Attachment 001 - Statement of Work.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

for completing Noxious and Invasive Weed Survey and Treatment within Dog Valley and Long Valley, California.

Sierra County, California

Humboldt‐Toiyabe National Forest (HTNF) Carson Ranger District

OBJECTIVES:

The contractor will provide for the survey of new noxious and invasive weeds, as well as the application of ground‐based herbicide spraying and/or manual treatment within NFS lands in the Dog Valley and

Long Valley areas within California. The following criteria will be part of any contracted services.

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION:

1.1 The project is in Sierra County within Dog Valley and Long Valley, California. See Map 1 for known infestations within the project area (see Attachment 003 – Maps). This SOW is only for the locations within National Forest System lands.

1.2 Acreages of known infestations have been computed on a horizontal plane utilizing ArcMap software; plant densities may vary across the mapped polygon and oftentimes are scattered. To prevent herbicide waste, reconnaissance of the infestation is recommended prior to planning treatments and/or mixing herbicides.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

2.1 Contract Time: Work is anticipated to start May 29 – June 2 for spring grass post‐emergent treatment and continue through July/August treating broadleaf species, then resume in the fall/early winter (annual grass pre‐emergent treatment window). Coordination of plant phenology will occur between the Forest representative and the contractor. Work will be timed according to target species phenology and weather conditions.

2.2 Work periods may be adjusted if weather conditions, or plant phenology require a change.

SCOPE OF WORK:

3.1 Project shapefiles may be provided at the contractor’s request.

3.2 The Purpose of this contract is to provide a scope of work for weed surveys and ground‐based herbicide spraying and manual treatments within NFS lands in Sierra County, California. This work will consist of noxious and invasive weed management and treatment through survey and the use of chemical and manual control on the Carson Ranger District within known and newly discovered weeds infestations within the watershed.

Attachment 001 - Statement of Work

3.3 Survey:

3.3.1 The Forest Service will provide locations of known weed species and provide lists and survey forms and requirements to the proponent.

3.3.2 Conduct surveys and mapping of noxious and invasive species within the fuel’s reduction and timber stand improvement project areas. Entire proposed fuels reduction treatment project areas do not need to be surveyed for weeds. Survey needs will be focused on vector locations within the treatment polygons. Vectors are the transfer mechanisms responsible for the introduction and spread of invasive species, i.e., roads, creeks, springs, OHV trails and parking areas. Survey parking areas and springs; and 20ft. on both sides of roads, creeks, and trails.

3.3.3 Survey Needs:

a. Total of 10 units, 1,067 acres of mastication; however, fuels treatment units will not need to be surveyed in their entirety. Survey to be focused on vector locations within the units.

i. Year 1: survey vector locations within mastication units 5‐10; total unit acreage is 360 acres, but all acres will not be included in the survey.

ii. Year 2: survey vector locations within mastication units 1‐4; total unit acreage is 707 acres, but all acres will not be included in the survey.

b. Year 1: 6 units, 539 acres of hand treatment of tree and vegetation removal. Survey to be focused on vector locations within the units.

c. Year 1: 5 units, 360 acres of Timber Stand Improvement treatment. Survey to be focused on vector locations within the units.

3.3.4 Survey for species included in the State of California Noxious Weed List, and the Federal Noxious

Weed List with special emphasis on the following HTNF priority species:

Jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica)

Spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe)

Barbed goatgrass (Aegilops triuncialis)

Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense)

Whitetop/ hoary cress (Cardaria draba)

Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare)

Musk thistle (Carduus nutans)

Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium)

Diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa)

Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium)

Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis)

Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput‐medusae)

3.3.5 Each new infestation discovered shall be documented as outlined below:

a. Complete Humboldt‐Toiyabe National Forest Noxious and Invasive Weeds Inventory Field Forms

(Appendix C, see pages 23‐30). This will include an accurate assessment of species, size, location

(UTMs), and include comments related to the infestation. The Forest will provide survey forms

(Appendix C, see pages 23‐30).

b. The location of each infestation shall be mapped using GPS (UTM, Zone 11, NAD 83). Plant occurrences will be mapped as polygon features. The data will be provided to the Forest Service electronically as shape files suitable for use with ESRI software and linked to tabular information.

3.3.6 Coordinate with the Carson Ranger District Staff/Contracting Officer Representative (COR) on results of surveys to determine best timing for treatment.

3.3.7 Provide survey and new inventory data (hard copy and shapefiles) to project COR.

3.4 Treatment:

3.4.1 The contractor will adhere to the specifications listed in Appendix A (see page 20) in compliance with the California Integrated Weed Management Project EA (CAIWMP).

3.4.2 The contractor will be required to treat approximately 322 acres of known medusahead, scotch thistle, musk thistle, spotted knapweed, canada thistle, perennial pepperweed, and bull thistle currently identified in the project boundary in addition to newly found weed infestations not currently mapped. This SOW does not permit the contractor to treat weeds on private land.

New infestations found and mapped in 2023 may be included in 2024 treatments. A general schedule of items is described in Tables 1 and 2 below. Known species and acreages are shown on Maps 1‐7 (see Attachment 003 – Maps) and described in Appendix B (see pages 21‐22).

3.4.3 The contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, supplies and appropriate herbicide, dye, surfactants, and incidentals.

3.4.4 The contractor will perform all work necessary to complete application in accordance with these specifications, and in accordance with state and federal regulations and herbicide labels. From this point on herbicide label(s) will refer to the legal documentation that accompanies every herbicide container including all other information referenced on the label or received from the manufacturer (brochures and leaflets).

