A04_PETR_240657_SEED-REVEG_SOW_7-17-23.pdf

Contract # Task Order #

STATEMENT OF WORK

Petroglyphs National Monument

PETR 240657

Provide Native Seed Broadcasting and Hydromulch and Non-Native Plant Treatment for Escarpment Trail

SCOPE: The contractor shall perform the work of this contract for the National Park Service (NPS) as described below.

CONFIDENTIALITY: The information developed under this contract is the property of the U.S.

government and shall be kept in strict confidence.

PERFORMANCE PERIOD: The work of this base contract shall be provided from approximately September 1, 2023, through September 30, 2025.

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION: The work of this contract shall consist of native seed broadcasting, hydromulching and non-native plant treatment.

CONTACTS:

• The Contracting Officer’s (CO) for this contract is: Marsha L. Wagner

• Contracting Officers Representative is: Andre Perera

• Park Point of contact is: Chanteil Walters

I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This contract will provide a two-step process for native seed broadcast and hydromulching, as well as non-native plant treatment, to facilitate the restoration of native vegetation along the newly constructed Escarpment Trail in Petroglyphs National Monument, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Seeding and hydromulching will near the Rinconada and La Cuesta trailheads. Non-native plant species control will be performed along the entire length of the approximately 1-mile Escarpment trail and include the identified areas of seeding and mulch at the trailheads over several seasons.

Refer to drawings for definition of areas for seeding, mulching and non-native plant management.

II. SCOPE OF SERVICES

TASK 1. Native Seed Broadcast with Hydromulch (Item No. 0001)

The work of this task is hand broadcasting native seed (provided by the NPS) and then hand raking the seed into the top 1/8” to ¼” of the native soil. Upon placement of seed and raking in of seed, contractor shall hydromulch over seed to protect against predation.

This work is estimated to be less than 0.5 acre total area for both trailhead locations which are 1-mile apart. Site 1 is Rinconada trailhead which is estimated to be .25 acre and Site 2 is La Cuesta trailhead is estimated to be .15 acre. Estimates are based on a hydromulch hose run of approximately 400’ distance from equipment. (See plans for project locations) Seeding and hydromulch application is anticipated to occur in the fall of 2023 (November).

REQUIREMENTS

Hand Broadcast Seeding (First Application)

1. Seed Mix: The seed shall be government furnished. The seed mix shall be locally appropriate, native species pre-mixed and bagged in half acre units and labeled by the NPS.

2. The contractor will give the Park two-week notice prior to the anticipated seed installation window.

3. The seeding rate will be determined by seed availability but should be anticipated to be 120 seeds per square foot and between 20 to 30 PLS (pure live seeds) lbs. per acre.

4. In order to ensure that the seed is being applied at the correct rate, areas to be seeded shall be marked off/flagged at a minimum of quarter acre increments prior to seeding.

5. Seed shall be applied by hand or with hand seeders.

6. Seed will be distributed in such a way as to assure all species in the seed mix are evenly distributed across the area, regardless of seed size.

a. Lightly rake the seed into the soil to a depth of ¼-inch.

b. Do not smooth with the backside of the rake, light furrows in the soil are desired.

7. Do not broadcast or drop seed when wind velocity exceeds 5 mph.

8. Do not use wet seed or seed that is moldy or otherwise damaged.

9. Do not install seed over snow or when ground is frozen or excessively wet (soil should be easily raked).

10. Within 12 hours of seed being lightly raked into soil, hydromulch shall be installed over the area.

Hydromulch (Second Application):

1. 2,500 lbs./acre of 100% long strand virgin wood fiber and; Non-toxic, natural, 100% environmentally safe tracer dye material at a rate of around 200-300 pounds per acre to provide visible evidence of uniform application, and biodegradable plant-based psyllium/alpha Plantago tackifier. Depending on tackifier product instructions, apply at a rate of 80 lbs. per acre on slopes less than 3H:1V and apply at a rate of 100 lbs./acre on slopes greater than 3H:1V.

