Site Specific Job Specification Form

Project Name: Timber Stand Improvement Restoration in the Embarras River Bottoms State Natural Area (ERBSNA)

Project Site Name and County: Embarras River Bottoms State Natural Area, Lawrence County

DNR Site Name and County: Embarras River Bottoms State Natural Area, Lawrence County

The following specifications shall be applied to the above-named job.

1. DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

1.1. GOAL:

This effort is expected to perform Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) related restoration activities in units R6, R11, & R14 at the Embarras River Bottoms State Natural Area, Lawrence County, on IDNR property; This effort is expected to improve the growth of oaks, pecans, and other native bottomland hardwood trees and remove trees that prohibit the growth of said trees. TSI involves cutting trees, herbicide applications, or girdling.

SUPPLIES AND/OR SERVICES REQUIRED:

necessary to complete the activities outlined in these job specifications.

1.1.2. The Job Administration shall provide Vendor with a detailed map outlining restoration units, defined work areas and actions to be completed, giving indication if efforts will stretch across the unit or be focused in a certain area within each unit. Vendor will subsequently meet the Contract Field Coordinator on-site to review each location and discuss the specific work to be completed in defined work areas.

1.1.3. Vendor shall report any miscellaneous site activities observed while onsite.

1.1.4. Vendor shall demonstrate applicability of restoration methods in the field to, at a minimum, the Field Coordinator.

1.2. HANDWORK: Includes cutting woody vegetation with chainsaws, brush cutters, hand tools, treating cut stumps, hack and squirt treatment to woody vegetation, basal bark herbicide application to woody vegetation, and/or foliar herbicide application.

1.2.1. CUTTING WOODY VEGETATION WITH CHAINSAWS, BRUSHCUTTERS, AND HAND TOOLS:

a) This work item involves cutting woody vegetation ranging from small stems to large trees.

Details for cutting woody vegetation will be described in the on-site meeting with the Contract Field Coordinator. These details will include, but are not limited to, the woody species to be cut, species that shall not be cut, maximum resulting stump height, and whether stems shall be cut completely or girdled. The maximum resulting stump height shall typically range between cutting at ground level and stumps no taller than six (6) inches.

mowing,

b) When girdling is specified, stems shall be girdled with a chainsaw no higher than twelve inches above the ground. The cut must meet at the starting point so there is a complete girdle encircling the stem. Multiple stemmed plants shall have each stem girdled. The girdle cut must be completely through bark and cambium but minimize cut into sapwood.

c) No trees shall be girdled within 1½ times the tree’s height to site boundaries or areas accessible to the public such as trails, parking lots, day use areas, campgrounds, etc.

d) All cut and girdled stems shall be treated with herbicide unless otherwise specified.

e) Unless otherwise specified, woody materials shall be left on the ground where they are cut, and no brush piles shall be constructed. If directed to pile woody materials, Vendor shall only create piles in locations specified by the Contract Field Coordinator.

f) If piling of woody materials is permitted, the work may also require that piles are burned by the Vendor. The Vendor must have appropriate personal protective equipment, adequate water, and other firefighting hand tools when burning piles. Prior to burning brush piles, on a daily basis, Vendor must notify, at a minimum, the Field Coordinator and Job Coordinator.

g) Vendor shall monitor the burn piles to ensure that smoke hazards do not occur and that the fire is contained. All burn piles shall be monitored by the Vendor until the brush fuel is consumed.

1.2.2. TREATING CUT STUMPS:

a) Details for treating cut stumps and/or girdles with herbicide will be described during the on-site meeting with the Contract Field Coordinator. Details will include, but are not limited to, timing of herbicide treatment, the herbicide to be applied, the herbicide rate to be used, method for herbicide application, and what adjuvants and dye shall be added. Stumps and/or girdles shall typically be treated with a 50% solution of glyphosate in water (using a glyphosate product with a minimum 50.2% active ingredient by volume) or a 20% solution of triclopyr ester mixed with oil (using a triclopyr ester product with a minimum 60.45% active ingredient by volume). This herbicide shall be supplied by IDNR; thus, herbicide cost shall not be included as part of the Vendor’s hourly rate bid. If other herbicides besides glyphosate and triclopyr are required, those additional herbicides shall be supplied by IDNR.

b) In areas where standing water is present, only herbicides labeled for aquatic use shall be permitted.

c) Unless otherwise specified by the Field Coordinator, stems and/or girdles must be treated immediately after they are cut (within 15 minutes).

d) Herbicide shall typically be applied to cut stumps by spraying, painting, or rolling on herbicide according to directions outlined by the Contract Field Coordinator during the on-site meeting.

e) A dye shall be used with all herbicide solutions to mark treated stems.

f) A 90% mortality rate shall be required, unless otherwise specified by the Field Coordinator.

