Draft_W_OR_Silviculture_IDIQ_SOW_1.docx

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF WORK

1.0 GENERAL

1.1 Introduction

1.1.1 Western Oregon Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Districts are contracting for silvicultural services to accomplish multiple forest management treatments on a wide variety of stand conditions varying in both complexity and quantities. Manual and mechanical methods of accomplishing multiple treatments will be required. The indefinite quantities feature of this contract provides for the ability to order specific treatments on additional units at a predetermined price from the Schedule of Items. Additional acres may be added up to the maximum not-to-exceed dollar amount as specified in the contract, with the Contractor being issued Task Orders to furnish the required services.

1.1.2 Silvicultural treatments will include: tree and shrub planting, tubing and netting installation, maintenance and removal, animal control (trapping), mulching, scalping/grubbing, shading, brushing, precommercial thinning, and pruning in project areas in compliance with the terms and specifications contained herein.

1.2 Background – The BLM project areas are natural and managed conifer/hardwood stands of all ages, sizes, and species. One or more specific tasks (subitems) will be prescribed for each individual unit to accomplish specific management objectives.

1.3 Location of Project Areas – All project areas are located within BLM’s western Oregon Districts, including Coos Bay, Lakeview, Medford, Northwest Oregon and Roseburg districts, as displayed in Attachment No. 2, Vicinity Map, Western Oregon BLM Districts. The Vicinity Map shows the general locations of the project areas. Individual Project Area Maps showing specific project locations will be provided at the pre-work meeting (See Attachment No. 3, Example Project Area Map).

1.4 Environmental Conditions – Weather conditions may include snow which may lead to road closures due to snow. Additional Period of Performance time may be considered to cover these closures. A Contractor may start in one area and be moved to another area should a closure occur. The performance time is wide enough to cover these circumstances

1.5 Boundaries of Project Units – Project unit boundaries are indicated on Project Area Maps and are defined by roads, fire-lines, forest type changes, ridges, stream channels, other topographic changes, paint, timber sale posters, flagging, paper or plastic tags/posters as shown on project area maps. Upon agreement with COR and Contractor, virtual boundaries may be used, if appropriate.

1.6 No Treatment Zones may be identified in the Task Order.

1.7 Access to Project Areas

1.7.1 Access by paved, graveled and natural surface roads passable with a 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive vehicles. Foot travel up to ½-mile may be required as designated on individual project unit maps. If foot travel is more than ½-mile to the project unit boundary, additional compensation shall be paid as described in Section 1.7.2 “Standard Access”. Access to units will be provided through federal lands and roads with existing ROWs. If the contractor wishes to access units through other land ownerships, they must secure those rights with those landowners.

1.7.2 Standard Access – Access is defined as (1) passable with a 2-wheel drive vehicle although a 4-wheel drive may sometimes be required or (2) foot travel to the closest project area boundary is up to ½-mile. The cost of standard access is to be included in the unit price offered. For walk-ins exceeding ½-mile, an additional compensation of 10% per mile will be applied to the cost per acre for the unit(s) requiring foot travel.

1.7.3 If an all-terrain vehicle is used, it shall be of such design that it will travel over rough, uneven terrain and not create wheel ruts and channels. The all-terrain vehicle must be approved by the Government. Any ATV(s) used will be cleaned of mud, dirt, seeds, sawdust, excess oil and grease, etc. that could contain noxious or invasive weed seed prior to entry onto BLM lands. Cleaning includes pressure washing the ATV undercarriage, tires, wheel wells, grille and inside bumpers to remove materials that could contain weed seed.

1.7.4 Use of 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive vehicles on natural surface roads is permitted only with the Government’s approval. Vehicles used on dirt roads will be cleaned of mud, dirt, seeds, excess oil and grease, etc. that could contain noxious or invasive weed seed prior to entry onto BLM lands. Cleaning includes pressure washing vehicles undercarriage, tires, wheel wells, grille and inside bumpers to remove materials that could contain weed seed.

1.7.5 Locked gates: Gates restricting access will be noted on the unit maps. Access behind locked gates shall be for the purpose of conducting work under this contract only. Gates with locks shall be secured immediately after entry or exit by the Contractor for each project unit. Gate keys may be issued to the Contractor by the BLM. See Attachment 4 for example form. Gate keys shall be returned to the COR within 5 days of completing unit(s) of work. A pre-deposit may be required prior to the start of work, or a deposit may be assessed for each gate key lost or returned in an unusable condition. The amount of the deposit shall be described in the individual Task Order.

1.8 Security of Materials: The Contractor may leave his equipment and Government-furnished material at the work site. However, the Contractor is responsible for materials left at the site should they be lost, stolen, or damaged.

1.9 Camping: Camping on Government administered lands will only be allowed in approved sites and with the prior written authorization of the Government. Requests for camping authorization shall be made in writing. Special terms and conditions may be required.

1.10 Garbage: Any refuse, debris or garbage left by the Contractor shall be cleaned up as each unit is completed. All such debris, garbage and refuse shall be removed from the project areas by the Contractor and disposed of legally off site before final payment is made. No illegal dumping of any material on either BLM or private property is acceptable.