3.4.5 The use of global positioning system (GPS) devices or other geolocation software (AVENZA) will be necessary to navigate to and identify known treatment polygon boundaries, and any follow up treatments. A GPS will be used (provided by the contractor) to record areas of treatment by species. Treatments will be mapped as polygon features. New infestations encountered will be inventoried using GPS, and then treated according to the specifications. Additional specifications for chemical treatment are listed in sections 3.5 and 3.6. The Contractor will provide a final map and shape file/s of all GIS data (completed with a GPS). Data will be collected in NAD83 datum.

3.4.6 The Contractor will be required to submit Herbicide Treatment forms and/or Manual Treatment forms (Appendix C, see pages 23‐30) for each day of treatment. These reports will show acres treated, amount of herbicide used, amount of time required to treat area, weather conditions at time of application and species of weed(s) treated. The contractor will specify whether ounces/acre, or lbs./acre was used and will maintain consistency in their method.

Table 1. Schedule of items Year 1 (2023)

Work Item

Sub Item/Description Work Period Unit of measure Approx. Quantity

(Acres)

Annual Grass Spring treatment: medusahead

Verify/Survey 195 acres of known medusahead

May 29 (anticipated)

Acres – chemically treated along Dog Valley

Rd., surveyed and mapped

Survey within proposed fuels units

Notify FS staff of new infestations found within fuels units to clear for treatment

June 1 (anticipated)

Acres – surveyed and mapped new infestations by species (includes annual grass and broadleaf species)

Only survey vectors within the 1,259 acres (Approximately 70 acres will need to be surveyed)

Project check in: provide inventory forms and GIS data to FS representative

Broadleaf Species Treat known infestations within proposed fuels treatment units

Broadleaf Species Treat newly found infestations within proposed fuels units once clearance has been given by FS staff

June‐ August Acres – treated and mapped by species (includes broadleaf species)

3.5

TBD newly found

Item

Sub Item/Description Work Period Unit of measure Approx. Quantity

(Acres)

Broadleaf Species Treat known infestations within the Long

Valley and Dog Valley watersheds

Notify FS staff of new infestations found;

FS will map2

June‐ August Acres – treated by species and mapped 87

Project check in: provide treatment data forms and GIS data to FS representative.

FS staff will monitor treatment efficacy of treatments to date, and discuss plan fall treatment if applicable.

Annual Grass Fall treatment:

medusahead

Any newly discovered medusahead/goatgrass found in spring 2023 in the rangeland or right‐of‐way as directed by FS staff

September‐ November

Acres – treated by species and mapped ~225

Year 1 close out 1Surveying and mapping include inventory forms, treatment forms, and polygons.

2New infestations found outside of proposed fuels units will be documented by GPS point or coordinates and species ID. FS staff will then complete full survey, documentation, and map.

Table 2. Year 2 tentative plan/schedule of items (2024)

Item

Sub Item/Description Work Period Unit of measure Approx. Quantity

(Acres)

Annual Grass

Spring treatment: medusahead April 1

(anticipated)

Acres – chemically treated along Dog Valley

Rd and other infestations

TBD

Survey within proposed fuels units (mastication units 1‐4)

Notify FS staff of new infestations found within fuels units to clear for treatment

May 1 (anticipated)

Acres – surveyed and mapped new infestations by species (includes annual grass and broadleaf species)

Only survey vectors within the 707 acres

(Approximately

50 acres will need to be surveyed)

Project check in: provide inventory forms and GIS data to FS representative

Broadleaf Species Treat known infestations within the Long

Valley and Dog Valley watersheds

Notify FS staff of new infestations found;

FS will map2

June‐ August Acres – treated by species and mapped ~87

Project check in: provide treatment data forms and GIS data to FS representative.

FS staff will monitor treatment efficacy of treatments to date, and discuss plan fall treatment if applicable.

Annual Grass Fall treatment:

medusahead

September‐ November

Acres – treated by species and mapped

TBD

Project close out 1Surveying and mapping include inventory forms, treatment forms, and polygons.

2New infestations found outside of proposed fuels units will be documented by GPS point or coordinates and species ID. FS staff will then complete full survey, documentation, and map.

3.5 Pesticides:

3.5.1 The Contractor will supply all the herbicide, surfactants, adjuvants, indicator dye, and water, necessary to complete the specifications of this contract.

3.5.2 Herbicide application rates and distance from water will be consistent with CAIWMP specifications the Pesticide Use Proposal for selected species and listed on the label. The contractor shall adhere to the application rate recommended on the product label and approved in the PUP by the Forest Service.

3.5.3 The primary herbicides and rates to be utilized for this project and to be provided by the contactor are listed in tables 3 and 4, plus surfactants and dye for terrestrial applications. Refer to Table 4 for a summary of recommended herbicides, rates, and weeds species. Herbicides must be labeled for use on rangeland forest and/or aquatic sites. If the contractor desires to increase the application rates they may increase (with U.S. Forest Service approval) up to a maximum rate. Other herbicides may be required depending on weed species encountered and when requested by the U.S. Forest Service or contractor.

Table 3. List of approved active ingredient(s) (AI) for use on the HTNF in the State of California.

