Attachment 1_SOW.pdf

1255N920R0001 – Attachment #1 Forestry Vegetation Management Treatment

ATTACHMENT #1

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

1.1 Introduction

The Wayne National Forest (also referred to as “Forest” or “Wayne” or Wayne NF) has a requirement to enter into a Performance Based Service Contract (PBSC) for manual forestry services including tree planting, herbicide application, and other vegetation treatments using hand tools. Work also includes site preparation, mid-story control, crop tree release, and fire-line construction. All Ranger Districts of the Wayne National Forest in Ohio are included in this contract.

1.2 Background

The Wayne National Forest administers approximately 244,240 acres in southeastern Ohio. The Forest is composed of three separate geographic units contained within two Ranger Districts. The Athens Ranger District administers lands on both the Athens and Marietta Units, while the Ironton Ranger District administers all lands on the Ironton Unit. National Forest System (NFS) lands managed by the Wayne are found in parts of 12 counties which span the state 100 miles east to west and 100 miles north to south.

Private land parcels are scattered throughout the NFS boundaries, producing a highly dissected ownership pattern. Federal ownership within the proclamation boundaries varies across the forest. Ironton

(35%) contains the most federal ownership, followed by Athens (28%), and Marietta (23%).

The primary purpose of this contract is to promote oak-hickory ecosystems and different types of wildlife habitat through various silvicultural (vegetative management) treatment activities across the Wayne National Forest. Treatments specified in this contract are in the form of; tree planting, site preparation, stand improvement activities (mid-story control and crop tree release), as well as prescribed burning line preparation. Treatments often utilize multiple methods, with various densities of targeted treatment levels in order to cover the potential for site variation and treatment intensity across the Forest.

Vegetation management treatment activities will generally be conducted in recent harvest areas, young forests, as well as forested areas planned for future; harvest, burning or wildlife activities. These treatments will emphasize the control of specific undesirable tree and shrub species, the release of specific desired tree and shrub species, fire-line construction distance and outcomes, or the planting of desired tree and shrub species. The various silvicultural treatments as generally described and approved within the Wayne National Forest Land Management Plan (Forest Plan).

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/wayne/landmanagement/planning/?cid=fsm9_006005&width=full

1.3 Scope of Work

The Wayne National Forest is soliciting for manual forestry vegetation management services including;

site preparation, mid-story control, and crop tree release treatments using hand tools and herbicide application methods. Work also includes tree planting and fire-line construction using hand tools. The Contractor shall provide all expertise, labor, supervision, services, herbicides, carriers or adjuvants, materials, equipment, tools, supplies (except those designated as Government furnished), transportation, licenses, permits, worker personal protective equipment (PPE), and incidentals necessary to perform the required work for which the desired outcome is in strict accordance with the terms, specifications, conditions and provisions of the solicitation. Task orders shall be completed to the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) as defined in the Quality Assurance Plan (Attachment #2). The Contractor shall perform and accomplish all work in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and ordinances.

The awarded contract shall constitute the entire agreement including all terms and conditions applicable to the contract.

This procurement is conducted using simplified acquisition procedures under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13.5.

1.4 General Project Information

1.4.1 General

This is part of a forest-wide project on the Wayne National Forest. There is considerable variability in the treatment types and methods within the Schedule of Items. In general, treatment methods and their associated specifications are defined within Sections 1.5 of this document. Specific Schedule of Work Line Item Technical Requirements and Specifications are discussed in Section 2 of this document.

The various types of site preparation, stand improvement, and tree planting treatments will depend on factors such as, but not limited to; densities of target species to treat or to plant, location, accessibility, distance to surface and ground water resources, surrounding vegetation, terrain and exposure to public.

Vegetation management treatments for site preparation and stand improvement treatments (midstory control and crop tree release) may include the use of hand methods, machinery, and chemical herbicides to eliminate targeted treatment species when possible or at least appreciably reduce their presence in the treatment areas. Tree planting treatments will depend on factors such as, but not limited to; species of trees planted, planting densities, location, accessibility, distance to surface and ground water resources, http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/wayne/landmanagement/planning/?cid=fsm9_006005&width=full http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/wayne/landmanagement/planning/?cid=fsm9_006005&width=full surrounding vegetation. Fire-line construction will depend on factors such as, but not limited to; length of the hand-line to construct, location, accessibility, distance to surface and ground water resources, surrounding vegetation, and terrain.

The treatments within this contract are an important and necessary silvicultural component for efforts the Districts of the Wayne NF are doing towards oak and native pine restoration, as well as the development of young forests. The Forest is expected to increase their emphasis of these treatments in the coming years to address the decline of oak forests and the lack of overall young forests on the landscape. It is the intent of various projects associated with these treatments to take an adaptive management strategy, which would result in changes in treatment strategies if Forest Service monitoring of treatment areas indicates that treatment objectives are not being met.

Herbicide selection is dependent on a variety of factors such as, but not limited to; the application method, the various trees and shrubs targeted for control treatment, surrounding vegetation, distance to ground and surface water, soil type, and other non-target resources that may be impacted by herbicide applications.

