Klamath River Canyon Fence Reconstruction

Statement of Work

Project Background:

The Klamath Falls Field Office of the Lakeview District administers Edge Creek grazing allotment. Cattle use this allotment during the summer, typically May 1st-September 1st each year. There was a series of fences installed to help prevent cattle from drifting into the Klamath

River Canyon in the past. A significant portion of these fences were destroyed during the 2014

Oregon Gulch Fire and have needed reconstruction since.

Project Purpose:

The purpose of this project is to provide a reliable barrier on the south end of the Edge

Creek allotment to prevent cattle from entering the Klamath River Canyon ACEC. Additionally, this is part of the southern border for the Pokegama Herd Management Area (HMA) and will aid in containing horses within the HMA, as well as keep horses outside the HMA from entering.

Project Objective:

The objective of this project is to rebuild approximately 2.59 miles of barbed wire fence along the Klamath River Canyon Rim. The fence would meet specifications to serve as an appropriate barrier to cattle while allowing wildlife to freely move.

Project Location and Access:

This project is located at the CA/OR state line on the western edge of Klamath County

(see map). By vehicle, turn off Highway 66 at Camp Four, approximately 17.5 miles west of

Keno, OR. From this point, it is a red cinder and dirt road about 10 miles south from Camp Four to the Dixie Tie Road to Wild Gal Spring at the CA/OR state line.

Portions of the fence lines may not be accessible by a standard 4WD vehicle; only at points along the fence lines where an existing road or trail crosses. Some of the fence lines may be accessible with a 4WD, UTV/ATV type vehicle, but not all of them. It is the responsibility of the contractor to determine required accessibility to each of the respective fence lines. Driving shall be limited to along the fence line and along existing roads and trails. No cross-country driving will be allowed. Use of dirt roads will be limited to when dry and not susceptible to rutting and/or getting equipment stuck.

Environmental Considerations:

Construction Site Cleanup: Project site shall be cleaned up, and all refuse removed by the contractor. The contractor shall be responsible for disposal of fencing material removed for this project. Fencing material must be disposed of in accordance with local laws and regulations.

Contractor is responsible for costs incurred for material disposal.

Surface Disturbance: The contractor shall clear brush and trees with hand tools along fence lines for fence construction in designated areas that will be flagged prior to starting work

(approximately 400 feet). Brush, down trees, and other obstacles shall be cleared within five feet of either side of the fence to allow passage by ATVs, UTVs, and small heavy machinery such as a skid steer.

Soil Conditions: Soil conditions are sometimes quite rocky and may require that posts and pipe shall be drilled or anchored with plates and anchor bolts at the base of each post or pipe (e.g., H-brace or corner).

Vehicles, ATVs, UTVs and Other Fence Building Equipment: All vehicle, ATV, UTV and other fence building equipment including undercarriages, shall be washed with a high-pressure system prior to entering federal lands. All soil and plant parts shall be removed to prevent the spread of noxious weeds in and out of the project area.

See section at the bottom of this document for a complete list of Project Design Features

(PDFs) and Best Management Practices (BMPs) that shall be implemented.

Description of Work:

Contractor must provide all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and services necessary to perform: the felling of trees, clearing route of down trees and brush, removal and disposal of unusable fencing material, and the reconstruction of approximately 2.59 miles of fence line as defined in this document.

The contractor is required to visit the project area and physically observe the route for the project. Some of the project is adjacent a road and can be viewed from a vehicle. However, portions of the project don’t have vehicle access which will require walking those portions to verify project needs.

Tasks and Deliverables:

Fence line preparation: Site preparation is for the entire length of the fence (2.59 miles). Contractor would fall standing dead trees that could land on the fence from either side, clear the route of existing down trees, and brush approximately five feet on both sides of the fence line (ten feet total) to clear the route and provide access, if needed, prior to reconstruction. Small portions of the fence line have existing access along two-track roads. Avoidance areas for heavy machinery will be identified prior to starting work.

Removal and Disposal of old fence material: The private land portions of this project (approximately 1.3 miles) have old fence material that would need removed and disposed of if not usable (all existing wire is considered unusable). Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring legal disposal of such material and expenses associated with disposal.

Fence reconstruction: Contractor would reconstruct approximately 2.59 miles of standard 4-wire fence with the top three wires being barbed and the bottom wire smooth.

BLM specification for wire spacing would be followed to meet requirements for antelope-friendly fences.

