Draft SOW.pdf

Statement of Work

USDA Forest Service, George Washington - Jefferson NF Lee Ranger District

Dupont Settlement– South Fork of the Shenandoah River Watershed Conservation Project

Restoration of Bottomland Hardwood and Pollinator Habitat Enhancement on Former Grazing Allotments:

Whitting Tract, Moody Tract, Seakford Tract, and Cullers Tract (south to north)

Statement of Work (SOW) for the maintenance and herbicide treatments of tree tubes, gate installation, and debris removal

Page and Warren Counties, VA

Planned Performance Dates: All Tasks must be completed by September 29, 2026.

DRAFT

Item 1 – Maintenance, Repair, and replacement of tree tubes and associated hardware (see attached field maps).

Forest Service (FS) will provide tree tubes, wooden stakes, and garbage bags for old zip-ties/netting if needed.

Contractor should price out the cost of purchasing zip-ties and mesh bird netting and include it in their bid under a line-item. A purchase receipt will be needed for reimbursement, and any savings under materials (e.g., FS may have enough materials in stock, etc.) may allow for optional tasks in this contract to be accomplished.

Item 1, Task 1 – Maintenance of tree tubes, stakes, zip-ties and bird netting caps. (May need knee-high waterproof boots in the wetlands depending on time of year conditions). Estimate bid on maintaining (not necessarily replacing) a maximum of 472 tree tubes with associated parts across the whole project (about 1/4th of project plantings). Estimate checking 217 at Cullers, 100 at Seakford, 90 at Moody, and 65 at Whitting (unless there is an obvious need to concentrate efforts due to an event after this contract is written).

A) If any tree tubes are lying on the ground or leaning greater than 10 degrees, either return upright (if tree stem is not broken and tree is still alive) and secure or replace the stake/tree tube/zip-ties/bird netting cap, or remove the tree tube and all components in the event the tree is broken or dead. If removed, tubes and stakes may be re-used to replace any of the other stock that has missing or damaged tubes/stakes. All other debris must be transported off-site to a trash facility. DO NOT leave broken or removed zip-ties or netting on the ground!

B) If any tree tubes with living stock have a missing or broken zip-tie or bird netting cap, replace these components and remove the old debris to a trash facility (there are dumpsters at the Lee and North River Ranger District Offices).

C) Maintain a log of all “maintained” tree tubes by area (see attached form). If a log is maintained correctly, determinations can be made on the amount of new replacement stock that is needed, if any (see Item 1, task 2 optional task).

Item 1, Task 2- OPTIONAL TASK: Replace dead, damaged, or missing stock with native trees or pollinator plants as determined by available funding once bids are received. Stock allowance will be approximately $1,100.00 for about 32 plants as ordered by the COR.

Replace dead, damaged, or missing stock with native trees or pollinator plants purchased locally near Edinburg, VA (Strasburg {26mi} or Berryville {42mi}). Stock may be picked up either by FS personnel or by the contractor, depending on the bid and funding.

Flowers and Shrubs would range in size from 1 gallon-3 gallon containers.

1. Dig hole twice as wide as container and just as deep as container(do not drill deeper than

1.5 ft).

2. Gently place one hand around the base of the plant, on top of the potted soil. With your other hand, tip over the pot so that the plant and soil slide out together. You’ll likely need to tap the pot to loosen the soil from the edges.

3. If the plant has been in the pot for a long time, the roots will start to wrap around and match the shape of the container. You now want those roots to grow outward into the surrounding soil. So, gently loosen the roots by massaging the soil.

4. carefully fill in loose dirt around the roots until the hole is filled, and pat the soil down to eliminate gaps. You don’t want to pack the soil too tightly, but it needs to be solid enough to support the plant and hold the roots in place.

5. thoroughly water

6. Gather containers and all other trash and remove from the site to a dumpster

7. Return in 6-8 days after planting or, if there is rain anytime up to 7 days after planting, return

6-8 days after the last rain date to re-water generously

Trees would range from 2 gallon-5 gallon containers (if container height is 1ft or less).