1.11 Operating Permit - State law requires a permit to operate power driven machinery. Permits must be obtained from the Oregon Department of Forestry prior to the operation of power-driven machinery. This requirement applies to chainsaws and mechanized brush cutters.

d. These areas will be identified in the Task Order.

2.0 DEFINITIONS

Acceptable Crop/ Leave Tree - Also called Acceptable Leave Tree. Criteria will be defined in the Task Order.

Accessible - Road access to a unit. Unit will be considered accessible when Government-provided road access is within 1/2 mile of the unit boundary.

Active Use - The condition of runways and tunnels which suggests recent gopher or mountain beaver use. Evidence of active use may include bare soil, recent digging, freshly clipped vegetation, and lack of cobwebs, vegetation, and debris in the tunnels/runways.

Bamboo Stake - Round bamboo stake 48 inches or 36 inches in length used to support tree seedling protection tubes.

Bare-root Seedlings - Tree seedlings grown from one (1) to three (3) years in nursery beds. Most soil is removed from the roots before the seedlings are packed for shipment.

Bearing Tree - A tree that is used as a reference monument to locate a property corner.

Branch Collar - Basal enlargement of the branch at its point of attachment to the tree bole (see Illustration 12).

Branch Stub - The portion of a pruned branch extending beyond the branch collar (see Illustration 12).

Brush - vegetation consisting of species with a single or multi-stem originating at, or near ground level, not normally reaching twenty (20) feet in height. Examples include but are not limited to: blackberry, salal, hazel, manzanita, ocean spray, poison oak, and Ceanothus species.

Canker - A diseased infection site caused by white pine blister rust on natural and planted sugar pine seedlings and trees. The site is identified by a large bulls-eye or swollen spindle shaped wound on the tree’s bole or branch of the tree. The infection is sometimes evident on the branches by bright orange needles on an otherwise healthy seedling or tree.

Clean - To remove trapped animals and reset traps.

Clump - Single tree and/or shrub with multiple stems originating from one bole or root collar.

CO – Contracting Officer.

Compacted Slash - Slash which is densely packed and intertwined in such a way that a planting tool cannot penetrate it to open a suitable planting hole.

Competitive Brush, Trees, or Vegetation - Trees, brush, or vegetation required to be cut.

Conifer - An evergreen cone-bearing tree with needle-type foliage, such as Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, Sitka spruce, true firs, western hemlock, western redcedar, or western white pine.

Containerized Seedlings - Tree seedlings grown in plastic or Styrofoam containers in nursery greenhouses. The rooting medium (soil) is planted with the trees.

COR - Contracting Officers Representative.

Crew Supervisor - A person who provides direction and supervision to crew members. He/she is responsible for work accomplishment and performance in accordance with the requirements of the contract. Refer to section 3.2.

Cull Tree - A conifer that has damaged stems, broken, dead or forked tops, or shows signs of disease, low vigor or other undesirable characteristics. Examples will be identified by the COR.

Culling - The discarding of individual tree seedlings from the seedling lot being planted.

Cultural, Special Status, Survey & Manage and/or Threatened and Endangered (T&E) Sites - Locations where special protection or measures are required to preserve and protect cultural values or species of plants or animals in designated categories.

Cut Leave Tree - A tree noted during inspection as a tree that should not have been cut.

Cut Slope - The excavated portion of the road prism that is adjacent to and uphill from the roadbed.

Damaged Tree - A leave tree or reserve tree that has been injured as a result of the Contractor’s activities. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following: completely severed tree boles, broken tops or stems, trees buried by slash created by the Contractor’s operations, trees with torn or scraped bark, partial or complete cutting of the branch collar, or having more than the specified amount of the live crown (branch-bearing portion of the tree) removed.

DBH - Diameter of the tree at breast height, measured at a point four and one half (4.5) feet above ground level from the uphill side of the tree.

Deficient - Individual treatment of a specific task that does not meet specification standards.

Earth Plug (dollar-size plug) - A plug of loose dirt plugging an exit created by the pocket gopher when emerging on the surface of the ground to feed or gather food or nesting material. It is usually the size of a silver dollar (≈ 1.5 inches).

Epicormic Growth - Small branches that originate from dormant buds along the tree bole (see Illustration 12).

Existing Trees - Naturally regenerated, previously planted, or newly planted seedlings of suitable size, species and vigor. Suitable species, minimum heights, and vigor attributes will be defined in the Task Order.

Fall, Felled or Cut - Sawing or chopping completely through stems so that stumps are no more than six (6) inches tall, with no live limbs remaining on the stumps of cut trees.

Fill Slope - The fill portion of the road prism adjacent to and downhill from the roadbed.

Germinant - All vegetation, except conifer regeneration, that has sprouted from seed on the site.

Girdling - A four to six inch (4”-6”) wide horizontal band that completely removes the bark, cambium, and xylem around the entire circumference of the trunk of conifers or hardwoods.

