C04_ATT1_SOW_1284LM26Q4001.pdf

Rabbit Ears Pass Manganese Site Remediation Heritage Survey Statement Of Work

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland (USFS) is requesting a:

Class III, intensive pedestrian cultural resource inventory of approximately 16.6 acres. Transects will be conducted at 15-meter intervals. Record all newly identified archaeological sites as per CO OAHP Standards.

And Recordation/National Register Evaluation of the Rabbit Ears Manganese Mine Site.

Recordation of all features associated with the historic mine to determine the furthest extent of the mine’s boundary. Research the mine’s history for eligibility determination.

Project Details [Project Description, include potential impacts] Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District Jackson County, Colorado T5N, R82W Section 9 SW corner Quad: Rabbit Ears Peak

The USFS is planning to remediate historic mining activity associated with the Rabbit Ears Manganese Mine site, east of Steamboat Springs, Jackson County, Colorado. The goals of the project are to remove contaminated materials associated with the 1950s manganese mine.

The Rabbit Ears Manganese site is a former mine site located on USFS land. The site currently has heavy recreational use, including hiking trails, UHV activity, and camping. No institutional controls are currently at the site. Three main areas of mining related disturbance were observed – an upper disturbed area and access road with artifacts, a camping area with fines and workings, and an area of fines with remnant of a tipple and chute. XRF field screening identified heavy metal contaminations (Arsenic, Manganese) throughout the former mine site. The site also has three retention ponds, referred to as the upper, middle, and lower ponds, which appear to have a drainage that connects the ponds, and eventually flows into Grizzly Creek. The middle retention pond has old pipes entering it that were observed from the surface and are likely from historic mining operations.

Schedule The field inventory is estimated to take a couple of days and shall be completed within 60 calendar days starting from June 1, 2026. A draft report will be submitted to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) at least 60 days prior to the end of the contracting period. The draft report will be returned to the Contractor within 15 calendar days. The Contractor will have the remaining contracting time to submit the final report and all project materials as defined above. If the final report is found to be deficient in form or content or upon review of the State Historic Preservation Officer, the government may return it for revision. Any additional costs incurred in producing an acceptable report shall be borne by the Contractor.

Deliverables Within one week after field survey is completed,

• The contractor will deliver corrected GIS shapefiles, or a populated GDB, to the COR with cultural resource sites, isolated finds, and other field observation locations. It will be understood this is a draft shapefile or GDB subject to small corrections, but sufficiently accurate to locate sites for evaluating the accuracy of the end of fieldwork report.

• Maps must be legible, provide name of quad, archaeological property locations (previously and newly recorded). *Note properties that have been flagged, include township and range, contain a legend, and show USFS land status.

Draft Report and Final GIS Shapefiles are Due 60 days after field survey is completed.

• The Draft Report for review by the COR should include one copy of the draft report

(unprotected electronic format) and all site forms produced (unprotected electronic format), including updated site records which document new or additional information collected for previously recorded sites located in the Area of Potential Effect.

Final Deliverables are due 30 days after COR acceptance of Draft. Final Deliverables include one digital copy of the final report, including completed final state specific site forms, and geospatial data.

Final Deliverables include:

Final Report - The contractor shall prepare and submit final report as described in Attachment 1 Task 3: Reporting. The final report must incorporate all comments made by the COR on the draft report. The number of reports (unprotected electronic format will be specified by unit).

• Final site forms - The contractor shall prepare and submit final site forms as described in Attachment 1 Task 2: Recordation of Cultural Resources.

o At a minimum, one copy (unprotected electronic format will be specified by unit) of all associated final site forms historic building and/or isolate forms will be submitted.

o Contractor will forward a copy of each final site form to the SHPO for assignment of permanent Smithsonian numbers.

• GPS differentially corrected files using the provided Cultural Data Dictionary (.cor files) or the unit-specific populated geodatabase, shapefiles, or similar agreed upon digital format projected in NAD83 and UTM Zone as defined by unit.

• An electronic project photo log and one digital copy of each photograph, with annotated titles. If specified by the unit, photos and logs will also be provided to a USFS Externally Shared Pinyon/Box Folder.

o In Colorado entering site information into the state approved database, (Colorado = MoveIt) may also be required.

o At a minimum the contractor will be responsible for following the geospatial standards as defined for Cultural Resources and Inventory Shapefiles as defined in Attachment 1 TASK 1: Conduct Class III Cultural Resource Inventory.

