2025-005 21 park phrag specs.docx

bidder must hold INVASIVE SPECIES pre-qualifiCATION in the areaS of

HERBACEOUS control AND HERBICIDE for the department of natural resources to be awarded this project

PHRAGMITES aND other herbaceous speciEs control at

21 STATE PARKS

RFP# 250000002642

BID DUE DATE: July 25, 2025 at 9:30 A.m. EST

WORK STATEMENT

A BACKGROUND/PROBLEM STATEMENT

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Parks & Recreation Division, Stewardship Unit is seeking bids for control of the invasive wetland plants phragmites (Phragmites australis), purple loostrife (Lythrum salicaria), flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), non-native cat-tail (Typha angustifolia and T. xglauca), and frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae), knotweed (Reynoutria japonica, Reynoutria sachalinensis and their hybrid Reynoutria × bohemica), and coastal occurring lyme grass (Leymus arenarius) at 21 state parks. Additionally, at one state park (Bay City RA) control of non-native bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculata) will be targeted. Large portions of these parks are in the process of being restored to native Lakeplain Prairie, fen, Great Lakes marsh and shoreline. The landscapes will be representative of the natural wetlands that were common along the Great Lakes shoreline and other inland lakes, streams and wetlands prior to widespread European settlement.

The general goal of this project is to control non-native phragmites in targeted areas of these state parks. In most parks required tasks are a follow-up after one to several years of treatments. New populations are common within follow up zones. This work will be accomplished by applying herbicide to these plants using ground-based application techniques (i.e., not a helicopter or airplane), by a combination of foliar spraying and hand-swiping herbicide onto individual plants. Drone mapping and drone applications will be considered.

The work will be bid as lump sum prices for each park with a few exceptions where multiple line items per park will occur. Bidders may bid on any combination of parks/line items. Prebid meetings will be held for Algonac, Bay City, Port Crescent and Sterling State Park. NO pre-bid meeting will be held for the other 17 parks, but questions will be answered at prebid meetings and accepted via email prior to bidding. Venders do not need to attend in-person prebids to bid on remaining 17 parks. Prospective bidders are encouraged to visit these parks on their own prior to bidding. GIS data is provided via web link in section D.

See Section D below for a description of the parks/treatment areas.

All project zones at all locations must be completed between August 1, 2025 and September 27, 2025. Work outside these windows may be permitted if contractor provides acceptable justification in writing and receives approval.

B OBJECTIVE

The objective of this project is to substantially reduce the presence of non-native phragmites in the designated areas of Algonac State Park, Bald Mountain Recreation Area, Bay City SP, Belle Isle Park, Clinton River Cuttoff BAS, East Tawas Harbor, Grand Mere SP, Holly RA, Indian Lake SP, Island Lake RA, Lake Hudson, Lake Port SP, Ludington SP, Millikin SP, Port Crescent SP, Seven Lakes SP, Sterling SP, Warren Dunes SP, Wells SP, Wilderness SP and Menominee State Recreation Area, thereby further favoring the presence of native vegetation. Note that there is native phragmites at several parks that will be excluded from treatment. The treatment will be accomplished by applying herbicide to these targeted plants within designated treatment areas, or within designated point locations that represent specific areas.

C TASK DESCRIPTION

1. TREATMENT LOCATIONS

ALGONAC: Within treatment areas A-H and the single point/population outside of zones treat and update mapping data for all non-native phragmites and loosestrife populations within treatment areas shown on contract map using the techniques and herbicide specified below. Also, within Zone E treat the single point/population of frogbit using the techniques and herbicide specified below in Section C2.

BALD MOUNTAIN: Within treatment A and all points/populations outside of zones treat and update all mapping data for all non-native phragmites using the techniques and herbicides specified below (C2).

BAY CITY (Herbaceous): Within treatment areas B, C, D, E, F, H, I, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T and all points/populations outside of zones treat and update all mapping data for all non-native phragmites, purple loosestrife, flowering rush, reed canary grass, and frogbit using the techniques and herbicides specified below (section C2).

BAY CITY (Woody): Within treatment zones 1, 2, 3 and 4 treat all large non-native bittersweet. Small bittersweet (small plants, shoots and runners at ground level that are hidden by other vegetation need not be searched for and treated. This will be discussed at pre-bid meeting.

BELLE ISLE: Treat and update mapping data for all phragmites, purple loosestrife, flowering rush and knotweed (Reynoutria japonica, Reynoutria sachalinensis and their hybrid Reynoutria × bohemica), populations within the treatment area (entire island is one zone) using techniques specified.

Note that several phragmites and flowering rush points will require coordination, notification, and/or permission from the following entities by both the DNR Project Manager (first) and the contractor (after):

Belle Isle Golf Range: several phragmites points Belle Isle Nature Center: BIPW0169, BIPW0878, BIPW0887 (all flowering rush)

It is possible the DNR Project Manager may decide not to treat one or more of these points this year after initial conversations with the above entities. In that case those points would be removed from this contract with no expectation of a price change.

