Att 02_140P8420Q0042_Specifications.pdf

April 21, 2020

Prepared by:

National Park Service Point Reyes National Seashore

Marin County, California

Reinstituting Grazing to Save an Endangered Plant Species ATT Fencing Phase II – Project Specifications - April 2020 Point Reyes National Seashore

I. INTRODUCTION

Point Reyes National Seashore (Seashore) currently supports four federally endangered plant species. Based on monitoring during the last decade, one of these species appears headed towards possible extinction (Alopecurus aequalis var. sonomensis). In the park, Sonoma alopecurus typically occurs in freshwater marsh drainages within historically grazed coastal grasslands or dune swale wetlands. Numbers have dropped by an order of magnitude (10X) in one of the largest populations, Population 3, at AT&T (Figure 1). Previous studies have shown that seasonal grazing of freshwater marsh habitat may be important in creating open areas for alopecurus establishment.

Population 3 was consistently grazed on a seasonal basis until 2003, but since then, grazing has been sporadic due to lack of infrastructure for cattle management, including water for cattle and a sturdy fence to keep cows out of adjacent dunes and beach that support other sensitive species.

This area had been fenced historically, but fencing had deteriorated considerably, allowing cattle to venture out on to beaches. Once a water trough been constructed, the park worked with the rancher to address the fencing issue by installing temporary electric fencing, which is essentially a series of very thin poles connected by electric wiring. However, after a few years, both the park and rancher realized that the system wouldn’t work: the sandy soils were too unstable, and winds would easily blow the fence down, which allowed the cattle to access and trample adjacent dune and beach habitats that support other federally threatened and endangered species such as Tidestrom’s lupine (Lupinus tidestromii; FE), beach layia (Layia carnosa; FE), and western snowy plover (Charadrinus alexandrinus ssp. nivosus; FT).

Due to electric fencing issues, the rancher and the Seashore decided that a more permanent fencing option was necessary, particularly as the Seashore was moving forward with a Park Service-funded dune restoration project that involved use of herbicide, and the beef cattle herd at AT&T is managed as organic. The park and rancher decided on installation of of five (5)-string barbed wire permanent fence, which is inherently sturdier, as the posts are installed 1.5- to 3.5 feet below the ground surface. The Seashore was able to set aside some year-end monies in FY15 to construct the 1,833-LF northern Phase I portion of the fence in fall 2016. However, further funding was not available in either 2016 or 2017 to complete the remaining 1,990-LF southern Phase II portion of the fence.

The park recently secured funding to complete the fencing. Phase II of the fence project consists of constructing/repairing 1,990-LF of four (4)- double-stranded barbed and smooth/barbless wire fencing, using galvanized t-posts and galvanized steel pipe instead of wood posts for H-braces, inline posts, and fence turns (Figure 2). It would be constructed using new galvanized t-posts and galvanized pipe for 1,749 LF of fence; the remaining 241 LF would involve restringing new double-stranded barbed and smooth wire on existing wooden posts that are present along the very westernmost portion of the alignment (Figure 2). Approximately, 468-LF of brushcutting would need to be performed to allow for new fence installation: a qualified California red-legged frog biologist would need to be present for all brushcutting activities and pole installation in heavily vegetated areas (Figure 2). Two barbed wire gates and one metal gate will be constructed to allow for cows and Seashore staff to access the swale (Figure 2).

Once the second phase of fencing is completed, the Seashore will be actively working with the rancher to ensure that a consistent annual seasonal grazing program is implemented. In addition to Sonoma alopecurus, another federally threatened species, California red-legged frog (CRLF;

Rana draytonii), also occurs in the Population 3 dune swale wetland. While grazing poses some danger of trampling of individuals or egg masses (P. Kleeman, pers. comm. in Ford et al. 2013), CRLF appears to co-exist with agricultural management and cattle use, with some of the highest frog numbers reported in stock ponds (Fellers 2005). As with Sonoma alopecurus, CRLF appear to thrive better in freshwater marshes if vegetation cover does not become too dense (Ford et al.

2013). The Seashore will work with the rancher to try and schedule winter grazing when it has the least impact on CRLF breeding.

Topography of the project site consists of a low-elevation perennially wet and flowing drainage swale or dune swale wetland surrounded by higher elevation dunes that range from ~30 – 100 feet in height relative to surrounding base elevations. Adjacent elevations in the project area, which is on the southern side of the dune swale, are generally less steep than those on the northern side. Some of the swale is bordered by moist meadows supporting rush (Juncus spp.), as well as common velvetgrass (Holcus lanatus) and a variety of herbs and forbs. There is some Dune Scrub or shrubby vegetation bordering the swale, most of which are coyotebrush (Baccharis pilularis) and bush lupine (Lupinus arboreus). These are some of the areas that would require brushcutting where they grow directly along the fence alignment.

