B08_PWS_FY23_BIFO_Bodie_Hills_Sagebrush_Restoration.docx

Performance Work Statement for BIFO 2023 Bodie Hills Sagebrush Restoration Project

Purpose

To secure the services of conifer cutting using chainsaws or loppers, and hand piling or lop and scatter on a total of acres 2,429 acres of pinyon pine-invaded shrub steppe within designated treatment unit boundaries with 1,696 acres in mandatory units and 733 acres in 2 additional units.

Item 1 (Mandatory) – Aurora Sagebrush Restoration Unit – 470 acres Unit A1 - 357 acres, cut and pile Unit A2 - 113 acres, lop and scatter

Item 2 (Mandatory) - Cottonwood East Unit – 1,226 acres Unit C1 – 518 acres, cut and pile Unit C2 – 708 acres, lop and scatter

Item 3 (Optional) – Railroad Unit – 733 acres Unit R1 – 473 acres, cut and pile Unit R2 – 260 acres, lop and scatter

Place of Performance

The units are located 5 to 18 miles east-southeast of Bridgeport and 14 to 20 miles north-northeast of Lee Vining, CA in Mono County (refer Map 1 – Vicinity Map).

Description

Vegetation is typical of the southwestern Great Basin, and consists of a diverse mix of pinyon pine, a small amount of juniper, sagebrush, bitterbrush, rabbitbrush, grasses and forbs. Slope ranges from 0 to 60%. Elevations range from approximately 6,900 to 8,700 feet. Occasional rocky outcrops are scattered throughout the units.

Boundaries

Treatment unit boundaries, other than easily identified roads shown on the project map, will be designated by georeferenced map for use in handheld devices. Where there are sensitive resources or property boundaries the boundary may be marked in the field by BLM using brightly colored flagging.

Accessibility

The project areas may be reached by dirt roads that are accessible by high clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles during the normal operating season. Access may be on up to 20 miles of rough or very sandy dirt roads.

Personnel The Contractor shall provide a foreperson or other supervisor on site for each work crew who can communicate in English with the BLM Contracting Officer’s Representative and Contract Inspectors in the field.

Work Schedule, Progress of Work, Restrictions on Work

Prior to the start and during the period of the contract, the Contracting Officer may specify priority areas to be treated. The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that will assure completion within the contract time. No work may be done during the limited operating period to protect breeding birds from March 1st to July 30th without permission from BLM.

Specifications Refer to unit maps 1-7 showing the unit boundaries on a topographic maps and and on an imagery background that shows vegetation and tree cover.

Specification for piling units A1, C1, and Optional R1:

All live and standing dead pinyon and juniper trees exceeding 6 inches in total height within the unit boundaries shall be completely severed from the stump, unless marked for retention. No live branches shall be left on the stump of cut trees. Stumps shall not exceed, on the side adjacent to the highest ground, a maximum height of 6 inches for stumps 12 inches in diameter and larger and 4 inches for stumps less than 12 inches in diameter. Tree species other than pinyon and juniper shall not be cut.

Any small isolated cut trees (less than 6 feet in height) may be lopped and scattered in tall sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) so that they do not protrude through the brush layer if there is not enough cut material from trees of any height in the area to construct a pile 6 feet or greater in height (see piling specifications below). Cut material shall not be scattered or piled in low sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula). If there is sufficient cut material in the area from all cut trees to construct a pile 6 feet or greater in height, then cut material from all trees of any size must be piled.

Outside of the isolate small tree exception described in the paragraph above, all Contractor-generated tree material from trees shall be hand piled. Cut trees will be limbed and bucked to facilitate piling. Limbs and stems will be bucked so as not to exceed six feet in total length. Hand piles shall be constructed in tight, compact fashion to an overall height of not less than 6 feet. Pile diameter shall be between 6 and 10 feet. Wherever possible, hand piles should be constructed on top of the cut stump, in the openings created by the removal of larger trees.

