B08_Solicitation___Attachment_1_SOW.docx

Woody Removal and Enhancement of Soberg Waterfowl Production Area U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Minnesota Valley NWR/WMD

Statement of Work Exhibit A

Project: Mechanical and chemical control of invasive woody species (e.g. buckthorn, honeysuckles, sumacs, pin oak, etc.) of up to 115 acres of the Soberg WPA of Minnesota Valley WMD.

Project Location: Soberg WPA, Dakota County, MN: T114N: R21W: S35; Scott County, MN: T114N: R21W: S34 Project Performance Period: May 1, 2024 – August 1st, 2026 Project Manager: Dan Paulson (Daniel_Paulson@fws.gov 612-505-4258) Alternate Project Managers: Jacob Randa (Jacob_Randa@fws.gov 612-757-9781)

Bids and Site Visit All bids are to be submitted on a “PER ACRE” unit-price basis, a bid for each project area (four project areas), and a combined bid for all project areas. If the contractor would like a site visit prior to submitting a bid for this project, please contact Jacob Randa (Jacob_Randa@fws.gov, 612-757-9781) or Dan Paulson (Daniel_Paulson@fws.gov, 612-505-4258).

Location Project area is within the Minnesota Valley Wetland Management District of Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (see Exhibit B), located in Dakota County, Minnesota (T114N: R21W: S35), and Scott County Minnesota MN: (T114N: R21W: S34), approximately 4 miles Southwest of Lakeville, MN.

Project Information Minnesota Valley NWR/WMD is seeking a qualified contractor to conduct invasive woody removal and habitat enhancement at the Soberg WPA of MN Valley WMD. The work will restore and enhance oak savanna, oak woodland, and native prairie habitats. Mechanical removal, chemical treatment, and hand cutting of invasive woody species will be required for successful implementation of this project. Establish cool season grass fire breaks along North and South boundaries of Soberg WPA. Follow-up chemical treatment of regrowth will be required where mechanical control (i.e. mowing) is utilized. Due to the presence of multiple threatened and endangered species, the sequencing and timing of various aspects of the project will be critical for success. The contractor and USFWS Project Managers must communicate often throughout implementation of this contract. This project will protect sensitive habitats, promote prairie plants, provide habitat for grassland and forest dependent species, and increase prescribed fire efficacy by reducing heavy fuels.

Description of Work This is a non-personal services contract order for mechanical and chemical control of woody invasives of UP TO 115 acres. Clearing, preparation, and planting of cool season grasses in permanent fire breaks located on the North and South boundary lines of the Soberg WPA. Seed will be provided by USFWS to contractor. The Contractor shall provide all personnel, labor, equipment, supplies (e.g. herbicides, surfactant, water, fuel), transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other non-personal services necessary to perform the requirements of this contract order and shall plan, schedule, coordinate, and ensure effective performance of required services for the entire duration of the contract.

Description of Project Areas: **Note – some project areas/acres overlap (e.g. forestry mowing may be required in areas requiring cut-stump treatment)

Unit 1: Approximate project acres within unit:

· Foliar/Basal bark herbicide application: 5 ac

· Brush/Tree cutting (cut-stump) with herbicide treatment and piling: 5 ac

· Follow-up foliar herbicide treatment (year 2): 5 ac

· Mechanical Mowing (forestry mowing): 5 ac

Unit 2: Approximate project acres within unit:

· Foliar/Basal bark herbicide application: 5 ac

· Brush/Tree cutting (cut-stump) with herbicide treatment and piling: 5 ac

· Follow-up foliar herbicide treatment (year 2): 5 ac

· Mechanical Mowing (forestry mowing): 5 ac

Unit 3: Approximate project acres within unit:

· Foliar/Basal bark herbicide application: 25 ac

· Brush/Tree cutting (cut-stump) with herbicide treatment and piling: 25 ac

· Follow-up foliar herbicide treatment (year 2): 25 ac

· Mechanical Mowing (forestry mowing): 2 ac

Unit 4: Approximate project acres within unit:

