ExhibitA_SOW_605082_CONT 030121_Turkey_Area_Tree_Planting.pdf

Exhibit A: Project Description and Scope of Work

Turkey (Wallow Fire) Reforestation

Overview

The Wallow Fire burned over 500,000 acres of the Apache zone of the Apache-Sitgreaves

National Forests causing a mosaic of low, medium, and high severity burned areas across the landscape. Reforestation is an essential component to restore these high severity areas. Tree planting restores the aesthetic and ecological values lost in the fire and will one day serve as a great spot for future forest visitors.

Watersheds become healthier with reforestation due to increases in water quality and retention with the reintroduction of vegetation to the landscape. Reforestation restores waterways by reducing the movement of soil and debris into the streambed, limits the establishment of headcuts, offers potential shade to streams, reducing water temperatures for aquatic life, and aids in bank stabilization. Soil stability improves on the slopes impacted by the Wallow Fire with the reintroduction of deep-rooted flora, less incidence of rain on loose soil, and the retention of snowpack as the trees mature. Benefits to wildlife include creation of cover in migration route and feeding areas, injection of nutrients into the soil to promote the presence of forbs and grasses and creates a mosaic of forest structures on the landscape once the trees mature. The reforestation of the Wallow Fire is necessary to ensure a healthy and enjoyable forest for years to come.

The 2022 reforestation efforts will be focused in the Turkey Tank area of the Springerville

Ranger District (Figures 3 and 4). The planting area is located adjacent to the Big Lake recreation area along FS Road 24, FS Road 68, and FS Road 249C. The trees will be planted between September and November dependent on weather, moisture, and monsoon conditions for

Northern Arizona. Approximately 62,500 seedlings will be planted across 730 acres within this area to aid in the total Wallow fire reforestation effort.

A combination of ponderosa pine, douglas-fir, southwestern white pine, and Engelmann spruce will be planted in this area in accordance with the potential natural vegetation types for this area

(Tables 1 and 2). The planted seed will be sourced from the collected seed stored at Lucky Peak

Nursery. U.S. Forest Service will inspect the planting of the trees by the selected contractor in accordance with the established contract and scope of work as outlined in this document.

The following information in this document serves as the scope of work and outlines desired conditions and procedures for implementation.

Planting Area Information:

The planting units for 2022 are located adjacent to the Big Lake recreation area along FS RD 24 and FS RD 68 and select spur roads linked to each of the two main FS roads. Table 1 shows unit size, desired spacing, and shading requirements for each unit. Table 2 shows the desired species composition and associated seed sources for each planting unit. Both tables together function as the planting prescriptions for each designated planting unit.

All planting unit boundaries are designated in BLUE FLAGGING for the 2022 project area.

Each flag is a single flag hanging on a tree or branch with subsequent flags visible along designated unit boundary line.

There are wildlife timing restrictions on unit 7 that restrict the planting window for this unit to

October 1 – December 31, 2022.

There are resource timing restrictions on units 9, 10, and 11 that restrict the planting window for these units as deemed appropriate for prescribed fire. In the event of an early fall burn, units 9, 10, and 11 will be planted at the end of the planting window to allow for adequate soil recovery and cooling following the prescribed fire operations. In the event of a late fall burn, units 9, 10, and 11 will be planted at the start of the planting window and coordination will occur with fire resources to minimize fire damage to seedlings. In the event of an unpredictable or unfavorable prescribed burn window that would greatly impact the survival of planted trees, planting of units

9, 10, and 11 will be delayed until early spring.

The contractor is responsible for planting all trees for time-restricted units. In the event the seedlings for units 9, 10, and 11 cannot be planted until early spring, the contractor is expected to return to planting site and complete contract obligation to planting all trees as agreed to under contract at specified sites. Time-restricted units would be planted within contract time, which may be phased depending on timing restrictions for units 9, 10, and 11. The contractor has 180 days total contract time and has 30 days for each planting window to plant trees for that time frame. For implementation of timing restrictions (if needed due to prescribed fire), the contractor has 30 days to plant all trees for units 1-8 and an additional 30 days in early spring to plant all trees for units 9-11 to honor timing restrictions.

