Attachment_01_STATEMENT_OF_WORK_.pdf

FY25 Rickey Point Tree Removal Statement of Work

PROJECT SUMMARY

Forest Health work to be performed under this contract includes felling trees and managing slash within one project area and six separate option items, option item 1, Cabin 1 mandatory. Within the Rickey Remove Biomass Area all priority trees marked with a blue paint stripe and red cross will be felled. All material on the ground resulting from the felling of the marked trees will be removed from the project area. Contractor can remove entire trees, boles and limbs, or chip material and remove chips. The Kettle Falls Biomass Generating Station may utilize chips. The boles of trees, slash and/or chips may be piled at temporary locations in coordination with the COR. Task award may utilize all, or portions of the option items as finances dictate. Option item 1, Cabin 1 mandatory.

Item 1 – Rickey Remove Biomass Cabin 1 mandatory – includes felling 38 marked trees with a blue paint stripe and red cross in the Remove Biomass Area. All material on the ground resulting from the felling of the marked trees will be removed from the project area. Felled material may be piled at temporary locations in coordination with the COR.

Option Item 2 – Rickey Remove Biomass Cabin 2 – includes felling 9 marked trees with a blue paint stripe and red cross in the Remove Biomass Area. All material on the ground resulting from the felling of the marked trees will be removed from the project area.

Felled material may be piled at temporary locations in coordination with the COR.

Option Item 3 – Rickey Remove Biomass Cabin 3 – includes felling 6 marked trees with a blue paint stripe and red cross in the Remove Biomass Area. All material on the ground resulting from the felling of the marked trees will be removed from the project area.

Felled material may be piled at temporary locations in coordination with the COR.

Option Item 4 – Rickey Remove Biomass Cabin 4 - includes felling 22 marked trees with a blue paint stripe and red cross in the Remove Biomass Area. All material on the ground resulting from the felling of the marked trees will be removed from the project area.

Felled material may be piled at temporary locations in coordination with the COR.

Option Item 5 – Rickey Remove Biomass Cabin 5 – includes felling 50 marked trees with a blue paint stripe and red cross in the Remove Biomass Area. All material on the ground resulting from the felling of the marked trees will be removed from the project area.

Felled material may be piled at temporary locations in coordination with the COR.

Option Item 6 – Rickey Remove Biomass Cabin 6 – includes felling 33 marked trees with a blue paint stripe and red cross in the Remove Biomass Area. All material on the ground resulting from the felling of the marked trees will be removed from the project area. Felled material may be piled at temporary locations in coordination with the COR.

The contractor shall furnish all needed labor, equipment, supplies, materials, permits, insurance, fees, alternate payment protection, lodging, and transportation to complete all phases of the Rickey Point Tree Removal project. The contractor will be responsible for all communication and coordination with Avista if powerlines need to be lowered to complete the project.

The priority for LRNRA is to complete as many treatments as possible in the Rickey Remove Biomass project area.

Attachments include

1) Vicinity Area Map

2) Project Area Map

3) Rickey Cabin Plot Lines

C.1. BACKGROUND AND LOCATION

C.1.1 BACKGROUND

The 2015 Lake Roosevelt Fire Management Plan includes guidance for a fuels management program that may include prescribed fire and non-fire applications and tools (mechanical and manual) for fuel treatment and ecosystem management. Fuel reduction projects would reduce fuel accumulations in and around park developed areas, wildland urban interface zones, in areas experiencing forest health issues etc.

Planning for the Rickey Forest Health project was initiated in 2015. The forest is overstocked in the vicinity of the Rickey Point Road. Bark beetle infestations are killing groups of trees adjacent to vacation cabins, the Rickey Point road, and powerlines. Dead trees have a higher probability of falling and damaging infrastructure. Connie Mehmel from the Forest Service Forest Health Protection division visited the site in 2015 and developed a prescription to remove trees to promote forest health. The North Cascades and LRNRA fire /fuels department in coordination with LRNRA Natural Resources marked trees for removal in the vacation cabin area and across the Rickey Point Road. The initial funding source was not available, and implementation of the project lost momentum. Anne Goodrich (Forest Service Forest Health Protection), Julia Treu-Fowler (Concession Management Specialist), and Tonya Neider (Prescribed Fire Specialist) revisited the area in 2021. Trees adjacent to the vacation cabins were remarked so that they are more visible in June. Bark beetles continue to attack trees in the area.