Fence Construction Specifications:

a. Wire spacing would be as follows from the ground up: bottom wire 16-18” off ground, next wire up 6”, next wire up 6”, and last wire (top wire) 12” up. Top wire would not exceed 42” in total height.

b. T-post spacing will be no more than 20’ apart with wire stays between (as per specifications).

c. Corners and “H” braces would be constructed out of 2.5” drill stem pipe. Each corner would consist of three pipes in the ground with two horizontal brace pipes. “H” braces would be constructed every quarter mile minimum or as needed based on terrain. Drill stem pipe connections would be bolted together.

d. Approximately five Type A wire gates with cheater bars and wooden 2”x 4” stays would be installed at locations shown on the map. Each gate would have an additional two H-braces (one on each side).

Fence Material Specifications:

As discussed, the contractor will be required to provide fence materials for the project. The fence materials will comply with the following specifications:

a. Steel T-Posts

a. 5.5’ in length

b. “T” Bar Type

c. Welded or riveted anchor plate (top 18” from bottom of post)

d. Made from wrought, rail or new billet steel

e. Weigh a minimum of 0.67 lbs. and shall be a minimum of 18 sq. inches

f. Shall be in accordance with Federal Specifications ASTM A702-87

g. 1.33 pounds per foot

h. Shall have colored tops to prevent wildlife collision

b. Barbed Wire – 2 Point 12.5 Gauge

a. Two twisted galvanized steel wires of 14-gauge wire

b. Each wire to be 12.5 gauge

c. 950 lbs. force breaking strength each wire

d. Wire shall be zinc coated steel with a minimum of 0.3 oz. zinc per sq. feet

e. 440 yards (1,320’) per spool (roll)

c. Barbless Wire – 12.5 Gauge

a. Two twisted galvanized steel wires of 14-gauge wire

b. Each wire to be 12.5 gauge

c. 950 lbs. force breaking strength each wire

d. Wire shall be zinc coated steel with a minimum of 0.3 oz. zinc per sq. feet

e. Barbless wire shall conform to ASTM A 121

f. 440 yards (1,320’) per spool (roll)

d. Fence Stay Twisted 36 inch

a. 0.5”x0.5”, 9.5” gauge galvanized coating

e. Fence Clips

a. 11 gauge

f. Wood stays (for gates)

a. 2”x4”x4’

g. Steel Drill Pipe

a. Brace poles and posts – 7’ in length

b. 2.5” (2.375” outside diameter)

c. Drill stem, schedule 80

d. Poles and braces will be bolted together

Period of Performance:

Period of performance will be for 180 days from the notice to proceed. Inspections would occur periodically from the start of the project until the completion. Construction would be measured based on the unit numbers and payment would be based on linear feet of fence brushed and constructed and unit numbers of gates.

Major Milestones:

All fieldwork shall be completed by the end of the period of performance.

Government Technical Representative:

Dani Balin

Rangeland Management Specialist

Klamath Falls Field Office, Lakeview District

2795 Anderson Ave. Bld. #25

Klamath Falls, OR 97603

Inspection and Acceptance:

The BLM will require regular status updates from the Contractor. BLM may visit the field at any time or may request an update on miles of accomplishment. The Contractor shall provide a progress report (verbally or in writing) to the BLM, so the BLM can begin inspecting the completed sections. Work will be accepted when the deliverables have been satisfactorily met and all requirements in the SOW and Contract, including this Task Order as well as other standards mentioned therein have been followed.

Component / Section Stateline 1 Stateline 2 Stateline 3 Hayden Creek

End Panel 0 0 1 4

H-Brace* 5 7 2 6

Corner* 1

Gate 1 1 1 2

Length (linear feet) 5,333 5,354 1,462 1,516 *These numbers and locations on map depict required braces and gates due to existing roads and terrain.

Specifications for braces at least every 0.25 mile applies and is addition to these predetermined locations.

Map 1 showing proposed fence line along the Klamath River Canyon

Map 2 showing the Hayden Creek Section

Map 3 showing the Stateline 1 Section

Map 4 showing the Stateline 2 Section

Map 5 showing the Stateline 3 Section

PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES AND BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Project Design Features:

Cultural Resources:

1. Protect historic properties and potential historic properties from adverse effects through project redesign (e.g. avoidance, manual treatment instead of mechanical) and/or use of

Archeological Monitors.

2. Equipment and fencing material will not be dragged across historic properties or potential historic properties, and mechanical equipment would not be allowed within the boundaries of these properties.

3. Woody debris will be hand-lopped and removed from historic properties— to avoid future fuels hazards.

4. If any cultural and/or paleontological resources (historic or prehistoric site or object) are discovered during project activities, all operations in the immediate area of such discovery would be suspended until an evaluation of the discovery can be made by a professional archaeologist to determine appropriate actions to protect sites of significant cultural or scientific value.

