Bidders shall use the SIMILAR PROJECTS form provided to list the names of the project(s), including the personnel assigned to each, and the names of the agencies/companies for whom the work was performed, including a contact person and telephone number.); and

c) The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) clients who can attest to your experience as it relates to the Scope of Services (not including the District). Bidders shall use the REFERENCES form provided in the contract documents to list their references.

d) Bidders must demonstrate their ability to provide all equipment necessary (either owned or leased) with experienced operators (minimum three years) necessary to provide the required work (fill in and return an “Equipment List”, with the bid).

e) A working email address with the ability to send and receive photographs; receive and print color maps in jpeg or PDF format. District staff needs the ability to send the contractor work orders, photographs, and project maps via email.

Each Bidder shall submit the documentation stated above under Paragraphs ‘a’ - ‘e’ with the bid package. Failure on the part of the Bidders to include the above with the bid shall render the Bid non-responsive. Only responsive Bids will be considered by the District.

Disqualification of Bidders: Any of the following causes shall be considered as sufficient grounds for the disqualification of a Bidder and the rejection of his bid:

a) Submission of more than one bid for the same work by an individual, firm, partnership, or corporation under the same or different names.

b) Evidence of collusion among Bidders.

c) Incomplete work for which the Bidder is committed by contract, which, in the judgment of the

District, might hinder or prevent the prompt completion of work under this contract if awarded to Bidder.

d) Being in arrears on any of his existing contracts with District or in litigation with District or having defaulted on a previous contract with District.

e) Any other cause which, in the District’s judgment and discretion, is sufficient to justify disqualification of a Bidder or the rejection of the bid.

Execution of Contracts: An electronic copy of the contract will be provided to the selected Bidders after approval by the Executive Director or Governing Board. The Bidders, within ten (10) days of the date of receipt, shall execute and return the contract to District, along with the following:

a) A completed Internal Revenue Service Form W-9.

b) Satisfactory evidence of all required insurance coverage.

c) Proof satisfactory to District of the authority of the person or persons executing the contract on behalf of the Bidders, and

d) All other information and documentation required by the contract documents.

The above documents must be furnished, executed, and delivered before the contract will be executed by the District. The contract shall not be binding upon the District until it has been executed by the District and a copy of fully executed contract is delivered to the Contractor. The District reserves the right to cancel the award without liability and at any time before the contract has been fully executed by all parties and delivered to the Contractor.

Failure to Execute Contract: Failure upon the part of the Bidder to whom the contract has been awarded to execute and deliver the contract, and to furnish the evidence required in “Execution of Contracts” “a – d” above, within ten (10) days after the date of the award shall be just cause, in the sole discretion of the District, for the annulment of the award.

Notice and Services Thereof: All notices given by District, under the provisions of this contract, shall be in writing, and service of same may be in either of the following manners:

a) By delivery of such notice to the Bidder or any office of the Bidder if said Bidder is a corporation, partnership, or LLC or to any agent of the Bidder.

b) By mailing such a notice by United States mail to the address of the Bidder shown on the

Bidder’s bid.

The District shall not accept as filed any electronically transmitted facsimile pleadings, petitions, notice of protests, or other documents.

Florida Sales Tax: The District is exempt from payment of State of Florida sales tax pursuant to section 212.08(6), Florida Statutes.

Time of Completion: Each Bidder agrees that the time is of the essence and further agrees that if awarded the contract, Bidder shall proceed with the specified work in accordance with the approved schedule and within the time period specified in each work order.

Use by Other State of Florida Governmental Entities: Other State of Florida governmental entities may purchase from the Agreement to be awarded pursuant to this Bid provided such use of the Bid has been determined to be cost-effective by the entity. Eligible users of this Bid include other water management districts, State of Florida agencies (including members of the state university system and community college system), counties, local county Boards of Public Instruction, municipalities, and other local public agencies or authorities. The general terms and conditions of this Bid shall apply to the services procured by other State of Florida governmental entities referencing this Bid.

