SOW Somber Hill Bid Item 1.docx

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PART I—THE SCHEDULE

SECTION C - SPECIFICATIONS

C. 1. INTRODUCTION – BID ITEM 1 - SOMBER HILL

C.1.1. Background

The purpose of this project is to reduce the amount and continuity of existing fuels surrounding Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas. A major contributor to the fuel hazard adjacent to private land is the amount of dead and dying trees associated with the current Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) epidemic. Ongoing efforts include other contracts and projects adjacent to or within this contract area. Some of these other activities are displayed on the contract maps, but are not included in this contract.

C.1.2. Scope of Contract

Estimated start date will be ten days after award. Actual start date will be negotiated at award to issue the Notice to Proceed.

This solicitation is for fuels reduction treatments near private property inholdings.

Fuel reduction treatments may include, but are not limited to, cutting dead trees, whole tree skidding, decking merchantable material, thinning to a specified spacing, mechanical or hand piling of slash, lopping and scattering of slash, removal of slash, and chipping or mulching of slash.

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies (except those designated as Government furnished), and incidentals to perform all work necessary on the areas specified. All aspects of the work program shall be performed in an organized, systematic manner to assure services will be performed over the entire unit. The Government may implement any or all of the bid items listed at the Governments discretion.

In all awarded Bid Item treatment areas, the Contractor shall not unnecessarily damage young growth or other trees to be reserved.

PRODUCT REMOVAL BY THE AWARDEE/CONTRACTOR IS NOT ALLOWED UNDER THIS CONTRACT.

The Forest Service will be using other contracts and permits to remove products decked under this contract. Product removal activities are anticipated to begin immediately following completion and acceptance of individual Items included in this contract, possibly before final contract termination. Conflicts with this contract and product removal activities are not anticipated due to the geographic separation of work Items in this contract.

Item 01 Wold WUI: This Item must be completed by October 15, 2010. This item includes 3 units that border portions of the Wold Tract private inholding. The Units in this Item are dominated by Lodgepole pine with small amounts of spruce-fir and aspen. The Lodgepole component of these stands has a high mortality rate from Mountain Pine Beetle and the larger Engelmann spruce have been killed by the spruce beetle. There will be a large amount of material to be decked, both sawtimber and POL (Products Other than Logs) material.

Item 02 Miller Lake WUI: Operating restrictions from April 1 to August 30 apply to units included in this Item(see B.1). This item includes 7 units that border portions of the Miller Lake private inholding. The Units in this Item are dominated by Lodgepole pine with small amounts of spruce-fir and aspen. The Lodgepole component of these stands has a high mortality rate from Mountain Pine Beetle and the larger Engelmann spruce have been killed by the spruce beetle. There will be a large amount of material to be decked, both sawtimber and POL (Products Other than Logs) material.

Item 03 Foxpark WUI: This Item must be completed by August 15, 2011. This item includes two units on the northwest side of the Foxpark private inholding. The units at Foxpark were previously thinned and slash piles still exist in the units. The existing slash piles will be moved to a designated location or chipped on site. These stands are dominated by younger Lodgepole pine, thus have less beetle mortality than some of the other treatment areas. A moderate amount of material will be decked, both sawtimber and POL (Products Other than Logs) material.

Item 04 Foxborough WUI: This Item must be completed by August 15, 2011. This item includes 3 units that border the Foxborough/Valhala private inholding. These are boundary treatments that extend approximately 200 ft from the private boundary. The Units in this Item are dominated by Lodgepole pine, spruce-fir and small amounts of aspen. The Lodgepole component of these stands has a high mortality rate from Mountain Pine Beetle and the larger Engelmann spruce have been killed by the spruce beetle. There will be a large amount of material to be decked, both sawtimber and POL (Products Other than Logs) material.

Optional Item 05 Foxborough WUI Unit 88: This Item must be completed by August 15, 2011. This item includes 1 unit that borders the east side of the Foxborough/Valhala private inholding. This is a boundary treatment that extends approximately 200 ft from the private boundary. The Unit in this Item is dominated by Lodgepole pine, spruce-fir and small amounts of aspen. The Lodgepole component of these stands has a high mortality rate from Mountain Pine Beetle and the larger Engelmann spruce have been killed by the spruce beetle. There will be a large amount of material to be decked, both sawtimber and POL (Products Other than Logs) material.

The Contractor is responsible to be familiar with the Design Criteria (J. Exhibit 03) for this project, and design contractual proposals and performance based operations accordingly.

A) Project locations – This project is located on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Laramie Ranger District. Specific unit locations will be identified on the ground and maps are found in Section J. Exhibit 02.

C.1.2.1 This contract is a Performance Based, firm-fixed price contract.

C.1.2.2.

Item 01: The period of performance will be 102 days from start date for this item.

Item 02: The period of performance will be 132 days from start date for this item.

Item 03: The period of performance will be 81 days from start date for this item.

Item 04: The period of performance will be 26 days from start date for this item.

Item 05 - Optional: The period of performance will be 20 days from start date for this item.

Bid items performance time may be concurrent or consecutive, upon agreement.

Under no circumstance will work associated with this contract continue past December 15, 2011.