CLINTON RIVER CUTTOFF: Treat all non-native phragmites at the points/populations shown on the web map using the techniques specified below (section C11).

GRAND MERE: Within treatment areas A-F and all points/populations outside of zones treat and update all mapping data for all non-native phragmites. Within Zone A ONLY, also treat and map non-native cattail (Typha angustifolia and T. xglauca).

HOLLY: Zones A-D treat all non-native phragmites and all purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). Update population data for all non-native phragmites at the points/populations provided. Survey, map and treat all new locations of non-native phragmites and purple loosestrife (per mapping protocols (section C11 plus stand-alone document).

Zone A: treat all three cattail species: (Typha angustifolia, Typha xglauca, Typha latifolia).

Zones C and D treat all non-native narrow leaved cattail (Typha angustifolia).

NOTE: Zone A is a no-slop area. The majority of all zones requires either hand swiping or tight directional cone spray work for phragmites, purple loosestrife and narrow-leaf cattail.

Wildwood Lake: treat all non-native phragmites at this point. This was a new zone in 2024. The area is near public access. Care must be taken to treat at a time when public use is minimal.

Indian Lake: Treat all non-native phragmites at the points/populations and within the treatment zone shown on the map using the techniques specified below. Map all populations/stands of phragmites

ISLAND LAKE: Within treatment areas A-E treat all non-native phragmites using the techniques and herbicides specified below. For all zones if any portion of the phragmites stand extends outside the digitized treatment boundary it should be treated and the zone boundary corrected with a new GPS track line or new polygon. Mapping is required inside these zones.

LAKE HUDSON: Treat and update mapping data for all non-native phragmites at the points/populations outside of zones shown on the map using the techniques specified below. All points are located within wet depressions within prairie/grassland plantings.

LAKEPORT: Within treatment zones A, B, and all points/populations outside of zones treat and update all mapping data for all non-native phragmites, purple loosestrife and all cattail (Typha spp.) using the techniques and herbicides specified below.

LUDINGTON: Within treatment areas P1 – P5 and all points/populations outside of zones treat all non-native phragmites and reed canary grass using the techniques specified below. In treatment area P2 only, also control all non-native cattail (Typha angustifolia and T. xglauca) using the techniques specified below. Within treatment areas L1 – L3 (entire park shoreline broken into three segments) control all Lyme grass using the techniques specified below.

MENOMINEE: Treat all non-native phragmites at the points/populations shown on the web map using the techniques specified below (section C11). Map all populations/stands of phragmites.

MILLIKEN: Within treatment area A treat all phragmites, purple loosestrife, reed canary grass and flowering rush, using the techniques and herbicides specified below (section C11). Flowering rush, purple loosestrife, and reed canary grass are not known to be present in any significant amounts in treatment area A or within the park outside of area A. Currently only phragmites points are mapped within area A. Contractor is required to update mapped populations and map any new populations of all target species within zone A.

Treat the single knotweed point.

PORT CRESCENT: Treat all non-native phragmites within the treatment zones shown on the map using the techniques specified below. Map all populations/stands of phragmites. These zones have not been mapped or treated in the past.

SEVEN LAKES: Treat and update mapping data for all non-native phragmites at the points/populations shown on the map using the techniques specified below.

STERLING: Within all treatment zones and the points/populations outside of zones treat and update mapping data for all phragmites, purple loosestrife, flowering rush, and frogbit populations map using the techniques specified below.

EAST TAWAS HARBOR: Within treatment area A treat all phragmites using the techniques and herbicides specified below. No mapping is required for this zone/location.

WARREN DUNES: Treat and update mapping data for all non-native phragmites and all knotweed (Reynoutria japonica, Reynoutria sachalinensis and their hybrid Reynoutria × bohemica) at the points/populations shown on the web map using the techniques specified below.

Wells State Park: Treat all non-native phragmites at the points/populations shown on the web map using the techniques specified below (section C11). Map all populations/stands of phragmites

WILDERNESS STATE PARK: Treat and update mapping data for all non-native phragmites at the points/populations shown on the web map using the techniques specified below.

2. TREATMENT TECHNIQUES

a. For all target species: Apply herbicide to the foliage of all live culms/leaves of the target species. Coverage should be wet just to the dripping point and cover a minimum of 75% of the plant. Foliar spraying may be used in areas where significant damage to non-target native vegetation can be avoided (i.e., in dense patches composed of 75% or more phragmites or phragmites stands of any density mixed with other non-native vegetation).

b. For all target species: For isolated plants or sparse patches adjacent to native vegetation, individual plants must be treated by a careful wick or hand application of herbicide to individual plants. Where plant size/configuration does not allow wick or hand applications the plants must be spot treated carefully to minimize non-target kill (such as using a downward application with a cone nozzle to control the diameter of spray).