Alternatively, making two (2) parallel cuts completely around the bole 4 to 6 inches between cuts. Cuts must penetrate at least one-quarter inch (1/4”) but no more than three-quarters inches (3/4”) into the wood, such that the cambium is severed. Cuts will be made below the lowest live limb.

The preferred method of girdling will be identified on each task order.

Good Working Condition - Traps having all parts intact, jaws capable of moving freely, and a two-pronged trigger system.

Grub - Refers to the removal by uprooting of germinant and woody vegetation, or by severing the underground stems at least 1.5 inches below the undisturbed soil surface (see Illustration 9).

Hardwood - A broad-leaved tree which usually has a single well-defined trunk and is capable of attaining a height greater than 20 feet. Certain sprouting hardwood species may be in the form of multi-stemmed clumps. Both mature trees and young regeneration currently less than 20 feet in height are considered hardwoods. Sprouting hardwood species may be in the form of multi-stemmed clumps. Species include, but are not limited to, bigleaf maple, red alder, canyon live oak, cherry, chinquapin, madrone, tanoak, and oak species. Does not include cascara.

Landscape Staple - A wire staple, 6" × 1" × 6" of 12-gauge minimum diameter.

Lateral Side Branch Runway/Feeder Run - Entrance to a main runway that is perpendicular to it, and used as a mountain beaver or gopher feeding exit.

Leave Group - Multiple trees and/or shrubs selected according to the Item and/or Task Order specifications not to be slashed or cut within a designated area. A reserved leave group would be defined by written instructions in Task Order.

Leave Stem - The largest, most vigorous stem of a multi-stemmed hardwood clump. A reserved leave stem would be defined by written instructions in Task Order.

Leave Trees - Conifer trees and hardwood trees as described in the Task Order that are not to be cut, girdled, or damaged. Specific size, species, and condition will be defined in the Task Order.

Lodged Trees or Brush - Cut vegetation, brush or surplus trees that are supported by or are covering a leave tree or reserve tree that causes it to bend or lean.

Main Runway - A central runway more prominent than the others which contains many lateral side branch runways.

Micro-site - A planting spot close to an object providing shade for the planted seedling during mid-day and late afternoon. Examples of micro-sites include the north and east sides of stumps, down logs, shrubs, hardwoods, rocks, or in slash and other debris where mineral soil can be reached. (See Illustration 3)

Mountain Beaver Tunnel System/Gopher Burrow System - A combination of main runways and lateral side branch runways which are all connected to each other (see “Main Runway” definition).

Nest - An enlargement in the burrow system used for sleeping (nesting).

Netting - Flexible plastic mesh material placed over seedlings to them protect from animal browse.

No Treatment Zones – Areas excluded from treatment within a larger designated unit as described and mapped in the Task Order.

Non-target Animal - Any captured animal other than a mountain beaver and/or gopher.

Payment Adjustment Factor (PAF) – proportion of unacceptable work quality determined from inspections.

Paper Mulches – A 3’ × 3’ sheet of Kraft paper with asphalt interlining, slit crossways in the middle. Glass fiber scrim reinforcing may or may not be present.

Peat Moss Pots – Biodegradable pots made from sphagnum peat moss and wood fiber, approximately 4 inches in diameter across the top and 3.75 inches deep. (See Illustration 10)

Precommercial Thinning – Intermediate cutting aimed primarily at controlling growth of stands through adjustments in stand density.

Project Area – The area being treated as identified by the Task Order.

Pruning – Removing the branches (live and dead) and epicormic growth from the bole of a tree from ground level up to a specified height above ground level or removing a percentage of the tree crown.

Push Pile – A mound of dirt, often kidney-shaped, made by the gopher, consisting of dirt removed from a burrow resulting from nest construction or repair.

Recent Activity – All evidence or signs (plugs or push piles) on top of this year’s vegetation. Examples of recent activity will be identified prior to start work by the COR.

Reserve Trees – Trees designated by species or marking that in addition to leave trees, shall not be cut, girdled or damaged. This also includes trees marked with paint, trees posted with signs, and other trees identified as reserve trees identified in the Task Order. Bearing trees or wildlife trees are examples that may be included as Reserve trees.

Reserved Vegetation or Reserved Areas – Species of vegetation, vegetation size limits, locations, or all within a project area that are reserved from treatment. Reserve vegetation, vegetation size limits or areas can be designated by the Government with marking (paint, flagging, or sign), by written Task Order instructions, or contract specifications. The COR may designate additional reserve vegetation, vegetation size limits, or reserve areas. Reserved vegetation, vegetation size limits, and areas shall not be damaged or cut, and shall not be considered in the spacing of leave trees or shrubs.

Rigid Seedling Protection Tubes – Tough, yet flexible diamond mesh tube held upright with bamboo stakes to prevent animal browsing damage and constructed of UV-inhibited polyethylene and polypropylene material. Tubing sizes range from 18” to 36” in length. Stakes range from 30” to 48” in length. Designed to protect young seedlings from browsing for up to five years. Sometimes referred to by the specific brand name Vexar®.

