B08_Attachment_1_PWS_Cronan_grazing_2025_2028.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

CRONAN RANCH TARGETED GRAZING FOR WEED REDUCTION

MOTHER LODE FIELD OFFICE, CENTRAL CALIFORNIA REGION

1. SUMMARY

1.1 Project Description

This project is to use targeted sheep grazing to control yellow starthistle and medusahead at

Cronan Ranch. The goal is to reduce the density of noxious weed species while increasing native vegetation. The area targeted for grazing is approximately 900 acres in size. The contract could include up to four years of grazing in the spring and summer, from 2025-2028.

Location:

Cronan Ranch Recreation Area

Mother Lode Field Office

5152 Hillsdale Circle

El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

1.2 Access to Project

Access is via State Route 49 north from Coloma, CA in El Dorado County. Turn west onto Pedro

Hill Road and enter the Cronan Ranch Recreation Area. BLM will provide a key for the gate to the contractor upon award of contract.

2. EXECUTION

2.1 Grazing Parameters: The BLM requires the following.

A. Approved Parameters

1. Herd size shall be a minimum of 700 head of sheep and a maximum of 1,000 head of sheep, depending on the state of vegetation/rainfall for that given year.

2. Grazing period shall be a minimum of four months, not to exceed 6 months beginning during April or early May, depending on the state of the vegetation/rainfall for that given year.

3. Grazing Methods - Herd will be confined and controlled by temporary poly-wire electric fencing as needed to accomplish high-intensity, short-term grazing of invasive species. Electric netting is required when grazing along trails to minimize contact with recreationists and pets.

4. Contractor will leave an average stubble height of 2-4 inches to prevent soil erosion.

5. Herd watering shall be the responsibility of the contractor. A reliable water truck will be necessary to transport water from the river/spring to the location of the sheep.

Troughs will be placed on previously disturbed areas and not on undisturbed vegetation. The sheep will not be watered in areas of archaeological concern. These areas will be noted on a map which will be provided upon award of contract.

6. A full-time herder shall live on site to tend and control the sheep, livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) and herding dogs. Other duties would include setting up and removing temporary fencing, providing water to the sheep and responding to issues as needs arise.

7. Contractor shall provide self-contained mobile housing. BLM will provide mobile housing setup locations.

8. Loading and unloading will take place in the Cronan Ranch parking lot.

9. BLM will allow contractor to access water from the South Fork American River.

Contractor shall not attach any permanent apparatus to existing spring appurtenances without permission from BLM. These locations will be noted on a map provided upon award of contract.

10. Herding and livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) protection dogs shall have up to date vaccinations and will be under the control of the herder at all times. Interactions with the public will be minimal.

11. Vendor will do their best to ensure that proper safety procedures are implemented during performance of the work as the land will be used by the public during the period of work.

12. Proof of insurance will be submitted to the BLM. The contractor shall maintain bodily insurance and property damage liability insurance for the Property with a responsible insurance carrier in the amount of not less than $1,000,000.00 for injury to any one person, $3,000,000.00 for injury arising from any one accident or occurrence, and $100,000.00 for damage to property and fire damage. [Contractor does not need to provide bodily injury insurance coverage for livestock working dogs since this insurance is not readily available.] Such policy shall carry the BLM as additional insured and shall be endorsed to provide 30 days written notice to BLM prior to cancellation, non-renewal, or reduction in coverage. Such insurance may be carried under a blanket policy.

13. Contractor shall notify the BLM project lead on the sheep arrival date at least two weeks before beginning of grazing season.

14. Contractor shall notify the BLM project lead on sheep departure date at least two weeks before the end of grazing season. BLM project lead shall then communicate with contractor on whether or not grazing has been completed for that season per contract requirements before sheep depart.

15. Contractor shall not use agri-chemicals, including fertilizers, herbicides and biocides, or supplemental feeds without prior permission for their use from the BLM.

16. The BLM shall not be responsible for the loss of livestock due to death by any reason.

2.2 Contractor Use of Premises:

A. Sanitation: Contractor may use vault toilets at trailhead parking lot and along the river, or shall provide portable sanitation facilities.

2.3 Quality Assurance:

A. Prohibited Grazing: Grazing of woody species shall be limited to prevent damage to young oaks and other trees/shrubs. Watering and bedding of sheep shall not take place in areas with mapped archaeological areas. Non-treatment areas will be flagged or noted on the detailed map to be provided to the contractor upon award.

B. Primary forage material shall be invasive annual grasses, yellow starthistle and medusahead. Reduction in weed cover is the goal. The contractor and BLM will agree when an area has been sufficiently grazed before moving the herd to a new area.

C. BLM will monitor grazing effects on weeds by comparing baseline vegetation density and composition with grazed. BLM will also have repeat photopoint locations to measure changes to the vegetation over time.

3. PAYMENT

A. The following items shall be considered for payment.

1. Item 0010 – Grazing Services (2025) ………… Total Price

2. Item 0020 – Grazing Services (2026) ………… Total Price

3. Item 0030 – Grazing Services (2027) ………… Total Price

4. Item 0030 – Grazing Services (2028) ………… Total Price

Total Bid (Lump Sum) $___________________

BID SCHEDULE (BASE YEAR with 3 OPTION YEARS)

ACRE # of TOTAL

ITEM DESCRIPTION PRICE ACRES PRICE

1. 0010 Grazing Services (2025) $ __ x 900 = $ ___ __

2. 0020 Grazing Services (2026) $ __ x 900 = $ _ ____

3. 0030 Grazing Services (2027) $ __ x 900 = $ _____

4. 0040 Grazing Services (2028) $ __ x 900 = $__________