Attachment 1.pdf

DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATION / WORK STATEMENT

Non-Native Invasive Plant Treatment Allegheny National Forest

DIVISION 100 – GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

110 – SCOPE OF CONTRACT

Non-native invasive plant species have become established across the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) and there is a need to implement treatment activities that will limit the further introduction and spread of these species and conserve forest resources in a manner that presents the least hazard to humans and maintains or restores forest resources (USDA- FS 2007a, pg. 13).

This solicitation requires non-native invasive plant treatment through a variety of herbicide and cutting techniques compliant with its terms, specifications and provisions. This work will occur in a variety of site conditions which may include constructed openings to forested stands, along both motorized and non-motorized trails, streams and within administrative sites such as developed recreation areas.

120 – ITEM DEFINITIONS, DESCRIPTIONS, APPROVED HERBICIDES AND TARGET

PLANT LIST

Following is a general description of each item, technical specifications are found in Division 200-500. Performance period for items may vary depending by both item and by site and is listed in the schedule of items.

Item Definitions:

Herbaceous and Woody Plant Treatments:

Manual Foliar Herbicide: herbicide is applied to foliage with spray equipment such as a backpack sprayer, mist blower, ATV/UTV mounted tank sprayer, hand squirt bottle, etc. To minimize potential worker exposure, backpack applied foliar herbicides should not be applied to vegetation above shoulder-height of the application personnel (Forest Plan Guideline).

Woody Plant Treatments:

Cut-Stump: herbicide is applied according to label directions after the stem has been completely severed first by cutting with a chainsaw, brush cutter/saw, hand tool such as loppers or pruners.

Cut-Surface: herbicide is applied according to label directions after the stem has been partially cut – example Hack and Squirt

Item Descriptions

Both Manual Foliar and Woody Plant Trt. - Herbicide Application

Item # Item name Rate of Infestation General Item Description

Item 7A

Both Manual Foliar and Woody Plant Trt. – Within Forested Areas, Along Non-motorized Trails/Strea ms

Lower Rate of Infestation: Total area is less than 50% infested by target NNIP species either by canopy cover or stem counts.

• Treating target plants in a forested environment, along non-motorized trails or streams, where non-target species occur.

Direct truck or ATV/UTV access is typically limited Designation of treatment area boundaries by flagging will be sparse, mostly use GIS shapefiles/maps for treatment.

• Both manual foliar and woody plant trts.

are needed within treatment area.

Item 7B

Both Manual Foliar and Woody Plant Trt. – Within Forested Areas, Along Non-motorized Trails/Strea ms

High Rate of Infestation: Total area is greater than 50% infested by target NNIP species either by canopy cover or stem counts.

Item 8A

Both Manual Foliar and Woody Plant Trt.

– Along Roads, Motorized Trails or in Developed Administrat ion areas

Lower Rate of Infestation: Total area is less than 50% infested by target NNIP species either by canopy cover or stem counts.

• Treating target plants along roads or motorized trails for a designated width from edge of running surface to calculate treatment acres or in administration areas – access by truck, or ATV/UTV.

• Access maybe easier however, more safety measures maybe needed.

• Flaggers and/or lane closure devices may be needed along some larger capacity roads such as State, Township/Municipal Roads or administration sites.

• Designation of treatment area boundaries by flagging will be sparse, mostly use GIS shapefiles/maps for treatment.

Item 8B

Manual Foliar Woody Plant Trt.

High Rate of Infestation: Total area is greater than 50% infested by target NNIP species

Both Manual Foliar and Woody Plant Trt. - Herbicide Application

Item # Item name Rate of Infestation General Item Description

– Along Roads, Motorized Trails or in Developed Administrat ion areas either by canopy cover or stem counts.

Item 9A

Both Manual Foliar and Woody Plant Trt.

– Openings/ fields

Lower Rate of Infestation: Total area is less than 50% infested by target NNIP species either by canopy cover or stem counts.

• Treating target plants in constructed or natural openings/fields that may be adjacent to roads for access or the use of an ATV/UTV could be used.

Item 9B

Manual Foliar and Woody Plant Trt.

– Openings/ fields

High Rate of Infestation: Total area is greater than 50% infested by target NNIP species either by canopy cover or stem counts.

Herbaceous Perennials

Item # Item name Rate of Infestation General Item Description

Item 15

Herbaceous Perennials – Cutting and Spraying within the same growing season: species include:

Japanese knotweed, common reed, and reed canary grass.

Other species may be added as needed.

Treating target species by:

• An early summer cutting: by June 15, unless otherwise stated by task order.