The Bidder has the option of providing services described under this Bid to other State of Florida governmental entities at Bidder’s discretion.

Funding mechanisms/work assignments must be executed in advance of work performed for another State of Florida governmental entity. The governmental entity shall utilize appropriate funding mechanisms (purchase orders, etc.) to authorize performance by Bidders. All Work performed under a funding mechanism executed by another state of Florida governmental entity shall be the responsibility of that governmental entity for payment. The District shall not be a party to any such funding mechanism thereby executed and shall not be responsible for payment for any services performed for any governmental entity that utilizes Bidders pursuant to this section of the Bid.

Contract/project managers shall be identified for each work assignment executed between the Bidders and another governmental entity. The District’s Project Manager(s) shall not be responsible for any work performed under any Bid between another governmental entity and the bidders.

Section 5 – SCOPE OF WORK Project Sites

1. Edwards Bottomlands

2. Jennings Bluff

3. Alligator Lake

4. Peacock

5. Big Pine

6. Santa Fe Swamp

*Refer to Attachment A for PDF maps

Project Deadlines: Work must be completed and invoiced on all project areas by September 29, 2023.

Field Supervisor Requirements:

Contractors must designate a licensed field supervisor who will be present during all chemical mixing and chemical applications. This field supervisor must have the following licenses and ensure all the standards, specifications, and requirements listed in the scope of work are followed and implemented:

• Field supervisor must have a current Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Public Pesticide Applicator license with a general standards (Core) certification and further certifications in Natural Areas Weed Management or Forestry Pest Control categories.

• Contractors are required to print and submit a license verification form from FDACS for each listed field supervisor; this form provides information like the license expiration date and license categories; this form can be found online at:

https://aessearch.fdacs.gov/PersonSearch.asp. After conducting a search using the name and/or license number for each field supervisor, click on the last name to see the form with the required information; print this form and include it with the bid submittal.

• Field supervisor must be able to correctly identify all species targeted within the project area as well as other invasive plants listed by FLEPPC as Categories I or II within the north region. The 2019 list may be found on the Internet at:

http://bugwoodcloud.org/CDN/fleppc/plantlists/2019/2019_Plant_List_ABSOLUTE_FINA L.pdf. Any species on this list that are located within the treatment areas must be treated.

• Field supervisor must speak English fluently and be able to converse with all crew members and District staff.

• Field supervisor must provide District staff with contact information (cell phone number/e-mail address) so periodic meetings can be coordinated and information exchanged.

• Field supervisor must have on-site copies of all chemical pesticide labels and Material Safety Data Sheets that are being applied.

• Field supervisor should ensure that all personnel properly wear all labels recommended Personal Protective Equipment to minimize exposure to chemicals.

Chemical Application/Mixing Requirements:

• The type/mixture of chemicals to be used, application methods, and application rates will be mutually agreed upon by the project manager and the Contractor before work begins.

• There is no source of freshwater on-site for mixing chemicals or rinsing used containers.

https://aessearch.fdacs.gov/PersonSearch.asp http://bugwoodcloud.org/CDN/fleppc/plantlists/2019/2019_Plant_List_ABSOLUTE_FINAL.pdf http://bugwoodcloud.org/CDN/fleppc/plantlists/2019/2019_Plant_List_ABSOLUTE_FINAL.pdf

• All applications will include the use of a marking dye (red/blue) and surfactants (for foliar treatments).

• Because there is the possibility of standing water being located within the treatment areas, all chemicals must be labeled for aquatic use.

• When treating Japanese climbing fern, contractors are required to cut vertical stems on plants greater than 8 feet in conjunction with foliar treatments.

• Contractor will supply all chemical herbicides, adjuvants, and other materials to ensure effective control of targeted vegetation that meets or exceeds the required mortality rate.

• Herbicides will not be applied during adverse or non-optimal weather conditions including heat, wind, or precipitation that may minimize the effectiveness of the herbicide or increase the exposure and/or potential for drift to non-target vegetation, personnel, or objects.