c. For all herbaceous target species: Seed heads must also be removed from isolated plants, securely bagged, and removed from the site (disposed in a dumpster). “Isolated” and “sparse” are generally stands of fewer than 50 seed heads and where the stands are more than 100 feet apart in all directions.

d. Treatment of non-native phragmites, non-native cattail and reed canary grass must occur after the majority of phragmites plants have tasseled (while plants are supplying nutrients to the rhizome), between August 15 – September 31, or prior to the date of the first killing frost, whichever comes first.

e. Purple loosestrife, flowering rush and frogbit treatments should be conducted as early as possible in the contract period for best results.

f. Treat all solid stands, or relatively large areas dominated by purple loosestrife during the bud to mid-flower stage of growth. Only treat purple loosestrife plants that do not show evidence of clear/obvious and heavy defoliation by Galerucella beetles. Defoliation should be such that the plants are not going to flower. Flowering plants should be sprayed.

g. For each flowering rush point treated, the contractor must note on the mapping form whether they were only able to treat stems (due to water levels) or whether both stems and basal leaves were treated.

h. Knotweed treatments should occur in September as the majority of flowers on each stand are fading. This may not be possible on resprouting stands that are stunted and no longer flower. Herbicide shall be applied to100% of ALL leaf foliage in each stand, up to the dripping point.

i. To survey and treat Lyme grass the contractor is expected to walk each zone once during the contract period with enough people/passes to ensure each area is surveyed thoroughly. Map and treat all target plants found. While lyme grass erodes away from one location, moves up and down the shoreline each winter and finds new locations each year. Note seed head removal requirement above.

j. Bay City Recreation Area Zones Techniques:

The contractor may choose one of the following techniques for each plant they treat, based on the criteria provided and then efficiency and effectiveness of removing the plant and preventing re-sprouting.

≥ 0.5” diameter at ground level – isolated &/or surrounded by natives Cut-stump (i)

OR Cut-stump (i) OR Basal bark/cut stump combo (ii) OR Hand swipe (iii) OR Basal bark (dormant season only) (v)

OR Basal bark/cut stump combo (ii) OR Hand swipe (iii)

OR Cut-stump (i) OR Basal bark/cut stump combo (ii) OR Hand swipe (iii)

Girdle/frill (vi)

< 4” DBH

Cut-stump (i) without herbicide

Hand swipe (iii)

Dense thickets/carpets &/or surrounded by non-natives

Foliar spray (iv) OR Hand swipe (iii)

i. CUT STUMP: Cut the plant within three (3) inches of ground level and apply herbicide to the cut surface of each stump. Immediately following cutting (within 5 minutes), the exposed cambium of all cut stumps shall be treated with herbicide until the surface is thoroughly wet. All herbicide treatments must be with a sponge applicator (or similar device) to ensure no damage to adjacent non-target vegetation or soil. See tasks #2–3 below for herbicide specifications. Trees and shrubs shall be felled so they do not block any trails or roads. Sparse populations of trees and shrubs may be left where they fall, as long as they are in a safe position and cut brush does not interfere with herbicide application to the stumps or with significant areas of native plant growth. In moderate density populations brush shall be scattered. Dense infestations of brush and all large trees shall be piled appropriately per #10 below.

ii. BASAL BARK/CUT STUMP COMBINATION: Treat as specified in (i) above, except cut stump height to 4–6 inches. Additionally, all sides of the stump must be treated with herbicide (similar to a basal bark application) along with the cut surface.

iii. HAND SWIPE: Apply herbicide to the live foliage of the plant using a hand-swiping and/or spray-bottle method to carefully direct herbicide only on the target plant (vertical cone spray with no overspray may be equitable). Avoid overspray or drift onto adjacent non-target vegetation. Foliar treatments must occur after plant leaves are fully developed in spring and prior to first frost and leaf color change in fall. Ideally foliar treatments should occur when temperatures are between 65–85 degrees Fahrenheit and remain in this range for several days during and after treatment. See tasks #2–3 below for herbicide specifications.

iv. FOLIAR SPRAY: For live target plants that form dense thickets/carpets and/or are surrounded by non-native vegetation, apply herbicide to the live foliage of the plant. Avoid overspray or drift onto adjacent non-target vegetation. Foliar treatments must occur after plant leaves are fully developed in spring and prior to first frost and leaf color change in fall. Ideally foliar treatments should occur when temperatures are between 65–85 degrees Fahrenheit and remain in this range for several days during and after treatment. See task #2–3 below for herbicide specifications. This technique may not be used in the “No ORV/No Slop” areas shown on the map.

v. BASAL BARK: Application of herbicide with spray wand on lower 18” portion of stem/trunk (360deg) to point of wetness, not run-off. Only allowed in dormant season.

vi. GIRDLE/FRILL: Make a single continuous cut through the bark and cambium completely around the tree at a convenient height. If making a double cut it should be 6” from the first cut. All cuts must be deep and wide enough to ensure complete interruption of sap flow between the roots and crown. Cuts should be at a depth and width sufficient to prevent healing of the cambium, but not excessively weaken the structural integrity of the tree. The girdle technique consists of cutting a groove or notch continuously around the tree with a chainsaw. The frill technique consists of a series of downward angled cuts made continuously around the tree with an axe or hatchet. If herbicide required, it will be specified in herbicide section.

vii. Other techniques may be considered at the request of the contractor. Any additional techniques must be approved in writing by the contract administrator prior to use.