• Subsequent herbicide treatment of re-sprouting stems before stems are greater than 5 feet in height: by July 1st (unless otherwise stated in task order) of the same growing season. Maximum height of stems is more important than the time for cutting – growth rates can vary year to year/site to site.

• Manual cutting maybe needed within water buffer areas where herbicide treatment is prohibited, this amount of manual work

Herbaceous Perennials

Item # Item name Rate of Infestation General Item Description will vary by treatment area. Cut stems must not be allowed to enter flowing water.

Target Plant List: The following is a list of ANF early detection – rapid response species that are currently not known to occur on the ANF, however when they are, are part of the targeted plant list for treatment areas designated in task orders. Not all documented occurrence species are priority for treatment within sites and the species marked with ‘No’ will be specifically identified in a task order for treatment for specific sites, all others will be treated if found within the treatment area. As species are added to the PA Noxious Weed List or the ANF Invasive Plants of Concern list they may be added to task orders for treatment.

*Not all documented occurrence species are priority for treatment within sites and the species marked with ‘Where/when specified’ will be specifically identified in a task order for treatment for specific sites, all others will be treated if found within the treatment area.

Habit

NRCS**

Code Genus species Common name *Treatment

Priority Early Detection/Rapid Response Species (EDRR) Plants not known to occur within the

ANF Proclamation Boundary, but are of concern and when found are priority for treatment.

Grass - Annual AVST Avena sterilis Animated oat Yes Grass -

Perennial OPHIU2 Oplismenus undulatifolius Wavyleaf Basketgrass Yes

Grass - Perennial SOBI2 Sorghum bicolor Shattercane Yes

Herb - Annual AMPA Amaranthus palmeri

Palmer ameranth;

carelessweed Yes

Herb - Annual AMTU Amaranthus tuberculatus (syn.

A. rudis) considered one species now.

Roughfruit amaranth;

common waterhemp Yes

Herb - Biennial, Perennial CANU4 Carduus nutans Musk thistle Yes

Herb - Annual DAST Datura stramonium Jimsonweed Yes Herb -

Perennial EUES Euphorbia esula Leafy spurge Yes Herb - Annual MYMU Mycelis muralis Wall-lettuce Yes Shrub BUDA2 Buddleja davidii Butteryfly bush Yes

Code Genus species Common name *Treatment

Priority Tree ALJU Albizia julibrissin Silktree, Mimosa Yes Tree ELAN Elaeagnus angustifolia Russian olive Yes Tree MEAZ Melia azedarach Chinaberry Yes Tree PATO2 Paulownia tomentosa Empress tree Yes Tree PYCA80 Pyrus calleryana Bradford Pear Yes Tree ULPU Ulmus pumila Siberian elm Yes Vine AMBR7 Ampelopsis brevipedunculata Porcelain-berry Yes

Vine CYLO11 Cynanchum louiseae Black swallowwort Yes

Vine CYRO8 Cynanchum rossicum Pale swallowwort Yes

Vine LOJA Lonicera japonica Japanese honeysuckle Yes

Vine PUMOL Pueraria montana var.

lobata kudzu Yes

ANF Documented Occurrence Species

Grass - Annual MIVI Microstegium vimineum

Japanese stiltgrass;

Nepalese browntop Yes

Grass - Perennial PHAR3 Phalaris arundinacea

Reed canarygrass

Where/when specified

Grass - Perennial PHAU7 Phragmites australis Common reed Yes

Grass - Perennial SOHA Sorghum halepense Johnson grass Yes

Herb - Perennial AEPO Aegopodium podagraria

Goutweed;

Bishop's goutweed Yes

Herb - Perennial AJRE Ajuga reptans Bulgle weed

Where/when specified

Herb - Biennial ALPE4 Alliaria petiolata Garlic mustard Yes Herb -

Annual, Biennial ANSY Anthriscus sylvestris Wild chervil Yes Herb -

Biennial ARMI2 Arctium minus Lesser burdock Yes

Herb - Perennial ARVU Artemisia vulgaris common mugwort;

common wormwood Yes

Herb - Perennial CEJA Centaurea jacea

Brownray knapweed Yes

Code Genus species Common name *Treatment

Priority Herb -

Perennial CENI2 Centaurea nigra Black knapweed Yes

Herb - Perennial CESTM Centaurea stoebe ssp.

micranthos

Spotted knapweed (formerly C.

maculosa, C.

beibersteinii) Yes

Herb - Biennial CHMA2 Chelidonium majus Celandine

Where/when specified

Herb - Perennial CIAR4 Cirsium arvense Canada thistle Yes

Herb - Biennial CIVU Cirsium vulgare Bull thistle Yes Herb -

Biennial COMA2 Conium maculatum Poison hemlock Yes

Herb - Biennial DIFU2 Dipsacus fullonum

Fuller’s /common teasel (formerly D.