ITEM TASK DESCRIPTIONS

C.1.3. Location and Description

The work areas are accessed by State, County and Forest Roads on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. Locations, maps and specifications will be provided in each contract and at the pre-work conference, if necessary.

Access to this project area is approximately 40 miles on Wyoming State Highway 230 west of Laramie, Wyoming. These areas can be accessed using NFSR 512, 517, 530, 504, 544.A, and 544.AB, and other system roads.

On alternate routes, the Forest Service does not have an easement across private land at this time. In the past, commercial operators and contractors have negotiated access with the private landowners, and presented the agreement to the Forest Service for approval. The awardee has the option to negotiate these use agreements, and then provide a written copy to FS for approval and incorporation into the contract.

All Contractor operations will conform to the design criteria identified in the Decision Notice for Laramie District South Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Project. Design criteria include such measures as Best Management Practices (BMPs), Watershed Conservation Practices (WCPs), Forest Plan standards and guidelines, and other environmental protection required by laws and regulations.

GENERAL ITEM DESCRIPTIONS

These general descriptions provide some direction for the project work, and should be used in conjunction with the Desired End Results section (C.1.3.4) and the Design Criteria in J.1 Exhibit 03 when planning operations in performance of this contract.

ITEM 01, Wold WUI Units 70, 73, and 80 – Completion Date October 15, 2010 The majority of the existing overstory in these units will be removed to break up the continuity of canopy fuels. Treatment of the stands emphasize removing dead and dying trees that have been affected by the current bark beetle infestation, as well as trees that act as potential ladder fuels. Full logging activities are anticipated over the area, preferably with whole tree skidding operations, including decking of merchantable material and slash treatment. Sorting will be required during decking of sawtimber and POL (Products Other than Logs).

Units are generally level and operable with few restrictions. Some recommended landing and pile locations have been identified, however there will be a need for additional landing locations or location changes, which will be agreed upon by the FS and contract representative.

ITEM 02, Miller Lake WUI Units 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 86A, and 87 – Units 84 and 87, Operating restrictions from April 1 to August 30 The majority of the existing overstory in these units will be removed to break up the continuity of canopy fuels. Treatment of the stands emphasize removing dead and dying trees that have been affected by the current bark beetle infestation, as well as trees that act as potential ladder fuels. Full logging activities are anticipated over the area, preferably with whole tree skidding operations, including decking of merchantable material and slash treatment. Sorting will be required during decking of sawtimber and POL (Products Other than Logs).

Units are generally level and operable with few restrictions. Some recommended landing and pile locations have been identified, however there will be a need for additional landing locations or location changes, which will be agreed upon by the FS and contract representative.

ITEM 03, Foxpark WUI Units 95 and 96 - Completion Date August 15, 2011 The majority of the existing overstory in these units will be removed to break up the continuity of canopy fuels. Treatment of the stands emphasize removing dead and dying trees that have been affected by the current bark beetle infestation, as well as trees that act as potential ladder fuels. Full logging activities are anticipated over the area, preferably with whole tree skidding operations, including decking of merchantable material and slash treatment. Sorting will be required during decking of sawtimber and POL (Products Other than Logs).

Units are generally level and operable with few restrictions. Some recommended landing and pile locations have been identified, however there will be a need for additional landing locations or location changes, which will be agreed upon by the FS and contract representative.

ITEM 04, Foxborough WUI Units 90, 91, and 92 - Completion Date August 15, 2011 The majority of the existing overstory in these units will be removed to break up the continuity of canopy fuels, creating a fuels reduced buffer zone along the private property boundary. Treatment of the stands emphasize removing dead and dying trees that have been affected by the current bark beetle infestation, as well as trees that act as potential ladder fuels. Full logging activities are anticipated over the area, preferably with whole tree skidding operations, including decking of merchantable material and slash treatment. Sorting will be required during decking of sawtimber and POL (Products Other than Logs).

Units are generally level and operable with few restrictions. Small lengths of temporary road and/or snow road may be needed to facilitate operations. Locations and use of temporary roads or snow roads will be approved by the Forest Service contract representative prior to construction. Some recommended landing and pile locations have been identified, however there will be a need for additional landing locations or location changes, which will be agreed upon by the FS and contract representative.

ITEM 05, Foxborough WUI (Optional) Unit 88 - Completion Date August 15, 2011 The majority of the existing overstory in these units will be removed to break up the continuity of canopy fuels, creating a fuels reduced buffer zone along the private property boundary. Treatment of the stands emphasize removing dead and dying trees that have been affected by the current bark beetle infestation, as well as trees that act as potential ladder fuels. Full logging activities are anticipated over the area, preferably with whole tree skidding operations, including decking of merchantable material and slash treatment. Sorting will be required during decking of sawtimber and POL (Products Other than Logs).

Units are generally level and operable with few restrictions. Small lengths of temporary road and/or snow road may be needed to facilitate operations. Locations and use of temporary roads or snow roads will be approved by the Forest Service contract representative prior to construction. Some recommended landing and pile locations have been identified, however there will be a need for additional landing locations or location changes, which will be agreed upon by the FS and contract representative.