1. Dig/Drill a hole (no deeper than 1.5’) about three to four times as wide as the container or as far as the roots spread out.

2. Center your tree in the hole and adjust the depth so the root collar (where the uppermost roots grow out of the trunk) sits even with the ground.

3. Fill and firmly pack the hole until the soil is at ground level. Form a circular ridge out of soil about 3 feet from the base of the tree to keep water from running away.

4. Remove grass within 3 feet around the tree

5. Water Generously

6. Gather containers and all other trash and remove from the site to a dumpster

7. Return in 6-8 days after planting or, if there is rain anytime up to 7 days after planting, return

6-8 days after the last rain date to re-water generously

Item 1, Task 3– pesticide use applicator license required to treat vegetation in a three ft. (3ft.) circle around each tree tube. The main goal of Task 3 is to eliminate competition within the planting area without impacting the planted tree. One thousand seven hundred twenty-two (1,722) trees were planted with tree tubes. Treating a 3 ft.

circle around each tube would be covering approximately 1.125 acres (a.k.a.,1&1/8 acres). Varying conditions across the project areas may require different herbicide mixes (i.e., woody competition vs. herbaceous competition).

Herbicide and surfactant will be provided by the Forest Service when the contractor determines what is needed and gets approval from the COR, but the contractor will provide the spraying equipment and will mix the tanks according to label rates as follows:

A) The application of herbicides on Forest Service lands is restricted to the following:

a. Methods: All herbicides will be used according to manufacturer’s label direction for rates, concentrations, exposure times, and application methods.

b. Applications will be done under the supervision of a certified applicator.

c. Herbicides will be directly applied to the area using directed foliar or basal techniques (e.g., backpack sprayer). No herbicides would be widely broadcasted or applied aerially.

d. Mixing and cleaning water must come from a public water supply and be transported in separate labeled containers.

B) Specific herbicides that could be used in the project area are listed below. Aquatic versions must be used in wetland areas or near water as described on product labels.

a. Glyphosate is a non-selective, broad-spectrum herbicide that can be used to control many grasses, forbs, vines, shrubs, and tree species. Specific formulations of Glyphosate have been labeled for aquatic application. Commercial brand-names include, but are not limited to Accord™, Roundup™, and Rodeo™. Typical application rate for Forest Service programs is 2.0 lb a.e./acre with a range of 0.5 to 7.0 lb a.e./acre.

b. Imazapic is a selective, pre- and post-emergent herbicide used to control annual and perennial grasses and some broadleaf weeds. It is often in and around populations of native, warm season grasses. Warm season grasses, many wildflower species, and legumes are resistant, while many cool season grasses (including non-native species of Fescue) and broadleaf weeds are susceptible.

Commercial brand-names include, but are not limited to Plateau™. Typical application rate for Forest Service programs is 0.1 lb a.e./acre with a range of 0.03125 to 0.1875 lb a.e./acre.

c. Imazapyr is a selective herbicide that is used primarily in the control of hardwood trees and some species of grasses. It has been proven effective in the control of tree of heaven, princess tree, mimosa, autumn olive, privet, and multiflora rose. Used in combination with Triclopyr or Glyphosate can increase target specificity. Commercial brand-names include, but are not limited to, Arsenal™ and Chopper™. Typical application rate for Forest Service programs is 0.45 lb a.e./acre with a range of 0.125 to 1.25 lb a.e./acre.

d. Metsulfuron methyl is a systemic herbicide that is selective to woody species, broadleaf weed species, and many annual grasses. It has been proven to be effective in the control of lespedeza, Japanese honeysuckle, kudzu, and multiflora rose. Commercial brand-names include, but are not limited to, Escort™. Typical application rate for Forest Service programs is 0.03 lb a.e./acre with a range of 0.0125 to 0.15 lb a.e./acre.

e. Triclopyr is a selective herbicide that controls many species of herbaceous and woody broadleaf weeds but has little to no effect on grasses. Specific formulations of Triclopyr have been labeled for aquatic application. Commercial brand-names include, but are not limited to Garlon 3A™, Garlon 4™. Typical application rate for Forest Service programs is 1.0 lb a.e./acre with a range of 0.05 to 10.0 lb a.e./acre