Figure 1. Wallow Fire (2011) high severity burn area within 2022 planting units.

Table 1. Unit Description

Unit Desired

Spacing

Trees per Acre

Task Remarks

1 16X16 42 Tree plant at 50% total unit area in grouped arrangement with interspaces between groups (Figure 2) with 24x24-inch scalping. Spacing should average

16’ by 16’ between individual trees within groups. Plant ponderosa pine, douglas-fir, and Engelmann spruce to create desired species composition listed in Table 2.

Use TreeSentry tree shelters provided by

USFS as described in

Figure 8. 42 acres total.

2 20X20 100 Tree plant at 50% total unit area in grouped arrangement with interspaces between groups (Figure 2) with 24x24-inch scalping. Spacing should average

20’ by 20’ between individual trees within groups. Plant ponderosa pine, douglas-fir, southwestern white pine, and Engelmann spruce to create desired species composition listed in Table 2.

Use natural shading techniques as described in Figure 7.

100 acres total.

3 16X16 84 Tree plant at 50% total unit area in grouped arrangement with interspaces between groups (Figure 2) with 24x24-inch scalping. Spacing should average

16’ by 16’ between individual trees within groups. Plant ponderosa pine, douglas-fir, and Engelmann spruce to create desired species composition listed in Table 2.

Use natural shading techniques as described in Figure 7.

84 acres total.

4 16X16 76 Tree plant at 50% total unit area in grouped arrangement with interspaces between groups (Figure 2) with 24x24-inch scalping. Spacing should average

16’ by 16’ between individual trees within groups. Plant ponderosa pine, douglas-fir, southwestern white pine, and Engelmann spruce to create desired species composition listed in Table 2.

Use natural shading techniques as described in Figure 7.

76 acres total.

5 16X16 23 Tree plant at 50% total unit area in grouped arrangement with interspaces between groups (Figure 2) with 24x24-inch scalping. Spacing should average

16’ by 16’ between individual trees within groups. Plant ponderosa pine, douglas-fir, and Engelmann spruce to create desired species composition listed in Table 2.

Use TreeSentry tree shelthers provided by

USFS as described in

Figure 8. 23 acres total.

6 16X16 55 Tree plant at 50% total unit area in grouped arrangement with interspaces between groups (Figure 2) with 24x24-inch scalping. Spacing should average

16’ by 16’ between individual trees within groups. Plant ponderosa pine, douglas-fir, and Engelmann spruce to create desired species composition listed in Table 2.

Use natural shading techniques as described in Figure 7.

55 acres total.

7 16X16 107 Tree plant at 50% total unit area in grouped arrangement with interspaces between groups (Figure 2) with 24x24-inch scalping. Spacing should average

16’ by 16’ between individual trees within groups. Plant ponderosa pine, douglas-fir, and Engelmann spruce to create desired species composition listed in Table 2.

Use TreeSentry tree shelters provided by

USFS and described in Figure 8. 107 acres total.

8 14X14 131 Tree plant at 50% total unit area in grouped arrangement with interspaces between groups (Figure 2) with 24x24-inch scalping. Spacing should average

14’ by 14’ between individual trees within groups. Plant ponderosa pine, douglas-fir, and Engelmann spruce to create desired species composition listed in Table 2.

Use natural shading techniques as described in Figure 7.

131 acres total.

9 14X14 26 Tree plant at 50% total unit area in grouped arrangement with interspaces between groups (Figure 2) with 24x24-inch scalping. Spacing should average

14’ by 14’ between individual trees within groups. Plant ponderosa pine, douglas-fir, and Engelmann spruce to create desired species composition listed in Table 2.

Use natural shading techniques as described in Figure 7.

26 acres total.

