B08_-_SoW__2_Swallow-wort_Chimon_Treatment_2025.pdf

Scope of Work: Treatment of Swallow-wort, Chemical Control Method on Chimon Island 2025

SCOPE OF WORK (SOW)

Invasive Species Control & Treatment Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Introduction.

This contract outlines the invasive species work of swallow-wort (Vincetoxicum spp.) treatment on the Chimon Island Unit of Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, located 1-miles off the coast of Norwalk, Connecticut.

The Chimon Island Unit is part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, which is comprised of 10 units stretched across 70 miles of Connecticut's coastline. Located in the Atlantic Flyway, the refuge provides important resting, feeding, and nesting habitat for many species of wading birds, shorebirds, songbirds, and terns. Overall, the refuge encompasses over 1,000 acres of forest, barrier beach, tidal wetland and fragile island habitats.

Chimon Island is located about 1 mile off the coast of Norwalk, CT in the Long Island Sound and is approximately 68 acres. It is composed of maritime forest, shrubland, old field, and beach habitat.

Unfortunately, most of the island (42 acres) – including the old field habitat is heavily invaded (>60% cover) by swallow-wort (mostly pale swallow-wort, V. rossicum – though there may be some black swallow-wort, V. nigrum; see heat map below). Swallow-wort is present on 50 of the island’s 68 acres.

The refuge management objective for the old field is to provide native plant habitat for at-risk pollinator species such as the monarch butterfly. Swallow-wort species create poor quality habitat for monarchs, as they mimic milkweeds but do not provide the proper nourishment for the caterpillars to go grow through each instar.

This map was created in the field using ESRI Field Maps and a priority invasive plant grid. The classes of mapping each species can be seen in the legend to the left.

The redder the grid square, the more densely covered by swallow-wort. Most of the acreage of the island is densely invaded including areas with forests and shrubland.

Due to the size of the infestation and in coordination with the University of Rhode Island, the refuge released a biocontrol moth (Hypena opulenta) in 2019 and 2021 in two different locations. These areas were last monitored in 2022. At that time, the damage from the moth was minimal. Management would like to pursue chemical control of swallow-wort on the island with a long-term goal (7 year) to control swallow-wort on the 42 acres with 60% or more swallow-wort coverage and reduce the abundance to 5% coverage overall.

In preparation for the future control of this invasive on Chimon Island – a chemical control method, tested by the Rockingham County Conservation District was tested on a ~1-acre plot on Chimon Island during the summer of 2024.

Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge (SBMNWR) is seeking a contractor to use the attached treatment plan (exact chemical mix) entitled “RCCD Black Swallowwort Low Volume Foliar Herbicide Control (NH)” to provide a second year of treatment to the 1 acre plot which was completed in 2024. In addition, an additional 4.1 acres will receive its first year of treatment.

Mix: • Vastlan (triclopyr choline) 5 oz/gal

• Milestone (aminopyralid) 0.3 oz/gal

• Escort XP (metsulfuron methyl)

• MSO concentrate 1-1.5 oz/gal

The herbicide mix will be applied with a backpack sprayer or a tow-behind sprayer. The tow-behind sprayer could either be a ATV or UTV. The refuge would utilize service landing craft to transport equipment to the island. The same mix will be applied in early-June and mid-August to all treatment areas. The treatment areas have/will be marked by the refuge biologist. The vegetation in the treatment area is a mix of native and invasive species. The swallow-wort coverage on the island is approximately >60% swallow-wort coverage. Vegetation on the island has not been mechanically altered and includes open, shrubby, and forested areas. Ease of movement throughout the treatment areas may be hindered by vegetation and topography. However, the treatment areas are found on former pasture lands which are conducive to work with an ATV or UTV.

1.2 Objectives.

The objectives of this scope of work is to provide a second year of treatment for 1 acre and the first year of treatment for additional 3.18 acres. Management has a target of a 30% reduction in the cover of swallow-wort in all treatment areas.

1.3 Scope.

The contractor will:

• Treat all swallow-wort (Vincetoxicum spp.) treatment areas on Chimon Island in all types of vegetation (that has not been mechanically altered) with a target of reducing the population’s coverage by 30%.

• Use only the exact herbicide mix listed in above and in the attached document “RCCD Black Swallowwort Low Volume Foliar Herbicide Control (NH)”

• Treat swallow-wort once in early-June and again in mid-August with a foliar application using a towed or backpack sprayers.

• Coordinate transportation with the refuge and understand that planned dates may change due to weather, waves, or staffing issues.

