Att_02-_Scope_of_Work.pdf

140P8422Q0134- Tree Thinning Attachment 02- Scope of Work

Attachment A Lassen Volcanic National Park

Northwest Gateway Forest Restoration Project

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Purpose of Work The purpose of this work is to conduct stand-level mechanical tree thinning on approximately 900 acres near the northwest park boundary in Lassen Volcanic National Park to reduce live fuel loadings, reduce old growth mortality rates, increase insect and disease resistance, and provide a diversity of forest structures and wildlife habitats currently lacking in the area. Once forest structures have been restored as a result of this project, fire will be utilized to maintain, and/or further restore, ecosystem structure and function without further use of mechanical equipment. As part of its substantial involvement in the project, the Government will designate for removal from the Park some of the timber that will be produced by the tree thinning. Timber cut within a unit of the National Park System in order to control attacks of insects or diseases or otherwise to conserve the scenery or the natural or historic objects in that Unit may, pursuant to the authority of 16 U.S.C. §3, be sold or disposed of upon terms and conditions fixed by the National Park Service.

B. Location and Description The project area is located in Lassen Volcanic National Park (Sections 2, 3, 4, 10, and 11, Township 31N, Range 4E, Mount Diablo Meridian). See Project Map (Exhibit 1-5). Treatment unit boundaries are flagged with solid blue flagging and defined on all sides (except along roadsides) by intervisible boundary trees (50-100’ apart) which have been painted with a small orange dot at DBH facing into the project area. Controlled Areas (CA) are shown on the project maps and are flagged with red and white striped flagging (noxious weed areas) or solid red and solid white flagging (cultural sites). No treatment nor equipment operation shall occur in these areas. Equipment Exclusion Zones (EEZ) are flagged with blue and white striped flagging. No ground-based equipment shall enter these areas. The size, shape, and location on the thinning units were mapped using GPS.

C. Scope Contractor will work with NPS to fell, skid, load and remove from the park all trees designated by the NPS for removal within the Northwest Gateway project area. Estimated volume of materials to be removed (sawlogs and biomass) is 6,607 – 10,842 CCF (Exhibits 8 and 9). Removal includes all associated tops, limbs, and boles. Contractor will work with NPS to follow stringent slash treatment and site rehabilitation requirements (see Page 5, B.4.b.i. and Page 6 B.5.a. and B.5.b.). The quantities and types of timber designated for removal that are identified in this Scope of Work are estimates and are not representations for contracting of any type.

Project area has been sub-divided into cutting units 12 through 18, with one unit omitted: unit 15. Slash treatment/site rehabilitation shall be done concurrently with tree felling and removal. Tree felling and removal will be monitored closely by NPS and will be allowed to continue only if slash treatment/site rehabilitation is occurring simultaneously in preceding cutting unit. Slash treatment/Site Rehab must be completed within 15 calendar days of starting tree felling and removal in subsequent Unit. Felling operations shall not occur in more than one cutting unit ahead of slash treatment/site rehabilitation.

Treatment shall begin in Unit 13 and then proceed in the sequence Units 14 and 16. The sequence will then continue into Units 12, 17, and 18 unless negotiated between NPS and the Contractor.

All designated tree removal, slash treatment, and site rehabilitation shall be completed no later than May 20, 2023 in Units 13, 14, and 16, and by May 20, 2024 in Units 12, 17, and 18. Extensions may be granted due to delays associated with abnormally wet ground conditions or due to unusual weather conditions, but project shall not go beyond May 20, 2024. There will be two Operational Periods (Phases) associated with this agreement. Tentative Operational Periods (exclusive of weekends and holidays), weather and ground conditions permitting, shall be: 1) 09/15/22 - 03/01/23; and 2) 09/15/22 - 03/01/24. With NPS approval, certain hand-tasks such as hand-cutting and hand-piling biomass and flush cutting may be permitted between the two Operational Periods.

SPECIAL PRECAUTION: Since the project area is located within a National Park, every effort must be made to minimize damage to natural/cultural resources and existing facilities. All reasonable precautions shall be taken to protect vegetation, water courses, soils, archaeological sites, utilities, curbs, pavement, walls, and other man-made improvements. Safety shall also be considered a park value and the Contractor shall follow ANSI and CAL/OSHA requirements for tree removal work and work sites shall be available for inspection by NPS Safety Officer. The Contractor shall be responsible for the safe conduct of all operations. Slash treatment and site rehabilitation standards will be stringently enforced by the NPS. Ditches, culverts, and other drainage structures may require cleaning. Any Contractor-caused damage sustained by park or private resources or facilities during any contract work shall be repaired to the satisfaction of the Government.

II. TASKS TO BE PERFORMED: In order to achieve the objectives outlined above, the Contractor shall work with NPS to accomplish the following tasks to the Government Standards listed in Exhibit 6.