Example

Product/Pesticide

Name

Approved

Percent AI State Active Ingredient (AI)

Arsenal (aquatic) 27.8

CA Imazapyr

Polaris (non‐aquatic) 53.1

Garlon 3A/4 Ultra 44.4 60.45 CA Triclopyr

Oust 75 CA Sulfometuron methyl

Telar XP 75 CA Chlorsulfuron

Rodeo/Round up

Custom/Aquaneat

53.8 53.8 53.8 CA Glyphosate (aquatic)

Milestone 40.6 CA Aminopyralid

Grapple 25 CA Rimsulfuron

Table 4. List of approved application rates with recommended herbicide products for priority species treatment.

Weed Species Timing Active

Ingredients

Common Product

Names Planned Application Rates

Medusahead

Jointed goatgrass

Post‐emergent:

Spring; before flowering

Rimsulfuron Grapple 4 oz./acre

Glyphosate Rodeo

25 oz./acre ‐ <6”plants

1.25 to 3 pints/acre

‐ >6” plants

Medusahead Pre‐emergent: Fall‐

Early Winter Rimsulfuron Grapple 4 oz./acre

Spotted knapweed

Diffuse knapweed

Canada thistle

Scotch thistle

May – August

Pre‐flowering Aminopyralid Milestone 5 to 7 oz./acre

Weed Species Timing Active

Ingredients

Common Product

Names Planned Application Rates

Bull thistle

Yellow star‐thistle

Musk thistle

Pre‐flowering Aminopyralid Milestone 3 to 5 oz./acre

Hoary cress

April – August

Flowering; at least 2” tall

Chlorsulfuron Telar XP 0.5 to 1 oz./acre

Perennial Pepperweed

April – August

Flowering; Pre‐seed development

Chlorsulfuron Telar XP 1 to 2.6 oz./acre

Alternatively:

Yellow star‐thistle

Scotch thistle

Canada thistle

Bull thistle

Pre‐flowering Chlorsulfuron Telar XP 1 to 2.6 oz./acre

Aquatic:

Perennial pepperweed May – August

Flowering

Imazapyr Arsenal

2 to 3 pints/acre

Bull thistle

Yellow starthistle 3 to 4 pints/acre

Canada thistle 4 to 6 pints/acre

All others Refer to Table 3 and consult U.S. Forest Service

**Utilize aquatic approved herbicide from Table 3 and refer to Appendix A (see page 20) if new infestation occurs in RCA’s

(CAIWMP)

3.6 Adjuvants such as surfactants, dye, defoamers, and drift agents:

a. Adjuvant means the inert material added to an herbicide formulation or tank mix to increase the effectiveness of the active ingredient.

b. A surfactant means a Surface‐Active Agent. The following surfactants are approved for use in

California: Activator 90, Spreader 90, LI‐ 700, Syltac R11, and MSO (MSO is not for aquatic use).

Record surfactant on treatment form.

c. The use of dye is required. The contractor must apply dye at a rate sufficient to remain visible for

24 hours post treatment. Record dye on treatment form in adjuvant section of herbicide treatment form.

d. Defoamer may be used, record in adjuvant section of herbicide treatment form.

e. Drift agents may be used. If a drift control additive is used, read, and carefully observe the cautionary statements and all other information appearing on the additive label. Record drift agent used on treatment form. The Contractor shall provide the drift agent. Controlling drift is the responsibility of the Contractor.

f. All added agents shall be handled as chemicals; refer to Section 5.0 Safety.

3.7 Water: The Contractor will provide water for herbicide mixing.

4.0 Contractor Responsibilities and Conditions:

4.1 The contractor shall hold a current Qualified Applicator Certificate with forest and right‐of‐way categories from the State of California prior to any chemical application. A licensed applicator must be on site during all herbicide mixing and application.

4.2 The Contractor must properly prepare and submit and adhere to a Pesticide‐Use Proposal (PUP) (FS‐

2100‐2) for each pesticide application activity proposed for implementation on the Humboldt‐

Toiyabe National Forest. This project is within the California Integrated Weed Management Project

(EA 2018). Multi‐year PUPs are to be reviewed annually to ensure they are reflective of the treatments occurring on the land; if any substantive changes are warranted, they should be rewritten and resubmitted for approval (FSH 2109.14, sec. 13.5). PUPs are good for the life of the project (indefinite) unless:

a. Location of the pesticide application changed

b. Pesticide(s) to be used changed

c. Active ingredient(s) (AI) of the pesticide changed

d. Line officer has changed

e. There are changes in USFS policy/ direction regarding pesticides or related to the resource analyzed in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents.

In these situations, a new PUP will need to be submitted for approval to the appropriate Line

Officer.

A PUP can be downloaded from the USFS Pest Management and Coordination Website at:

Pesticide Management (usda.gov) Forest Service staff is available to help with the PUP process.

4.3 U.S. Forest Service staff will be in close communication with the contractor to discuss plant phenology, treatment windows, and to answer questions that may arise. The anticipated survey and treatment window can begin May 29, 2023, through August and begin again, in the fall before rains/seed germination to perform as a pre‐emergent to target annual grass species.

4.4 To minimize the introduction of invasive plant species on public lands, all equipment, vehicles, trailers, UTVs, and ATVs must be cleaned using a high pressure/power wash with particular attention given to undercarriage and moving parts prior to on‐site arrival and initiation of work. This means equipment, vehicles, trailers, etc. shall be free of all plant parts, mud, and debris which may contain weed seeds and/or propagules.

4.5 The contractor shall stop operation if inclement weather conditions (gusty and/or winds in excess of

10 mph or an eminent threat of rain) occur during spraying operations. The contractor is responsible for following Herbicide Label instructions on proper spraying conditions. Contractor shall have equipment capable of accurately measuring on‐site weather conditions including temperature, wind speeds, and relative humidity to assure adherence to contract requirements and record that information on treatment forms (Appendix C, see pages 23‐30).