• No chemical herbicide applications will exceed the labeled rates on the herbicide containers. All requirements, including state and/or local requirements, listed on the herbicide label are to be followed. Failure to comply with label instructions is a violation of federal and/or state laws. The Contractor is liable for any penalty, fines, or damages resulting from the misuse of herbicides.

• Chemicals must be kept in their original containers until mixed. All mixtures should have temporary labels that list the trade name and rates of chemicals and any adjuvants within the spray container.

• Chemicals and rinse water that is mixed, transferred, or temporarily stored while on District lands will be done in designated mixing areas. All empty containers or those containing rinse water, pesticide, or pesticide residues will be removed from District lands once the chemical application is complete.

Compliance Requirements and Deliverables:

• The Contractor must guarantee 100% coverage of the treatment areas and at least 95% mortality of targeted species within these areas. Acceptable coverage will be determined within 5 days of application using random spot inspections. Mortality rates will also be determined at random spot inspection sites and will be implemented approximately 3-6 weeks after the chemical application is complete.

• If District staff determine the designated coverage requirements were met, the contractor can submit an invoice to the District for 70% of the total project cost. 3- 6 weeks later, when the District has determined the mortality requirements have been met, the contractor can submit the final invoice to the District for the remaining 30% of the total project cost.

• Invoice information must include the contract number, the tract name, the day(s) work was conducted, and the total number of acres that were treated. Contractor may not bill for travel time or unused herbicides.

• To track chemical usage, Contractors must provide District staff with legible copies of Chemical Vegetation Management forms that are filled out completely (ATTACHMENT B). These forms can be provided on a weekly basis but must include one individual form for each day chemical treatments occur.

• The District will provide contractors with maps and/or GIS files of the treatment areas before work begins. District staff will provide this information in a format that can be uploaded into handheld devices to allow the accurate location of treatment area boundaries. Boundaries will not be flagged.

• When all treatments are complete, the Contractor must provide the District with a GPS track log(s) that identify the location where applicators traveled during treatment operations.

• Once contractors have mobilized to the treatment area they must remain on site until all treatments are complete. Treatments must not stop for periods longer than 48 consecutive hours without approval from the District Project Manager. If periods of adverse weather are encountered, the Project Manager and Contractor will coordinate treatment times.

Equipment/Access Considerations:

• Contractors will follow the District’s “Come Clean, Leave Clean” standard which requires that all equipment and vehicles used by contractors on District lands be free of invasive plant material before entering and leaving District property. Project managers are required to inspect each piece of equipment before it enters District lands. If contractors perform work within 30 meters of an invasive plant infestation, the project manager is required to inspect equipment before it leaves District property.

• District staff will designate cleaning areas on each tract for contractors to clean their equipment; staff is responsible for monitoring the cleaning areas for new infestations.

• There is no source of freshwater on-site for equipment cleaning. Contractors should be prepared to supply water tanks and spray equipment to clean equipment, if necessary, before leaving District property.

• The District Project Manager may stop work and order the removal and/or replacement of any equipment if the equipment is not working or calibrated properly. The Contractor has 48 hours to replace the equipment with an acceptable substitute.

• Contractors should not store equipment or chemicals on-site overnight.

SECTION 6 -BID RESPONSE FORM

22/23-011 OPS

Exotic Invasive Plant Treatment Services

The per acre rate listed below will be all-inclusive, including travel, labor, equipment, and materials required to complete the job to District standards.

Project: 2023 Alligator Lake Invasive Plant Control (12.8 acres)

2023 Edwards Bottomland Invasive Plant Control “Phase 1” (14 ac)

2023 Edwards Bottomland Invasive Plant Control (30 acres)

2023 Big Pine Invasive Plant Control (1 acre)

2023 Santa Fe Swamp Invasive Plant Control (7.5 acres)

2023 Jennings Bluff Invasive Plant Control (21.1 acres)

2023 Peacock Slough Invasive Plant Control (3.3 acres)

Potential Additional Acreage – Similar Site Conditions (TBD)

$ / Per Acre: $________________

Licensed Field Supervisor:

Required: List the name of the Field Supervisor(s) and their current FDACS Public Pesticide Applicator license number; also indicate which required additional certification they hold (Natural Area Weed Management or Forestry Pest Control).