A. TREATMENT PLAN

The Contractor shall work with NPS to implement a Treatment Plan and Schedule to accomplish the project objectives, and organize and direct all of the equipment, subcontractors, and personnel needed to fully accomplish the work. The Contractor shall furnish all technical expertise, labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, and incidentals necessary to complete the work required. The Treatment Plan and Schedule will be agreed upon by both parties before any work begins. All changes to the Treatment Plan will be agreed to prior to the changes taking effect. The Treatment Plan and Schedule shall include as a minimum the following items:

1. Product removal and cleanup– felling, skidding and decking of designated removal trees, cleanup operation, hauling operations, equipment involved.

2. Temporary Road Construction & Site Restoration – temporary road construction specifications, equipment involved, method of removing temporary roads.

3. Plan – to include traffic control, and identification of hazards

4. Site Rehab and Slash Removal Plan – equipment and techniques used to meet site rehab and slash removal specifications

5. Schedule for completion of objectives

B. GENERAL OPERATIONS

1. Felling Operations

a. MERCHANTABLE TREE REMOVAL: Within the designated project area (see Exhibit 1-5), conifer trees 10.0” To 32.0” DBH marked by the Government with blue paint shall be felled and removed from the park. Removal includes all associated tops, limbs, and boles (see B.2.d. Yarding Unmerchantable Material).

b. SUBMERCHANTABLE BIOMASS REMOVAL: All unmarked white fir, incense cedar, and Douglas-fir trees 3.1” – 9.9” DBH within the project area (other than red-flagged individuals and groups selected for retention) shall be cut and removed from the park. Removal includes all associated tops, limbs, and boles. Exception: where there is no overstory, thin trees from 3.1” to 9.9” DBH to an average 24 foot spacing by removing white fir.

c. UNMERCHANTABLE BIOMASS REMOVAL (if Line Item 0003 is awarded)– All unmarked white fir, incense cedar, and Douglas-fir trees 1.0”- 3.0” DBH (other than red-flagged individuals /groups selected for retention, or those contained within Leave Islands) shall be handcut and handpiled according to small biomass/slash piling guidelines.

d. SNAGS AND DOWNED LOGS - Pre-existing dead woody debris, whether standing or down, shall not be disturbed nor removed. Standing dead trees may be cut within the bounds of a safe working environment, but must be approved and marked by the COR.

When cut, dead trees shall be left where they fall on the ground.

e. Damaged Reserve Trees- All trees smaller than 10.0” DBH damaged by felling and skidding operations shall be either 1) cut, skidded whole to the landing, chipped and removed from the park, or 2) cut, bucked, and handpiled on-site according to piling standards.

f Contractor shall cut Included Timber and move it to designated skid trails using equipment with a boom having an operating radius of at least 15 feet for bunching trees, capable of severing, lowering and placing trees up to 20 inches DBH on the ground prior to skidding. Such equipment must be capable of operating on slopes up to 35%. Trees must be felled and pre-bunched to the lead of designated skid trails unless by written agreement when dealing with oversized material.

g. In Hand-Felling Zones (to be determined by NPS) all unmarked white fir 1.0” – 9.9” DBH (other than red-flagged individuals /groups selected for retention, or those contained within Leave Islands) shall be handcut and handpiled according to small biomass/slash piling guidelines.

h. Directional felling shall be required to minimize soil impacts, protect improvements, and protect residual trees using normal mechanical or hand felling practices. Such directional felling shall not be required when the NPS determines that it is unsafe to do so, and the tree shall be left standing.

2. Tractor Skidding Operations

a. Skidding shall be accomplished by a crawler tractor or rubber tire skidder. Track tractors shall not exceed the weight, dimensions, and horsepower rating of a Caterpillar Model D6. Skidding tractors must have the capability of end-lining logs a minimum of 50 feet.

b. All skidding shall be done by equipment operated on designated skid trails. The location of skid trails shall be flagged by the Contractor and approved by the NPS prior to falling operations. The minimum distance between skid trails shall be 75 feet. Such skid trails shall be limited to the minimum width necessary for skidding of logs with minimum damage to reserve trees, but, in any case, the width of each skid trails shall not exceed 12 feet, measured between trunks of reserve trees. The Contractor shall directionally fall trees into lead with the skidding direction and winch to these skid roads. No skidding equipment shall be permitted to operate off these skid trails.

c. No skidding on slopes over 35% will be allowed.

d. All cut trees shall be whole-tree skidded to the landing with tree tops and limbs intact for processing (ie. Y.U.M.,see definitions in Attachment B, Exhibits). If unacceptable damage is observed to occur to reserve trees due to whole tree skidding, then the top may be severed from the last log and the lower log(s) skidded separately. In no case shall logs exceed 33 feet in length. Otherwise no processing shall take place away from designated landings.

e. All precautions necessary are to be taken when skidding logs as to not damage standing reserve trees. Rub trees will be flagged by the Contractor and approved by the NPS in advance to skidding operations. Additional measures may be enforced to protect trees near skid trails by the NPS if damage to standing trees is found.

f. No skidding shall occur on those areas marked in Exhibits 2-5 as Perpendicular Crossing Only, except at designated crossing zones negotiated between NPS and the Contractor prior to operation initiation. Crossings are encouraged to utilize previously disturbed areas to avoid additional resource damage to these linear archaeological features.

