B08_Attachment_3_CRMO_Mule_Packing_SOW.pdf

CRMO MULE PACKING STATEMENT OF WORK

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve (CRMO) has the need to employ a mule packer in order to facilitate a back country expedition of the Cave Research Foundation (CRF) which will be exploring/ assessing and mapping caves for/ in coordination with CRMO from Sept 16th-19th 2024.

CRMO has a long partnership with the CRF. The CRF has been coming to CRMO for 2 weeks each summer/ fall since 2016 to map caves and assess resources within caves (geological, hydrological, biological, cultural, archeological etc.). They produce high quality maps and reports which allow CRMO resource staff to target caves for protection, further study and research. In the years since 2016 the CRF has covered a great number of caves in the front-country of CRMO. This year it is the intent of CRF to begin much needed work in the backcountry. This brings challenges with regards to how to transport gear, supplies and drinking water into the backcountry in order for a crew of four to stay and camp in backcountry, primitive conditions for 4 days. Detailed supplies and gear lists have been drawn up and without some type of mule or horse assistance each member of the crew would need carry approximately 130 lbs. on their back. This is not reasonable or safe. In order to do this efficiently and safely CRMO wishes to employ a mule packer which can haul the needed supplies (water, camping gear, caving gear etc.) approximately 3 miles (one-way) into the back country and retrieve the gear at the trip’s end.

PACKING REQUIREMENTS:

Timing:

The packer would haul gear 3 miles into the back country/ wilderness of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve using mules or horses on or before Sept 16th and retrieve the gear on or after Sept 19th.

Gear/ Supplies to haul:

Camping gear, caving gear and personal gear for 4 person CRF crew: approximately 250 lbs A minimum of 32 gallons of water (2 gallons per day per person): 266 lbs.