C.1.3.1 Merchantability and Utilization Specifications

Trees designated for removal that meet the utilization specifications in the following table must be sorted and decked for future sale opportunities. In general, merchantable trees (and tree pieces) from National Forest lands meeting the designated minimum sizes listed in the table have intrinsic value and are required to be utilized. To meet minimum tree specifications, trees must equal or exceed tree diameters listed and contain at least one minimum piece. Except for timber required or authorized to be left, Contractor shall fall, buck, sort and deck trees at locations designated by the Forest Service.

R2 Utilization Standards effective 9/10/09 will be used for the decking requirements:

Inches

Small End Merch Factor

and Dead

CCF

9.0

7.0

10.67

CCF

7.0

6.0

10.67

SAWTIMBER

10.0

8.0

10.67

5.0

4.0

VAR

LP - Lodgepole Pine, ES - Engelmann Spruce, TF - True Fir (Subalpine Fir) POL – Products Other than Logs* modified for Bark Beetle Forests

* Lodgepole pine trees that are bug hit but still display green needles, with DBH >5” (inches) and <9” (inches) will be sorted and decked separately from the sawtimber decks.

Generally, in a whole tree skidding/logging operation, decked sawtimber would be 43’ (feet) in length maximum pieces, down to the minimum length and DIB (Diameter Inside Bark) on the small end. Decked POL is commonly 16’ (feet) in length, down to the minimum length and DIB on the small end.

All decks will be placed in decking locations designated by the Forest Service. Decks will be constructed in a safe manner and location, taking into consideration safety for the Contractor, contractor employees, Forest Service employees and the Public.

Deck size will be limited to 8’ (feet) in height. Decks will not be placed along roadways in areas that may obstruct traffic or block line of sight along the travel route. Decks and decked material will be piled in a stable manner, not able to roll or slide under normal conditions.

C.1.3.2 Contractor worksite and Equipment

The Contractor will follow the Design Criteria (Section J. Exhibit 03) to reduce or prevent undesirable effects resulting from management activities when operating equipment on Forest Service lands. This responsibility also includes items in Section H.4, which includes property protection, protection of residual trees, equipment washing, sanitation and servicing, prevention of oil spills, meadow protection, wetlands protection and streamcourse protection.

The Contractor has the responsibility to be familiar with these requirements in the contract pertaining to worksites and equipment use before moving equipment into project areas.

C.1.3.3 Safety

The Contractor has the responsibility to conduct operations in a safe manner. Colorado and Wyoming State safety regulations for Contractors; 29CFR1910.266 (OSHA standards for logging operations); FSH 6309.11 Contract administration Handbook; and the FSH 7709.58 Transportation System Maintenance Handbook 12.6, Exhibit 01 Maintenance Prescription guidelines; and any other safety regulations available that provide safety information should be incorporated into the Contractors proposal, operating and safety plans submitted prior to operations, and discussed at the pre-work meeting(s).

Forest Service inspections and conduct will follow guidelines found in the Contract Administration Handbook 6309.11, Control of Work; District Health and Safety plan(s); developed JHA’s, the Health and Safety Code Handbook, FSH6709.11; 29CFR1910.266; and any other safety regulations or guidelines necessary to protect Forest Service employees, the Public and Contractor employees.

The National Forest is currently in a bark beetle epidemic, resulting in dead standing trees throughout forested lands. Special precautions are in place to inform the Public, Contractors and Government employees of the dangers of working in and visiting the National Forest. The Contractors Safety Plan should include general OSHA logging requirements and a section on standing dead, hazardous trees and the potential of injury from falling stems and other debris. (See the FS QASP, section J. exhibit 04 for examples.) This will be a safety topic discussed at the pre-work meeting.

C.1.3.4 General operations and desired end results for Bid Items

DESIRED END RESULTS

As a performance based contract, work methods to be performed will be determined by Contractor to meet the desired end result. The end results for Items 01, 02, 03, 04 and 05 include decking of merchantable sawtimber and POL, thinning, slash piling or chipping and incorporating design criteria identified in the Decision Notice (J.1 Exhibit 03). It is anticipated that full scale logging operations will be employed.

CONDITIONS AND RESULTS WHICH APPLY TO ALL ITEMS:

Some boundary trees and/or leave trees MAY need to be cut during operations. Boundary trees and/or leave trees that are deemed necessary for removal by FS contract representative will be identified as cut trees with another paint color. The paint color will be decided on at the pre-work meeting.

Additional trees may be designated for cutting and/or removal to facilitate operations on the ground (such as landings, skid trails, hazard trees and minor road clearing).

Any ORANGE painted tree WILL NOT be cut unless agreed on with the FS contract representative.

The Contractor is responsible for selecting the trees to be cut and/or left in this treatment, (unless otherwise designated by the Forest Service (C.1.2) and/or as specified) and designing operations to conform to Design Criteria found in section J. Exhibit 03.

Contractors are responsible for selecting the appropriate tree based on the selection criteria in Section C.2, Definitions, Characteristics of Acceptable Leave Trees and Characteristics of Cut Trees.

Species preference in order of priority to be left is listed in the Special Project Specifications in Section J.1 Exhibit 02 of this contract.

Merchantable material (sawtimber and POL) will be sorted and placed into decks at designated locations approved by the Forest Service. Material not meeting merchantability specifications identified in Section C.1.3.1 will be placed in designated slash pile locations.