The AT&T Project Area incorporates a number of native dune mat, dune scrub, beach, meadow, and wetland habitats. Many of these habitats supported federally listed or rare species that must be protected. As noted earlier, a qualified biologist must be present during brushcutting and pole installation near the swale wetland that supports CRLF, as well as alopecurus. Several endangered and many rare plants occur in the dune mat and dune scrub communities, and Western snowy plover nest along the beach oceanward of the foredunes through September: no brushcutting or post installation can occur within 500 feet of an active plover nest. In addition, a federally endangered butterfly also occurs within the Project Area, and care must be taken to avoid impacts to these animals. The AT&T Project Area is also directly adjacent to organic pasture, where grazing occurs on at least a seasonal basis, usually in the late fall and winter.

Vehicular access in this area primarily occurs using the driveway road that leads from Sir Francis Drake Boulevard to the former ATT Communications facility (Figure 3). Dirt two-track ranch roads head both north and south from this paved road through the pastures, leading to the northern, central, and southern edges of the dune system. The southern primary access road system will be used by Contractors to access the Secondary Staging Area, which is located behind a fence on the eastern edge of the dune system (Figure 3). The Secondary Staging Area is approximately 5- 8 min from Sir Francis Drake Boulevard (Figure 3). This area would be for vehicle parking, materials stockpile, and loading/unloading of UTVs, if used. The area is fenced to prohibit cattle from coming into the Staging Area and dunes. From the Staging Area, Contractor will use UTVs/ATVs or walk to the Project Area using park-designated “tertiary” access routes across open, fairly topographically level sandy areas along the drainage swale or heavily vegetated areas in the moist meadow. These tertiary access routes can have heavy, deep sands and several steep hills that require use of off-road UTV models capable of handling this challenging terrain.

II. OPERATIONAL RESTRICTIONS

Given the proximity of sensitive natural and agricultural resources to the work, there are some operational restrictions in effect as required by the permits and consultations that the Seashore has with resource agencies such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Because the fence will be constructed along a wetland swale that supports a number of federally listed species, a number of seasonal and buffer restrictions are in effect, as well as requirements for the presence of qualified biologists to survey areas and monitor work during certain phases of implementation (Table 1). Generally, fence construction needs to take place after breeding/nesting season has completed, which is typically around August 1, although breeding and nesting can take place after this date. Construction can be delayed into the late fall, but Contractors will need to drive on a two-track dirt ranch road located south/southwest of the paved road, and this road crosses through a wetland area that becomes impassable once winter rains have started in earnest (Figure 3).

Construction monitoring will be required during all brushcutting operations and during installation of fence points where high vegetation cover is present due to the potential for presence of California red-legged frogs and nesting birds. Rare plants must be avoided during fence installation: any rare plants present will be flagged by a park biologist prior to the project start. Vehicles and personnel must stay out of the adjacent wetland to the greatest extent possible and not drive through native dune vegetation communities such as Dune Scrub and Dune Mat. There is potential for western snowy plover to establish nests on the portion of the Great Beach close to the very westernmost portion of the fence where old fencing would be repaired. No brushcutting would be allowed within 500 feet of active nests. Contractors should keep vehicle speeds under 10 mph to avoid the potential for strikes of Myrtle’s silverspot butterfly; Speyeria zerene myrtleae; FE).

Species/Habitat Construction buffer (feet)

Applicable Periods

Comments

Rare plants (FE) 10 All Applicable California red-legged frog (CRLF;

FT)

See comments January 1st to July 31st (breeding season)

Implementation typically scheduled between August and October, although possible applicable if non-breeding frogs encountered on site.

Construction monitoring by a qualified biologist must be conducted during all brushcutting operations and during installation of fenceposts in areas with high vegetation.

Organic pastures N/A Year-round Applicable Wetlands w/o CRLF N/A Year-round Applicable Nesting birds 100 March 15th to

July 31st (breeding season)

Implementation typically scheduled between August and October. If nest is discovered after August 1, a buffer of 100 feet must be maintained.

Western snowy plover (SNPL; FT)

500 March 1st to September 15th (nesting season)

Implementation typically scheduled between August and October.

Applicable in August/September. If a plover nest occurs within 500 feet of fence construction, project activities will need to be relocated until plovers move. Plover nests only present on beach in this area, so this is applicable to only very westernmost portion of fence repair.

Myrtle’s silverspot butterfly (MSB; FE)

June 15th – Aug 31st

Implementation typically scheduled between August and October.

Applicable in August; possibly applicable in Sept./Oct. if butterflies are observed on site.

Drive vehicles and equipment less than 10mph

Table 1. Species and habitat restrictions for herbicide application and mechanical removal

Contractors will need to access the Project Area through pastures managed as organic for beef cattle. All gates and electric fencing should be left as found, and any gates or fencing damaged must be repaired at the Contractor’s cost. No vehicles leaking oil or other fluids should be driven in this or other areas of the park, and re-fueling of any UTV’s used for the project should be conducted at least 100 feet from any wetland outside of the organic pasture and should have tarping or some other form of containment to ensure that there is no spillage onto the ground.

