HT1_TASK_ORDER.pdf

Solicitation No. AG-82X9-S-10-0105

WRNF HT1 Task Order

WRNF IDIQ HAZTREE AND FUELS

WRNF HT1 TASK ORDER

B.1 PRICING FOR SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

ITEM

N0.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT

PRICE

AMOUNT

Hazard trees along FSR 700 road will be felled, limbed, skidded in the contract units, associated slash work completed and merchantable material removed.

8.86

MILES

Hazard trees along FSR 734 and FSR 787 roads will be felled, limbed, and skidded in the contract units, associated slash work completed and merchantable material removed.

2.47

MILES

B.2 TIMBER REMOVAL PRICE SCHEDULE:

Values of timber products removed to be applied at Flat Rates FSR 700 (Red Sandstone)

SPECIES PRODUCT QUANTITY UNIT OF

MEASURE

MINIMUM

ACCEPTABLE

OFFER

OFFER

(FLAT)

TOTAL

OFFER

Lodgepole Pine & Other Live / Dead

SAWLOG 1377 CCF $1.00

Aspen Live/Dead

SAWLOG Unest. CCF $1.00

Lodgepole pine & Other Live/Dead

POL 4 CCF $1.00

Lodgepole pine & Other Live/Dead

BIOMASS 956 CCF $0.25

See Timber Removal Project Terms and Specifications in Appendix A.

Values of timber products removed to be applied at Flat Rates FSR 734 (Red and White) and FSR 787 (Buffehr)

SPECIES PRODUCT QUANTITY UNIT OF

MEASURE

MINIMUM

ACCEPTABLE

OFFER

OFFER

(FLAT)

TOTAL

OFFER

Lodgepole Pine & Other Live / Dead

SAWLOG 288 CCF $1.00

Aspen Live/Dead

SAWLOG Unest. CCF $1.00

Lodgepole pine & Other Live/Dead

POL 5 CCF $1.00

Lodgepole pine & Other Live/Dead

BIOMASS 166 CCF $0.25

See Timber Removal Project Terms and Specifications in Appendix A.

WORK ACTIVITY ITEMS – TERMS AND SPECIFICATIONS

1. Scope of Work

Appendix A of this solicitation describes the contract requirement and specifications for services for a performance based, fixed price contract for hazard tree and hazardous fuel reduction, treatment of biomass, slash treatments in the contract units within the WRNF IDIQ Haztree and Fuels – WRNF HT1 project. This contract requires vegetation manipulation and road maintenance in compliance with its terms, specifications and provisions. The contractor shall provide any and all labor, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, equipment, services, permits, insurance, licenses and incidentals required to fell, limb, deck, and remove from FS land designated timber on approximately 11.33 miles of Forest System Roads within the contract areas on the Eagle/Holy Cross District of the White River National Forests. Contractor is also required to perform hazardous fuel reduction and slash treatments.

The services in this contract are designed to:

1) Improve public and firefighter safety by:

a) Reducing the risk of people or property being struck by falling trees; and

b) Keeping travel corridors open

2) Minimize the effects of tree mortality on the overall health, scenic quality, and condition of forested areas along roads and trails

The timber harvest and removal requirements of this contract are outlined here, in the solicitation, and in Appendix A of this solicitation. Specifications and requirements for road maintenance are outlined in Appendix B.

2. Project Location and Description

a) Project Location Description – This project is located on the White River National Forests northwest of Vail, Colorado. The project can be accessed from the north frontage road in Vail by traveling east approximately 2 miles on the north frontage road from the West Vail exit on I-70 to the Red Sandstone Road. Go north on the Red Sandstone Road to the Forest Boundary where the road becomes FSR 700 (Red Sandstone). From the Forest Boundary, travel approximately 6.3 miles north to the junction with FSR 734 (Red and White Road). The FSR 734 road project begins here and continues for approximately

2.9 miles. Project units are interspersed along either side of FSR 734. Legal location is within portions of sections 22, 26-27 and 35, T4S, R81W. From the FSR 700/734 junction, continue west approximately 5.3 miles to the FSR 700 project units. FSR 700 units are either side of the road and continue west towards Muddy Pass. Legal location is within portions of sections 7, 8, 17, T4S, R81W;

portions of sections 2-4 and 11-12, T4S, R82W; portions of sections 29 and 33, T3S, R82W, 6th P.M.

Eagle, County Colorado.

FSR 787 (Buffehr Road) branches from FSR 734 approximately 2.0 miles from the junction of FSR 700/734. Project units are on either side of the FSR 787 road. Legal location is within portions of sections 26 and 35, T4S, R81W, 6th P.M. Eagle, County Colorado.

See Attachments for Maps.

b) Project Description – The project, as described, includes removing hazardous trees along Forest System Roads by felling, limbing and decking. The project may also require slash treatments (machine piling, grinding, chipping, lop and scatter) to meet land management objectives. The following table shows the estimated quantities and units of work.

Road # Road Name Unit Miles Est.

