Att_02_SOW_SCI___SRI_Tree_Pruning_and_Removal_RGM.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

Channel Islands National Park

2022 Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands Tree Pruning & Removal

1.0 Background & Objectives

Channel Islands National Park manages natural and cultural resources on park islands, including Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa, for natural and cultural resources preservation and visitor enjoyment. The islands are located offshore from the Ventura, CA area. Both Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands have ranching-era historic tree plantings that contribute to the historic setting, aesthetic qualities, and visitor enjoyment of the park. These plantings are part of the historic setting for island-wide National Register historic districts, and therefore require cyclic preservation treatments by qualified arborists to help maintain their health, longevity, and aesthetic qualities while also ensuring visitor safety.

Pruning and removal work is required on Santa Cruz Island in two locations: Scorpion Valley (including Scorpion Ranch and Scorpion Campground (Lower and Upper Loops), and Prisoners Harbor. See Santa Cruz Island Map, Attachment 1. Pruning and removal work is required at the Bechers Bay location on Santa Rosa Island. See Santa Rosa Island Map, Attachment 2.

2.0 Qualifications

All pruning work shall be performed by Qualified and/or ISA Certified Tree Workers, supervised onsite by an ISA Certified or Consulting Arborist.

3.0 Scope

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, other items and services necessary for the pruning and removal of Blue Gum Eucalyptus, Monterey Cypress, and other tree species on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands.

Type Remove Prune Tall or large Sydney Blue Gum Eucalyptus

5 28

Wind-rowed Eucalyptus 1 30 Monterey Cypress 2 16 Locust 0 4 Corkscrew Willow 1 2 California Pepper 1 0 Fig 0 3 Coast Live Oak 0 2

1. Scorpion Ranch, Santa Cruz Island (see attachment 3):

a. Prune 9 cypress trees

b. Prune 4 locust trees

c. Remove 1 and prune 2 corkscrew willow trees

d. Prune sucker growth from 3 fig tree clusters

Statement of Work Santa Cruz Island Tree Pruning

e. Remove 1 pepper tree

2. Scorpion Campground, Santa Cruz Island (see attachment 3)

a. Prune approximately 14 and remove 4 eucalyptus trees, the majority of which range from 50 to 80+ feet in height

3. Prisoner’s Harbor, Santa Cruz Island (see attachment 3)

a. Prune 13 large Eucalyptus trees, the majority of which range from 50 to 80+ feet in height

b. Prune 2 Coast Live Oak trees

4. Santa Rosa Island (see attachment 4):

a. Prune approximately 30 and remove 1 wind-rowed eucalyptus trees (wind sculpted, short statured trees)

b. Prune 1 and remove 1 larger eucalyptus

c. Prune 7 and remove 2 Monterey cypress

5. Cut all limbs or felled trees into 4 to 8-foot sections. Pieces that can be hand-carried shall be relocated to previously-established burn piles. Pieces that require vehicle transportation will be relocated by the NPS.

6. Clear area of work of debris.

7. Dispose of debris that is 12 inches or less in diameter using an NPS provided chipper.

8. Contractor shall provide a safety plan that includes ANSI-Z1311.1, Safety Requirements for Tree Care Operators, and meets all OSHA regulations for work.

9. Contractor shall provide a fire mitigation plan.

10. Contractor shall provide all vehicles, tools and equipment necessary to complete the required work except for government furnished equipment (see 7.0 below), including safety and climbing gear; chainsaw fuel; chainsaws and other pruning equipment.

11. Contractor shall make every effort to mitigate damage to native trees during pruning and felling operations.

12. Contractor shall guard against contamination of topsoil, water and air from oil, fuel, or other fluid spills; from vehicle emissions; or from garbage waste or other debris. All oil, fuel or other petroleum-based spill shall be cleaned up immediately using an approved “spill kit,” as manufactured by Sorbent Products Company or equivalent. The contaminated material shall be hauled and placed within a contaminated material disposal area and encapsulated and removed from the island. The Contractor is responsible for clean-up of all spills or leaks of hazardous materials from vehicle emissions; or from garbage waste or other debris used or generated by the Contractor.

13. Contractor shall maintain a clean work site during operations. Personal trash and litter, including food wrappers, beverage containers, paper and other items, as determined by the NPS, shall be picked up and contained at all times.

14. Contractor shall prune all trees to current ANSI A300 Standards (Part I)-2017, Pruning:

Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance—Standard Practices (Pruning), and International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Best Management Practices - Pruning, Third Edition (2019).

In addition, Contractor shall implement the following:

• When a branch is cut back to a lateral, no more than one-fourth of its foliage should be removed. The remaining lateral branch must be at least one-third the diameter of the removed portion.