Many weeds enter the park on the tires or undercarriage of vehicles, including vehicles and equipment used for construction. A number of non-native invasive species have been found in the past in Staging Areas or along access routes to Project Areas. To minimize introduction of new weeds and spread of existing weeds, all equipment brought to the site (e.g., UTVs, trailers) should be cleaned thoroughly prior to being brought on site to ensure that equipment does not bring in seeds or vegetative materials from weeds of other areas. Before coming on-site, all equipment will need to be parked at the historic radio facility and inspected by designated park representative to ensure equipment is clean and free of weeds and weed seeds and roots or dirt/mud that could contain weed seeds and roots (Figure 3). NO equipment is to move beyond the historic radio facility parking area without being inspected first. Any unclean equipment will not be allowed on-site.

Personal vehicles used to bring crew back and forth each day also need to have tires and undercarriage cleaned daily. In addition, the Contractor will need to remove sand, mud, vegetation and seeds from vehicle wheels and under carriage before exiting the work site onto County roadways through installation of tire cleaning stations near the intersection of the two-track dirt ranch road and the paved road (Figure 3). There is a known invasive weed present along the two-track ranch road (yellow glandweed/Parentucellia viscosa) that the park and rancher have been trying to eliminate, as well as to limit spread to other areas of AT&T or the park. The Contractor shall develop similar or other methods for removing soil and vegetation material from vehicles before leaving the Project Area at the designated tire-cleaning area and submit to the park for approval as part of a Tire Cleaning Plan submittal.

A. 1.1 SCOPE OF WORK

A. CONTRACT LINE ITEMS

Work conducted within the Contract Line Item Areas includes:

1. Installation of 1,749 LF of new barbed and smooth/barbless double-stranded wire fencing with galvanized t-posts and galvanized post H-braces along southern perimeter of dune swale wetland in coastal dunes at AT&T (Figure 2). The fence would consist of 4 wires total, the top and bottom strands would be smooth, while the middle strands would be barbed wire. Because substrate is sand, the new galvanized steel posts would need to be driven of a minimum of 5.5 feet into the ground. The new fence is estimated to require nine (9) Double-H braces due to change in direction or slope: these would be galvanized pipe (Figure 2). Three (3) single galvanized post H-braces would also be required: this number does not include the single H-brace at either ends of the fenceline, nor does it include one (1) of the two (2) single H-braces for the two barbed-wire gates and the one metal gate (Figure 2). Approximately, 468-LF of brushcutting would need to be performed to allow for new fence installation (Figure 2): a qualified California red-legged frog biologist would need to be present for all brushcutting activities. Due to listed species and weather-related constraints, site work will be performed primarily between September 1 and October 31, 2020.

2. Repair of 241 LF of former fenceline through removing any old barbed wire present re-stringing 4 (four) double-stranded barbed and smooth/barbless wire onto existing wooden posts (Figure 2). Repair will involve removal of any remaining barbed wire attached to the existing poles and disposal of all removed material at an appropriate off-site location:

none of the removed material can remain on-site. The top and bottom strands would be smooth, while the middle two (2) strands would be barbed wire. Note that at least 10 feet of the 241 LF will be a new barbed-wire gate to allow access to the fenced wetland area.

(See Item #3 below).

3. Installation of two (2) barbed-wire gates along both new fenceline and repaired fenceline areas (Figure 2). Barbed wire gates would be constructed with four (4) double-stranded barbed wire and smooth/barbless wires. The top and bottom strands would be smooth, while the middle strands would be double-stranded braided barbed wire. One gate will be located in the section of fenceline to be repaired along the very westernmost portion of the Project Area, and the other gate will be located along the very easternmost portion of the Project Area where it adjoins the pasture and trough. This eastern gate will allow both cattle and people access to the fenced wetland.

4. Installation of one (1) 4-foot tube metal gate in the existing fencing along the northern part of the swale (Figure 2). The gate will be located in the northeastern part of the fenceline where it adjoins the pasture. The gate will allow people to access the wetland for monitoring from the northern side of the swale.

5. Mobilization of all equipment and materials pertaining to Items No. 1 and 2, including site preparation measures, establishment spill prevention and containment measures, and maintenance or improvement of secondary access routes needed to allow for UTV transport.

6. Demobilization and close-out measures, including repair of any roads, fencing, or gates damaged or temporarily removed.

B. All work as identified and described in the Graphics and Specifications. In the case that there are discrepancies between Graphics and Specifications, Specifications take precedence over Graphics.

C. All work will be performed under a single contract.

D. There is no revegetation work required under this contract.

1.2 LOCATION

A. The project is located within coastal dunes southwest of the former AT&T radio transmission facility in Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California (Figure 1). The Project Area is roughly a 30-minute drive from the park’s administrative headquarters at Bear Valley near the town of Olema.

1.3 ORDER OF WORK

A. All new fence construction and repair cannot start prior to late summer (August 15) and must be completed by October 31.