1.

2.

3.

Equipment List:

Required: List the type of equipment/tools that will be used to treat infestations on each tract.

Alligator Lake: ______________________________________________________________

Edwards Bottomland: ________________________________________________________

Big Pine: __________________________________________________________________

Santa Fe Swamp: ___________________________________________________________

Jennings Bluff: ______________________________________________________________

Peacock Slough: ____________________________________________________________

ATTACH PROOF OF INSURANCE

Contractor’s signature: Title:

Please Print Name:

Company:

Address:

Phone Number: Date: ____________

22/23-011 OPS

EXOTIC-INVASIVE PLANT TREATMENT SERVICES

Similar Projects: only include work completed in the last three (3) years for exotic-invasive plant treatment services, as described in Section 5 - Scope of Work.

Work Description Date of Services Agency – Project Name / Site Manager Contact Information

Exotic-Invasive Services

2.

4.

Additional Information:

Edwards Bottomland Project Location:

Edwards Bottomland is in Bradford County, Florida, approximately 1 mile south of the City of Starke. To access this site from the junction of US Highway 301 and State Road 100 in the City of Starke, travel approximately 1 mile south to the entrance gate which is located on the west side of US Highway 301, between the O’Reilly and Ace Hardware stores. As you enter the tract, vehicles can be staged along the fence, just east of the treatment unit. Treatment areas along the north side of the creek will need to be accessed via the gate at the end of Ballfield Rd. which turns south off Edwards Road (SW CR 100A) just north of the treatment site.

Habitat Description:

The 30-acre treatment area is partially in a floodplain and mesic flatwoods forest natural community which joins up to a recently disturbed 14-acre floodplain and creek side restoration project site. Infestations occur throughout the tract. Most of the infested area in this treatment unit contains thick vegetation that is best accessed by foot using backpack sprayers. Care should be taken not to treat native species sharing the boundary with the private property.

Treatment History:

These infestations have a biennial treatment history dating back to 2018.

Targeted Plants:

The District’s goal is to effectively control the following Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) listed invasive plant species that have been identified within the treatment areas.

Contractors are also responsible for identifying and treating other FLEPPC listed invasive plant species encountered inside the treatment areas that are not on this list.

Species Name Common Name FLEPPC Category Cinnamomum camphora Camphor Tree I Ludwigia peruviana Peruvian primrose-willow I Lygodium japonicum Japanese Climbing Fern I Sesbania punicea perennial seedbox I

Infestation Description:

Within the treatment areas, the main targeted species include but are not limited to camphor tree, primrose willow, Japanese climbing fern, caesarweed, Chinese tallow, wedelia, skunk vine, wild taro, coral ardisia and sesbania. The primrose willow on the south side of the creek and within the oxbows, and the camphor and wedelia on the north side of Alligator Creek are quite thick, covering >75% of the cover along the stretch of creek within the property boundary. All species occur in small patches within the overall treatment area at a cover class of approximately 10 - 30%. If stump treatment is used as a method of control for the large camphor, trees should not be felled onto the adjacent property or directly into Alligator Creek.

Treatment Regimen:

Portions of this tract will require two treatments during the contract period. The first treatment will include the 14 acres of the tract labeled as “Phase 1” on the attached map. The Phase 1 treatment area contains most of the primrose willow on site and must be treated prior to May 1, 2023. Several consecutive frost events this winter have knocked the primrose willow vegetation back to ground level and an early foliar treatment should minimize the potential for collateral damage to native foliage growing near the willow. This Phase 1 treatment will also include the first known control attempt of vegetation on the north side of Alligator Creek.