3. Loading Operations

a. All landings shall be placed in locations designated by the NPS. Landing boundaries will be marked with florescent green flagging.

b. All landings shall be restricted to the size designated by the NPS.

4. Removal of Designated Timber Produced By Felling Operations

a. Timber produced by felling operations and designated by the Government for removal from the Park (“Removable Timber”) shall be removed promptly by the Contractor from the Park. Upon removal from the Park, any and all interest the Government may have in the Removable Timber automatically and without any further action by the Government shall be quitclaimed to the Contractor. It is expressly understood that the Removable Timber is being transferred AS IS, WHERE IS, WITHOUT RECOURSE, WITH ALL FAULTS AND WITH NO WARRANTIES. The Government shall not be directly or indirectly liable to the Contractor or any other person for any damage or loss sustained by Contractor or any third party resulting from the removal of the Removable Timber or any act or omission of Contractor in connection with the Removable Timber or its removal. All risk of loss, destruction or damage to the Removable Timber shall remain with the Contractor.

5. Site Rehabilitation

a. Stump Height

i. Stump height shall be as low as possible but shall not exceed 4” measured from the ground on the uphill side or 4” above natural objects (boulders, downed logs).

b. Skid Trails

i. Restoration: Tire tracks and skidding ruts and other depressions/mounding and surface irregularities shall be obliterated and restored to pre-disturbance, natural conditions. This means that any depressions or berms on the skid trails and elsewhere throughout the units shall be hand raked and/or back-bladed to a smooth surface matching the original ground surface. Upon approval of NPS, landing slash, 3 inches and under in large end diameter, may be returned to the Units and scattered to form a discontinuous cover over restored skid trails.

ii. Seasonal Erosion Control before Restoration is completed: Temporary erosion control measures must be in place before seasonal periods of precipitation, runoff, or cease-of-operations in the project area. Measures may include construction of waterbars (see Exhibit 12 for specifications) or temporary placement of slash, as determined by NPS.

iii. Hand-raking Zones- In highly visible areas, such as determined on-site by NPS (in general within 200 feet of trails, roads, and campgrounds) restored skid trails shall have duff and needles from the surrounding forest raked over them to a 1-inch depth.

c. Designated Landings

i. Restoration: All landing restoration must be completed within 15 calendar days from the date operations have been moved to the next unit. Landings will be ripped to a 12” depth while making perpendicular passes over the entire landing area and then covered with a discontinuous cover of landing slash no larger than approximately 2 inches in large end diameter and 3 feet long.

ii. Temporary “Winterization” before Landing Restoration is Completed: Temporary Winterization procedures are required at active landings and must be in place before seasonal periods of precipitation, runoff, or cease of operations. Winterization procedures are measures to minimize erosion of exposed soil including grading landing surfaces to allow water to freely drain across them without concentrating or ponding or rilling.

d. Pavement Sweeping

Roadways, parking areas, and walkways shall be swept clean of dirt, bark, and other debris resulting from this contract. All sweeping shall be completed for each section at the time the section is finished.

e. Ditches and Culverts

Ditches and culverts shall be cleaned. Damage to ditches or culverts resulting from Contractor’s use or failure to perform required preventive maintenance shall be repaired at no additional cost to the Government.

6. Slash Treatment

a. Unmerchantable woody materials larger than 1 inch in diameter and 3 feet long (=

Slash) resulting from Contractor’s operations (including limbs, tops, chunks, bark, and other woody debris) shall be chipped or otherwise removed from the park by the Contractor. Residual slash accumulations, excluding individual scattered pieces, occurring within the cutting unit but outside the landing area may be hand-piled (see Exhibit 7). Limited amounts of landing slash materials less than 3” in large-end diameter may be returned to the unit and broadcast as a protective covering on restored skid trails and other denuded areas to form a discontinuous covering not exceeding 1 inch in depth, with approval and direction of NPS.

b. Specific Slash Treatments:

i. Damaged trees less than 10.0” DBH shall be cut and hand-piled according to hand-pile construction standards (Exhibit 7) or else whole-tree skidded to the landing, chipped, and removed from the park.

ii. Handcut Unmerchantable Biomass (materials 1.0”-3.0”) shall be considered slash and shall be hand-piled according to hand-pile construction standards.

iii. Residual slash occurring outside of Landing Areas shall be hand-piled according to piling standards (Exhibit 7).

iv. Slash occurring inside Landing Areas shall be removed from the park. Exception:

One machine-pile measuring approximately 20’x20’x8’ will be permitted at each landing.

C. RESOURCE PROTECTION PROVISIONS

1. Noxious Weeds: Measures shall be taken to prevent the introduction of exotic species into the project and staging areas. All equipment and tools must enter the Park free of dirt, dust, mud, seeds, or other potential contaminants. Equipment exhibiting any dirt or other material attached to frame, tires, beds, wheels, or other parts shall be thoroughly cleaned by the Contractor before entering the Park. Areas inspected shall include, but not be limited to, tracks, track guard/housings, belly pans/under covers, buckets, and other attachments. Equipment found to have entered the Park with potential contaminants shall be removed from the Park at the direction of the NPS at Contractor's sole expense. Contractor shall certify in writing (modified from USFS Form B6.35) that off-road equipment is free of noxious weeds prior to each start-up of operations and for subsequent moves of equipment to project area. No operations will be conducted and no equipment will be allowed within Noxious Weed Controlled Areas. Known noxious weed locations are identified in the field as Control Areas (CAs) and are delineated by red/white stripped flagging and/or temporary exclosures constructed of snow fencing and T-posts and are mapped (Exhibits 4 and 5). New infestations of noxious weeds identified by either the Contractor or the NPS within the project area shall be promptly reported to the other party. Contractor and CO shall agree on methods of control when new infestations are found.