Winter operations are allowed and encouraged (except in Item 01) and require the approval of the Forest Service prior to Contractor winter operations. Written agreement must be in place by August 1, 2010 in order to conduct operations during the 2010/2011 winter. Coordination between the FS contract representative, Laramie Ranger District staffs and the contractor will be necessary. Any winter operations may require follow-up treatment to meet stump and slash requirements when conditions allow. Snow plowing restrictions and requirements will be included in the agreement for winter operations

Whole tree skidding is the preferred method of treatment.

Sever the tree as close to the ground as feasible, especially within 200’ (feet) of HWY 230, NFSR 512 and NFSR 517. Maximum stump height shall not exceed 12 inches measured on the uphill side of the tree. Where natural obstacles impede cutting operations, trees may be severed up to 4 inches above the obstacle. Stump angle should be close to horizontal or flush with the ground. All cut trees shall be completely severed, and have no live limbs (as defined in C.2) remaining on the stump, to prevent the tree from growing new vegetative material.

No slash piles will be located within 200’ (feet) of HWY 230 or 100’ (feet) of private property boundaries.

Leave trees shall not be damaged in the operations.

Residual trees damaged as a result of operations shall be removed. All conditions of the contract apply to removal of damaged residual trees, such as sorting, decking and slash treatment. Damaged trees are those with broken tops and/or stems with more than 50% (percent) of the bark removed and/or trees leaning more than 15 % (percent).

Traffic Control:

Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) plans are included. See Section J, Exhibit 05. Sign placement and standards in the TCC are required, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

Unless otherwise agreed to in writing, when Contractor operations are in progress adjacent to or on Forest Service controlled roads open to public travel, Contractor shall furnish, install and maintain all temporary traffic controls that provide safety for the road user. Signs shall be appropriate to current conditions and shall be covered or removed when not needed.

Roads are to remain open unless otherwise agreed to in advance. Operations signs will be placed at locations identified in the TTC warning the public that tree felling, logging operations and removal actions are taking place. Roads that provide primary access to private land will generally remain open, unless scheduling closures or other agreements can be reached with the impacted landowner(s).

Written requests for road closures will be submitted at least 5 days in advance to the CO. The CO will verify need and evaluate impacts to the Laramie Ranger District. District personnel may provide additional mitigation measures that could be placed into an agreement before the closure could occur. Road closure requests may be denied. An official Forest Service road closure order may take more than 5 days to be issued. Temporary road closures would be addressed through the COR authorities.

For roads that cannot be closed indefinitely or for extended periods of time during operations such as sole access to private land or busy recreation sites, a flagger may be necessary to alert traffic, or to stop traffic intermittently, as required by the progress of work in a working road segment. The flagging operation provides protection for other contractor employees and the public.

Specific State requirements for training and/or certification of flaggers are the responsibility of the Contractor. On Forest Service level 3-5 roads and on county and state highways, warning signs and traffic control shall be in accordance with the “Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices” (MUTCD) and Signage Strategies Regarding Bark Beetle Incident Needs, (Forest Service, June 2009).

CONDITIONS AND RESULTS SPECIFIC TO INDIVIDUAL ITEMS:

Item 01, Wold WUI Units 70, 73, and 80 -Completion Date of October 15, 2010

- Winter Operations are NOT allowed

Boundaries are identified with 1 ORANGE painted vertical stripe at about 5’ (feet) high facing in toward the unit and 2 ORANGE painted dots (1 on each side of tree) facing the next boundary tree on each side. Each boundary tree has an ORANGE painted butt mark facing in toward the unit. Unit numbers are painted on boundary trees. All other paint colors, other than ORANGE, will be ignored for treatment purposes.

1. Dead and Dying Tree Removal

All standing dead and dying trees not designated as leave trees with orange tracer paint (see definitions in C.2) will be cut and removed from the unit. The majority of the treatment will impact Lodgepole pine trees, although small amounts of Engelmann spruce, and Subalpine fir, may also be cut and removed.

For the purpose of this contract a dead tree is defined as a tree greater than or equal to 3” (inches) DBH, that has lost all needles or leaves, has sloughing bark, obvious cracks that extend into the interior of the tree, and/or damage to the cambium layer that has stopped transfer of nutrients and water that will lead to the eventual death of the tree. This includes, but is not limited to, beetle hit trees that exhibit red or green needles with numerous pitch tubes, loose bark and/or insect galleries.

2. Removal of All Subalpine fir

Remove all Subalpine fir over 24” (inches) tall.

3. Thinning of remaining standing green trees

Thin trees to a 25’ (feet) spacing of the crowns +/- 5 % for natural spacing variations. Trees less than 24” (inches) in height are not considered leave trees for spacing requirements and do not need to be cut.

4. Aspen treatment.

Where aspen exists, both inside and outside of the unit, remove all conifer trees over 24” (inches) in height that are 75’ (feet) from aspen trees greater or equal to 15’ (feet) in height. Contractors are only responsible for cutting trees inside the unit, however aspen trees outside the unit are to be considered for identification of cut and leave trees.

5. Slash Treatment

All slash resulting from operations will be piled at landing sites or at designated slash pile locations. Lop and scatter methods will be limited to isolated circumstances and only with written permission. Material in slash piles must conform to Decking and Landing Slash Treatment, 7.D, 7.E and 7.F below. NO slash piles will be located within 100’ (feet) of the private property boundary.