The Forest is approved for the following seven herbicides;

Selective Herbicides Non-Selective Herbicides Clopyralid Glyphosate Metsulfuron-methyl Imazapic Sethoxydim Imazapyr Triclopyr Herbicide choice is limited at this time to the approved herbicides listed above. Additional herbicide choices may become available during the length of the IDIQ contract period pending NEPA process review and subsequent approval.

The herbicide to be used for chemical treatment, the application method and the desired application rate and will be identified in the task order.

The Contractor shall provide all expertise, labor, supervision, services, herbicides, carriers or adjuvants, materials, equipment, tools, supplies (except those designated as Government furnished), transportation, licenses, permits, worker personal protective equipment (PPE), and incidentals necessary to perform the required work for which the desired outcome is in strict accordance with the terms, specifications, conditions and provisions of the solicitation. Task orders shall be completed to the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) as defined in the Quality Assurance Plan (Attachment #2). The Contractor shall perform and accomplish all work in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and ordinances.

1.4.2 Project Location

• The project is located on Athens and Ironton Ranger Districts of the Wayne National Forest, with headquarters in Nelsonville, OH.

• Specific locations, unit data, and maps will be supplied with each task order.

• Treatment boundaries should not be expected to be marked.

• In some cases, Forest Service personnel will or have marked treatment boundaries by hanging flagging on trees or by orange paint slashes on sides of trees.

• In other cases, treatment boundaries will be virtually identified. Contractors are responsible for locating these areas identified on the map and making sure their work meets requirements and associated mitigations within these areas. Site specific maps capable of being geo-referenced in mapping application programs such as Avenza PDF maps may be utilized to mitigate these areas and will be made available to the contractor.

• Property ownership boundaries should not be expected to be established across the activities associated with this contract.

• Before beginning treatment in an area, the COR or designated inspector and the Contractor’s representative will walk through the area to review special conditions or areas to avoid or mitigate during treatment implementation.

1.4.3 Project Access

a) The project area shall be accessed by Forest Service Roads. The Forest Service assumes no obligation to perform any special maintenance in order to keep roads open. Stands are accessible by some combination of 2- or 4-wheel drive vehicle and foot travel.

b) The National Forest’s Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for the individual Ranger Districts (available upon award) provides open road information. The Contractor will be issued a Forest Service key in order to access those roads that are seasonally closed by gates. Forest Service roads that are permanently closed by earthen berms or some other obstruction will have to be accessed by foot or, if available and approved, UTV.

c) Contractors are subject to the same rules as Forest Service personnel regarding the use of off-road vehicles. See Section 1.15 of this document for guidance on the use of ATV’s and UTV’s.

1.4.4 Government Furnished Property

The Government will provide the following item(s) of Government property to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the "Government Property" FAR clause contained elsewhere in the contract.

Item 1: Project area maps (1:24,000) scale for each area; vicinity maps that show the general location of the areas on each unit. Maps will be geo-referenced based .PDF maps capable of being navigable with Android or Apple platform application programs such as Avenza PDF maps. Printed maps will be available upon request.

Item 2: Tree seedlings will be furnished by the Forest Service to Contractor in sealed bags or boxes.

Contractor shall be responsible for loading and transporting seedlings from the storage sites located at District Work Centers to the planting areas; and for sorting, separating and untangling necessary for planting of seedlings.

For the purpose of FAR 52.245-1, Government Furnished Property, seedlings will be considered delivered to the Contractor upon Contractor’s loading on his vehicle for transportation to planting sites.

Seedlings must be picked up daily between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Not more than a one-day-supply of seedlings will be picked up on any one day, with the exception being a two-days-supply may be picked up on Friday. Any change in the above times for pick-up must be approved by the COR.

Item 3: Metal “pin” flags will be furnished by the Forest Service to Contractor at the time of seedling distribution. Contractor shall be responsible for placing one pin flag next to each planted tree seedling.

Item 4: If USFS roads behind locked gates are determined accessible by vehicle, the Government will provide for access. Typically, alternate locks and keys will be provided to the Contractor by the Government.

1.4.5 Resource Protection Standards – Applicable to Multiple Activities

1. Improvements such as fences, gates, property boundaries, corner monuments and trees that are marked or identified with paint, signs, tags, and/or blazes will be protected by the Contractor.

2. Trees that are located adjacent to roads, fire lines, fences, private property, right-of-ways, or other structures and are designated for cutting will be severed and felled so as not to damage, lean on, clog or otherwise obstruct existing structures or facilities.

3. Damages: The Contractor will notify the COR immediately of any damaged structures and repair damages that have resulted from the Contractor’s operations.

4. Slash Zones apply in areas designated as having a slash treatment zone on the contract unit map, unless otherwise directed by the COR. General criteria for slash treatment zones;

• Slash created by the Contractor's operations shall be removed from the cleared area of road right-of-ways, ORV/horse trails, private land, seeps, well openings, oil/gas lease roads, pipelines, and within 10 feet of the edges of fire-lines.