The follow-up treatment should be after July 1, 2023, and should encompass the entire 30-acre tract, including a re-treatment of any nuisance species in the ‘Phase 1’ area that may have been missed or re-emerged since the first treatment.

Alligator Lake

This section of the Alligator Lake tract is in Columbia County approximately 3 miles southeast of the City of Lake City on the east side of Country Club Road. To access this site from the junction of County Club Road and SE Seclusion Glen, travel approximately 0.10 miles east on SE Seclusion Glen and turn left into the main entrance at the gate. As you enter the Tract via the administrative road, park where the road dead ends at the creek and the infestation is a few hundred feet east of the road. There is one major ardisia infestation that covers the central portion of the area shown on the map, with scattered clumps of the species throughout the area.

Several isolated infestations of camphor tree occur as well, primarily near the creek edges.

Habitat Description:

This 13-acre treatment area is mostly under hardwood canopy transitioning between an upland hardwood forest and bottomland hardwood natural community. The treatment areas contain moderately thick vegetation. All treatment areas will be best accessed by foot, with vehicles able to park on the main road. The use of backpack sprayers will be optimal for this area.

Treatment History:

None on record. Limited numbers of camphor were treated by District staff while inspecting infestation.

Targeted Plants:

The District’s goal is to effectively control the following FLEPPC listed invasive plant species within the identified treatment area. Contractors are also responsible for identifying and treating other FLEPPC listed invasive plant species encountered inside the treatment areas that are not on this list.

Species Name Common Name FLEPPC Category Cinnamomum camphora Camphor Tree I Ardisia crenata Coral Ardisia I

Infestation Description:

Within the treatment areas, the most commonly targeted species include coral ardisia and camphor tree. The camphor will be found in patches of variable sizes occurring mostly near the creek edges. The ardisia is densely scattered throughout and covers roughly 30-40% of the ground cover in some areas.

Jennings Bluff

These sections of the Jennings Bluff Tract are in Hamilton County approximately 5 miles SE of the Town of Jennings, to the east side of US 41. To access this site from the junction of US 41 and NW 25 Lane, travel east approximately 2 miles and turn north into the tract at the Jennings Bluff Tract entrance sign. Travel north through the Hamilton county property and park along the road to access treatment units. Terrain can be steep throughout the treatment units and should be accessed via ATV or on foot.

Habitat Description:

This 21-acre treatment area is spread across 10 smaller treatment blocks and is accessible via the District road, except in the NW units where walking or ATV will be necessary. Most of the units are under hardwood canopy in a bottomland forest natural community. The treatment areas are mostly located around old karst features with target vegetation existing on slope edges or in a disturbed area. The treatment areas will be best accessed on foot using backpack sprayers, but ATV’s may be used.

Treatment History:

None on record. Some scattered chinaberry and tallow were treated by District staff while surveying exotic species.

Targeted Plants:

The District’s goal is to effectively control the following FLEPPC listed invasive plant species within the identified treatment area. Contractors are also responsible for identifying and treating other FLEPPC listed invasive plant species encountered inside the treatment areas that are not on this list.

Species Name Common Name FLEPPC Category Lygodium japonicum Japanese Climbing Fern I Melia azedarach Chinaberry II Cinnamomum camphora Camphor-Tree I Tradescantia fluminensis small-leaf spiderwort I

Infestation Description:

Within the treatment areas, the main targeted species include Japanese climbing fern, camphor, and white-flowered wandering jew (small-leaf spiderwort), with a lesser component of chinaberry, tallow, tropical soda apple, wild taro, and Japanese honeysuckle. The main target vegetation will be found in dense patches of variable sizes with a cover class of approximately > 15%.

Peacock Slough

This section of the Peacock Slough Tract is in Suwannee County approximately 4 miles north of the Town of Mayo, on the east side of SR 51. To access this site from the junction of SR 51 and 180th Street (Luraville), travel east approximately 0.1 mile and turn south onto 203rd road. Travel south beyond the parking lot and park at the next gate to the south on the west side of the road.