B. The Contractor must recognize that, because of Endangered Species Act restrictions, many task elements may NOT be implemented prior to or after specific dates or may only be implemented during certain time windows related to presence and breeding of special status species. In addition, many task elements may require performance of pre-implementation clearance surveys prior to work start authorization and, in some cases, daily monitoring for special status species by qualified biologists. This may change sequencing or areas where work may be conducted at specific times. Buffers will be required, as well. See “Operating Restrictions” section for details.

1.4 GENERAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

A. Special Circumstances: No shutdown of the project site is anticipated. However, unforeseeable fire, geo-hazard conditions, heavy rains, weather, discovery of new cultural resource sites or objects, or presence of special status species not previously documented could prompt the Contracting Officer to suspend work activities for safety reasons at no cost to the NPS or its representatives.

C. Hours of Work: The Contractor shall conduct all work between the hours of 5:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, unless authorized by Contracting Officer.

Contractor and crew shall not enter the site prior to 4:30 AM or leave the site after 6:30 PM, Monday through Friday. No equipment engines or other noise generating activities shall be started prior to 6:45 AM or continue past 6:15 PM, Monday through Friday.

Weekend and holiday work will only be conducted after prior authorization from the Contracting Officer or appointed representative of the park.

C. Hours for Equipment Delivery: Equipment delivery, supply delivery and service/fueling vehicles shall only enter and exit site work areas by the approved access roads during normal working hours. Equipment delivery, supply delivery or service/fueling vehicles shall only occur between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

D. Daily Communications: Contractor shall maintain frequent communications, at least daily, with the Contracting Officer or appointed representatives of the park to discuss details of implementation, order of work, methods of minimizing environmental impacts, and other relevant components of work. There will be communication with the Contracting Officer or appointed park representative at least once per week either in a meeting or phone call.

E. Compliance with Regulatory Permits: The Contractor shall completely review, be familiar with and adhere to the terms of all permits and agency approvals for this project.

The Government will be responsible for securing and providing to the Contractor via the Contracting Officer or appointed park representative copies of permits, certifications, or authorizations. Copies of all permits are available from the Contracting Officer or appointed park representative and will remain at the project site throughout the duration of the project.

F. Compliance with State, County and Local Permits: The Contractor shall be solely responsible for securing and complying with any permits or authorization required by the California Department of Transportation, the County of Marin, or other local agencies, including, but not limited to, for the proposed work activities, including, but not limited to, pesticide permits, traffic and encroachment permits related to the delivery and hauling of construction equipment and materials, traffic control measures (Traffic Safety Plan), and burn permits from County and Bay Area Air Quality Management District

(BAAQMD).

G. Air Quality and Noise Restrictions: The Contractor shall implement measures to reduce equipment noise including: ensuring that all equipment has sound-control devices at least as effective as those originally supplied by the manufacturer and that no equipment with an unmuffled exhaust is operated. When not in use or unattended, equipment and vehicles will be shut down, locked up, and not left idling. Contractor shall limit idling time to no more than 5 minutes. Morning warm-up time shall not exceed 15 minutes.

Equipment and vehicles shall also be maintained in accordance with manufactures’ specifications to avoid excessive emissions.

H. Air Quality and Dust Control Restrictions: N/A.

I. Contamination Prevention Restrictions: All refueling areas and any equipment repair or similar activity must take place when equipment is at least 100-feet from any Sensitive Resource Area, wetland, creek, pond, ocean, lagoon, or other waterbody or area subject to restriction due to special status wildlife. Refueling shall only occur in areas approved by the Contracting Officer or appointed park representative. Staging and fuels storage areas shall occur only in designated areas: all staging or storage will require prior approval from the Contracting Officer or designated park representative. Protective tarps shall be used during equipment refueling or equipment repair or comparable method with prior approval of Contracting Officer or designated park representative. The Contractor shall check the equipment frequently for any fluid leaks and promptly fix any leaks.

J. Accident Prevention Program: Within five (5) days of Award of Contract, the Contractor shall submit for approval an Accident Prevention Plan. The Contracting Officer and designated park representative will review the proposed program for compliance with OSHA and project requirements. If the program requires any revisions or corrections, the Contractor shall resubmit the program within 4 days. No progress payments will be made until the program is approved.

K. Off-Site Traffic Restrictions and Site Access: The Contractor may be required to secure permits from either the County of Marin or the State of California for hauling of equipment. The Contractor and any subcontractors must strictly follow the posted speed limits on County, State, and NPS roads. Speed limits are reduced in town areas such as Point Reyes Station, Inverness Park, and Inverness, and the Contractor and its subcontractors are required to follow these speed limits. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor if the employees of the Government, or any members of the public, observe speeding by employees of the Contractor or the subcontractor.

L. On-Site Traffic and Access Restrictions: Because most of the site supports multiple sensitive resources, including wetlands, native dune mat communities, rare plants, and listed wildlife species, the Contractor must use identified primary and secondary access routes and Staging Areas to access work areas. Equipment is not to deviate from this route without approval of the Contracting Officer or designated park representative.

