WV_ERFO_2016-1(2)_RBC_Relocation_SOW_Final_08292019.doc

MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST

WV ERFO 2016-1(2)

Forest Service Road 425 – Culvert Replacement Running Buffalo Clover Relocation Statement of Work Scope: The service provider shall perform the work of this task order for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service (FS), as described below.

Confidentiality: The information developed under this task agreement is the property of the U.S. government and shall be kept in strict confidence.

Performance Period: The work of this task agreement shall be provided from contract award through July 31, 2023.

I. Introduction

The FHWA, in cooperation with the FS, Monongahela National Forest (MNF), proposes to replace a damaged culvert along Laurel Run Road (FR 425) at milepost 1.75. The existing 84” corrugated metal pipe arch culvert will be replaced with a 10’ by 9’ split box culvert. The roadway approaches will also be reconstructed. A temporary stream diversion will be installed during construction to dewater the work area.

FHWA determined the limits of disturbance (LOD) for the culvert replacement work, within which all ground disturbing activities will take place. The LOD is approximately 9,500 square feet or 0.218 acres in size, centered at the culvert. The figure in Attachment A depicts the study area. A shapefile of the LOD will be provided after contract award.

The Federally-endangered running buffalo clover (RBC) (Trifolium stoloniferum) is present in the study area along both sides of the road. The population is growing in and along the edges of the roadbed for FR 425, and extends into both shoulders of the road for up to 5 feet. The population was first discovered by MNF and the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources in July 2007. Survey of the project area in 2017 documented 17 rooted crowns as being present in the LOD. In May of 2019, a survey covering the LOD and the entirety of FR 425 from the LOD to the end of the road (a total of 1.5 miles) performed by MNF found a total of 1710 rooted crowns, 17 of which were located in the LOD. The 2019 survey found that the occurrences were scattered in thin to dense patches along the margins and center of FR 425, and were spread evenly throughout the length of the first mile of the survey (starting at the LOD), although most occurrences (83%) were located on the eastern margin of the road. An estimated 90% of the stems were located in the first mile of survey, with the remaining stems spread sparsely along the last 0.5 mile. The plants appeared to be robust, healthy, and unbrowsed. The habitat along this section of FR 425 is suitable for the species in terms of sunlight penetration and mesic soils.

RBC is known to exist in habitats where there is a prolonged pattern of moderate, periodic disturbance; such as mowing, trampling, and/or grazing. Road maintenance activities in 2017 disturbed this population of RBC; however, the population persisted. The existence of remnant plants and the existing seed bank likely aided the re-establishment of the RBC.

Repair of the site will require all herbaceous vegetation to be cleared within the limits of disturbance (LOD) and excavation of the road, within which 17 RBC rooted crowns were found to be present. Topsoil will be scraped off within the LOD and stockpiled for reuse, as MNF restricts the import of topsoil into the Forest in order to minimize the potential for the introduction and spread of non-native invasive species. Avoidance of the RBC growing within the LOD during construction is not possible, and so the project would result in a permanent loss of 17 rooted crowns.

FHWA has committed to transplanting the RBC individuals located within the LOD, as outlined in FHWA’s May 17, 2019 Biological Assessment (Attachment B). Formal consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) was completed with a Biological Opinion (BO) dated July 12, 2019 (Attachment C). As noted in the BO, current information indicates that transplant efforts can be unsuccessful over the long-term; however, the transplant effort will serve to inform the feasibility of future relocation plans for RBC in West Virginia.

The work is divided into three tasks:

Task 1. Preparation of a RBC relocation plan Task 2. Relocation of RBC

Task 3. 3-year monitoring of relocated RBC

II. Task 1. RBC Relocation Plan To prepare the RBC relocation plan, complete a review of literature and scientific data to determine species distribution, habitat needs, and other biological and ecological requirements. Interview experts including those within MNF, the FWS, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, universities, and others who may have data not yet published in the scientific literature.

Complete a soil test to document soil parameters within the LOD.