3. TREATMENT HERBICIDES

a. Required herbicides are:

Glyphosate (Aquanet (or equivalent aquatic generic at 53.8% AI conc.)

Imazapyr (Habitat at 27.7% AI conc.)

Clearcast (12.1% Ammonium salt of imazamox) Clipper® (flumioxazin at 51% concentrate) Tribune® (diquat at 37.3% concentrate)

Aminopyralid (Milestone 40.6% concentration) Cygnet Plus (spray adjuvant)

b. Alternative herbicides/concentrations for select species/zones/parks will be considered if provided in bid.

PHRAGMITES

At Island Lake, Spring Mill Pond (zone C) and Trout Lake (zone E) the required herbicide is AquaNeat® at a mix concentration of 2% by volume. A mix concentration of 5% AquaNeat® by volume shall be used for wicking or hand application methods.

At the other three Island Lake locations (Zones A, B and D) the required herbicide is AquaNeat® at a mix concentration of 1.5% by volume mixed with Habitat® at a mix concentration of 1.5% by volume. A mix concentration of 5% AquaNeat® and 5% Habitat® by volume shall be used for wicking, spray-bottle, or hand application methods.

At Algonac, Bald Mountain, Belle Isle, Milliken, Brighton, Grand Mere, Holly, Lake Port, Port Crescent, Seven Lakes, Warren Dunes and Wilderness the required herbicide for all phragmites treatments is AquaNeat® at a mix concentration of 2% by volume. A mix concentration of 5% AquaNeat® by volume shall be used for wicking or hand application methods.

At Bay City, East Tawas Harbor, Indian Lake, Ludington, Lake Hudson, Menominee, Sterling and Wells the required herbicide for phragmites treatments is AquaNeat® at a mix concentration of 1.5% by volume mixed with Habitat® at a mix concentration of 1.5% by volume. A mix concentration of 5% AquaNeat® and 5% Habitat® by volume shall be used for wicking or hand application methods.

NOTE: In the treatment areas/zones where use of imazapyr is allowable it shall not be used within 200 feet of the dripline of oak trees or any large (10 inches DBH or greater) specimen tree of any species. Contact DNR project manager for site specific details prior to treatments and/or during treatment as this situation is encountered.

PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE AND FLOWERING RUSH

At Sterling and Bay City the required herbicide is AquaNeat® at a mix concentration of 1.5% by volume mixed with Habitat® at a mix concentration of 1.5% by volume. A mix concentration of 5% AquaNeat® and 5% Habitat® by volume shall be used for wicking or hand application methods. At Belle Isle and Milliken, the required herbicide is a mix of Clearcast® at a concentration of 2% by volume with AquaNeat® at a concentration of 1.5% by volume. Increase mix to 3% and 5% respectively for hand wick applications.

REED CANARY GRASS

At Milliken the required herbicide is AquaNeat® at a mix concentration of 3% by volume. A mix concentration of 5% AquaNeat® by volume shall be used for wicking, spray-bottle, or hand application methods. At Ludington and Bay City the required herbicide is AquaNeat® at a mix concentration of 1.5% by volume mixed with Habitat® at a mix concentration of 1.5% by volume. A mix concentration of 5% AquaNeat® and 5% Habitat® by volume shall be used for wicking, spray-bottle, or hand application methods.

NON-NATIVE CATTAIL

At all parks the required herbicide is Clearcast® at a mix concentration of 2% by volume. A mix concentration of 4% Clearcast® by volume shall be used for wicking, spray-bottle, or hand application methods. Plants must be thoroughly wetted over 75% of the stalk.

LYME GRASS

At all parks the required herbicide is AquaNeat® at a mix concentration of 1.5% by volume mixed with Habitat® at a mix concentration of 1.5% by volume. A mix concentration of 5% AquaNeat® and 5% Habitat® by volume shall be used for wicking, spray-bottle, or hand application methods.

KNOTWEED

At all parks the required herbicide is Milestone® at a mix concentration of 0.2% by volume. A non-ionic adjuvant (surfactant) shall be used at a rate of 0.8% of the mix volume.

FROGBIT

At all parks the required herbicide is Clipper® (flumioxazin at 51% concentrate) applied at the label rate of 0.48 lbs/ac. If other chemicals are preferred given the time of year, the conditions within a particular treatment zone, etc. the contractor may submit alternate chemicals/concentrations for treatment of frogbit. One alternate that contractors can propose is Tribune® (diquat at 37.3% concentrate) at 128 oz/ac.

