B08_-_SOW_-_Herbicide_Spraying_-_Piedmont_NWR.pdf

Proposed Spray Contract 2024

Piedmont NWR – Hardwood Plant Control in RCW Habitat Management

This project will benefit habitat for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW). The RCW requires a steady supply of pine forests through time for nesting and foraging habitat.

The project area is the pine component of a regeneration areas designed to produce future RCW habitat. Hardwoods, particularly sweetgum, are significant competitor to regenerating pine. We propose using herbicide as a fire surrogate due to the difficulty of applying prescribed fire during the traditional wildfire season, when fire resources are committed to fire suppression.

The areas to treat are in 129 acres in compartment 2 – see figure 1. The herbicides to use are isopropylamine salt of imazapyr: (2-[4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid) and metsulfuron-methyl: (methyl 2-[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)carbamoylsulfamoyl] benzoate). The trade names are Arsenal Applicators Concentrate and Escort XP, respectively. The refuge will supply the herbicide.

Project Specifications

1. Applied by hand crews with backpack sprayer.

2. Apply Arsenal AC at 16 ounces per acre and Escort XP at 2 ounces per acre, with appropriate non-ionic surfactant.

3. The period of performance is from the date the contract is awarded in 2023 through the application time. This allows the contractor time to plan their schedule, hire workers, purchase materials, etc. The application time is June 1st through August 31st, 2024.

Refuge Special Use Conditions will include at least the following:

A refuge special use permit is required for access into the refuge after the contract is awarded.

Conditions of the permit will include the following:

• All work must be coordinated with the refuge manager or designee.

• Work can only be conducted Monday through Friday, during business hours, except

Federal Holidays.

• Contractor is responsible for submitting and maintaining a written work schedule.

• All refuge regulations are in effect unless otherwise designated in writing.

• No collection of plants, animals, rocks, or artifacts allowed.

• No alcohol is permitted on the refuge.

• Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuges must comply with all provisions of state and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32).

• Vehicle traffic is restricted to gravel roads designated as open except as marked on attached map of the project work area.

• Contractor is responsible for daily clean up of work area.