C) Technical Requirements: HERBICIDE STANDARDS COMMON TO ALL METHODS OF APPLICATION

a) The specific herbicide that will be used must adhere to the approved herbicide list determined by the Forest Service through the Environmental Analysis process.

b) The contractor shall apply herbicides in accordance with the label directions. Aquatic formulas must be used in wetland and adjacent areas, near streams, or drainage features.

c) Any Basal bark herbicide formulations applied within the contract area will include a compatible dye.

d) No herbicide is broadcast within 50 feet of private land or within 300 feet of a private residence except as directed by the COR.

e) Application equipment, empty herbicide containers, clothes worn during treatment, and skin are not cleaned in open water or wells. Mixing and cleaning water must come from a public water supply and be transported in separate labeled containers.

f) Herbicide mixing, loading, or cleaning areas in the field are not located in sensitive areas, or within 200 feet of private land, open water or wells and are located at least 50 feet from ephemeral streams/ 100 ft. from perennial streams.

g) No herbicide is applied within 100 horizontal feet of any public or domestic water source. No herbicide ground-applied within 30 horizontal feet of lakes, wetlands, perennial or intermittent springs and streams. Selective treatments (which require use of aquatic-labeled pesticides) may occur within these buffers only to prevent significant environmental damage such as non-native invasive plant infestations or bank erosion projects.

h) Read the safety information on the label. Wear the proper protective clothing. Keep first aid equipment and a supply of clean water readily available, including soap and eye wash equipment meeting OSHA regulations.

i) Do not work alone.

j) Stand upwind from the spray projects to avoid contaminating yourself

k) Haul only the needed amount of herbicide

l) Transportation of Herbicides – Contractor is legally responsible for the safe transportation of herbicides. Transportation of chemicals used on this contract shall be in accordance with label instructions and generally approved and accepted procedures for safe transportation of herbicides. The following precautions as a minimum shall be taken by the Contractor to prevent spills, accidents, injury, or theft.

1. Transport herbicides in the cargo compartment of a truck or other vehicle away from the passenger compartment.

2. No personnel shall be permitted to ride in the back of a vehicle with the herbicide.

3. Herbicide shall not be transported in the same compartment with food or clothing.

4. If any herbicide is spilled in or from the vehicle, it shall be cleaned up at once.

5. Maintain herbicides in secure conditions. The contractor shall provide transportation for all equipment, herbicide, personnel, fuel, water, and supplies to the site and shall be responsible for providing the appropriate security of equipment and property on site.

m) Herbicide Spills: Contractor shall be responsible for all costs for damages, clean up and decontamination should an herbicide spill occur. If a spill occurs, every effort shall be made to keep it from contaminating water and other off-site areas. The spill shall be cleaned up as quickly as possible.

1. Herbicide spills shall be handled in accordance with the standard procedures for spill clean-up (40 CFR 117: DETERMINATION OF REPORTABLE QUANTITIES FOR HAZARDOUS

SUBSTANCES).

2. Herbicide wasted through spills greater than 5 gallons of diluted product, or 1 quart of undiluted product must be reported to the COR and the appropriate state and federal agencies immediately. This report shall contain description, cause, and future actions contemplated to avoid future occurrences.

3. Disposal of Herbicide Containers. All empty containers will be rinsed 3 times, and rinse solution can be applied to the treatment site. Empty containers will be punctured and disposed of properly (according to label directions) by the Contractor. No empty containers will be left at the worksite.

4. Certification – The contractor shall have a representative who holds a current pesticide use applicator license in the State of Virginia to supervise the project.

5. Records - The Contractor shall maintain a herbicide log which includes brand name, volume and concentration of herbicides used, name of licensed applicator on site, location where herbicide was used, adjuvant name and concentration, amount and kind of diluent used (usu. Water), and dates of application for each unit (see attached form).

6. The Contractor will also record basic weather information each day by unit, including temperature range, and any precipitation that occurred during or just prior to applications.

The contractor will submit the records with this information to the COR on a regular basis.

Multiple treatments using herbicide must adhere to the frequency and load restrictions on the label. Be sure to allow enough time between herbicide application and planting so the loss of plant stock does not occur.

Item 1, Task 4 – Approximately 166 trees were planted in the Cullers tract next to the Shenandoah River without tubes. Task 4 requires a herbicide treatment of vegetation in a three ft. (3ft.) circle around each tree WITHOUT tree tubes (the one row beside the S. Fork Shenandoah River on the Cullers Tract), plus an application of deer repellant spray (e.g. Plantskydd) to the tree. These trees will need to be actively shielded with a physical barrier while applying an aquatic labeled herbicide. All other aspects will be the same as Task 3. This task will cover approximately 1/8 acre.

Item 2 – Installation of gates and posts

The goal of this item is to block vehicular access in order to protect investments and resources.

Item 2, Task 1- Install two (2) Forest Service pole gates (see map below Item 2, task 2 for locations)

The Forest Service will provide materials ( concrete, metal gate posts, bar, pins, signs, and lock), but the contractor will transport the materials to the site from the District Office and provide tools needed (e.g., tape measurer, container for mixing concrete, etc.) to place and assemble the gate (example photo below).

Example of a Forest Service pole gate 1

Contractor will be digging two holes per gate for the installation of metal posts which will be set in concrete. The metal posts must be set at the correct distance for the post holes, and corresponding pin holes in the bar, to be in alignment. If gate signs are provided, the signs should be installed as to be visible to approaching traffic (e.g., not pointed toward the ground). Tools may be needed to clear some brush and vegetation prior to setting the gates such as chainsaw/weed-eater/shovel/Pulaski/hedge clippers or their equivalents.

Item 2, Task 2- Optional Additional Items: Install one(1) Farm Gate (at least 16’, no more than 20’), Fix two (2) existing Farm Gates, and install 10 posts (see map below) to exclude vehicle access

The Forest Service MAY provide materials ( wooden posts, farm gates with gate hardware, concrete), but the contractor will transport the materials to the site from the purchase location or the District Office (approx. 10 miles difference) and supply the needed tools to assemble (e.g., wrench, post-hole drill, hammer, etc.). Bid should reflect price with purchase of materials and without.

For areas where gates are no longer needed, wooden posts to fill the space will be placed in line with the existing fence line or hedgerow, etc., in order to prevent vehicle access but allow pedestrian access.

Item 2 Map 1

Item 3 – Optional tasks:

Item 3, Optional Task 1-Remove trash farm debris to a waste or recycling facility (include waste management site fee in your bid – e.g., fees for tires etc.) All Trash removal is from the Whitting Tract (see map below). Page County’s Landfill is at the following address, and their fees are listed on the website:

Battle Creek Landfill https://pagecounty.virginia.gov/192/Battle-Creek-Landfill

219 Landfill Drive Luray, VA 22835

The goal of this item is to remove obvious trash and remnants of farming equipment (i.e., tv, tires, old gates/posts, old couch, creep feeder, barbed wire, metal etc.) See photos below:

x 2

Tractor tire x 2

Passenger vehicle tires x 6

Standard Bull gates : max of 3, avg 14 or 16’ length

Item 3, Optional Task 2: Remove two (2) 3465 MiraFount cattle waterers and cut/cap off any pipe at concrete level.

Both are located in the Whitting Tract. Remove all parts/pieces to trash facility or recycle.

SITE VISIT

There is no scheduled site visit at this time. Offerors are urged to inspect the contract areas to view current conditions. Special arrangements may be made to view and discuss conditions by contacting the Lee Ranger District Office at 540/984-4101.

DESCRIPTION & LOCATION

The contract area is within the boundaries of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Lee Ranger District in Page Co., VA, and Warren Co., VA. Refer to Vicinity Map (cover page) and Contract Area Maps (below).

Contract Areas – Directions. These areas are generally west of Edinburg and north of Luray in the general area of Rileyville, VA. These areas are off Page Valley Rd and S. Page Valley Rd which are parallel to US 340 but on the opposite side of the river.