10 20X20 34 Tree plant at 50% total unit area in grouped arrangement with interspaces between groups (Figure 2) with 24x24-inch scalping. Spacing should average

20’ by 20’ between individual trees within groups. Plant ponderosa pine, douglas-fir, southwestern white pine, and Engelmann spruce to create desired species composition listed in Table 2.

Use natural shading techniques as described in Figure 7.

34 acres total.

11 20X20 81 Tree plant at 50% total unit area in grouped arrangement with interspaces between groups (Figure 2) with 24x24-inch scalping. Spacing should average

20’ by 20’ between individual trees within groups. Plant ponderosa pine, douglas-fir, southwestern white pine, and Engelmann spruce to create desired species composition listed in Table 2.

Use natural shading techniques as described in Figure 7.

81 acres total.

Figure 2. Diagram of grouped planting arrangements with interspace between groups.

Table 2. Planting Unit Information with acres, species composition, and seed source.

Unit Acres Estimated

Total Trees

Elevation Species Source

Nursery

Seedlot Species

Mix

1 42 3570 8800

PIPO LPN PP01142384 40%

PSME LPN DF01121089 30%

PIEN LPN PIPU01180391 30%

2 100 5450 8800

PIPO LPN PP01142384 30%

PSME LPN DF01121089 30%

PIEN LPN PIPU01180391 30%

PIST Bessey SW01150385 10%

3 84 7140 8800

PIPO LPN PP01142384 20%

PSME LPN DF01121089 40%

PIEN LPN PIPU01180391 40%

4 76 6912 8800

PIPO LPN PP01142384 37%

PSME LPN DF01121089 30%

PIEN LPN PIPU01180391 30%

PIST Bessey SW01150385 10%

5 23 1955 8400-8500

PIPO LPN PP01142383 60%

PSME LPN DF01151385 20%

PIEN LPN PIPU01180391 20%

6 55 4675 8400-8500

PIPO LPN PP01142383 50%

PSME LPN DF01151385 30%

PIEN LPN PIPU01180391 20%

7 107 9095 8700-8800

PIPO LPN PP01142384 30%

PSME LPN DF01121089 40%

PIEN LPN PIPU01180391 30%

8 131 14541 8000-8300

PIPO LPN PP01142383 80%

PSME LPN DF01151385 20%

9 26 2886 9000

PIPO LPN PP01142391 20%

PSME LPN DF01122092 40%

PIEN LPN PIPU01180391 40%

10 34 1853 8900

PIPO LPN PP01142391 10%

PSME LPN DF01122092 40%

PIEN LPN PIPU01180391 40%

PIST Bessey SW01150385 10%

11 81 4415 8900

PIPO LPN PP01142391 10%

PSME LPN DF01122092 40%

PIEN LPN PIPU01180391 38%

PIST Bessey SW01150385 12%

Figure 3. 2022 Turkey reforestation planting units.

Location and Road Access

The planting units are located adjacent to the Big Lake Recreation Area and accessed via FS RD

24, FS RD 68, and associated spur roads that stem from the two forest roads. FS RD 249 is paved and is the main access route to the planting site from Alpine, AZ. FS RD 249E, FS RD 24 and FS RD 68 are regularly maintained and are passable by passenger car. FS RD 8943, FS RD

8943C, and FS RD 249C are passable by high clearance 4WD vehicles or UTV/ATVs. Access into planting units can change depending on moisture patterns and road conditions. The planting units are approximately a 25-mile drive from the seedling storage location at Alpine site 2. See below for unit specific directions. See vicinity map (Figure 3) for more details.

From Alpine, AZ to Alpine Site 2 Seedling Storage Location:

Head East on US-180 from US-191/US-180 intersection in Alpine, AZ (Alpine is approximately

30 minutes south of Springerville, AZ on US 180/191. After 2 miles, take a left turn on FS RD

408. You will come to a gated Forest Service Administrative site. The sign on the FS RD will say Alpine site 2 Authorized Personnel Only. If you pass the Alpine cemetery, then you have gone too far.