• Lion tailing is not acceptable and is a poor pruning practice in which an excessive number of branches are thinned from the inside and lower part of specific limbs or a tree crown, leaving mostly terminal foliage. This results in poor branch taper, poor wind load distribution, and higher risk of branch failure.

• All broken and cracked branches found in the canopy must be removed.

• All dead branches two inches or greater in diameter must be removed.

• No more than 25 percent of live green foliage should be selectively removed from a branch or the entire tree unless recommended for specific individual trees.

• If the qualified Tree Pruner sees something in the canopy of the tree that they are working in to be a potential for failure then they are expected to use their judgement and experience to relieve weight on the problem branch to help prevent breakage or failure.

• When removing lower branches on the Monterey Cypress trees that may be supporting a branch above, caution must be taken to prevent the supported upper branch from failure because the lower supporting branch was removed.

• No wound paint shall be used.

15. All work shall be performed by climbers and/or contractor-provided lift (see 11.0, Island

Transportation and Logistics); no NPS aerial lift is available. Climbing gaffs (spikes) shall not be used to perform the work or ascend the trees. Some trees will not be accessible via aerial lift.

16. Contractor shall avoid working in the vicinity of the Scorpion Bunkhouse until November 1.

17. Nesting birds are known to occur in the project area. Contractor shall stop work and immediately contact NPS onsite representative if a bird nest is discovered within 75ft work site.

5.0 Tasks

1. Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, tools, supplies, equipment and supervision necessary to perform the pruning and removal of trees, cutting trees and limbs in excess of 12” into 4 to 8 foot sections, and chipping debris 12 inches or less in diameter via NPS-provided chipper.

2. Contractor shall provide and ensure that all its personnel at the job site properly wear or use all applicable safety apparel and devices.

3. Contractor (including all job site employees) shall comply with all applicable federal, state, local, and Authority regulatory, code, and procedural requirements.

6.0 Delivery

Not applicable

7.0 Government-Furnished Property

NPS will furnish the use of its Bandit 250 disc chipper at Scorpion and Vermeer BC-1400 drum chipper at Prisoners; both are capable of handling 12-inch materials. NPS will provide fuel for the chippers. NPS must observe and certify the Contractor’s chipper operator at the beginning of the Contract period.

8.0 Safety

1. Contractor shall provide an accident prevention program. The program will include:

• Name of responsible supervisor to carry out the program.

• Daily briefings and PPE

• First aid supplies/procedures.

• Emergency Response.

2. Contractor will receive a copy of Channel Islands National Park Emergency Response

Plan.

3. Contractor shall provide evidence of workers compensation insurance and liability insurance, and name National Park Service as an additional insured.

4. Contractor shall provide a Wildland Fire Prevention Plan. Equipment shall have proper class and size fire extinguishers. Fire prevention includes maintaining safe practices while using any equipment that can cause sparking or ignition. Provide clear areas around equipment that may cause sparks.

5. No work shall take place during a Red Flag Warning.

6. No smoking except below high tide line on the beach in the designated smoking area.

7. No pets are allowed on Santa Cruz Island.

8. All personnel must sign the NPS Hantavirus form provided by NPS.

9. Contractor shall observe Title 8, Group 3 of the California Code of Regulations, and

American National Standard Z133.1 for tree care operations (safety requirements for pruning, trimming, repairing, maintaining, and removing trees and cutting brush).

10. All personnel must comply with the Superintendent’s Compendium, including Administrative Order #21-001, Closures, restrictions and public use limits, established to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

9.0 Place of Performance

Scorpion, Smugglers, and Prisoners developed areas on Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park, Santa Barbara County, California.

10.0 Site Visit

Quoters are urged and expected to inspect the site where services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of contract performance, to the extent that the information is reasonably obtainable. In no event shall failure to inspect the site constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

There is no scheduled site visit for this project and there is no government provided transportation to the island. Quoters are responsible for making their own accommodations to visit the island.

Transportation is available through Island Packers at:

Email: https://islandpackers.com/ Phone: (805) 642-1393 Boat Dock address is:

1691 Spinnaker Drive, Space #105B Ventura, CA 93001

Quoters who plan to attend the site visit should make reservations by phone as soon as possible.

Quoters are responsible for boat fares.

11.0 Island Transportation and Logistics

https://islandpackers.com/

Contractor shall arrange own transportation to/from the island via Island Packers (805-642-1393, www.islandpackers.com) at their own expense.

Please be aware of Island Packers’ requirements regarding cargo: Each passenger being transported for multiple day/night stay on the island is permitted to bring up to three (3) items each weighing 45 pounds or less and one (1) carry on that must fit under the bench seat. No single item in your gear may weigh more than 45 lbs; this includes ALL ice chests. Additional gear will be charged a fee of 0.25 cents per pound. Gear weighing more than 45 pounds will be required to be broken down until the proper weight is achieved. Island Packers may weigh any item prior to being loaded.

Flammable liquids or gas (stove fuel) must be turned over to a crew member for proper storage. Gear must arrive one (1) hour before boat departure time. No cardboard boxes are allowed for packing food or gear.

Contractor may elect to provide aerial lift (note: some trees will not be accessible via aerial lift).

The NPS will provide two landing craft (LCM) runs to mobilize and demobilize trucks and large equipment to Scorpion and Prisoners areas. The deck space on the landing craft is 16’ x 40’.

Vehicles on board the LCM will receive salt water spray during the ocean crossing to Santa Cruz Island. Any contractor vehicle taken to the island must be a 4x4 and in good operating condition.

All operators must have a valid driver’s license. The road to Smugglers is not suitable for trailers and some types of equipment. All vehicles and equipment delivered to the island must comply with 14. Biosecurity. The NPS will endeavor to meet requested mobilization and demobilization dates but can only operate the landing craft when weather and sea-state allows. The contractor is responsible for providing fuel for their vehicles and equipment, there are no fueling stations on the island.

The NPS will provide island housing for up to 6 persons (shared kitchen and bathroom facilities) at the following: 1) park’s bunk housing facilities in Scorpion Valley at an average cost $20.00 per person per night (shared kitchen and bathroom facilities); 2) partner bunk house facilities near Prisoners (UC Reserve) at an average of$60.00 per person/ night (shared kitchen and bathroom facilities); and 3) park duplex housing facilities on Santa Rosa Island at an average cost of $12.00 per night. Contractor shall provide own food, sleeping bags or bed linens, towels and toiletries.

With the single exception of the jobsite at Prisoner’s Harbor, potable drinking water is available at Scorpion, Bechers Bay, and all of the housing areas. There are no food, beverage or other services on the island. If Contractor chooses to make daily trips to the Prisoner’s jobsite via Island Packers ferry, the NPS will provide access to a secure storage facility at Prisoner’s for equipment left overnight.

Communication is limited. Cell phone reception is intermittent to non-existent depending on the service provider. Park radio is the most reliable form of communication.

There are no on island medical facilities and emergency response can take up to two hours.

The Island fox occurs in the project area. Contractor and crew shall avoid all contact with island foxes and shall absolutely not feed or interact with the island foxes at any time. Contractor will keep food and personal gear protected from scavenging by foxes and ravens. Under no circumstances are contractors or their crew allowed to feed or leave food for foxes or other wildlife. Trash shall be temporarily stored in a fox-proof container at all times.

Archeological material is protected under federal law. Collecting or disturbing cultural material is not allowed.

12.0 Period of Performance

1. The period of performance will be between November 15 and January 15, 2023.

2. Contractor shall complete work on Santa Rosa Island first, due to seasonal access limitations.

3. Contractor shall mobilize for onsite work within 5 days of Notice to Proceed.

4. Pruning shall be completed for inspection within 30 days of Notice to Proceed.

5. Any work not accepted by inspecting arborist is completed within 5 days of notification of deficiency

6. Work in Scorpion Campground is limited to the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday

– Friday, to limit disturbance to campers.

7. Work in other areas (Scorpion Ranch, Smugglers, and Prisoners) may be conducted during daylight hours but should avoid weekend work to the extent feasible, to limit impacts to the visiting public.

8. The contractor shall coordinate all work schedules with the COR prior to the start of the work. Before initiating any work, the contractor shall meet with the COR and agree on: a sequence of procedures; a means of access to island and all work and housing areas;

delivery of materials; communications; any other incidentals to the project.

13.0 Inspection/Acceptance

Upon completion of work and before final acceptance, the contractor shall clear the entire project area and all grounds occupied by the contractor, of rubbish, excess materials, and any other debris caused by their operations.

An NPS Arborist will accompany the potential bidders on the site visit and to inspect the completed pruning work. NPS will not accept the completed pruning work until it has been inspected and approved by the arborist.

NPS will inspect the completed work within 15 days of completion and will notify contractor of any deficiencies. Insofar as is possible, NPS will arrange for inspection of the Contractor’s completed work toward the end of their time at each work area, so that the Contractor will have the opportunity to address items that may have been missed or need to be re-done prior to moving operations to the next work area. The contractor shall promptly cure any problems identified.

