2324-012 InvasivePlantTreatmentServices_ITB.pdf

SUWANNEE RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

INVITATION TO BID

NO. 23/24-012 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 Edwards Bottomlands, Mallory Swamp, Troy Springs Addition, Ruth Springs, Adams, 6 Bridge, Levings, Santa Fe Swamp and Lake Rowell tracts in Hamilton, Columbia, Alachua, Bradford, Suwannee, and Lafayette 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.

SECTION 2 – PROPOSED SCHEDULE

March 15, 2024 Release of Invitation to Bid April 2, 2024* Bids due prior to 10:00 a.m. Opening will occur at this time. * April 5, 2024 Tentative execution of contracts April 12, 2024 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 April 2, 2024. 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 the information listed below in the response. 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 (not including the District) for whom the work was performed, including a contact person and telephone number.); and

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

d) 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’ - ‘d’ 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.

Bidders to this solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact, between the release of the solicitation and the end of the 72-business hour period following the agency posting the notice of intended award, any employee or officer of the District concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing as indicated above. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a response.

SECTION 5 – SCOPE OF WORK

Project Sites

1. Edwards Bottomlands

2. Mallory Swamp

3. Troy and Ruth Springs

4. Adams

5. High Springs Wellfield

6. 6 Bridge

7. Levings

8. Lake Rowell

9. Santa Fe Swamp

*Refer to Attachment A for PDF maps

Project Deadlines: The work at Edwards Bottomlands must be completed by June 5, 2024. The work at the remaining sites must be completed September 2, 2024, and invoiced on all project areas by September 29, 2024.

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.

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

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.

• 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

23/24-012 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: 2024 Edwards Bottomlands Invasive Plant Control (11.17 acres)

2024 Mallory Swamp Invasive Plant Control (4.73 acres)

2024 Troy and Ruth Springs Invasive Plant Control (7.91 acres)

2024 Adams Invasive Plant Control (0.61 acres)

2024 High Springs Wellfield Invasive Plant Control (10.84 acres)

2024 6 Bridge Invasive Plant Control (5.09 acre)

2024 Levings Invasive Plant Control (4.24 acres)

2024 Lake Rowell Invasive Plant Control (96.63 acres)

2024 Santa Fe Swamp Invasive Plant Control (3.30 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.

Edwards Bottomlands: ________________________________________________________

Mallory Swamp: _____________________________________________________________

Troy and Ruth Springs: ________________________________________________________

Adams: ____________________________________________________________________

High Springs Wellfield: ________________________________________________________

6 Bridge: ___________________________________________________________________

Levings: ___________________________________________________________________

Lake Rowell: ________________________________________________________________

Santa Fe Swamp: ____________________________________________________________

_____(Initials) Contractor verifies ability to receive emails, photos, and etc. and print them.

Contractor’s signature: Title:

Please Print:

Name:

Company:

Address:

Email address: __________________________________________________________ Phone Number: Date: ____________

23/24-012 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

(phone number & email) Exotic-Invasive Services

2.

4.

Additional Information:

EDWARDS BOTTOMLANDS (Must be TREATED by June 5, 2024) 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 US301 and SR100 in the City of Starke, travel approximately 1 mile south to the entrance gate, which is located on the west side of US301, 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 Alligator Creek will need to be accessed via the gate at the end of Ballfield Road which turns south off Edwards Road (SW CR100A) just north of the treatment site.

Additional location information can be provided by the District’s Project Manager upon request.

Habitat Description:

The 11.17-acre treatment area is a 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 or hand sprayers.

Treatment History:

Infestations in treatment area 1 have a biennial treatment history dating back to 2018. Recently, the treatment area was part of a larger treatment area that was treated in 2023. Treatment area 2 has never been treated and his contains large exotic trees.

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.

Treatment area 2 contains dense camphor trees of all age and size classes. Within the linear treatment area, the camphor tree represents 33% of the overall tree species.

All invasive species listed in FLEPPC must be treated.

Treatment Regimen:

All work must take into account the native species which cannot be damaged or destroyed by the invasive plant treatments.