sylvestris (DISY))

Where/when specified

Herb - Perennial EUCY2 Euphorbia cyparissias Cypress spurge Yes

Herb - Perennial GAOF Galega officinalis

Goatsrue;

professor-weed Yes

Herb - Perennial HEFU Hemerocallis fulva Orange daylily Yes

Herb - Perennial HEMA17 Heracleum mantegazzianum Giant hogweed Yes

Herb - Perennial IRPS Iris pseudacorus Paleyellow iris

Where/when specified

Herb - Perennial LYNU Lysimachia nummularia

Moneywort;

creeping jenny

Where/when specified

Herb - Perennial LYSA2 Lythrum salicaria

Purple loosestrife Yes

Herb - Annual, Biennial, Perennial MEOF Melilotus officinalis

Yellow and white sweet clover (now considered one species) Yes

Herb - Biennial PASA2 Pastinaca sativa Wild parsnip Yes Herb - Annual

PELO10 Persicaria longiseta Bristled smartweed

Where/when specified

Herb - Perennial

RAFI Ranunculus ficaria Lesser Celandine Yes

Code Genus species Common name *Treatment

Priority Herb -

Perennial REJA2 Reynoutria japonica Japanese knotweed (syn.

Fallopia japonica)

Yes

Herb - Perennial

RESA2 Reynoutria sachalinensis Giant knotweed Yes

Herb - Perennial

REBO Reynoutria x bohemica Bohemian knotweed

Yes

Herb - Perennial SEVA4 Securigera varia Crown Vetch

Where/when specified

Herb - Perennial TAVU Tanacetum vulgare Common tansy Yes

Herb - Perennial TUFA Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot

Where/when specified

Herb - Perennial TYAN Typha angustifolia

Narrow-leaved cattail Yes

Shrub BETH Berberis thunbergii Japanese barberry Yes

Shrub BEVU Berberis vulgaris Common barberry Yes

Shrub ELUM Elaeagnus umbellata Autumn olive Yes

Shrub EUAL13 Euonymus alatus Winged euonymus Yes

Shrub FRAL4 Frangula alnus Glossy buckthorn Yes

Shrub LIOB Ligustrum obtusifolium Border privet Yes

Shrub LIVU Ligustrum vulgare Common privet;

European privet Yes

Shrub LOMA6 Lonicera maackii Amur honeysuckle Yes

Shrub LOMO2 Lonicera morrowii Morrow's honeysuckle Yes

Shrub LOTA Lonicera tatarica Tartarian honeysuckle Yes

Shrub LOBE Lonicera X bella (morrowii × tatarica)

Bell’s honeysuckle Yes

Shrub RHCA3 Rhamnus cathartica Common buckthorn Yes

Shrub RHSC3 Rhodotypos scandens Jetbead Yes Shrub ROMU Rosa multiflora Multiflora rose Yes

Shrub RUPH Rubus phoenicolasius Wineberry; wine raspberry Yes

Shrub VIOP Viburnum opulus

European cranberry bush;

snowball bush Yes

Code Genus species Common name *Treatment

Priority Tree ACPL Acer platanoides Norway Maple Yes Tree AIAL Alianthus altisima Tree of Heaven Yes

Tree AREL8 Aralia elata

Japanese angelica tree;

Hercules club Yes

Tree ROPS Robinia pseudoacacia black locust Where/when specified

Vine AKQU Akebia quinata Five-leaf akebia Yes

Vine CEOR7 Celastrus orbiculatus Oriental bittersweet Yes

Vine EUFO5 Euonymus fortunei

Winter creeper;

Climbing euonymus Yes

Vine HEHE Hedera helix English Ivy Yes Vine PEPE35 Persicaria perfoliata Mile-a-minute Yes

Vine PATE11 Pachysandra terminalis Japanese Pachysandra Yes

Vine VIMI2 Vinca minor

Common periwinkle;

myrtle Yes

Vine WIFI Wisteria floribunda Japanese wisteria Yes

Vine WISI Wisteria sinensis Chinese wisteria Yes **NRCS - Natural Resource Conservation Service -http://plants.usda.gov/index.html

130 – CONTRACTOR FURNISHED PROPERTY, SERVICES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND

OBLIGATIONS

The contractor shall furnish all equipment (except for that listed as Government Furnished Property), labor, materials, chemicals, transportation, supervision, road/work area ahead signs, safety equipment, and all incidentals necessary to complete this contract.

