A3 - 2021 BLRI-VA Vista Clearing Special Instructions.pdf

Blue Ridge Parkway Vista Clearing 2020 Special Instructions

Due to seasonal variations in the environmental compliance regulations affecting Park resources, the following must be adhered to by the Contractor for successful completion of the required work. The bolded items are new to these Special Instructions as per 2021.

1. No vista clearing work shall be performed in the time periods listed as follows:

a. Virginia - March 1st and August 15th

b. North Carolina- May 1st and August 15 th

c. Sites with indicated wetlands and/or T&E species safe dates must be cut during the available timeframe. Restrictions due to the available work window shall be considered in the estimates.

2. No vista clearing work shall be performed between dusk and dawn.

3. At least 14 days prior to starting work, the Contractor shall submit a proposed schedule for vista cutting indicating what dates each vista will be cut. The Park will review for compliance with timing of natural resource requirements. The Park may require revision of the schedule to meet these natural resource requirements or elimination of certain vistas from the work.

4. Cutting of plants not identified to be cut per the contract or vista log instructions will result in a

50% reduction in payment for the vista.

5. Vistas not cut completely based on Park inspection will not be paid any partial payment until completed and accepted by the Government. Acceptance requires, but is not limited to:

a. Cutting all vegetation to within 6 to 8 inches above the ground

b. Applying herbicide as indicated on vista log instructions the same day as vegetation was cut

c. Cutting and removing all plants growing under or within a reserved plant

6. All vegetation cut shall be left on site to decompose.

7. Staging and parking for vehicles, equipment and materials shall be confined to paved overlooks and parking areas. Other areas utilized shall be only as designated approved by the CO and/or

COR.

8. Traffic signage must be in place at work sites to alert drivers on Parkway of activity. Traffic signage (i.e. Shoulder Work Ahead) to be placed 500’ North and South of vista work projects while work is being completed.

9. Herbicide Use- In the first 30' of vistas where herbicide use is authorized all vegetation except leave species shall be cut, a maximum of 6 to 8 inches above ground surface and treated with herbicide immediately after being cut. For Vines, Ailanthus, and Paulownia cut and treat with herbicide where permitted immediately after cutting to the depth stated in the special instructions.

10. NOTE: Five (5) vistas in Virginia and ten (10) vistas in North Carolina will have the trash removed from the slopes as the Parking Vistas are being cut. Larger items will be noted, and it will not be the responsibility of the vista clearing contractor to remove these items. The trash to be removed, will be gathered in trash bags and disposed of properly offsite by the contractor. The selection of these sites will be determined by the contractor with input from the COR and are estimated at approximately 1000’ in length.