• Provide refuge staff with Connecticut state herbicide applicator license number(s) issued by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and names of applicators for the pesticide use permit and annual reporting.

• Provide refuge staff with herbicide information after the treatments including the amount that was used and any other information needed for the pesticide use permit and annual reporting. Any information needed for the pesticide use permit must be given to the refuge in within 10 working days after treatment for refuge records.

• The Contractor will follow all federal, state, and local laws concerning the use of herbicides.

• The Contractor shall be responsible for compliance with all provisions of Occupational Safety and

Health Administration (OSHA) requirements 29 CFR 1910 and 29CFR 1926 during the performance of the work.

The refuge will:

• Complete the Pesticide Use Permit (PUP) that is required by the agency before work can occur.

• Provide transportation to and from the island for the contractor to include ATV or UTVs, and towed application equipment.

• Notify the public via signage, social media, and the refuge’s website to give notice of site closures and information about the project.

• Walk the site with the contractor at the end of the second treatment of the project to verify that all work has been completed.

• Be available for any site/project information that is needed. The contractor may contact Rick

Potvin, Refuge Manager, at 860-961-4247 or Kris Vagos, Refuge Wildlife Biologist, at 860-304-8977.

Additional Information about Site and Project Logistics:

There are a number of site factors that will affect the timing and equipment that can be used during the project. The contractor is responsible for assuring the project is completed on schedule given all of these site conditions. Environmental conditions include tides, weather, substrate/beaches, and proximity to open water. The island is accessed without a dock so the contractor will move equipment from the boat, over the beach, and to the various treatment areas. The vegetation on the island has not been mechanically modified and includes briars, thickets, and other types of vegetation that may be difficult to move through and around. Treatment will occur in all vegetation types.

1.4 Period of Performance.

Swallow-wort chemical control will take place in early-June before swallow-worts begin producing pods and again in mid-August. Work will not take place on weekends or hoidays. This time frame includes all treatments. The refuge will provide transportation to and from the island so that contractors can treat the invasive plant. Transportation is weather and wind dependent and will need to be scheduled ahead of time but confirmed only a day or two before said date.

2. LOCATIONS, CONTACTS

2.1 General Location.

The Chimon Island Unit is part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, which is comprised of 10 units stretched across 70 miles of Connecticut's coastline. Located in the Atlantic Flyway, the refuge provides important resting, feeding, and nesting habitat for many species of wading birds, shorebirds, songbirds, and terns. Overall, the refuge encompasses over 1,000 acres of forest, barrier beach, tidal wetland and fragile island habitats.

2.1.1 Acres to be treated.

Treatment area will be approximately 4.18-acres divided between 3 treatment areas. See attached photos for aerial view and location on island.

2.1.2 Herbicide/Surfactant.

In accordance with the attached document “RCCD Black Swallowwort Low Volume Foliar Herbicide Control (NH)”, the herbicide mix to be used is as follows:

Mix:

• Vastlan (triclopyr choline) 5 oz/gal

• Milestone (aminopyralid) 0.3 oz/gal

• Escort XP (metsulfuron methyl)

• MSO concentrate 1-1.5 oz/gal

The herbicide mix will be applied with a backpack sprayer or a tow-behind sprayer. The tow-behind sprayer could be towed by either a ATV or UTV. The refuge would utilize service landing craft to transport equipment to the island. The same mix will be applied in early-June and mid-August to all treatment areas.

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Planning/Permits Herbicide Treatment

JUNE JULY AUGUST

Project Time Frame – Swallow-wort Control on Chimon Island 2024

2.1.3 Technical Project Officer Contact.

Kris Vagos, Refuge Biologist is the Technical Project Officer. She can be reached at (860) 399-2513 or by email at Kristina_Vagos@fws.gov.

2.2 Site Location.

The Chimon Island Unit of Stewart B. McKinney NWR in Norwalk, Connecticut.

3. CONTROL GOALS AND HERBICIDES

3.1 General.

Treatment will occur in an approximately 4.18-acres which will be marked by refuge staff before work commences. The purpose of this treatment is to achieve the vegetation control goals described in the next paragraph.

3.2 Vegetation Control Objectives.

The objectives of this treatment is to reduce swallow-wort cover by 30% in the 3 treatment areas.

3.3 Herbicide Selection Procedure.

Herbicide formulation will be the mix and method that is outlined in 2.1.2 above. Herbicides will be appropriately labeled for specific application. No restricted use herbicides are allowed. No herbicides can be used on National Wildlife Refuge property without prior approval from the Technical Project Officer.

In addition, all carriers and adjuvants must be non-toxic as well as approved by Technical Project Officer.