2. Stump Treatment: In order to prevent inoculation by annosus root disease, stumps of all conifers greater than 14” in diameter shall be treated a Cellu-treat (disodium octaborate tetrahydrate) within 4 hours of cutting at the rate specified on the label (one pound per 50 square feet of stump surface). The stump surface must be free of sawdust, loose debris, and surface irregularities before Cellu-treat is applied. Re-cutting stumps will require additional stump treatments. Cellu-treat shall be supplied and applied by the Contractor. Contractor shall hold a current California Department of Pesticide Regulation Pesticide Applicators Certificate (QAC) or Pesticide Applicators Licence (QAL). The Contractor shall meet all Shasta County and State of California reporting requirements for Cellu-treat use and provide the park with a copy of “Monthly Summary Pesticide Use Reports” submitted to the Shasta County Agricultural Commissioner.

3. Soil Quality/Erosion Prevention and Control: Equipment shall not be operated when ground conditions are such that excessive damage will result, as determined by the NPS (see Exhibit 12). Operations will cease when significant rutting, loss of traction, and/or sediment transport is observed. The erosion control work required of the Contractor shall vary according to ground conditions and the necessity for controlling runoff. The Contractor’s activities shall minimize disturbance of the effective ground cover, which includes duff, down logs, stumps, snags and the standing live trees. The Contractor's activities shall be executed in a manner to retain the natural contour of the ground. Any mounding up of soil should be returned to the natural contour as part of the work process. Contractor shall 1) avoid operating equipment when soil conditions are such that excessive damage will occur (see Exhibit 11), 2) construct erosion control structures as needed to control erosion (see Exhibit 12), 3) repair promptly any existing culverts or other erosion control structures damaged by Contractors operations, 4) complete site restoration or at a minimum complete seasonal erosion control work prior to suspending operations. Contractor shall address soil quality/erosion prevention and control in the Treatment Plan.

4. Water Quality: Discharge into Water Resources is Prohibited. The Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C.

1251 et. seq., prohibits any discharge of pollutants by any person into water of the U.S. without a permit. "Pollutant" refers to soil sediments, solid waste, chemical or biological materials or even water that is at a different temperature than the receiving body of water. "Person" is broadly defined to include individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, states, municipalities, etc. Contractor shall address water quality control in the Treatment Plan.

Activities with the greatest potential impact are landing and skid trail construction, soil disturbance, and vegetation removal. The following measures shall be observed to protect water quality and stream courses:

a. Contractors operations shall be conducted to prevent debris from entering stream courses. In event Contractor causes debris to enter stream courses in amounts which may adversely affect (as determined by the NPS and/or the Park’s Wildlife Biologist) the natural flow of the stream, water quality or aquatic resources, Contractor shall remove such debris as soon as practicable but not to exceed 48 hours and in an agreed manner that will cause the least disturbance to stream courses.

b. Wheeled or Tracked vehicles shall not be operated in stream courses except at crossing designated in advance to operations by NPS.

c. No mechanized equipment will be allowed in EEZs (to be determined by NPS)

5. Cultural Resources: Historic or pre-historic sites, buildings, objects, and properties related to American history, architecture, archeology, and culture, such as Native American or settler artifacts, are protected by Federal Law. Locations of known sites have been identified on the units maps as “Controlled Areas (CA)” (See Exhibit 2-5). In the field these areas have their site perimeters identified with square red reflector tags facing out from the site and have been flagged with red and white solid flagging. There are multiple archeological sites in the project area. The sites will be identified at the time of the walkthrough. No activities or equipment is allowed within CAs. All trees will be felled away from the sites. NPS monitors must be present on-site when work is to occur within Units 8, 10, 11, and 12 and will coordinate with equipment operators to ensure that all equipment remains clear of CAs. The Contractor will also note linear archaeological features outside of the CAs which are limited to perpendicular crossings at designated and previously disturbed locations, such locations will be determined in coordination with NPS archaeological staff and COR. Lastly, any and all trees with historic insulators will be undisturbed. These are noted among locations of known sites provided in Exhibit 5.

Contractor shall protect all CAs and all known and identified or discovered historic or prehistoric sites, buildings, objects, and properties related to American History, architecture, archeology, and culture against destruction, obliteration, removal, or damage during Contractors operations. Contractor shall address their plan for the protection of Cultural Resources in the Treatment Plan. Contractor shall immediately notify the NPS if damage occurs to any Cultural Resources and immediately halt operations in the vicinity of the Resource where damage occurred until NPS authorizes Contractor to proceed. If such damage is negligently or willfully caused by the Contractor’s operations, Contractor shall bear costs of investigation and restoration in accordance with 36 CFR 296.14(c), provided that such payment shall not relieve Contractor from civil or criminal remedies otherwise provided by law.