From Alpine Site 2 Seedling Storage Location to the Planting Units:

Head west on US-180 back towards Alpine. Turn right heading north onto US-191. Go approximately 1.75 miles and turn left onto FS RD 249 (Big Lake Highway). If you reach Tal

Wi Wi, then you have gone too far. Continue FS RD 249 for approximately 16 miles. Turn left onto FS RD 249E. If you miss this turn, you can also take the main Big Lake recreation area road that goes along the campgrounds and the edge of the lake.

For unit 1, stay on FS RD 249E for ¾ miles, and then turn left onto FS RD 24. Follow FS RD 24 for 3 miles. You should see blue flagging for the planting unit.

For units 2, 3, and 4, stay on FS RD 249E for ¾ miles, and then turn left onto FS RD 24. Follow

FS RD 24 for 3 miles and take the slanted road to the right labeled FS RD 8943. This road will be flagged for visibility. Follow this road for approximately 200 yards to the junction of FS RD

8943/8943C. Stay right on FS RD 8943 to access units 2 and 3. Stay left/straight and follow FS

RD 8943C to access unit 4.

For units 5 and 6, stay on FS RD 249E for ¾ miles, and then turn left onto FS RD 24. Follow FS

RD 24 for 4-½ miles. You should see blue flagging for the planting unit on either side of FS RD

24.

For unit 7 stay on FS RD 249E for roughly 2 miles, and then turn left onto FS RD 68. Follow FS

RD 68 for 3 miles. You should see blue flagging for the planting unit.

For unit 8 stay on FS RD 249E for roughly 2 miles, and then turn left onto FS RD 68. Follow FS

RD 68 for 6 miles. You should see blue flagging for the planting unit.

For units 9, 10, and 11 stay on FS RD 249E for approximately 2 miles, and then turn left onto

FS RD 68. Follow FS RD 68 for ¼ mile and then turn right onto FS RD 249C. All planting units are located along the first 1-1/2 miles of FS RD 249C.

Commented [AJ-F1]: Revise for 2022 planting units

Commented [AA-F2]: Locked gate?

Figure 4. Seedling Storage Site and Planting Unit Location Map.

Commented [AJ-F3]: Replace map with all units

Seedling Management

Seedlings from Lucky Peak Nursery and Bessey Nursery will be stored either in the tree cooler or on the lawn at Alpine Site 2 (Figure 2). The trees in the tree cooler will be packed in boxes of approximately 200 trees. The trees on the lawn will be in FT-128 trays. The trees in the FT-128 trays will be transported in their trays to the planting site. These trees cannot be stacked and will require transportation in multiple pickup trucks or in an appropriate trailer.

Contractor must have appropriate vehicles, trailers, and equipment to transport seedlings.

Planting crew should expect to transport minimum 2100 seedlings to the planting area each day.

Multiple runs throughout the day back to Alpine Site 2 for seedlings is not permitted due to the distance between the storage site and the planting areas. Staging trees at the planting site for work the next day is prohibited. All trees removed from the tree cooler for work that day will be planted at the planting site. The seedlings cannot be put back in the cooler once removed.

The planters are responsible for proper protection during transport and care once the seedlings are retrieved from their designated staging area. Trees cannot be stacked on top of one another during transport. This will result in significant damage to stem and leader. Shelves are recommended in trailers to carry trees. The Forest Service will provide reflective shade tarps for use at the planting site. The seedlings in FT-128 containers must be taken out of the trucks/trailers on site and covered by reflective tarps. Trees in boxes should be removed from truck beds if reasonable but do not have to be covered by reflective tarps if appropriate shade is available at planting site. This is a requirement that will be enforced by inspectors.

In the event of the availability of a refrigerated trailer, the seedlings will be stored near the planting sites in the trailer and will not require contractor transport from Alpine site 2 to the planting site. The contractor may access the refrigerated trailer multiple times a day to retrieve trees as deemed reasonable by the U.S. Forest Service.