The surfactant shall be added per label instructions to all herbicide mixtures.

3.4 Minimizing Impacts to Non-Target Species.

All applications will be in accordance with the best management practices of the local, State and Federal guidelines.

4. NOTIFICATION OF TREATMENT

Refuge staff will be transporting the contractor to the island for any treatment. The contractor will coordinate transportation with the refuge and understand that planned dates may change due to weather, waves, or staffing issues.

5. HANDLING, MIXING, APPLICATION RATES AND METHODS

5.1 Handling and Mixing.

All herbicides will be handled and stored in accordance with instructions on the EPA registration label.

All herbicides shall be mixed in accordance with the label instructions so that the desired rate of application can be attained with the contractor's application equipment. Mixing water cannot be supplied at the site and the contractor is expected to supply their own mixing water. The contractor is required to provide a secondary containment system around their herbicide mixing area when herbicides are mixed if mixed on government property. This containment system must be constructed of impervious materials.

In addition, the contractor will ensure that no contamination of any water source occurs and that emergency spill containment equipment is at the worksite and is capable of containing all potential herbicide spills from contractor vehicles/equipment. Unused, mixed pesticides will be disposed of in accordance with local, state and EPA guidelines. Spray equipment cleaning will also be accomplished in accordance with these guidelines. Prior to leaving a worksite for the day, the contractor shall remove all equipment and unused materials, any waste materials, oil, empty herbicide containers and litter resulting from contract activities on government property.

5.2 Equipment.

Required equipment includes sprayers (either backpack, tow-behind, or a combination of both) and necessary personal protective equipment. The equipment used by the contractor shall be designed for such work and operated in a safe manner. The equipment will be limited to function only within the patches of invasive species. The equipment will be capable of accurately delivering a predetermined rate per acre dosage of herbicide and proof of calibration for broadcast sprayers will be provided or demonstrated upon request. Equipment is required to be cleaned before arrival on site to avoid spreading invasive weeds.

5.3 Rates and Method of Application.

Application rates will be per the specification on the material safety data sheet, labeling and manufacturer's suggested rate tables, per chemical used, and the desired results identified in “3.2 Vegetation Control Objective”. Please refer to the attached document, “RCCD Black Swallowwort Low Volume Foliar Herbicide Control (NH)”, for the method that must be used in the treatment for this contract.

6. SAFETY AND CERTIFICATION

6.1 Safety Manual.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this contract, the Contractor shall comply with all safety and health requirements as outlined in OSHA Safety Standards to ensure the safe working conditions for his/ her employees and government workers.

6.2 Hazard Communication.

The contractor shall implement a hazard communication program in accordance with 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.1200 or 1926.59. The written hazard communication program shall address, as a minimum, the following: training (to include potential safety and health effects from exposure), labeling, current inventory of hazardous chemicals on site, and the location and use of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).

6.3 Licensing.

The contractor, all her/his/their employees, and any subcontractors performing any of the work under this contract shall possess a valid state commercial herbicide applicator's license for Connecticut and shall comply with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations applicable to the contract work and to the products and materials used by the contractor in performing that work.

6.4 Public Safety.

Public safety must be ensured when spraying or using pesticides. The Area where the swallow-wort will be treated is closed to the public.

6.5 EPA Registration Label.

All work shall be performed in accordance with the instructions on the EPA registration label of the chemical herbicide used. All safety instructions featured on the label shall be strictly adhered to.

6.6 Material Safety Data Sheets.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer with the “Application Plan” as outlined in Section 7.1. The Contractor shall also make these MSDSs readily available to all affected contract employees.

6.7 Spills and Contamination.

The contractor shall submit as part of the "Application Plan" described in Section 7.1, the response measures to be implemented should a spill or contamination occur. The contractor's immediate response to a spill or contamination shall be to proceed with the required measures to limit the contamination.

Immediately following this initial response, the contractor shall notify the appropriate Project Officer at the work location and other appropriate local, state, and federal officials. After these actions, the contractor shall take actions to clean up the spill as recommended by the Project Officer. Should a personnel contamination occur, the contractor shall take immediate actions as prescribed by chemical manufacturer so as to protect the safety and health of the contaminated individual(s). Immediately following the contractor's initial response, the incident shall be reported to the appropriate Project Officer.

7. SUBMITTAL AND REPORTING

7.1 Application Plan.

The contractor shall submit an electronic copy of an application plan to the Technical Project Officer.

