A04_0040535539_SOW_Revised_2021July1.pdf

MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK

SCOPE OF WORK

Request for Project ID#

Morefield Canyon Kochia Control

I. INTRODUCTION

This section of the scope of work consists of two parts, the project purpose and the description of the project.

1. PROJECT PURPOSE.

The National Park Service (NPS) Mesa Verde National Park (MEVE) seeks to utilize grazing goats to reduce non-native, invasive weeds, restore natural communities and protect potential cultural resources over 11 acres in Morefield Canyon. The purpose of this scope of work is to describe the work needed in order to manage Kochia scoparia over 11 acres in Morefield Canyon by utilizing grazing goats.

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION.

Lower Morefield Canyon is currently being managed to represent the natural ecosystem.

The area provides important big game winter range although elk may be present throughout the year. In addition, the open and shrubby nature of the site provides habitat for birds. Bears have been seen in the canyon.

Morefield canyon is dominated by sagebrush-steppe grassland in the canyon bottom and the canyon walls contain a mix of ponderosa pine, pinyon-pines and junipers. The project area itself is dominated by a near monoculture of Kochia scoparia.

The project consists of utilizing grazing goats to control 11 acres of Kochia scoparia in MEVE, Colorado. Goats will be used in lower Morefield Canyon south of the Sand shed and corral area (Figures 2-4). Morefield canyon is dominated by sagebrush-steppe grassland in the canyon bottom and the canyon walls contain a mix of ponderosa pine, pinyon-pines and junipers. The project area itself is dominated by a near monoculture of Kochia scoparia. The project location also includes a corral area that may be used as temporary goat housing or holding and a paved parking area that could house a trailor.

This would be discussed between the contractor and MEVE.

Goat “plots” to control Kochia scoparia would be set up starting at the southernmost extent of the patch and would progressively be moved up-canyon. Plots are typically constructed using lightweight/minimally impacting fences. Fences should be no larger than a T-post, may be pounded up to 1-foot into the ground, and may remain in place only when a grazing area is being utilized. Following grazing in a certain area, the posts should be promptly removed. Goats will control 11 acres of non-native, invasive species.

II. SCOPE OF WORK

This section of the scope of work consists of two parts, the overview for this scope of work and the tasks to be performed under this contract.

A. OVERVIEW. The proposed scope of work for this project is to use fenced-in goats to graze invasive Kochia scoparia.

All tasks defined in this scope of work will be performed at MEVE. Work site access for workers and small supplies will be from a dirt/gravel road (Figure 2). The NPS or MEVE will not directly supervise the contractor during the performance of the services specified; however, the project’s COR or project inspector will inspect the work as described in the schedule table (Section VI). Staging areas for equipment and trailers shall be designated by the COR near the Sand shed area. There will be truck and trailer access to the site.

All work shall adhere to the specifications provided. The contractor will provide all installation equipment. No permanent structure is to be constructed. Installation equipment is likely to include, but is not limited to: fence supplies, water and water holding equipment, and goats. The contractor start date for work must be approved by the project manager and the park’s Chief Rangers Office. Also included in this scope of work are communication and coordination activities such as telephone calls and project review meetings with park staff as required by the NPS to facilitate project progress and completion.

The cultural and natural resources of MEVE are to be protected. The contractor is expected to minimize, by all reasonable means available, any impacts to cultural and natural resources in the park. The contractor shall not collect or remove any cultural or natural resources within the park during the performance of this scope of services.

Protected items include but are not limited to: harvesting of non-target vegetation, collecting deer sheds, harassing, killing or otherwise altering behavior of all wildlife including rattlesnakes and rodents. For the safety of other wildlife and goats, goats will not be left unattended. If dogs will be utilized, this must be coordinated in advance with Mesa Verde National Park.

Vehicle use in the park is limited to paved roads and dirt/gravel access roads. Access to all other work areas will be limited to foot travel. Vehicles and equipment shall not be operated off improved road surfaces (includes dirt/gravel roads) unless permission is given by the park.