Proper planting techniques:

All seedlings should be planted using hoedads or a comparable tool. Seedlings must be put in dug holes straight with no damage to plug and then properly compacted to reduce air pockets and ensure seedling remains straight. Penalties for incorrectly planted seedlings are listed in master contract.

Commented [AJ-F4]: Revise for new contract

Figure 5. Proper planting techniques using hoedad.

Figure 6. Acceptable tree positions.

Project Specific Shading Requirements

Natural shade requirements apply:

Stationary material or transportable shade (planter discretion), then plant in the open. A tree planted next to either stationary material or transportable shade at the planter’s discretion. Suitable transportable shade meets the definition for transportable shade. When neither stationary nor transportable material is available, the tree may be planted in the open.

All transportable shade must be at least 4 inches in diameter and be within 100% of the spacing distance to the planted tree. For example, if the tree spacing is 16X16, the maximum distance a tree planter must go to seek and move transportable shade from is 16 feet from the planted seedling. If no transportable shade is found within 16 feet of the seedling then the seedling may be planted in the open. Shade on the uphill side of a planted tree must be stable so as not to roll down on top of the planted tree. The natural shade shall be located on the south-southwest side of the planted seedling.

FSH 2409.17, 2.61 - Planting Spot Selection - Microsites

Planting in favorable microsites protects seedlings from potentially harmful conditions and improves the probability of survival. This is especially true in areas of high animal use, high insolation rates, and extreme winds. To take advantage of microsites, the spacing requirements may need to be adjusted. Silviculturists must evaluate local site conditions to assure the required microsite is tailored to the damaging agent.

1. Areas of High Animal Use: Cattle and big game damage is a major cause of plantation failure.

Cattle generally trample the seedling and big game tend to feed on the plants. Plant seedlings near logs, stumps, or sticks where they are protected, which will inhibit trampling and animal browsing.

2. High Insolation: High insolation results in heat and moisture stress to the seedling and can cause mortality on any sites. Drier habitat types and those on south- and west-facing slopes are most damaging. Direct heat to the tree crown affects the physiology of the tree causing water maintenance deficits. Heat at the soil surface can cause the soil temperatures to be lethal to the seedling stem at the ground line. Early season insolation can also cause the seedlings to break dormancy too soon and become subject to freeze damage. All types of damage intensify on exposed slopes over 30 percent.

Stationary shade such as stumps, sticks and larger logs provide the best site protection. On south and west slopes, plant on the north to east side of the stationary shade to protect the seedling from the afternoon sun. Where existing (stationary) shade is not present, other transportable shade types can be used in most cases. Use pieces of wood or branches that are larger than 3 inches in diameter and other material. Place the shade on the south and west side of the tree, to offer afternoon shade to the seedling (see exhibit 01). If you must use a rock, it should not touch the tree. Staked shade cards or shingles are costly to install but are an option where there is no natural shade. Although it is beneficial to shade the entire crown of the seedling, the most critical area needing shade is the ground line. This is where insolation rates raise soil temperatures above the lethal point.

Commented [AJ-F5]: Revise for new contract- add tree shelter section

Commented [AA-F6]: May want to say that there is a priority location list at the beginning of this to make it clearer what the prefernces are

Commented [AA-F7]: Just an idea for direction in the field, if you can tell them where SSW is in the beginning of the day, it is way quicker than them finding it themselves.

That’s what I did with the ACE crew so they wouldn’t get lost on the flat plateau

Commented [AA-F8]: This sounds so smart boo :D

Shade is generally not necessary on north slopes, and if used on east slopes, place it on the downhill side to protect seedlings from morning sun. Do not place transportable shade on the uphill side of the tree because it may roll down onto the planted tree.

As a general rule, it is critical to require shade in these conditions:

• Planting sites on Douglas fir habitat types and drier in Montana, grand fir habitat types and drier in northern Idaho, most habitat types throughout Regions 2, 3, 4

• Planting sites on south- and west-facing slopes

• Planting sites on steep slopes, generally over 30 percent, especially on a dry aspect

• Other site factors such as soil moisture-holding capacity, plant competition, and elevation compound insolation problems. Without proper site preparation to reduce competing vegetation, shade will not be sufficient to assure survival.