131 – Project Supervisor – The contractor shall designate in writing one person on the job to act as the Project Supervisor, representing the company in all contractual matters that require prompt attention. This person should be familiar with all equipment being used, contract requirements and shall attend any pre-work meetings.

132 – Certification – The contractor shall have a current business pesticide applicator license and have a representative on the site to supervise the mixing, loading, and application of herbicide who holds a current pesticide use applicator license (Category 05: forest pest control or Category 10: right-of-way and weeds) in the State of Pennsylvania. For aerial applications Category 25 is also required. The http://plants.usda.gov/index.html contractor will provide the COR with a copies of licenses at the pre-work meeting. The contractor must post his/her business license number (i.e. BU #) on transport vehicle.

133 - The contractor will have originals or copies of labels for all chemicals used (herbicide, surfactant, dyes, etc.) and safety data sheets (SDS) with them during herbicide application.

134 – Flagging – The contractor shall use only biodegradable or photodegradable flagging if needed for their operations.

135 – Contractor will have the ability to identify non-native invasive plant species and other native species within the treatment areas to minimize non-target damage.

136 - It is the Contractor’s responsibility to ensure that the work environment is safe for themselves as well as their employees. If the Contractor feels that a requirement of this contract would place them or their employees in an unsafe environment, then work should stop on that area of work and the Contractor will contact the COR/GTM. Work on other areas of the contract that the Contractor does not view as unsafe should continue.

137 - Prior to starting application on ANF lands and when leaving ANF lands, all equipment will be visually inspected to ensure it is free of soil, seeds, vegetative matter, or other debris that could contain or hold seeds. The contractor/project supervisor shall not move any equipment which last operated in an area that is infested with invasive species into an area without using whatever cleaning measures are necessary to ensure the equipment is free of non-native invasive plants. Disassembly of equipment components or specialized inspection tools are not required. The contractor/project supervisor must advise the designated inspector what measures were taken to clean the equipment following use on non- ANF lands or an area infested with an invasive species and arrange for the designated inspector to inspect prior to use of equipment. Equipment shall be considered free of soils, seeds, or other such debris when a visual inspection does not disclose such material. If the contractor/project supervisor desires to clean the equipment on National Forest land, the contractor and designated inspector shall agree on locations for the cleaning and control of off-site impacts, if any.

138 - Accidents shall mean destruction or substantial damage to the service truck, and serious, or fatal injury to personnel. Accidents must be reported to the COR/GTM within 24 hours from time of accident. This report shall contain description, cause, and future actions contemplated to avoid future occurrences.

139 - Incidents shall mean any mishap, malfunction, or situation involving equipment or personnel, which results in a deviation from standard procedures or has the potential of resulting in an accident or injury. Incidents must be reported to the COR/GTM within 24 hours from the time of the incident.

139A - The contractor is required to follow all applicable OSHA standards while working on the job site. In addition, it is required that the successful contractor utilize appropriate personal protective safety equipment/clothing, which will include, but is not limited to, a hardhat, leg protection (chainsaw chaps), ear protection, eye protection, and hand protection.

139B - Work area ahead signs. At any time the contractor is working where the public may come into contact with spray/treatment operations, “Work Area Ahead’ signs must be placed to notify the public of the presence of the Contractor, for example recreation areas, along roads, and trails.

140 – Government Furnished Property

The Government will provide:

1. Treatment area maps and/or GIS data of locations.

2. Treatment Reporting Form: Form to be completed by contractor for each day of treatment, which includes site conditions, treatment type used, and amount of chemicals used. All forms will be submitted to the designated COR or Government Technical Monitor within 15 calendar days of treatment or sooner if needed for inspection purposes (Exhibit 1). Contractor may create an electronic version of treatment form for use as long as all fields are included and submitted within 15 calendar days.

3. Herbicide treatment notification signs.

4. Forest Service Gate Key – to be returned upon work completion.

150 – WORK SCHEDULE/PROGRESSION OF WORK/NOTIFICATION

151 – A pre-work meeting is mandatory and will be scheduled on a mutually agreed upon date, time and location.

152 - The contractor/project supervisor will notify the designated COR at least one week before beginning work, items to be discussed include but are not limited to:

logistics, equipment use, daily plans and schedules.

153 – If seasonal restrictions apply to any item, work schedule needs to reflect how work will be accomplished within performance period.

154 - If work is going to be suspended for more than a few days, the contractor/project supervisor has to notify the COR/GTM when they plan to return to work.

155 - The contractor/project supervisor has to notify the COR/GTM at least weekly of progress.

