Attachment_1_Statement_of_Work.pdf

BLM-CO

Goat Treatment SOW

Roaring Fork 2022

A. Introduction:

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado River Valley Field Office (CRVFO) seeks to utilize grazing goats as a management tool to improve the diversity of forage for wildlife, reduce noxious weeds, improve soil conditions, and reduce fuel loads within the Roaring Fork Valley on a total of 298 acres during 2022. There are five project areas: Sutey Ranch (42 acres), Lake Christine (33 acres), Crown Allotment (73 acres), Driveway Common Allotment (50 acres), and East Sopris (100 acres). See section C for management goals.

B. Location of Project Areas:

1. Sutey Ranch Location:

The Sutey Ranch is located approximately 2 miles north of Carbondale, Colorado in Garfield County. Access is from Highway 82 via Cattle Creek Road (CR 113) and Crystal Springs Mountain Road (CR 112), which crosses the northeast corner of the parcels. See Appendix A for maps and photo of the 42-acre project area. In 2022, goats will graze the pastures labeled as 4, 31, and 6, as well as an approximately 1-acre area around the historical ranch buildings between pastures 9, 6, and 31.

Driving directions from Glenwood Springs: Take SH 82 towards Carbondale/Aspen.

Turn left off 82 at Cattle Creek Rd (County Road 113) and head towards Cottonwood Pass.

Turn right on County Road 112 and proceed about 1.5 miles to the BLM parking. The trailhead is well marked but there is very little cell service in this area. Coordinate with BLM staff for logistical questions.

2. Lake Christine Location:

The Lake Christine Fire burned adjacent to Basalt and El Jebel, Colorado in July of 2018.

The 33-acre Project Area is located adjacent to the town of El Jebel. See Appendix B for a project map and photos.

Driving directions from Glenwood Springs: Take SH 82 towards Aspen. Turn left off 82 at El Jebel on El Jebel Road and head north towards Hay Barn Lane Cottonwood Pass.

The BLM must be accessed through private land. Coordinate with BLM staff for logistical questions and access.

3. Crown Allotment Location

The 73-acre project area is in the Roaring Fork Valley located within the Crown Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) near Carbondale and El Jebel, Colorado.

See Appendix C for map.

Driving directions from Glenwood Springs: Take SH 82 towards Carbondale. Turn right off 82 at the stop light of 82 and Hwy 133. Drive south through Carbondale towards McClure Pass. Take a left on County Road 5 (Prince Creek Road) and proceed to the BLM trailhead located on your left about 10 miles up the Prince Creek Road. The trailhead is not well marked and there is very little cell service in this area. Coordinate with BLM staff for logistical questions.

If access through private land is available, directions will be provided upon contract award.

See Appendix C for project map.

Crown SRMA- Colorado River Valley Field Office Map:

https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/TheCrown_20170726.pdf

4. Driveway Common Allotment Location

The 50-acre project area is in the Roaring Fork Valley between Glenwood Springs and Carbondale in Pitkin County. Unload and stage at the Fischer Creek east trailhead.

Driving directions from Glenwood Springs: Take SH 82 towards Carbondale/Aspen.

Turn left off 82 at Cattle Creek Rd (County Road 113) and head towards Cottonwood Pass.

Stay to the left at the Y with County Road 100. Take a left on County Road 115 and proceed to the BLM trailhead at top (or eastern portion) of Fisher Creek. The trailhead is not well marked and there is very little cell service in this area. The contractor can unload and stage at the Fischer Creek east trailhead. Coordinate with BLM staff for logistical questions.

Fisher Creek Map:

https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/Fisher_Creek_20170721.pdf

If access through private land is available, directions will be provided upon contract award.

See Appendix D for project map.

5. East Sopris Project Location

The 100-acre project area is in the Roaring Fork Valley near Basalt in Pitkin County.

Driving directions from Glenwood Springs: Take SH 82 towards Aspen. Turn right off 82 at Emma Rd (County Road 2 about 2 miles towards Aspen from El Jebel) and take left on Emma Road which will turn into the Sopris Creek Road (County Road 7). Head south https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/TheCrown_20170726.pdf https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/Fisher_Creek_20170721.pdf and at the Y proceed to the left on E Sopris Creek Road. The trailhead is not well marked but is on the left approximately 4 miles on the E Sopris Creek Road. Cell service is poor in this area. Coordinate with BLM staff for logistical questions.