Habitat Description:

This 3.3-acre treatment area is accessible via an old dim road mostly under hardwood canopy in a sandhill / mesic flatwoods natural community. The treatment area is around the old foundation of a homestead, containing thick vines / understory and consists primarily of the target vegetation. The treatment area will be best accessed on foot using backpack sprayers.

Treatment History:

Contractors treated the majority of this area in 2022, however several trees survived, and the unit expanded beyond the original identified treatment boundary.

Targeted Plants:

The District’s goal is to effectively control the following FLEPPC listed invasive plant species within the identified treatment area. Contractors are also responsible for identifying and treating other FLEPPC listed invasive plant species encountered inside the treatment areas that are not on this list.

Species Name Common Name FLEPPC Category Ligustrum lucidum Chinese privet I Melia azedarach Chinaberry II Wisteria sinesis Chinese wisteria II

Infestation Description:

Within the treatment areas, the main targeted species include Chinese wisteria and Chinese privet, with a lesser component of chinaberry. The main target vegetation will be found in large, dense patches of variable sizes with a cover class of approximately > 75%.

Big Pine

This section of the Big Pine Tract is in Columbia County approximately 0.5 miles southwest of the Town of White Springs on the south side of CR 136. To access this site from the junction of CR 136 and NW White Springs Ave., travel approximately 500’ (feet) south on NW White Springs Ave. and pull off on the east side of the road. The large infestations are visible from the road shoulder.

Habitat Description:

This < 0.5 -acre treatment area is in the woods line on a small ridge between to sinks in a mesic flatwood’s natural community. The treatment areas are mostly under hardwood canopy. The treatment area will be best accessed by foot off the main road, using backpack sprayers and tools necessary to cut down large clumps of bamboo.

Treatment History:

Last treated in 2022. Follow-up is necessary to eradicate this infestation.

Targeted Plants:

The District’s goal is to effectively control the following FLEPPC listed invasive plant species within the identified treatment area. Contractors are also responsible for identifying and treating other FLEPPC listed invasive plant species encountered inside the treatment areas that are not on this list.

Species Name Common Name FLEPPC Category Phyllostachys aurea Golden Bamboo II

Infestation Description:

Within the treatment areas, the only targeted species is golden bamboo. The bamboo can be found in two large clumps. The infestation has a two-part schedule where bamboo should be cut down and allowed to re-sprout and treated with herbicide a few weeks later once new leaves have expanded.

Santa Fe Swamp

The Santa Fe Swamp Tract is in eastern Alachua County. It is approximately 2.5 miles south of the Town of Hampton on the east side of County Road 1471. From the intersection of CR 1471 and the tract entrance road, head east on the road and the treatment units are straight ahead.

Habitat Description:

The 7.5-acre treatment areas are within a mesic flatwood’s natural community. The treatment areas occur along the southern and western boundaries bordering a private property, along borrow pits, and within slash pine / natural hardwood forests. Most of the infested areas in these treatment units are relatively open and close to roads that will be best accessed by foot using backpack or with ATV mounted sprayers. The bamboo will be found in scattered clumps of various sizes, as it has been treated annually dating back to 2021. The cogongrass is in one area along the southern boundary and has no known treatment history. Care should be taken not to treat native species sharing the boundary with the private property.

Treatment History:

The infestation of cogongrass has no known treatment history. The bamboo has been treated many times over the last decade.

Targeted Plants:

The District’s goal is to effectively control the following Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) listed invasive plant species that have been identified within the treatment areas.

Contractors are also responsible for identifying and treating other FLEPPC listed invasive plant species encountered inside the treatment areas that are not on this list.

Species Name Common Name FLEPPC Category Phyllostachys aurea Golden Bamboo II Imperata cylindrica cogongrass I

Infestation Description:

Within the treatment areas, the main targeted species are cogongrass and various bamboo species. The infestations can be quite thick, covering >75% of the cover within the identified areas. Other occurrences occur in small patches within the overall treatment area at a cover class of approximately 10 - 30%.