Piles should not be constructed in patches of low sagebrush. Piling in low sagebrush may only be done with approval of the BLM. Care should be taken to utilize natural openings in tall sagebrush as they occur for piling. Wherever possible piles should be constructed on top of the stump where a larger tree was removed. The near edge of hand piles shall be at least 10 feet from the near edge of any other hand pile. No hand piles are allowed within 15 feet of any road. No hand piles will be allowed within 15 feet of any live tree or physical improvement, such as a fence. No hand piles will be allowed in or within 20 feet away from any meadow or riparian vegetation (grassy meadows, springs, or streamside vegetation usually consisting of grasses, willows, aspen, cottonwood).

All older trees (greater than 100-150 years old) and patches of older trees shall not be cut. BLM will mark older trees and patches of older trees with the associated younger trees for retention, but the contractor may also identify potential old trees to the BLM representative for approval to leave.

Portions of the unit may be marked for exclusion from cutting or for cutting but cut material must be hand yarded outside of the exclusion area for piling. Hand yarding will not exceed 75 yards distance to the outside of the piling exclusion area. Exclusion areas may be marked by the BLM to protect old trees or any other sensitive resources. These exclusion areas will be marked by the BLM with brightly colored flagging or larger areas may be identified on the georeferenced maps for use on handheld devices in the field.

Specifications for lop and scatter units A2, C2, and Optional R2:

All live and standing dead pinyon and juniper trees exceeding 6 inches in total height within the unit boundaries shall be completely severed from the stump, unless marked for retention. No live branches shall be left on the stump of cut trees. Stumps shall not exceed, on the side adjacent to the highest ground, a maximum height of 6 inches for stumps 12 inches in diameter and larger and 4 inches for stumps less than 12 inches in diameter. Tree species other than pinyon and juniper shall not be cut.

All cut trees shall be lopped and scattered in tall sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) so that they do not protrude through the brush layer. Cut material must be lopped into small segments that can be concealed beneath the brush and material must be well distributed so that it does not remain within the area of the tree (most slash must be more than 20 feet from the stump and slash cover may not exceed 10%). Cut material shall not be scattered in patches of low sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula) unless specifically approved by the BLM due to the size of the low sagebrush patch. If contractor generated tree material from larger trees is too much to easily scatter and conceal under the brush layer, the material may be piled with approval from the BLM. See piling specifications under piling for A1, C1, and R1 above.

All older trees (greater than 100-150 years old) and patches of older trees shall not be cut. BLM will mark older trees and patches of older trees with the associated younger trees for retention, but the contractor may also identify potential old trees to the BLM representative for approval to leave.

Portions of the unit may be marked for exclusion to protect old trees or any other sensitive resources. These exclusion areas will be marked by the BLM with brightly colored flagging or larger areas may be identified on the georeferenced maps for use on handheld devices in the field.

Exclusion Areas

Exclusion areas may be designated by the Government for exclusion from certain types of treatment. These areas will be flagged with brightly colored flagging or larger areas may be designated on the georeferenced electronic maps for use in handheld devices. No tree species other than pinyon and juniper will be cut.

Fire Suppression

The BLM-Bishop Field Office operates an interagency vegetation and fire management organization with the Inyo National Forest. The Forest Service Fire Plan for Construction and Service Contracts (see below) (using the Project Activity Level (PAL) system or the current system for regulating contract activities for the north zone of the Inyo National Forest) will govern the fire pre-cautions required on this contract, including partial or full shutdown days due to fire danger conditions.

FIRE PLAN FOR CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICE CONTRACTS

6-14-2006 (Ref: FSH 6309.32 and 6309.11)

1. SCOPE:

The provisions set forth below outline the responsibility for fire prevention and suppression activities and establish a suppression plan for fires within the contract area. The contract area is delineated by map in the contract. The provisions set forth below also specify conditions under which contract activities will be curtailed or shut down.

2. RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Contractor

(1) Shall abide by the requirements of this Fire Plan.

(2) Shall take all steps necessary to prevent his/her employees, subcontractors and their employees from setting fires not required in completion of the contract, shall be responsible for preventing the escape of fires set directly or indirectly as a result of contract operations, and shall extinguish all such fires which may escape.