MALLORY SWAMP

The Mallory Swamp Tract is on the southeast side of Lafayette County, Florida. Please visit the District’s website (mysuwannnee.com) to locate maps of the tract. The tract entrance is a shared entrance with Lafayette Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area and is approximately 10 miles south of the Town of Branford off SR349 near McCall’s Chapel United Methodist Church.

Head west from SR349 for 2 miles on McCall’s Chapel Road to the tract entrance sign. Once on the tract please use the public use and secondary roads to navigate to the two cogongrass treatment areas. Treatment area 1 is on Sandy Grade at 83°0'56.156"W, 29°54'35.588"N and is approximately 3.48 acres. Treatment area 2 is on Lost Dog Grade at 83°3'57.686"W, 29°52'54.324"N and is approximately 1.25 acres.

Additional location information can be provided by the District’s Project Manager upon request.

Habitat Description:

The 4.73-acre treatment areas are on both sides of the District roads which are paralleled on both sides by ditches. The treatment areas can be access by vehicles.

Treatment History:

District staff treated the areas in fiscal year 2022. Follow up monitoring in fiscal year 2024 found that the infestation has continued to spread in both directions on both sides of the District roads.

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 Imperata cylindrica Cogongrass I

Infestation Description:

Within the treatment areas, cogongrass persists in patches of variable sizes. The cogongrass covers roughly 25% of the ground cover in some areas. All invasive species listed in FLEPPC must be treated.

TROY SPRINGS ADDITION AND RUTH SPRINGS TRACTS

The Troy Springs Addition and Ruth Springs tracts are on the southwest side of Lafayette County, Florida. There are three treatment areas on the two tracts. To access both tracts from the Town of Branford, travel west on US27 for approximately 5 miles to CR425; turn right and travel north approximately 1-mile. On the right side of CR425 there will be an entrance sign for Ruth Springs Tract. Treatment area 1 (0.9 acres) is behind the entrance sign.

The Troy Springs Tract is a little further north and adjacent to Troy Springs State Park. As you enter the state park via the public road, drive north to the parking lot and loop around as if you are leaving the property. There will be a powerline road on the right after leaving the parking lot with a gate to access the District owned Troy Springs Addition Tract. Treatment area 2 (6.5 acres) is on the north side of the powerline road. Treatment area 3 (0.6 acres) is on the way out of the park near the entrance.

Additional location information can be provided by the District’s Project Manager upon request.

Habitat Description:

This 7.91-acre treatment area can be access by vehicles however ATVs and backpack sprayers may be necessary to gain into the interior of some of the treatment areas. The 0.85-acre Ruth Springs treatment area is under a hardwood canopy. The 7-acre treatment area on Troy Springs Addition is about equally under a hardwood canopy and within newly established pines. The 0.6-acre treatment area is basically entirely in the newly established pines.

Treatment History:

The treatment areas in the Troy Springs Addition were completed by contractors in fiscal year 2021. The Ruth Springs treatment area has not treatment history although it appears it may have been treated in the past.

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 Lygodium japonicum Japanese Climbing Fern I Albizia julibrissin Mimosa I

Infestation Description:

Within the treatment areas, the main targeted specie will be camphor however Japanese climbing fern and mimosa can also be found in lesser amounts. Camphor can be found in large patches and scattered individuals of variable sizes with a cover class of approximately > 25%.

All invasive species listed in FLEPPC must be treated.

Both treatment areas border a recently planted longleaf pine plantation or are within the planted plantation. Pine seedlings should not be run over with vehicles and should not be affected by any herbicide mixing or preparation.

ADAMS

Adams Tract is in Lafayette County, Florida approximately 8.5 miles east of the Town of Mayo.

Travel on US27 from Mayo for 6.5 miles, turn left on CR410 and travel 2 miles to the 105th Street (dirt road). Entrance sign and gate is less than 100 yards down the dirt road. Once through the gate follow internal roads to infestations. Treatment area 1 is located at 83°1'22.862"W, 30°1'41.575"N and treatment area 2 is located at 83°1'36.671"W.

30°1'46.017"N.

Additional location information can be provided by the District’s Project Manager upon request.

Habitat Description:

Vehicles can get close to both treatment areas (0.61 acres) and the areas are easily traversed.

Treatment area 1 (0.26 acres) is under a mature canopy of pine and hardwoods. Treatment area 2 (0.35) is in a low, dry area which is both forested and non-forested.