Types of Acceptable Shade Materials

Natural Materials

(1) Live trees or brush. Live shade can provide beneficial protection to seedlings. Select planting spots that minimize moisture competition with the live shade plants. Plant so that seedlings are protected from the afternoon sun.

It is generally beneficial to plant near the root crown of brush because water- absorbing roots of shrubs are not as dense as compared to farther away from the crown, and trees placed here are protected from browsing animals. When planting under a tree overstory, it is generally desirable to plant outside the dripline and within the shade pattern of afternoon sun.

Planting within brush fields is risky. In a year with good moisture, newly planted trees may survive, however, if the following year is dry, mortality may result as brush has the competitive advantage for moisture. Rodent damage can be more common in live brush areas resulting in increased mortality as well.

(2) Standing dead trees or brush. Shade from standing dead trees and brush provides seedlings protection, but it is difficult for planters to move in dense thickets of dead brush and falling debris may later smother or damage young seedlings. There is also a hazard to tree planters when planting in areas of standing dead trees.

(3) Downed logs, stumps, large pieces of debris. Down, dead organic material is ideal for microsites. Retain sufficient debris during logging and site preparation to assure adequate shade materials. There is a risk of root pathogens spreading from stumps to regeneration. Where root pathogens like Armellaria spp. are a known problem, do not plant adjacent to stumps. However, on forested sites, there are more benefits (shade and trampling protection) to planting near stumps than there is a risk of mortality from disease.

(4) Small debris. Small debris can protect the tree at ground level where shade is critical and other stationary shade is not present. Insolation often heats surface soils to temperatures lethal to

Commented [AA-F9]: Focus on R3 here

Commented [AJ-F10]: Add tree shelter section

Commented [AA-F11]: I would bold this if this is your preferred site

Commented [AA-F12]: This fragmented sentence doesn’t make sense natural regeneration and planted seedlings. Mortality can be attributed to heat lesions at the ground line. To reduce this problem, place small pieces of material, at least 3 inches in diameter, so that they shade the ground and base of seedlings from afternoon sun. Do not place this material on the uphill side of trees.

(5) Rocks. Using rocks as shade may be better than no shade but may cause heat problems if not properly placed. Rocks should not contact the seedling or reflect the sun's rays onto the seedling.

(6) Areas Prone to High Winds. Hot, desiccating winds or winter winds that blow snow and ice can cause damage to tree seedlings, especially container-grown stock. In areas known for hot and/ or high winds, protect seedlings by planting them on the leeward side of large debris.

See Figure 7. below for a visual example of proper shading practice

Figure 7. Natural Shading Protocol

Commented [AA-F13]: Should this be included in the insolation section?

Artificial Shading (TreeSentry Shelters)

Artificial shading is also used for this contract for units 1, 5, and 7. The tree shelters that will be used for artificial shading are TreeSentry tree shelters and will be provided by the US Forest

Service (Figure 8). The tree shelters are hard plastic, conical tubes with a metal frame and 3 prongs to anchor the tree shelter in the ground. Only 2 of the 3 prongs are required to be in the ground, the third one can either be used or bent upwards to not interfere with the stability of the tree shelter. The seedling should be centered in the middle of the tree center and should not be touching any side of the tree shelter. The bottom of the tree shelter should be flush with the ground if possible or no more than a 1-inch gap between the ground surface and the bottom of the tree shelter. Broken tree shelters or tree shelters missing more than one prong should not be used. All trees within the units prescribed tree shelters will be provided with a tree shelter. If it is not possible to properly place the tree shelter around a seedling, then natural shading (see above) must be used in place of a tree shelter. In the event the seedling is too large for the tree shelter

(ex: leader sticks out top of tree shelter) use natural shading techniques to avoid damage to seedling from tree shelter. Contractor will be penalized for improper artificial shading- see master contract for more information.

Figure 8. TreeSentry tree shelter.