LRNRA wants to limit tree mortality and should remove overstocked trees as soon as possible.

C.1.2 GENERAL LOCATION

Lake Roosevelt NRA is located in northeast Washington.

The Rickey Point Tree Removal project is approximately 6 miles southwest of Kettle Falls. The project area is adjacent to, and south of the Rickey Point Road.

C.1.3 WORK AREAS

The Rickey Point Tree Removal encompasses a portion of 1 work area.

The 22-acre Rickey Remove Biomass area is delineated by the Rickey Vacation Cabin Permit lot areas, access to the permit areas, the area between the permit areas and Lake Roosevelt, and an undefined area between the cabin areas. On the map it’s the quadrant on the NW.

C.2. DEFINITION OF LINE ITEMS

The price schedule includes work in one area, and five Option Items.

Item Description

Option Item 1 – Rickey Remove Biomass Cabin 1 mandatory – includes felling 38 marked trees with a blue paint stripe and red cross in the Remove Biomass Area. All material on the ground resulting from the felling of the marked trees will be removed from the project area. Felled material may be piled at temporary locations in coordination with the

COR.

Option 2

Option Item 2 – Rickey Remove Biomass Cabin 2 – includes felling 9 marked trees with a blue paint stripe and red cross in the Remove Biomass Area. All material on the ground resulting from the felling of the marked trees will be removed from the project area. Felled material may be piled at temporary locations in coordination with the COR.

Option 3

Option Item 3 – Rickey Remove Biomass Cabin 3 – includes felling 6 marked trees with a blue paint stripe and red cross in the Remove Biomass Area. All material on the ground resulting from the felling of the marked trees will be removed from the project area. Felled material may be piled at temporary locations in coordination with the COR.

Option 4

Option Item 4 – Rickey Remove Biomass Cabin 4 – includes felling 22 marked trees with a blue paint stripe and red cross in the Remove Biomass Area. All material on the ground resulting from the felling of the marked trees will be removed from the project area. Felled material may be piled at temporary locations in coordination with the COR.

Option 5

Option Item 5 – Rickey Remove Biomass Cabin 5 – includes felling 50 marked trees with a blue paint stripe and red cross in the Remove Biomass Area. All material on the ground resulting from the felling of the marked trees will be removed from the project area. Felled material may be piled at temporary locations in coordination with the COR.

Option 6

Option Item 6 – Rickey Remove Biomass Cabin 6 – includes felling 33 marked trees with a blue paint stripe and red cross in the Remove Biomass Area. All material on the ground resulting from the felling of the marked trees will be removed from the project area. Felled material may be piled at temporary locations in coordination with the COR.

C.2.1 PARAMETERS FOR ITEMS 1, Option 2, Option 3, Option 4, Option 5, and Option 6

1. The intent of this project is to minimize future insect infestations. All work will be completed between August and the end of January.

2. All felled trees will be completely severed from the stump.

3. All stumps will be “flush-cut” after felling.

4. Contractor shall be responsible for contacting utility companies prior to beginning any operations that could damage or impact adjacent power lines and shall comply with their requirements.

C.4.1 SPECIFIC CONTRACTOR TASKS PER LOCATION/ OPTION

C.4.1.A Rickey Remove Biomass Item 1

1) Fell 38 marked trees with a blue paint stripe and red cross within the Rickey Remove Biomass area within cabin permit areas one through six.

2) If any felled tree damages any structure or infrastructure within the Rickey Remove Biomass area, DO NOT MOVE TREE unless it presents a health and safety hazard, and

IMMEDIATELY contact the inspector or COR. Inspector or COR will immediately contact LRNRA Law Enforcement for further instructions.