• No slash shall be left hanging in trees within 50 feet of roads, trails, and private land.

• In Concern Level 1 and 2 travelways and use areas, treat slash resulting from harvest or other management activity so it is no higher than 2 feet above the surface of the ground (100 feet from CL-2 and 200 ft. from CL-1) from edge of road, trail, or use area, by lopping, chopping, crushing, burning, chipping, or removal, or a combination of these methods. Designations of these improvements will not be flagged in the field. They will be shown on the treatment area map associated with each task order.

o Concern Level 1 & 2 travelways and use areas are listed in the Wayne National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, Section I-14. Plan location link in Section 1.2 of this document.

• Contractors are responsible for locating these areas identified on the map and making sure their work meets requirements and associated mitigations within these areas. Site specific maps capable of being geo-referenced in mapping application programs such as Avenza PDF maps be utilized to mitigate these areas and will be made available to the contractor.

5. Timing Mitigations: Timing of operations will be constrained as needed to avoid conflicts with recreation, Threatened and Endangered species, wet soil conditions or other time-sensitive factors. Treatment restrictions and their associated locations will be identified within individual project level task orders.

6. Reserve Areas: Contractor will not treat trees reserved to meet other resource objectives such as wildlife habitat, visual quality, stream bank stability, etc. Identification of these trees will be as agreed with the COR at the time each task order is made. Treatment restrictions and their associated locations will be identified within individual project level task orders.

7. Treatment Buffers indicate areas where certain activities are prohibited. To protect buffer areas, application of spray material shall be confined to the designated application methods and treatment areas.

a. Buffer areas and other non-treatment areas will be explained in more detail and be identified on maps within project-level task orders.

b. Contractors are responsible for locating these areas on the ground and making sure their work meets contract requirements and associated mitigations.

c. Site-specific maps capable of being geo-referenced in mapping application programs, such as Avenza Maps, will be made available to the contractor and may be the most efficient method for locating and distinguishing project treatment and buffer areas that may not be flagged on the ground.

d. Herbicide treatments in Waterbody Buffers shall be limited to the cut-stump or hack-and-squirt application methods (described elsewhere in this document) and as provided for in the project-level task orders. Basal bark and foliar applications are not permitted.

Contractors are responsible for understanding the definitions and water body buffer distances:

i. Waterbody Buffer distances (waterbody stream type definitions are located within Section 4.4.7 of this document):

• 100 feet wide along each side of perennial water bodies (streams, ponds, lakes, waterholes), including springs and seeps.

• 75 feet wide along each side of intermittent water bodies (streams, vernal pools).

• 50 feet wide along each side of ephemeral water bodies (streams, vernal pools).

ii. As with all herbicide-based treatments, applications shall follow the herbicide label, including approved concentrations, rates per acre, and environmental conditions. Only chemicals approved for aquatic use in or adjacent to streams, waterways, and wetlands, such as the aquatic formulation of glyphosate (Rodeo ® or equivalent product), shall be used when directed to within the project-level task orders.

8. Seeded roads, landings, or gravel pits will not be treated with herbicides.

9. Trash: Upon completion of work at each area and prior to moving to the next area, all trash, rubbish, and debris generated by the Contractor’s operations shall be removed from National Forest land and properly disposed of.

1.4.6 Contract Terminology

1. Salvage Rights: No salvage rights exist under this contract.

2. Measurement: Acreages listed on each task order will have been determined by GIS or global positioning system (GPS). For purposes of this contract, quantities listed on each task order are considered actual acreage and not an estimate.

3. Re-Measurement: The Contractor may at any time after issuance of a task order request re-measurement of an area. The request must be in writing. Payment will be based on the re-measurement of the acreage, except no adjustment shall be made for areas less than one (1) acre.

The Contractor will pay for the cost of re-measurement if the re-measurement results in an increase of less than 15 percent. Method of re-measurement to be used will be determined by the Government.

4. Payment: Payment for performed work will be based on actual work completed by the Contractor and accepted by the Government. Invoices are submitted through the Invoice Processing Platform at www.ipp.gov/

5. Contractor Representative: The Contractor will provide a Contractor Representative/Crew

Leader for the performance of the work. The name of this person, who will act for the Contractor when the Contractor is absent, will be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer. The Contractor Representative will have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The Contractor Representative and alternate(s) must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English, and communicate with the Contractor’s employees.

6. Protection of Improvements: Any improvements damaged by the Contractor’s work will be repaired to the condition that existed prior to the start of work at the Contractor’s expense.

1.4.7 Definitions

1. Acceptable Quality Level (AQL): A suitable level of conformance based on an established percentage of defects.

2. Contracting Officer (CO): A Forest Service employee with the authority to: enter into, administer, and terminate contracts, as well as issue determinations regarding such matters as claims.

3. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): A Forest Service employee that is appointed and officially designated by the Contracting Officer to assist the Contracting Officer with the technical matters related to contract administration. The COR will assist the Contracting Officer with surveillance of contractor performance.

