A04_-_Statement_of_Work_-_Tree_Cutting.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

Tree Removal – Hazardous Cottonwood Trees

Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge (Audubon NWR Complex)

Dunn County, North Dakota

Legal Description: N1/2 Sec. 28 T145N, R94W

1. Overview:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Audubon National Wildlife Refuge Complex, is seeking a qualified contractor to remove five (5) large hazardous cottonwood trees and associated hanging limbs located at Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Dunn County, North Dakota.

These trees pose a safety hazard due to structural degradation and proximity to historic property and infrastructure. Removal is required to eliminate risk to public safety and prevent damage to federally managed property.

2. Contact Information:

For questions related to site conditions, access, scheduling a site visit, or clarification of this

Statement of Work:

Corey Bittner

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

3275 11th St NW

Coleharbor, ND 58540

(701) 442-5474; mobile (701) 861-0916

Corey_bittner@fws.gov

3. Project Locations and Access:

The project site is located at Lake Ilo NWR:

• Approximately 1 mile west of Dunn Center, ND

• Approximately 3 miles east of Killdeer, ND

• Accessible from Highway 200 via gravel road leading to the park area

The contractor is responsible for transporting all equipment to and from the site. Any damage to refuge roads, turf, or infrastructure caused by contractor equipment must be repaired at contractor expense.

mailto:Corey_bittner@fws.gov

4. Scope of Work

4.1 Tree Removal Requirements

The contractor shall:

1. Remove five (5) large cottonwood trees of varying heights and diameters.

2. Remove hazardous hanging limbs associated with those trees.

3. Exercise extreme caution to prevent damage to nearby historic property and infrastructure.

4. Utilize controlled felling techniques, sectional dismantling, rigging, or other appropriate arboricultural methods as necessary to protect adjacent structures.

5. Cut stumps to a height not exceeding twelve (12) inches above ground level unless otherwise directed by the Site Manager.

6. Remove all brush, limbs, logs, sawdust accumulations, and debris generated by the work.

7. Restore disturbed areas to pre-work condition to the extent practicable.

All debris must be removed from the refuge and properly disposed of off-site unless otherwise approved by the Site Manager.

5. Equipment and Methods

• The contractor is responsible for determining appropriate equipment and methods to safely and effectively complete the work.

• Equipment must be suitable for winter/early spring ground conditions.

• Ground disturbance shall be minimized.

• Use of heavy equipment may be restricted if soil conditions are excessively wet.

6. Schedule and Period of Performance

Performance Window: Date of award through April 15, 2026

• Contractor must coordinate start date with Site Manager.

• A minimum of seven (7) calendar days advance notice is required prior to mobilization.

• Once work begins, it shall proceed without unnecessary delay until completion.

• Work may be temporarily halted due to unsafe weather or site conditions at the discretion of the Site Manager.

7. Safety Requirements

The contractor shall:

• Comply with all applicable OSHA standards and state/local safety regulations.

• Provide all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Establish and maintain a safe work perimeter during operations.

The contractor shall be responsible for any injuries, accidents, or damages resulting from negligence or improper performance.

8. Insurance and Liability

The contractor must:

• Carry adequate general liability insurance.

• Maintain workers’ compensation coverage as required by law.

• Provide proof of insurance upon request prior to commencement of work.

The contractor is liable for damage to refuge property, historic structures, utilities, roads, or other infrastructure caused by contractor operations.

9. Environmental Protection

The contractor shall:

• Prevent fuel, oil, or hydraulic leaks on-site.

• Immediately report any spills to the Site Manager.

• Avoid unnecessary disturbance to vegetation or wildlife habitat beyond the scope of work.

10. Deliverables and Acceptance

Final inspection will be conducted and approved by the Site Manager. Inspection and acceptance will be performed in accordance with FAR 52.212-4(a) and will be considered complete when the following conditions are met:

• All five trees and specified limbs are removed in accordance with the Statement of Work.

• All debris is removed from the site, leaving the area clean and free of obstructions.

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