Road Prism – Includes the roadbed and the cut and fill slopes.

Roadbed – Includes the running surface, shoulder, and ditch line of the road.

Root Pruning – The cutting or tearing of tree seedling roots by hand, with pruning clippers or other tools.

Running Surface – That portion of the road for movement of vehicles which may be asphalt, natural, or gravel surfaced. Running surface includes turnouts and curve widening.

Scalping – Preparation of the planting spot by removal of all movable slash, debris, gravel, humus, ash and living vegetation including surface roots down to mineral soil using hand tools to a minimum of 12” × 12” square. If larger scalped area is required, then it will be defined in the Task Order.

Seedling – a young (less than or equal to three-years old) conifer tree, or shrub.

Shoulder – A variable distance between the outside edge of the running surface and start of the fill slope or ditch line.

Silva Dip – A dry polymer powder and peat moss product to which water is added and mixed to make a tree dipping compound for enhanced survival and growth.

Skeletons – Standing dead shrubs, hardwoods, and conifers.

Slash – Any material which has been cut by the Contractor, cut during previous land management activities, or accumulated from fall down of skeleton conifers from past fire effects.

Slurry – A mixture of ground peat moss and water in which tree seedling roots are dipped prior to being placed in planting bags. Water only may be designated for root dipping. Exact requirements for slurry will be described in the Task Order.

Sudden Oak Death (SOD) – A pathogen that is killing various species of vegetation, primarily tanoak, which requires special restrictions when working in the quarantine area. This only occurs on the Coos Bay District.

Space Blanket – A reinforced plastic tarp having a facing of aluminum foil on one side used to provide tree seedlings protection from direct sunlight, frost and wind. Blanket shall be equal to International Reforestation Supplier’s “Heat Shield” seedling protection tarp.

Standard Planting – Planting seedlings in a more or less uniform pattern distributed over the project unit.

Seedling (Stock) Type - The identifying characteristics of a seedling lot including species, seed zone, elevation, whether the seedlings are containerized or bare root, and the type of bare root seedling.

Stream - A drainage that has flowing water during project work.

Stream Channel - That area influenced by high water at the time of the year with the highest flow.

Stub - The protruding end of a cut or broken branch or limb.

Stump Height - Distance from top of stump to the ground line measured on the uphill side of stump.

Surplus Trees - Live conifer or hardwood trees which are not leave trees or reserve trees, and are competing for growing space with selected leave trees. Specific size, species, and condition will be defined in the Task Order.

Task Order Specifications – the document that specifies and describes treatment details, such as type of treatment planting method, boundary designation, tree species and age, , tree condition/health, spacing, tree tubing and stake size, snow hazard, and miscellaneous information. To be discussed at pre-work meetings.

Terminal Leader - The uppermost portion of the bole of the tree (from the uppermost whorl to the top of the tree).

Treatment Zone - Cylindrical area surrounding a leave tree where cutting of surplus vegetation is required. This zone extends four (4) feet from the end of the lateral branch tips.

Tree Bole - The main central stem (trunk) of the tree.

Tree-formed Hardwood - A broad-leaved tree which usually has a single well-defined trunk and is capable of attaining a height greater than 20 feet.

Tunnel Entrance - Any opening in the ground surface leading to a mountain beaver tunnel system whether actively used or not.

Uncut Surplus Trees - Trees that have not been cut to provide the required spacing for leave trees, and/or stumps with live limbs.

Unit - Refers to discrete areas to be treated as designated on project maps.

Unpruned Tree - A tree found during inspection that should have been pruned.

Vegetation - All brush, ferns, grasses, and other herbaceous (non-woody) plants. Does not include trees.

Wasted Tree - All dropped or discarded trees found on plots will be recorded as "wasted" trees.

Whorl - A cluster of branches arranged horizontally around the tree bole.

Wildlife Trees - Standing dead or live trees left for nesting, feeding, perching and shelter for birds and mammals. Trees may be marked with paint and/or designated with a tag stating it is a wildlife tree or as identified in the Task Order.

Woody Vegetation – All brush species.

Work Quality Percentage (WQP) –. Proportion of satisfactory work quality determined from inspections.

CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED ITEMS

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, tools, and materials (unless otherwise listed under 4.0 Government-furnished property). This includes, but is not limited to, tools to perform the work, space blankets, clean water, water containers for dipping seedlings, slurry, and incidentals necessary to perform duties.

3.1 Additional equipment stipulations

3.1.1 Tree Planting: Planting tools, materials, and containers for carrying trees during planting operations shall be of a design normally used in tree planting work. Planting bags shall prevent seedling roots from drying out. Planting hoes or shovels shall be capable of opening a hole at least 4" wide and 12" deep, perpendicular to the ground surface, and broken on three (3) sides. Other tools may be needed to perform work that includes, but is not limited to, containers for carrying trees during planting, space blankets, clean water, water containers for dipping seedlings, and incidentals necessary to perform tree planting.

