Q A-52152013.docx

AG-67T0-S-13-0007 Hell Canyon Thinning/Fuel Reduction IDIQ Question: We have a question and need clarification on this solicitation. Since there are no samples units to look at, how many trees will be removed from unit and decked? Is there an average number? If samples units were identified we could come up with our own estimate.

Answer: The Schedule of Items identifies two differing stand conditions. 0 – 4,000 stems per acre, or 4,001 – 9,000 stems per ace in Pre-commercial thinning; and for POL thinning the conditions are 0 – 500 and 501 – 1,500 stems per acre. Although we have listed the variance for the stems per acre, we do not anticipate any stands being in the low range of stems per acre. The Schedule identifies standard spacing guidelines, example 18 foot x 18 foot, 20 foot x 20 foot, etc. With proper spacing of the leave trees by a contractor, the contractor should leave approximately 33.5 trees/acre with 18 foot spacing and 27.25 trees/acre with 20 foot spacing. So in a POL unit with an average of 1,100 trees per acre with 20 foot x 20 foot spacing, the contractor would cut approximately 1,072 trees/acre. Now this is all dependent on if all the trees are within the cutting guidelines which rarely happens. Again this will be on a unit by unit basis, but I would guess-estimate that a contractor could expect to skid up to 30 – 40% of the trees in a POL unit.

One has to remember that each stand will be different depending on terrain, slope, if logging has occurred previously, position on the slope, etc. Stems per acre, and size class of trees is very dependent on slope, aspect, terrain, position on the slope, presence of rock, etc. There actually is no hard fast rule in regard to exactly how many stems are to be cut or skidded. That’s why the contractor is encouraged to look at units or the general geographic area before bidding.