4.6 Applicator Records: Pesticide Application Records (PARS) also known as an herbicide treatment form

(Appendix C, see pages 23‐30) and electronic data (survey and treatment polygons) shall be completed.

a. The contractor shall complete PAR forms. These records must be legible and completed within

24 hours of herbicide application. If PARs are not filled out correctly and in entirety, treatments will not be considered as complete.

b. In addition to manually recording pesticide treatments on PARs, the contractor shall provide

USFS with requested data/shapefiles.

4.7 The Contractor must be able to correctly identify weed species and is responsible for identifying the extent of the target species in the project area.

4.8 The Contractor will adhere to all state and federal regulations and label restrictions. In the instance that several guidelines or regulations are provided, the contractor will follow the one that is the most restrictive.

4.9 All equipment will be calibrated prior to application, properly functioning, and free of leaks and malfunctioning or broken parts.

4.10 Equipment:

a. The Contractor shall furnish sufficient equipment to satisfactorily spray the designated areas in the time specified as required in the specifications and the Herbicide Label. Unless otherwise specified, the Contractor shall furnish all equipment, labor, supplies, and materials required to complete the job. The Contractor shall furnish properly outfitted equipment with applicators experienced in applying herbicides in rough terrain. The Contractor shall service and repair their equipment as necessary to maintain satisfactory progress on work. Contractor is responsible for all costs incidental to equipment move‐in and move‐out associated with the project.

b. Base of Operations: The U.S. Forest Service shall not be held responsible for any loss, mishap, or accident due to the conditions of any loading facility used. All loading sites must be at least 300 feet from perennial water.

4.10.1 Spray Equipment:

a. Spray Tanks: Spray solutions of the product shall be mixed, stored, and applied using only stainless steel, fiberglass, or polyethylene plastic tanks.

b. Spray nozzles: Contractor shall furnish a nozzle type that is designated for the intended application. Refer to the label for proper nozzles to comply with drift management.

4.11 Work Crew:

a. Licensed Applicators: Shall be furnished by the contractor and shall meet certification requirements of California regulations for this type of work. Applicators must hold a current

Qualified Applicator Certification with the forest and right‐of‐way categories. Licensed applicators must be present onsite during all applications including mixing, handling, and application of herbicides.

b. Work Crew: Shall be furnished by the contractor for manual treatments and handling, mixing, and applying the herbicide and loading the equipment. The Contractor shall furnish the necessary qualified mechanics for maintenance of equipment and shall furnish all fuel, oil, and service required for operation of equipment and vehicles.

4.12 Data Collection, Forms & Global Positioning System (GPS)/Shapefiles: FORMS ‐ For Pesticide treatments the Contractor shall fill out a Pesticide Application Record (PAR) within 24 hours of application of treated sites. PARs are also referred to as an herbicide treatment form (Appendix

C, see pages 23‐30) and shall be turned in and reviewed by U.S. Forest Service staff. All fields in the PAR form shall be filled out. A separate PAR shall be filled out for each day of treatment or site type/tank mixture (i.e., terrestrial versus riparian site). More than one species may be included on the same PAR if they are treated in the same location with the same pesticide. Refer to Appendix C (see pages 23‐30) for a PAR template.

4.13 Environmental Conditions:

a. Work Period: Spraying Operations will be permitted only during daylight hours.

b. Wind: The Contractor shall follow the Label Section on Spray Drift Management‐Wind. Local wind can influence wind patterns. Every applicator should be familiar with local wind patterns and how they affect drift. All applications must cease if winds exceed 10 mph for backpack and/or handgun operation. Measurements shall be collected on‐site during the time of application.

c. Relative Humidity: Refer to the product label when making applications in low relative humidity conditions. Measurements shall be collected on‐site during the time of application.

d. Site Conditions: No herbicide application will be allowed if conditions do not meet the label or

U.S. Forest Service requirements (most restrictive of the two shall be followed).

4.14 Spraying:

a. Coverage: It is the responsibility of the Contractor to identify the extent of target species within the project area. The contractor will ensure their workers follow the label limits for chemical application. The Contractor will be required to demonstrate that they can provide adequate and uniform coverage. Contractor shall furnish mixing equipment, suitable work crew, PPE, and perform mixing operation. Spray formulation shall be thoroughly mixed according to the herbicide label and distributed over the entire target area for annual grass species. Selective herbicide application techniques will be used on broadleaved species.

i. Do not apply directly to water or to areas where surface water is present below the mean high‐water mark

ii. Individual rosettes will be sprayed

iii. Surveys for new inventory and treatment of known infestations on private land will NOT be authorized by the U.S. Forest Service.

b. Application Paths: The Contractor must keep spray applications within the perimeter of the U.S.

Forest Service provided project area, including access routes.

c. Spray Drift Management: The interaction of equipment and weather‐related factors determines the potential for spray drift. The Contractor is responsible for considering all these factors when making application decisions. Avoiding spray drift is the responsibility of the Contractor and listed on product labels.

d. Buffer Zones: The Contractor is required to follow herbicide label instructions, state rules, and

USFS policy for minimum buffer zones; most restrictive of regulations shall be followed.

e. Sprayer equipment clean‐up shall be conducted according to label instructions.