Wheeled or tracked equipment shall not be operated within such areas.

6. Protection of Protected Species: Based on field surveys conducted annually from 2011-2020, the Project Area is not known to contain any Federal or State Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive (TES) species. If the NPS determines that protection measures are inadequate, if individuals or populations of TES species are discovered in the Project Area, or if new species are listed on the Endangered Species List, the NPS may either cancel, in whole or in part, to provide additional protection regardless of when such facts become known. Contractor is on notice that special protection measures not currently listed may be required at any time.

7. Protection of Residual Vegetation/Reserve Trees: The Contractor shall preserve and protect all residual vegetation (trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation) on or adjacent to the work site which does not unreasonably interfere with the work required under this contract. Contractor shall avoid damaging reserve trees by exercising care during skidding operations. Damaged seedlings and saplings shall be cut and treated as slash. Damage includes any injury to the living crown, bole, or roots of residual trees. Definition for damage is included in Exhibit 10 (see Attachment 03).

8. Protection of Structures, Utilities and other Improvements: The Contractor shall protect from damage all existing structures, utilities, and improvements, at or near the work site, the locations of which are made known to or should be known by the Contractor. The Contractor shall repair any damage to those facilities at no additional cost to the Government, including those that are the property of a third party, resulting from failure to comply with the requirements of this contract or failure to exercise reasonable care in performing the work.

9. Protection of Survey Markers and Monitoring Plot Markers:

a. Permanent Monitoring Plots: NPS has numerous monitoring points throughout the units covered under this agreement. Plot centers are marked by a 10” aluminum nail and surveyors lath flagged with pink flagging. Reasonable attempts shall be made during felling and skidding operations to protect and leave undisturbed plot markers.

NPS will flag and make visible prior to operations.

b. Survey Markers: Contractor shall protect all survey monuments, witness corners, reference monuments, and bearing trees against destruction, obliteration, or damage during operations on the contract area.

D. SPECIFIED FIRE PRECAUTIONS

1. Fire Plan: Prior to initiating operations the Contractor shall file with the NPS a plan providing for the prevention and control of fires on the project area. Plan shall include a detailed list of workers and equipment at the Contractor’s disposal for implementing the plan.

2. All internal combustion engines as defined in Section 4442 of the Public Resources Code of California (as amended 1968), except those equipped with an exhaust-driven turbocharger, shall be fitted with properly mounted spark arresters of a type approved by the NPS.

3. The NPS may stop all or part of the logging operations of the Contractor during especially hazardous fire weather. The stop work order will be made prior to the time that the State of California and/or the U.S. Forest Service might require stoppage of logging operations.

4. During periods of fire danger, smoking shall be permitted only in such portions of the landing as are free of flammable material. Before smoking, workers not working on the landing must clear to mineral soil not less than sixteen (16) inches square, must sit down to smoke in such a manner that any burning material will fall within the cleared area, and must extinguish and press out in the mineral soil all burning material before leaving the cleared area. All cigarette butts must be disposed of properly and not discarded on the ground.

5. The Contractor shall provide and maintain in good repair on the contract area, the following equipment for use during periods of fire danger:

a. Tank Truck: On the contract area during periods of operations, one (1) tank truck or trailer of three hundred (300) gallons or more capacity with three hundred (300) feet of hose and a nozzle acceptable to the NPS, and a mounted or portable pump.

b. Fire Fighting Hand Tools: Tools shall be kept at each landing or at such other place as the NPS shall designate whenever people are working on the contract area. All fire fighting tools shall be kept in a sturdily constructed box which shall be painted red and lettered on the front or top in large letters "For Fire Only." The box shall have a hinged lid and a hasp by which the lid can be sealed. One (1) box may serve two landings, not over six hundred (600) feet apart. When filled, the box shall not weigh over two hundred (200) pounds. The fire tools shall be in good condition, be tight on strong handles, and have sharp cutting edges. There shall be not less than four (4) tools in each box nor less than one (1) tool for each man working on the contract area. Three-fourths (3/4) of all fire tools shall be shovels, hazel hoes, or other scraping tools. The fire tools shall be used only for fighting fire.

c. Back Pack Pumps: Two (2) backpack pumps full of water and in good operating condition are to be kept at each active landing.

d. Fire Extinguisher: A chemical fire extinguisher of at least eight (8) ounces minimum capacity of a type approved by the California State Forester and a size 0 or larger shovel shall be carried during periods of high fire danger by each falling crew and each bucker using a power saw on the contract area. Such fire extinguisher shall be filled and in effective operating condition and shall at all times be immediately available to the operator when the saw is being fueled or the motor of the saw is running. Any fueling of a power saw shall be done in an area which has first been cleared of all flammable material. Power saws shall be moved at least twenty (20) feet from the place of fueling before the engine is started. Each power saw shall be equipped with an exhaust system and a spark arresting device which are of types approved by the California State Forester.