156 - The contractor/project supervisor has to notify the COR/GTM when they have completed all contract work for each ordered item.

157 - Notifications can be by phone, text or e-mail.

160 - ACCESS

161 - Sites may be reached by State, Township/Municipal and forest roads that are accessible by standard pickup truck during the normal working season. Once on site, some areas are accessible by ATV/UTV and some are only accessible by foot.

162 - The Government assumes no obligation to plow snow or do special maintenance such as removing down trees to keep roads open. An actual visit to the sites prior to bidding is encouraged to view the access to the treatment sites. The Contractor is responsible for any damage caused by their operations. Some sites may be on a gated road. A Forest Service key will be provided as necessary and require signing out with the COR.

170 - VEHICLE OPERATION

171 - All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) or Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV) may be operated to travel to and at some work sites. The operator is subject to fines if found using ATV/UTV’s in manners other than for the purpose of transporting equipment and operator to work sites. If at any time Forest Service inspections indicate that soil damage is occurring due to the use of ATV/UTV's, such use will be suspended and the damage repaired by the Contractor.

172 - In addition, it is recommended that the Contractor utilize appropriate personal protective safety equipment/clothing, which may include, but is not limited to, leg protection, eye protection, ear protection, and hand protection, and a DOT approved helmet (if using ATV’s or UTV’s) while working on this contract. State ATV/OHV permit requirements also apply.

173 - The Forest Service may, during the administration of this contract, direct the

Contractor to temporarily halt treatment when: vehicles and/or equipment is causing excessive soil damage such as rutting/soil erosion on roads or other work areas until ground conditions improve.

180 – MEASUREMENT

181 - Acreage is determined by a survey using GPS/GIS satellite mapping. This measurement shall be utilized for payment purposes, unless the actual acreage on the ground for a given area varies by more than 15% from the estimated acreage for that unit, as described below in Specification 190. Note acre measurements are typically rounded up to the next whole number.

182 - If there is a difference between contract markings the order of preference is – flagging on the ground, GPS files, then hardcopy maps.

190 – SUSPECTED ERRORS IN MEASUREMENTS

If the contractor requests a re-measurement of any area and the results of the re-measurement show that the acreage is more than 15% different from original measurement, the Government will pay at the unit price for the number of acres shown on the re-measurement and the cost of the re-measurement itself. If, however, the re-measurement shows the acreage to be within the 15% allowable variation, payment will be for the original acreage for that unit and the contractor will pay for the cost of the re-measurement. The Forest Service will determine the method of re-measurement. The Forest Service will perform all re-measurements.

DIVISION 200 – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – HERBICIDE TREATMENTS

Treatment – Plant Phenology and Growing Conditions

201 - Plant phenology: (stage of plant growth) and weather conditions at the work site, for example snow cover, wet/impassible road conditions, will influence when treatment may begin. To minimize the need for re-treatment, consider local sap flow conditions March through May before using cut stump, injection, or cut and frill (hack and squirt) herbicide application methods. Plants being foliar treated need to have sufficient leaf-out.

202 - Growing Conditions: plants should not be herbicided under poor growing conditions such as severe drought stress, disease or insect damage, as reduced control may result. Reduced control of target vegetation may also occur if foliage is heavily covered with dust at the time of treatment this occurs especially along dirt and gravel roads, wait to conduct treatment after a sufficient rain event has rinsed of foliage.

HERBICIDE APPLICATION – SPECIFICATIONS THAT APPLY TO BOTH:

MANUAL FOLIAR AND CUT STUMP/CUT SURFACE

210 – HERBICIDE, WATER, SURFACTANT, DYES

211 – The contractor shall furnish the required herbicide, surfactant, water and marker dye necessary for herbicide application as specified. Glyphosate products must be aquatic labeled. An EPA approved appropriate dye will be added to all mixtures to facilitate appropriate application and inspection.

212 - Where water is used as the herbicide carrier, it will be obtained from government approved domestic water systems or other government approved fresh water source. The COR may approve, on occasion, areas where water may be available to supplement domestic water trucked to treatment areas, if it is convenient to application operations and the COR approves the site prior to the need. Any water supply must be approved by the Forest Service, and have no visible suspended sediments, and water hardness not to exceed 60 mg. per liter. Mixing and cleaning water should come from a domestic water supply and be transported in separate, labeled containers. Under special circumstances, permission to draft water from another approved water source may be granted.

213 - Where needed/specified the contractor will supply a non-ionic surfactant using nonylphenol ethoxylates plus isopropanol and free fatty acids in a 90% active formulation. Example of surfactants approved for use on the ANF are Alenza 90®, AquaChem®, Chemsurf 90®, Red River 90®, Red River Adherent 90®, Timberland 90® and CWC 90® (CWC 90® was added to ANF list in 2014 due to other products being discontinued – reviewed and approved by Forest and Regional Pesticide use coordinators).