3.1.2 Animal Control (Trapping): Mountain beaver trapping: the Contractor shall provide all traps, tools, materials, equipment, transportation, labor, supervision, flagging, and incidentals necessary to perform mountain beaver trapping services. The traps shall be of a size and design equivalent to a Conibear 110 2 (See Illustration 8). Traps shall be in good working condition. A trap not in good working condition will be considered as an improperly set trap during inspection. For gophers: traps specifically designed to kill gophers which fit in a gopher runway. Mouse traps or other small mammal traps are not acceptable for use.

3.1.3 Peat Moss Pots: Contractor shall furnish 3.75” x 4.0” peat moss pots (Biodegradable planters pots manufactured of sphagnum moss and wood fiber)

3.1.4 Scalping,/Grubbing, Slashing, Brushing, Pre-commercial Thinning, and Pruning: The Contractor shall furnish all labor and materials necessary to perform these duties, including but not limited to chainsaws or other cutting tools, loppers, pole saws, and ladders.

3.2 Crew Requirements

3.2.1 The Contractor shall maintain an adequate work force at all times to ensure timely completion of the work. Prior to or at the prework conference, the Contractor shall provide a work schedule including the proposed work force, which must be acceptable to the Government.

3.2.2 The Contractor is responsible for the crew(s) knowing the requirements of the contract including, but not limited to, job specifications, and unit location. The Government COR will not act as a supervisor to the crews.

3.2.3 A supervisor shall be provided for each crew and is required to stay with the crew while work activities are in progress. Crews must be kept together at all times working as a unit under control of the supervisor rather than as individuals in separate areas. The supervisor shall be capable of speaking English in a manner to assure good communications with the COR and must be capable of communicating instructions to the crew.

3.2.4 Persons designated by the Contractor as supervisor must actually perform in that capacity. The supervisor must, therefore, effectively direct the crew by:

a. Making periodic inspections of the crew's work

b. Advising them on proper job specifications.

c. Providing instructions to the crew for correcting such deficiencies

3.2.5 No more than 12 working crew members are to be supervised by one supervisor and no more than two crews will be permitted to work simultaneously unless authorized by the COR. Working crew members are individuals and do not include those who are doing support functions (e.g., drivers, material- packers).

3.2.6 Crews must be kept together at all times working as a crew under control of a supervisor rather than as individuals in separate areas. Twenty-four hours prior notice must be given to the COR if there is to be a significant change in crew composition or productivity.

3.2.7 State safety regulations require that crew members shall not work alone and accessibility to emergency transportation shall be provided by the Contractor at all times.

4.0 GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

The government will provide the following items for each Task Order:

1. Vicinity map.

2. Project area maps (Georeferenced PDF Avenza Maps ®)

3. Government-issued gate keys, as needed.

4. Tree Seedlings

5. Materials: Tubes, Bamboo, Netting, Mulches, Staples, Silva Dip

Distribution and Care of Government-Furnished Items Seedlings and materials will be issued Monday through Friday under arrangements are made with the COR. Issues will not occur on Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holidays unless authorized by the COR.The distribution sites will be identified in the Task Order. The Contractor is responsible for the loading and unloading of tree seedlings and materials. A receipt shall be signed by the Contractor and COR each time seedlings and/or materials are issued or returned. Delivery of all Government-furnished material to the project area is the responsibility of the contractor.

4.1 Tree Seedlings furnished by the Government.

4.1.1 Seedlings will not be issued in the morning if inclement weather conditionindicate planting cannot be performed on the project site. If inclement weather conditions, which could damage seedlings or interfere with proper planting, occur during the planting operation, the COR or project inspector may suspend planting until conditions improve. Inclement weather conditions include but are not limited to air temperatures below 30 degrees F. or above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, wind-speeds greater than 20 miles/hour, relative humidity less than 40%, more than one inch of snow on the ground, and soil frozen over one inch deep. When planting is suspended, any unused seedlings shall be returned to the storage point as directed by the COR or project inspector.

4.1.2 The amount of seedlings issued will be limited to the estimated quantity that will be planted in one (1) day and the nursery's ability to lift and process the trees without damage. The amount of materials issued will be limited to the estimated quantity to be installed on a unit.

4.1.3 The Contractor shall transport seedlings directly to the unit with no intermediate storage points in fully enclosed pickups with canopies, trailers, or box trucks capable of keeping the internal bag or box temperature at 42 degrees Fahrenheit or less for ten (10) hours. There shall be no leaks in the canopies or insulation. Trees shall not be transported inside heated vehicles. Boxes or bags of seedlings where the inside temperature exceeds 42 degrees Fahrenheit will be considered improperly handled. Seedlings and materials may only be moved from one unit to another with prior approval of the COR.

4.1.4 The Contractor shall be responsible for the care, security, and maintenance of all Government-provided material. Contractor shall protect seedlings from loss, destruction, or damage of any kind, including physical injury, freezing, heating, and drying, from the time they are issued until they are properly planted. The Government may charge the Contractor for all seedlings lost, wasted or damaged while in the Contractor’s care. Return all damaged seedlings and materials unsuitable for its intended use to the location approved by the COR and place in an orderly manner. The Contractor will be charged for all lost, damaged, wasted, or stolen seedlings and materials.