1. Provide a particle size analysis, including the following gradient of mineral content:

USDA Designation

Size in mm Gravel

+2 mm

Very course sand

1-2 mm

Coarse sand

0.5 -1 mm

Medium sand

0.25-0.5 mm

Fine sand

0.1-0.25 mm

Very fine sand

0.05-0.1 mm

Silt

0.002-0.05 mm

Clay smaller than 0.002 mm

2. Provide a chemical analysis, including the following:

a. pH and buffer pH

b. Percentage of organic content by oven-dried weight.

c. Nutrient levels by parts per million, including phosphorus, potassium magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc, and calcium. Nutrient test shall include the testing laboratory recommendations for supplemental additions to the soil based on the requirements of horticultural plants.

d. Soluble salt by electrical conductivity of a 1:2, soil: water, sample measured in millimho per cm.

e. Cation exchange capacity (CEC).

Provide results of the soil testing in an appendix to the relocation plan.

Complete an onsite inspection of the FR 425, in particular along the section within with the RBC were previously identified, to determine whether suitable habitat exists for a temporary relocation during construction and/or a permanent relocation. Document the boundaries/limits of the location(s) using GPS. Also complete a soil test for the proposed relocation area and provide results in an appendix to the relocation plan.

Prepare a draft relocation plan for FHWA, FS, and FWS review that provides a detailed description of how the effort will be carried out. Include the following:

· Identification of location(s) to which the 17 individuals will be relocated, and a description of the conditions of this location that make it a suitable habitat for RBC. A botany survey will be completed for the proposed relocation area in accordance with the MNF Botany Survey Protocol. The proposed relocation area will be depicted on drawings to scale using a U.S. Geological Survey topographic map as a base map.

· A discussion regarding the time of year and ambient conditions during which relocation should be completed as well as a proposed schedule.

· A list and description of the tools and equipment to be used for the relocation and a description of how the planting operations. Include in the description the size of the area that will be dug to remove the plant, how the rooted ground will be contained and the plant moved, the size of the area that will be prepared for replanting, how the area will be prepared, and how the plants will be positioned, soil backfilled, and the replanting finished.

· Best management practices that would be implemented to reduce the introduction and spread of non-native invasive species.

· Stockpiling of topsoil from the LOD that contains a seedbank for RBC.

· Analysis of whether to permanently transplant the RBC individuals, or to have one temporary transplant and a second transplant to return the RBC individuals to their original location.

· A monitoring survey methodology in accordance with the survey protocol established in the RBC Recovery Plan guidelines and the 2006 MNF Revised Forest Plan guidance for RBC surveys for the first three years of monitoring.

· Recommendations for maintenance of the relocation area(s), including removal of invasive plants.

· A discussion of whether supplemental watering is necessary, under what conditions would be it needed, and how it would be completed.

· Resumes of personnel to provide documentation of appropriate qualifications and experience for all personnel involved in the RBC relocation and monitoring.

· Soil test results.

Incorporate comments provided by FHWA, FS, and FWS and provide a final relocation plan.

Deliverables

1. Draft Relocation Plan (electronic copy in Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF format)

2. Final Relocation Plan (electronic copy in Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF format)

3. Shapefiles or geodatabase files for use in ArcMap III. Task 2. Relocation OF RBC Coordinate with FHWA and the FS prior to the start of any relocation work.

Prior to relocation, survey the LOD to confirm the number of RBC rooted crowns to be relocated. Record the location (latitude and longitude) of each RBC rooted crown. Submit color photographs of each of the RBC rooted crowns taken from an angle that depicts the size and condition of the plant. A scale rod or other measuring device shall be included in the photograph. Label each photograph with an identification number, location, and date.