220 – HERBICIDE EQUIPMENT

221 - Equipment Calibration and Spray Characterization. The contractor/project supervisor shall be required to calibrate to the specified application rate and characterize the spray system prior to beginning treatments. Forest Service personnel may choose to observe this activity which will occur at a mutually agreed upon location, date, and time before work begins on this project, and during the project if required by the Forest Service. Water shall be used for this exercise. See the Forest Science Fact Sheet “Backpack Sprayer Calibration Made Easy” from Penn State Extension for good tips on calibration. It can be found at the following web site: http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/forests/private/tools-resources/publications/forest-stewardship/backpack-sprayer-calibration-made-easy

222 – To avoid contamination of areas not scheduled for treatment, the contractor must ensure that the spray system has no leaks, and does not have excessive dripping from the nozzles.

223 - Mixing – Sites selected for mixing, loading, and cleaning of equipment shall be located so as to prevent contaminating streams, ponds, or spring seeps. The Forest Service will approve all such locations if it becomes evident that contamination is occurring.

224 - Disposal – Contractor/project supervisor shall dispose of any excess herbicide and herbicide containers in accordance with the label. The contractor/project supervisor will remove all trash/litter from the work areas that is generated during performance of the contract.

http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/forests/private/tools-resources/publications/forest-stewardship/backpack-sprayer-calibration-made-easy http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/forests/private/tools-resources/publications/forest-stewardship/backpack-sprayer-calibration-made-easy http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/forests/private/tools-resources/publications/forest-stewardship/backpack-sprayer-calibration-made-easy

225 - Prior to herbicide application on the ANF, the contractor/project supervisor shall ensure all tanks and application equipment are clean of residual herbicide or material from other applications.

230 – HERBICIDE CLIMATIC LIMITATIONS

Spraying operations shall not occur when any of the following conditions listed below exist.

230 - The wind exceeds 10 mph in the open or 4 mph under the forest canopy conditions, or

231 - Rain, fog, or morning dew causes moisture to drip from the foliage, or

232 - Air turbulence (thermal updrafts, inversion, etc.) is so great at the spray area as to seriously affect the normal spray pattern.

234 - To minimize the need for re-treatment, foliar herbicide application should occur consistent with label direction for rain fastness (Forest Plan Guideline).

235 - The government reserves the right to suspend or cancel spray operations due to unfavorable climatic conditions at any time.

236 - The contractor should document unusual events that occurred during an herbicide treatment, such as unforeseen rainfall, encounters with the public, etc. on the Treatment Site Reporting Form.

240 – HERBICIDE RECORDS AND NOTIFICATIONS

241 – Treatment Site Reporting Form supplied by the Government or created by the contractor electronically, will be used to maintain an accurate record of water, herbicide, surfactant and dye used. Records will be kept daily. These sheets or electronic forms will be turned into the COR/GTM within 15 calendar days of treatment or sooner if needed for inspection purposes.

242 – Notification signs will be placed along the perimeter of treatment areas where these areas are adjacent to roads, trails, recreation areas, administrative sites, or at any other location where the public can be expected to enter the treatment area. These signs will state which pesticide was used, a short message about how the herbicide works and who can be contacted for more information. These signs will be posted before herbicide treatment and for at least 30 days following treatment (Forest Plan Standard).

243 - Discussion of sign placement for each item will occur at pre-work meetings. Signs may be placed on trees using staples and remain in place for 30 days. The Forest Service will remove these signs.

244 – To minimize human exposure to pesticides, schedule treatment in high visitor use areas during low use periods or when the areas are temporarily closed and signed Forest Plan guideline). If areas are to be closed during treatment, these areas will be discussed at the pre-work meeting.

245 - Landowners adjacent to treatment areas will be notified prior to pesticide application. Residents occupying dwellings on adjacent private land will be notified 3 to 4 weeks before spraying begins and again, if requested by a landowner, 24 hours before treatment begins. Individuals (such as loggers, woodcutters, OGM operators, contractors, berry pickers, etc.) known to be using a proposed treatment area shall be notified before treatment begins (Forest Plan Standard). Notification is completed by the Forest Service, contractor may be asked questions during work, the contractor will refer to the letters sent, answer questions if they can appropriately, if not refer person to contacts in the letter.

250 – HERBICIDE SAFETY

251 - The Contractor shall comply with all Federal and State regulations for spraying herbicide.