14.0 Biosecurity

Personnel: All contracting and sub-contracting personnel must abide by the biosecurity regulations provided below.

1. Footwear, clothing, and personal packs must be inspected and cleaned prior to leaving the mainland. Footwear cleaning can be done with the boot brushes provided at the NPS boatyard dock. Laces, shoelace holes, socks, pant cuffs, zippers, and all small crevices on clothing and packs can be hiding small insects or weed seeds. All soil, insects, and seeds must be removed before leaving the mainland.

a. It may be necessary to inspect and clean footwear, clothing, and personal packs while on island, when moving between sensitive sites.

2. Single-use plastic bags and corrugated cardboard packing is not permitted, unless the cardboard is factory-sealed and has not been opened prior to transport to the island(s). Tightly sealed containers, such as Action Packers or Tupperware, are an acceptable alternative.

a. All contracting and sub-contracting personnel must provide trash can with a secure-fitting lid at on-site work area. The purpose of the secure lid is to keep out wildlife, including ravens and foxes.

b. Feeding of wildlife, including ravens and foxes, is not permitted at any time.

3. Single-use plastic water bottles are not permitted. All personnel must bring reusable water bottles and Igloo beverage coolers for refilling.

Equipment and Machinery: Prior to transport to the island, the Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that their equipment and tools are clean and free of dirt, mud, straw, or other material which could bring weed seeds or other invasive species to the island.

1. The Contracting Officer shall be notified the day prior to entry of equipment to the Park and be provided the opportunity to inspect equipment.

2. All vehicles, heavy machinery, and equipment (including shovels, wheelbarrows, hand tools, etc.) entering the project area must be clean of plant seeds, mud, and soil and free from oil leaks. Pressure wash all construction equipment and heavy machinery to thoroughly remove all dirt, plant, and other foreign material prior to loading equipment on park boats or landing craft. Particular attention must be shown to the under carriage, wheels, tracks, and any other surface where soil containing non-native plant seeds or aquatic organisms such as the New Zealand mud snail or zebra mussel may reside.

3. Arrange for the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to inspect each piece of equipment, or alert the Biosecurity Manager to do so, before loading on the mainland. Equipment that has not been adequately cleaned will be turned away.

Equipment found operating on the project that has not been inspected or has oil leaks will be shut down and subject to citation and removal from the premises.

4. Cardboard packing is only allowed if it is factory-sealed and has not been opened prior to transport to the island(s).

5. Any equipment leaving the park shall be power washed and steam cleaned again prior to reentry to the park.

6. Any costs incurred by delays due to cargo being unfit for transport because biosecurity threats are detected and not remedied in time are the sole responsibility of the Contractor.

Decontamination of Equipment: These efforts are critical to prevent the introduction and establishment of non-native plant or animal species into the project area.

1. Drain and flush all pumps, tanks, live wells, buckets and other containers that might carry water contaminated with exotic animals, such as the New Zealand mud snail or zebra mussel, prior to bringing equipment into the park. Thoroughly wash all hauling tanks and equipment using a hard spray from a garden hose. If equipment was used in infested waters, use the following steps to clean the equipment:

a. Wash with hot water (140 F or 40 C) or a high-pressure washer (250 pounds per square inch).

b. Remove all aquatic weeds -- they can carry non-native snails and mussels.

2. Preventing spread of Cypress Canker: Tools must be disinfected after treatment of each Monterey Cypress tree to prevent spread Cypress Canker disease.

3. Disinfect equipment. Recent research shows that disinfection of nets and equipment with benzalkonium chloride at typical treatment rates (10 milligrams per liter for 24 hours, 100 milligrams per liter for 3 hours, or 250 milligrams per liter for 15 minutes) will effectively eliminate most exotic animals. Two other commonly used disinfectants, calcium hypochlorite and iodine, are ineffective against zebra mussels.

a. Many adult snails and mussels can live more than a week out of water in moist, shaded areas. Dry pumps, nets and other equipment used in infested waters in the sun for two to four days after cleaning. If adult snails or mussels are present, equipment must be dried for two weeks.

b. No imported earth materials will be allowed without the written permission of the Contracting Officer.

c. All material must be free of animals and/or animal evidence, including, but not limited to: rodents/small mammals, rodent/small mammal droppings, chew marks, insects, spider webs, insect holes in boxes.

d. Tree pruning equipment must be disinfected prior to transport to the islands to ensure that any threats, such as the polyphagous shot hole borer, do not get introduced to the island. The disinfecting protocol is as follows:

i. Remove organic debris off equipment, hand and power tools used for cutting (e.g. loppers, chainsaws), then spray or wipe with either Lysol or 70% ethanol.