In addition, equipment may not work in or move or access through areas designated as Sensitive Resource Areas, specifically dune mat, dune scrub, meadow, wetland, and beach areas unless specifically authorized. The Contractor is responsible for identifying these areas to employees and, if necessary, installing protective flagging and silt fencing to ensure protection of these resources as designated on Plans. Any lathe and fencing installed by the Contractor should be removed by the Contractor at the end of implementation.

All traffic is restricted to 10-mph through on primary access routes, secondary access routes, and work areas.

M. Weed Prevention: All equipment brought to the site should be cleaned thoroughly prior to being brought on site to ensure that equipment does not bring in seeds or vegetative materials from weeds of other areas. Contracting Officer or designated park representative will inspect equipment (e.g., UTVs, trailers) coming on-site to ensure equipment is clean and free of weeds and weed seeds and roots, as well as dirt/mud that can contain seeds and roots. All personal vehicles used to transport crew back and forth to the Project Area will also need to have the tires and undercarriage cleaned on a daily basis. The NPS will be increasing its enforcement of the equipment inspection provision. No equipment is to move beyond the historic radio facility parking area without being inspected first (Figure 3). Based on this inspection, Contracting Officer reserves the right to prohibit site access to unclean equipment or vehicles.

N. Tire Cleaning: The Contractor shall provide means of removing sand, mud, vegetation and seeds from vehicle wheels and under carriage before exiting the work site onto County roadways through installation of tire cleaning stations near the intersection of the two-track dirt ranch road and the paved road (Figure 3). There is a known invasive weed present along the two-track ranch road (yellow glandweed/Parentucellia viscosa) that the park and rancher have been trying to eliminate, as well as to limit spread to other areas of AT&T or the park. The Contractor shall develop similar or other methods as approved by Contracting Officer or designated park representative for removing soil and vegetation material from vehicles before leaving the Project Area and submit these methods for approval by the park as part of a Tire Cleaning Plan that is required as a submittal Within five (5) days of Award of Contract, the Contractor shall submit for approval an Tire Cleaning Plan.

O. On-Site Staging and Stockpiling: The Contractor shall only stage materials and equipment in areas designated for Staging and Stockpiling. Absolutely, no staging or storage shall occur in Sensitive Resource Areas. If needed, staging shall only occur in outside of the Staging Area following written authorization by the Contracting Officer or a designated park representative.

Staging in permitted Staging Areas shall be at the Contractor’s risk, and the NPS, or its representatives, shall not be held liable for any damage to or loss of materials or equipment located within these areas or at any location on the project site(s). Equipment and supplies may be staged at the historic radio facility, but the exact location of staging will be determined by the Seashore. The Contractor should be advised that the radio facility is a historic site, and use is, therefore, subject to approval by the park, specifically the Cultural Resources division.

P. Flagging and Fencing of Access, Work, and Work Avoidance Areas: No flagging or fencing is required to be installed by the Contractor as part of this process. If the Contractor elects to install flagging, lathe, or fencing to eliminate potential for access into Sensitive Resource Areas discussed earlier, the Contractor will be responsible for removing these flagging and fencing materials at the conclusion of the project.

Q. Field Office: If approved by the Contracting Officer, a Field Office may be located in the AT&T historic radio facility area, where there may be access to power and telephone utilities. The Field Office could include jobsite trailers, offices, additional parking, fuel storage and small equipment storage.

Before temporary electrical facilities are installed either by utility company or Contractor, exact location of such facilities shall be agreeable to the Contracting Officer or designated park representative. It is essential that facilities be located so as not to interfere with equipment, materials handling or storage, traffic areas, later project implementation or site development, other contracts, or subsequent work. The Contractor shall provide necessary electrical facilities and their maintenance for specified limited temporary power for field offices. The Contractor shall pay temporary service installation and removal (commonly known as “up and down”) charges by serving utility company.

R. Water: The Contractor shall coordinate with the Contracting Officer or designated park representative to identify suitable water sources within the park, if needed. In past projects, Contractors have obtained water from Drakes Beach Visitor Center area, which is an approximately 20-minute drive south past the AT&T turn-off. Water at the Drakes Beach Visitor Center is available from a hydrant.

S. Existing Utilities: Excavation affecting existing utilities is not anticipated as part of this project. However, should excavation in none-dune areas be required, the Contractor shall notify Contractor shall notify Underground Service Alert North (USA), at 1-800-227- 2600, approximately 48 hours before excavation start to determine locations of existing utilities. The Contractor shall cooperate with utility owners to expedite the relocation or adjustment of their utilities to minimize interruption of service and duplication of work.

The contractor shall exercise care when working near existing utilities and shall be responsible for all damage, breaks and/or leaks. If damage occurs, the Contractor shall repair utility at no additional expense to the NPS.