NOTE: AquaNeat® may be substituted with an aquatic formulation of glyphosate at a 53.8% concentrate provided the contractor informs DNR project manager in writing as with any chemical changes.

NON-NATIVE BITTERSWEET (Bay City Recreation Area)

In uplands and seasonally dry wetlands the required herbicide is Garlon® 4 Ultra.

· Foliar treatments shall use a mix concentration of 5% by volume.

· Stump treatments shall use a mix concentration of 50% by volume with penetrating oil.

In wetlands the required herbicide is Garlon 3A.

· Foliar treatments shall use a mix concentration of 5% by volume

· Stump and/or basil bark treatments shall be at full strength (44%)

4. ADJUVANTS

Herbaceous Treatments Cygnet Plus® must be used with all herbicides at a rate of 0.8% of the mix volume unless stated otherwise above for a specific species or location.

Woody Treatments (Bay City) When using Garlon® 4 Ultra for foliar treatments, Nu-Arbor or a similar emulsifiable soybean oil must be used at 25% of the volume of herbicide concentrate as the main surfactant. For stump or girdle treatments, a penetrating oil must be used in a 1:1 ratio by volume with the herbicide concentrate, and Cygnet Plus® must be used at a rate of 0.8% of the mix volume.

When using Garlon® 3A for foliar, stump or basil bark treatments, Cygnet Plus® must be used at a rate of 0.8% of the mix volume.

5. Results: The contractor is expected to achieve a minimum of 98% treatment of the extant target species and a minimum of 90% kill of any herbicide treated plants within the treatment areas.

6. Treatments within all project zones at all locations must be completed between August 1, 2025 and September 27, 2025 with one exception. The woody work at Bay City has a March 1, 2026 deadline. Work outside these windows may be permitted if contractor provides acceptable justification in writing and receives approval.

7. The contractor is responsible for re-treatment if rain occurs within six (6) hours of the original treatment.

8. Contractors must be extremely careful and avoid any damage (drift/overspray) to any non-target vegetation in the areas marked “No ORV/No Slop” on the project maps. Foliar spraying treatment technique may NOT be used in these No ORV/No Slop areas.

9. Bidders must propose specific treatment technique(s), specific herbicide(s), and surfactant(s) in their bid. Specific brand name chemical products must be listed in the bid and are subject to approval by the DNR project manager. Herbicides or surfactants other than those specified in #2–3 above will be considered if requested by the bidder, but the bidder must include such information in the bid with a brief written justification of why they wish to make the change. Any herbicide or concentration other than those specified above must be approved by the DNR Project Manager prior to use. The contractor shall apply herbicide at a concentration not outside label directions for the appropriate task (stump treatment or foliar application). All herbicide concentrations must be mutually agreed upon by the contractor and the DNR project manager prior to treatment.

10. All herbicide treatments must be according to label specifications and performed by a certified commercial pesticide applicator. Proof of certification in appropriate categories will be required prior to start of work. Overspray onto non-target vegetation and/or soil as well as runoff of the herbicide into the ground or water must not occur. All treatments must be marked in the field. An appropriate marking dye shall be used with the herbicide. Flagging may be required in some zones to document which plants have been treated.

11. SURVEY/MAPPING - DATA UPDATE

a. Within all zones, search for and treat all populations of the target species regardless of if they are shown on the map/treatment forms. For the parks where points are being treated (no zones), navigate to each of the point locations shown on the species maps to locate the stands of target species (i.e. non-native phragmites). Search within a minimum 200-foot radius beyond the maximum mapped size of the point to account for GPS error and to make sure the entire stand is located and treated.

b. For all treatment areas (zones) thoroughly survey the entire zone for the target species. To thoroughly survey the entire zone, it is required that surveyors systematically walk transects through the zone at a tight spacing (approximately 50–75 feet apart). The bidder’s proposed survey methodology and type of GPS equipment should be described in their bid response. Alternate survey methods besides tightly spaced transects will be considered if proposed in the bid response. Maps of known locations of the target species will be provided (see link to WebApp elsewhere in this document for mapped target species and zones). However, identification/location of all populations of the target species within the defined treatment zones is the responsibility of the contractor, regardless of what is currently shown on the maps. GPS coordinates are available for known infestation point locations at most parks, but portions of the zones may not have been surveyed.

c. For all 21 parks, each target species population (point location) treated, and each point location visited but not treated, shall be recorded using the web map application. All data fields must be completed. Including recording an estimate of the size and density of each population. All point locations provided by DNR must be navigated to and updated with the current population size and density (based on condition at the time of initial treatment for the season). In addition, new point locations shall be mapped to the nearest 50-feet or better (only for newly discovered infestations not on the original map provided to the contractor). Populations of target species greater than one acre shall also have a GPS track recorded around the perimeter of the population.

d. For phragmites at all parks, map only the non-native variety of phragmites and mixed stands. If plants have characteristics of both native and non-native varieties so identification is uncertain, then record them as non-native. [If a population includes both native and non-native plants growing directly adjacent to one another (i.e. together but separate) then record the population and density estimates of the non-native plants at that point and make note of this occurrence in the comment field of that point on the mapping data form.]