6. Adherence to PAL: Contractor's Operations shall conform to the limitations or requirements in the Project Activity Level (PAL) table below. Activity Level applicable to this project shall be Manzanita Lake PAL of the Lassen National Forest. The PAL is available by calling (530) 336- 5521.

PROJECT ACTIVITY LEVEL TABLE

Level Project Activity Minimum Requirements and Restrictions. Restrictions at each level are cumulative.

A Minimum required by C(T)7.2#.

B 1. Tank truck, trailer, or approved CAFS substitute shall be on or adjacent to the Active Landing.

C 1. When Hot Saws or Masticators are operating, a tank truck, trailer or approved CAFS substitute shall be within ¼ mile of these operations. Effective communications shall exist between the operator and the Active Landing.

2. Immediately after Mechanical Operations cease, Fire Patrol is required for two hours.

D 1. Immediately after Hot Saw or Masticator operations cease, Fire patrol is required for three hours.

2. No Dead Tree felling after 1:00 PM, except recently dead.

3. No Welding or cutting of metal after 1:00 PM, except by special permit.

Ev 1. The following activities may operate all day:

a) Loading and hauling logs decked at approved landings.

b) Loading and hauling chips stockpiled at approved landings.

c) Servicing equipment at approved sites.

d) Dust abatement, road maintenance (Chainsaw use prohibited), culvert installation within cleared area, chip sealing, paving, earth moving or rock aggregate stock pile loading and installation (does not include pit or quarry development).

e) Chainsaw and log processing operations associated with loading logs or other forest products at approved landings.

2. Hot Saws or Masticators may operate until 1:00 PM; provided that:

a) A tractor or other equipment with a blade capable of constructing fireline is on or adjacent to the active landing or within ¼ mile of the operating equipment. This piece of equipment shall have effective communication with the Hot Saw or Masticator.

b) Any additional restrictions specified by the Forest.

3. All other conventional Mechanical Operations are permitted until 1:00 PM.

4. Some operations may be permitted after 1:00 PM, on a case-by-case basis, under the terms of a PAL Ev Variance Agreement. Activities for which a Variance may be issued are:

Rubber Tire Skidding

Chipping on Landings

Helicopter Yarding

Fire Salvage

When approved by a Line Officer, a Variance Agreement can be implemented when the criteria specified in the agreement are met and mitigation measures are in place. This approval is good for ten (10) days unless cancelled sooner or extended by the Contracting Officer for an additional ten (10) days. Variance approval can be withdrawn at the sole discretion of NPS. Variance approval is contingent on the 7-day fire weather forecast, fuel conditions, site characteristics, current fire situation, state of Purchaser’s equipment for prevention and suppression readiness, type of operation and social and community considerations etc. (See attached Project Activity Level Variance Agreement).

E The following activities may operate all day:

1. Loading and hauling logs decked at approved landings.

2. Loading and hauling chips stockpiled at approved landings.

3. Servicing Equipment at approved sites.

4. Dust abatement, road maintenance (chainsaw use prohibited) or loading stock piles and rock aggregate installation (does not include pit or quarry development).

5. Chainsaw operation associated with loading at approved landings.

All other activities are prohibited.

E. SAFETY:

1. The Contractor shall be responsible for the safe conduct of all operations, shall adhere to applicable OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.266), and be subject to inspection by NPS Safety Officer.

2. Log Trucking: All loads shall be safely secured before trucks move from the landing or loading location.

3. Traffic Control: Contractor shall be responsible for providing own traffic control when operating (falling, skidding, loading, or performing slash treatment/site rehabilitation) along roads. Flaggers shall be equipped with safety vests and two-way radios and control traffic in both directions. Roadside operations shall be signed, or otherwise identified by barricades, and employees/sub-Contractors working along roads identified by safety vests or other identifiable clothing. Contractor shall be required to adhere to Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and OSHA guidelines for traffic control. Traffic control signing must be coordinated with the COR or park law enforcement three days in advance.

4. Safety Meetings: Contractor shall conduct documented daily safety meetings.

F. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

1. The Contractor will train in the safe operation and use of equipment to all workers using such equipment.

2. Personal protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards or processes encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body.

3. Defective or damaged personal protective equipment shall not be used.

4. The Contractor shall provide each employee who operates a chain saw, chain saw chaps at no cost to the employee, and assure the chaps are worn during saw operations. These chaps must be approved by Underwriters Laboratory. The chaps shall cover the full length of the thigh to the top of the boot on each leg.

5. The Contractor shall assure that each employee wears foot protection that provides adequate traction and ankle support. Employees operating chain saws shall wear foot protection that is constructed with cut-resistant material which will protect the employee against contact with a running chain saw.

6. The Contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, a hard hat and assure that each employee who works in an area where there is potential for head injury from falling objects or flying objects wears a hard hat that meets the minimum requirements of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard Z89.1-1997.

7. The Contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, eye protection where there is potential for eye injury due to flying objects. This eye protection must meet the minimum requirements of ANSI standard Z87.1-2003.

