Attachment 1 Scope of Work.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

MUD LAKE TARGETED GRAZING

Carson Ranger District January 2023

The operator will apply precision targeted grazing including the use of portable fencing and specially trained goats that have been trained to specifically consume perennial pepperweed and Canada thistle. Operator must always maintain over-site of goat herd and may include the use of herding dogs and an assistant/s.

The project site contains approximately 50 acres of noxious weeds in the vicinity of Mud Lake in Douglas County, Nevada, just east of the California state line near Highway 88 on National Forest System Lands. Goats will be used to target perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), hoary cress (Cardaria draba) and Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense). Other species exist onsite and may be consumed by goats to break up thatch and provide entry routes for Forest Service staff to complete follow up applications of herbicide. Herbicide application will be conducted by Forest Service personnel and not the operator.

The operator will provide a herd of mature female and wethered (castrated) male goats (minimum of 100 goats). Mud Lake provides significant habitat to mule deer and other wildlife; therefore, all goats must have documentation showing they have been blood tested for Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) and Johnnies disease, which is a disease that can be spread to wildlife.

The project site encompasses a wetland ecosystem where noxious weeds are growing in standing water. The operator must provide goats that are trained to graze in standing water. If on-site water is not sufficient, the operator must provide and be capable of drafting water from Mud Lake or haul water to project site in order to water livestock.

The operator must provide their own camping trailer and restroom facilities on site (campfire restrictions will be followed if in effect during implementation). Travel through a private electric gate and land is required to access the project site on NFS land.

The Forest Service will coordinate with the private landowner prior to project implementation to secure entry. Operator must remove all fencing, garbage and other materials brought on site upon completion of the project.

Time Frame Operator must provide goats for up to 21 days between the dates of May 22, 2023, and July 10, 2023. The start date will depend on plant phenology and site conditions and will be closely coordinated with the operator.