5. Human remains and associated funerary objects may be inadvertently discovered during the implementation phase of the project. The BLM, and its contractors, will follow the requirements of 43 CFR § 10.5 (Discovery) of the regulations implementing the Native

American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) for human remains discovered on public land.

6. In accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act (P.L. 89-665), the National

Environmental Policy Act (P.L. 91-190), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (P.L. 94-

579), the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (P.L. 95-341), the Native American Graves

Protection and Repatriation Act (P.L. 101-601) and Executive Order 13007, the BLM must also provide affected tribes an opportunity to comment and consult on proposed actions. BLM must attempt to limit, reduce, or possibly eliminate any negative impacts to Native American traditional/cultural/spiritual sites, activities, and resources.

Fire/ Fuels and Air Quality:

1. All work performed during designated fire season will be in compliance with BLM

Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) and Public Use Restrictions (PURs).

https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/districts/ORLFC/intel/intelligence.php

2. Industrial Fire Prevention Levels (IFPLs), Public Use Restrictions (PURs) and all fire restrictions shall be followed. The project lead will be responsible for obtaining waivers if needed.

3. 23. During IFPL/PUR Level II & III, driving will be restricted to roads free from vegetation.

4. 24. During fire season each vehicle is required to carry one shovel not less than twenty-six (26) inches in overall length with a blade not less than eight (8) inches wide, one water container of at least one (1) gallon filled to capacity, or a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher, ABC, fully charged, and one axe or Polaski, with a handle twenty-six (26) inches in length and a head weight of not less than two (2) pounds

Botanical Resources/Invasive Weeds:

• Pressure wash heavy equipment that will travel off system roads prior to entry onto

BLM-managed lands. This will remove loose seeds, grease, plant parts, and dirt that contain viable noxious weed seeds, thereby reducing potential introduction of new noxious weed infestation. Cleaning of all heavy equipment and vehicles prior to leaving the job site is required.

Wildlife Resources:

• For bald and golden eagles avoid brush cutting operations, including chain saw and yarding operations within 660 feet of the nest for Bald Eagles and 1000 feet from a Golden Eagle nest from January 1st through August 31st for nesting eagles. This seasonal restriction can be waived prior to the end of the seasonal restriction period if the eagle nesting attempt has failed or two weeks after the young have fledged.

• Wolves have been documented passing through the vicinity, however no resident wolves or wolf dens have been documented in the area. If a wolf den was documented within the proposed action area, apply a seasonal restriction for all activities associated with juniper cutting within one mile of the known den site from April 1-July 15.

• To comply with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, vegetation clearing shall be restricted to the non-nesting season (September 1 to January 31). If clearing happens between February 1 and

August 31, a qualified biologist must survey for nests within seven days before ground disturbance begins. If active nests are located, species-appropriate exclusion buffers (minimum

100 feet for passerines, 500 feet for raptors) shall be established, and no work shall occur within the buffer until a biologist verifies that the young have fledged

Riparian/Aquatic Species:

Limit ATV/UTV and equipment access in riparian reserve of Long Prairie Creek and Edge Creek to periods of low soil moisture to avoid rutting.

• Edge Creek riparian reserve: 50 ft from the ordinary high water line on each side of the stream

• Long Prairie Creek riparian reserve: 150 ft from the ordinary high water line on each side of the stream

Avoid ATV/UTV and equipment crossing of flowing streams whenever possible. If crossing a flowing stream is unavoidable, select location that is well armored (e.g., bedrock, small boulder, and cobble dominated) to minimize damage.

Best Management Practices:

Limit the number and length of equipment access points through Riparian Reserve.

Inspect all mechanized equipment daily for leaks and clean as necessary to ensure that toxic materials, such as fuel and hydraulic fluid, do not enter the stream.

When using heavy equipment in or adjacent to stream channels, develop and implement an approved spill containment plan that includes having a spill containment kit on-site.

Where practicable, maintain and refuel heavy equipment a minimum of 150 feet away from streams and other waterbodies.

Refuel equipment, including chainsaws and other hand power tools, at least 100 feet from waterbodies (or as far as practicable from the waterbody where local site conditions do not allow a 100- foot setback) to prevent direct delivery of contaminants into a waterbody.

Take precautions to prevent leaks or spills of petroleum products (e.g., fuel, motor oil, and hydraulic fluid) from entering the waters of the State.

Take immediate action to stop and contain leaks or spills of chemicals and other petroleum products. Notify the Oregon Emergency Response System of any spill that enters the waters of the State.

Operators shall be responsible for the clean-up, removal, and proper disposal of contaminated materials from the site.