8. The Contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, hearing protection where there is a potential for hearing loss due to high intensity noise (e.g., chain saw operation).

G. SANITATION AND SERVICING

Contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent pollution of air, soil, and water by Contractor’s Operations. In the event that Contractor’s Operations or servicing of equipment result in pollution to soil or water, Contractor shall conduct cleanup and restoration of the polluted site to the satisfaction of National Park Service at no additional cost to the Government. Contractor shall maintain all equipment operating on Contract Area in good repair and free of abnormal leakage of lubricants, fuel, coolants, and hydraulic fluid. Contractor shall not service tractors, trucks, or other equipment on National Park Service lands where servicing is likely to result in pollution to soil or water. Contractor shall furnish oil-absorbing mats for use under all equipment being serviced to prevent leaking or spilled petroleum-based products from contaminating soil and water resources.

Contractor shall remove from National Park Service lands all contaminated soil, vegetation, debris, vehicle oil filters (drained of free-flowing oil), batteries, oily rags, and waste oil resulting from use, servicing, repair, or abandonment of equipment.

H. SPILL PLAN AND REPORTING:

Contractor shall provide an Oil and Hazardous Materials Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures Plan to address spill prevention and response measures for hazardous substances used on site, including fuels. If the total oil or oil product storage exceeds 1,320 gallons in containers of 55 gallons or greater, Spill Plan must be certified by a Registered Professional Engineer. A copy of Spill Plan shall be maintained on site during operations and Contractor and subcontractor employees should be trained on spill prevention and response measures. The Plan shall address the following NPS requirements:

1. During non-work operations, stationary equipment shall be parked over specially prepared containment pads designed to trap any leaking oil, fuel, or hydraulic fluids.

2. Inspect project site daily for proper storage of hazardous materials, proper parking of equipment on containment pads, and for hydraulic and oil leaks of equipment, tighten hoses, and ensure they are in good condition. If equipment is leaking, it shall be immediately repaired or removed from the Park at Contractor’s expense.

3. Routine oiling, lubrication, and refueling shall be conducted with secondary containment using Best Management Practices (BMPs) at all times. Refueling of equipment in wetlands or stream channel areas is not allowed at any time. Signs prohibiting refueling will be posted in environmentally sensitive areas as directed by the NPS.

4. Contractor shall maintain secondary containment for all equipment operating with fluids or when direct discharge of leakage, spills, or other source of construction or equipment fluids can flow directly to any streambed, whether flowing with water or dry. Containment shall be designed and installed so as to prevent accidental spills into streambeds in the event of mechanical failure or hose breakage.

5. Contractor shall maintain spill response materials on the project site when using heavy equipment to ensure rapid response to spills. These materials shall include absorbent pads, booms, or other materials as appropriate to contain oil, hydraulic fluid, solvents, and hazardous material spills. The Contractor shall maintain adequate equipment to effectively respond to potential spillage at the site as determined by review of the NPS.

6. Contractor shall provide names and phone numbers of appropriate Contractor’s personnel to be contacted at any time (24 hours per day) regarding accidental release of hazardous substances to air, soil or water. This list shall be submitted to the NPS and a copy visibly displayed in work areas on site.

7. Contractor shall adhere to appropriate NPS staff notification procedures and shall rely on NPS Spill Response Plan to accomplish external notification. Contractor’s responsibility shall include immediate notification of all spills to NPS. This notification will include specific details regarding spilled materials, amounts, and other relevant details.

8. Contractor shall digitally photograph or videotape the spill release at its source and photographically document the initial spill extent within 30 minutes of initial release.

9. Contractor shall notify the National Response Center and Contracting Officer of all releases of reportable quantities of hazardous substances on or in the vicinity of Contract Area that are caused by Contractor’s employees, agents, Subcontractors or their employees or agents, directly or indirectly, as a result of Contractor’s Operations, in accordance with 40 CFR 302.

I. QUALITY CONTROL:

Contractor shall provide a Quality Control Plan to address their strategy to ensure acceptable quality. The Quality Control Plan will be agreed upon by both parties before any work begins. The Contracting Officer reserves the right to require changes in the plan during the contract period, as necessary, to obtain the quality specified. No change in the approved plan may be made by the Contractor without written concurrence from the NPS. The plan shall include at a minimum:

1. A list of personnel responsible for quality control, their assigned duties, and their qualifications/credentials.

2. A copy of a letter of direction to the Contractor’s Quality Control Supervisor outlining assigned duties.

3. Methods of performing, documenting, and enforcing quality control.

4. Specific standards that indicate the Mechanical Tree Thinning and related tasks are being completed within the Quality Assurance Requirements provided in Exhibit 6 (see Attachment 03, Exhibit 6).

J. ADMINISTRATION, SCHEDULES, AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. LICENSING: Contractor or their agent must maintain a current California State Licensed

Timber Operator (LTO) and insurance (see below). Over the road equipment operators must have a valid commercial operator’s license.

2. RULES AND REGULATIONS: Refer to Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 36, Parts 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7.16.

3. SUBMISSION OF TREATMENT PLAN AND SCHEDULE: No later than 30 calendar days after receiving Notice of Award, the Contractor shall submit Treatment Plan and Schedule for Park review and approval.