3) All trees designated to be cut shall be directionally felled away from structures and infrastructure, roads open to the public, utility rights-of-way (power lines, hydro-pipes), established trails, fence lines, improvements, riparian zones and reserve trees. If trees cannot be directionally felled away from actively utilized roads, contractor must provide traffic control until hazard is mitigated.

4) Remove ALL slash resulting from felled trees. Boles, branches, stumps, and tops

a. Coordinate with COR to determine authorized temporary deck and pile locations

b. Consult with COR to determine whether to pile slash in temporary pile locations or the pile location north of the treatment area.

5) Avoid damage to infrastructure while hauling material out of area.

6) Avoid damage to road tread of access roads and driveways.

7) Heavy equipment may NOT be utilized on asphalt driveways.

8) Due to structure and infrastructure location adjacent to marked trees, the contractor may utilize mechanized equipment to access trees to top them, or contractor can climb trees to top them prior to felling to prevent damaging resources.

9) Contractor shall furnish trained equipment operators, fallers, chainsaws and related felling supplies, protective equipment for the sawyers, fuel, and supervision.

10) Contractor shall be responsible for contacting utility companies prior to beginning any operations that could damage or impact adjacent power lines and shall comply with their requirements.

11) No undesignated trees shall be cut without prior approval of the NPS Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The COR will indicate that a tree has been approved for removal by marking it above and below the stump height with blue paint. Trees will have blue dots at stump height and above.

12) Trees damaged by Contractor’s operations may be required to be cut when notice is given by the NPS Contracting Officer.

13) Reserve trees are trees that have not been designated for cutting. If the Contractor damages reserve trees, a penalty will be assessed. (refer to C.4.3.C.)

14) The Contractor shall immediately inform the COR of any tree designated for cutting that, in the opinion of the Contractor, cannot be felled without causing damage to adjacent trees. The COR, at their own discretion, may waive Contractor’s liability for damage.

15) All stumps shall be “Flush-cut” after felling. “Flush–cut” stumps are cut below the lowest live limb and not more than 3 inches above the ground level.

16) If operations are conducted in the winter, and conditions are favorable, contractor can “flush-cut” stumps at any time during the contract.

C4.1.C Rickey Remove Biomass Options 2 - 6

1) Fell all priority marked trees with a blue paint stripe and red cross within the Rickey Remove Biomass area.

Option Item Cabin Permit Plot Number of Trees 2 2 9 3 3 6 4 4 22 5 5 50

6 6 33

2) If any felled tree damages any structure or infrastructure within the Rickey Remove Biomass area, DO NOT MOVE TREE unless it presents a health and safety hazard, and IMMEDIATELY contact the inspector or COR. Inspector or COR will immediately contact LRNRA Law Enforcement for further instructions.

3) All trees designated to be cut shall be directionally felled away from structures and infrastructure, roads open to the public, utility rights-of-way (power lines, hydro-pipes), established trails, fence lines, improvements, riparian zones and reserve trees. If trees cannot be directionally felled away from actively utilized roads, contractor must provide traffic control until hazard is mitigated.

4) Remove ALL slash resulting from felled trees. Boles, branches, stumps, and tops

a. Coordinate with COR to determine authorized temporary deck and pile locations

b. Consult with COR to determine whether to pile slash in temporary pile locations or the pile location north of the treatment area.

5) Avoid damage to infrastructure while hauling material out of area.

6) Avoid damage to road tread of access roads and driveways.

7) Heavy equipment may NOT be utilized on asphalt driveways.

8) Due to structure and infrastructure location adjacent to marked trees, the contractor may utilize mechanized equipment to access trees to top them, or contractor can climb trees to top them prior to felling to prevent damaging resources.

9) Contractor shall furnish trained equipment operators, fallers, chainsaws and related felling supplies, protective equipment for the sawyers, fuel, and supervision.