Acres

FSR 700 Red Sandstone 14 0.16 5 FSR 700 Red Sandstone 15 0.62 15 FSR 700 Red Sandstone 16 0.36 10 FSR 700 Red Sandstone 17 0.64 18 FSR 700 Red Sandstone 18 0.26 7 FSR 700 Red Sandstone 19 1.16 32 FSR 700 Red Sandstone 20 1.32 37 FSR 700 Red Sandstone 21 0.88 25 FSR 700 Red Sandstone 22 0.19 5 FSR 700 Red Sandstone 24 0.41 12 FSR 700 Red Sandstone 25 0.11 3 FSR 700 Red Sandstone 26 0.78 22 FSR 700 Red Sandstone 27 0.91 25 FSR 700 Red Sandstone 28 0.70 20 FSR 700 Red Sandstone 29 0.36 10

Total 8.86 246 FSR 734 Red and White 1 0.24 4 FSR 734 Red and White 2 0.08 2 FSR 734 Red and White 4 0.27 4 FSR 734 Red and White 6 0.22 6 FSR 734 Red and White 7 0.09 3

Total 0.90 19 FSR 787 Buffehr 1 1.57 44

c) Accessibility –All work areas may be reached by Forest or County roads that are accessible by standard two-wheel drive pickup during normal operating season. Contractor shall be required to keep vehicles on established roads. The Forest Service assumes no obligation to plow snow or do special maintenance to keep roads open. Spring and fall road conditions usually necessitate the use of a 4-wheel drive vehicle. During the Spring break up the Forest Service reserves the right to suspend harvest operations to protect forest road surfaces.

d) Restrictions – Timber Removal Specifications will apply. Other project specific restrictions may be included in the solicitation and in Appendix A and Appendix B.

a. For hazard trees within 100 feet of streams, wetlands or riparian areas, directionally fell by hand toward the stream where practical, except within 200 feet upstream of culvert or bridge. Within 200 feet upstream of culvert or bridge, hand fell hazard trees away from streams, wetlands or riparian areas. Mechanized felling equipment may be used within the 100 foot stream, wetland or riparian buffer if road is within this buffer and equipment does not leave the roadbed.

b. For hazard trees within 100 feet of streams, wetlands or riparian areas, trees removed shall have at least one-end (partial) suspension.

c. Ground based logging equipment is not permitted within 100 feet of streams, wetlands or riparian areas unless the equipment is positioned on the roadbed within the felling corridor.

d. Skidding along or across roadside drainage ditches shall not be allowed, unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

e. Roads shall be maintained for through traffic during felling, slash treatment and/or removal operations. Traffic delays during operations may not exceed one half (1/2) hour.

f. Roads shall be left in an operational condition that will adequately accommodate traffic at the end of each work day. All felled trees and slash shall be removed from the road surface and ditches.

g. To minimize conflicts with recreational traffic and to provide for public safety on weekends: tree felling, skidding, yarding, slash treatment and log/biomass hauling will be restricted on weekends from 12 a.m. on Friday through 12 p.m. on Sunday, unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

h. To minimize conflicts with recreational traffic and to provide for public safety on Federal recognized holidays; tree felling, skidding, yarding, slash treatment and log/biomass hauling will be restricted on Federally observed holidays. 12 a.m. to 12 p.m., unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

i. To minimize conflicts with recreation traffic prior to each big game rifle season; tree felling, skidding, yarding, slash treatment and log/biomass hauling will be restricted one day prior to each big game rifle season, 12 a.m. to 12 p.m., unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

j. To minimize disturbance to elk during calving seasons; tree felling, skidding, yarding, slash treatment and log/biomass hauling will be restricted May 15 to June 20, unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

k. To minimize conflicts with winter recreational traffic and guided snowmobile tours on the Red

Sandstone Road (FSR 700); tree felling, skidding, yarding, slash treatment and log/biomass hauling will be restricted from approximately December 1 – April 20, unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

l. To minimize disturbance with elk and deer on winter range, log hauling will be restricted

December 1 – April 14, unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

m. For public safety, log hauling south on FSR 700 from the junction of FSR 786 (Lost Lake Road) is prohibited.

e) Boundaries – The beginning and end points of cutting unit boundaries are marked with a combination of orange paint and yellow cutting unit signs. Orange Streaks of paint on three sides of the cutting unit boundary trees. The middle streak of paint faces the area to be cut. The outside streaks of paint extend below stump height to a height of six feet or more. Boundary trees are marked at the beginning and end of each cutting unit. Cutting unit boundaries between beginning and end of cutting unit are not marked with orange paint and described as 120 feet either side from the edge of the road. Yellow cutting unit boundary signs are placed on boundary trees at the beginning and end of each cutting unit. Contract area is approximately 610 acres for Red Sandstone and 212 acres for Red/White and Buffehr.

3. Contractor-furnished Equipment and Services

a) The Contractor shall provide sufficiently skilled labor, experienced supervision, transportation, equipment, operating supplies, incidentals and inspection services, except those items listed as Government-Furnished property, to perform the work in compliance with the contract.

b) The Contractor shall notify the CO/COR of any changes in work schedule.

4. Definitions

a) Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) – The maximum percentage or proportion of nonconformities in a lot or batch that can be considered satisfactory as a process average.

b) Average Spacing – The distance in feet between leave trees as defined in the thinning specifications.

c) Accessible - Road access to a unit. Unit will be considered accessible when road access is within 1/2 mile of the unit.

d) Basal Area – The cross section of a tree at dbh, measured as square feet per acre, a measure of stand density.

e) Biomass – Any portion of a tree (trunks, branches and tops) not meeting merchantability specifications for sawtimber and POL including 1.) topwood from POL and sawtimber; 2.) any residue material from cut trees; 3.) any trees removed less than the minimim diameter for POL products, 4.) any material removed in the form of chips or mulch.

f) Biomass Material (Included in Division A) - Sawlog and POL topwood to 3.0” DIB for all species and defect portions of each product to a 3.0” top.

g) Biomass Material (Subject to Agreement) - Any portion of a tree (trunks, branches and tops), non-merchanteable trees, dead down logs or trees; where the anticipated product is wood chip fuel or mulch. This material includes non-sawlog quality products.

h) Bucking – The cutting of tree boles to a designated length. Bucking requires saw to pass completely through the tree bole.

i) Canopy Cover – The percentage of a fixed area covered by crowns of plants delimited by a vertical projection of the outermost perimeter of the spread of foliage.

j) CCF – hundred cubic feet

k) Chipping – The reduction of woody residue by a portable chipper to chips that are left to decay on the forest floor, or removed to produce pulp, hog fuel, etc

l) Conifer – A cone-bearing tree with needles or leaf scales, usually evergreen, (e.g. pines, fires, spruces, junipers).

m) Contracting Officer (CO) – A person with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. The term includes certain authorized representatives of the Contracting Officer acting within the limits of their authority as delegated by the Contracting Officer.

n) Contracting Officer Representative (COR) – A Government employee appointed by the Contracting Officer (CO) to help the CO with the contract administration and surveillance.

o) Contractor – Term used to represent the prime individual or organization that is awarded the contract, who is also responsible for the work and conduct of all partners, employees, equipment, and subcontractors assigned by the prime to perform on the contract.

p) Created Slash - Debris created from work under this contract including all cut trees and their tops, trunks, and branches.

q) Cultural and/or Threatened and endangered (T&E) Sites – Locations where special protection is required to preserve and protect cultural values and species of plants or animals listed on the T&E list.

r) Cut Trees – Trees designated for cutting. Cut trees include diseased, damaged, defective trees and undesirable species provided in the specifications.

s) Damage Trees and/or Defective Trees - Includes any defect of deformity of a trees resulting from such agents as wind, snow, animals, insects, disease, and equipment; and evidenced by such things as dead or broken tops or trunks, crooks, forks, and deep scars. Examples of excessive damage and unhealthy conifers:

a. Trees with crook, sweep, or snow bend (damaged). Crooks or bends in the main bole which are less than 9 feet from the ground and offset more than 45 degrees from the vertical axis.

b. Leaner Trees –Leaner trees are those where the main bole is offset more than 45 degrees from the vertical axis.

c. Damaged Trees –

i. Trees that have been severely scarred or cut through the cambium for ½ or greater the circumference of the tree.

ii. Trees with broken boles up to 9 feet high or more than two thirds of the live limbs are broken or missing.

iii. Trees that have been pushed over or are partially uprooted.

t) DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) – Outside diameter of the tree stem at a point 4-1/2 feet above the ground, measured from the high side of the base of the tree.

u) Deck – An organized stack of trees or logs.

v) Decked Timber – designated trees or portions of trees accumulated from skidding and/or yarding operations which are stored in organized piles at landing locations prior to being loaded and hauled to a manufacturing facility.

w) Diameter Stump Height – Outside diameter of tree stem measured from the maximum stump height allowed in Division A. Generally 12” from ground level for sawlogs and 4” from ground level for Products other than Logs or Biomass.

x) DIB (Diameter Inside Bark) - Diameter measurement of a standing tree or log in which the estimated or actual thickness of the bark is discounted.

y) Erosion control – Activities designed to prevent/reduce the delivery of sediment to area streams as a result of road building and/or timber harvest. Activities typically include grass seeding and/or installation of structures to trap moving sediment.

z) Excess Trees:

a. All uncut trees not needed to meet average spacing requirements and those trees defined as cull trees.

b. Trees suspended in or leaning into leave trees.

c. Trees not completely severed from the stump.

d. Trees not cut below the lowest live limb.

e. Stumps taller than specifications.

aa) Existing Down Wood – Woody material that is dead and lying on the forest floor, pre-existing to present management activity.

bb) Felling corridor - The felling corridor is defined as an area along the length of roads, trails, trailheads, developed recreation sites and administrative sites the width of “the height of the tallest tree plus an additional 10 percent for a safety margin, provided no trees fall on the roadway, ditch, and/or cut or fill slope.”

cc) Fuel Loading - Weight of hazardous fuels per unit area.

dd) Hand Felling – severing a tree at a designated height with a chainsaw or other hand held tool.

ee) Hand Pile – Hand placement of slash into compact piles not less than 300 cubic feet or approximately

10’W x 10’L x 7’H.

ff) Haul or Hauling - transporting all included timber or forest products from landing to final disposal point.

gg) Hazard - The existence of a fuel complex that constitutes a threat of wildfire ignition, unacceptable fire behavior and severity, or suppression difficulty.

hh) Hazardous Fuels-All live and dead trees (including tops, limbs and branches), excess trees, existing down wood and damaged trees designated for removal.

ii) Hazard Reduction - The planned treatment or manipulation of naturally growing vegetation or any other flammable material for the purpose of reducing rate of spread and output of heat energy from any wildfire occurring in the area treated.

jj) Hazard Tree - any tree that may fail due to a structural defect and, as a result, may cause property damage or personal injury. Tree failure is difficult to predict with certainty due to the complex interaction between a tree and its environment. Every tree will eventually fail; therefore, knowledge of tree species, site characteristics, and local weather conditions and patterns are essential when evaluating tree hazards. A defective tree is hazardous only when its failure could result in damage to something of value.