Payment Schedule The Contractor shall be paid a firm-fixed price for the services performed under the contract.

• 50% payment upon completion of field work

• 35% payment upon delivery of draft final report including complete site forms and associated documentation

• 15% payment upon acceptance of final, revised report and all deliverables

USFS Personnel The USFS personnel engaged in this project are:

Contract Specialist Name: Andrea Haines Email: andrea.haines@usda.gov Voice Phone: 406-924-3554

General Requirements:

a) The Contractor is responsible for providing necessary materials, equipment and supplies for use in this project and shall use methods and equipment in accordance with Federal and State laws.

b) The Contractor will be required to obtain access to the appropriate SHPO database as necessary for performing Existing Data Reviews, or Data Entry as required by individual state compliance requirements.

(e) Specific Requirements:

All GPS data will be collected using NAD83 and the UTM Zone as defined by unit.

Clarification regarding UTM Zones will be made at the pre-work meeting.

See the following pages for task requirements.

TASK REQUIREMENTS

TASK 1: Conduct Class III Cultural Resource Inventory

Method: The contractor must conduct a records search through the State Historic Preservation Office, and if required, the individual Forest Service office to determine if there are previously recorded cultural resources in the project area to document the nature and extent of previous archaeological survey and research in the general area. Literature review buffers will be as follows unless otherwise specified: 1 mile from project boundary.

USFS will define the Area of Potential Effect (APE) for inventory accurately and clearly. Actual ground examination should result in the identification and recording of all archaeological resources observable on the surface and in exposed subsurface profiles. Any authorizations of permissions for accessing non-Forest Service managed lands will be the responsibility of the contractor.

Use the following guidelines:

A. The contractor must locate the boundaries of the defined survey area prior to commencement of the inventory. Use GPS units, corner markers, benchmarks, 7.5-minute topographic maps, aerial photographs (where available), roadways and other landscape features if needed to ensure ground control and confidence in the location of cultural resources. In some cases, fire extent may define the area of inventory or flagging may be used.

B. The area to be inventoried must be examined by the contractor using evenly spaced pedestrian transects. The required minimal coverage will be specified by the USFS, and may vary depending on terrain features and site probability projections, as well as state standards. Distance between transects will not exceed 30 meters unless specified by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). Transect intervals must be tightly controlled through the use of GPS units in order to ensure consistency and accuracy.

C. Each field crew must be supervised in the field by a qualified crew leader (as per the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards;

https://www.doi.gov/pam/asset-management/historic-preservation/pqs). Crew leaders must https://www.doi.gov/pam/asset-management/historic-preservation/pqs be on site at all times.

D. The contractor must record each cultural resource identified, including any previously recorded sites, using the state specific site form. The following standards for recording cultural resources apply, unless more specific directions are provided in the Call Order:

o Cultural resource location data will be recorded with a mean error of +/- 5 meters or less, at a 95 percent confidence level.

o Field Observation Standards – GPS.

Point Data: Cultural resources point data shall be located by reporting a minimum of one averaged GPS-observed coordinate derived from a minimum of 10 readings collected to provide for a viable sample for averaging and calculating standard deviation.

Line Data: Multiple coordinates shall be used to define the approximate centerline of a linear resource (e.g., trail, flume, railroad, etc.). It is recommended that vertices (points) along the linear feature be collected at 5 second intervals. Angle points of the line should be collected to increase feature accuracy.

Polygon Data: Polygon data shall be collected for the external boundary of any site location. Polygon data is also useful for accurately mapping polygonal site features and loci.

o All GPS data will be collected using NAD83 and the UTM Zone as defined by unit. Clarification regarding UTM Zones will be made at the pre-work meeting.

o GPS data will be post processed to conform to each state’s data management requirements and correction (.cor) files will be provided so site spatial data and associated fields may be appended to a cultural resources geodatabase unless otherwise specified.

o As an option for data submittal, the contractor will be provided a copy of unit-specific geodatabases or shapefiles to facilitate data management and reporting requirements.