252 - All persons who may come in contact with the spray solution shall wear protective clothing as listed on the herbicide label.

253 - The Contractor will provide soap and water for personnel to wash with on the job site. First aid kits, and appropriate spill cleanup materials will be on site whenever herbicides are in use.

260 – HERBICIDE SPILLS AND SECURITY

260 - Herbicide spills: The Contractor must have a safety and a spill prevention and clean-up plan approved by the Forest Service prior to work beginning.

Herbicide wasted through spills greater than 5 gallons of diluted product, or 1 quart of undiluted product must be reported to the Contracting Officer and the appropriate state and federal agencies.

261 - Security – The Contractor shall be responsible for the security of all herbicide, equipment and materials furnished for this project. The contractor shall protect the herbicide and take precautions to prevent loss or theft.

270 – HERBICIDE SITE CONDITIONS, WATER PROTECTION BUFFERS AND

APPLICATION RATES

270 - Before beginning treatment in an area, the COR/GTM and the Contractor will review the area to go over special conditions or areas to avoid during spraying and discuss with contractor during pre-work meeting.

271 - A COR/GTM may be on site during application.

272 - Buffer areas will be adjusted, based upon field conditions, at the time of spraying, in order to account for conditions that are moister or drier than when an application area was delineated.

273 - The perimeter of treatment areas will be treated in such a way as to minimize drift outside the designated treatment area, particularly where sensitive areas such as private lands or buffer areas exist adjacent to treatment areas (Forest Plan Standard).

274 – Glyphosate - Water protection Buffers - manual foliar and cut stump/cut surface:

• Glyphosate shall not be applied to surface waters.

• Glyphosate shall not be applied within a minimum of 10 feet of standing or flowing water (for example, a roadside ditch that directly connects to a waterbody, steams).

• Within a minimum of 10 feet of a dry intermittent stream course, dry springs, and dry seeps, only the cut stump/ cut surface herbicide treatment technique shall be used with glyphosate.

• If target woody species are found within these buffers, they will be either hand pulled if small enough or cut-off at ground level.

• Since site conditions are dependent on weather, final determination of buffer widths beyond the minimums will occur at the time of treatment.

275 – Glyphosate - Water protection Buffers: for broadcast foliar mechanical

(airblast) or tractor mounted agricultural units with boom sprayers:

• Glyphosate shall not be applied to surface waters.

• Glyphosate shall not be applied within 25 feet of each side of perennial streams, impoundments, seeps, springs, or intermittent streams with flowing water the day of spraying.

• Glyphosate shall not be applied within 25 feet of wet areas (standing water), including vernal ponds, with no defined outlet.

• Glyphosate shall not be applied within 10 feet of each side of dry intermittent streams, dry springs, and dry seeps.

• Airblast shall be directed away from the buffer area when mechanical applications are made within 75 feet of the edge of the buffer.

276 – Sulfometuron Methyl - Water protection Buffers - manual foliar:

0.09 or 0.19 pounds/acre Active Ingredient:

• Sulfometuron methyl shall not be applied to surface waters.

• Sulfometuron methyl shall not be applied within 10 feet (0.09 pounds/acre) or 25 feet (0.19 pounds/acre) of standing or flowing water.

• Sulfometuron methyl shall not be applied within 10 feet (0.09 pounds/acre) or 25 feet (0.19 pounds/acre) of dry intermittent stream courses, dry springs, or dry seeps.

277 – Sulfometuron Methyl - Water protection Buffers: for broadcast foliar mechanical (airblast) or tractor mounted agricultural units with boom sprayers:

For an application rate of 0.09 pounds/acre Active Ingredient:

• Sulfometuron methyl shall not be applied to surface waters.

• Sulfometuron methyl shall not be applied within 25 feet of each side of perennial streams, impoundments, seeps, springs, or intermittent streams with flowing water the day of spraying.

• Sulfometuron methyl shall not be applied within 25 feet of wet areas (standing water), including vernal ponds, with no defined outlet.

• Sulfometuron methyl shall not be applied within 10 feet of each side of dry intermittent streams, dry seeps, and dry springs.

• Airblast shall be directed away from the buffer area when applications are made within 75 feet of the edge of the buffer.

For an application rate of 0.19 pounds/acre Active Ingredient:

• Sulfometuron methyl shall not be applied to surface waters.

• Sulfometuron methyl shall not be applied within 50 feet of each side of perennial streams, impoundments, seeps, springs, or intermittent streams with flowing water the day of spraying.

• Sulfometuron methyl shall not be applied within 50 feet of wet areas (standing water), including vernal ponds, with no defined outlet.