10) Contractor shall be responsible for contacting utility companies prior to beginning any operations that could damage or impact adjacent power lines and shall comply with their requirements.

11) No undesignated trees shall be cut without prior approval of the NPS Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The COR will indicate that a tree has been approved for removal by marking it above and below the stump height with blue paint. Trees will have blue dots at stump height and above.

12) Trees damaged by Contractor’s operations may be required to be cut when notice is given by the NPS Contracting Officer.

13) Reserve trees are trees that have not been designated for cutting. If the Contractor damages reserve trees, a penalty will be assessed. (refer to C.4.3.C.)

14) The Contractor shall immediately inform the COR of any tree designated for cutting that, in the opinion of the Contractor, cannot be felled without causing damage to adjacent trees. The COR, at their own discretion, may waive Contractor’s liability for damage.

15) All stumps shall be “Flush-cut” after felling. “Flush–cut” stumps are cut below the lowest live limb and not more than 3 inches above the ground level.

16) If operations are conducted in the winter, and conditions are favorable, contractor can “flush-cut” stumps at any time during the contract.

C.4.2. DEFINITION OF TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION TERMS

A. Felling – Cutting a tree, completely severing it from its stump so that it lands on the ground.

B. Flush cutting – The remaining tree stump is no more than 3 inches above ground on the uphill side.

C. Crown – The portion of a conifer tree that has green needled branches.

D. DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) – Diameter of a tree trunk measured at a point 4 ½ feet above the ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

E. Deck – Designated area where logs can be stacked.

F. Slash – The vegetative material from felled trees including tops, limbs, and wood chunks that result from the felling activity.

G. Thinning – The removal of excess trees from a forest stand in order to accelerate growth on selected residual trees by reducing the competition for soil moisture, nutrients and sunlight.

H. Tree height – Actual height of tree.

I. Reserve Tree – A tree that has not been designated for cutting.

J. Lopping – The removal of limbs and branches from trees that have been felled.

C.4.3. PROTECTION OF NPS RESOURCES

A. AIR, SOIL, AND WATER

1. Tractors and trucks may operate only on roads and on the landing and deck sites.

Undesignated equipment shall not be permitted to operate in the treatment area. No equipment shall be permitted to operate across non-work areas. Equipment utilized as forwarders or skidders are allowed in treatment area.

2. If any soil berms are created on or around temporary landing, they shall be leveled and redistributed evenly over the landing site following completion of hauling operations.

3. No heavy equipment is allowed to operate on paved driveways in the Rickey Remove Biomass area.

3. All maintenance, and repairs of heavy equipment shall be done at the NPS Kettle Falls maintenance area or other areas approved by the COR. An OSHA spill kit is required. All oil, hydraulic fluids, etc., shall be transported to state approved disposal sites. In no case shall such materials be disposed of on National Park Service land.

B. AVOIDANCE OF NOXIOUS WEEDS

1. To prevent the introduction of the seeds from noxious weeds onto NPS land, the Contractor shall wash all mechanized equipment thoroughly top to bottom before transport. This includes the removal of all soil, seeds, vegetative matter or other debris that could contain or hold seeds.

Diffuse or spotted knapweed, cheat grass and rush skeletonweed are the primary noxious weeds of concern.

a. The Contractor shall employ whatever cleaning methods are necessary to ensure compliance with the terms of this provision and shall notify the NPS prior to moving each piece of mechanized equipment into Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area.

Cleaning of equipment shall not occur on NPS land. Notification will include identifying the location of the equipment’s most recent operation. The NPS will inspect each piece of equipment prior to its being placed into service. If a piece of equipment fails the inspection, the Contractor will be responsible to perform whatever methods are necessary to pass upon re-inspection and will bear all costs.

b. The Contractor shall certify in writing, compliance with the terms of this clause prior to equipment arrival in Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. For the purposes of this provision, “equipment” means all ground-based contract machinery, including skidders, forwarders, tractors, log trucks, chip vans, pickup trucks, cars or other vehicles used to transport personnel.