e. If points on web map occur on private land they are not required to be treated. They are there in error or for reference only.

f. The Contractor shall leave the background GPS “track log” turned on during their entire time surveying and treating for each of their required visits. The track log shall be saved and submitted with the GPS mapping data as documentation of the areas covered. Each employee surveying shall have their own GPS unit. Track data of surveying shall be submitted after each site visit.

g. All GPS data must be submitted to the DNR electronically within two weeks of treatment date (if not before) as either GPS Exchange format (gpx) files or ArcGIS shapefiles in the Michigan Georef (meters) coordinate system. (1) New invasive plant waypoints, (2) invasive point updates (3) tracks/polygons around large populations, and (4) the “track logs” for surveying/treating must be submitted.

All work that requires a NPDES permit must have reports turned in within two weeks of the treatment date regardless of whether the project is complete or not.

12. State-listed endangered and threatened species occur throughout the treatment areas at most of the 21 parks and are subject to the protection of Michigan Public Act 451 of 1994, Section 365 (Endangered Species Protection). In addition to listed plants and animals these parks, sites and zones receiving treatments have rare plants and intact natural community remnants. Most of the treatment zones are in these highly diverse remnants.

All herbicide applicators working at these sites must be capable of identifying the applicable protected plants, rare plants as well as the common native plants that could be confused with the target species (such as blue-joint grass, native sedges, native phragmites, native cat-tail, etc.). The most likely protected plants to be encountered at Wilderness would be Houghton’s goldenrod, Pitcher’s thistle, Lake Huron tansy, and dwarf lake iris. At Algonac the protected plants include Sullivant’s and purple milkweed and many more that are not easily (small/non-remarkable) seen in these tallgrass remnants. Rare species occur at nearly all these parks.

All herbicide applications should be done using equipment and techniques that minimize non-target damage to native plants (such as cone nozzles, spray shields, hand applicators, hand swiping, and other techniques (see section C2 chart for basics).

13. At Wilderness, notification must be given to the public who are renting cabins along the shoreline within treatment areas. Herbicide application should not occur in recreational beach areas without coordination of the park manager and/or the cabin renters.

14. Signs must be posted by the contractor wherever chemical treatment occurs within 50 feet of a trail or developed area or anywhere else where there is a reasonable expectation of public exposure to the herbicide. Signage shall remain in place for the minimum length of time as determined by the herbicide label and or for one week whichever is longer. The contractor is responsible for removing all signage. Sample signage (contractor’s and any required EGLE) shall be submitted to project manager for approval prior to start of work.

15. Non-permit related signage must have the following listed at readable font. Statement of action, avoidance or no-entry statement, date of application, chemicals used (chemical and brand name), contractor name and phone number, DNR project manager name and number.

16. An EGLE Aquatic Nuisance Control (ANC) Certificate of Coverage has been obtained by DNR for all treatment areas over standing water or in Great Lakes Bottomlands. A copy of the COC will be provided to contractor just prior to the start of treatments at awarded parks. If the bidder wishes to use different herbicides that are not specified on the General Permit, they will be responsible for obtaining a modification to the ANC permit.

17. In all treatment areas where an ANC permit is required and obtained, the contractor will be responsible for posting the required advisory signage as specified in the ANC permit for the site. In locations where ANC signage is required, it is also required to place contractor signage on the same stake (on the back of or below the ANC signage). ANC advisory signage must be posted surrounding the landward side of any area where chemicals will be applied over standing water or on Great Lakes bottomlands on the day of treatment (just prior to commencing spraying) at 100-foot intervals.

The approved sign may be downloaded from the EGLE aquatic nuisance control web site (Treatment Posting Sign). The contractor is responsible for printing and duplicating the sign, attaching it to stakes (supplied by the contractor), and posting the signs at the required 100-foot intervals along the landward side of any area where chemicals will be applied over standing water or on Great Lakes bottomlands. Signage shall remain in place for the minimum length of time as determined by the herbicide label and the requirements of the ANC permit or one week, whichever is longer. The contractor is responsible for removing all signage.

18. To maintain compliance with the federal Clean Water Act, pesticide treatments under this contract that occur “in, over, or near waters of the state” will fall under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Certificate of Coverage under the EGLE General Permit for Nuisance Plant and Algae Control. All treatments conducted in areas that fall under this Certificate of Coverage must follow all conditions of the NPDES general permit and the DNR, Parks & Recreation Division Pesticide Discharge Management Plan.

19. Equipment Moving and Weed Seed Contamination All equipment, footwear, clothing, and all other materials brought to each park (and in some cases sites within each park) for this project must be completely clean and free of ALL plant material, organisms and soil (seeds, pieces of vegetation, chunks of soil, etc.) prior to arrival at each park location. This shall include both inside and outside of all vehicles. Power washing and/or similar methods shall be used as needed, for all undercarriages, metal and rubber tracks, tires (chained and unchained), and all other parts of vehicles brought to each park to ensure they are clean and free of seed, plant materials and soil. These precautions are critical to preventing the spread of invasive plants, disease causing organisms and vectors as well as contamination of genetic material (seeds) from locations outside of each state park.