4.15 Cultural/Paleontological Considerations: Cultural and/or paleontological resources are present in the area; therefore, ground‐based project activities and any other action that causes disturbance of the ground’s surface shall be limited to those areas approved by the U.S. Forest Service. The

Contractor shall insure that their employees or representatives do not collect or disturb historic, prehistoric, or paleontological artifacts in accordance with the Archeological Resource Protection

Act (43 CFR 7). Should the condition of cultural and/or paleontological resources in the area be altered during treatment due to unauthorized activity by the Contractor or their employees, the

Contractor shall be responsible for all costs of mitigating the cultural resources involved. If disturbance to or deterioration of archeological or paleontological sites is found to be occurring during treatment, the Contractor shall immediately suspend all activities in the immediate vicinity that might harm the site/object intact until instructed to proceed by the U.S. Forest Service representative; and shall leave the site/object intact until instructed to proceed.

4.15.1 Additionally, treatment designations for new inventories and reporting will follow the heritage program requirements specified in the 2018 CAIWMP EA. U.S. Forest Service heritage and weeds staff will ensure compliance.

4.16 Field Quality Control:

a. Tests for Uniformity: The U.S. Forest Service representative may complete tests to determine uniformity of herbicide application.

b. Tests for Rate of Application: Rate of spraying may be determined from test applications and strip tests made prior to commencement of spraying operations to establish setting of the distribution mechanism. U.S. Forest Service staff may inspect the calibration of the equipment at any time.

c. Areas may be inspected during and after treatment. An acceptable level of treatment will be met when all above ground noxious weed growth within the designated areas have been chemically treated with the specified herbicide. Excessive chemical application will result in a top‐kill only and does not allow the plant to translocate the chemical throughout the plant. An

80% efficacy is acceptable.

SAFETY INFORMATION

5.0 Safety:

5.1 A spill cleanup kit will be available wherever pesticides are used, transported, or stored. A Spill

Containment Kit shall be of sufficient size to contain 10% more herbicide than they have on site plus additional items such as absorbent material, shovel, garbage bags with ties and labels, paper towels, hose clamps, duct tape, and hand tools sufficient to stop the leak and contain the spill.

5.2 Transportation of herbicides: The Contractor shall be responsible for the transport of chemical herbicides used to fulfill the specifications of this contract to the Contractor’s loading site. The

Contractor shall secure herbicide containers in mixing area to prevent spillage. The Contractor shall load and transport herbicide from the pick‐up point to the work sites and shall be responsible for its protection from loss or damage due to weather, rodents, insects, theft, or any other hazard.

5.3 Protective clothing and equipment for contract employees exposed to herbicides. The Contractor shall supply PPE to contract workers that guarantee minimal exposure throughout the herbicide application process. The Contractor shall follow all regulations regarding PPE which appears on the herbicide label, and MSDS/SDS. The Contractor shall make available cleanup facilities to contract employees exposed to herbicides or herbicide‐contaminated equipment.

5.4 Storage of herbicides: The Contractor will be responsible for the storage of all chemicals and will restrict access to the chemicals when the licensed applicator is not present.

5.5 Mixing and application of herbicides:

a. The Contractor shall mix herbicides in accordance with the proportions listed on the product labels. The Contractor shall provide adequate protective clothing and equipment for employees who mix the herbicides.

b. Follow herbicide application instructions to not further expose workers or civilians via direct contact or drift. The Contractor shall be very aware and cautious of any environmental hazard present during herbicide application. Upon completion of herbicide application, the Contractor shall thoroughly clean equipment and dispose of waters, residues, rinses, and unused herbicides only according to EPA and Nevada State regulations. All empty herbicide containers will be tripled rinsed, labels removed and punctured by the Contractor after mixing. The Contractor shall be responsible for disposal or recycling of empty containers.

c. Mixing of chemicals and preparation of treatment devises will occur only on asphalt surfaces or on the main dirt roads.

d. Containers (other than the original labeled registered container) used to hold, store, or transport herbicides require the following labeling:

i. The name and address of the person or firm responsible for the container

ii. The identity of the herbicide in the container

iii. The word “DANGER”, “WARNING”, OR “CAUTION” in accordance with the label on the original container.

This includes application equipment like backpack sprayers holding diluted herbicides during transportation

5.6 Spills and Accidents: The Contractor shall be responsible if accidents and chemical spills occur. The

Contractor shall report spills and accidents immediately to the U.S. Forest Service within 4 hours and to the appropriate local authorities. The Contractor shall provide immediate treatment of contaminated or injured persons and seek professional medical attention when necessary. The

Contractor shall control chemical spills quickly and shall secure additional help when the

Contractor cannot effectively or safely handle the spill cleanup. Spills will be the responsibility of the Contractor and shall be cleaned up to the satisfaction of the local authorities and the U.S.

Forest Service.

Map 1. Project area overview of known weed infestations within Sierra County, California on NFS lands.

Map 2. Known medusahead (TACA8) infestations within project area.

Map 3. North end of project area: Known weed infestations within proposed fuels treatment units.

Map 4. South end of project area: Known weed infestations within proposed fuels treatment units.

Map 5. All other known weed infestations within the north end of the project area.

Map 6. All other known weed infestations within the south end of the project area

Map 7. Year 2 survey areas within fuels treatment units 1‐4.

APPENDICES

Appendix A‐ The following are pertinent design features from the California Integrated Weed

Management Project that apply to this SOW:

Glyphosate will not be used in an area larger than one contiguous acre and will normally be used to treat much smaller areas.

Soils/Watershed (Pages 23‐24 CAIWMP EA)

4. Applicators will be briefed about the locations of water sources prior to beginning work and buffers will be flagged on the ground.