Relocate RBC rooted crowns in accordance with the approved final relocation plan. Protect existing protected species from damage. Record the location (latitude and longitude) of each relocated RBC rooted crown. Submit color photographs of each of the RBC rooted crowns taken from an angle that depicts the size and condition of the plant. A scale rod or other measuring device shall be included in the photograph. Label each photograph with an identification number, location, and date. Provide notification to the FHWA and FS when relocation has been completed so that FS can complete inspection and approval. Any deficiencies raised by the FS must be corrected before approval of this task is provided.

Document the relocation efforts in a trip report that includes at a minimum, a description of the site conditions, methodology, mapping, results of relocation, and recommendations/conclusions. Provide the report within two weeks of the completion of the relocation effort.

Deliverables

1. Trip Report including pre- and post-relocation photographs (electronic copy in PDF format)

2. Shapefiles or geodatabase files for use in ArcMap IV. Task 3. 3 year Monitoring of Relocated RBC Monitor the relocated RBC rooted crowns for a period of three years. The first year of monitoring will commence immediately after the RBC rooted crowns are permanently relocated and will continue for the rest of that growing season. Complete three (3) years of monitoring as part of this contract effort.

Submit annual monitoring reports to FHWA and FS to review within 30 days of field data collection. After all comments provided by FHWA and FS have been addressed, distribute the reports electronically in PDF format to the West Virginia Field Office of FWS.

Deliverables

1. First Year Draft Relocation Plan (electronic copy in Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF format)

2. First Year Final Relocation Plan (electronic copy in Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF format)

3. Second Year Draft Relocation Plan (electronic copy in Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF format)

4. Second Year Final Relocation Plan (electronic copy in Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF format)

5. Third Year Draft Relocation Plan (electronic copy in Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF format)

6. Third Year Final Relocation Plan (electronic copy in Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF format)

V. GENERAL STIPULATIONS

Lisa Landers is designated as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for the project. Ms. Landers will serve as the primary point of contact for the FHWA. Contact the COR within one week of contract award to discuss the schedule and any questions regarding the work to be performed.

Include a start-up meeting via telephone conference call.

Provide all personnel, equipment, and services to perform the tasks described in this statement of work.

Identify to the COR any need for work beyond the scope of this study at the earliest possible time. Approval of changes in the work that might result in adjustments in cost to Government and/or Contract time, and the approval of payment requests are reserved for the Contracting Officer. The acceptance of any change affecting price, terms, or delivery by the Contractor without the specific approval of payment requests, is reserved for the Contracting Officer.

VI. Fee and Payment Payment will only be made for work completed to date; however, the invoicing is at the discretion of the Contractor. Original invoices are to be electronically mailed to 9-AMC-AMZ-EFLInvoices@faa.gov and cc’ed to Lisa.Landers@dot.gov.

Travel costs and all other direct costs are reimbursable expenses, and shall be separated out in itemized task items. An estimate shall be provided, and the travel and direct cost reimbursements shall not exceed this amount. Travel and direct costs shall also be separated out in all invoices submitted, must be accompanied by receipts, and will be paid in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations.

The Government obligation for performance of this task order beyond this phase is contingent upon the availability of funds from which payment for contract purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Government for any payment may arise for performance under this contract beyond the amount that has been authorized through the issuance of written task orders.

VII. Contact Information

All contract questions should be directed to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR):

Lisa T. Landers

Federal Highway Administration

21400 Ridgetop Circle

Sterling, VA 20166

(571) 434-1592 Lisa.Landers@dot.gov Prior to visiting the site, notice will be given to:

x799-5543

Amy Coleman, South Zone Ecologist

x131

VIII. ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A – Study Area Figure

Attachment B – Biological Assessment Attachment C – Biological Opinion Attachment D – MNF Botany Survey Protocol

AWARD MAY BE BASED ON OTHER THAN THE LOWEST COST AND WILL BE BASED ON THE BEST VALUE TO THE GOVERNMENT. PRICE AND OTHER FACTORS WILL BE CONSIDERED. AWARD SHALL BE BASED ON PROPOSED METHODS AND TECHNIQUES TO PERFORM THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF WORK, QUALIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE.

WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2), FR 425

RBC Relocation and Monitoring SOW