4. Performance-Based Service Contract (PBSC): A contract which incorporates a results-oriented statement of work, describing the overall work to be accomplished (outcome/result), rather than explicitly describing how the tasks should be performed, to accomplish the work.

5. Quality Assurance: Those actions taken by the Forest Service to assure services meet specified requirements.

6. Quality Control: Those actions taken by a Contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the specified requirements.

7. Random Sampling: A sampling method in which each service output in a unit has an equal chance of being selected.

1.4.8 Technical Definitions

1. Bole: The trunk or stem of a tree

2. Competing Plants (or Trees): Any plant that is ½ or greater the height of the crop trees.

3. Crop Trees: Trees which are not cut based on their growth characteristics that will make future sawtimber trees.

4. Cull Tree: Live trees that are unsuitable for the production of some roundwood products, now or prospectively. Cull trees can include those with decay (rotten cull) or poor form, limbiness, or splits (rough cull).

5. Culling (Seedlings): To discard or remove inferior tree seedlings from the intended planting stock.

6. Basal Diameter: Diameter at the root collar and for practical purposes of this contract, this will be generally referenced and measured at the ground line.

7. Diameter breast height (DBH): Diameter of the trunk of a tree measured 4-1/2 feet above the http://www.ipp.gov/ ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

8. Diameter at Root Collar (DRC): The root crown is the top part of where the roots all come together. Diameter at Root Collar is taken at this location. For practical purposes of this contract, this is also referred to as basal diameter.

9. Ephemeral stream - A stream that flows only in direct response to precipitation, receives no water from springs, and does not have a continuous supply from surface sources. Ephemeral streams have a functional channel with streambed and banks which are annually cleared of debris and leaf litter.

10. Fire-line Construction: The construction of hand-line (as it pertains to this contract) to contain a fire. Fire-line construction is the removal of all combustible vegetation leaving only bare mineral soil

11. Hangup: A tree catching against another tree instead of falling to the ground.

12. Hardwood Stump Sprout: Vegetation growth of a hardwood species originating from a cut stump.

13. Intermittent stream - A stream that normally flows in response to a seasonally fluctuating water table in a well-defined channel (flowing 10-90 percent of an average year). The channel will exhibit signs of annual scour, sediment transport and other stream channel characteristics, absent perennial flows. Intermittent streams typically flow during times of elevated water table levels and may be dry during significant periods of the year, depending on precipitation cycles.

Intermittent streams do not maintain fish populations or aquatic insects that have larvae with multi-year life cycles. Contrast with ephemeral stream and perennial stream.

14. Leave Trees: Trees which are not to be cut under this contract.

15. Lopping and Scattering: Cutting limbs from the trunks of the cut trees and moving and rearranging of slash concentrations to achieve slash depth required in the contract.

16. Manual Felling: Method of treatment application that severs the stem from the stump.

17. Midstory: Vegetation layer between the canopy and herbaceous layer.

18. Reforestation: The act of renewing tree cover by establishing young trees naturally or artificially.

19. Release: A treatment designed to free young trees from undesirable, usually overtopping, competing vegetation.

20. Perennial stream - Any watercourse that normally flows most of the year (greater than 90 percent of an average year) in a well-defined channel, although droughts and other precipitation patterns may influence the actual duration of flow. It contains fish or aquatic insects that have larvae with multiyear life cycles, and water-dependent vegetation is typically associated with it.

21. Slash: Any vegetation that was cut by the contractor.

22. Slashdown: Cutting and completely severing trees at or near ground level.

1.5 TREATMENT METHODS AND SPECIFICATIONS

A variety of manual, chainsaw based, as well as herbicide based treatment methods are allowed in this contract. Herbicide based treatment methods described below can be additionally referenced within the USFS publication NRS-GTR-96; https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/gtr/gtr_nrs96.pdf.

1.5.1 Hack n’ Squirt Treatment:

• Contractor shall utilize appropriate equipment (axes, hatchets, etc.) to cut a series of hacks around the diameter of the target tree or shrub. Hacks will slope inward and down, shall sever the nutrient and water transport tissues, and shall extend into at least the first two growth rings. The intent is for a spaced injection method vs. a complete frill. Spacing between hacks should be no more than 1-2 inches.

• Make one spaced incision per inch of diameter.

https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/gtr/gtr_nrs96.pdf

• Within two minutes, all hacks must be sprayed with an approved herbicide at a label appropriate concentration. Herbicide will then translocate into the root system and control the targeted tree and shrub species.

o Examples of approved herbicides include; selective (triclopyr (Element 3a®, Garlon 3a®)) and non-selective (imazapyr (Arsenal®, Stalker®)). Glyphosate (Roundup ® or equivalent product) is approved, however it is recommended to mix with imazapyr for more effective kill. Studies reflect imazapyr based treatments have the lowest amount of basal sprouting.

• Cuts will be within five feet of the ground and will be at the same level on an individual tree. Hacks made at root flares are recommended to reduce susceptibility to basal sprouting.