E. The contractor must notify the COR, by telephone and with written confirmation, immediately upon the discovery of human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony (as defined in 43 CFR 10.2) and must immediately stop any activities connected with such discovery and make a reasonable effort to protect the discovered remains or objects. Additional protocols may also be included for specific units.

F. The provenience of all surface diagnostic artifacts, artifact concentrations, tools and features must be indicated on the site map. Collection policies will be established for each unit, but in general, there is a no-collection, survey/recordation only policy.

G. Within one week of the completion of field work, the contractor must provide the COR corrected GIS shapefiles of the area surveyed and of all cultural resources identified and recorded during the inventory. The contractor will also provide the COR with a list (or table) of UTM coordinates for all cultural resource sites identified and recorded during the inventory and recommendations of site eligibility as necessary.

H. Due to timing of project implementation site flagging may be required. In cases where site flagging is required, sites determined to be eligible (or potentially eligible) for the NRHP will be flagged for avoidance during recordation using a color specified by the COR.

Flagging should be placed on the exterior of the site boundary (to allow equipment operators to see and anticipate the site) and at sufficient intervals to allow visibility from one flag to another. If a protective buffer around the site (instead of the site boundary) is to be flagged, the COR will specify during the pre-work meeting. When practical and feasible, other methods of identifying sites for avoidance such as GIS generated avoidance areas, may be used under consultation with the COR. Isolated finds and ineligible (including non-supporting linear sites or non-contributing) sites need not be flagged; however, eligibility recommendations require agency concurrence.

I. The USFS requires a Permit to conduct Archaeological Investigations on Forest Service System lands (form FS-2700-30). Please contact the local Heritage Program Manager or Assistant Regional Heritage Program Manager to obtain a permit.

TASK 2: Recordation of Cultural Resources

(1) Sites must be recorded on Colorado state specific Site Inventory Forms or Historic Site Inventory forms (or other state-specific resource forms as required by the Colorado SHPO or the USFS unit. A site form must be completed for each cultural resource located that meets the definition of a site based on state-specific guidance. There must be sufficient description on the form for USFS officials to derive an accurate eligibility assessment.

a. The site description must include number and types of artifacts present, site dimensions, types of features, topographic location, environmental setting, etc. If any significant disturbances or impacts have occurred, these must be described and photographed. Each form must be electronic and must include a formal site map and a USGS 7.5', 1:24,000 scale GIS produced topographic map showing the exact location of the site.

b. Site boundaries must be accurately depicted on both the site and topographic maps. The topographic map must be clearly labeled with the map name, site number, map scale, north arrow, and land status.

c. Site maps must include spatial relationships of features and artifacts to each other and other pertinent non-cultural data or topography (i.e., roads, trees, drainages, etc.). If tools or diagnostic artifacts are present, scaled artifact sketches or photographs must accompany the site form. The site form submitted must be complete. The procedures for acquiring Smithsonian numbers from the SHPO will be discussed at the pre-work meeting. Isolates will be recorded using state specific procedures.

(2) Each completed site record must be prepared and delivered in an unprotected electronic format (PDF or Word). In all cases compliance with the latest edition of the State specific Guidelines and Standards for Archaeological Inventory is required for all site recording and reporting standards. For information regarding site definitions and state specific guidance refer to the following:

a. Colorado State Historic Preservation Office

Web Site: https://www.historycolorado.org/section-106-state-register-act-review-and-compliance

Mailing Address: History Colorado 1200 Broadway Denver, CO 80203

TASK 3: Reporting

(1) Upon completion of each inventory required by this contract, a draft report followed by a final report must be submitted to the COR. At minimum, the reports must include the following information along with other state or unit-specific requirements as identified in the BPA Call Order):

(a) If included in the Call Order the reporting requirement may also include the Contractor to compile and load new data, or legacy data into the https://www.historycolorado.org/section-106-state-register-act-review-and-compliance https://www.historycolorado.org/section-106-state-register-act-review-and-compliance https://www.historycolorado.org/section-106-state-register-act-review-and-compliance

National Resource Management (NRM) Forest Service Heritage database.

Associated USFS requirements for obtaining access to NRM will be provided during the pre-work meeting.

