A04_-_Statement_of_Work__MOCA_TUZI_Hazard_Tree_Removal_.pdf

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments

PO Box 219 527 S. Main Street

Camp Verde, AZ 86322

Projects:

Hazard Tree Mitigations

PMIS 266758

PMIS 240566

1.0 OBJECTIVE AND LOCATION

As a result of normal progression of ageing trees, and tree mortality due the Tuzigoot Fire (April 2023), Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments are experiencing an increase in the number of hazardous trees throughout the parks. All of the work outlined in this document are beyond the skill and certification level park employees and other NPS employees that we work with regularly. The intent of this contract is to secure a contractor to remove hazardous trees and limbs identified by park officials.

The trees identified in this contract located within the boundaries of Montezuma Castle (including Montezuma Well) and Tuzigoot National Monuments in Camp Verde, AZ and Clarkdale, AZ respectively.

2.0 SPECIFICATIONS

National Park Service staff will identify all hazard trees and mark them with visible forestry flagging. All trees will be marked by park staff at least one day prior to removal. Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot Resource Division personnel will be onsite during execution to address any questions. Any questions that arise with a tree must be addressed before the tree is removed/pruned.

The contractor will scatter debris in an aesthetic manner over the adjacent area when feasible. Trees fallen by the contractor must be in full contact of the ground if left in place, with no vertical limbs touching the ground.

Montezuma Castle

Picnic Area (by Visitor Center):

Remove 6 large sycamore trees.

The circumference of the largest hazard tree (sycamore) at Montezuma Castle is 9'4".

Haul wood and brush.

5 parking spaces will be blocked for truck and chipper.

Contractor and Park Resource Division personnel will meet on site prior to work commencing.

Loop Trail (from Visitor Center):

Remove medium to large dead branches over walkway in 13 sycamore trees, 1 mesquite tree, 1 hackberry tree.

Remove 1 large dead stub in 1 sycamore tree over walkway.

Remove 1 large dead stub in 1 sycamore tree over walkway.

Remove 1 hackberry tree next to walkway.

Remove 1 dead sycamore tree next to walkway.

5 parking spaces will be blocked for truck and chipper.

Montezuma Well

The circumference of the largest hazard tree (cottonwood) at Montezuma Well is 10'.

Pasture Trail:

Remove large section of dying ash tree hanging/within striking distance of trail.

Remove medium to large dead branches in 6 cottonwood trees.

Put on ground, keeping trail clear of tree debris.

Picnic Area:

Remove 1 cottonwood tree.

Remove large “dead” section in 1 cottonwood tree.

Remove medium to large dead branches in 2 sycamore trees.

Remove medium to large dead branches in 11 cottonwood trees.

Tuzigoot

Marsh Trail/Area:

The circumference of the largest hazard tree (cottonwood) at Tuzigoot is 23'7".

Remove 2 large cottonwood trees. Trees were burned and died in Tuzigoot Fire (April 2023).

Put on ground, keeping trail clear.

Remove half-burned mesquite tree over trail.

Park Personnel will dismantle sections of fence prior to tree work to mitigate trees falling on fence.

3.0 PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

A. All work shall be under the on-site direction and supervision of a Board-Certified Master Arborist who possesses verifiable experience and technical competence in tree physiology, identification, diagnosis of disorders, and current tree care and safety practices in accordance with accepted industry standards. The Arborist shall be the primary contact with the Government's COR or Technical Expert on site and shall be responsible for directing work in the field, controlling the quality of work and inspecting all completed work to ensure that contract performance requirements are met.

B. All workers shall, through verifiable related training and on the job experience, be familiar with the technical aspects and hazards of tree maintenance work and equipment used in such operations. All workers shall abide by any code of ethics or professional conduct established by the Tree Care Industry Association and the International Society of Arboriculture

4.0 SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION PROGRAM

A. Contractor will provide a brief safety summary of how it intends to secure each work site and submit with proposal.

5.0 POLLUTION AND EROSION CONTROL

A. During all operations under this contract, the Contractor shall exercise reasonable measures to prevent or minimize soil erosion and pollution of water and other resources. All refuse, including garbage, rubbish, and solid or liquid wastes from the Contractor's operations shall be collected and stored in a sanitary, nuisance-free manner and disposed of in a State-approved sanitary landfill or as approved by the Contracting Officer.

B. Oil from crankcases or gear boxes, equipment waste or spilled or excess fuel shall be placed in containers and removed from the work site and disposed of as approved and required by Federal, State, and Local laws.

6.0 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A. Contractor must have valid state licensures to fell the largest tree sizes mentioned above at each location. The license(s) will be submitted with proposal.

B. Contractor must provide proof of valid insurance(s) to submit with the proposal.

7.0 SCHEDULE

A. Work is to be performed during the hours of 6:30am and 5pm, Monday through Friday. No work is to be performed on Saturday or Sunday or on federally recognized holidays (unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer 72 Hours ahead of date of work). Priority for work at Tuzigoot is during the months of November through April to mitigate effects to ESA listed wildlife species that can be active in the area May through October. Although exceptions can be made after critical consideration.

B. Period of Performance shall begin upon issuance of each task order and end ninety (90) days thereafter.

C. Once the contractor begins work on a specific effort (i.e. tree removal), they are expected to be on the job site each workday until that effort is complete, weather permitting

D. Work shall be scheduled and arranged so as not to interfere with normal activities of the park, particularly Ranger-led tours scheduled at various hours of the day at various locations throughout the park or any special tours or visiting groups. Advanced notice will be given to the contractor if a conflict is expected to divert from a prearranged schedule. Any plant debris, personnel or equipment that would interfere with any NPS sponsored or NPS permitted activity or event shall be removed prior to the activity. If, at any time, the COR determines that the work is unsatisfactory or is being conducted in an unsafe manner, the contractor will be notified and shall immediately cease all work activities.

8.0 INSPECTION/ACCEPTANCE

A. The NPS reserves the right to conduct any inspection it may deem necessary prior to acceptance and approval of payment, to assure that all work conforms to the Statement of Work and any applicable standards, regulations, or laws.