6. Skidding

Skid trails will be a minimum of 75’ (feet) apart except where converging, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. Skid trails will be laid out in a manner to maximize productivity and use over the unit, but minimize potential for erosion or compaction. Skid trails will be laid out in a manner to facilitate use of temporary landings or slash piles and minimize damage to residual trees. There will be no skidding allowed on National Forest System Roads or in road Right of Ways unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

7. Decking and Landing Slash Treatment

A. Trees cut will be topped, limbed and decked in landing areas designated by the FS contract representative.

B. Merchantable material will be sorted into Sawtimber decks and POL decks for future sale and removal. See Section C.1.3.1.

C. Landing material not meeting merchantability specifications, such as limbs and tops, will be considered slash and will be piled in a manner that is compact and free of dirt for later burning by the Forest Service.

D. Other slash disposal methods may be considered, such as chipping or mastication, provided these methods meet the limitations found in the design criteria and are approved by the Forest Service in advance. When agreed upon in writing, on-site chipping requires scattering material across the area in a discontiguous pattern of width, length and depth. The depth of the chips cannot exceed 3” (inches) above the ground surface and must not cover more than 50% of the unit area.

E. Slash pile material shall not exceed a maximum piece length of 6’ (feet) in length. Slash piles will be located away from residual trees, private property lines and decks. The pile perimeter will be located at least 20’ (feet) from roads, culverts, signs, fence lines, and live trees. Piles will be placed appropriately to minimize potential damage to other resources. NO slash piles will be located within 100’ (feet) of the private property boundary.

F. Maximum pile size shall not exceed 25,000 cubic feet unless agreed to by the Forest Service. Under no circumstance shall a pile or deck exceed 50,000 cubic feet. Generally, a slash pile 10’ (feet) in height, 20’ (feet) in width and 40’ (feet) in length is 8,000 cubic feet in size. A deck 8’ (feet) in height, 43’ (feet) in length (optimum log truck length) and 40’ (feet) in width is 13,760 cubic feet. Slash piles not located at landings or designated slash disposal areas will be limited to a maximum footprint of 300 square feet.

G. All deck and slash pile locations will be approved by the FS in advance. The decks will be located in designated areas conducive to potential future loading and hauling. Decks will be constructed in a stable manner, unable to shift, slide or roll. Approved decking locations will be selected to minimize skidding distances and enable the contractor to meet decking specifications outlined here and in C.1.3.1.

8. Other Design Criteria Activities

Important design criteria unique to a specific site is identified in Section J. Exhibit 02 and will be discussed at the pre-work meeting.

9. National Forest System Road Use

Purchaser brushing, blading and maintenance is allowed and required when necessary to prevent resource damage on lower level NFSRs during operations (See Engineering T-specs in Section J. Exhibit 07). No skidding is allowed on any NFSR surfaces or road Right of Ways, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

Item 02, Miller Lake WUI Unit 82

Boundaries are identified with 3 ORANGE painted vertical stripes. Two stripes are 4 to 6 ‘(feet) long facing the next boundary tree on each side. One 2 to 4 foot long stripe faces the interior of the unit. Unit numbers are painted on boundary trees. Where boundaries follow roads, trees are not painted and the road is the boundary.

1. Dead and Dying Tree Removal

All standing dead and dying trees not designated as leave trees with orange tracer paint (see definitions in C.2) will be cut and removed from the unit. The majority of the treatment will impact Lodgepole pine trees, although small amounts of Engelmann spruce, and Subalpine fir, may also be cut and removed.

For the purpose of this contract a dead tree is defined as a tree greater than or equal to 3” (inches) DBH, that has lost all needles or leaves, has sloughing bark, obvious cracks that extend into the interior of the tree, and/or damage to the cambium layer that has stopped transfer of nutrients and water that will lead to the eventual death of the tree. This includes, but is not limited to, beetle hit trees that exhibit red or green needles with numerous pitch tubes, loose bark and/or insect galleries.

2. Removal of All Subalpine fir

Remove all Subalpine fir over 24” (inches) tall.

3. Thinning of remaining standing green trees

Thin trees to a 20’ (feet) spacing of the crowns +/- 5 % for natural spacing variations. Trees less than 24” (inches) in height are not considered leave trees for spacing requirements and do not need to be cut.

4. Slash Treatment

All slash resulting from operations will be piled at landing sites or at designated slash pile locations. Lop and scatter methods will be limited to isolated circumstances and only with written permission. Material in slash piles must conform to Decking and Landing Slash Treatment, 6.D, 6.E and 6.F below. NO slash piles will be located within 100’ (feet) of the private property boundary.

5. Skidding

Skid trails will be a minimum of 75’ (feet) apart except where converging, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. Skid trails will be laid out in a manner to maximize productivity and use over the unit, but minimize potential for erosion or compaction. Skid trails will be laid out in a manner to facilitate use of temporary landings or slash piles and minimize damage to residual trees. There will be no skidding allowed on National Forest System Roads or in road Right of Ways unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

6. Decking and Landing Slash Treatment

A. Trees cut will be topped, limbed and decked in landing areas designated by the FS contract representative.

B. Merchantable material will be sorted into Sawtimber decks and POL decks for future sale and removal. See Section C.1.3.1.