See Appendix E for project map. The project area is the original prescribed fire boundary shown on the map.

C. Description of Work and Goals for Each Project Area

1. Sutey Ranch Description of Work and Goals

Project Area

Sutey Ranch is currently being managed to balance seasonal protection for concentrations of wildlife with access for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and hunting. The parcel provides important big game winter range, and the former agricultural fields provide important forage during spring and early summer. The Sutey Ranch is dominated by pinyon-juniper woodlands, which cover approximately 55 percent of the parcel. Sagebrush shrublands are also common, and in many areas the sagebrush has been cleared and seeded with smooth brome grass (Bromus inermis) to create dryland pastures. Over time, some sagebrush has re-established in most of the dryland pasture areas, but the understory continues to be dominated by a near monoculture of smooth brome. There are approximately 72 acres of irrigated pastures but only 42 acres will be targeted in 2022. In the northern portion of the ranch, the pastures are dominated by smooth brome and crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristata). Disturbed areas surround existing ranch buildings and three seasonal stock ponds in the north-central part of the parcel. Gambel oak shrublands occur near the southern boundary of the ranch. A limited riparian/wetland area occurs in a roadside ditch that parallels County Road 112. Noxious weeds species found on the ranch include Plumeless thistle (Carduus acanthoides), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), Hoary cress (Cardaria draba), Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale), and Common burdock (Arctium minus). Hoary alyssum (Berteroa incana) is commonly found in the irrigated pastures. Grazing shall not occur on the Sutey Ranch until after July 15, and the project will need to be completed in 28 days.

Management goals for utilizing goats on former agricultural fields

• Increase organic matter in soil through inputs of goat feces and urine.

• Improve soil microbial content.

• Improve soil permeability and water retention by increasing the roughness of the surface.

• Improve soil water holding capacity by building organic matter in soil.

• Improve year-round forage quality for mule deer and elk by increasing palatable native perennial grass and forb abundance and diversity.

• Reduce fuel loads around ranch outbuildings and structures.

• Remove grasses and decadent forage on irrigated pastures to reduce fuels and improve irrigation efficiency.

• Control noxious weeds without utilizing herbicides.

2. Lake Christine Description of Work and Goals

In 2004, a fuels treatment was conducted on 33 acres (Appendix B) in the southwestern corner of section 35 between BLM and private land. The goals of the treatment were to thin hazardous fuels accumulations, reduce pinyon-juniper tree cover by 50%, reduce Gambel oak by 50-75% using an irregular pattern, treat Gambel oak stumps with herbicide to reduce sprouting, and reduce sagebrush 25% by cutting an irregular pattern in sagebrush parks. When the Lake Christine Fire burned the treated areas, the fire intensity was reduced, which helped protect nearby properties. As a result of the fire, the 33-acre Project Area is currently infested with plumeless thistle (Carduus acanthoides). Rehabilitating this area and suppressing the spread of plumeless thistle will provide a buffer to reduce the risk and intensity of future fires, slow erosion, and reduce competition with native plants. This project should be complete between June 13 and August 15 to target plumeless thistle prior to seeding.

Management goals for utilizing goats on 33-Acre polygon

• Increase native perennial forb abundance and diversity.

• Increase organic matter in soil through inputs of goat feces and urine.

• Improve soil microbial content.

• Improve soil water holding capacity by building organic matter in soil.

• Reduce volatile fuel loads by removing annual weed and grass species.

• Suppress the spread of noxious weeds without utilizing herbicides.

3. Crown Allotment Description of Work and Goals

The primary targeted vegetation in the 73-acre area is Gambel oak and mixed mountain shrubs (snowberry and serviceberry). Several vegetation projects are occurring on the Crown Allotment, and goats will be utilized in polygons that are too steep for machinery to access. The reduction of biomass should reduce the risk and intensity of future fires, slow erosion, and reduce competition with native plants.

Management goals for utilizing goats on the Crown Allotment

• Increase native perennial forb abundance and diversity by reducing the Gambel oak overstory.

• Reduce Gambel oak density and increase access for mule deer and elk.

• Improve year-round forage quality for mule deer and elk by increasing palatable native perennial grass and forb abundance and diversity and palatable shrub growth within the browse zone.

• Increase organic matter in soil through inputs of goat feces and urine.

• Improve soil microbial content.

• Improve soil water holding capacity by building organic matter in soil.

• Reduce volatile fuel loads by reducing Gambel oak fuel loads.