If the mortality rate is not met, the Vendor shall retreat missed stems at their expense.

1.2.3. HACK AND SQUIRT TREATMENT TO WOODY VEGETATION:

a) This work item involves making frill cuts to trees and treating cuts with herbicide. Details will be described in the on-site meeting with the Contract Field Coordinator. These details will include, but are not limited to, the woody species that shall be treated, species that shall not be treated, and the type and rate of herbicide to be used.

b) Vendor shall use a hatchet or similar device to frill, or cut downward-angled incisions, at evenly spaced intervals around the stem. Cuts must penetrate through the bark and cambium into the sapwood.

c) Using a hand sprayer, all cuts shall be immediately filled with herbicide. For most projects, cuts shall be filled with a 25% solution of triclopyr ester mixed with a carrier oil (using a triclopyr ester product with a minimum 60.45% active ingredient by volume). This herbicide shall be supplied by IDNR; thus, herbicide cost shall not be included as part of the Vendor’s hourly rate bid. If other herbicides besides triclopyr are required, those additional herbicides shall be supplied by IDNR.

d) Diesel fuel and kerosene shall not be used as a carrier oil.

e) Unless otherwise specified, frill cuts shall be approximately two (2) inches long and spaced approximately three (3) inches apart.

1.2.4. BASAL BARK HERBICIDE APPLICATION:

a) This work item involves the application of herbicide to the stems/trunks of woody vegetation with an approved bark penetrating oil. Details for basal treating woody vegetation will be described during the on-site meeting with the Contract Field Coordinator.

These details will include, but are not limited to, the woody species that shall be treated, species that shall not be treated, the rate and type of herbicide and penetrating oil to be applied, method for applying herbicide, and timing of application. For most projects, a 25% solution of triclopyr ester mixed with oil (using a triclopyr ester product with a minimum 60.45% active ingredient by volume) shall be the herbicide used for basal bark application.

This herbicide shall be supplied by IDNR; thus, herbicide cost shall not be included as part of the Vendor’s hourly rate bid. If other herbicides besides triclopyr are required, those additional herbicides shall be supplied by IDNR.

b) Basal bark herbicide application shall be completed during the dormant season unless specified otherwise.

c) Diesel fuel and kerosene shall not be used as a bark penetrating oil.

d) Unless otherwise specified, basal bark herbicide application shall be conducted by applying a continuous band of herbicide around the stem from twelve (12) inches off the ground to just above ground level but shall not be applied so heavily that herbicide soaks into the soil. For multi-stemmed individuals, all stems must be treated.

e) Herbicide shall typically be applied to woody vegetation by spraying, painting, or rolling on herbicide according to directions outlined by the Contract Field Coordinator during the on-site meeting.

f) A dye shall be used in the herbicide solution to mark treated stems.

a) For this work item, a machine meeting the specifications in 1.2.5. shall cut and grind woody vegetation. These details will include, but are not limited to, which woody species shall be cut, woody species that shall not be cut, the maximum resulting stump height allowed, and the type of herbicide that shall be applied to cut stems. The maximum resulting stump height shall typically range between cutting at ground level and stumps no taller than six (6) inches.

b) The forestry mowing machine must be a skid steer, compact track loader or hydraulic machine with rubber tires or rubber tracks and a weight of 6 PSI or less. The machine must have a hydraulic-driven mulching head designed for high flow operation and capable of grinding 10-inch DBH woody vegetation. All processed material must be discharged from the front of the machine.

c) Unless otherwise stated, shredded or mulched material must be scattered evenly over the work site and shall not be piled. All woody material shall be processed to a consistent fine chip size. No unprocessed material shall remain.

d) The hourly rate for grinding/forestry mowing must include two (2) individuals, which includes one person operating the grinder and one person treating stumps immediately after cutting.

e) The ground must be frozen or dry when using the forestry mowing machine unless otherwise stated by the Field Coordinator. Soil disturbance must be kept to a minimum and bulldozing or pushing of stems is unacceptable.

f) An 85% mortality rate shall be required unless otherwise specified. If the mortality rate is not met, the Vendor shall retreat missed stems at their expense.