• Chemical will be thoroughly agitated before filling the applicator.

• All herbicide applications must occur at specified locations and within contract times.

• Treatment Timing: Best applied from June 15 to November 1.

o As label directs and specified in the project level task order.

o Discretion should be used by the contractor on timing and can be done outside the

Best Applied dates at their risk and based on treatment calendar within the project level task order.

o Do not apply during periods of heavy sap flow (February through May).

o Trees will not be treated when air temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less, or during or within one hour before heavy rainfall. Heavy rainfall would be sufficient to dilute or wash out herbicide with cuts.

• In all cases contractor will apply herbicide at a sufficient interval and concentration to meet or exceed the kill rate on targeted vegetation and not exceed the maximum specified mortality to non-target plant species. See Quality Assurance Plan (Attachment #2).

• See Section 1.6 – General Herbicide Specifications for additional information and requirement her herbicides based treatments.

1.5.2 Basal Bark Treatment (Low-volume)

• Contractor shall utilize appropriate equipment (backpack sprayers, handheld sprayers, etc.) to apply oil-based basal herbicide on targeted trees and large shrubs.

• Basal spray refers to the low volume basal bark herbicide application technique.

• Herbicide shall be applied at directed locations and times, and shall be applied in approved formulations and concentrations recommended on the chemical label.

Herbicide choices include oil based Triclopyr (e.g. Garlon 4 Ultra), and Imazapyr (Stalker) that mix with carrier oils to form the herbicide solution.

• Contractor shall utilize environmentally friendly (e.g. MSO) formulations of carrier oils and avoid the use of petroleum based carrier oils.

• Marking dye shall be added to herbicide solutions to aid in the tracking of contract work.

• Treat stems up to 5 inch basal diameter using basal method. Supervisor and crew must be able to identify tree species during dormant season (leaf-off).

• All stems designated for treatment shall be sprayed on one side at a point between 12-15 inches above the ground line. Treat both sides of stems that are larger than 3 inches in basal diameter.

• Stems must be completely dry prior to spraying.

• Treatment Timing: Treat either dormant or growing season; however, dormant season is preferred to ensure material reaches target stem and is not intercepted by leaves, grasses, or other vegetation.

o All herbicide applications completed during the dormant season must be completed only when ambient air temperatures are above freezing.

o Discretion should be used by the contractor on timing and can be done outside the Best

Applied dates at their risk and based on treatment calendar within the project level task order.

• In all cases contractor will apply herbicide at a sufficient interval and concentration to meet or exceed the kill rate on targeted vegetation and not exceed the maximum specified mortality to non-target plant species. See Inspection and Acceptance section of this contract (Attachment #2).

• See section 1.6-General Herbicide Specifications for additional information and requirements for herbicides based treatments.

1.5.3 Cut Stem (Stump) Surface

• Contractor shall utilize appropriate equipment (chain saws, loppers, pruners, hand saws, large weed-eaters with circular saw blades, etc.) to cut aboveground growth of targeted tree and shrub species to a stump height of up to 6 inches above ground level for trees cut with a chainsaw. Smaller trees (less than 2 inches diameter at root collar) can often be completely severed due to their small size using other non-powered manual tools (machette, brush-axe, etc.). High stumps (on stems less than 2” DRC) up to 3 feet from ground level are allowed as long as they are severed through and sufficiently sprayed.

• Stump cuts must be clean and level to allow herbicide penetration. Once the cut is complete, contractor shall apply a label approved concentration of selective herbicide to the stump. On larger diameter targets, care must be taken to apply sufficient herbicide to the outer 1/3-1/2 of the cut surface.

o Examples of approved selective herbicides include triclopyr (Element 3a®, Garlon 3a®). Examples of approved non-selective herbicides include imazapyr (Arsenal®, Stalker®), and glyphosate (Roundup®, Razor Pro®, Accord XRT®).

Triclopyr 4 may be considered in cut stump situations as a consideration to extend treatment timing.

• Marking dye should also be used in the herbicide solution to aid in tracking of contract work.

• Stump spray will be done as soon as possible after the tree is cut, but no longer than 20 minutes afterward.

• The herbicide solution will be thoroughly agitated before filling the squirt bottle or sprayer.

• Treatment Timing: Best applied from June 15 to November 1.

o Do not apply during periods of heavy sap flow (February through May).

o Discretion should be used by the contractor on timing and can be done outside the

Best Applied dates at their risk and based on treatment calendar within the project level task order.

o Trees will not be cut and stump sprayed when the air temperature is 32 degrees or less.

o Trees to be stump sprayed will not be cut during rainfall, and all trees already cut when rainfall begins will be immediately stump sprayed.

• In all cases contractor will apply herbicide at a sufficient interval and concentration to meet or exceed the kill rate on targeted vegetation and not exceed the maximum specified mortality to non-target plant species. See Inspection and Acceptance section of this contract (Attachment #2).