A. Management Summary outlining the project, results, and recommendations. The summary will include acres surveyed (broken down by land ownership), number of newly and previously recorded sites, site types, number of sites determined eligible, ineligible, or provisional status and a brief summary of management recommendations as outlined below:

a. Project Name/Title

b. Agency: The lead federal agency for the project and any other Federal or

State Agencies involved in the undertaking

c. General Location of the project and field survey: nearest town, vicinity, County, or

Section, Township and Range

d. Dates of Field Survey

e. A Statistical Summary of Survey Activities including:

i. Total acreage of the Area of Potential Effect.

ii. Total acreage surveyed.

1. The acreage of all lands surveyed at the USFS Class III level regardless of land ownership.

2. Acreage of USFS lands surveyed at Class III level.

a. Acreage of other lands surveyed at Class III level (Private, State, Other Federal).

3. Total number of cultural properties for which site records were completed (newly recorded, reevaluated, and re-visited/monitored cultural properties).

a. Number of new cultural properties on USFS Lands.

b. Number of new cultural properties on other lands (Private, State, Other Federal).

iii. Cultural properties located within the Area of Potential Effect:

1. Number of cultural properties that the consultant has recommended are eligible, supporting or contributing for the National Register, if applicable.

2. Number of cultural properties that the consultant has recommended as not eligible, not supporting, or non-contributing for the National Register, if applicable.

3. Number of cultural properties within the Area of Potential Effect that can/will be avoided.

4. Number of cultural properties within the Area of Potential Effect that cannot be avoided and would be affected.

iv. Total number of cultural properties located within the project’s Area of Potential Effect. Provide Trinomials (or Property Numbers with associated USFS site numbers) for both newly recorded and previously recorded properties.

v. Of the cultural properties located within 1-mile (unless otherwise specified) of the Area of Potential Effect provide:

1. Number of cultural properties that are eligible for the National Register, if applicable.

2. Number of cultural properties that are not eligible for the National Register, if applicable.

3. Number of cultural properties within 1-mile of the Area of Potential Effect that can/will be avoided, if applicable.

4. Number of cultural properties within1-mile of the Area of Potential Effect that cannot be avoided and would be affected, if applicable.

B. A purpose statement and full Project Description including anticipated direct and indirect impacts of the proposed project or undertaking, location of the inventory area and total acreage, including legal description and a general project map showing the area inventoried.

Include USGS 7.5', 1:24,000 scale maps with locations of all cultural resources recorded within and adjacent to the Area of Potential Effect. The map must include previously recorded sites and sites identified and recorded by the contractor.

C. A description of the Local Environment.

D. An Overview of pertinent previous archaeological surveys and research in the geographic area and relevant ethnographic data. The Overview will include current and relevant Native American and historic Euro-American chronologies and themes for the project area.

E. A thorough description of the Field Methods used. Include names and duties of personnel conducting the inventory, dates of the fieldwork, and any problems encountered. Include USGS 7.5', 1:24,000 scale maps showing areas newly surveyed.

F. The Results of the inventory with site location maps and a full description of each cultural resource identified, recorded, or revisited by the contractor’s field crew within in the APE, including previously recorded sites, and recommendations concerning the eligibility of each site for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) (specific criteria must be assigned to each resource according to 36CFR60.4). Include relevant photographs, site maps, and feature/artifact sketches for properties considered to be NRHP eligible.

G. A summary discussion in Conclusions and Recommendations.

H. All state and unit (as applicable) specific Colorado SHPO required forms.

I. References and bibliographic entries must follow the American Antiquity Style Guide.

J. Confidentiality: To protect site information from unauthorized disclosure, all site location and content information must be kept in strictest confidence. The contractor shall make the information available only to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or Government Technical Monitor (GTM) and must take whatever internal measures are necessary to ensure that confidential material is protected. All site-specific records, photographs, and maps generated in the course of this contract, including original field maps and notes, will be considered USFS property and will be turned over to the COR upon completion of the project. The contractor’s Contract Manager will be responsible for ensuring that all excess site-specific documents, maps, site forms, etc., (i.e., those not submitted as deliverables, internal review drafts, etc.) are properly disposed of upon completion of the project. In addition, all USFS Permit Stipulations listed in the Region 2 Archaeological Permit for conducting archaeological investigations and any required state-specific cultural use permits will be followed.