C. Landing material not meeting merchantability specifications, such as limbs and tops, will be considered slash and will be piled in a manner that is compact and free of dirt for later burning by the Forest Service.

D. Other slash disposal methods may be considered, such as chipping or mastication, provided these methods meet the limitations found in the design criteria and are approved by the Forest Service in advance. When agreed upon in writing, on-site chipping requires scattering material across the area in a discontiguous pattern of width, length and depth. The depth of the chips cannot exceed 3” (inches) above the ground surface and must not cover more than 50% of the unit area.

E. Slash pile material shall not exceed a maximum piece length of 6’ (feet) in length. Slash piles will be located away from residual trees, private property lines and decks. The pile perimeter will be located at least 20’ (feet) from roads, culverts, signs, fence lines, and live trees. Piles will be placed appropriately to minimize potential damage to other resources. NO slash piles will be located within 100’ (feet) of the private property boundary.

F. Maximum pile size shall not exceed 25,000 cubic feet unless agreed to by the Forest Service. Under no circumstance shall a pile or deck exceed 50,000 cubic feet. Generally, a slash pile 10’ (feet) in height, 20’ (feet) in width and 40’ (feet) in length is 8,000 cubic feet in size. A deck 8’ (feet) in height, 43’ (feet) in length (optimum log truck length) and 40’ (feet) in width is 13,760 cubic feet. Slash piles not located at landings or designated slash disposal areas will be limited to a maximum footprint of 300 square feet.

G. All deck and slash pile locations will be approved by the FS in advance. The decks will be located in designated areas conducive to potential future loading and hauling. Decks will be constructed in a stable manner, unable to shift, slide or roll. Approved decking locations will be selected to minimize skidding distances and enable the contractor to meet decking specifications outlined here and in C.1.3.1.

7. Other Design Criteria Activities

Important design criteria unique to a specific site is identified in Section J. Exhibit 02 and will be discussed at the pre-work meeting.

8. National Forest System Road Use

Purchaser brushing, blading and maintenance is allowed and required when necessary to prevent resource damage on lower level NFSR roads during operations. Purchaser brushing, blading and maintenance is NOT REQUIRED and NOT ALLOWED on NFSR 512, NFSR 517 AND NFSR 530 roads during operations. No skidding is allowed on any NFSR surfaces or road Right of Ways, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. See Engineering T-specs in Section J. Exhibit 07.

Item 02, Miller Lake WUI Units 83, 84, 85, 86, 86A and 87 -Unit 87: All operations prohibited April 1 to August 30 -Hauling prohibited on NFSR 530 from April 1 to August 30

1. Dead and Dying Tree Removal

All standing dead and dying trees not designated as leave trees with orange tracer paint (see definitions in C.2) will be cut and removed from the unit. The majority of the treatment will impact Lodgepole pine trees, although small amounts of Engelmann spruce and Subalpine fir may also be cut and removed.

For the purpose of this contract a dead tree is defined as a tree greater than or equal to 3” (inches) DBH, that has lost all needles or leaves, has sloughing bark, obvious cracks that extend into the interior of the tree, and/or damage to the cambium layer that has stopped transfer of nutrients and water that will lead to the eventual death of the tree. This includes, but is not limited to, beetle hit trees that exhibit red or green needles with numerous pitch tubes, loose bark and/or insect galleries.

2. Removal of Lodgepole Pine with Dwarf Mistletoe Rating (DMR) of 3 or Greater

Remove all Lodgepole pine trees with a DMR of 3 or greater according to DMR Guidelines in Section J.1. Exhibit 08.

3. Thinning of Remaining Standing Green Trees

Thin trees to a 20’ (feet) spacing of the crowns +/- 5 % for natural spacing variations. Trees less than 24’ (inches) in height are not considered leave trees for spacing requirements and do not need to be cut.

4. Aspen treatment.

Where aspen exists, both inside and outside of the unit, remove all conifer trees over 24” (inches) in height that are 75’ (feet) from aspen trees greater or equal to 15’ (feet) in height. Contractors are only responsible for cutting trees inside the unit, however aspen trees outside the unit are to be considered for identification of cut and leave trees.

5. Slash Treatment

All slash resulting from operations will be piled at landing sites or at designated slash pile locations. Lop and scatter methods will be limited to isolated circumstances and only with written permission. Material in slash piles must conform to Decking and Landing Slash Treatment, 7.D, 7.E and 7.F below. NO slash piles will be located within 100’ (feet) of the private property boundary.

6. Skidding

Skid trails will be a minimum of 75’ (feet) apart except where converging, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. Skid trails will be laid out in a manner to maximize productivity and use over the unit, but minimize potential for erosion or compaction. Skid trails will be laid out in a manner to facilitate use of temporary landings or slash piles and minimize damage to residual trees. There will be no skidding allowed on National Forest System Roads or in road Right of Ways unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

7. Decking and Landing Slash Treatment

A. Trees cut will be topped, limbed and decked in landing areas designated by the FS contract representative.

B. Merchantable material will be sorted into Sawtimber decks and POL decks for future sale and removal. See Section C.1.3.1.

C. Landing material not meeting merchantability specifications, such as limbs and tops, will be considered slash and will be piled in a manner that is compact and free of dirt for later burning by the Forest Service.