• Increase native perennial forb abundance and diversity.

4. Driveway Common Allotment Description of Work and Goals

The primary targeted vegetation in the 50-acre project area is Gambel oak and mixed mountain shrubs (snowberry and serviceberry). Infestations of various noxious thistle species and houndstongue exist within the polygons and should be eaten by the goats. The reduction of biomass should reduce the risk and intensity of future fires, slow erosion, and reduce competition with native plants.

Management goals for utilizing goats on the Driveway Common Allotment

• Increase native perennial forb abundance and diversity by reducing Gambel oak overstory.

• Improve year-round forage quality for mule deer and elk by increasing palatable native perennial grass and forb abundance and diversity and palatable shrub growth within the browse zone.

• Increase organic matter in soil through inputs of goat feces and urine.

• Improve soil microbial content.

• Improve soil water holding capacity by building organic matter in soil.

• Reduce volatile fuel loads by removing annual weed and grass species

5. East Sopris Project Description of Work and Goals

The primary targeted vegetation in the 100-acre area is Gambel oak and mixed mountain shrubs (snowberry and serviceberry). In 2009 the BLM conducted a prescribed burn. Gambel oak has regenerated in dense, even age-class stands. This project will reduce the Gambel oak density and create seral diversity within the project area. The project area is very steep and not suitable for machinery. Utilizing goats will prevent the use of herbicide treatments and will reduce the production of biomass within the treatment area. This should reduce the risk and intensity of future fires, slow erosion, reduce competition with native plants, and provide wildlife with a diversity of forage.

Management goals for utilizing goats on the East Sopris Project

• Increase native perennial forb abundance and diversity by reducing the Gambel oak overstory.

• Reduce Gambel oak density and create access for mule deer and elk.

• Improve year-round forage quality for mule deer and elk by increasing palatable native perennial grass and forb abundance and diversity and palatable shrub growth within the browse zone.

• Increase organic matter in soil through inputs of goat feces and urine.

• Improve soil microbial content.

• Improve soil water holding capacity by building organic matter in soil.

• Reduce volatile fuel loads by reducing Gambel Oak fuel loads.

• Maintain the project area without the use of herbicides.

• Increase native perennial forb abundance and diversity.

D. Contractor Furnished Items

1. Contractor is responsible for the transport of goats to/from project area.

2. Contractor will provide a large enough herd of goats to achieve the desired management goals with a minimum amount of transport truck traffic in order to limit damage and soil compaction.

3. Contractor will manage grazing goats using a combination of working dogs, professional graziers, and temporary fencing.

4. Sutey Ranch Project Area: Contractor will bring, maintain, and operate all equipment and supplies needed to treat 42 acres in Goat Rx Fields labeled 4,6, and 31 (see map Appendix A). Goats will graze around historical ranch buildings to reduce fine fuels. This is an area that is approximately 1 acre and is located between pastures 9, 6, and 31. This work shall not be initiated until after July 15 and must be completed within 28 days. This area receives heavy recreational use (hiking, trail running, dog walking, mountain biking, horseback riding), so working dogs must be adapted to the public and their animals.

5. Lake Christine Project Area: Contractor will intensively graze goats on the 33-acre Lake Christine polygon (see map Appendix B). Priority grazing “sets” will be on areas located on BLM/private land boundaries and/or where noxious weed infestations are present. This work shall be completed between June 13-August 1 to target plumeless thistle.

6. Crown Common Allotment Project Area: Contractor will bring, maintain, and operate all equipment and supplies needed to treat 73 acres in the two treatment polygons (see map Appendix C).

7. Driveway Common Allotment Project Area: Contractor will bring, maintain, and operate all equipment and supplies needed to treat 50 acres in the three treatment polygons (see map in Appendix D).

8. East Sopris Project Area: Contractor will bring, maintain, and operate all equipment and supplies needed to treat 100 acres in the prescribed fire polygon (see map in Appendix E).

9. Contractor will control and be responsible for the working or herding dogs during herding operations. During periods of rest (when dogs aren’t being utilized to move livestock), the contractor will control or secure their dogs to prevent unwanted interactions with the public, their dogs and/or horses, and wildlife.

10. Contractor will provide equipment (tanks) for watering livestock and be responsible for suppling and administering water to livestock, dogs, and graziers. The Government will provide access to water via a well at Sutey Ranch. However, the area is experiencing exceptional drought, which could impact the flow from the well.