6. Herbicide applications will not be conducted during rain nor immediately following rain when soil is saturated or runoff, standing water, or a heavy dew is present.

7. Application will occur only under favorable weather conditions, defined as: 30% or less chance of precipitation on the day of application based upon NOAA weather forecasting If rain, showers or light rains are predicted within 48 hours, the amount of rain predicted shall be no more than ¼ inch of rain, and rain does not appear likely at the time of application.

8. Mixing or application of herbicides will not occur within 100 feet of a well or spring used as a domestic water source.

9. Within 50 feet of a perennial waterway, only herbicides and surfactants that are registered with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation for aquatic use will be used.

10. Chlorsulfuron, Triclopyr, and Sulfometuron‐methyl will not be applied within 50 feet of perennial rivers, streams, lakes, wet meadows, and other water bodies, including seasonally flooded SEZs

11. Between 50 and 10 feet of a perennial waterway, herbicide application methods may only include spot spraying, dip and clip and or wicking and wiping methods.

12. Within 10 feet of a perennial waterway, only dip and clip and/or wicking and wiping methods will be used.

13. Preparation of herbicides for application, including mixing or filling of tanks or backpacks, will take place outside of Riparian Conservation Areas and more than 300 feet from surface water.

14. Herbicide applications will not be conducted during rain nor immediately following rain when soil is saturated or runoff, standing water, or a heavy dew is present.

15. Follow the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board Notification Protocol for all weed treatments. Key components of the protocol are summarized here:

Category I—No notification/consultation to Water Board staff is required prior to treatment if below criteria are met.

Size and Cover Class Criteria for Category I: Infestations that are less than ¼ acre in size and less than 25% total weed cover. The majority of infestations in the CAIWMP area fall within this category.

Category II—48‐hour turnaround from Water Board staff for emergency situations

Size and Cover Class Criteria for Category II: Infestations that are up to 1 acre in size and any cover class (excluding Category I, <1/4 acre and < 25% cover, which requires no Water Board notification).

Category III‐ Full consultation with Water Board staff required prior to treatment.

Size and Cover Class Criteria for Category III: Any infestation greater than 1 acre, any infestation within 25 feet of a surface water; or non‐emergency infestations (not Category II) from ¼ to 1 acre in area.

The Carson Ranger District will continue to consult with Native American tribes and develop management strategies which protect the integrity of traditional cultural plant gathering locations. Herbicides will not be used to treat noxious or invasive weeds in any Area of Concern or gathering site for local Tribes without consulting with the Tribes.

Cultural resource inventories and evaluations will be conducted on a case‐by‐case basis per the

Weeds Programmatic Agreement.

Appendix B‐ Known invasive weed infestations within the project area

Table A. Known weeds infestations within proposed fuels units.

Infestation ID Species Acres Type of Fuels Treatment Activity within proposed units

041701173610 CIVU 0.47 Handwork

041701173611 CIVU 2.8 Handwork

0417012236CIAR410 CIAR4 0.01 Handwork

041701103646 TACA8 195.65 Mastication

0417012236CIVU45 CIVU 0.02 Mastication

0417011836TACA810 TACA8 5.6 Access Road

Table B. Known infestations within the two watersheds, not including known infestations within fuels units (refer to Table 1). Approximately 87 acres of broadleaf species.

