A05_Performance_Work_Statement_Magnolia_Grazing_2023_pdf.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

MAGNOLIA RANCH TARGETED GRAZING FOR WEED REDUCTION MOTHER LODE FIELD OFFICE, CENTRAL CALIFORNIA REGION

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

MAGNOLIA RANCH TARGETED GRAZING FOR WEED REDUCTION MOTHER LODE FIELD OFFICE, CENTRAL CALIFORNIA REGION

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

MAGNOLIA RANCH TARGETED GRAZING FOR WEED REDUCTION

MOTHER LODE FIELD OFFICE, CENTRAL CALIFORNIA REGION

1. SUMMARY

1.1 Project Description

This project is to use targeted sheep grazing to control yellow starthistle and medusahead at Magnolia Ranch. The goal is to reduce the density of noxious weed species while increasing native vegetation. The area targeted for grazing is approximately 130 acres in size. The contract could include up to three years of grazing in the spring and summer, from 2023-2025.

Location:

Magnolia Ranch Recreation Area Mother Lode BLM Field Office CA-49N/Coloma Road Pilot Hill, CA 95664

1.2 Access to Project

Access is via CA-49 N from Coloma, CA in El Dorado County. Turn left (south) approximately 3.5 miles west of the Lotus Road/CA-49 N junction to enter the Magnolia Ranch Recreation Area parking lot. BLM will provide a key for the gate to the contractor upon award of contract.

2. EXECUTION

2.1 Grazing Parameters: The BLM requires the following.

A. Approved Parameters

1. Herd size shall be a minimum of 500 head of sheep and a maximum of 700 head of sheep, depending on the state of vegetation/rainfall for that given year.

2. Grazing period shall not exceed 3 months beginning typically during mid-May or depending on the state of the vegetation/rainfall for that given year.

3. Grazing Methods - Herd would be confined and controlled by temporary poly-wire electric fencing as needed to accomplish high-intensity, short-term grazing of invasive species.

4. Herd watering shall be the responsibility of the contractor. A reliable water truck will be necessary to transport water from the river/spring to the location of the sheep. Troughs will be placed on previously disturbed areas and not on undisturbed vegetation. The sheep will not be watered in areas of archaeological concern. These areas will be noted on a map which will be provided upon award of contract.

5. A full-time herder shall live on site to tend and control the sheep, livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) and herding dogs. Other duties would include setting up and removing temporary fencing, providing water to the sheep and responding to issues as needs arise.

6. Contractor shall provide self-contained mobile housing. BLM will provide mobile housing setup locations.

7. Unloading will take place in the Magnolia Ranch parking lot; loading may take place in either the Magnolia Ranch or Cronan Ranch parking lot.

8. Herd will not bed down on archaeological sites.

9. BLM will allow contractor to access water from the South Fork American River. This location will be noted on a map provided upon award of contract.

10. Herding and livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) protection dogs shall have up to date vaccinations and will be under the control of the herder at all times. Interactions with the public will be minimal.

11. Proof of insurance will be submitted to the BLM. The contractor shall maintain bodily insurance and property damage liability insurance for the Property with a responsible insurance carrier in the amount of not less than $1,000,000.00 for injury to any one person, $3,000,000.00 for injury arising from any one accident or occurrence, and $100,000.00 for damage to property and fire damage. Such policy shall carry the BLM as additional insured and shall be endorsed to provide 30 days written notice to BLM prior to cancellation, non-renewal or reduction in coverage. Such insurance may be carried under a blanket policy.

12. Contractor shall submit an actual use report at the end of sheep grazing period that describes the sheep stocking rate and duration of grazing.

13. Contractor shall not use agri-chemicals, including fertilizers, herbicides and biocides, or supplemental feeds without prior permission for their use from the BLM.

14. The BLM shall not be responsible for the loss of livestock due to death by any reason.

2.2 Contractor Use of Premises:

A. Sanitation: Contractor may use vault toilets at trailhead parking lot, or shall provide portable sanitation facilities.

2.3 Quality Assurance:

A. Prohibited Grazing: No woody species, including elderberry, shall be consumed or damaged. Watering and bedding of sheep will not take place in areas with mapped archaeological areas. Non-treatment areas will be flagged or noted on the detailed map to be provided to the contractor upon award.

B. Primary forage material shall be invasive annual grasses, yellow starthistle and medusahead. Reduction in weed cover is the goal. The contractor and BLM will agree when an area is sufficiently grazed before moving herd to a new area.

C. BLM will monitor grazing effects on weeds by monitoring vegetation composition changes over time. BLM will also have repeat photopoint locations to measure changes to the vegetation over time.