(3) Shall permit and assist in periodic testing and inspection of required fire equipment. Contractor shall certify compliance with specific fire precautionary measures in the fire plan, before beginning operations during Fire Precautionary Period and shall update such certification when operations change.

(4) Shall designate in the fire plan and furnish on Contract Area during operating hours a qualified fire supervisor authorized to act on behalf of Contractor in fire prevention and suppression matters.

Shall complete the Contractor's Plan Regarding Personnel and shall furnish the Contracting Officer (CO) with a copy prior to commencing work at the site. Shall currently advise the CO of any changes in personnel as the changes occur. Shall revise Section 6.B to reflect current activities upon request of the CO.

B. BLM

The BLM may conduct one or more inspections for compliance with the fire plan. The number, timing, and scope of such inspections will be at the discretion of agency employees responsible for contract administration. Such inspections do not relieve the Contractor of responsibility for correcting violations of the fire plan or for fire safety in general, as outlined in paragraph 2.A above.

3. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

A. The Contractor shall comply with the following requirements during the fire precautionary period as defined by unit administering contracts unless waived in writing:

The Fire Precautionary Period is May 1st to November 15.

Contractor shall equip each operating tractor and any other internal combustion engine with a spark arrester, except for motor vehicles equipped with a maintained muffler as defined in C.P.R.C. Section 4442 or tractors with exhaust-operated turbochargers. Spark Arresters shall be a model tested and approved under Forest Service Standard 5100-1a as shown in the. National Wildlife Coordinating Group Spark Arrester Guide, Volumes 1 and 2, and shall be maintained in good operating condition.

Contractor shall meet minimum requirements of Sections 4427 and 4428 of the California Public Resources Code (C.P.R.C.). Fire tools kept at each operating landing shall be sufficient to equip all employees in the felling, yarding, loading, chipping, and material processing operations associated with each landing. Fire equipment shall include two tractor headlights for each tractor dozer used in Contractor's Operations. Tractor headlights shall be attachable to each tractor and served by an adequate power source.

Where cable yarding is used, Contractor shall provide a size 0 or larger shovel with an overall length of not less than 46 inches and a filled backpack can (4 or 5 gallon) with hand pump within 10 feet of each tail and corner block.

Trucks, tractors, pickups and other similar mobile equipment shall be equipped with and carry at all times a size 0 or larger shovel with an overall length of not less than 46 inches and a 2-1/2 pound axe or larger with an overall length of not less than 28 inches.

Contractor shall equip each internal combustion yarder, fuel truck, and loader with a fire extinguisher for oil and grease fires (4-A:60-B:C).

Contractor shall equip each mechanized harvesting machine with hydraulic systems, powered by an internal combustion engine (chipper, feller/buncher, harvester, forwarder, hot saws, stroke delimber, etc), except tractors and skidders, with at least two 4-A:60-B:C fire extinguishers or equivalent. In addition, concentrations of wood dust and debris shall be removed from such equipment daily. Additional extinguishers and sizes may be required at landings in accordance with Section 5.

Each power saw shall be equipped with a spark arrester approved according to C.P.R.C. Section 4442 or 4443 and shall be maintained in effective working order. One fire extinguisher meeting specifications of C.P.R.C. Section 4431 shall be kept with each operating power saw. A size 0 or larger shovel with an overall length of not less than 38 inches shall be kept with each gas can but not more than 300 feet from each power saw when used off cleared landing areas.

Contractor shall meet minimum requirements of Section 4430 of the California Public Resources Code (C.P.R.C.). Contractor shall provide a water tank truck or trailer on or in proximity to Contract Area during Contractor's Operations hereunder during Fire Precautionary Period unless otherwise agreed. When Project Activity Level B or higher is in effect, a tank truck or trailer shall be on or immediately adjacent to each active landing unless otherwise excepted when hot saw technology is being used. See Section 5 for specific contract requirements.