INFESTATION ID

SPECIES

CODE

COMMON NAME

TOTAL

ACRES

WATERSHED

APPROVED

TREATMENT

METHOD

041701113643 CANU4 Musk thistle 0.0337 1605010205 Chemical

041701113630 CANU4 Musk thistle 0.2768 1605010205 Chemical

041701163608 CANU4 Musk thistle 0.1017 1605010205 Chemical

041701163607 CANU4 Musk thistle 0.029 1605010205 Chemical

041701031906P ONAC Scotch thistle 1.2967 1605010205 Chemical

041701143614 CIVU Bull thistle 2.4437 1605010205 Manual

041701083624 CANU4 Musk thistle 0.293 1605010205 Chemical

041701103613 CANU4 Musk thistle 0.5228 1605010205 Chemical

041701113663 CIVU Bull thistle 0.268 1605010205 Chemical

041701133625 CANU4 Musk thistle 0.2471 1605010205 Chemical

041701083636 CIVU Bull thistle 6.7324 1605010205 Chemical

041701113687 CIVU Bull thistle 0.0518 1605010205 Chemical

041701113688 CIVU Bull thistle 0.8348 1605010205 Chemical

041701113664 CANU4 Musk thistle 0.3451 1605010205 Chemical

041701083634 CANU4 Musk thistle 0.2219 1605010205 Chemical

041701113668 CANU4 Musk thistle 0.227 1605010205 Chemical

041701083635 CIVU Bull thistle 0.0826 1605010205 Chemical

041701113661 CIVU Bull thistle 0.0026 1605010205 Chemical

INFESTATION ID

SPECIES

CODE

COMMON NAME

TOTAL

ACRES

WATERSHED

APPROVED

TREATMENT

METHOD

041701113665 CIVU Bull thistle 0.0808 1605010205 Chemical

041701113666 CIVU Bull thistle 0.4157 1605010205 Chemical

041701113686 CIVU Bull thistle 0.0388 1605010205 Chemical

041701123603 CIVU Bull thistle 0.0275 1605010205 Chemical

041701361214 CANU4 Musk thistle 0.3844 1605010205 Chemical

041701123604 CIVU Bull thistle 0.0069 1605010205 Chemical

041701062256P CANU4 Musk thistle 0.5525 1605010205 Chemical

041701163621 CANU4 Musk thistle 0.0443 1605010205 Chemical

0417011136201 CANU4 Musk thistle 0.1946 1605010205 Chemical

0417011136001 CANU4 Musk thistle 0.66 1605010205 Chemical

041701163620 CIVU Bull thistle 0.0139 1605010205 Chemical

041701083631 ONAC Scotch thistle 0.0807 1605010205 Chemical

041701163619 CIVU Bull thistle 0.1528 1605010205 Chemical

041701113631 CANU4 Musk thistle 0.73 1605010205 Chemical

041701113669 CIVU Bull thistle 1.8821 1605010205 Chemical

041701143615 CIVU Bull thistle 0.149 1605010205 Manual

041701163643 CANU4 Musk thistle 0.1726 1605010205 Chemical

041701062264P CANU4 Musk thistle 4.9371 1605010205 Chemical

041701062289P CIVU Bull thistle 0.0303 1605010205 Chemical

041701173609 CIVU Bull thistle 0.1952 1605010205 Chemical

041701021861P CESTM Spotted knapweed 4.2789 1605010205 Chemical

041701113650 CANU4 Musk thistle 11.3896 1808000312 Chemical

041701133627 CIVU Bull thistle 6.1825 1808000312 Manual

041701133630 CANU4 Musk thistle 2.5202 1808000312 Manual

041701133621 CANU4 Musk thistle 12.4429 1808000312 Manual

041701133629 CIVU Bull thistle 12.4429 1808000312 Manual

041701133628 CANU4 Musk thistle 6.1825 1808000312 Manual

0417011936CIVU02 CIVU Bull thistle 0.4969 1808000312 Chemical

0417011836CIVU05 CIVU Bull thistle 1.848 1808000312 Chemical

0417011936CIVU13 CIVU Bull thistle 0.8693 1808000312 Chemical

0417012136LELA208 LELA2 Perennial pepperweed 0.0163 1808000312 Chemical

0417012136ONAC14 ONAC Scotch thistle 0.0297 1808000312 Manual

0417012136CANU418 CANU4 Musk thistle 0.0918 1808000312 Manual

04170107295P CANU4 Musk thistle 0.6165 1808000312 Chemical

0417012136CIVU17 CIVU Bull thistle 1.0553 1808000312 Chemical

041701062290P CANU4 Musk thistle 1.3278 1808000312 Chemical

0417012136ONAC07 ONAC Scotch thistle 0.1862 1808000312 Chemical

Appendix C: Weeds Inventory Form and Guidelines; Manual and Chemical Treatment Forms

2023 General Information

PROJECT NAME:

HTNF SIERRA COUNTY WEEDS

DATE:

Infestation ID:

Watershed ID (circle one): 1808000312 or 1605010205

Did infestation need to be remeasured (GPS): Y___, N___

Occurrence Number:

Examiner(s):

District: CRD Ownership: HTNF

County/State: Sierra County, CA UTM:

Site Description: Scientific Name:

Common Name: Species Code:

Phenology (Evaluate using categories below):

Total Area (polygon):

Count (if applicable):

% Cover:

Distribution: Horizontal Distance to Water:

Plant Community / Dominant Habitat Type:

Comments (detailed description of location, direction to site and general observations). Must also provide GIS data with mapped polygons with total acreage of infestation.

Species Code Scientific Name

AECY Aegilops cylindrica

AETR Aegilops triuncialis

CADR Cardaria draba

CANU4 Carduus nutans

CEDI3 Centaurea diffusa

CESO3 Centaurea solstitialis

CESTM (CEBI2) Centaurea stoebe

CIAR4 Cirsium arvense

CIVU Cirsium vulgare

LELA2 Lepidium latifolium

ONAC Onopordum acanthium

TACA8 Taeniatherum caput‐medusae

Phenology S/R Seedling/Rosette B Bolting

Bud Budding F Flowering

SD Seed Development SM Seed Maturity S Senescensce

Guidelines for Weed Field Inventory Form

General Information Project Name: Use specific project name if applicable and add ‘Weeds’.

Date: Date of inventory.

Infestation ID: Reference this if already exists in USDA GIS weeds database. Ignore in field for new occurrences (reference occurrence number instructions below).

Watershed ID: Use provided maps to locate correct watershed the infestation occurs in and circle the correct watershed ID listed.

Did infestation need to be remeasured (GPS): If existing infestation is larger than the current polygon size, then the infestation will need to be re-mapped to capture the growth.

Occurrence Number: Assign for new occurrences/infestations. Example: 01CANU4,02TACA8..

1. Sequential # starting at 00

2. Species Code (USDA Plants Database)

Examiner(s): Put the names of all people on your crew at the site.

District: Carson Ranger District (CRD) Ownership: Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest (HTNF), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Private (PRIV), County.

County: County of occurrence.

State: State of occurrence.

UTM Datum: Coordinate system that GPS polygons are recorded in.

Data Elements Site Description: Right-of-Way, Roadside, Riparian, Gravel pit, Rangeland, or Forest Scientific Name: Latin genus/species name Common Name: Self-explanatory Species Code: USDA plant code Phenology: See Phenology Category box Total Area (polygon): Total mapped acres of infestation recorded in GIS Count: # of individual plants or stems (use for broadleaves) % Cover: Estimated area covered by weeds species (up of 100%) Distribution: Grouped or Clumped OR Scattered patchy OR Scattered even OR Linear Horizontal Distance to Water: Approximate distance to standing or flowing water, OR >50 ft.