Cultural Resources Conservation Measures:

Potential archaeological sites have been reviewed and considered and archeological sites were not identified in the work area. A compliance archeologist may be present during construction activities and may detect new, previously unknown sites. These future cultural sites found once the project has started may require additional minimization measures, as determined by MEVE archeological staff. If any archeological materials are encountered, the contractor is expected to stop construction at that location and immediately contact the project COR or inspector; construction cannot resume prior to COR approval.

Natural Resources Conservation Measures:

Prior to construction initiation, a representative from the natural resource office will discuss potential natural resource concerns with the contractor. This includes potential presence of feral and native wildlife, as well as non-native, invasive species found in the project area. Any deviation from the designated equipment and supply staging areas and fence construction area must be approved by the project COR or project inspector.

Measures will be described to reduce the spread of noxious weeds to and from the work site.

A particular Natural Resource concern is the potential presence of feral horses. There is one large band of feral horses and one lone horse in Morefield Canyon. While the horses generally run away from people and equipment, it is possible the animals will be curious of the goats or attracted to their water source and approach. If this is the case, the contractor should return to a vehicle and avoid the horse(s). The contractor may attempt to scare the horses by honking the horn (three short “beeps’ up to 9 times total), by driving towards the horses only on developed roads, or by calling the COR. If the contractor calls the COR, the COR will coordinate with the wildlife biologist to assist with deterring the horse(s).

Access to work site: Access to work site may be closed by the Superintendent due to unfavorable weather conditions and/or fire danger. In this case the contractor will need to suspend the project until the Superintendent re-opens access to the project area.

B. TASKS TO BE PERFORMED BY EACH GOAT PLOT

The contractor shall provide the services to perform the following tasks:

B.1.1 TASK 1 –STAGING OF GOATS, EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES

The contractor shall stage goats, equipment, and materials from the project area near the Sand Shed and corral area (Figure 4) under the following specifications:

1. All goats, equipment, and supplies must be staged on existing hardened surfaces located near the Sand Shed (Figure 4). Hardened surfaces are surfaces paved with asphalt or covered with gravel. If a contractor wishes to utilize non-hardened surfaces, this must be coordinated and approved by the COR.

2. Should the contractor choose to utilize the corral for goat holding, this must be coordinated with the COR ahead of time.

3. Should the contractor choose to camp on-site, the contractor must adhere to Appendix B, Camping Stipulations.

All supplies., equipment, and waste shall also be staged at the staging location. This includes

B.1.2 TASK 1 – SET UP GOAT PLOTS

The contractor shall construct removable, low-impact goat plots. The fence will be provided by the contractor and should be no larger than a T-post. The fence may be pounded into the ground up to 1-foot and may remain in place only when a grazing area is being utilized.

a. Goat plots will begin downcanyon at the south end of the Morefield Canyon Kochia scoparia infestation and will move upcanyon

B.1.3 TASK 1 – UTILIZE GOATS

The contractor will utilize goats in Morefield Canyon (see Figures 1-3) under the following specification.

1. The contractor will determine the appropriate quantity of goats, size of goat plots, and duration of time to manage the 11-acre infestation.

a. Goats shall always be retained in a fenced area, holding pen, or trailer unless being moved from one location to the next. Goats are not allowed to free-range or roam outside of project or designated areas.

B.1.4 TASK 1 – REMOVE FENCE AND SET UP NEW GOAT PLOTS

The contractor will construct goat plots going from downcanyon to upcanyon (Figures 1- 3), under the following specification.

1. Goats shall always be retained in a fenced area, holding pen, or trailer unless being moved from one location to the next. Goats are not allowed to free-range.

2. Once a new plot is established, fencing not reused from the original plot must be removed the same day.

B.1.5 TASK 1 –REMOVE ALL SUPPLIES AND GOATS

The contractor will remove all supplies and goats following project completion under the following specification.