4. POST-AWARD PRE-WORK: Conference: Following Park approval of Treatment Plan and

Schedule and prior to commencement of operations, Contractor shall meet on-site with NPS, Manzanita Lake Ranger, and Maintenance Supervisor to discuss conditions of contract, operating schedule, temporary closures, Park regulations and other items related to contract implementation. The Contractor shall also participate in an on-site post-award orientation (may be concurrent with above meeting) to identify sensitive areas within or adjacent to work sites which require special treatment.

5. MOBILIZATION: Contractor shall commence mobilization no sooner than September 14, 2020. Once mobilized, the Contractor shall, weather permitting, continue work on any assigned contract at an acceptable rate each normal business day until rehabilitation is completed and work is complete. Federal regulations (36 CFR, Sec. 2.10-2.12) prohibit creating loud noise in developed areas between certain hours. This includes operation of motorized equipment or machinery. Accordingly, there shall be no equipment operation other than the following hours in or adjacent to occupied campsites/lodging/residences:

a. 6 AM --10 PM within 1/4 - 1/2 mile of occupied sites;

b. 8 AM -- 5PM within 1/4 mile of occupied sites;

c. No work shall be done on Saturdays, Sundays, Federal Legal Holidays, or other special days identified by the NPS. The Contractor shall request permission in writing 24 hours in advance for any deviation to the normal work schedule from the NPS. Approval, when justified, shall be granted in writing by NPS. There shall be no monetary compensation given to the Contractor for work outside of the normal work schedule.

6. FUNDING:

a. It is anticipated that funds will be utilized from the CalFire California Climate Investment grant program to fund this scope of work.

b. Unless otherwise provided, the Contractor will work to furnish all labor, materials, equipment, tools, transportation, and supplies and perform all work required to complete the project in accordance with drawings, specifications, and provisions of this scope of work.

7. WORK CAMP: Establishment of a work camp within the Park will not be permitted. Camping within the Park will not be permitted.

8. RESTROOMS: Restrooms will be provided by the Government and available for Contractor use during tree removal operations.

K. SCHEDULES AND REPORTS

Contractor will work with NPS to provide the following submittals within 30 days after issuance of any subcontracting work, unless otherwise mutually agreed:

A. ITEM DESCRIPTION COPIES

REQUIRED

1. Proposed treatment plan/progress schedule showing starting and completion dates of various phases of the work

2. List of proposed sub-contractors and their intended work. Sub-contractors must have NPS Written approval prior to starting work on the project.

3. Spill Plan 2

4. Fire Control Plan 2

5. Designation of Contractor personnel describing responsibilities and authorities 2

6. Safety Plan 2

7. Quality Control Plan 2

All schedules and reports shall be submitted to: NPS, Steve Buckley

L. ROADS

Contractor or their agent is authorized to use NPS roads for access to the project area and for removal of logs/slash. Log trucks and other equipment are restricted to a direct route to and from the project area. Contractor's trucks and equipment shall not interfere with or deny use of roads to the general public. All loads shall be safely secured before trucks move from the landing or loading location. Contractor shall comply with all legal load restrictions in the hauling of materials. Load restrictions on park roads are identical to the state load restrictions with such additional regulations as may be imposed by the Park Superintendent.

1. Temporary Roads. The Contractor may be authorized to construct temporary roads, but it can only be done in close coordination and collaboration with NPS. All potential temporary roads must be approved prior to operation initiation and must be within the scope of existing compliance for the project.

a. Restoration of Temporary Road following use: Ripping will be accomplished along the entire length and width of temporary road surface by equipment that will lift and fracture the soil by vertical and lateral shattering, leaving the soil loosened through the full width and depth of the compacted layer with the topsoil remaining substantially in place. Ripping shall be to a depth of 12”. Ripping shall be limited when soil dryness will allow crumbled soil, avoiding the formation of large clods. Contractor and NPS shall agree in writing on the timing of completion of such work to coincide with desirable soil moisture conditions.

Following ripping, a 1-inch layer of forest duff shall be raked over the entire surface of tilled temporary road surface.

2. Road Maintenance –

a. Contractor shall keep ditches culverts and other drainage facilities clear and functioning.

3. Haul Route and Dust Abatement.

a. Haul Route - NPS and Contractor shall agree upon the haul route(s) prior to use. All products removed from sale area shall be transported over the designated route of haul.

b. Dust abatement - Water will be used as a dust abatement once a day 2 hours before hauling and at the rate of once every 10 loads throughout the day, unless additional dust abatement is needed for public safety and resource protection.

Water source: To be determined by NPS prior to operation initiation

Drafting water will be accomplished in the following manner:

i. Intake pump will be at half throttle.

ii. A screen with sieve holes less than 2 mm will be placed over the inlet hose to ensure that young-of-the-year (YOY) and/or fish eggs are not sucked in to the hose.

iii. Fifty percent of the minimum base flow can be withdrawn at any one time.

iv. Contractor must supply diesel to operate pump.

v. Avoid drafting from the deepest part of the source.