4.1.5 Remove from the site any individual(s) involved in the improper care and/or disposal of Government-provided material. The Government may also, by issuance of a written order, suspend the Contractor's right to proceed for improper care and disposal of Government- provided material.

4.1.6 Count and re-bundle all unused and surplus materials and seedlings in a manner in which the count is obviously displayed. Return unused/surplus supplies to the storage point where the property was issued during regular business hours. Any unit containing unused materials will not be considered complete.

4.1.7 Dispose of empty seedling boxes/bags as directed by the COR. This may include flattening the boxes and returning them to the distribution point or disposal by burning at the work site.

4.1.8 Return all unused seedlings to the location and at the time specified in the Task Order. Non-return or late return of unused tree seedlings may be treated as improper disposal.

4.1.9 Seedlings may be stored overnight on the project area at the discretion of the COR or project inspector. The COR or project inspector must approve the location and method of storage at the project area. Seedlings shall be stored in a manner that protects them from direct sunlight, frost, and wind and provides for proper air circulation. A Contractor furnished space blanket shall be used to completely cover the stored seedlings.

4.2 Materials to be furnished by the Government as noted in the Task Order.

4.2.1 The Contractor shall treat the boxes and containers with care to prevent the tearing or opening of the containers prematurely. The number of open containers at any one time shall be kept to a minimum. The Contractor shall repack all partial containers into as containers as possible upon completion of a unit so materials can be transported efficiently to the next unit, or when left over materials are returned to the BLM location noted in the Task Order.

4.2.2 Security of Materials - At its own risk, the Contractor may leave its equipment and Government-furnished material at the work site. The Government will not be responsible for the Contractor's equipment and the Government-furnished material if it should be lost, stolen or damaged. The Contractor will reimburse the Government for all lost, stolen, wasted or damaged Government-furnished material. Seedlings, tubes, netting, stakes that are intentionally hidden, removed or destroyed, may result in termination of this contract.

4.2.3 Upon completion of a unit, all unused Government-furnished material shall be removed from that unit and transported to the next unit or returned to the location designated on the Task Order before payment can be processed for the completed unit. Upon completion of the contract, all government-furnished material shall be returned to the location designated on the Task Order before final payment will be authorized.

5.0 SPECIFIC TASKS

5.1 Tree Planting:

5.1.1 Plant tree seedlings on forest lands modified by timber harvest, fire, or other causes.

5.1.2 Planting Stock – The age class and species of stock to be planted in each unit will be specified prior to planting. Stock is typically 1-3 years-old, bare-root or container-stock.

5.1.3 Care of seedlings - Protect seedlings against damage to tops and roots, including damage from freezing, heating and drying. The following requirements shall be adhered to.

a. Transport seedlings from seedling storage to project areas in fully enclosed box trucks, trailers or pickups with canopies. Seedlings shall not be transported in heated vehicles.

b. Upon arrival at the project area, store seedlings in a manner that protects them from direct sunlight, frost, and wind and provide for proper air circulation around bundles or boxes. Cover seedlings with a space blanket when necessary to provide protection. The COR must approve the location and method of storage at the project area.

c. Do not mishandle seedlings in any manner. Provide and transport water to the work site. Immediately upon removal from the nursery packages, dip seedlings in plain water or slurry mix (described in the Task Order) from their root collar to the tips of the roots. Excess water may be allowed to drain from dipped seedlings. Do not slap or squeeze seedling roots to remove excess moisture. Immediately place dipped seedlings into planting bags or other containers. Comply immediately with any requests or instruction by the COR regarding the care of seedlings.

d. Restrict the number of seedlings placed in a planting bag to a number that allows removal of individual seedlings without damage to the seedling roots.

e. During the planting operation, remove only one (1) seedling at a time from the planting bag or other container and only after the planting hole has been prepared.

f. Do not perform root pruning, top pruning or culling except with the approval and under the direct supervision of the COR.

g. Notify the COR immediately if the seedlings and/or seedling roots are too large or small, dryness of roots, mold or other evidence of damage to the seedlings.

h. Return unused seedlings to the storage site if inclement weather conditions occur during the planting operation which will damage seedlings, such as freezing or high temperature, drying winds, low humidity, or snow which prohibits the planting operation from continuing.

5.1.4 Where to Plant - On units where more than one species/seedling lot is to be planted, different species/lots shall be planted in locations, as directed by the COR.

5.1.5 Plantable

a. Planters shall plant all areas, unless they meet one or more of the conditions defined under 5.1.6 as unplantable.

b. Patches of dense brush shall be considered plantable. If a planter can work through the brush by spreading the stems aside or by working around or through the stems, the area shall be planted.