1. All material, equipment, and goats must be removed from the park. All trash must be disposed of outside the park. This includes but is not limited to excess fence materials, trailers, trucks, campers, and trash.

III. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED SUPPLIES.

The government will supply the following supplies:

• Optional holding pen for goats

• Optional parking lot area to-be-used for staging and camping

IV. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED SUPPLIES

• Contractor is responsible for the transport of grazing service animals to and from the project area.

• Contractor will determine and provide appropriate quantity of goats

• Contractor will manage grazing goats using a combination of professional graziers, and temporary fencing.

• Morefield Canyon: Contractor will bring, maintain, and operate all equipment and supplies needed to treat 11 acres as shown on project drawings section of this document (Appendix A)

• If utilized, the contractor will control and be responsible for the working or herding dogs during herding operations. During periods of rest (when dogs aren’t being utilized to move livestock), the contractor will control or secure their dogs to prevent unwanted interactions with the public, their dogs and/or horses, and wildlife.

• Contractor will provide equipment (tanks) for watering livestock and be responsible for suppling and administering water to livestock, dogs, and graziers.

• The contractor will provide transportation for equipment, operators, and fuel to and from the site. The contractor will be responsible for the appropriate security when equipment is left on site. The contractor will be required to take appropriate precautions to minimize potential fuel leaks.

• Contractor is not authorized to create new trails or routes within the Project Areas.

• Contractor is responsible for pressure washing vehicles to remove mud and seed accumulations before entering Mesa Verde National Park.

• Contractor will make reasonable efforts to keep goats away from roads and trails in order to reduce the risk of accidents between livestock and public land users.

• Contractor will report escaped goats and/or working dogs or accidents to the COR

Bethany Nickison (970)-529-4617 within 24 hours.

• Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Provisions: The government may require the contractor to curtail or cease operations should wildland fire danger approach critical levels. The contractor will be given 24 hours’ notice in the form of a suspend work order issued by the Contracting Officer.

• Ignition of a wildland fire that threatens the project area may require the contractor to proceed with an emergency evacuation of the project area.

• The contractor or their employees, upon documented permission from the CO/COR, may establish temporary work camps on public lands administered by the NPS.

Camps shall be kept clean and free of refuse. These camps may consist of mobile trailers, pickup campers, tent trailers. Tents are not authorized due to potential wildlife concerns. The contractor will be required to rehabilitate the camping area to the satisfaction of the CO/COR. No campfires will be allowed and stove use will be dependent on park fire restrictions.

• Contractors will not litter, clean up refuse and will keep a clean work site.

• Due to wildfire danger, the contractor will be required to have at least one full size fire-extinguisher in each vehicle used.

• The NPS must be informed of any objects or sites of cultural, paleontological, or scientific value such as historic or prehistoric resources, graves or grave markers, human remains, ruins, cabins, rock art, fossils, or artifacts. The objects shall not be damaged, destroyed, removed, moved, or disturbed. Any person who knowingly violates this may be subject to fines and/or imprisonment (Public Law 16-95; 16 U.S.C. 470).

• The National Park Service, Mesa Verde National Park, and the Southwest Invasive Plant Management Team are not responsible for the loss of property or goats.

IV. ON-SITE CAMPING OPTION

1. The contractor will have the option to camp next to the project areas along the Sand

Shed area on hardened surfaces. The contractor will be required to follow leave-no-trace principles and follow stipulations to minimize impacts to park resources.

These include trailer and goat holding location, waste management, and cooking.

A document on these camping stipulations is attached (see Appendix A)

V. ON-SITE HOLDING PEN OPTION

1. Mesa Verde National Park has a circular fenced area adjacent to the Morefield barn that may be used to house the goats overnight. Due to risk of predators, goats should not stay in the grazing area overnight. Due to predatory risk (such as a bear pushing on the trailer and bothering the goats), it is not recommended the trailer be left unattended. In addition, goats should not be left unattended in the holding area. The contractor may use an RV adjacent to this area. If the pen is used, the extra protection measures would be removed after each round of goat grazing.

