Amended_Page_5.pdf

AG-82MK-S-15-0010

Calamity Basin Mechanical Treatment

Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre-Gunnison NF Amended Page 5 of 42

SECTION C – Performance Work Statement

SCOPE OF CONTRACT

Mechanically treat up to 675 acres of ponderosa pine plantation within the boundaries of the identified units by mulching and/or shredding the existing vegetation with hydro-axe machines or similar equipment that provide the same level of mastication and chipping of woody material across the ground. Only equipment with rubber tires will be accepted; no tracked equipment will be considered.

The residual stand will consist of 10% clumps ranging in size from 1/10 to 1/2 acre. Multiple pockets (islands) will remain and provide a mosaic of wildlife habitats within the treatment area.

The remainder of the stands would be mowed to achieve a variable density ranging from 50 to 100 sq. ft. basal area (150 to 200 trees per acre).

Work is planned to start on are after July 15, 2015, and take four - six weeks to complete.

No new roads or trails will be constructed during this project; access and travel will be restricted to existing roads and trails within the project area.

Objectives The primary objective of the proposed treatment is to thin these stands in order to: (1) improve stand growth and health, (2) promote the growth of the understory, and (3) reduce the threat of a catastrophic wild-fire or pine beetle infestation.

Improved growing conditions for shrubs, grasses and forbs in the understory will provide secondary benefits by enhancing available forage for big game species that utilize this area during the winter, as well as for species such as turkeys that will use the pine stand for roosting and cover.

The analysis area is about 1100 acres and approximately 675 acres will be treated in 2015.

Desired Outcomes and Benefits The desired end product is an openly-spaced ponderosa pine stand that will be able to reach full maturity over the next several decades and provide suitable habitat for a variety of species.

The specified treatment will also make this stand more resilient to beetles and wild-fire.

There are also some mountain shrub/sage components outside the plantation that are within the treatment units that will become part of the mosaic pattern.

Refer to Section J of this solicitation for maps of the included areas.

PROJECT LOCATION

The project units are located on the northwest portion of the Uncompahgre Plateau, in the Calamity Basin drainage within Mesa County, Colorado (T51, 50N R17 and 102W, Sections 13, 18, 17, 24, 19 and 20). The units are located adjacent to the east side of FS Road 405 and south of FS Road 405.2A. The project area can be accessed by the Niche Road, which is accessed from Highway 141 and County Road 6.3 (4 miles north of Gateway, CO). This road turns into FSR 405 at the Forest boundary. This is the most direct route, but it is narrow and steep. This route should be assessed before bringing in equipment. The project can also be accessed from Highway 141 to the Divide Road (FS Road 402, County Rd 26.1 RD) then proceeding southwest on FS Road 404 (Uranium Road). When FS 404 intersects with FS Road 405 proceed northwest on FS Road 405. Follow FSR 405 to 405.2A, take this road east into calamity basin. FSR 405.2A comes to an intersection which is FSR 405.2A and FSR 405.2B. This road loops around and is connected by FS road 405.2C. The units are all accessible by this road system.