• See Section 1.6-General Herbicide Specifications for additional information and

1.5.4 Foliar Spray Treatment

• This work is for spot-spraying treatments of scattered infestations using backpack sprayers and hand techniques.

• Foliage of trees, vines and other target vegetation up to 6 feet in height shall be sprayed with herbicide mixture to completely wet all targeted tree or shrub foliage to a point of dripping using low pressure backpack sprayers.

• Herbicide shall be applied at directed locations and times, and shall be applied in approved formulations and concentrations recommended on the chemical label.

• Typically, for most work, the contractor will apply selective herbicide such as Triclopyr (Garlon3A ® or equivalent product). Contractor may apply non- selective herbicide such as glyphosate (Roundup ® or equivalent product) or imazapyr (Arsenal® or equivalent product).

• If not supplied within the herbicide, the use of a surfactant is recommended to increase herbicide adhesion and cuticle breakdown on target foliage. Marking dye should also be used in the herbicide solution to aid in tracking of contract work.

• Contractor shall avoid harm or mortality to desirable non-target plant species.

• Nozzle size may be specified in certain applications.

• Contractor shall apply foliar herbicide in specified locations and times and at label rates.

• Treatment Timing: Foliar spray treatments shall be implemented only during the growing season or leaf-on period of the year AND when the leaves of target vegetation have fully expanded.

o Typically, full leaf expansion of most species has occurred by about May 1 in southern Ohio. Foliage has hardened off and is not taking up water by the first frost, usually early-October.

o Do not apply foliar spray in the rain, when rain appears imminent, or when foliage is still wet from recent rain.

• In all cases contractor will apply herbicide at a sufficient interval and concentration to meet or exceed the kill rate on targeted vegetation and not exceed the maximum specified mortality to non-target plant species. See Inspection and Acceptance section of this contract (Attachment #2).

• See Section 1.6-General Herbicide Specifications for additional information and

1.5.5 Manual Slashdown by chainsaw/mechanical

• Trees or saplings as specified are completely severed at or near ground level.

• Stump height should be no more than 6 inches on the uphill side of the stump.

• No hangups will be permitted.

• Treatment Timing: Varies by task order treatment type.

o Site preparation and midstory control treatments may be implemented during anytime of the year. Normally, the treatments are scheduled for completion from during late-April to early-October to allow full leaf expansion for targeted species in order to better exhaust their root systems.

o Crop tree release treatments can be applied year round in cases when herbicide is not planned.

1.5.6 Tree Planting (Manual)

A reforestation method in which trees are artificially planted on a site. For purposes of this contract, all trees are to be manually planted using hand tools. Pin flags will be placed by the contractor within 3 inches of the stem of each planted tree.

1.5.6.1 Timing of Operations

Planting operations may be implemented when sufficient soil moisture is available. Annual seasonal rains normally began in November providing sufficient soil moisture. About ninety percent of the planting is scheduled between February 15th and April 1st. The remaining ten percent may be completed in the fall after the first rains in November and before the end of the Calendar year.

1.5.6.2 Seedlings

Bare-root and containerized seedlings will likely be furnished in waxed bags or boxes. Contractor shall be responsible for loading and transporting seedlings from the storage site to the planting site. Seedlings will be considered delivered to the Contractor when the Contractor loads seedlings on his vehicle for transporting to planting sites.

Seedlings may only be picked up during the specified hours and days as specified in the project level task order, except by prior arrangement with the COR. Not more than a one-day-supply of seedlings will be picked up on any one day, with the exception being a two-days-supply may be picked up on Friday. Any change in the above times for pick-up must be approved by the COR.

The Forest Service will coordinate with the contractor to have sufficient fresh seedlings on hand to meet the agreed upon starting date, estimated crew size, and expected rate of progress. Seedlings are perishable and have limited viability during storage. Once lifted at the nursery, packed and placed in refrigerated storage, survival of seedlings begins to decline. Seedlings stored beyond 21 days are unacceptable planting stock.

The contractor will be responsible for the cost of expired seedlings when seedlings have been ordered and stored based on the contractor’s schedule but have not been planted before their expiration date due to circumstances within the contractor’s control.

The contractor shall plant all trees picked up from refrigerated storage the same day as pickup, with an exception when an extra day of seedlings is additionally picked up. Conditions for planting may unexpectedly change. Good communication with the COR and Contractor is expected in order to place seedlings back into refrigeration. When the COR determines that conditions are unsuitable for planting, the contractor shall return all unplanted trees to the refrigerated storage location with no penalty for delay in planting the delivered trees.

If conditions are outside the following range of preferred weather conditions then the contractor shall take additional precautionary measures as directed by the COR in the protection, care and handling of seedlings during transport and while on planting site:

Air temperature: 33-75 degrees F Relative humidity: 30-50 percent Wind speed: no more than 15 miles per hour

1.5.6.3 Spacing

Tree spacing may change with the species being planted and the objective being met on each planting site. Maps provided with each task order and showing the location of planting sites shall specify the spacing for that site.

1.5.6.4 Planting Standards for Bare-Root and Containerized Seedlings

• Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory Planting diagrams. See Attachments 7 and 8 of this contract.

• Keep seedling bags in the shade in the open air. The Contractor will provide, as a minimum, a light colored, heat reflective tarpaulin to cover tree seedlings during transport and field storage. Do not store within an enclosed vehicle where passive solar heating can occur.

• Do not crush, stand or sit on seedling bags.

• Do not build a warming fire wihtin 100 feet of area where seedlings are stored or handled.

• Keep seedling bags sealed prior to planting.

• Open only one bag at a time. The entire crew will get seedlings out of this bag until the seedlings are used up before opening the next bag.

• Quickly remove only enough seedlings to fill planting bags to be carried by the planters. Seedlings should not be exposed to the elements for more than two minutes. Do not separate, untangle, or count out an advnaced quantity of seedlings except as necessary to grade for unplantable seedlings.

• Do not allow planters to carry an excessive amount of seedlings. Planting bags should not be filled to the point where “packing” occurs. Do not carry more than a one-hour supply of seedlings in the planting bag.

• Tightly close partially used bag as soon as seedlings are removed. Contractor shall provide a clamp or cord to keep bag closed.

• Immediately repair any torn, snagged, ripped or punctured bag.

• Keep seedling roots moist at all times prior to and during planting. Planters will not be allowed to carry any seedlings in their hands between planting locations. Remove a seedling from the planting bag ONLY when a hole for the seedling has been made.

• Contractor shall provide planting bags. The bags shall be of light color, shall not retain water or heat, shall have a minimum depth of 15 inches, shall be free of defects or contaminates, and shall be constructed to allow easy and unrestricted extraction of tree seedlings, one at a time. Seedlings shall be carried in seedling bag or other suitable container allowing the seedlings to be kept moist and protected.

• One seedling shall be planted in a debris-free hole.

• Trash such as leaves, litter, duff etc. will be removed in the area surrounding the planting hole.

• Do not plant seedlings in frozen ground, during freezing weather, or other unsatisfactory conditions as determined by the COR.

• Soil moisture shall be present to a depth of at least six inches.

• All planting areas in and adjacent to surface obstructions such as windrows, tree tops and/or rocks shall be planted.

• Do not plant within clearing limits of any designated system road or power line right-of-way or within fifteen feet of fence, or existing tree line.

• Do not plant in standing water.

• Seedlings shall not be planted within twelve inches of large mounds of dirt, or stump holes large enough to hamper root growth of seedling.

1.5.6.5 Disposal of Seedling Boxes/Bags and Other Debris

It will be the contractors’ responsibility to dispose of seedling bags/boxes, binding straps and contractor generated debris and litter from National Forest lands.

1.5.6.6 Resource Protection

Improvements such as fences, gates, property boundaries, corner monuments, and trees that are marked or identified with paint, signs, tags, and/or blazes shall be protected by the contractor.

The contractor will notify the COR immediately of any damaged structures and repair damages that have resulted.

1.6 General Herbicide Specifications

The following specifications provides criteria pertaining to herbicide application for vegetation management treatments where work would occur under this contract according to FS policy, the Wayne Forest Plan and project specific design criteria.

The Forest is approved for the following seven herbicides;

Selective Herbicides Non-Selective Herbicides Clopyralid Glyphosate Metsulfuron-methyl Imazapic Sethoxydim Imazapyr Triclopyr

Herbicide choice is limited at this time to the approved herbicides listed above. Additional herbicide choices may become available during the length of the IDIQ contract period pending NEPA process review and subsequent approval.

Herbicide and adjuvants (dyes, surfactants, etc.) are furnished by the Contractor. Unless otherwise stated on the task order, dyes will be required to aid both the contractor and Forest Service in treatment progression.

Each task order will contain a recommended treatment method to be used for the application. The contractor can request approval from USFS-COR of an alternate treatment method(s). Ultimately, an “Agreed To” method(s) will be selected for use during the implementation of the project specific task order. Pricing will remain the same for the entirety of the task order. It is possible methods may change to accommodate different timing and application considerations.

Applicators will use typical herbicide concentrations according to all EPA approved manufacturer herbicide directions. The Contractor will mix herbicides in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and any applicable laws or regulations.

Application equipment, empty herbicide containers, clothes worn during treatment, and skin are not cleaned in open water or wells. Mixing and cleaning water must come from a public water supply and be transported in separate labeled containers. Herbicide mixing, loading, or cleaning areas in the field are not located in sensitive areas as identified on the individual treatment area maps, or within 200 feet of private land, open water or wells. Pesticide mixing, loading, or cleaning areas in the field are located at least 50 feet from ephemeral streams.

Contractors, as well as all subcontractors, must have a valid Ohio commercial pesticide applicators license.

Non-certified applicators and employees can perform work on-site when the certified supervisor is present during all times of the treatment or at a minimum in direct voice communication by telephone or radio with the certified supervisor.