2. If the contractor/goatherder wants to stay in the park, the goats must be secured at night to reduce potential predation and prevent impacts to park resources. Goats may be kept on a trailer parked in the graveled area near the Sand shed area or in the circular holding pen.

V. REVIEWS AND REVISIONS.

1. Reviews or inspections of contractor’s work are scheduled at 10%, 50% and 100% completion of the work defined by the acreage grazed. These inspections may be performed by the COR or an assigned project inspector. Additional reviews, if necessary, will be arranged in advance between the contractor and MEVE, either in writing or verbally, and may be initiated by either party.

VI. RESPONSIBLE PARTIES

NPS or the park will provide the contractor with the following:

• Orientation to the work site and method to access the work area.

• An archeologist to monitor ground disturbing activities when necessary.

• Flagging of project entry locations and limits of disturbance prior to construction activities.

• The park will provide feedback and comments on the work performed and will direct the contractor in project changes.

• Gate keys, if needed.

VII. PROJECT POINTS OF CONTACT

NAME TITLE CONTACT

INFORMATION

Bethany Nickison Project manager, COR, project inspector

MEVE

P.O. Box 8 Mesa Verde CO 81330 Phone: (970)-529-4671

Biological Science Technician

Project inspector MEVE P.O. Box 8 Mesa Verde CO 81330 Phone: (970)-529-4617

Marcia Fox Contracting officer 303-726-6485

VIII. SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE

Project schedule will be negotiated. A general outline follows based on calendar dates:

POC TASK TARGET

(negotionable

DELIVERABLES

Contractors Initial site visit and orientation

July 15-August 1 Introduction to park and staff, overview of project area and park rules.

NPS\Park Project can start July 16-Aug 2 NPS\Park 10% review 3 days after start date Review/inspect work performed.

NPS\Park 50% review 5 days after start date Review/inspect work performed.

Contractor 100% completion submission 15 days after start date Notification of completed work NPS\Park and Contractor

100% review TBD Review/inspect final work.

The contractor may complete the project on or before the August 16 deadline.

ATTACHMENTS:

APPENDIX A: Camping Stipulations APPENDIX B: Project Drawings

APPENDIX A: Camping Stipulations

Morefield Canyon Camping Stipulations:

Due to sensitive natural and cultural resources and the danger of wildfires in the area, regulations listed below must be followed to minimize impacts.

1. Campsite location

a. An area where camping equipment can be set up must be on hardened asphalt surfaces. This location should not restrict use of the Sand shed area.

2. Waste management

a. Human waste

i. Human waste must be stored in a leak proof container and removed from the park.

ii. All paper waste must be contained in the leak proof container and removed from the park.

b. Trash

i. Trash must be secured in bear-proof container at all times when project staff are not directly next to the trash. Consult with Project COR on suggestions on bear-proof containers. All trash must be removed from the park.

c. Waste water

i. Waste water including gray water must be collected in leak proof containers and removed from the park.

3. Cooking

a. Cooking stoves must be used in an area that has been clear of vegetation and ground debris to prevent wildfires. Cooking stoves should only be used on hardened surfaces.

b. A fire extinguisher must be next to the cooking area.

4. Campfires

a. To eliminate the chance of wildland fires, and damage to soils and vegetation, no campfires are allowed.

5. Collecting wood or other vegetation

a. Park lands are protected and no collecting of wood is allowed for any purpose.

6. Return campsite to pre-camp conditions

a. After all project activities end and the camp is packed up and removed, remove all equipment, trash, and supplies from campsite.

7. Wildlife

a. No feeding of wildlife or livestock is allowed within the park or on tribal land.

b. No killing of snakes or other fauna is allowed within the park.

APPENDIX B: Project Drawings

Figure 1

Figure 2

Access Road

Sand Shed Area

Figure 3

Figure 4

VIII. SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE