Appendix A_062920_JT.docx

Dutch Hill IRSC

APPENDIX A

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR MANDATORY WORK ITEMS

Dutch Hill Integrated Resource Service Contract

1. SCOPE OF WORK

1.1 The purpose of the Dutch Hill Integrated Resource Service Contract is to create early sessional forested areas, provide wildlife feeding opportunities, and improve soil productivity. Timber harvest removal requirements are included in Appendix B.

1.2 This work will include, but is not limited to, all labor, management, supervision, tools, materials, equipment, and transportation necessary to perform the stated purpose of this statement of work.

1.3 Potential equipment that may be required to accomplish all work requirements include but are not limited to: rubber tired skidder; tracked feller buncher, dump truck; rubber tired or tracked skid steer (optional), dozers, general logging machinery, chainsaws, excavators, and soil compactor.

2. PROJECT LOCATION AND AREA

2.1 The Dutch Hill Integrated Service Contract area is located along State Route 8 and 100, along Rue Madeline road, and Readsboro town trail in the town of Readsboro, Bennington County Vermont.

3. WORK LIMITATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS

3.1 Any contractual work that restricts or presents a hazard to traffic on Readsboro town trails or ski trails is prohibited on weekends and Federal Holidays.

3.2 Operations in timber cutting units are restricted to frozen or snow covered conditions unless indicated in the contract.

4. Project Area

MANDATORY WORK ITEMS:

Mandatory Conservation Service Projects are Site Preparation after Harvest, Opening Creation, Rock Berm Creation, Ditching, Rock Barrier Creation, Culvert Installation, Erosion Control Water Bars, Drainage Work, and Removal of Refuse and Scrap projects that do not occur in Mandatory Timber Removal units in Project as noted on the Contract Area Map.

Mandatory Items

work activities

Quantity

SERVICE WORK

Post-harvest release

Masticate or fell/rake/pile post-harvest

Create rock berm

Construct boulder barrier

Install culvert where directed

Construct water bars

Mile

0.4

Construct drainage structure

Feet

Remove refuse and scrap

Ditching

1.1 Mandatory:

AR. Site Preparation (Site Preparation) (as labeled on Contract Area Map SP1, SP2 …)

Work item consists of preparing the harvest unit for natural regeneration through removal of undesired existing regeneration after harvest. The objective is to release existing softwood and desirable hardwood reproduction and remove competition. See section C.2(4)(b) and site-specific descriptions of work areas for species to be retained/cut. Work involves cutting non-included trees greater than or equal to 1” diameter at breast height (dbh) and less than 8” dbh for softwoods and hardwoods. Trees to be removed include non-commercial species such as striped maple and pin cherry; damaged (bent or broken), leaning or poorly formed trees; and trees not expected to survive for more than 10 years due to damage, excessive lean, insect or disease.

All undamaged softwood trees and hardwood crop trees of good form will be retained, as well as apple, oak, butternut, mountain ash, hawthorn, American and hop hornbeam, and serviceberry (shadbush) if present. Undamaged beech trees of good form can be retained if no other desirable trees are within 6’. All dead trees and trees marked with orange paint will be retained unless determined to be a hazard.

A. Cut all trees and brush by either using brush saws, chainsaws or hand tools. Other timber harvesting equipment may be used when cutting is concurrent with commercial timber harvest. Regardless of the method/tools employed to accomplish the task, the Contractor shall follow all OSHA safety requirements.

B. Stump height: Trees will be cut below the lowest branch but not higher than 12 inches above ground. Remove all live limbs below stump height. Stump sprouts or trees growing in clumps should be cut as close to the ground as possible.

C. Do not pile cut trees or brush on top of desirable leave trees.

D. Cut trees and brush are to be lopped and scattered so that material lays substantially on the ground.

E. No cut material will be left hanging up in residual standing trees or brush.

F. Slash created by the contractor's operation shall be removed from road surfaces and ditches, trails, power lines, culverts, cultural resources, wetlands and stream courses.

G. Trees designated to be cut may be girdled where cutting is determined to be a hazard.

H. All dead trees and trees marked with orange paint will be retained unless determined to be a hazard

Project Number SP1 (Mechanical Site Preparation) (16.7 acres)

Project Number SP2 (Mechanical Site Preparation) (3.1 acres )

Project Number SP3 (Mechanical Site Preparation) (5.2 acres)

Project Number SP4 (Mechanical Site Preparation) (15.2 acres)

Project Number SP5 (Mechanical Site Preparation) (17.4 acres)

Project Number SPR6 (Mechanical Site Preparation) (2 acres)

Project Number SP7 (Mechanical Site Preparation) (12 acres)

Project Number SP8 (Mechanical Site Preparation) (2 acres )

Project Number SP9 (Mechanical Site Preparation) (23.8 acres)

Project Number SP10 (Mechanical Site Preparation) (17.6 acres)

Project Number SP11 (Mechanical Site Preparation) (7 acres)

Project Number SP12 (Mechanical Site Preparation) (7 acres)

Project Number SP13 (Mechanical Site Preparation) (4 acres)

Project Number SP14 (Mechanical Site Preparation) (19.1 acres)

Project Number SP15 (Mechanical Site Preparation) (7 acres)

Project Number SP16 (Mechanical Site Preparation) (7.2 acres)

Project Number SP17 (Mechanical Site Preparation) (6.8 acres)

Project Number AR18 (Mechanical Site Preparation) (40.2acres)

2 Mandatory

OC. Opening Creation (as labeled on Contract Area Map OC1, OC2)

The objective of opening creation is to increase early successional habitat and expand blueberry habitat to meet wildlife objectives. Work consists of felling, raking, piling or mastication of non-merchantable trees greater than or equal to one inch dbh after harvesting is completed.

A. Mastication will consist of using a tracked or large wheeled rubber tired (low ground pressure) vehicles. All woody vegetation up to 8.0 inches in diameter shall be cut and chipped unless designated otherwise. The chipped/mulched pieces of vegetation shall be no larger than 6 inches in length and shall be scattered to lie no higher than 6 inches above ground level, unless obstacles restrict cutting to that height. All cut stumps shall be cut down to less than 6 inches in height, unless obstacles restrict cutting to that height. Larger pieces of tree sections, such as topped trees above the reach of the chipper head shall be chipped or bucked into pieces less than 2 feet in length.

B. If felling, raking, and piling are selected, piles shall be constructed to include material 3.0 inches diameter and larger with a length of 2 feet or longer and material 1.0 to 2.9 inches diameter with a length of 4 feet or longer; diameters measured at the small end. Piles should be compact and contain a variety of material sizes to ensure the piles can be burned during wet weather conditions. Material that is loosely stacked shall be reworked by the Contractor. Pieces that extend well out from the pile shall be trimmed and the trimmings placed on the pile. Large diameter material can be cut and placed vertically against the pile if it can’t be incorporated into the pile.

C. Piles shall contain a minimum of soil and rock. Material piled with a grapple or tractor shall have excess dirt and rocks removed before placing on piles.

D. Maximum pile size shall be 10 feet in diameter by 8 feet in height, and minimum pile size shall be 5 feet for hand piling and 6 feet for mechanical piling. Piles shall be a minimum of 20 feet from wildlife trees, leave trees, unit boundaries, and improvements. When practicable, place piles at least 10 feet apart and locate them on disturbed sites such as skid trails, log landings, and temporary roads. Do not place piles over stream or runoff channels or in wet areas.

E. Designated reserve islands within the stand will be left untreated.

Project Number OC1 (Hand fell or masticate, then pile) (27.8 acres)

Project Number OC2 (Hand fell or masticate, then pile) (10 acres)

3 Mandatory

BC. Berm Creation (as labeled on Contract Area Map RBC (1)

The objective of berm creation is to restrict the access of non-authorized vehicles accessing wildlife openings from gravel parking area along Vermont Route 100. This berm is to be constructed in conjunction with the drainage work and is meant to enhance the ability to prevent unauthorized access to Lower Meadow area. Rocks are available in Project Area (labeled Rocks on Project Area Map)

A. Berm shall be constructed of rocks approximately three to six feet in diameter, 3-5 foot tall, and buried approximately 4-6 inches into the ground. Rocks should be placed 3.5 feet apart.

B. Rocks will be placed immediately to the west of the drainage work.

Project Number BC1 (Construct and install rock berm) (180 feet)

4 Mandatory

RB. Construct and Install Rock Barricade

The objective of this project is to restrict the access of non-authorized vehicles from using trails and to reduce soil erosion. Each barrier will be placed to effectively block travel in unauthorized trails, tying in with natural obstacles when feasible.

A. Each rock berm shall be constructed of boulders three to six feet in diameter and three to five feet tall. Each boulder will be buried in the ground approximately four to six inches. Rocks shall be placed 3.5 feet apart. Wherever possible, barricade will be located where existing natural features (steep slopes, large trees, dense vegetation, outcrops) will prevent vehicle travel around the barricade. Comment by Tilley, Jeffrey B -FS: Specs do match drawing. Drawing should be referenced in specs. Comment by Stratton, Stacy -FS: Made most of specs match diagram Comment by Tilley, Jeffrey B -FS: Spacing is not correct in diagram. Recommend deleting diagram. The work is simple and diagram not needed.

Project Number RB1 (Construct Rock Berm) (1 sites)

Project Number RB2 (Construct Rock Berm) (1 sites)

5 Mandatory

CI. Replace Culverts

The objective of placing culverts is to reduce erosion and sedimentation. Culverts will be HDPE type, 20 feet in length and 24 inches in diameter.

A. Contractor will be responsible for purchasing and installing one culvert.

B. Culvert installation will meet installation requirements contained in attached drawing.

C. Project CI1, Contractor will need to remove existing culvert before installing new one. Culvert designated for removal/disposal shall become the property of the Purchaser and shall be disposed of properly.

D. Installation shall be in accordance with construction industry standards and practices

Project Number CI1 (Install Culverts) (1 site)

6 Mandatory

WB. Waterbars

A. Waterbar installation will reduce rutting and gully erosion caused by unauthorized off road vehicles. Waterbars and/or outsloping will reduce the water velocity and divert surface runoff into filter strips. Waterbars will be constructed at a spacing adequate to reduce the volume and speed of water, using recommendations in the current State of Vermont Acceptable Management Practices (AMP). Waterbar locations will be marked on the ground by Forest Service.

B. Specifications for Erosion Control are contained in Vermont Acceptable Management Practices, Table 1, page 44, printed in 2019.

C. The average slope of areas to be water barred is 20%. Average waterbar spacing based on this slope is anticipated to be approximately 45 feet.

D. Make waterbars at least 24 inches deep, 24 inches high, and install them at a 30-degree angle to the trail.

E. Extend the waterbar inlet and outlet 1 foot or more beyond the trail to keep the diverted water from re-entering the trail.

F. Use the terrain to incorporate natural water diversions into the trail layout. A piece of ledge or natural hummock can work as a waterbar.

G. Outsloping of road surfaces may be used to reduce the number of waterbars required where approved by Forest Service.

H. Stabilize areas of exposed soil that will receive road runoff such as cut-and-fill slopes, steep road shoulders, and erosion-prone soils. This may require straw mulch, seeding and other erosion control methods. Erosion control methods, including seed mix and application will be approved by Forest Service.

Project Number WB1 (Install Water bars) (1,635 feet)

Project Number WB2 (Install Water bars) (200 feet)

Project Number WB3 (Install Water bars) (30 feet)

7 Mandatory

DW. Drainage Work Comment by Tilley, Jeffrey B -FS: Is this at the location of the barricade? Comment by Stratton, Stacy -FS: yes

The objective of this drainage work at the base of Dutch Meadows Ski trail is to facilitate the dispersal of water at the base of the slope. Work include cleaning of the existing ditch to re-establish water flow through the removal and disposal of all accumulated material to provide a positive draining waterway of uniform width, depth, and grade.

A. Material removed from ditch shall be deposited along the east side of the ditch.

Project Number DW1 (Install Drainage Structures) (120 feet)

1.8 Mandatory

RRS. Remove Refuse and Scrap Work

The objective of removing refuse and scrap is to improve soil productivity and water quality.

A. Refuse and Scrap Removal Work will consist of removing metal drainpipe, modified trail roller, old timbers, and assorted smaller trash from the site.

B. Contractor is responsible for the appropriate disposal of refuse and scrap removed from the site.

Project Number RRS1 (Remove Items) (1 site)

9 Mandatory

EC. Erosion Control

The objective of erosion control work is to improve soil productivity and water quality. Comment by Tilley, Jeffrey B -FS: Did not see diagram. The original diagram that Scott provided used cross timbers and not boulders. I’ll need to see the drawing to provide further review.

A. Gullies will be infilled with woody material found on site. Material would be trees of sapling size (1”-5” dbh).

B. Embedded logs would be placed perpendicular to woody infill every eight to ten feet to prevent floating of woody infill. Embedded logs will consist of logs a minimum of 8 inches in diameter.

C. Additional embedded logs will be installed on downhill side of gully at end of woody infill. These logs will be installed more deeply to prevent woody infill from washing away. boulders will be secured by burying partially in soil.

D. After installation of woody infill and embedded logs securing it, surrounding soil will be backfilled into gully in order to re-establish natural ground contour. Area soil will need to be seeded and mulched using Forest Service approved materials.

Project Number EC1 (Remove Items) (0.3 acres)

1.1.0 Operations: Contractor’s operations shall be conducted in a manner that minimizes the need for site restoration. Site restoration shall include all reasonable and practicable efforts to repair and restore the project area following the completion of Contractors operations.

The following restoration activities shall include the following and assumed by contractor:

a. All hazards created by the Contractor’s operation as determined by the Forest Service (FS) shall be mitigated in a manner that is agreeable to both parties.

b. All improvements such as, but not limited to road signs, mileage posts, guiderails, culverts, ditch lines, barricades, etc., shall be maintained or otherwise restored to their pre-operational condition.

c. All damage to Readsboro town trail caused by the Contractor’s operation shall be repaired or replaced to Forest Service direction.

Government Quality Assurance Plan

Inspection (General): Government inspections are for the purpose of satisfying the Government that the services are acceptable and do not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility for maintaining quality control. The Contractor shall conduct inspections on all units in accordance with the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan included in the Contractor’s technical proposal which is made part of this contract.

The contractor is responsible for performing or having performed all inspections and tests necessary to substantiate that the supplies or services furnished under this contract conform to contract requirements, including any applicable technical requirements for specified manufacturers’ parts.

Acceptable Quality Level for Felling and Related Subtasks

1. Government Inspection: The Government shall conduct inspections of the Contractor’s work to determine compliance with the contract specifications and determine a basis for making payment. Inspections will consist of a visual walk- through inspection of the work performed and will be based on adherence to the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) for the tasks and critical sub-tasks.

2. Acceptable Felling: All trees damaged by the Contractor and determined to be a hazard by the FS shall be safely felled so the majority of the tree is resting on the ground and not suspended in surrounding vegetation.

3. Acceptable Stump Heights: All stumps have been cut to a 10 inch maximum height or have otherwise been agreed upon to exceed this limit.

4. Acceptable Slash Treatment: All slash resulting from the Contractor’s operation has been treated to contract specifications.

5. Damage to Improvements: All damaged items were replaced or repaired within the agreed upon time. Damage to trails was repaired within the agreed time period to Forest Service satisfaction.

6. Completion of Work: All work is completed within the specified contract time.

7. Acceptance: Work will be accepted when it is determined by the visual inspection that the Contractor’s work conforms to the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) for the work items. Missed areas will not be considered a part of the work being inspected and must be re-worked regardless of the results of the inspection of the work completed. Areas that do not comply with the Acceptable Quality Level for the work items are un-acceptable and shall be reworked.

8. Measurements for Stewardship Credit: Unless otherwise indicated by this contract, the Contactor may request re-measurement of any quantities. The request must be made in writing and must be within 10 calendar days of completing work on the unit in question. If re-measurement indicates a variance of five percent or less from the stated quantity, the Forest Service may deduct Stewardship Credits to the Contractor equal to cost of this re- measurement. If re-measurement indicates a variance of more than five percent from the stated quantity, Stewardship Credits will be based on the re- measured quantity, and the Contractor will not be liable for the costs of re- measurement. All re-measurement will be done by the Forest Service. The Forest Service may re-measure quantities of completed stewardship work activities at its discretion. The Forest Service will bear all costs for discretionary re-measurement. Re-measured quantities will be the basis for awarding Stewardship Credits. Re-measurement of acreage will be done using a Global Positioning System.

Inspection (Specific):

Item 1 : Post Harvest Site Preparation Measurable Performance Standards Comment by Tilley, Jeffrey B -FS: Suggest using standard annual contract language:

a) Specified trees and shrubs not cut: 95% of work accomplished for each item should include all trees and shrubs cut as specified.

b) Slash treatment not complete: 95% of completed work for each item should include proper treatment.

c) Stump height: 95% of completed work in each item shall exhibit stumps of the heights as specified in the specifications.

d) Cut trees that are interfering with leave trees or advance regeneration: 90% work for each item is accomplished as required.

e) Cutting of reserve or crop trees: 95% of completed work in each item shall exhibit only the specified items cut.

a) Specified trees and shrubs not cut: 95% of work accomplished for each item should include all trees and shrubs cut as specified.

b) Slash treatment not complete: 95% of completed work for each item should include proper treatment.

c) Stump height: 95% of completed work in each item shall exhibit stumps of the heights as specified in the specifications.

d) Cut trees that are interfering with leave trees or advance regeneration: 90% work for each item is accomplished as required.

e) Cutting of reserve or crop trees: 95% of completed work in each item shall exhibit only the specified items cut.

f) Work completed within Contract timeframes

Item 2 : Opening Creation Comment by Tilley, Jeffrey B -FS: Suggest using percentages for items for which 100% compliance is not entirely reasonable, such as in suggested site prep language.

Measurable Performance Standards

· Specified trees and shrubs not cut: 95% of work accomplished for each item should include all trees and shrubs cut as specified. Height of stumps according to specifications Comment by Tilley, Jeffrey B -FS: Example

· 95% of residual vegetation will be left undamaged

· 90% of slash treated to contract specifications

· Slash piled to specifications

· Repair or replacement of damaged Improvements in a timely manner

· Work completed within Contract timeframes

Item 3 : Berm Creation Measurable Performance Standards

· Boulders used are correct size and installed to correct depth

· Distance between boulders effectively restricts vehicle traffic

· Boulders in roadway meet Americans with Disabilities Act.

· Boulders placed where directed

· Repair or replacement of damaged to Improvements in a timely manner

· Work completed within Contract timeframes

Item 4 : Construct Install Rock Barrier Construction Measurable Performance Standards

· Boulders used are correct size and installed to correct depth

· Distance between boulders effectively restricts vehicle traffic

· Boulders in roadway meet Americans with Disabilities Act.

· Boulders placed where directed

· Repair or replacement of damaged to Improvements in a timely manner

· Work completed within Contract timeframes

Item 5 : Culvert Installation Measurable Performance Standards

· Culvert used is correct size and installed to correct depth.

· Culvert placed to properly drain area and avoid erosion.

· Repair or replacement of damaged to Improvements in a timely manner

· Work completed within Contract timeframes

Item 6 : Water Bars Measurable Performance Standards

· Water bars are installed to correct size and installed to correct depth

· Distance between water bars effectively directs water flow off trail

· Water bars are installed according to Vermont Allowable Management Practices.

· Water bars are installed at locations designated by Forest Service

· Repair or replacement of damaged to improvements in a timely manner

· Work completed within contract timeframes

Item 7 : Drainage Work Measurable Performance Standards

· Ditch is constructed in approved location

· Ditch effectively allows water flow.

· Soil removed while creating ditch is placed on north side of ditch.

· Repair or replacement of damaged to improvements in a timely manner

· Work completed within Contract timeframes

Item 8 : Remove Refuse and Scrap Measurable Performance Standards

· Refuse and scrap is fully removed from Forest Service lands.

· Area where items are removed is smoothed over and soils are stabilized where needed

· Repair or replacement of damaged to improvements in a timely manner

· Work completed within contract timeframes

Item 9 : Erosion Control Measurable Performance Standards

· Adherence to specifications

· Exposed soils seeded/mulched as needed for stabilization.

· Repair or replacement of damaged to improvements in a timely manner

· Work completed within Contract timeframes