The tank shall contain at least 300 gallons of water available for fire suppression. A water sprinkling tank truck will meet this requirement if provision is made to insure that the minimum of 300 gallons is available for fire suppression at all times. Ample power and hitch shall be readily available for promptly and safely moving tank over roads serving Contract Area. Tank truck or trailer shall be equipped with following:

(1) Pump, which at sea level, can deliver 23 gallons per minute at 175 pounds per square inch measured at the pump outlet. Pumps shall be tested on Contract Area using a 5/16 inch orifice in the Forester One Inch In-Line Gauge test kit. Pump shall meet or exceed the pressure value in the following table for nearest temperature and elevation:

T e m p

Sea Leve l

Feet

10000

The pump outlet shall be equipped with 1-1/2 inch National Standard Fire Hose thread. A bypass or pressure relief valve shall be provided for other than centrifugal pumps.

(2) 300 feet of 3/4-inch inside diameter rubber-covered high-pressure hose mounted on live reel attached to pump with no segments longer than approximately 50 feet, when measured to the extreme ends of the couplings. Hose shall have reusable compression wedge type 1-inch brass or lightweight couplings (aluminum or plastic). One end of hose shall be equipped with a coupling female section and the other end with a coupling male section. The hose shall, with the nozzle closed, be capable of withstanding 200 PSI pump pressure without leaking, distortions, slipping of couplings, or other failures.

(3) A shut-off combination nozzle that meets the following minimum performance standards when measured at 100 P.S.I. at the nozzle:

(4) Sufficient fuel to run pump at least 2 hours and necessary service accessories to facilitate efficient operation of the pump.

When Contractor is using Hot Saw Technology, an additional 500 feet of not less than one (1) inch outside diameter serviceable hard rubber poly or rubber lined or fiber jacket rubber lined (FJRL) hose shall be immediately available for use and be capable of connecting to the 300 feet of hose and appurtenances in (2) and (3) above. Synthetic hose may be used by agreement.

B. Any additional fire plan requirements:

4. GENERAL

A. State Law. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable laws of the State of California. In particular, see California Public Resource Codes.

B. Permits Required. The Contractor must secure a special written permit from the Field Manager or designated representative before engaging in any of the activities listed below. The terms and conditions of any of the permits required for this contract are as shown on copies attached to the Fire Plan.

(1) Blasting and Storage of Explosives and Detonators. (Explosives Permit required by California Health & Safety Code, Section 12101.)

(2) Burning.

(3) Air Pollution. (Issued by local State or County Air Pollution Control Districts, as applicable.)

(4) Camp, Lunch and Warming Fires.

(5) Welding and Cutting.

C. Regulations for Burning. Before setting any fires whatsoever, the Contractor shall notify the CO of his/her intentions. Special care shall be taken to prevent scorching or causing any damage to adjacent structures, trees, and shrubbery. Piles of material to be burned shall be of such size and so placed that during burning no damage shall result to adjacent objects.

D. Smoking and Fire Rules. Smoking shall not be permitted during fire season, except in a barren area or in an area cleared to mineral soil at least three feet in diameter (CPRC 4423.4). In areas closed to smoking, the CO may approve special areas to be used for smoking. The Contractor shall sign designated smoking areas. Contractor shall post signs regarding smoking and fire rules in conspicuous places for all employees to see. Contractor's supervisory personnel shall require compliance with these rules. Under no circumstances shall smoking be permitted during fire season while employees are operating light or heavy equipment, or walking or working in grass and woodlands.

E. Storage and Parking Areas. Equipment service areas, parking areas, and gas and oil storage areas shall be cleared of all flammable material for a radius of at least 10 feet unless otherwise specified by local administrative unit. Small mobile or stationary internal combustion engine sites shall be cleared of flammable material for a slope distance of at least 10 feet from such engine. The COR shall approve such sites in writing.

F. Welding. Contractor shall confine welding activity to cleared areas having a minimum radius of ten feet measured from place of welding.

G. Blasting. Contractor shall use electric caps only unless otherwise agreed in writing. When blasting is necessary in slash areas, a watchperson equipped with a size 0 or larger shovel with an overall length of not less than 46 inches and a filled backpack can (4 or 5 gallon) with hand pump shall remain in the immediate area for an hour after blasting has been completed.