If no well water is available, the contractor will have to haul water.

11. Contractor is authorized to utilize a UTV or other vehicle to conduct fence setting, water livestock, etc.

12. The contractor will provide transportation for equipment, operators, and fuel to and from the site. The contractor will be responsible for the appropriate security when equipment is left on site.

13. Contractor is not authorized to create new trails or routes within the project areas.

14. Contractor is responsible for pressure washing vehicles to remove mud and seed accumulations before entering the project areas.

15. Contractor will make reasonable efforts to keep goats away from roads and trails to reduce the risk of accidents between livestock and public land users.

16. Contractor will report escaped goats and/or working dogs or accidents to BLM

Rangeland Management Specialist Kristy Wallner (970-366-1633) within 24 hours.

17. Contractor will have someone proficient in the English language present at all times when working.

18. Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Provisions: The government may require the contractor to curtail or cease operations should wildland fire danger approach critical levels. The contractor will be given 24 hours notice in the form of a suspend work order issued by the Contracting Officer.

19. Ignition of a wildland fire that threatens the project area may require the contractor to proceed with an emergency evacuation of the project area.

20. The contractor or their employees, upon documented permission from the CO/COR, may establish temporary work camps on public lands administered by the BLM.

Camps shall be kept clean and free of refuse. These camps may consist of mobile trailers, pickup campers, tent trailers, or tents. The contractor will be required to rehabilitate the camping area to the satisfaction of the CO/COR. Camps are subject to all fire restrictions placed by state, county or federal authorities.

21. The BLM must be informed of any objects or sites of cultural, paleontological, or scientific value such as historic or prehistoric resources, graves or grave markers, human remains, ruins, cabins, rock art, fossils, or artifacts. The objects shall not be damaged, destroyed, removed, moved, or disturbed. Any person who knowingly violates this may be subject to fines and/or imprisonment (Public Law 16-95; 16 U.S.C. 470).

22. Contractor must have the qualifications, experience, knowledge, capability and resources to manage a project of this size and scope within the requested timeframes and in the project areas.

23. Contractor must be able to identify the weeds on the Garfield County Noxious Weed List and have knowledge of their life cycles.

24. Contractor must provide proof of liability insurance with a minimum of 1 million dollars.

E. BLM Contributions/Guidelines

1. Pre-educate public land visitors about goat grazing project work using signs, press releases, and on-site presence speaking with public land visitors.

2. The BLM will provide a pre-work conference with the contractor awarded the job.

3. The BLM will provide maps and descriptions of the project areas and will accompany the operator around the boundaries.

4. Coordinate project partners to assist with monitoring.

5. The BLM will provide representatives from the BLM CRVFO to act as a liaison between the contractor and the BLM Contracting Officer to implement the project and to ensure that the resource objectives of the project area met. The Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and Project Inspector (PI) will provide regular on-site inspections.

F. Contract Period

1. June 13 to October 15, 2022 for all project areas.

2. Consideration will be given to delays caused by weather and poor road conditions.

G. Prebid Tour

A pre-bid conference will be scheduled for all vendors to explain the project and contracting process more fully. The conference call number and access code will be provided upon a RSVP to the Contracting Officer/Specialist. Email: pfrost@blm.gov.

At this time, we do not plan to have an organized or hosted physical site visit. However, you are encouraged and expected to visit the site to ascertain the conditions. The site is near town and easy to access. Call or email if you need additional information.

mailto:pfrost@blm.gov

H. Invoicing and Payment:

Upon completion of the terms of this contract the contractor will submit an invoice with the following information:

• Company name

• Contract number

• Dates of contract performance

• Number of acres grazed and days worked

• Invoice must be submitted to www.ipp.gov and include an attachment http://www.ipp.gov/

Appendix A: Sutey Ranch Project Area Maps and Photos

Map 1: Sutey Ranch Project Area Map

Photo 1. Photo of 31-acre field located on the Sutey Ranch

Appendix B: Lake Christine Project Area Maps and Photos

Map 2: Lake Christine Project Area Map

Photo 4: Photo of 33-acre Project Fuel load prior to 2004 treatment

Photo 5: Photo of 33-acre Fuel Treatment area and Private Land after the 2018 Lake Christine Fire

A ppendix C

: C row n A llotm ent Project A rea M ap

A ppendix D

: D rivew ay C om m on A llotm ent Project A rea M ap

Appendix E: East Sopris Project Area Map (Red Polygon is project area)