1. . General Work Details

1. .1. The Vendor shall be able to provide the specified equipment and manpower to successfully complete all phases of the job(s) in the time frame indicated herein.

1. .2. Vendor shall demonstrate the ability to complete the project within specified work dates under conditions that minimize harmful impacts to the site. It shall be the responsibility of the Vendor to be aware of and adhere to all state and OSHA regulations.

1.3.

1. .3. Final completion of tasks/job shall be approved by the Job Coordinator prior to payment for that segment of the contract.

1. .4. Vendor shall contact the Job Coordinator and/or Field Coordinator prior to initiating work if potential action will differ from that established in the work timeline.

1. .5. The Job Administrators reserve the right to restrict Vendor access to the job site with 24-hour notice.

1. .6. Vendor shall limit vehicular access to paved roads or grass trails or to routes approved by the Job Administrators.

1. .7. All equipment and work clothing, including boots, shall be clean and free of any seeds prior to entering or leaving work area to prevent the spreading of invasive species.

1. .8. Keyed access may be required to reach project areas. Keys shall be provided to the Vendor for the duration of the project. They shall be returned to the Field Coordinator prior to any payment being made.

1. .9. All questions or communications related to this Project from the public or news media shall be forwarded immediately to the Job Coordinator.

1. .10. Equipment allowed within the work zone shall be limited to equipment necessary for Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) activities, including chainsaws, forestry mower, brush cutters, hand tools, and utility vehicles, as approved by the Job Administrator. Monitoring equipment (e.g., tape measures, quadrats, flagging, and rope) may also be used, and any other equipment approved by a Job Administrator.

1. .11. Any project details not included in these specifications must be agreed upon by the Job Administrators and the Vendor prior to commencing work.

1. . INSURANCE:

1. .1. Vendor shall, at all times during the term of this contract and any renewals or extensions, maintain and provide a Certificate of Insurance naming the State as additionally insured for all required bonds and insurance. Certificates may not be modified or canceled until at least thirty

(30) days notice has been provided to the State. Vendor shall provide: (a) General Commercial Liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence (Combined Single Limit Bodily Injury and Property Damage) and $2,000,000 Annual Aggregate; (b) Auto Liability, including Hired Auto and Non-owned Auto (Combined Single Limit Bodily Injury and Property Damage), in amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence; and (c) Worker’s Compensation Insurance in the amount required by law. Insurance shall not limit Vendor’s obligation to indemnify, defend, or settle any claims.

1. . Modifications to Scope of Work: Change orders must be determined by the Job Coordinator to be germane to the original contract and that the price is fair and reasonable. When changes in or modifications to the work become necessary, the Vendor shall submit an itemized cost for the work and shall include appropriate documentation to support the cost for the labor, material, and equipment. A fully executed contract change order, signed by both parties, must be in place for any contract changes to be effective.

1. . MILESTONES AND DELIVERABLES:

1. .1. Vendor shall notify the Job Coordinator or Field Coordinator via email 24 hours before a planned outing and with updates on outings within one week of completion.

1. .2. Invoices may be submitted no more frequently than monthly. Vendor shall provide an itemized bill detailing the dates and location of service (i.e. restoration unit number), number of hours worked, and a general description of activities.

1. .3. Vendor shall schedule an on-site meeting with the Job Coordinator and Field Coordinator at least 3 days in advance of the last planned day of work to evaluate the project and ensure compliance with the contract.

1. .4. All work must be completed and deliverables received by December 31, 2027.

1. . VENDOR / STAFF SPECIFICATIONS:

1. .1. Vendor shall provide the required equipment and manpower to successfully complete the project in the time frame specified under conditions that minimize harmful impacts to the site.

1. .2. Vendor must be knowledgeable of native flora in Illinois and be able to identify local native plants, including rare species (i.e., threatened and endangered species). Vendor shall be able to identify such species in growing season.

1. .

TRANSPORTATION AND DELIVERY: Not applicable.

SUBCONTRACTING:

1.Subcontractors are allowed provided the subcontractors meet all the qualifications of the Vendor in section 1.4. For purposes of this section, subcontractors are those specifically hired to perform all, or part of the work covered by the contract. If subcontractors shall be utilized, Vendor must identify the names and addresses of all subcontractors it shall be entering into a contractual agreement in the performance of this Contract, together with a description of the work to be performed by the subcontractors and the anticipated amount of money to the extent the information is known that each subcontractor is expected to receive pursuant to the Contract.

Attach additional sheets as necessary. Documentation of experience required in section 1.4 must be provided for all subcontractors. All information regarding subcontractors must be provided at the time of bidding.

1. .2.If unanticipated subcontracting is needed during completion of the contract, Vendor must submit to the Job Coordinator the names and addresses of all subcontractors, a description of work to be performed and anticipated amount of money, and documentation of experience required in section 1.4. Vendor must receive written approval for this subcontracting from the Job Coordinator.

1.1 . WHERE SERVICES ARE TO BE PERFORMED:

1.1 .1. Unless otherwise disclosed in this section all services shall be performed in the United States. If the Vendor performs the services purchased hereunder in another country in violation of this provision, such action may be deemed by the State as a breach of the contract by Vendor.

Vendor shall disclose the locations where the services required shall be performed and the known or anticipated value of the services to be performed at each location. If the Vendor received additional consideration in the evaluation based on work being performed in the United States, it shall be a breach of contract if the Vendor shifts any such work outside the United States.

Location where services will be performed: Embarras River Bottom State Natural Area in Lawrence County, Illinois.

Value of services performed at this location: 100%

2. PRICING

2.1 TYPE OF PRICING: The Illinois Office of the Comptroller requires the State to indicate whether the contract value is firm or estimated at the time it is submitted for obligation. The total value of this contract is firm.

2.2 EXPENSES:

2.2.1 The Vendor shall be responsible for any expenses which may incur as a result of conducting the activities described in the Job Specifications, including repair, maintenance, or extraction of vendor equipment.

2.2.2 Payment for this contract shall only include the Vendor’s time working at the job site and shall not include time spent traveling to or from the job site.

2.3 VENDOR’S PRICING:

2.3.1 Pricing shall be submitted on a per hour basis.

3. TERM OF CONTRACT:

3.1 TERM OF THIS CONTRACT: This contract shall commence upon the last dated signature of the Parties and shall terminate December 31, 2027.

3.1.1 In no event will the total term of the contract, including the initial term, any renewal terms and any extensions, exceed 10 years.

3.1.2 Vendor shall not commence billable work in furtherance of the contract prior to final execution of the contract except when permitted pursuant to 30 ILCS 500/20-80.

Unit Activity Hourly Rate Anticipated hours R6-1 Tree thinning/Crop tree release 40 R6-2 Tree thinning/Crop tree release 40 R11-1 Tree thinning/Crop tree release 32 R11-2 Tree thinning/Crop tree release 32 R11-4 Tree thinning/Crop tree release 32 R14-2 Tree thinning/Crop tree release 40 Total 216

Embarras River Bottoms State Natural Area restoration activities to be conducted by a undetermined contractor

Note - R6-1 and R6-2 are approxi tely 2.5 miles from the parking / unloading zone for equipment. Anticipated hours takes this into consideration

JOB ADMINISTRATION

Job Coordinator:

Name: Beth Whetsell Address: 1 Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702 Phone number: (217) 557-7816 Email: beth.whetsell@illinois.gov

Field Coordinator:

Name: Marissa Jones Address: 1 Natural Resources Way Springfield, IL 62702 Phone number: (217) 306-9026 Email: marissa.jones@illinois.gov

Contract Field Coordinator:

Name: Bob Edgin Phone number: (618) 554-7396 Email: btedgin@gmail.com

ATTACHMENT: Established Stations (i.e., Photo Stations and Vegetation Transects).