This plan shall outline the types of herbicides, planned application rates, hyperlinks to the most current SDS (former MSDS) and labels for each chemical to be used, scanned copies of applicator licenses, and a spill and contamination action plan. Additionally, the contractor shall certify in writing that all employees engaged in handling, mixing and spraying herbicides have read the MSDS's and that personal protective equipment as specified by the MSDS's will be provided to and worn by these persons. Further, one hard copy of the approved plan shall be provided that will include a signed statement by the contractor that this plan complies with all state, local and federal regulations. This plan shall be submitted for review and approval within 10 working days of the notice of contract award and prior to the desired start of work.

Government approval of this plan in no way relieves the contractor of any liability for compliance with all Federal, State, and/or local regulations, should there be omissions/errors within said plan.

7.2 Post-Application Documentation.

The contractor shall submit a spray log to the Technical Project Officer detailing: day(s) and time(s) sprayed, crew members, chemical applied, application rate, amount of chemical used, weather conditions (average windspeed, temperature, humidity, cloud cover) within 10 working days of each application.

8. PREWORK MEETING

Within 10 days of accepting the contract, the contractor shall contact the Refuge Manager to arrange a meeting to discuss and develop a mutual understanding of the requirements and details of work. This meeting can occur onsite or by phone dependent on location and availability of contractor and Refuge Staff. There may also be occasions when subsequent conferences will be called to reconfirm understandings or provide clarifications on contract requirements.

9. LIABILITY OF AND DAMAGES TO THE GOVERNMENT

9.1 Insurance.

The contractor shall carry liability insurance that will cover the application of pesticides as defined in this specification. This coverage will include as a minimum, drift, run-off, and pollution (sudden and accidental) for all contract operations. The amount of coverage this insurance will provide will not be less than $10,000 per incident.

9.2 Government Liability.

The Government assumes no liability from the contractor's performance of the contract work. The contractor shall hold and save the Government harmless from any and all liability arising from the performance of the contract.

9.3 Responsibility for Damages.

The contractor is responsible for all damages to persons and property resulting from performance of the contract work.

10. Damage Control.

The contractor is responsible for damages to persons or property, including unreasonable or unnecessary damages to non-target vegetation, within and outside the treatment areas resulting from the performance of the contract work. Damage costs as determined by government personnel will be charged in the form of a fine for the cost of rehabilitation or replacement of the affected resources. Other penalties may be assessed based on local, State, or Federal laws.

11. INSPECTIONS AND ACCEPTANCE

Work will be inspected for conformance with these specifications for timeliness, safety and results achieved.

12. TABLES AND FIGURES

Overview location of Chimon Island in the Norwalk Islands – Chimon is marked with a red pin

Location of treatment area receiving second-year of treatment.

Aerial photograph of the approximately 1-acre second-year treatment plot.

Aeriel photo of additional treatment plots for first-year treatment.

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT

110 North Road, Brentwood, NH 03833-6614

Tel: 603-679-2790 ● Fax: 603-679-2860 www.rockinghamccd.org

The mission of the Rockingham County Conservation District is to conserve and sustain the natural environment for present and future generations.

RCCD Black Swallowwort Low Volume Foliar Herbicide Control (NH)

First Treatment: Before swallowwort starts producing pods (typically early June)

Mix:

- Vastlan (triclopyr choline) 5 oz/gal (Note the label rates change when applied in a grazed area). * Other forms of triclopyr are also effec�ve

- Milestone (aminopyralid) 0.3 oz/gal

- Escort XP (metsulfuron methyl) 0.03 oz/gal

- MSO concentrate 1-1.5 oz/gal

* If you will be treating with grass, use Escort XP at no more than 0.03 oz/gal to avoid impacting grasses.

Second Treatment:

Op�on 1: Before plants start sending energy back into their roots (typically around mid

August)

Mix:

- Vastlan (triclopyr choline) 5 oz/gal

- Milestone (aminopyralid) 0.3 oz/gal

- Escort XP (metsulfuron methyl)

- MSO concentrate 1-1.5 oz/gal

Op�on 2: Mid August-Fall

Mix:

- AquaNeat (glyphosate) 9 oz/gal

- Milestone (aminopyralid) 0.3 oz/gal

- Escort XP (metsulfuron methyl) 0.03 oz/gal

- MSO concentrate 1-1.5 oz/gal

*Glyphosate will kill grasses. If treating within a grassy area, RCCD found that seeding the bare areas created by the glyphosate helps reduce the number of black swallowwort resprouts the following year.

* CONDITIONS MAY ALTER WHAT HERBICIDES ARE APPROPIRATE AND AT WHAT RATES THEY

ARE APPLIED. ALWAYS CONSULT THE HERBICIDE LABEL