1) The following tree specific criteria will be used to determine hazardous trees:

a) Dead trees of any species.

b) Trees with significant defects

c) Canker rots

d) Root rots

e) Trunk Injuries (mechanical damage, stem decay, etc)

f) Crown defects (broken or damaged branches, forked tops, dead tops, etc)

g) Exposed damaged roots in cut banks of roads/trails

h) Dying lodgepole pine trees

1. About 1/3+ dead limbs and branches

2. Foliage transparency 40% (thin crown, off-color, or dwarfed foliage)

3. Borer attacks obvious and abundant - the presence of insect activity, such as bark beetles or mountain pine beetles, may indicate that a tree has been weakened by other agents

kk) Landing – A cleared area to which logs are yarded or skidded for loading onto trucks for transport.

ll) Landing Pile – logging slash that is piled at the landing. See also Machine Pile for size limitations.

mm) Leave Tree – Any live tree that is selected or required to be left standing as provided in the specifications.

nn) Level of Difficulty – An evaluation of the site condition that requires varying amounts of time and effort to complete a task.

oo) Linear Foot-Twelve (12) inches.

pp) Limb and Top Removal – The moving, during yarding/skidding, of cut tree with tops to a designated location.

qq) Live Crown Ratio – Percent of live crown in relation to the total height of the tree.

rr) Load or Loading - process of transferring forest products decked at landings on log trucks or similar vehicles for transportation.

ss) Logging Slash – Any portion of a tree (tops, limbs, branches, cull) that does not meet merchantability specifications for sawtimber or POL and is not removed from the area after completion of a harvest operation.

tt) Lopping and Scattering – The cutting of branches from the tree bole and the moving and/or rearranging of slash to meet a specified slash height.

uu) Lop and Scatter Pull Back- the cutting of branches from the tree bole and placing them a minimum described distance from an area.

vv) Masticate – mechanical destruction of undesirable vegetation, which may include but is not limited to mowing, mulching, chipping, chewing, grinding, etc.

ww) Mechanized - Use of motorized equipment to perform logging operations.

xx) Machine Pile – A method of piling slash with the use of mechanized equipment. Piles shall be compact and free of dirt. Maximum size 45’L x 20’W x 15’H equaling approximately 7068 cubic feet.

yy) Mastication (Masticate) - The mowing/mulching/chipping of undesirable vegetation. Slash created during mastication shall not exceed 6 inches diameter and 36 inches in length and shall be spread to a depth of no more than 6 inches in depth.

zz) Merchantability Specifications - R2 Supplement 2409.12-2010-2, 02/17/10

Species Product (Live & Dead)

DBH

(inch)

DIB

(inch)

Min.

Piece (ft)

Merchantability Factor

Lodgepole pine (LP) Sawtimber 7.0 6.0 8.0 10.67 or 34% sound

Engelmann spruce (ES) Sawtimber 8.0 6.0 8.0 10.67 or 34% sound

Blue Spruce (BS) Sawtimber 8.0 6.0 8.0 10.67 or 34% sound

Douglas Fir (DF) Sawtimber 8.0 6.0 8.0 10.67 or 34% sound

Sub-alpine fir (TF) Sawtimber 8.0 6.0 8.0 10.67 or 34% sound

Aspen (AS) Sawtimber 5.0 5.0 8.0 10.67 or 34% sound

LP POL 5.0 4.0 N/A N/A

ES,BS,DF,TF POL 5.0 4.0 N/A N/A

All Biomass VAR VAR VAR N/A aaa) Non-saw timber – Trees to be cut that are less than 7.0” DBH.

bbb) Normal Operating Season– Generally, ground conditions are favorable for logging operations

June 20-October 31, annually. This time period may be extended or shortened based on local ground conditions. See also Operating Season.

ccc) Operating Season– Time period when logging operations may be conducted when ground conditions are suitable to protect soil/hydrology, watershed, recreation and wildlife resources.

Restrictions pertaining to logging operations are provided for in Design Criteria associated with soils, watershed, recreation and wildlife resources.

ddd) Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) – Identifies the key service outputs of the contract that will be evaluated by the Government to assure contract performance standards are met by the contractor.

eee) Products Other than Logs (POL) – Trees to be cut that are greater than or equal to 5.0” DBH and less than 6.9” DBH.

fff) Removal – Transportation of cut whole trees, boles, slash, and/or equipment on designated haul roads from landings within the contract area to be completely off of the National Forest, usually within a specified time frame.

ggg) Reserve Trees – Individual species of trees within a treatment unit that the contract or COR designates are reserved from treatment.

hhh) Roadside – A general term denoting the area adjoining the outer edge of the roadway.

iii) Salvage - The removal of dead trees or trees damaged or dying because of injurious agents other than competition, to recover economic value that would otherwise be lost.

jjj) Shrubland – A plant community in which, in contrast to a typical forest, the trees are often small, characteristically short-boled relative to their crown depth, and forming only an open canopy with the intervening area being occupied by lower vegetation, commonly grass.

kkk) Skidding – The yarding of trees or logs by pulling or towing them across the ground.

lll) Slash – See logging slash.

mmm) Slash Removal- All created slash to be removed from contract area.

nnn) Slashing – Reducing the height and continuity of hazardous fuels to meet a specified slash objective.

ooo) Snag - A standing dead or living tree that has 10 percent or less live crown.

ppp) Sorting – arrange timber or logs according to forest product characteristics qqq) Spacing – The horizontal distance from the trunk of one leave tree to the trunk of the next nearest leave tree.

rrr) Special Protection Area - A zone that has special characteristics such as riparian vegetation, wildlife calving areas, etc. Special protection areas are noted on the project maps and they may require special treatment such as an alteration to the tree cutting, slash treatment, vehicle travel, or fueling of saws.

sss) Stream Course - The area along a stream that has riparian vegetation and other riparian characteristics. Stream courses are noted on the project maps. They typically require special treatment which may include alteration to the tree cutting, slash treatment, vehicle travel, or fueling of saws.

ttt) Stump – The lower end of a tree remaining in the ground after the tree has been cut.

uuu) Stump Height – The acceptable maximum stump level left above ground, measured from the uphill side, after a tree is felled.

vvv) Sub-merchantable – Trees or portions of trees that do not meet merchantability specifications for sawtimber or POL. This includes trees less than 5.0” DBH, topwood and defect (cull) associated with designated timber.

www) Surplus Vegetation/Slash – Surplus vegetation includes standing vegetation (conifers and hardwoods) greater than 1 foot tall and shrubs less than 12 inches diameter at ground level; when not selected as leave trees, reserved, or needed to meet spacing requirements. Standing dead conifers, hardwoods, and shrubs shall be included as surplus when not reserved. Surplus vegetation becomes slash when it is cut. Slash can include any existing natural (dead and down) woody debris.

xxx) Temporary Roads – Roads other than Specified Roads that are constructed by the Contractor for the purpose of transporting harvested timber out of the units.

yyy) Tons/Acre - Unit of measurement of fuel, usually but not always, of dead and down woody debris (slash). Tons/Acre is generally determined by using a Photo Series, such as USDA Forest Service RMRS GTR-172 (2006). These documents are available for review by the contractor by contacting the issuing office.

zzz) Total Percent Cover – Portion of the project area or treatment unit beneath the dripline of vegetation to be cut, Does not include reserve vegetation.

aaaa) Tree Designation – the method of identifying which trees are specified to be cut or left under the contract.

bbbb) Water Bar – A drainage structure constructed across the surface of a road, skid trail, or constructed fireline to divert water from the surface. The purpose is not to block vehicular passage.

cccc) Water Influence Zone (WIZ) - The land next to water bodies where vegetation plays a major role in sustaining long-term integrity of aquatic systems. It includes the geomorphic floodplain (valley bottom), riparian ecosystem, and inner gorge. Its minimum horizontal width (from top of each bank) is generally 100 feet or the mean height of mature dominant late-seral vegetation, whichever is most.

dddd) Wetland - A transitional area between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems that is inundated or saturated for periods long enough to produce hydric soils and support hydrophytic vegetation.

eeee) Wildlife Trees - Standing dead or live trees left for nesting, feeding, perching and shelter for birds and mammals. Trees may be marked with paint and/or designated with a tag stating it is a wildlife tree or as identified by the Forest Service.

ffff) Whole Tree Removal – remove Standard Timber (C1.1) and portions of Standard Timber that do not meet Utilization Standards in A Division for all designated trees 7.0 inch DBH and greater to a 3 inch top; and, all designated trees 5.0-6.9 inch DBH to a 3 inch top.

gggg) Whole Tree Yarding - after severing tree from stump, the moving or skidding of the entire tree (bole, limbs, tops) to a landing location for removal.

hhhh) Woodland – A plant community in which, in contrast to a typical forest, the trees are often small, characteristically short-boled relative to their crown depth, and forming only an open canopy with the intervening area being occupied by lower vegetation, commonly grass.

iiii) Yard tops attached – The moving, during yarding/skidding, of cut tree with tops to a designated location at the landing.

jjjj) Yarding - The movement of logs from the place they are felled to a landing. Generally implemented using mechanical equipment.

5. Performance Standards

Hazard Tree Reduction, Slash Treatment and Hazardous Fuels Reduction.

Proposal may include use of manual or ground base equipment to accomplish task. Forest product removal is not anticipated within cutting units. Ground based equipment shall not be permitted on slopes greater than 40 percent or within 100 feet of the streamcourses designated on the contract area map.

5.1 Task – Hazard Tree Removal, Slash Treatments and Hazardous Fuels Reduction:

Hazardous trees will be cut and felled in an organized manner within the felling corridor. Slash will be treated in accordance with specifications in 5.1.3. It is anticipated that mechanized logging operation machinery could be used in portions of the cutting units along roads, but not along trails. The Forest Service will determine the width of the treatment by designation through marking or by description, to include all hazardous trees along roads that are the height of the tallest tree plus an additional 10 percent for a safety margin.

5.1.1 Cutting Methods

a) Trees designated for cutting and felling through Individual Tree Mark (ITM) Designation, marked with BLUE or GREEN colored paint are to be felled, limbed and topped.

b) Trees designated for cutting and felling through description, are to be felled, limbed and topped.

c) Trees designated for cutting through Individual Tree Mark (ITM) Designation marked with an “X” with GREEN or BLUE colored paint are to be felled, limbed to a 2 inch DIB top, severed at 2” DIB top and left in place.

d) Trees designated for cutting and felling through Individual Tree Mark (ITM) Designation marked with an “X” with YELLOW colored paint shall be directionally felled into the stream course and left in place with limbs and top attached. Arrow on tree marks the direction tree is to be felled.

e) Trees shall be directionally felled to lay on the ground and not stacked on top of one another.

f) Trees shall be limbed to a 3 inch DIB top and severed at that point, except for YELLOW “X” marked trees.

g) Protect seedlings and saplings.

h) Other trees that shall be left uncut are Marked with ORANGE paint.

i) Stump height of cut trees shall be cut as close to the ground as practical, but shall be no higher than 12 inches above ground level for sawtimber; and 4 inches above ground level for Products other than Logs.

j) Sub-merchantable trees shall be cut below the lowest live limb or 2 inches above ground level, whichever is lower.

k) Trees shall be completely severed from the stump.

l) No cut tree shall be left suspended in or leaning against a leave tree or tree outside the unit boundary.

5.1.2 Hazardous Tree Removal

Unless specified different on Unit Data Sheet, hazard tree removal refers disposal, removal and/or reduction of all live and dead hazard trees designated for cutting and damaged trees designated for removal.

Hazard Tree Removal Treatment type is specified in the Unit Data Sheet. Criteria listed below will be followed for the appropriate treatment. In addition, criteria listed in Performance Standard 5.1.3, (a.) thru (g.) will be followed for the appropriate hazard tree removal treatment as identified in the Unit Data Sheet.

a) Hazard Tree Felling – fell all designated hazard trees within cutting unit in accordance with 5.1.1 (a) through (l).

b) Whole Tree Removal – remove Standard Timber (C1.1), and portions of Standard Timber that do not meet Utilization Standards in Appendix A (Division A) for all trees designated for cutting to a 3 inch top. Trees shall be removed to a landing area designated by the Forest Service. Trees placed in decks for final transport shall be free of limbs and sorted into separate sawtimber and POL decks at the landing area.

c) Decked Timber Removal – remove Standard Timber (C1.1), and portions of Standard Timber that do not meet Utilization Standards in Appendix A, Division A for all trees which have been decked in

5.1.2 (b). Decks shall be removed prior to contract termination.

5.1.3 Slash Treatment and Hazardous Fuels Reduction

Unless specified different on Unit Data Sheet, slash treatment and hazardous fuel refers to contractor created debris from work under this contract including all cut trees and their tops, trunks, and branches.

Slash Treatment criteria listed in a) through d) will be followed for all treatment units. Slash Treatment and Hazardous Fuels Reduction criteria listed in e) through g) are contractor slash treatment options for all treatment units.

a) No logging slash shall be allowed outside the contract boundary, unless otherwise approved by the

Contracting Officer.

b) Contractor shall remove all logging slash in the following areas:

1,) Roads – All NFSR roads identified on the Contract Area Map with “KO” (Keep Open) shall be kept free of slash.

2.) Trails designated on the Contract Removal Map with “PI” to be protected and all trees cut within

15 feet of “PI” trails shall have stumps no higher than 4” from ground level. Slash shall be less than 18” from ground level within 15 feet of trails.

3.) Utility Lines – within the untility corridor and 10 feet either side of the utility corridor.

4.) Land Survey Monuments – lop and scatter pullback within 15 feet. Machine piles shall be at least 25 feet from land survey monuments and bearing trees.

c) Lop and Scatter to 18” depth – All residual logging slash not removed in units and meeting the fuel loading objective, shall be lopped and scattered so that it lies no higher than 18 inches above the ground. Cut material shall not lean against an uncut tree, stump, log, or any obstacle. It shall be secure and not able to roll down the hill.

d) Landing Slash Piles- A landing is considered a place where any logs or products are gathered for loading. All slash accumulated at landings shall be piled at designated locations. Landing slash piles shall not exceed 45’L x 20’W x 15’H or approximately 7068 cubic feet.

e) Landing Slash - A landing is considered a place where any logs or products are gathered for loading.

All slash accumulated at landings shall be removed, unless it is agreed in writing that slash can be thrown back or chipped into the treatment corridor while meeting the hazardous fuel loading objective.

f) Remove Slash - All slash between 1” and 6” in diameter and greater than 2 feet in length in excess of hazardous fuel loading objective shall be removed from National Forest System Lands.

g) Chipping Slash – All slash between 1” and 6” in diameter and greater than 2 feet in length in excess of hazardous fuel loading objective shall be chipped and scattered along treatment corridor. Chip depth may not exceed three inches above the ground surface.

5.1.4 INOPERABLE AREAS

In-operable areas within stands designated for treatment. The contractor shall identify on the ground with flagging all areas deemed to be in-operable for safe operations in service work activities. If the government agrees that the area is in-operable the contractor may: 1) Propose an alternate treatment that alleviates the safety concern; if the government agrees with the proposal the area will be treated as agreed and the contractor will receive full payment at the normal contract rate, or 2) Request that the area be removed from the contract, in which case the government will use GPS or tally the designated trees to measure the affected area and remove it from the contract. The contractor will receive no payment for in-operable areas that are removed from the contract. For payment purposes in-operable areas that are removed from the contract will be rounded to the nearest ¼ acre if based on an acreage estimate. If based on a mileage estimate, a total cost per tree will be calculated using the contractor price per mile divided by the estimated trees per mile. The cost per tree will be multiplied by the tally count of trees that were deleted from the in-operable areas. Payment will be rounded to the nearest dollar based on the per tree estimate.

6. Government Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

Inspection of the area shall be accomplished by periodic visual inspection of the unit and will be based on adherence to the contract specifications. Full payment will be made if all work in the area meets the acceptable quality level for task. Disincentive is Contractor rework to meet the 100% objective.

7. Performance Work Summary Table

Task Performance

Standard

Quality Assurance

Process

Acceptable Quality Level

(AQL)

Incentive/Disincentive

1. Felling, skidding, limbing, decking and product removal

All designated trees will meet contract specifications stated in the Performance Standards table.

Contractor records and reports and Government Periodic Inspection.

No more than 2 instances of noncompliance per acre.

Payment shall be made only for work properly accomplished. All nonconforming work shall be corrected.

Repeated failure to meet the AQL will result in lower performance rating.

2. Slash Treatment

Slash treated in accordance with contract specifications stated in the Performance Standards table.

Contractor records and reports and Government

Inspection.

No more than 2 instances of noncompliance per acre

Payment shall be made only for work properly accomplished. All nonconforming work shall be corrected.

Repeated failure to meet the AQL will result in lower performance rating.

3. Prevention of Damage to Physical Improvements and Resources to Protect

Any damage to physical improvements is repaired to meet Government Standards.

Visual Inspection by

No instances of noncompliance for entire contract.

Work not meeting AQL shall be suspended;

Contractor may be terminated for repetitive failure to meet AQL.

Government may assess damages. Repeated failure to meet the AQL or to correct nonconforming work will result in lower performance rating.

4. Contractor Data, Reports, and Plans

Contractor Progress Schedule, Quality Control Plan, and Safety Plan are followed and Inspection Data is accurate.

Inspection or Evaluation by the

No more than 1 instance of noncompliance per unit.

Contractor’s performance will be rated at end of contract; repeated failure to meet the AQL or to correct nonconforming work will result in lower performance rating.

8. Unit Data Sheet

FSR 700 (Red Sandstone Road) Unit

Schedule Item (19)

Miles Cutting Prescription Slash Treatment Prescription

8.86

See Performance Standard 5.1.1, (a)- (l).

Approximately 424 GREEN Marked Trees.

Approximately 8971 BLUE Marked Trees.

Approximately 245 GREEN “X” Marked Trees

Unestimated YELLOW “X” Marked Trees.

See Performance Standard 5.1.2,

(a) Hazard Tree Felling, (b) Whole Tree Removal, (c) Decked Timber Removal. Minimum product value bid rates apply for removal of forest products.

See Performance Standard 5.1.3, (a)-(d).

Performance Standard 5.1.3, (e) and/or (f,) and/or (g).

Hazardous Fuel Reduction Objective: Minimum 5 tons per acre, Maximum 20 tons per acre.

FSR 734 (Red and White Road) Unit

Schedule Item (19)

Miles Cutting Prescription Slash Treatment Prescription

0.90

Approximately 993 BLUE Marked Trees.

Unestimated BLUE or GREEN “X” Marked Trees

Whole Tree Removal, (c) Decked Timber Removal. Minimum product value bid rates apply for removal of forest products.

See Performance Standard 5.1.3, (a)-(d).

Performance Standard 5.1.3, (e) and/or (f,) and/or (g).

Hazardous Fuel Reduction

FSR 787 (Buffehr Road) Unit

Schedule Item (19)

Miles Cutting Prescription Slash Treatment Prescription

1 2

1.57

Approximately 791 BLUE Marked Trees.

Unestimated BLUE or GREEN “X” Marked Trees

Whole Tree Removal, (c) Decked Timber Removal. Minimum product value bid rates apply for removal of forest products.

See Performance Standard 5.1.3, (a)-(d).

Performance Standard 5.1.3, (e) and/or (f,) and/or (g).

Hazardous Fuel Reduction

OPERATIONS

16. EROSION PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Contractor’s Operations shall be conducted reasonably to minimize soil erosion. Equipment shall not be operated when ground conditions are such that excessive damage will result. The kinds and intensity of erosion control work done by Contractor shall be adjusted to ground and weather conditions and the need for controlling runoff. Erosion control work shall be kept current immediately preceding expected seasonal periods of precipitation or runoff.

If Contractor fails to do seasonal erosion control work prior to any seasonal period of precipitation or runoff, Forest Service may temporarily assume responsibility for the work and any unencumbered deposits hereunder may be used by Forest Service to do the work. If needed for such work, Contractor shall make additional deposits on request by Forest Service. Any money deposited or used for this purpose shall be treated as cooperative deposits.

A. Prior to periods of accelerated water runoff, especially during the spring runoff and periods of heavy rainfall, Contractor shall inspect and open culverts and drainage structures, construct special cross ditches for road runoff, and take other reasonable measures needed to prevent soil erosion and siltation of streams.

B. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Contractor shall keep erosion control work current with his operations under the sale and in any case not later than 15 days after completion of skidding on each payment unit or cutting unit.

C. Skidding with tractors within 100 feet of live streams, riparian areas, wetlands or fens shall not be permitted except in places designated in advance by Forest Service, and in no event shall skid roads be located in live or intermittent stream courses. Skid trails shall be located high enough out of draws, swales, and valley bottoms to permit diversion of runoff water to natural undisturbed forest ground cover.

D. Landing locations within 100 feet of live streams, riparian areas, wetlands or fens shall not be permitted, and in no event shall landings be located in live or intermittent stream courses. Landings shall be located high enough out of draws, swales, and valley bottoms to permit diversion of runoff water to natural undisturbed forest ground cover.

E. Contractor shall seed all exposed areas of raw soil as designated by the Forest Service on skid trails, landings, firebreaks, slides, slumps, temporary toads and traveled ways of Specified Roads. Seed mix shall be spread at a rate of 15 pounds per acre consisting of 34% Slender Wheatgrass, 26% WesternWheatgrass, 20% Idaho Fescue and 20% Sheep Fescue. Seed shall be certified weed free and labels presented to COR for verification. Seeding shall be done between June 1 and September 1.

16a. EROSION CONTROL SEEDING Following completion of skidding and yarding operations in an area, Contractor shall seed and fertilize all exposed areas of raw soil as designated by the Forest Service on skid trails, landings, firebreaks, slides, slumps, Temporary Roads and traveled ways of Specified Road following closure.

Specified roads following closure needed to be seeded - None

Soil on areas to be seeded shall be left in a roughened condition favorable to the retention and germination of the seed. Scarification of traveled ways on Specified Roads listed above shall be to a minimum depth of N/A inches and a maximum depth of N/A inches

Seed and fertilizer shall be spread evenly at the rate of 15 pounds of seed and N/A pounds of fertilizer per acre.

When fertilizer and seed are applied in separate operations, the second operation shall be carried out within 72 hours of the first.

Seeding shall be done during the period June 1 to September 1 and under the above specified conditions unless otherwise approved.

The kinds and amounts of seed to be sown in terms of pure live seed (PLS) shall be:

Species of Seed PLS Pounds Per Acre

Slender Wheatgrass 5.0 Western Wheatgrass 4.0 Sheep Fescue 3.0 Idaho Fescue 3.0

TOTAL 15

All seed purchased will be certified to be free of the noxious weed seeds from weeds listed on the current "All States Noxious Weeds List." Test results from a certified seed analyst and seed analysis labels attached to the bags will be provided to the Forest Service.

The following kinds and amounts of standard commercial fertilizer shall be used with guaranteed analysis of contents clearly marked on containers:

Type of Fertilizer Pounds Per Acre N/A N/A

16b. PROTECTION OF DISTURBED AREAS FROM ESTABLISHMENT OF NOXIOUS

WEEDS

In addition to the requirements of 27a. Contractor shall seed and fertilize areas where mineral soil is exposed as designated by the Forest Service. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing, seeding shall be done in the early spring or fall during weather and moisture conditions favorable for quick germination and growth of the plants.

Seeding shall be completed in a timely manner following the last disturbance activity by the Contractor in the disturbed area.

The Certified seed analysis reports from each container shall be provided by Contractor to the Forest Service prior to application of the seed. Seed and fertilizer shall be spread evenly at the rate of 15 pounds of seed and N/A pounds of fertilizer per acre.

When fertilizer and seed are applied in separate operations, the second operation shall be carried out within 72 hours of the first operation.

When an adequate seedbed does not exist, Contractor shall scarify to get a 2 inch loose soil seedbed, prior to seeding.

The kinds and amounts of seed to be sown in terms of pure live seed (PLS) shall be:

Species of Seed PLS Pounds Per Acre

Slender Wheatgrass 5.0 Western Wheatgrass 4.0 Sheep Fescue 3.0 Idaho Fescue 3.0

TOTAL 15

All seed purchased will be certified to be free of the noxious weed seeds from weeds listed on the current "All States Noxious Weeds List." Test results from a certified seed analyst and seed analysis labels attached to the bags will be provided to the Forest Service.

The following kinds and amounts of standard commercial fertilizer shall be used with guaranteed analysis of contents clearly marked on containers:

Type of Fertilizer Pounds Per Acre N/A N/A

18. PROTECTION OF RESIDUAL TREES

Contractor's Operations shall not unnecessarily damage young growth or other residual trees. Residual trees are defined as POL and Sawtimber size trees.

18a. RESERVE TREES Notwithstanding the designations for cutting under C.3.1, C.3.2, C.3.3, or C.3.4, live or dead Wildlife reserve trees or groups of reserve trees within such cutting units or clearings shall be left uncut. Reserve trees are identified by ORANGE PAINT at eye level and at the Stump and shall be protected.

Units with reserve trees are shown on Contract Area Map.

18b. PROTECTION OF RESERVE TREES. Contractor’s damage or destruction of reserve trees described in 13. will cause serious and substantial silvicultural or other damage to the National Forest. It will be difficult if not impossible to determine the amount of such damage. Therefore, Contractor shall pay as fixed, agreed, and liquidated damages $50 for each WILDLIFE_ reserve tree and $_N/A_ for each __N/A_ reserve tree damaged or destroyed by Contractor's Operations. Damage, as used herein, includes any injury to the living crown, bole, or roots of reserve trees. If areas are marked on the ground around such reserve trees, operation of heavy equipment or skidding of products within the area shall be considered to be damage to the tree.

28. USE OF ROADS BY CONTRACTOR

Contractor is authorized to maintain roads, bridges, and other transportation facilities, as needed for harvesting Included Timber on National Forest and other lands where Forest Service has such authority. The location and clearing widths of all Temporary Roads or facilities shall be agreed to before construction is started. Contractor is authorized to cut and use for construction without charge construction timber designated by agreement.

Except as provided herein, Contractor is authorized to use existing National Forest roads and Specified Roads, when such use will not cause damage to the roads or National Forest resources and when hauling can be done safely. If Contractor’s use of an existing temporary or National Forest system road cannot be satisfactorily accommodated without reconstruction, Contractor shall be authorized to use such road upon agreement as to the minimum reconstruction work that Contractor shall perform before hauling.

The Contract Area Map shows existing temporary or permanent roads that for such reasons as limitations in structural capacity, safety, and protection of soil, water, and roads:

(a) Cannot be used for log hauling or

(b) May be used only under the restrictive limitations stated therein.

Contractor's use of existing roads identified on Contract Area Map by the following codes is prohibited or subject to restrictive limitations, unless agreed otherwise:

Code Use Limitations X Hauling prohibited R Hauling restricted U Unsuitable for hauling prior to completion of agreed reconstruction P Use prohibited A Public use restriction W Regulation waiver

Roads coded A will be signed by the Forest Service to inform the public of use restrictions. Contractor's use of roads coded R, A, or W shall be in accordance with the following restrictions:

Restricted Road List

Road Termini Map Description of Number Road Name From To Legend Restrictions

Red Sandstone

Red and White Buffehr

MP

0.0

MP

30.4

2.9 1.6

R

Hauling shall be restricted on weekends from 12 a.m. on Friday through 12 p.m.

on Sunday To minimize conflicts with recreational traffic and to provide for public safety on weekends.

Hauling shall be restricted on Federally observed holidays. 12 a.m. to 12 p.m., to minimize conflicts with recreational traffic and to provide for public safety on Federal recognized holidays

Hauling shall be restricted one day prior to each big game rifle season, 12 a.m. to 12 p.m., To minimize conflicts with recreation traffic prior to each big game rifle season.

Hauling shall be restricted May 15 to June 20 To minimize disturbance to elk during calving seasons.

Hauling shall be restricted from approximately December 1 – April 20, To minimize conflicts with winter recreational traffic and guided snowmobile tours.

29. ROAD MAINTENANCE

Contractor shall maintain roads, commensurate with Contractor’s use, in accordance with Road Maintenance Requirements and the Road Maintenance T-Specifications located in Appendix B. Performance of road maintenance work by Contractor may be required prior to, during, or after each period of use. The timing of work accomplishment shall be based on Contractor’s Operating Schedule.

When two or more commercial users are simultaneously using the same road where Forest Service is not requiring maintenance deposits, the…