Site_Visit_Notes.docx

Site Visit Notes

AG-4870-S-13-1004

November 8, 2013

The site visit started at the LBL Administrative Building at 0900. Curtis Fowler, Pest Control Manager and Angela Mitchell, Lead CO led the site visit.

The group went to the maintenance complex to view the buffalo turbine sprayer. A photo of the sprayer is included below.

Questions and Answers:

1. Is the contractor responsible for buying chemicals, or does the Forest Service? Typically we have the contractor buy the chemicals and we reimburse the actual cost. The Forest Service may buy chemicals, but it typically takes longer.

2. Have there been many accidents with bison and vehicles? Vehicles haven’t been hit by the animals in a few years. Sometimes it happens from a driver trying to herd the animals. Typically the Forest Service prompts the animals with food. If the contractor is using the turbine sprayer, they can drive on the outside of the animals and fog the whole group. If other equipment is used to get closer, there could be more risk because the animals are trying to get food, so they are jockeying for position. The animals usually hit the Forest Service vehicles because that’s where the food is. We try not to put vehicles in a position to be hit.

3. Is the spraying done in groups? The Elk & Bison Prairie (EBP) spraying is usually done by the Forest Service, not by the contractor. The South Bison Range (SBR) has larger, open, flat areas, so it’s easier to position vehicles. 4 wheel drive is recommended, as there are gullies to cross.

4. Is the SBR spraying supervised by the Forest Service? Yes. The Forest Service helps by feeding, and sometimes smaller animals have to be corralled by vehicles.

5. Chemicals have to be labeled for use for livestock.

6. How often is spraying at SBR done? Once a week at the most, and it tapers off during the early and late seasons to once every two to three weeks.

7. Is fogging better than spraying for disbursement? Yes. In the past, the direct spraying has spooked the animals, where fogging is less intrusive and allows greater coverage without having to get as close to the animals.

8. How is the sprayer used? It is put on a truck – current an F250. The sprayer needs to have some height in order for the nozzle to be above the grass, which can grow tall at times. It is believed that a forklift is used to put the sprayer on a truck. The Forest Service does have a Government Owned forklift that may be used, with prior coordination. The nozzle on the sprayer moves so that it can be aimed.

9. Can the contractor’s vehicle be parked in the maintenance complex if the sprayer is on it? Yes.

10. How many gallons is the sprayer? 75-100 gallons.

11. Is it used for mosquito spraying? No, the current contractor uses a ULV sprayer for mosquitos.

12. There is no guarantee of the operability of the sprayer. When it quits working, it is up to the contractor to replace it or develop a different method of spraying.

13. The sprayer will need some maintenance in the spring, and it needs to be state inspected. The sprayer was made in 1995.

14. Is Swift & Staley still the current contractor? Yes, the current contract expires 31 December 2013.

The group drove to the Administrative building, where tour ended.

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