All footwear, clothing, and equipment must be checked and cleaned of seeds, other plant fragments, and soil again before moving between work areas of differing ecological quality to prevent the spread of invasive plants between relatively un-infested areas and heavily infested areas. Travel routes and order of work between treatment areas may be dictated by the DNR project manager to further prevent the possible spread of invasive seed and plant material.

20. Off-Road Vehicles (quads, trucks, etc.) at All 21 Project Parks

· Generally, off-road vehicles (quads, trucks, ORVs, UTVs, etc.) are NOT allowed off the roads and parking lots at any state park or recreation area.

· No off-road vehicles (quads, trucks, etc.) are allowed in the areas marked “No ORV/No Slop” on the maps provided FOR ANY REASON.

· With prior approval from the DNR project manager access to treatment areas using trails or shorelines below the ordinary high-water mark with ORVs MAY be granted to transport equipment, people and herbicide to a location near the work areas.

· With prior approval from the DNR project manager use of tracked or wheeled UTVs MAY be granted for use within treatment areas provided it can be done without making ruts, destroying native vegetation, or spreading invasive plants.

· In all areas where off-road vehicle use is conditionally allowed for transport between areas, or within treatment areas their use (number of trips and means and methods for gridding a treatment area) shall be kept to a minimum.

· Where and how a contractor plans to use UTVs must be discussed with the DNR project manager prior to starting work. What is permitted will be provided in writing by DNR project manager.

· Where off-road vehicles are allowed on trails or within treatment areas, they must not create ruts deeper than 2 inches. If any ruts or tracks greater than 2 inches deep are created, the DNR project manager must be notified the same day they are created. The contractor may be responsible for repairing damage to site.

21. The contractor must obtain prior approval to work on Saturdays or Sundays due to high park visitor use. Other specific dates may be unavailable for work due to special events at one or more of the parks. The contractor will be notified of any such dates a minimum of two weeks in advance.

22. The contractor is responsible for supplying all equipment needed to complete the job, including herbicide, sprayers, safety equipment, signs, and transportation.

23. All equipment must be removed from the site within one (1) week following completion of work under this contract.

24. The contractor shall make known to the public its presence through signage, vehicle logos, uniforms, or some other means of identifying the ongoing work whenever workers are present on site.

D DESCRIPTION OF TREATMENT AREAS

The work sites are within Algonac State Park, Bald Mountain Recreation Area, Bay City SP, Belle Isle Park, Clinton River Cutt off BAS, East Tawas Harbor, Grand Mere SP, Holly RA, Indian Lake SP, Island Lake RA, Lake Hudson, Lake Port SP, Ludington SP, Millikin SP, Port Crescent SP, Seven Lakes SP, Sterling SP, Warren Dunes SP, Wells SP, Wilderness SP and Menominee State Recreation Area. Work will be focused in areas within the treatment zones and/or point locations listed below. Mapped locations of the zones and point locations can be viewed at the following link. Nearly all locations/zones were treated in 2024 with the exception of Indian Lake, Wells and Port Crescent. The bittersweet zones at Bay City were treated for the first time in 2024. If you have questions about a park, site, zone or treatment please send via email noted in the prebid section.

The WebApp link to observe all project parks, locations, zones and points:

DNR PRD Phragmites Contract 2025 (Final)

Treatment/mapping data forms and .gpx or .shp data files can be provided for all parks/zones/points to the contractors awarded work upon request. Georeferenced PDF maps for the UP parks can be printed/created using the “print” button in the above WebApp link. These PDF maps can be uploaded and used off-line when areas do not have good cellular or satellite service.

GPS data (.gpx or shapefiles), treatment forms and required permits will be provided to contractors upon award of their contract. The work areas are all located on the Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and Lake Erie shorelines, along the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers as well as several inland locations in SE Michigan. Menominee River State RA is located in the western Upper Peninsula. The character of the treatment areas ranges from sand/cobble beach to interdunal wetlands and fens to kettle lakes, Lakeplain prairie and Great Lake Marsh. Other areas include, coastal bay areas, boat launches, and inland man-made lakes. Most areas have had one or more years of prior treatments. Access to treatment areas at all parks is difficult and may require extensive hiking, walking long distances, wading, boat work, etc. Vehicle access to many areas away from roads is not an option. UTV use may be permitted on roads, two-tracks and trails.

Algonac State Park: All zones have been treated for the last three years. All of zones A, B and E and portions of H received prescribed fire treatments in the spring of 2023.