H. Oil Filter and Glass Jugs. Contractor shall remove from Public Lands oily rags and used oil filters and shall prohibit use of glass bottles and jugs in Contractor's Operations.

I. Reporting Fires. As soon as feasible but no later than 15 minutes after initial discovery, Contractor shall notify BLM of any fires on Contract Area or along roads used by Contractor.

J. Communications. Contractor shall furnish a serviceable telephone, radio-telephone or radio system connecting each operating side with Contractor's headquarters. When such headquarters is at a location which makes communication to it clearly impractical, BLM may accept a reasonable alternative location. The communication system shall provide prompt and reliable communications between Contractor's headquarters (or agreed to alternative) and BLM via commercial or BLM telephone. The communications system shall be operable during Contractor's Operations in Fire Precautionary Period described in Section 3 and during the time fire patrolperson service is required. A radio-equipped fire patrolperson vehicle will satisfy this requirement if in operation during the time required except during PAL levels “D” and “Ev”. See Section 5 for other communication requirements when operating on “D” and “Ev” days with hot saw technology. A CB is not acceptable communication because FCC Regulations prohibit commercial use.

K. Fire Patrol Person. Contractor shall furnish a qualified fire patrolperson each operating day when Project Activity Level B or higher is in effect. When on duty, sole responsibility of patrolperson shall be to patrol the operation for prevention and detection of fires, take suppression action where necessary and notify the BLM as required by Section 5.

By agreement, one patrolperson may provide patrol on this and adjacent projects or sales. No patrolperson shall be required on Specified Road construction jobs except during clearing operations unless otherwise specified.

L. Time of Snag Felling. Unless the felling of dead trees would interfere with the felling, skidding or yarding of green timber or be a safety hazard, or be prevented under Section 5, required felling of dead trees shall be concurrent with the felling of live timber. There shall be reasonably timely felling of dead trees to facilitate utilization and protection from fire.

listed in California State Law:

10 feet slope radius

5. EMERGENCY MEASURES

The table set forth below establishes work restrictions and fire precautions that the Contractor must observe at each activity level. The restrictions are cumulative at each level.

The BLM, in its sole discretion, may change the predicted activity level if the current fire suppression situation, weather and vegetation conditions warrant additional restriction of activities. Contractor shall obtain the predicted Project Activity Level by calling the following phone number 760-873-2555 before starting work each day. If practicable, BLM will determine the following day’s activity level by 6:00 PM local time. If predictions made after 6:00 PM are significantly different than originally estimated, BLM will inform Contractor when changes in restrictions or industrial precautions are indicated.

The following definitions shall apply to these Project Activity Levels:

Cable Yarding Systems: A yarding system that takes logs from the stump area to a landing using an overhead system of winch-driven cables to which logs are attached with chokers or grapples.

Hot Saw Technology: A harvesting system that employs a high-speed (>1100 rpm) rotation felling heads (i.e., full rotation lateral tilt head).

Sunset: The time that sunset is reported in the local newspaper for that day.

Except for Project Activity Level days “Ev after 1:00 PM local time” and “E”, BLM may issue substitute precautions(s) of the requirements below. Such agreements shall prescribe measures to be taken by Contractor to reduce risk of ignition and/or spread of fire.

BLM may change the Project Activity Levels to other values upon revision of the National Fire Danger Rating System and may change the specific Project Activity Levels and/or requirements when such changes are necessary for the protection of the Public Lands. When sent to Contractor, the revised Project Activity Levels will supersede the levels below.

PROJECT ACTIVITY LEVEL –EMERGENCY PRECAUTIONS

Table version 6/13/2006

PROJECT ACTIVITY LEVEL

1. PAL levels are cumulative; Ev level would include all preceding PAL requirements.

2. Tank truck or trailer shall be on or adjacent to each active landing.

3. When hot saw technology is being used, the tank truck or trailer (B2 above) may serve dual purpose as active landing tank truck provided it shall be kept readily available for use as follows:

a. Within one quarter mile of the operating hot saw technology; and

b. Within 10 minutes of the active landing; and

c. Effective communications exist between hot saw technology and active landing.

Otherwise, there shall be a tank truck or trailer at both the active landing and within one quarter mile of the operating hot saw technology.

4. (Additional restrictions specified by the forest.)

a. Blasting

2. Operations using hot saw technology are prohibited between 1:00 PM and sunset local time. Hot saw technology operations may continue if Contractor provides a portable fire suppression system capable of extinguishing a 20-foot by 20-foot wild land fire within five (5) minutes of discovery. The following equipment will meet the requirements above:

a. Compressed Air Foam System with minimum requirements of 20 gallons stored energy, 100 feet of 1 inch hose and adjustable 1 inch nozzle, minimum discharge range of 60 feet and 1 spare air cylinder; or

b. All terrain tank truck or equivalent capable of traveling throughout the cutting unit, containing not less than 300 gallons of water and complies with all tank truck requirements of Section 3. All terrain tank truck or equivalent may serve dual purpose as active landing tank truck provided:

1) Tank truck or equivalent shall be kept readily available to extinguish a fire within 5 minutes of discovery of the operating hot saw technology,

2) Tank truck or equivalent shall be no further than 10 minutes travel time to the active landing,

3) A 4-A:80-B:C extinguisher is maintained at the landing fire tool box and,

4) Effective communications exist between the hot saw technology, active landing and all terrain tank truck or equivalent.

Otherwise there shall be a tank truck at the active landing and an all terrain tank truck or equivalent with the hot saw technology.

3. (Additional restrictions specified by the forest.)

a. No blasting after 10:00 AM

b. Welding or cutting of metal only by special permit

c. No Burning without a permit

2. The following activities may not operate after 1:00 PM local time unless fire patrolperson(s) walks all areas operated that day once per hour until sunset local time and has the capability of notifying the designated BLM Dispatch Center within fifteen (15) minutes of discovery of a fire:

a. Track-laying equipment

b. Chipping outside of landings and roadbeds

c. Equipment using Hot Saw Technology

d. Chainsaw operations outside of landings and roadbeds

e. Tree felling operations

f. Ripping roads and landings

g. Mastication

h. Cable-yarding employing motorized carriages.

3. (Additional restrictions specified by the forest.)

a. Blasting

b. Welding or cutting metal

c. Burning

2. Following activities may operate when fire patrolperson walks from 9:00 AM until local sunset all areas once per hour that were mechanically operated that day.

A. Activities that may operate all day:

1. Hauling and loading of logs decked at approved landings.

2. Hauling and loading of chips piled at approved landings.

3. Equipment servicing at approved sites.

4. Roads: Dust abatement or rock aggregate installation (does not include pit or quarry development)

5. Chainsaw or stroke delimber operation associated with loading at approved landing sites.

B. All other Operations are permitted until 1:00 PM local time subject to the following:

1. When hot saw technology is being used a tractor or other equipment with blade capable of constructing fire line, shall be on standby and immediately available. Tractor will have effective communications with hot saw technology and be within one quarter mile of hot saw technology to quickly reach and effectively attack a fire start.

C. (Additional restrictions specified by the forest.)

1. Hauling and loading of logs decked at approved landings.

2. Hauling and loading of chips piled at approved landings.

3. Equipment at approved sites may be serviced.

4 Roads: Dust abatement or rock aggregate installation (does not include pit development).

5. Chainsaw operation associated with loading at approved landings.

6. REPORTING ALL WILDFIRES

A. Contractor's employees shall report all fires as soon as possible but no later than 15 minutes after initial discovery to any of the following BLM facilities and/or personnel listed below, but not necessarily in the order shown:

When reporting a fire, provide the following information: Your Name Call back telephone number Project name:

Location Legal description (Township, Range, Section) Descriptive location (Reference point) Fire Information Acres Rate of Spread and Wind Conditions B. Contractor's Plan Regarding Personnel. The Contractor shall, prior to commencing work, furnish the following information relating to key personnel.

Title

Owner or Manager

Superintendent or Foreperson on site

Fire Supervisor

Fire Patrolperson