A06_0040599597_SOW_Improve_Orchard_Soil_Health_DRAFT_06162022.docx

Improve Orchard Soil Health This project will take place at Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, Utah, CARE Historic Orchards.

Approximate Dates December 5, 2022 – January 31, 2023.

The work for this project is determined by the need for improved soil health and nutrient levels within the CARE historic orchards. These orchards have been in continuous cultivation for over 100 years, and continued fruit harvest with minimal to no fertilization over the last 30+ years has led to major deficiencies in macro- and micro-nutrients and organic matter in the existing soils, verified by multiple soil and foliar nutrient tests. The orchards see very high visitor use during the spring, summer and fall months and ongoing fruit picking each season. Tree health has also been shown to be declining in the orchards over past years, creating the need to fertilize the soils to ensure long-term orchard health.

Material will be delivered to staging locations within 2 miles of the park headquarters, to be determined with contractor prior to material delivery. Because of limited access options and limited space to turn around within the orchards, material must be delivered in single dump, side-dump, or belt-type trailers. It will be expected for material to be delivered to staging locations and dumped in piles from trailers. Material will be spread throughout orchard surfaces by National Park Service personnel.

The work will consist of:

· Supply and Delivery of four hundred and thirty (430) ton of composted dairy manure or approved equal. (Weight tickets will be reviewed by project COR at the end of each working day of the project to verify quantity delivered.)

· Material must have been previously composed for at least two weeks to mitigate potential ingress of weed seeds to the park and verified by the contractor to have been composted as such.

· All equipment, material and tools needed to complete the delivery and material for this project will be supplied by contractor. Contractor will ensure that all tools and equipment are in good working condition to ensure no fluids or fuels leak occur during the project.

· If any such spill occurs Contractor will immediately contact park staff to report the spill.

· All required safety equipment will be provided by contractor. Required and applicable PPE will be provided by the contractor.

· All required signage, barricades, fencing, flagging etc. will be provide by NPS for road closure during work.

Park staff will ensure access for the contractor to the site for the proposed work to be completed.