· Foliar/Basal bark herbicide application: 5 ac

· Brush/Tree cutting (cut-stump) with herbicide treatment and piling: 5 ac

· Follow-up foliar herbicide treatment (year 2): 5 ac

· Mechanical Mowing (forestry mowing): 8 ac

Firebreak Project (North and South boundaries): 15 ft x 4500 ft cleared, disked, planted

Unit 1 & 2 is restored tall grass prairie with scattered restored wetland basins heavily infested with sumac and dogwood species and other undesirable woody species (willow species, prickly ash, sumac, and pin oak). The management objective for this unit is to restore biologically and structurally diverse prairie wetland matrix. All woody plants should be removed and/or treated, all buckthorn, sumac, prickly ash and honeysuckles must be treated (foliar or basal bark) and/or cut and treated. Pin oak and northern red oak <6” dbh, mush be cut, treated, and piled according to the specifications below. All bur oak, white oak, and walnut thinning at direction/discretion of project manner. If large (>6” dbh) non-oak species are within the unit boundary, consult with a USFWS project manager, otherwise non-oak species <6” dbh should be cut, treated, and piled in a manner conducive for USFWS staff to burn later. Burn piles are to be 20 feet by 20 feet wide and 15-18 feet tall. Piles are to be free of dirt and debris, constructed/built as condensed/compacted as possible, 300’ from all project boundaries, roads, parking lots, and wetlands, and on flat ground easy accessible by UTVs. Due to the presence of federally protected bats, all trees greater than 3” dbh, must be cut during the inactive bat period (November 1-March 31). Trees also cannot not be cut during nesting seasons of migratory birds (May 15th – August 1st). All stumps must be cut no higher than 2 inches.

The contractor should use best professional judgement in application and control methodology. This site will provide various levels of infestation and may require foliar treatment, basal bark treatment, forestry mowing and cut-stump treatment. There should be no trees, other than the previously mentioned, standing upon completion of the project (i.e. chemically killed trees must still be cut before project completion with few exceptions provided by USFWS project managers). Due to the presence of federally protected bats, all trees greater than 3” dbh, must be cut during the inactive bat period (November 1, 2024-March 31, 2025). All trees that are cut (not mulched) must be piled to the specifications listed below. Trees also cannot not be cut during nesting seasons of migratory birds (May 15th – August 1st). Chemical follow-up on resprouts must be conducted the following growing season (Summer 2025).

Unit 3 is oak woodlands consisting of mature bur oak, white oak, pin oak, and other deciduous species. All woody plants should be removed and/or treated, all buckthorn, sumac, willow species, prickly ash and honeysuckles must be treated (foliar or basal bark) and/or cut and treated. Pin oak and northern red oak <6” dbh, must be cut, treated, and piled according to the specifications below. All bur oak, white oak, and walnut thinning at direction/discretion of project manner. If large (>6” dbh) non-oak species are within the unit boundary, consult with a USFWS project manager, otherwise non-oak species <6” dbh should be cut, treated, and piled in a manner conducive for USFWS staff to burn later. Burn piles are to be 20 feet by 20 feet wide and 15-18 feet tall. Piles are to be free of dirt and debris, constructed/built as condensed/compacted as possible, 300’ from all project boundaries, roads, parking lots, and wetlands, and on flat ground easily accessible by UTVs. Due to unit location, accessibility may be challenging due to topography, seasonal wetlands, seasonal water crossings, and wet soils and follow up foliar treatment may not be possible. If these challenges are present, please contact USFWS project manager to discuss alternatives and other possible solutions. Due to the presence of federally protected bats, all trees greater than 3” dbh, must be cut during the inactive bat period (November 1, 2024, 2025,-March 31, 2025, 2026). All stumps must be cut no higher than 2 inches. Foliar spraying for buckthorn to be completed during the first growing season of the contract and then another follow up foliar spraying once woody vegetation is removed during the following growing season.