5.1.6 Unplantable - An unplantable area (spot) is characterized by one or more of the following conditions:

a. Soil covering slash or debris subject to rapid drying.

b. Rock outcrops, talus slopes and areas of stones, cobbles or gravel over 12 inches deep.

c. Areas covered by compacted slash over 12 inches deep.

d. Roads and road prisms designated on project maps and/or COR on the project unit.

e. Other areas as designated by the COR.

f. Examples of unplantable and plantable areas will be indicated by the COR on the treatment unit.

5.1.7 Planting methods

a. Seedlings shall be planted in accordance with one of the following methods on a unit-by-unit basis: Standard and Micro-site.

b. Proper selection of planting site is important and clearing efforts shall be required to prepare the site for planting.

c. On items designated for mixed species planting, the approximate mixture of species to be planted is prescribed prior to planting.

5.1.8 Standard method of planting

a. Proper selection of planting site is important and clearing efforts shall be required to prepare the site for planting and to maintain required spacing. Examples of plantable and unplantable sites will be indicated by the project inspector on the project site.

b. Seedlings shall be planted in spots distributed over the area at the spacing specified in the Task Order or on unit project maps. However, for individual seedlings, the specified average spacing may be varied as much as 25 percent in any direction to find a suitable planting spot.

c. Where an unplantable spot is encountered, the planter shall plant the closest plantable spot; however, average spacing shall be maintained for the unit, and the number of seedlings planted per acre shall not be materially increased or decreased due to planter selection of planting spots.

d. No seedling shall be planted closer than half the specified average spacing distance from other trees.

e. Seedlings shall not be planted closer than half the specified average spacing distance from existing trees. Seedlings will not be planted closer than 10 feet from the bole of live trees greater than or equal to 7 inches DBH or as otherwise defined in the Task Order.

5.1.8 Micro-Site Method of Planting

All specifications above apply, and to the extent practical, locate planting sites in areas of deepest soil that would receive shade at the hottest part of the day (e.g., near stumps, logs, rock, large overstory snags) or as specified by the COR. Selection of micro-sites takes precedence over spacing, and spacing may be varied by up to 50%, but not closer than six (6) feet distance, while maintaining average spacing (trees per acre) at the unit level.

5.1.10 Planting Spot Preparation

The planting spot may be exposed mineral soil or covered with vegetation, gravel, slash, or snow which shall require a clearing effort before planting. Clearing shall include the removal of all debris, gravel, humus, ash and living vegetation. In areas meeting the above conditions, cleared areas shall be no smaller than 12 inches in diameter.

Clearing of the planting spot shall also include removal of all snow, and ice. The Contractor shall also ensure that frozen soil does not fall into the planting hole.

5.1.16 Due to variation in root pruning at the nursery, root length may vary twenty (20) percent more or twenty

(20) percent less than the required planting depth.

5.1.17 Planting Hole

Plant with hand tools to a depth of up to 12 inches for all stock. The planting hole must be wide enough to ensure full suspension of root system.

5.2 Tubing and Netting Installation and Maintenance:

5.2.1Tubing Installation:

The Contractor shall be responsible for tubing all trees as demonstrated by the COR.

5.2.1.2 One installation per tree shall consist of one bamboo stake, woven four times through the plastic tube in a vertical position. Weaves shall be evenly spread over the length of the tube. The bottom weave is to be inside the tube. (See Illustration 5)

5.2.1.3 Care shall be taken to prevent damage to the seedling as the tube is placed over it. A seedling with skinned bark, broken or bent terminal leader or excessively damaged lateral branches is not acceptable and will be deducted from creditable trees as unsatisfactory during inspection.

5.2.1.4 Following installation of the tube, the leader will be in an upright and centered position inside the tube.

5.2.1.5 The completed installation shall be vertical. The maximum lean from vertical allowed is two inches as measured from the top of the tube with a plumb bob and ruler. (See Illustration 6)

5.2. Install Seedling Protective Netting – Tree selected for netting shall be (4) feet in height or less and species and condition mix designated on the Task Order.

a. One installation per tree shall consist of a measured length of flexible mesh netting satisfactorily placed on each seedling (See Illustration 7). The Contractor shall measure mesh netting against each individual seedling. The Contractor will cut the netting to fit the seedling, allowing for the extension of 3 inches above the terminal bud. Cuts on the net shall be perpendicular to the length of the net. An angled cut or unacceptable length may result in an unacceptable installation.

b. The mesh netting shall be placed over the seedling in such a way that the top of the netting extends 3 inches above the terminal bud. The terminal leader and lateral branches within the net must be in an “upright position”. Treated trees with terminal or lateral growth forced downward by, or twisted within the net, will be considered unsatisfactory.

c. Trees shall be netted to allow the terminal leader to stand erect and free to grow within the net. On trees which do not have a definite terminal leader, the most dominant lateral shall be considered as the terminal leader and nets shall be installed accordingly.

d. Care shall be taken not to damage the seedlings when the netting is installed. Seedlings with skinned bark, damaged buds, broken leaders and laterals will be considered unacceptable. If bud set has not occurred before installation, extreme care shall be taken to prevent damage to terminal leaders or buds.

e. Once the net is installed on the seedling the net shall be "seated" by compressing the base of the net around the seedling. Seating the net helps anchor the net around the seedling and prevent it from being dislodged. A correct installation shall have the top of the net open enough to allow the terminal bud to grow unrestricted.

f. If two seedlings are found together in a radius scalped area or open area without a scalp and are of the same species, select the best and most vigorous one for treatment.