Whitting Tract – From Luray, take Bixler’s Ferry Rd/VA-675 north. In a couple of miles, you will cross the South Fork of the Shenandoah River bridge and bear right on S Page Valley Rd/VA-684. When you pass Shenandoah River Outfitters, travel a little over ½ mile and turn right on FS 1686 and bear right at the fork. From Edinburg, turn east on Edinburg Gap Rd/ VA 675 from Rt. 11. At Kings Crossing, turn right on Fort Valley RD/VA678. Bear right on Camp Roosevelt Rd/VA-675. Turn left to stay on VA-675 Fort Valley Rd. At the stop sign/ “T” intersection, turn left on VA-675 N Egypt Bend Rd. Continue straight onto S Page Valley Rd/ VA-684 until ½ mile past Shenandoah River Outfitters. Turn right on FS1686 and bear right at the fork.

Moody Tract- Follow the same directions above to Shenandoah River Outfitters on S Page Valley Rd/VA-684. From the Outfitters, travel another 2 miles and bear right on Riverwater Dr (still VA-684). Follow the road another mile down to the boat launch circle. You will need a key to go through the gate and out the narrow, river rock trail to the opening.

Seakford Tract- Follow the same directions above, but bear left up the hill on Page Valley Rd/ VA-717 instead of turning right on Riverwater Dr. From that point, travel another 2.2 miles on Page Valley Rd. The fields and the road to the boat landing are on your right. The back field can be accessed through a forest gate another 0.2 miles up the road in the curve.

Cullers Tract- You cannot get to this tract from the above direction (west side of the river). This tract can be accessed from US-340 either from Luray to the south or Front Royal to the North. At Bentonville, turn northwest on Indian Hollow Rd and cross the bridge over the river. The field is immediately on your left (parking area for the boat launch is on the right). Turn left on Hazard Mill Rd and follow the road almost a mile to the old red barn and silo to park and access the lower end of the field.

Forms Attached:

Bentonville Boat Launch DRAFT

Project. ___________ _ Unit. ______ _ Herbicide Log

Initial Final Amt. of herbicide Daily

Date Work Started - Date Completed MIXED by date App lication Date(s) Time Start Time Stop Certified Applicator's Name(s)

Method (foliar, hack & squirt, basal Equipment Used Application Area Product/ Active Ingredient Diluent Type & Amt.Used (usu.

bark, injection, etc) (backpack, etc) (glyphosate, etc) water)

Volume Applied (mixed with diluent) units of measure (gal., oz., acre, mi.,etc.) %Solution Species Treated Adjuvant Name % Solution

Office Use

Date/Time of any precip before, during Amt. of Precip (if Temp lows Temp Highs EPA# FACTS ID# or TESP-1S name or after applications known or describe) C/F C/F

Page __

(v) Schedule of Items/Price Schedule Project Description: Dupont Settlement Maintenance & Treatments on GW-Jefferson National Forest

Vendor Name: __________________________________Vendor UEI:___________________

Bid Sheet Breakout Guide

Materials

Overhead/misc.

Other

Total

Task 2-

Stock purchase

Equipment

Misc. other

Total

Herbicide Provided___________________________________

Labor __________________________________________

Equipment

Overhead/misc.

Misc. other

Materials/other

Total

Task 4 – Herbicide around tree stock without tubes and spray with deer repellant

Equipment

Overhead/misc.

Misc. other

Materials (plantskydd)/other

Item 2

Task 1- Pole Gates

Pick-up and Haul Gate Parts __________________________________

Materials/Tools (gate parts provided)

Other

Task 2 – Optional Farm gate installation/fix & post installation- (16’ or 20’ gate, 10 wood posts)

Materials

Tools/equipment/misc.

rate

Overhead/other

Provided__________________________________

Item 3

Haul Fee ________________________________________

Equipment & Loading Fee _______________________________________

Landfill/Recycle Fee _________________________________________

Labor _________________________________________

Overhead/misc. _________________________________________

Other

Total

Task 2-

Labor/Equipment

Total