D. Other slash disposal methods may be considered, such as chipping or mastication, provided these methods meet the limitations found in the design criteria and are approved by the Forest Service in advance. When agreed upon in writing, on-site chipping requires scattering material across the area in a discontiguous pattern of width, length and depth. The depth of the chips cannot exceed 3” (inches) above the ground surface and must not cover more than 50% of the unit area.

E. Slash pile material shall not exceed a maximum piece length of 6’ (feet) in length. Slash piles will be located away from residual trees, private property lines and decks. The pile perimeter will be located at least 20’ (feet) from roads, culverts, signs, fence lines, and live trees. Piles will be placed appropriately to minimize potential damage to other resources. NO slash piles will be located within 100’ (feet) of the private property boundary.

F. Maximum pile size shall not exceed 25,000 cubic feet unless agreed to by the Forest Service. Under no circumstance shall a pile or deck exceed 50,000 cubic feet. Generally, a slash pile 10’ (feet) in height, 20’ (feet) in width and 40’ (feet) in length is 8,000 cubic feet in size. A deck 8’ (feet) in height, 43’ (feet) in length (optimum log truck length) and 40’ (feet) in width is 13,760 cubic feet. Slash piles not located at landings or designated slash disposal areas will be limited to a maximum footprint of 300 square feet.

G. All deck and slash pile locations will be approved by the FS in advance. The decks will be located in designated areas conducive to potential future loading and hauling. Decks will be constructed in a stable manner, unable to shift, slide or roll. Approved decking locations will be selected to minimize skidding distances and enable the contractor to meet decking specifications outlined here and in C.1.3.1.

8. Other Design Criteria Activities

Important design criteria unique to a specific site is identified in Section J. Exhibit 02 and will be discussed at the pre-work meeting.

9. National Forest Service Road Use

Purchaser brushing, blading and maintenance is allowed and required when necessary to prevent resource damage on lower level NFSR roads during operations (See Engineering T-specs in Section J. Exhibit 07). Purchaser brushing, blading and maintenance is NOT REQUIRED and NOT ALLOWED on NFSR 512, NFSR 517 AND NFSR 530 roads during operations. No skidding is allowed on any NFSR surfaces or road Right of Ways, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

Item 03, Foxpark WUI Units 95 and 96 -Completion Date of August 15, 2011

Boundaries are identified with 1 ORANGE painted vertical stripe at about 5’ (feet) high facing in toward the unit and 2 ORANGE painted dots (1 on each side of tree) facing the next boundary tree on each side. Each boundary tree has an ORANGE painted butt mark facing in toward the unit. Unit numbers are painted on boundary trees. All other paint colors, other than ORANGE, will be ignored for treatment purposes.

1. Dead and Dying Tree Removal

All standing dead and dying trees not designated as leave trees with orange tracer paint (see definitions in C.2) will be cut and removed from the unit. The majority of the treatment will impact Lodgepole pine trees, although small amounts of Engelmann spruce, and Subalpine fir, may also be cut and removed.

For the purpose of this contract a dead tree is defined as a tree greater than or equal to 3” (inches) DBH, that has lost all needles or leaves, has sloughing bark, obvious cracks that extend into the interior of the tree, and/or damage to the cambium layer that has stopped transfer of nutrients and water that will lead to the eventual death of the tree. This includes, but is not limited to, beetle hit trees that exhibit red or green needles with numerous pitch tubes, loose bark and/or insect galleries.

2. Removal of Lodgepole Pine with Dwarf Mistletoe Rating (DMR) of 3 or Greater

Remove all Lodgepole pine trees with a DMR of 3 or greater according to DMR Guidelines in Section J.1. Exhibit 08.

3. Thinning of Remaining Standing Green Trees

Thin trees to a 20’ (feet) spacing of the crowns +/- 5 % for natural spacing variations. Trees less than 24’ (inches) in height are not considered leave trees for spacing requirements and do not need to be cut.

3. Slash Treatment

All slash resulting from operations will be piled at landing sites or at designated slash pile locations. Lop and scatter methods will be limited to isolated circumstances and only with written permission. Material in slash piles must conform to Decking and Landing Slash Treatment, 6.D, 6.E and 6.F below. NO slash piles will be located within 100’ (feet) of the private property boundary.

These units have existing slash piles from previous contract activity. The existing hand piles are distributed throughout the units at a density of approximately 3-5 piles per acre (distribution varies). The existing piles will be removed from the units and placed in a designated location or chipped/masticated on site following standards in Decking and Landing Slash Treatment, 6.D below.

5. Skidding

Skid trails will be a minimum of 75’ (feet) apart except where converging, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. Skid trails will be laid out in a manner to maximize productivity and use over the unit, but minimize potential for erosion or compaction. Skid trails will be laid out in a manner to facilitate use of temporary landings or slash piles and minimize damage to residual trees. There will be no skidding allowed on National Forest System Roads or in road Right of Ways unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

6. Decking and Landing Slash Treatment

A. Trees cut will be topped, limbed and decked in landing areas designated by the FS contract representative.

B. Merchantable material will be sorted into Sawtimber decks and POL decks for future sale and removal. See Section C.1.3.1.