5.2.1.7 Tube and Netting Maintenance -

Tubing and netting shall be adjusted to meet the installation specifications

.2.1.7 Tube and Netting Removal-

a. All tubing and netting shall be removed from the project area including: all live and dead trees and those left lying on the ground.

b. Care shall be taken to prevent damage to the seedling specifically the terminal bud.

c. All removed tubes and netting shall be disposed of legally off site as specified by COR.

5.3 Animal Control (Trapping):

a. Specific locations and dates of areas to be newly set with traps.

b. Specific locations and dates of areas to be checked and reset.

c. Specific locations and dates of areas to have traps removed which will be ready for final inspection.

5.3.2 Areas trapped without notification shall be re trapped at no cost to the Government.

5.3.3 Traps shall be located by following a lateral side branch runway back to the main runway and setting the trap perpendicular in the main runway (See Illustration 8). In the absence of a well-defined main runway, traps shall be placed in the lateral side branch runways that show the most sign or evidence of active use.

5.3.4 A minimum of four traps shall be set in each active mountain beaver tunnel system. Where systems are poorly defined, or overlap and encompass more than 1,000 square feet, traps shall be set at an average spacing of 20 feet throughout the area.

5.3.5 Traps shall be set in a manner that allows the jaws to freely close, with the jaws oriented so that the animal will have to pass through the trap jaws as it travels through the tunnel or runway. The trap shall be securely held in position with stakes between the jaws and coils (spring), (See Illustration 8). Triggers shall be offset by one to two inches to facilitate passage of non-target animals.

5.3.6 Trap locations shall be marked by tying an easily visible length of flagging (plastic ribbon) at the highest available point above each trap and tying another length of ribbon on the chain or wire attached to the trap. All flagging shall be removed from the project areas when the traps are removed.

5.3.7 All project areas shall be trapped for no less than four consecutive nights. The Contractor shall check and reset all traps no less than two days prior to removal of traps. The final check will take place after the fourth consecutive night. Traps yielding a catch shall be cleaned and reset within the same system or vicinity.

5.3.8 Trapping will be suspended when snowfall obscures runways or when temperatures remain continuously below 35° F for two or more consecutive days.

5.3.9 Total numbers of mountain beavers, and numbers and species of non-target animals trapped in each project area shall be recorded and reported to the COR on request or at the end of the project.

5.3.10 Gopher Control (Trapping):

Up to two treatments may be performed on each unit depending on gopher populations.

5.3.11 Work shall commence in daylight so that gopher activity may be more readily observed. The Contractor shall physically survey the units in a systematic manner, such as in a grid pattern, to thoroughly cross each area within the project unit to be treated. The area shall be thoroughly surveyed so that all fresh and recent activity is found. Acceptance or non-acceptance of the work shall depend on the unit being thoroughly covered or not.

5.3.12 Areas designated as “Special Plant Area” on project maps contain protected Special Status Plants where trapping will not be allowed. Boundaries of “Special Plant Areas” are flagged using orange tied with yellow and black-striped plastic flagging.

5.3.13 Gopher burrow systems can be seen above ground by earth (dollar size) plugs and/or push piles. A commonly used method for trapping the gophers is to locate a main runway, dig a hole until both sides of the runway are exposed, and setting traps in both exposed sides of the runway. The runways can be located by probing between two fresh mounds or within two feet of any one mound with a metal probe. Runways are usually indicated by a lessening of friction as the metal probe is inserted.

5.3.14 The Contractor shall notify the COR at least 24 hours prior to checking and removing the traps so that the COR can be present. The Contractor shall not perform gopher trap removal services without the presence of a COR on the treatment unit.

5.3.15 When the traps are removed in the presence of the COR, they shall be placed in zip lock bags, twenty per bag, and delivered to the COR.

5.3.16 If other rodents, small animals or reptiles are trapped, the Contractor shall document this information on the Gopher Trapping Monitoring Form.

5.3.17 The gopher trapping holes shall be filled in after the traps are removed.

5.3.18 All colored ribbons or markings installed shall be removed at the time traps are removed after the final trapping of a unit.

5.3.19 Gopher Trapping Record Keeping Requirements

5.3.20 The Contractor shall maintain a daily record documented on the Gopher Trapping Monitoring Form for each unit. This record shall be submitted to the COR upon request. It shall be written in English and legible. Any illegible forms will be returned to the Contractor, corrected, and then resubmitted to the COR.

5.3.21 For each unit the Contractor shall notify the COR when trapping is completed and provide the COR the Gopher Trapping Monitoring Form for that unit. The Gopher Trapping Monitoring Form shall include the following:

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