Weather Limitations applicable to this contract:

• Foliar and basal spray methods should not be employed when:

• Winds (at ground level) exceed 10 miles per hour.

• Foliar spraying should not occur when;

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

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

• Rain is anticipated within 4 hours at the spray area.

• Re-spray for Unexpected Rain – Contractor may be required to re-spray any area or portion of an area treated where rain falls within 2 hours of the time of treatment.

In all cases contractor will apply herbicide at a sufficient interval and concentration to meet or exceed the kill rate on targeted vegetation and not exceed the maximum specified mortality to non-target plant species. Retreatments may be necessary to meet acceptable quality limits expected for satisfactory treatment determination. See Inspection and Acceptance portion of this contract (Attachment #2).

This contract does not allow any indiscriminate broadcast applications or aerial spraying. Vehicle or UTV/OHV mounted sprayers may be utilized to apply herbicides in targeted areas. No soil-active herbicide is applied within 30 feet of the drip line of non-target vegetation except at the direction of the COR. No herbicide is ground-applied within 100 horizontal feet of lakes, wetlands, or perennial or intermittent springs and streams except at the direction of the COR. No herbicide is broadcast within 100 feet of private land or within 300 feet of a private residence except as directed by the COR.

In instances where public contact with herbicide is possible, contractor will place caution signs (Attachment #6) at appropriate intervals around the spray application perimeter per label directions. Where necessary per label directions, caution signs may include a temporary closure of treatment areas. Typical closures include campgrounds, trails, trail heads, day-use areas and administrative sites.

All herbicide applicator staff must be able to identify all desired and targeted (undesired) trees and shrubs species in the field, including during dormant seasons, to a sufficient degree without exceeding the maximum acceptable levels of mortality to desirable non-target native species and to meet minimum kill rates to targeted undesired tree and shrub vegetation (refer to Quality Assurance Plan). In certain cases, trial areas of targeted undesirable or desirable populations may be flagged on the ground by Forest Service personnel.

Application operations shall be conducted as indicated on the herbicide label, including approved concentrations, rates/acre, and environmental conditions.

1.6.1 Herbicide Safety

The flowing safety rules will apply for both hand and mechanical applications:

1. Read the safety information on the label.

2. Personnel handling herbicides shall wear protective clothing and use equipment as recommended by the herbicide and equipment manufacturer.

3. Keep first aid equipment and a supply of clean water readily available, including soap and eye wash equipment meeting OSHA regulations.

4. Do not work alone.

5. Haul only the needed amount of herbicide.

6. Stand upwind from the spray projects to avoid contaminating yourself.

7. Keep the container below eye level when pouring to avoid splashing or spilling any herbicide on the face or into the eyes.

8. If herbicides are spilled, stop immediately, wash contaminated area and remove contaminated clothing.

9. Wash hands after applying herbicides.

1.6.2 Care and Handling Herbicides

Care and Handling of Herbicides.

The Contractor shall be responsible for the security of all herbicide, equipment and materials used for this project. Herbicides used in this contract should not be allowed to freeze. The Contractor shall take precautions to prevent spills during transportation, mixing and handling. The contractor will provide soap and water for personnel to wash with on the job site.

Herbicides shall not be applied or equipment cleaned outside of areas designated by COR. 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.

Contractor is legally responsible for the safe transportation of herbicide.

Transportation of chemicals used on the contract shall be in accordance with label instructions and generally approved and accepted procedures for safe transportation of herbicides.

1.6.3 Herbicide Spills

Contractor shall be responsible for all costs for damages, clean up and decontamination should an herbicide spill occur.

If a spill occurs, every effort shall be made to keep it from contaminating water and other off-site areas.

The spill shall be cleaned up as quickly as possible. Herbicides spills shall be handled in accordance with the standard procedures for spill cleanup (40CFR 117).

The Contractor must have a spill prevention and clean-up plan approved by the COR prior to starting work. Herbicide wasted through spills greater than 5 gallons of diluted product, or 1 quart of undiluted product mast be reported to the COR and the appropriate state and federal agencies immediately. This report shall contain description, cause, and future actions contemplated to avoid future occurrences.

Refer to Safety Plan (Section 1.14.1) for additional required information.

1.6.4 Recordkeeping

The Contractor will maintain an accurate daily log record of herbicide used in each area (see next section for the required elements). Other minimum record requirements include copies of hazardous material handling certificates, copies of material safety data sheets (MSDS) of chemicals used, and the location of the waste site and/or use destination locations.

1.6.5 Herbicide Daily Log/Diary

Contractor will maintain an accurate daily treatment log of work activities and chemicals applied in treatment areas, with a copy made available to the COR prior to billing request. At a minimum, the Contractor shall provide to the COR, a copy of the Daily Herbicide Treatment Reporting Form (Attachment #5), hereinafter referred to as the “daily treatment log”, no later than submission of the final invoice. When invoicing for partial work payments, the Contractor shall provide information from the daily treatment logs regarding the herbicide treatments done for the relevant specific contract line items.

The daily treatment log must record the Contract…