Treatment History:

Treatment area 1 was last treated 2022 and treatment area 2 was last treated in 2023. 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 Imperata cylindrica Cogongrass I Lygodium japonicum Japanese Climbing Fern I

Infestation Description:

The only targeted species in treatment area 1 is cogongrass and in treatment area 2 is Japanese climbing fern. Both infestations are scattered individuals or scattered groups. All invasive species listed in FLEPPC must be treated.

HIGH SPRINGS WELLFIELD

High Springs Wellfield is in Alachua County, Florida, between the communities of Highs Springs and Alachua, approximately 2.5 miles west from interchange of I-75 and US441. From the interchange, travel west on US441 for 1.8 miles, turn right onto NW 188th Street and travel another 0.8 miles to the wellfield gate on the left. Follow the District road to the far west side of the property to a stand of hardwoods on the left. The infestation is inside the hardwood stand.

Additional location information can be provided by the District’s Project Manager upon request.

Habitat Description:

The 10.84-acre treatment area is under a mature canopy of hardwoods. Vehicles can travel to the northside of the hardwood stand. ATVs or UTVs can traverse a narrow, unplanted corridor (future fireline) along the edge of the hardwoods. The interior the hardwood stand will have to be traversed by foot with backpack and hand sprayers.

Treatment History:

This is newly discovered infestation and has no treatment history.

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 Lygodium japonicum Japanese Climbing Fern I Ardisia crenata Coral Ardisia I

Infestation Description:

The treatment area has a large infestation of coral ardisia, but it appears to be localized to a specific area in the hardwood stand. Young and seed producing camphor trees are scattered throughout the hardwood stand. In lesser degree, Japanese climbing fern is present but sparse.

All invasive species listed in FLEPPC must be treated.

The treatment area borders a recently planted longleaf pine plantation. Pine seedlings should not be run over with vehicles and should not be affected by any herbicide mixing or preparation.

6 BRIDGE TRACT

6 Bridge Tract is located in Hamilton County, Florida, between the communities of Jennings and Jasper, approximately 1.6 miles east from the I-75 and SR6 interchange. From the interchange, travel east on SR6 for 1.2 miles, turn right onto US41 and travel anther 0.4 miles to the tract gate on the left. Once through the gate, the District road ends less than 100 yards into the property. The infestation maybe more easily accessed by working off the US41 shoulder.

Additional location information can be provided by the District’s Project Manager upon request.

Habitat Description:

The 5.09-acre treatment area is mostly out in the open except for right along the boundary. The interior terrain is sometimes thick. Backpack sprayers maybe necessary at time however ATV’s and UTVs can travel throughout the property.

Treatment History:

A portion of the treatment area was last treated in 2012. The infestation has reoccupied the site and has since spread to other parts of the property.

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 Albizia julibrissin Mimosa I Lygodium japonicum Japanese Climbing Fern I

Infestation Description:

The treatment area has scattered mimosa throughout. Both young and seed producing trees exist. In lesser degree, Japanese climbing fern is present but sparse. All invasive species listed in FLEPPC must be treated.

LEVINGS TRACT

Levings Tract is located in northern Columbia County, Florida, approximately 17 miles north from the Town of White Springs. Starting at the intersection of US41 and CR135 in the Town of White Springs, travel north on CR135 for 15 miles. Take a right on CR6 and travel east another 2 miles to the tract gate on the left. Once on the tract, follow the only maintained interior road to the infestation.

Additional location information can be provided by the District’s Project Manager upon request.

Habitat Description:

The 4.24-acre treatment area is located on both sides of the interior road. On the west side of the road the terrain drops off into a wetland hardwood community. The infestation is in both wetland and upland habitats. Most of the infestation is within a sloped forest community.

Vehicles can drive into the infestation until a gully is reached. After the gully, ATVs, UTVs, or backpack sprayers will be necessary. To treat the infestation in the sloped forest, work will have to be done by foot with backpack or hand sprayers.

Treatment History:

The last treatment was completed in 2021.

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 Albizia julibrissin Mimosa I Lygodium japonicum Japanese Climbing Fern I Solanum viarum Tropical Soda Apple I Melia azedarach Chinaberry II

Infestation Description:

Target species include mimosa, Japanese climbing fern, tropical soda apple, and chinaberry.