T. Sanitary Facilities: The Contractor shall provide and maintain temporary toilet facilities in accordance with State Health Department, County, and Seashore requirements. The Contractor shall place temporary sanitary facilities, as needed, in locations approved by the Contracting Officer and designated park representative, secluded from public observation and convenient to work stations. The Contractor shall not locate temporary toilet facilities adjacent to a natural water source or within Sensitive Resource Areas or in a location to cause a public health hazard, contamination or nuisance. Relocating temporary facilities as work progress requires and approved by Contracting Officer or designated park representative. The Contractor shall maintain and clean temporary sanitary facilities at least weekly or ensure that facilities are maintained at least once weekly. The Contractor shall coordinate with the Contracting Officer or designated park representative the date for delivery of sanitary facilities as Seashore representative may need to open gate, and the Contractor shall completely remove temporary sanitary facilities on completion of work.

U. Trash Disposal: The Contractor shall keep work and storage areas clean and free of rubbish at all times and perform protective and clean-up work within one day of being so notified by the Contracting Officer or designated park representative. All items used for treatment purposes will be removed from the site at the completion of the project. The Contractor shall legally dispose of trash resulting from work, off Federal and private and leased property, as it accumulates. The Contractor shall pay fees required for use of public dumps. Burning of trash on Federal property is prohibited. All areas used by the Contractor including, but not limited to, work areas, staging, laydown, and parking shall be kept free of waste materials, debris, and rubbish. All sites shall be maintained in a clean and orderly condition.

V. Removal of Temporary Facilities: Temporary facilities shall be removed prior to final inspection at the end of the project with the exception of those authorized to remain by the Contracting Officer or designated park representative.

W. Public Access Safety and Closure: N/A

X. Ranch Operations and Fencing: The Contractor shall conduct all operations with the least possible obstruction and inconvenience to the public and adjacent ranch operators.

The Contractor shall maintain any temporary fencing to prevent pedestrians from entering the worksite and to preserve livestock, crops, or property when working through or adjacent to private property or property leased to private parties. All existing fence line will be maintained in good working condition except where necessary to remove to allow access or to conduct work. No fence removal is anticipated, but, should it occur, all removed materials should be retained on-site for later re-installation of the existing fence line by the Contractor at the Contractor’s expense. The Contractor shall control or prevent animals from entering the worksite to the same degree that they were controlled prior to the start of work.

Parts of the project area and access pathways occur in working ranches containing free-roam cows and potentially bulls. These herds are managed as organic and cannot be allowed access into the dune restoration Project Areas. All gates should closed upon entering and exiting any part of the project area, unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer or designated park representative. The Contractor shall follow all instructions from the Contracting Officer or designated park representative regarding closure of existing and new gates located within the Project Area. The Contractor is liable for all damages resulting from any and all impacts associated with improper gate closures.

Y. Resource and Property Protection: The Contractor shall provide protection for

Sensitive Resource Areas, including dune mat, dune scrub, meadow, wetland, and beach habitats. No driving through these areas is permitted; walking through these areas should be minimized to the maximum extent practicable. No crew should walk through wetlands with shoes or footwear that have been used during spray operations. Damage in these areas could result in the Contractor having to restore or replace vegetation at the Contractor’s expense.

The Contractor shall protect non-owned vehicular traffic, stored materials, site, and structures from damage.

Z. Work Camp: Establishment of a camp within the park will not be permitted.

AA. Site Grades and Survey Control: Elevations are not referenced in the graphics.

BB. Proposed Modifications to Graphics or Specifications: Any deviations from graphics and specifications need to be completed and/or approved by the Contracting Officer and designated park representative prior to implementation.

CC. Meeting: The Contractor shall meet with the Contracting Officer and designated park representative on the day of the pre-work meeting to conduct a joint review of the project schedule requirements of the contract to assure the Contracting Officer and designated park representative of the Contractor’s and subcontractors’ understanding of the requirements of this section.

DD. Project Communication: The Contractor shall meet or talk with the Contracting Officer and designated park representative each week at a project schedule update meeting to review actual progress made through the status date of the project schedule update, including dates activities were started and/or completed and percentage of work completed on each activity started or completed, as well as to review changes to future scheduling and coordination of required environmental clearance and monitoring activities with the proposed updated schedule.

The timely updating of the project schedule shall be an integral part of the process on which progress payments will be made under this Contract. If the Contractor fails to provide schedule updates or revisions, a portion of the monthly payment may be retained until such corrections have been made.

EE. Site Cleanup: Before scheduling the final inspection, the Contractor must remove all tools, equipment, surplus materials, treatment debris, and rubbish. The Contractor must replace or refinish fencing, gates, or other infrastructure that are damaged due to work of this contract to previous condition as directed by the Contracting Officer or designated park representative, including picking up all work-related debris from the site. At time of final inspection, the project sites shall be thoroughly clean and ready for use. All access roads utilized during treatment activities shall be rehabilitated as necessary to pre-project conditions as directed by the Contracting Officer at the Contractor’s expense.

FF. Substantial Completion and Final Inspection: When project, or designated portion of project, is substantially complete, the Contractor must request in writing a final inspection. Upon receipt of written request that project is substantially complete, the NPS will proceed with inspection within 10 working days of receipt of request if inspection is identified in Project Schedule for a minimum of 30 days in advance.

