A04_345019_Price_Park_SOW.pdf

Blue Ridge Parkway (NPS)

Scope of Work (SOW)

Project Title: Hazard Tree and Debris Removal

Location: Julian Price Memorial Park Campground & Price Picnic Area, Blue Ridge

Parkway, NC

Solicitation Number:

Date:

1. Project Overview

This project involves the identification, planning, removal, and disposal of hazard trees and storm-related debris within Julian Price Memorial Park Campground

(approximately 62 acres) and the adjacent Price Picnic Area (approximately 28 acres) on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The forest in this area consists of an eastern mixed hardwoods common in the mountainous areas of Western North Carolina. The goal is to ensure public safety, protect park infrastructure, and maintain the natural environment. This work is in response to storm damage from Hurricane Helene and includes a significantly higher volume of tree removal and debris hauling than routine maintenance operations.

2. Objectives

• Identify and remove trees that pose a risk to public safety or infrastructure.

• Remove storm debris and downed woody material from public areas.

• Minimize environmental impact and preserve healthy vegetation.

• Restore disturbed areas to a safe and natural condition.

3. Scope of Services

3.1 Arborist Services and Tree Removal Plan

The contractor shall provide a certified arborist to assess the campground and picnic area and develop a Tree Removal Plan.

The plan shall include:

• Criteria for identifying hazard trees (e.g., dead, dying, leaning, structurally unsound)

• A map or list of trees proposed for removal

• Methods for minimizing impact to surrounding vegetation and infrastructure

• Total number, size and location of trees identified for removal.

The arborist shall conduct a walkthrough with park staff to review and finalize the plan prior to any cutting.

3.2 Hazard Tree Identification and Marking

Based on the arborist’s plan, trees shall be clearly marked for removal using a method approved by park staff.

The contractor shall not remove any trees without prior approval of the marked list.

3.3 Tree Removal and Widowmaker Mitigation

Fell and remove approved trees using safe, industry-standard practices.

Use directional felling to avoid damage to structures or vegetation.

Section and limb trees as needed for safe removal.

All stumps must be cut as close to ground level as possible, not to exceed 2 inches above grade, unless otherwise approved by the park representative.

Widowmaker Mitigation:

The contractor shall also identify and mitigate widow makers (e.g., hanging limbs, broken branches, or unstable overhead hazards) in trees that are not scheduled for removal but are in or overhanging campsites, picnic sites, trails, or other public use areas.

• All widow makers shall be safely removed or neutralized using industry-standard climbing or aerial lift techniques.

• Work must be performed by qualified personnel trained in overhead hazard mitigation.

• These trees shall remain standing unless otherwise approved for removal by park staff.

3.4 Debris Removal and Disposal

In addition to general debris removal, the contractor shall identify and remove any woody debris located in the Price Picnic Area that poses a threat to park infrastructure. Special attention shall be given to the Boone Fork trail bridge, where debris has been observed wedged against the structure. This debris must be carefully extracted and removed to prevent damage or obstruction.

Remove all woody debris from roads, campsites, trails, and public areas.

Contractor shall legally dispose of all vegetation and debris off-site in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

No debris may be left, buried, or burned on-site unless explicitly authorized in writing by the park representative.

Debris volume is estimated at approximately 350 cubic yards for the campground and 160–180 cubic yards for the picnic area.

Hauling may require up to 100-mile round trips to reach an approved disposal facility.

Chip, haul, or otherwise dispose of material at an approved facility.

Leave the site clean and free of obstructions.

3.5 Site Restoration

Rake and level disturbed soil.

Repair rutting or compaction caused by equipment.

3.6 Public Safety and Site Control

The contractor shall be responsible for providing and installing all necessary signage to close any trails that pass through or near the campground or picnic area work zones.

Signage must clearly indicate that the trail is temporarily closed for hazard tree removal and must be placed at all logical entry points.

Signs must meet NPS safety and visibility standards and remain in place for the duration of the work.

The contractor shall implement appropriate safety measures to prevent public access to active work zones. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Temporary fencing or barrier tape around work areas

• Spotters or flaggers when operating equipment near public areas

• Clear communication with park staff regarding daily work zones and closures

All safety measures must comply with OSHA and NPS standards.

4. Deliverables

• Tree Removal Plan prepared by a certified arborist

• Pre-work hazard tree inventory (with GPS or map references)

• Daily work logs and progress updates

• Compliance sheet required in section 6

• Final report summarizing work completed and restoration efforts

5. Timeline

Start Date: Upon issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP)

Period of Performance: 60 calendar days from the date of the NTP

Work must be completed within this period, weather permitting, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Contracting Officer.

6. Safety and Environmental Compliance

All work must comply with OSHA, NPS, and local environmental regulations.

The contractor shall submit a written site-specific Safety Plan and Accident

Prevention Plan (AAP) to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for review and approval prior to the start of any work. There is a checklist attached to this SOW. The Safety Plan must outline procedures for protecting workers, park visitors, and natural resources during all phases of the project.

Contractor is responsible for ensuring all personnel are trained and compliant with the approved safety protocols.

The Blue Ridge Parkway has special restrictions on tree cutting to protect endangered bat species. Form is to be completed when a tree is taken down outside of time of year restrictions (between March 15 and November 15). These records must be submitted annually to USFWS to satisfy Sect 7 compliance requirements. This is a mitigation required by the USFWS to allow us to cut trees during the time of year restrictions to demonstrate how much vegetation is being removed, and that we are not creating a significant impact to bat species. This documentation is critical to allowing us to continue this activity. The contractor will be required to complete and submit this form to the COR weekly during the Period of Performance. An example of this form is included below.

7. Coordination and Access

Coordinate daily access and work areas with park staff.

Work hours: 07:00-17:00 Monday-Friday and not on Federal Holidays. Weekend or

Holiday work must be approved by the Contracting Officer.

8. Pre-Bid Site Visit

It is highly recommended that all prospective contractors conduct a site visit with

National Park Service (NPS) staff prior to submitting a bid.

This visit will allow bidders to fully understand the scope of work, site conditions, access limitations, and any environmental or logistical considerations.

Site visits must be scheduled in advance with the designated park contact.

Failure to conduct a site visit will not relieve the contractor of responsibility for understanding the work requirements. Bids from contractors that have conducted a site visit will receive priority in contract award evaluation.

9. Contract Type and Payment Terms

This will be a Firm Fixed price contract.

Payment will be made upon satisfactory completion and acceptance of work.

10. Points of Contact

Contracting Officer: [Insert Name, Email, Phone]

Project Manager / COR: Chad Zettler 828-674-8760 chad_zettler@nps.gov

Park Contact: Chad Zettler 828-674-8760, chad_zettler@nps.gov or Aaron Elliott 828-

424-0079, aaron_elliott@nps.gov mailto:chad_zettler@nps.gov mailto:aaron_elliott@nps.gov