2. Mulch shall be placed over the seed within 12 hours of the seed application.

3. Tackifier shall consist of free flowing, non-corrosive powder produced from the natural plan gum of Plantago insularis (desert Indianwheat). Powder shall consist of the following:

a. Protein Content: 1.6 +/-.02%.

b. Ash Content: 2.7 +/-.02%.

c. Fiber: 4.0 +/-.02%.

d. pH 1% Solution: 6.5-8.0.

4. The hydromulcher must be equipped with a built-in continuous agitation and recirculation system of sufficient operating capacity to produce homogeneous slurry and a discharge system that will apply slurry to the designated areas at a continuous and uniform rate.

5. No fertilizers, mycorrhizae, or other amendments shall be added to the hydroseed slurry.

6. The Contractor shall spray designated areas with the slurry in a sweeping motion and in an arched stream until a uniform coat is achieved, with no slumping or shadowing, as the material is spread at the required rate. The hydromulch slurry should float down from the arched stream, as opposed to being shot directly at the ground.

7. During hydromulching the existing native vegetation must be protected from damage (damage by direct spray outside the limit of work and dragging hose).

8. Notify the Park three weeks before hydromulching to ensure that Park oversight of seeding operations can be coordinated.

9. No vehicle travel may occur within project area.

10. Hydromulch may be transported via hose lays from either end of the trail access locations.

TASK 2. 2024 Spring & Post-Monsoon Non-native Plant Treatment (Item No. 0002)

Contractor shall perform invasive plant treatment for approximately 2-acres of the target species in locations shown in drawings for four rounds of weeding. It is anticipated that two rounds of weeding will be needed in the early summer (April-June) and two post monsoon (likely August/September, as determined by phenology and requested time by Park). Each weeding round is expected to take 2 people 5 days (not including travel). The primary species to be treated are noted in Table 1 (below) however the contractor is expected to remove all non-natives from the project locations. Treatment by manual methods must result in the effective destruction of the non-native plant and proper removal of any of its propagative parts. Non-native plants shall be controlled before they reach a flowering stage, so that seedheads do not need to be bagged and removed. If bags are required they shall be 3 mil or greater thickness.

Efforts will be made to ensure that seeds and/or vegetative propagule of invasive plants will be removed from clothing and equipment prior to leaving treatment sites.

This task shall also follow all of the Quality Standards listed below in III.

Table 1. Petroglyphs National Monument Likely Non-Native Plant Species

Bothriochloa ischaemum yellow bluestem

Bromus tectorum cheatgrass

Convolvulus arvensis field bindweed

Cynodon dactylon Bermuda grass

Descurania sophia tansymustard

Digitaria sanguinalis crabgrass

Eragrostis cilianensis stinkgrass

Kochia scoparia common kochia

Medicago sativa alfalfa

Melilotus officinalis/alba sweetclover

Pennisetum glaucum pearl millet

Salsola kali/tragus Russian thistle Setaria viridis green bristlegrass

Sida albutifolia spreading sida

Sisymbrium altissimum tumble mustard

Tribulus terrestris puncture vine

OPTION TASK 3. September 2025 Non-native Plant Treatment (Item No. 0003)

Non-native plant treatment in 2025 shall follow the Scope of Services listed above under Task 2 of Section II and the deliverables/timeline listed below under Section IV Schedule.

Contractor shall perform three rounds of invasive plant treatment for the 2-acres as identified in drawings. It is anticipated one round shall be in the spring (May) and two post monsoon (August-September), or as determined by phenology and requested time by PETR. Each weeding round is expected to take 2 people 4 days (not including travel).

This task shall also follow all of the Quality Standards listed below in III.

III. QUALITY STANDARDS

Quality Standards shall be in accordance with the base contract, commercial practices and as described in this statement of work.

If the contractor has concerns regarding meeting any of the following quality standards, the CO must be notified in writing with an explanation and possible corrective actions at the earliest opportunity. A determination of the most effective corrective action as mutually agreed upon will be made, which may result in a modification of this contract.