If, following final inspection, the work is determined to be substantially complete, the Contracting Officer will prepare a list of deficiencies to be corrected before final acceptance and issue a Letter of Substantial Completion. Contractor shall complete the work described on the list of deficiencies within 14 calendar days, as weather permits. If the Contractor fails to complete the work within this time frame, the Contracting Officer may either replace or correct the work with an appropriate reduction in the contract price or charge for re-inspection costs in accordance with the Inspection of Construction clause of the contract and in accordance with general conditions.

If, following final inspection, the work is not determined to be substantially complete, the Contracting Officer will notify Contractor in writing. After completing work, Contractor shall request a new final inspection. All re-inspection costs may be charged against the Contractor in accordance with the Inspection of Construction clause of the contract.

After all deficiencies have been corrected, a Letter of Final Acceptance will be issued by the Contracting Officer.

1.5 RESOURCE-RELATED CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

As discussed under “Operating Restrictions,” a number of impact resource-related avoidance and minimization measures would be incorporated into this project.

General Environmental Resources:

– The project would be conducted in late summer and fall to ensure that implementation does not overlap or only slightly overlaps with the end of breeding seasons for many special status species, including western snowy plover (ends Sept. 15); nesting birds (ends Aug. 1);

California red-legged frog (ends July 31), and Myrtle’s silverspot butterfly (ends Aug. 31).

– Buffers would be maintained between fence installation, repair, and brushcutting and active snowy plover nests (500 feet); nesting birds (100 feet); California red-legged frog individuals (100 feet); Myrtle’s silverspot butterfly (25 feet); and rare plants (10 feet).

– Because animals are highly mobile, multiple pre-implementation surveys, clearance surveys, or daily monitoring during the work period may be required. A qualified biologist will be hired by the park to survey for frogs and monitor brushcutting and pole installation within heavily vegetated areas: if frogs are found, they will be relocated out of the work area only by a qualified USFWS-approved biologist. If frogs are found when qualified biologist is not present, a 100-foot buffer will be established around the frog, and work will be discontinued in that area until the frog moves of its own volition.

– An education program will be conducted for associated contractors and their employees before the project begins and as needed throughout the duration of the project as staff changes occur or as conditions warrant. Emphasis of the education program will be on identification of the various species, their legal status and Endangered Species Act (ESA) protection, the measures being taken during the project to reduce adverse impacts to them, and conditions that will require stoppage of work.

Myrtle’s silverspot butterfly:

– There will be no brushcutting within 25 feet of a Myrtle’s silverspot butterfly.

– All vehicles will be driven at speeds of < 10 mph when traveling off-road within the Project Area to protect adult flying Myrtle’s silverspot.

– Access to the Project Area through pastures where the larval plant, common dog violet (Viola adunca), may grow will occur only on established primary and secondary ranch access roads.

California red-legged frog:

– Brushcutting and pole installation work within heavily vegetated areas will require presence of a qualified biologist who will survey work areas ahead of contractor crew to ensure that no frogs are negatively impacted. Should frogs be located, the biologist will relocate the animal. Only qualified biologists are allowed to relocate this species. If frogs are found at another time, a 100-foot buffer must be set up, and work cannot be conducted in that area until the frog moves of its own volition, or it is relocated by a qualified biologist.

Rare Plants and Native Dune Communities:

– A park biologist will flag any rare plants that occur in or adjacent to the Project Area. A 10-foot buffer will be established for brushcutting and pole installation unless a park biologist is present to monitor work to ensure no impact to the rare plant.

– The contractor crew will not drive UTV or other equipment through Sensitive Resource Areas such as wetlands, native Dune Scrub, or native Dune Mat. Also, crew should minimize walking in adjacent wetlands.

– To minimize introduction or spread of invasive or non-native plant species, staff and contractors will be required to thoroughly clean equipment (e.g., UTVs, trailers) and personal vehicles prior to start of use. The tires and undercarriage of personal vehicles used to carry crew back and forth to the Project Area must be cleaned daily.

Cultural Resources:

– The Seashore will provide Contractor education on cultural resource restrictions prior to project start. Certain areas within the Project Area may be designated as Archaeologically Significant Resource Areas. Particular care should be taken during work in these areas, particularly mechanical removal or post-treatment measures.

– If any items of potential cultural or archeological significance are encountered during excavation operations, treatment within this area shall be halted immediately, and the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer or designated park representative, who will contact Paul Engel, Archaeologist for the Park Service, at 415-464-5127. Contractor shall cease continued treatment until advised to proceed by the Seashore.

– If cultural materials are discovered, work within 100 feet of the find will stop until the Seashore Archeologist has evaluated the find. If a previously unknown archaeological site is discovered, the site’s significance will be evaluated based on the criteria for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Work in the area shall not be resumed until the site has been evaluated and appropriately treated.