C. Landing material not meeting merchantability specifications, such as limbs and tops, will be considered slash and will be piled in a manner that is compact and free of dirt for later burning by the Forest Service.

D. Other slash disposal methods may be considered, such as chipping or mastication, provided these methods meet the limitations found in the design criteria and are approved by the Forest Service in advance. When agreed upon in writing, on-site chipping requires scattering material across the area in a discontiguous pattern of width, length and depth. The depth of the chips cannot exceed 3” (inches) above the ground surface and must not cover more than 50% of the unit area.

E. Slash pile material shall not exceed a maximum piece length of 6’ (feet) in length. Slash piles will be located away from residual trees, private property lines and decks. The pile perimeter will be located at least 20’ (feet) from roads, culverts, signs, fence lines, and live trees. Piles will be placed appropriately to minimize potential damage to other resources. NO slash piles will be located within 100’ (feet) of the private property boundary.

F. Maximum pile size shall not exceed 25,000 cubic feet unless agreed to by the Forest Service. Under no circumstance shall a pile or deck exceed 50,000 cubic feet. Generally, a slash pile 10’ (feet) in height, 20’ (feet) in width and 40’ (feet) in length is 8,000 cubic feet in size. A deck 8’ (feet) in height, 43’ (feet) in length (optimum log truck length) and 40’ (feet) in width is 13,760 cubic feet. Slash piles not located at landings or designated slash disposal areas will be limited to a maximum footprint of 300 square feet.

G. All deck and slash pile locations will be approved by the FS in advance. The decks will be located in designated areas conducive to potential future loading and hauling. Decks will be constructed in a stable manner, unable to shift, slide or roll. Approved decking locations will be selected to minimize skidding distances and enable the contractor to meet decking specifications outlined here and in C.1.3.1.

7. Other Design Criteria Activities

Important design criteria unique to a specific site is identified in Section J. Exhibit 02 and will be discussed at the pre-work meeting.

8. National Forest Service Road Use

Purchaser brushing, blading and maintenance is allowed and required when necessary to prevent resource damage on lower level NFSR roads during operations (See Engineering T-specs in Section J. Exhibit 07). Purchaser brushing, blading and maintenance is NOT REQUIRED and NOT ALLOWED on NFSR 512, NFSR 517 AND NFSR 530 roads during operations. No skidding is allowed on any NFSR surfaces or road Right of Ways, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

Item 04, Foxborough WUI Units 90, 91 and 92 -Completion Date of August 15, 2011

Boundaries are identified with 1 WHITE painted vertical stripe at about 5’ (feet) high facing in toward the unit and 2 WHITE painted dots (1 on each side of tree) facing the next boundary tree on each side. Each boundary tree has a WHITE painted butt mark facing in toward the unit. Unit numbers are painted on boundary trees. All other paint colors, other than WHITE, will be ignored for treatment purposes.

1. Dead and Dying Tree Removal

All standing dead and dying trees not designated as leave trees with orange tracer paint (see definitions in C.2) will be cut and removed from the unit. The majority of the treatment will impact Lodgepole pine trees, although small amounts of Engelmann spruce and Subalpine fir may also be cut and removed.

For the purpose of this contract a dead tree is defined as a tree greater than or equal to 3” (inches) DBH, that has lost all needles or leaves, has sloughing bark, obvious cracks that extend into the interior of the tree, and/or damage to the cambium layer that has stopped transfer of nutrients and water that will lead to the eventual death of the tree. This includes, but is not limited to, beetle hit trees that exhibit red or green needles with numerous pitch tubes, loose bark and/or insect galleries.

2. Aspen treatment

Where aspen exists, both inside and outside of the unit, remove all conifer trees over 24” (inches) in height that are 75’ (feet) from aspen trees greater or equal to 15’ (feet) in height. Contractors are only responsible for cutting trees inside the unit, however aspen trees outside the unit are to be considered for identification of cut and leave trees.

3. Thinning of remaining standing green trees

Thin trees greater than 9” (inches) DBH to a 25’ (feet) spacing of the crowns +/- 5 % for natural spacing variations. Thin trees less than 9” (inches) DBH to a 15’ (feet) spacing of the crowns +/- 5 % for natural spacing variations. Trees less than 24’ (inches) in height are not considered leave trees for spacing requirements and do not need to be cut.

4. Slash Treatment

All slash resulting from operations will be piled at landing sites or at designated slash pile locations. Lop and scatter methods will be limited to isolated circumstances and only with written permission. Material in slash piles must conform to Decking and Landing Slash Treatment, 6.D, 6.E and 6.F below. NO slash piles will be located within 100’ (feet) of the private property boundary.

If slash treatment requirements cannot be met using the area within the identified units or at landings, slash will be moved to a location designated by the Forest Service within approximately 1 mile of the contract area for this Item.

4. Skidding

Skid trails will be a minimum of 75’ (feet) apart except where converging, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. Skid trails will be laid out in a manner to maximize productivity and use over the unit, but minimize potential for erosion or compaction. Skid trails will be laid out in a manner to facilitate use of temporary landings or slash piles and minimize damage to residual trees. There will be no skidding allowed on National Forest System Roads or in road Right of Ways unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

6. Decking and Landing Slash Treatment

A. Trees cut will be topped, limbed and decked in landing…