• Sulfometuron methyl shall not be applied within 25 feet of each side of dry intermittent streams, dry springs, and dry seeps.

• Airblast shall be directed away from the buffer area when mechanical applications are made within 100 feet of the edge of the buffer.

278 - Typical and maximum application rates for sulfometuron methyl.

Application

Treat/Control Invasive Species

Typical (Maximum) pounds/acre AI

Mechanical – foliar (air blast sprayer) 0.09 (0.19)

Manual – ground (backpack) 0.09 (0.19)

Cut surface 0 (0)

279 - Typical and maximum application rates for glyphosate

Application Treat/Control Invasive Species

Typical (Maximum) pounds/acre AI

Mechanical – foliar (air blast sprayer) 1.0 (2.0)

Manual – ground (backpack) 2.0 (4.0)

Cut surface 1.0 (2.0)

280 - MANUAL FOLIAR TREATMENT

281 - Manual Foliar Herbicide Application Spraying is limited to shoulder height of applicator and below with the exception of species such as but not limited to:

multiflora rose and Japanese barberry which their multiple stems are not typically conducive to cut surface treatments.

282 - The contractor/project supervisor shall apply the herbicide mixture to the foliage of target species, wetting the foliage so that at least 50% of the surface of all leaves is covered. The herbicide mixture should not be applied to the point of runoff, maximum application should be spray to wet. Applications of herbicide will be directed so damage to non-target vegetation is limited to the immediate area of application, 2 feet or less from the point of application.

283 - Foliar Application Rate: Percent solution for foliar spraying of shrubs should be

2-5% percent or in such concentration as to effectively control target species, however, concentrations shall not exceed the maximum active ingredient per acre listed in Table 3 and/or labeled rates (whichever one is less). A Non-ionic surfactant must be applied with foliar treatments, per manufacturer’s recommendations (generally ½ percent solution by volume) and with an EPA approved dye.

Example: 2% solution is used for: Accord Concentrate® or Rodeo®

(A maxium rate of 36 gallons solution per acre is allowed).

Accord Concentrate® or Rodeo® 2% Percent Solution of herbicide.

Water (Gal) Accord Concentrate (oz) Chemsurf 90 (oz)

1 2 2/3 .5

290 - CUT SURFACE TREATMENT

291 - Cut stump/cut surface Herbicide Application - woody plants that are greater than five feet in height require cut stump or cut surface treatment using a 50% solution of an aquatic labeled glyphosate product with an EPA approved dye. With the exception of species such as multiflora rose and Japanese barberry which their multiple stems are not typically conducive to cut surface treatments.

292 - To minimize the need for retreatment, herbicide should be applied to the cut stump or within cut surface immediately (within 1 hour) following cutting.

293 - In order to minimize quantity of herbicide applied, only the outer 2 inches of the cut stump surface should be treated on stumps larger than 6 inches diameter.

294 – Techniques such as cut stem, hack and squirt and wet blade cutting/application may be used.

295 - Lodged (hung up) shrubs/trees shall be pulled or cut down to within 3 feet of the ground, unless material will be better left in place to lessen impact to future treatments – this will be discussed and determined by project area at the pre-work meeting.

296 - Any severed biomass created by the Contractor's operations shall be removed 10 feet away from the following locations and lopped to 3’. Felled material should not lean against or be suspended by an uncut tree. Shrubs/trees shall not be felled onto any objects such as seeps, ponds/pools, trails, pipelines, oil, gas and mineral development, wells, power lines, fences, mowed areas and roads. The contractor shall be responsible for any damage caused to such objects.

297 - Maximum stump heights shall be 6 inches or as specified in the Schedule of

Items and be cut horizontal to the ground so that a ‘spear’ is not created.

298 - Care shall be taken to not damage or cut desirable species, the Forest Service recognizes that some non-target damage may occur, but this should be limited. A maximum of 10% of the desirables may be cut when intertwined and amongst undesirables specified to be cut within a certain treatment site/item. Care shall be taken to not damage any standing timber that is greater than 6” in diameter and especially plantings such as but not limited to apple and fruit trees.

DIVISION 500 – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL

TREATMENT: SPECIES THAT REQUIRE CUTTING AND SPRAY TREATMENTS

WITHIN ONE GROWING SEASON

500 – Cutting of stems shall occur prior to growth being too tall to feasibly cut, typically by

June 1 for knotweeds (Japanese, giant or hybrid) and spraying prior to regrowth being out of reach, typically by August 1.

501 – Cut stems must not be allowed to enter flowing water or be stacked in such a way as to impede spraying later in the growing season.

502 – Herbicide application shall follow the specifications in Division 200.