– If human remains are discovered, the Contractor will be required to cease activity in the area of discovery, protect the remains, and notify the Contracting Officer or designated park representative immediately. On notification that human remains have been discovered on Federal land, the Seashore will certify receipt of the notification, take steps to secure and protect the remains, notify the Native American tribe or tribes likely to be culturally affiliated with the discovered human remains within 1 working day, and initiate consultation with the Native American tribe or tribes in accordance with regulations described in 43 CFR Part 10 Subpart B Section 10.5.

FENCE INSTALLATION, REPAIR, AND GATE CONSTRUCTION

1 .0 DESCRIPTION

A. The work in this section shall consist of: performing all operations necessary to construct new four (4) double-stranded barbed and smooth wire fence, repair four (4) double-stranded barbed and smooth wire fence, and construct two (2) new barbed-wire gates and one (1) 4-ft tube metal gate, as shown on the Graphics, as specified in these specifications, and as directed by the Contracting Officer and designated park representative; b) furnishing all labor, materials, chemicals, tools, equipment, and incidentals; and, c) doing all the work that may be required to construct and maintain the facilities.

2.0 GENERAL SCOPE OF WORK CONDITIONS

A. The Contractor shall furnish all necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and facilities (except as otherwise specified) to install and repair fence and construct barbed wire gates within the Project Area. Specifically, the Contractor shall provide all barbed and smooth wire, galvanized posts, galvanized t-posts, and other supplies needed to construct and repair fenceline and to construct barbed wire-gates and tube metal gates as described in more detail below and in Appendix B.

B. The Seashore will stake or flag the alignment of new fence construction and repair and designate locations where gates will be installed. The Seashore will also flag the route of the tertiary access routes to reach the fence alignment. The designated park representative will meet on-site with the Contractor to walk the Contractor through the primary, secondary, and tertiary access routes (primary and secondary will not be flagged as they are established routes); tire-cleaning stations; equipment inspection stations; Staging Areas for supplies; fence alignment; and gate locations.

C. The Seashore will arrange for all resource-related construction monitoring needing to be performed, such as California red-legged frog monitoring during brushcutting and pole installation in heavily vegetated areas.

D. The Contractor is advised that Point Reyes is the windiest place on the Pacific Coast and the second foggiest place on the North American continent, and the Project Area falls within the coldest, windiest, and foggiest region of Point Reyes. September and October generally have the calmest, clearest days, but rains may begin in September. Heavy fog is common in summer.

E. The Contractor is advised that other site hazards may include steep, unstable slopes, poison oak, ticks, and biting or stinging insects.

F. The Contractor shall have a Hazard Communication Program in place as required by 29 CFR 1910.1200, where Safety Data Sheets (SDS) shall be obtained for all chemical materials to be used in performance of this contract. These SDSs and an inventory of chemicals must be provided to the Contracting Officer or designated park representative prior to bringing the material(s) on site.

G. SDSs shall be maintained at the work site and made available to all employees and the public upon request.

H. The name and location of the nearest emergency medical facility should be posted in areas where it is readily available to employees, including in UTVs or other truck or transport vehicles.

2.0 FENCING MATERIALS

A. Posts used should be 6.5-foot long t-posts and 2-7/8-inch diameter, 10-foot-long galvanized steel posts for inline posts, and single and double H-braces.

B. T-Post material shall be as follows: FS RR-F-191/3C, hot-dipped galvanized; tee type with suitable knobs for fastening line wires with attached anchor plate and shall be free of corrosion or pitting. Minimum weight per linear foot shall be 1.33 pounds for line posts,

3.10 pounds for all other posts and braces, and 0.67 pound for anchor plates. T-post length shall be a minimum of 6.5 feet (2.5 ft in ground; 4 feet above ground).

C. Steel posts for Inline Posts and Single H-Braces shall be made of hot-dipped galvanized materials and shall be free of corrosion or pitting. Galvanized post width will be a minimum of 2-7/8 inches in outside diameter and 10 feet in length (approximately 5.5 feet in the ground and 4.5 feet above ground, with top of post approximately at least 6 inches above top wire). It should be Schedule 40 steel pipe, 3.65 lb./ft. or equivalent.

Steel cross-post must be a minimum of 2-3/8 inches outside diameter, 10 feet in length,

3.65 lb/ft or equivalent. Diagonal materials should be galvanized steel or angle iron and should be 2 inches x 2 inches x 0.25-inch. Place a galvanized metal stay on wires, next to the pipe post so wire cannot be moved vertically. All posts will be capped and attachments including caps, rail ends, brace bands, and bolts shall be hot-dipped galvanized commercial fittings.

D. Steel posts for Double H-Braces/Corner Braces and End Braces shall be made of hot-dipped galvanized materials and shall be free of corrosion and pitting. Galvanized post length will be a minimum of 2-7/8 inches in outside diameter and 10 feet in length (5.5 feet in the ground and 4.5 feet above ground, with top of post at least 6 inches above top wire). It should be Schedule 40 steel pipe, 3.65 lb./ft. or equivalent.