Existing Vegetation Information Plant Community / Dominant Habitat Type: General habitat type; e.g. Eastside Pine, Mixed conifer, Sagebrush, Bitterbrush, Wet meadow, etc.

Comments: Include site slope (in percent) and aspect (in degrees) if located on a hillside.

Include other comments pertaining to occurrence. Are multiple weed species within the infested area? Are native species present? Highly disturbed? Past fire impacts? Etc.

Herbicide Treatment Data Record General Activity Fields

Site/Inventory Fields

Daily Log

Application Date Time Start Time Stop Application Area (Acres)

Temp (F) Wind Speed

(MPH)

Wind Direction Cloud Cover RH% Water Distance

Calibrated Volume UOM Volume Applied UOM Mix (oz/gal) Dilutant Remarks

Gal/Acre Gal Water

Herb Product Name Product Rate UOM Surfactant/Adjuvant UOM oz./acre oz./acre

Region Forest District FACTS_ID Subunit

Treatment (Subunit) Name Owner Watershed (6th HUC) Mgt Area

(CWMA)

FS

State

(CA/NV)

Equipment Code Fund Code Cooperating Agencies Comments

711- Hand Sprayer 712- Backpack 721- Mobile ground sprayer (booms)

Treatment Type

Start Date Stop Date Application Site Examiner / Licensed Applicator Applicators

Chemical

INFESTATION_ID (TERRA) Weed Code

Infested Area Treat

Density Cover Phenology Latitude Longitude

DailyLog

(Acres)

Temp (F) Wind Speed

(MPH)

(Acres)

Temp (F) Wind Speed

(MPH)

Herbicide Treatment Data Record (EXAMPLE)

Application Date Time Start Time Stop Application Area (Acres) Temp

(F) Wind Speed

(MPH)

Wind Direction Cloud Cover RH%

Water Distance

MM/DD/YY 00:00 00:00

Forest, Riparian, Right-Of-

Way, etc. 00° 00

Calibrated Volume UOM Volume Applied UOM Mix (oz/gal) Dilutant Remarks

20 Gal/Acre

TOTAL AMONGST CREW

FOR THE DAY

Gal Water General Location Description, Animals observed, Challenges, Notes, etc.

MILESTONE 1.2 Oz/Ac ACTIVATOR 90 16 Oz/Ac

Oz/Ac

Oz/Ac

Treatment (Subunit) Name Owner Watershed (6th HUC) Mgt Area

(CWMA)

04 17 01 FS 1808000312 OR 1605010205

State (CA/NV) Equipment Code Fund Code Cooperating Agencies Comments

CA or NV 711- Hand Sprayer 712- Backpack 721- Mobile ground sprayer (booms)

Treatment Type

Start Date Stop Date Application Site Examiner / Licensed Applicator Applicators

Chemical 00:00 00:00 Forest, Riparian, Right-Of-

Way, etc. Licensed Applicator NAME Other Applicator NAMES

INFESTATION_ID (examples) Weed Code Infested

Area Treat Density Cover Phenology Latitude Longitude

Existing – 0417012136TACA810

TACA8 Total

ACRES Bolting GATHER INFO FROM GPS or AVENZA

GATHER INFO FROM

GPS or AVENZA

NEW – 03CIVU

CIVU Total ACRES Flowering GATHER INFO FROM

GPS or AVENZA

GATHER INFO FROM

GPS or AVENZA

You can list more than 1 species within the treatment area. They need to be recorded as individual lines

Manual/Mechanical Treatment Data Form

Treatment (Subunit) Name

Owner Watershed (5th HUC) Mgt Area

(CWMA)

FS

State

CA/NV

Equipment Code Fund Code # of Units Accomplished (Acres)

Cooperating Agencies Comments

121 – Shovel 100 – Hand Work 113 – Hand Tool

Count- Density- Distribution- Priority-

Treatment Type

Start Date Stop Date Application Site Implementor(s)

MANUAL

INFESTATION_ID (TERRA)

Plant Code

Infested Area Treated

Phenology UTM Easting UTM Northing

Phenology S/R Seedling/Rosette B Bolting

Bud Budding F Flowering

SD Seed Development SM Seed Maturity

Manual/Mechanical Treatment Data Form (EXAMPLE)

Region Forest District FACTS_ID Subunit # Treatment (Subunit) Name Owner Watershed (6th HUC) Mgt Area

(CWMA)

04 17 01 FS 1808000312 OR 1605010205

State

CA/NV

Equipment Type Fund Code

# of Units Accomplished (Acres)

Cooperating Agencies

Comments

CA or NV 121 – Shovel 100 – Hand Work 113 – Hand Tool

Treatment Acres

COMPLETED

Count- Density- Distribution- Priority-

Treatment Type

Start Date Stop Date Application Site Implementor(s)

MANUAL MM/DD/YY MM/DD/YY Forest, Riparian, Right- Of-Way etc.

NAMES of those involved with treatment activity

INFESTATION_ID (TERRA) Target Weed Code

Infested Area Treat

Phenology UTM Easting UTM Northing

Existing- 04170118CANU422

New – 11ONAC

CANU4

ONAC

INVENTORY

POLYGON

ACRES

GATHER INFO

FROM GPS or

AVENZA

GATHER INFO

FROM GPS or

AVENZA

Phenology S/R Seedling/Rosette B Bolting

Bud Budding F Flowering

SD Seed Development SM Seed Maturity