Holly Recreation Area (Oakland County) zones are within the Halstead Fen which includes domed prairie fens (zone A), wet meadow (zone D), emergent marsh (zone B) and upland (zone C). This area supports multiple state and federally-listed insect species, massasauga rattlesnake, and various rare plants. Mat muhly, a state threatened plant, is also common in portions of the prairie fen. Access to this site is very limited. Warden Road on the west side of the fen is the only access and no UTV access will be permitted beyond this road. I-75 is the northern and eastern boundary of the fen, but there is not access from this direction. All zones have had non-native phragmites and non-native cattail controlled nearly each of the last seven years and very small amounts remain throughout the site.

Menominee River State Recreation Area is located at the far west end of the Upper Peninsula (Dickinson and Menominee Counties). It consists of 17 miles of undeveloped river corridor. The park is very rugged. Access to the site is a county road south of the treatment zone. Once the road crosses into the park it becomes a two-track only accessible by UTV. It will likely be necessary and therefore permissible to use UTV off road to get to the wetland. The wetland has significant drainage that runs through it and an active beaver dam is at the far east end. Phragmites is dense and tall (15 feet) and was treated for the first time in 2024. Propper application may require treatment with UTV tank system over backpack sprayers if accessible. Local DNR staff can assist in locating by meeting on site and flagging access rout.

Grand Mere Zone A is in an old sand mine; Zones B and C are lakes mostly accessible by flat bottom boat or amphibious vehicle. Zone E is easily accessible by walking in a short distance from the road, but it contains a high quality lakeplain prairie remnant and like many of our sites have protected plants known to occur that must be avoided to prevent trampling, overspray or drift.

NOTE: Due to high-water levels of recent years receding along the Great Lake the amount of phragmites, loosestrife, flowering rush and other species along the shoreline of several parks may be on the rise and some stands of phragmites were previously gone or under water may have redeveloped.

Grand Mere SP

B Non-native phragmites

E PROJECT CONTROL AND REPORTS

l. Project Control

a. The Contractor will carry out this project under the direction and control of the DNR project manager, who will be a representative of the Parks & Recreation Division, Stewardship Unit.

b. The Contractor must contact the DNR project manager within five (5) business days after the contract is awarded to provide an approximate schedule of work start and end dates.

c. The Contractor will notify both the DNR project manager and the appropriate park supervisor a minimum of 24 hours prior to beginning on-site work at each park, and within 24 hours following final completion of all on-site work at each park under this contract.

d. Once work begins on site, the Contractor will keep the DNR project manager informed of the progress of the work at least weekly and any real or anticipated problems (such as fuel or chemical spills, injuries, etc.) as they arise. The Contractor will also inform the DNR project manager of any long-term breaks in work (longer than one week) during the course of the project.

e. The contractor will also notify the DNR project manager a minimum of 48 hours before the expected project completion at each park so that a final field inspection can be scheduled.

f. All follow-up procedures and deadlines specified in pre-qualification Exhibit A, Section 1.04 apply.

2. Reports

Within two weeks following the completion of the project, the contractor shall submit one electronic copy of a brief report using the templates provided. All information must be filled in completely on the report templates.

In addition to the final report template and associated pesticide information, the contractor must provide a) GPS data for tracks and any updated polygons or newly mapped phragmites points, and b) completed invasive mapping forms showing updates to all existing invasive plant points.

All work that requires a NPDES permit must have reports turned in within two weeks of the treatment date regardless of whether the project is complete or not.

The above reports and information shall be sent by email to:

Emily Leslie LeslieE1@Michigan.gov

F INFORMATION REQUIRED FROM BIDDERS

Return the “Contractor Bid Response” form on the Sigma website with the following information:

1. Work Plan/Task Description Provide a brief technical plan (sequential summary and description of tasks) for accomplishing the work. Describe your proposed specific type of equipment to be used. List all chemicals to be used. Indicate the approximate number of days that are anticipated to complete the fieldwork and the estimated number of personnel expected to be working on site.

2. Project Staffing The contractor must be able to staff a project team (or individual) which possesses the talent and expertise necessary to complete the tasks associated with this project. Include names of each person/employee (grouped by job title) that will be employed in the work. If any people will be working on this project that were not listed in your company’s pre-qualification documents, they must be identified. The project manager must be identified.

3. Subcontractors List all subcontractors; include firm name and address, contact person, complete description of work to be subcontracted. Include descriptive information concerning subcontractor's organization and abilities. Any subcontractors to be used on this project must have been already named in your company’s approved pre-qualification.

4. Prior Experience Provide three references who can verify prior experience of your company directly related to the specific work to be performed in this project. Include sufficient detail in the description of work performed to demonstrate the relevance of the experience to this project.

The successful bidder will be a pre-qualified vendor who has experience controlling invasive species in a manner similar to the specifications of this project, possesses a team (or individual) capable of carrying out the work effectively and with knowledge on the identification of the target invasive plants and associated protected or similar-looking native plants (especially Houghton’s goldenrod, Lake Huron tansy, Pitcher’s thistle, dwarf lake iris, native phragmites, swamp…