Species coverage maybe relatively equal. The species are scattered individuals or in groups and clumps because of past treatments. All invasive species listed in FLEPPC must be treated.

LAKE ROWELL TRACT

Lake Rowell Tract is in Bradford County, Florida, and is near the City of Starke. To access treatment area 1 from the intersection of US301 and SW CR227 (just south of Starke), travel north on US301 for approximately 1.1 miles, make a U-turn at the light, and turn right onto Sprayfield Lane. Go through the gate on Sprayfield Lane and turn right just before the cell phone tower. Travel along the District boundary to the District gate. To access treatment area 2, from the same intersection (US301/CR227), travel west on CR227 approximately 1.2 miles, turn right onto CR225 and travel approximately 0.3 miles to SW 69th Lane. Less than 100 yards on 69th there will be a Rayonier gate. Go through the gate and turn immediately right and follow forest road to the District gate. Use internal roads to access the treatment areas.

Additional location information can be provided by the District’s Project Manager upon request.

Habitat Description:

The 96.63-acre treatment areas are mostly in a floodplain forest. The infestation is scattered and grouped together throughout the treatment areas. Treatment area 1 is approximately 78.81 acres and treatment area 2 is approximately 17.82 acres. The north portions of treatment area 1 can be accessed by vehicles along the District road however the road may not be accessible by vehicles as the road heads south along the District boundary. From the south (Rayonier road), vehicles can get near treatment area 2 but due to poor road conditions it is advised to utilize other forms of transportation once the road conditions became too bad. There is no suitable road access between treatment areas 1 and 2. ATVs, UTVs, and backpack sprayers should be used to access the interior of the treatment areas.

Treatment History:

The north portion of treatment area 1 (along Alligator Creek) was treated in 2023 and treatment area 2 was treated in 2021, however the infestation continues to persist and is present throughout both treatment areas.

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 Triadica sebifera Chinese Tallow I Ludwigia peruviana Peruvian primrose-willow I Lygodium japonicum Japanese Climbing Fern I Sesbania punicea perennial seedbox I Albizia julibrissin Mimosa I Melia azedarach Chinaberry II Tradescantia fluminensis Small-leaf spiderwort I Urena lobata Caesarweed I

Infestation Description:

Within the treatment areas, the main targeted species include but are not limited to camphor trees, Chinese tallow, primrose willow, Japanese climbing fern, caesarweed, mimosa, Chinaberry, spiderwart, and sesbania. These species are scattered and in groups and clumps throughout the forest. Special attention shall be given to mature, seed producing exotic trees so that these trees are fully treated. All invasive species listed in FLEPPC must be treated.

SANTA FE SWAMP TRACT

The Santa Fe Swamp Tract is in southern Bradford County and approximately 3.4 miles from the City of Keystone Heights. From the intersection of SR21 and SR100 in Keystone Heights, travel northwest on SR100 approximately 3 miles and turn left onto SE 11th Avenue. Travel north on 11th Avenue approximately 0.4 miles and enter the property on the left near the tract entrance sign. There are two gates, use the southern gate. Follow internal roads to the treatment area.

Habitat Description:

The 3.30-acre treatment area is located in a dense, young forest situated between a swamp and a maintained fireline. The infestation is scattered throughout the young forest. During dry conditions, the treatment area can be access by vehicles. ATVs and UTVs can access it anytime. The interior of the dense forest will have to be accessed by foot with backpack or hand sprayers. The infestation is present along the eastern boundary so access maybe more suitable along SR100 and 11th Avenue, however the infestation will have to be treated with backpack or hand sprayers from those roads.

Treatment History:

A portion of the infestation along SR100 and 11th Avenue was treated in 2022 however most of the treatment area has not been treated in the past.

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 Triadica sebifera Chinese Tallow I Lygodium japonicum Japanese Climbing Fern I

Infestation Description:

Within the treatment areas, the main targeted species are camphor tree, Chinese tallow, and Japanese climbing fern. The species are scattered throughout the treatment area covering less than 10%. The tree species are both young and seed producing. A portion of the treatment area is in the swamp and because of the presences of Chinese tallow, any listed species in the swamp shall be treated. All invasive species listed in FLEPPC must be treated.