Unit 4 is restored tall grass prairie with scattered restored wetland basins heavily infested with sumac and dogwood species and other undesirable woody species (prickly ash, sumac, and pin oak). The management objective for this unit is to restore biologically and structurally diverse prairie wetland matrix. All woody plants should be removed and/or treated, all buckthorn, willow species, sumac, prickly ash and honeysuckles must be treated (foliar or basal bark) and/or cut and treated. Any woody species that are mowed will require a follow up herbicide treatment the next growing season. Pin oak and northern red oak <6” dbh, mush be cut, treated, and piled according to the specifications below. All bur oak, white oak, and walnut thinning at direction/discretion of project manner. If large (>6” dbh) non-oak species are within the unit boundary, consult with a USFWS project manager, otherwise non-oak species <6” dbh should be cut, treated, and piled in a manner conducive for USFWS staff to burn later. Burn piles are to be 20 feet by 20 feet wide and 15-18 feet tall. Piles are to be free of dirt and debris, constructed/built as condensed/compacted as possible, 300’ from all project boundaries, roads, parking lots, and wetlands, and on flat ground easily accessible by UTVs. Due to unit location, accessibility may be challenging due to topography, seasonal wetlands, seasonal water crossings, and wet soils and follow up foliar treatment may not be possible. If these challenges are present, please contact USFWS project manager to discuss alternatives and other possible solutions. The use of a forestry style mower/cutter is acceptable for use as long as specifications and follow-up treatments as mentioned before met. Due to the presence of federally protected bats, all trees greater than 3” dbh, must be cut during the inactive bat period (November 1-March 31). Trees also cannot not be cut during nesting seasons of migratory birds (May 15th – August 1st). All stumps must be cut no higher than 2 inches.

Firebreaks Firebreaks are indicated on the project map and will be 15” feet wide and located on the project area unit boundaries. The firebreaks will have all vegetation completely removed, stumped and/or grubbed, disked/tilled to a flat smooth surface, prepped for cool season grass planting, and cool season grasses planted. The cool season grass seed mix will be provided by USFWS staff.

Herbicide Details All herbicide applicators must have current applicable commercial pesticide applicator licenses. Triclopyr ester (e.g. Garlon 4, Element 4, etc.) and triclopyr amine (e.g. Garlon 3a, Element 3a, etc.) formulations are the preferred herbicides, any other herbicides MUST be approved before use. All applications within 100 feet of a wetland must utilize the amine (i.e. 3a) formulation, or an aquatic approved herbicide. All labels and applicable state and federal laws must be followed. Other formulations (e.g. tank mixes with Garlon 3a and Milestone) and additional surfactants must be approved by the project manager prior to use. Basal bark and cut stump treatments must use either a commercially available carrier oil or kerosene. An indicator dye is required for ensuring coverage and inspection. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring spray conditions are suitable for application and do not pose a risk of herbicide drift or off-site impacts.

Bucking & Piling The Project Manager will determine whether to pile or loosely scatter cut woody debris. Felled/sheared trees and any branches >2 inches diameter shall be bucked into pieces and piled with a tracked excavator or skid steer. Bucking and piling requirements are listed below:

• Bucking:

o Trunks/branches 2-24 inches diameter: cut into lengths < 20 ft.

o Trunks/branches 24-36 inches diameter: cut into lengths < 12 ft.

o Trunks/branches >36 inches diameter: cut into lengths < 8 ft.

• Piling: (piles that do not meet these standards will be re-piled) o Construct piles in drier upland areas at least 40 feet from property boundaries, preferably in areas with abundant fine fuels and where piles will be conspicuous to fire personnel and will not create a safety hazard during ignition.

o Create as few piles as possible.

o Avoid excessive movement of equipment across the unit; pile trees in areas central to work locations.

o Construct piles in such a manner to facilitate effective burning:

· Remove soil, rocks, and debris from tree roots/trunks before piling.

· Locate piles in areas where the brush will be conspicuous, will not pose a safety risk to fire personnel during ignition or throw firebrands into adjacent property.

· Stack woody debris tightly and uniformly.

· Orient trunks and limbs parallel to each other.

· Can use weight of the skidsteer/excavator to compress piles.

· Mix fuel sizes or keep finer fuels at the bottom of piles.

· Avoid concentrating largest diameter fuels in one place.

· Cut off any lateral (straight horizontal) limbs and substantial secondary limbs and add to piles.

· Prevent treetops from protruding vertically from the tops of piles.

· Cut off any branches/limbs that protrude >3 ft from the edge of piles.

Contract Details Contractor must comply 100% with the agreed-upon plan of work. Mechanical removal of trees will be in a method approved by USFWS and will be conducted at times approved by USFWS to reduce impacts to threatened and endangered species. Method of chemical treatment will be ground-based application via backpack, ATV, or UTV sprayer. Application of chemicals must be at the appropriate rate suggested by the manufacturer and in accordance with the product label. The Contractor must have a current Minnesota Pesticide Applicator license, and must be provided to the project manager. The Contractor must comply with all EPA, OSHA, and other Federal, State and Local Government statutes and regulations while performing the services stated in this Statement of Work. The Contractor MUST notify the project manager of any spills or safety incidents within 24 hours of the incident. The Contractor will give at least 24 hours notice before application commences. Note that the payment will be made only for actual acres treated which are agreed upon between the Contractor and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (Dan Paulson or Jacob Randa), prior to commencement of operations.

The Contractor shall be responsible for collecting the following data for USFWS: Dates of operation, total acres treated (chemically and mechanically), and chemical use report (detailing herbicide, herbicide rates, volumes, and adjuvants).

CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

1. General - The Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, herbicide and incidentals needed to perform the work.

2. The vendor must possess any/all required Minnesota licenses applicable to this job, including a license to apply herbicides

3. Apply specified herbicide mixes for maximum efficacy and minimal threat to off-site targets.

4. Ensure spray is applied to allow for a 24 hour dry-time. Application cannot be made within 24 hours of predicted rainfall.

5. Ensure spray is applied while winds remain under 12 mph.

6. Ensure spray coverage is a minimum of 90% of the area defined.

7. Equipment Maintenance: Throughout the period of performance, machines used to accomplish this contract shall be maintained in good and safe working order, and shall be free of fluid leaks in order to protect the Refuge environment. All equipment shall be cleaned prior to operation on Government lands (all dirt, grease, and plant parts shall be removed, to minimize risks of contamination of the Refuge). The Contractor shall not deviate from the equipment listed in its quote unless approved by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Safety

· At all times, the vendor will ensure the safety of all personnel involved in the operation including the mandatory use of all prescribed personal protective equipment

· Damages caused by spills caused by either the Contractor will not be the responsibility of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

· The Contractor agrees to abide by all local standards, protocols, instructions and briefings related to access the various sites. Any accident or injury resulting from the Contractor's failure to follow instructions will be the sole responsibility of the Contractor.

Statement of Guarantee The Contractor shall exercise his/her professional judgment as to the exact timing and extent of application of the herbicides/surfactants prior to the deadline. Care should be taken to avoid application on days with consistent wind speeds over 10 mph. No broadcast spraying shall be performed when wind speeds exceed specifications listed on the herbicide label, or when wind directions are likely to result in drift to non-targeted areas. At a minimum, herbicide cannot be applied when the forecast indicates a moderate probability (40% or higher) of significant precipitation during the 24 hours following application.

The Contractor warrants that: should the desired results not be achieved, the contractor will, at no additional cost to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, reapply herbicide to those areas where targeted vegetative growth persists post-treatment. The determination as to the acceptable performance of the Contractor and the need to reapply the herbicides will rest solely with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. A request to re-treat an area may be either verbal or in writing. The desired results to be achieved are 75% kill of targeted woody vegetation delineated in provided map and shapefiles (if requested).

Contractor Safety and Experience

· Contractor and all employees assisting will have an excellent safety record.

· At all times, the Contractor will ensure the safety of all personnel involved in the operation including the mandatory use of all prescribed personal protective equipment.

· The Contractor must have a current Minnesota Pesticide Applicator license. The Contractor must comply with all EPA, OSHA, and other Federal, State and Local Government statutes and regulations while performing the services stated in this Statement of Work.

· Contractor will be fully insured.