C. RESERVE TREES

1. Contractor shall be required to exercise care in falling of trees, placement of decks and piles, and movement of slash or logs in order to protect reserve trees.

2. A damaged reserve tree will be considered as:

a. A reserve tree that has been pushed over or uprooted by equipment felled trees or by slash material that causes the reserve tree to lean more than 10 degrees from the vertical.

b. A reserve tree that has been girdled so that the bark is removed and wood is exposed on ¼ or more of the circumference of the bole.

c. A reserve tree has a broken top as a result of the Contractor’s operations.

d. A reserve tree with lateral root damage; with roots either cut or exposed.

3. Contractor's Liability for damaged trees:

a. Reserve trees that are considered damaged and are subsequently marked by the

Contracting Officer Technical Representative shall be cut and decked by the Contractor.

b. The Contractor shall be liable to the Government for costs and damages incurred as a result of damaged trees resulting from the Contractor’s operations, except as otherwise stated in the specifications.

c. Any reserve tree that is cut in error shall be charged to the Contractor.

d. Damages for cut-in-error and damaged trees will be charged to the Contractor at the following rate(s):

1. Ponderosa Pine Trees 48” tall to 11.9” DBH: $400

2. Ponderosa Pine Trees 12” DBH and over: $600

3. Tree species other than Ponderosa Pine: 48” tall to 11.9” DBH: $150

4. Tree species other than Ponderosa Pine: 12” DBH and over: $300

D. SAFETY

1. A Safety Plan or Accident Prevention Program is necessary because this work is hazardous. It needs to identify safety concerns and/or potential hazards along with corresponding safety measures such as personal protective equipment and special procedures. The plan must be submitted and approved by the COR prior to issuance of a Notice to Proceed.

2. The Contractor and Government will report all accidents in accordance with OSHA and Worker’s Compensations Act.

3. All work will be regulated by the Industrial Fire Precaution Levels. The Contractor is responsible for adhering to this Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) standard and for providing adequate fire protection and prevention measures. (For specific information, contact WDNR at 1-800-527-3305 )

4. Temporary road closures of the Rickey Point Road may be necessary.

5. The COR or designated inspector will have a portable radio at all times for contact with NPS offices and personnel.

E. STRUCTURES AND IMPROVEMENTS

1. All roads, spurs and driveways damaged by the Contractor’s operations shall be returned to the same condition as they were at the time of starting work. This may include, but is not limited to, blading of road(s), removing slash from trails as directed by the Contracting Officer.

2. The Contractor shall be held liable and are responsible for any damages caused by their personnel and equipment to any existing structures or other improvements. Repairs to these structures and improvements shall be at the Contractor’s expense. The Government shall not incur any additional expenses.

F. SPECIAL RESOURCES

If any cultural or archaeological sites or any threatened or endangered plant species are discovered during operation of this contract, work shall be suspended in the immediate vicinity of the site. This work suspension shall remain in effect until the Government completes a reconnaissance survey. The NPS may unilaterally modify or cancel this contract to protect an area regardless of when discovered or identified.

C.5. DELIVERABLES AND REPORTS:

These items must be received and approved by the COR prior to issuance of a Notice to Proceed.

1. Certification that the equipment has been cleaned and inspected for noxious weed protection.

2. Certification that the tractor and truck operator have the required licenses.

3. All required permits, insurance, and payment protections.

C.6. PERFORMANCE DATES:

A. PRE-WORK CONFERENCE

A pre-work conference will be held at a place and time mutually convenient for the contractor and government.

B. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

1. A Notice To Proceed with the project will be issued at the conclusion of the pre-work meeting.

2. The NPS represents that at the time of issuance of a Notice To Proceed all conditions necessary for successful operations exist for that day and in the foreseeable future. However, Contractors shall make their own assessment of conditions prior to the start of any mobilization of personnel to the treatment areas.

3. Work should be completed between August 1, 2025 thru January 31, 2026