SEED BROADCASTING & NON-NATIVE PLANT TREATMENT

1. Submit material information for Mulch and Tackifier for approval prior to application.

2. Contractor / Subcontractor shall have a minimum of three years of experience performing post-disturbance landscape installation and site preparation activities for hand seeding and hydromulch application.

3. Contractor shall demonstrate experience in performing non-native plant control in the Southwest region.

4. Species Identification: Crews must be knowledgeable of local plant species and able to identify non-native species in Table 1.

5. Weed Prevention Protocol: Ensure all vehicles, gear, tools, equipment, personnel PPE, etc.

involved with or otherwise used in non-native plant treatment arrive to the project sites clean and free of off-site soil and organic debris. Efforts shall be made to ensure that seeds and/or vegetative propagule of invasive plants will be removed from clothing and equipment prior to entering or leaving treatment sites. All equipment is subject to inspection by NPS personnel. Any equipment that arrives or is found operating on the project that has not been inspected or has oil leaks or other fluid leaks is and subject to removal from project area at contractors’ expense.

6. Treatment Timing and Efficacy: Methods may include manual removal, no herbicides will be allowed in project area. The use of string trimmers or other cutting methods shall not be used, unless approved by NPS. Conduct treatments at the appropriate time to eradicate plants and prevent further spread. Utilize proven, effective treatment methods.

7. Non-Native Plant Control Success Criteria: All areas disturbed by project activities shall have less than 5% cover of non-native species by the end of the first and second growing season post seeding for all treated areas. If the Contractor and NPS determine performing an ocular estimation of percent cover is not sufficient then percent cover shall be determined utilizing the point line intercept method along a 100 ft transect line, with readings every foot. Readings from at least two transect lines per acre will be required and shall be performed jointly between the NPS and Contractor.

IV. DELIVERABLES and SCHEDULE

2023 Deliverable Task 1 – Seeding & Hydromulch Schedule

Seed and hydromulch placement TBD

2024 Deliverable Task 2: – Four Non-Native Treatments Schedule

Conduct spring & post-monsoon weed treatments TBD

BID OPTION 2025 Deliverable Task 3: Non-Native Treatment Schedule

Conduct one round of spring & two post-monsoon weed treatments TBD Dates shall be coordinated and approved by the CO after award

V. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. If concealed archeological resources are encountered during project activities, all work shall stop and necessary steps will be taken to protect them and the Park Cultural Resources Manager will be notified immediately.

2. Cellular service may be available onsite however contractor shall determine if service meets their requirements.

3. Contractor shall conduct their operations to insure the least inconvenience to the public.

4. Secure trash daily. All waste shall be removed from Park and disposed of legally.

5. Potable water is available within the park boundaries.

6. Sanitary Facilities: Restrooms are available at the Rinconada trailhead parking lot

7. Contractor will not be allowed to camp within the park.

8. Burning of any trash, debris is not allowed in the Park.

9. If a Red Flag Warning or other extreme fire danger warning is issued that includes the project site, the

Contractor shall coordinate with the Contracting Officer for any additional work restrictions that may be required.

10. Rattlesnakes and other wildlife may be present in work areas.

11. Contractor is responsible for protection of trail infrastructure including trail surface, adjacent drainage improvements, stanchions, signage, fencing, etc. Any damage by contractor of infrastructure shall be returned to original condition at no additional cost to the Government.

12. No equipment shall be driven into the project area.

13. Perform cleaning during installation of the work and upon completion of the work. Remove all excess materials, debris and equipment from site.

14. Staging areas and access will be defined in coordination with park staff for equipment parking and hose access.

15. All work is to be performed Monday – Friday during normal business hours. Access points have controlled gate access which will be locked after business hours. No work shall be performed on weekends or federal holidays.

VI. ACCEPTANCE OF WORK

1. Substantial completion shall be granted when seed and hydromulch has been applied as per drawings and requirements and final approval of the CO.

2. Non-Native plant treatment meets success criteria noted above under Section III Quality Standards.